1
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Steffens RC, Thalmayr S, Weidinger E, Seidl J, Folda P, Höhn M, Wagner E. Modulating efficacy and cytotoxicity of lipoamino fatty acid nucleic acid carriers using disulfide or hydrophobic spacers. NANOSCALE 2024; 16:13988-14005. [PMID: 38984864 DOI: 10.1039/d4nr01357c] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/11/2024]
Abstract
Double pH-responsive xenopeptides comprising polar ionizable succinoyl tetraethylene pentamine (Stp) motifs and lipophilic ionizable lipoamino fatty acids (LAFs) were recently found to efficiently transfect mRNA and pDNA at low doses. However, potency was often accompanied with cytotoxicity at higher doses. Insertion of bioreducible disulfide building blocks (ssbb) or non-reducible hydrophobic spacers between polar and apolar ionizable domains of LAF-Stp carriers should mitigate toxicity of xenopeptides. Carriers showed stable nucleic acid complexation and endosomal pH-dependent lytic activities, both of which were abolished after reductive cleavage of ssbb-containing carriers. For pDNA, U-shaped carriers with one Stp and two LAF units or bundle carriers with two Stps and four LAFs displayed highest potency. For mRNA, best transfection was achieved with bundle carriers with one Stp and four LAFs. Both the ssbb and hydrophobic spacer containing analogs displayed improved metabolic activity, reduced membrane damage, and improved cell growth. The ssbb carriers were most beneficial regarding living cell count and low apoptosis rates. Mechanistically, inserted spacers decelerated the transfection kinetics and altered the requirement of endosomal protonation. Overall, mRNA and pDNA carriers with improved biocompatibility have been designed, with their high potency illustrated in transfection of various cell lines including low passage number colon carcinoma cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ricarda C Steffens
- Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Department of Pharmacy, LMU Munich, Butenandtstr. 5-13, 81377 Munich, Germany.
- Center for NanoScience (CeNS), LMU Munich, 80799 Munich, Germany
| | - Sophie Thalmayr
- Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Department of Pharmacy, LMU Munich, Butenandtstr. 5-13, 81377 Munich, Germany.
- CNATM - Cluster for Nucleic Acid Therapeutics Munich, Germany
| | - Eric Weidinger
- Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Department of Pharmacy, LMU Munich, Butenandtstr. 5-13, 81377 Munich, Germany.
| | - Johanna Seidl
- Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Department of Pharmacy, LMU Munich, Butenandtstr. 5-13, 81377 Munich, Germany.
- CNATM - Cluster for Nucleic Acid Therapeutics Munich, Germany
| | - Paul Folda
- Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Department of Pharmacy, LMU Munich, Butenandtstr. 5-13, 81377 Munich, Germany.
| | - Miriam Höhn
- Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Department of Pharmacy, LMU Munich, Butenandtstr. 5-13, 81377 Munich, Germany.
| | - Ernst Wagner
- Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Department of Pharmacy, LMU Munich, Butenandtstr. 5-13, 81377 Munich, Germany.
- Center for NanoScience (CeNS), LMU Munich, 80799 Munich, Germany
- CNATM - Cluster for Nucleic Acid Therapeutics Munich, Germany
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2
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Steffens RC, Folda P, Fendler NL, Höhn M, Bücher-Schossau K, Kempter S, Snyder NL, Hartmann L, Wagner E, Berger S. GalNAc- or Mannose-PEG-Functionalized Polyplexes Enable Effective Lectin-Mediated DNA Delivery. Bioconjug Chem 2024; 35:351-370. [PMID: 38440876 DOI: 10.1021/acs.bioconjchem.3c00546] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/06/2024]
Abstract
A cationic, dendrimer-like oligo(aminoamide) carrier with four-arm topology based on succinoyl tetraethylene pentamine and histidines, cysteines, and N-terminal azido-lysines was screened for plasmid DNA delivery on various cell lines. The incorporated azides allow modification with various shielding agents of different polyethylene glycol (PEG) lengths and/or different ligands by copper-free click reaction, either before or after polyplex formation. Prefunctionalization was found to be advantageous over postfunctionalization in terms of nanoparticle formation, stability, and efficacy. A length of 24 ethylene oxide repetition units and prefunctionalization of ≥50% of azides per carrier promoted optimal polyplex shielding. PEG shielding resulted in drastically reduced DNA transfer, which could be successfully restored by active lectin targeting via novel GalNAc or mannose ligands, enabling enhanced receptor-mediated endocytosis of the carrier system. The involvement of the asialoglycoprotein receptor (ASGPR) in the uptake of GalNAc-functionalized polyplexes was confirmed in the ASGPR-positive hepatocarcinoma cell lines HepG2 and Huh7. Mannose-modified polyplexes showed superior cellular uptake and transfection efficacy compared to unmodified and shielded polyplexes in mannose-receptor-expressing dendritic cell-like DC2.4 cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ricarda C Steffens
- Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Department of Pharmacy, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität (LMU) Munich, 81377 Munich, Germany
- Center for NanoScience (CeNS), LMU Munich, 80799 Munich, Germany
| | - Paul Folda
- Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Department of Pharmacy, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität (LMU) Munich, 81377 Munich, Germany
| | - Nikole L Fendler
- Department of Chemistry, Davidson College, Davidson, North Carolina 28035, United States
| | - Miriam Höhn
- Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Department of Pharmacy, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität (LMU) Munich, 81377 Munich, Germany
| | - Katharina Bücher-Schossau
- Institute of Organic Chemistry and Macromolecular Chemistry, Heinrich-Heine-University Düsseldorf, Universitätsstr. 1, 40225 Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Susanne Kempter
- Faculty of Physics, LMU Munich, 80539 Munich, Germany
- Center for NanoScience (CeNS), LMU Munich, 80799 Munich, Germany
| | - Nicole L Snyder
- Department of Chemistry, Davidson College, Davidson, North Carolina 28035, United States
| | - Laura Hartmann
- Institute of Organic Chemistry and Macromolecular Chemistry, Heinrich-Heine-University Düsseldorf, Universitätsstr. 1, 40225 Düsseldorf, Germany
- Institute for Macromolecular Chemistry, University Freiburg, Stefan-Meier-Str. 31, 79104 Freiburg im Breisgau, Germany
| | - Ernst Wagner
- Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Department of Pharmacy, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität (LMU) Munich, 81377 Munich, Germany
- Center for NanoScience (CeNS), LMU Munich, 80799 Munich, Germany
| | - Simone Berger
- Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Department of Pharmacy, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität (LMU) Munich, 81377 Munich, Germany
- Center for NanoScience (CeNS), LMU Munich, 80799 Munich, Germany
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3
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Berger S, Lächelt U, Wagner E. Dynamic carriers for therapeutic RNA delivery. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2024; 121:e2307799120. [PMID: 38437544 PMCID: PMC10945752 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2307799120] [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] [Indexed: 03/06/2024] Open
Abstract
Carriers for RNA delivery must be dynamic, first stabilizing and protecting therapeutic RNA during delivery to the target tissue and across cellular membrane barriers and then releasing the cargo in bioactive form. The chemical space of carriers ranges from small cationic lipids applied in lipoplexes and lipid nanoparticles, over medium-sized sequence-defined xenopeptides, to macromolecular polycations applied in polyplexes and polymer micelles. This perspective highlights the discovery of distinct virus-inspired dynamic processes that capitalize on mutual nanoparticle-host interactions to achieve potent RNA delivery. From the host side, subtle alterations of pH, ion concentration, redox potential, presence of specific proteins, receptors, or enzymes are cues, which must be recognized by the RNA nanocarrier via dynamic chemical designs including cleavable bonds, alterable physicochemical properties, and supramolecular assembly-disassembly processes to respond to changing biological microenvironment during delivery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simone Berger
- Department of Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität Munich, 81377Munich, Germany
- Center for NanoScience, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität Munich, 80799Munich, Germany
| | - Ulrich Lächelt
- Center for NanoScience, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität Munich, 80799Munich, Germany
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Vienna, Vienna1090, Austria
| | - Ernst Wagner
- Department of Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität Munich, 81377Munich, Germany
- Center for NanoScience, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität Munich, 80799Munich, Germany
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4
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Albuquerque LJC, de Oliveira FA, Christoffolete MA, Nascimento-Sales M, Berger S, Wagner E, Lächelt U, Giacomelli FC. Nucleic acid delivery to retinal cells using lipopeptides as a potential tool towards ocular gene therapies. J Colloid Interface Sci 2024; 655:346-356. [PMID: 37948808 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcis.2023.11.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2023] [Revised: 10/11/2023] [Accepted: 11/01/2023] [Indexed: 11/12/2023]
Abstract
We evaluated the use of lipopeptides capable to bind to nucleic acids towards plasmid DNA (pDNA) delivery. The investigations were particularly focused on arising retinal pigment epithelial cells (ARPE-19) as motivated by the considerable number of ocular disorders linked to gene aberrations. The lipopeptides comprised the artificial oligoamino acid succinyl-tetraethylene pentamine (Stp) as well as incorporated lysines, histidines, cysteines, fatty acids, and tyrosine trimers. Regardless of the structural differences, the lipopeptides demonstrated to efficiently condense pDNA at nitrogen-to-phosphate molar ratio (N/P) ≥ 6. Spheric nanoparticles were observed by cryo-TEM and dynamic light scattering determined hydrodynamic sizes ranging from 50 to 130 nm. The biological assays evidenced highly efficient pDNA delivery with a lower degree of cytotoxicity compared to the well-known transfecting agent linear polyethylenimine (LPEI). Although more efficient than LPEI, cysteine-containing carriers were demonstrated to be less efficient than the other counterparts possibly due to exceeding polyplex stabilization via disulfide cross links, which could hamper pDNA unpacking at the target site. Therefore, clearly a balance between complex stability and cargo release should be taken into account to optimize the transfection efficiency of the non-viral vectors. The gene transfer activity in ARPE-19 cells suggests the applicability of this kind of carrier for ocular treatments based on retinal gene delivery.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Simone Berger
- Department of Pharmacy and Center for NanoScience (CeNs), Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität, Munich, Germany
| | - Ernst Wagner
- Department of Pharmacy and Center for NanoScience (CeNs), Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität, Munich, Germany
| | - Ulrich Lächelt
- Department of Pharmacy and Center for NanoScience (CeNs), Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität, Munich, Germany; Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Fernando C Giacomelli
- Centro de Ciências Naturais e Humanas, Universidade Federal do ABC, Santo André, Brazil.
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Haase F, Pöhmerer J, Yazdi M, Grau M, Zeyn Y, Wilk U, Burghardt T, Höhn M, Hieber C, Bros M, Wagner E, Berger S. Lipoamino bundle LNPs for efficient mRNA transfection of dendritic cells and macrophages show high spleen selectivity. Eur J Pharm Biopharm 2024; 194:95-109. [PMID: 38065313 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejpb.2023.11.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2023] [Revised: 11/23/2023] [Accepted: 11/30/2023] [Indexed: 12/31/2023]
Abstract
Messenger RNA (mRNA) is a powerful tool for nucleic acid-based therapies and vaccination, but efficient and specific delivery to target tissues remains a significant challenge. In this study, we demonstrate lipoamino xenopeptide carriers as components of highly efficient mRNA LNPs. These lipo-xenopeptides are defined as 2D sequences in different 3D topologies (bundles or different U-shapes). The polar artificial amino acid tetraethylene pentamino succinic acid (Stp) and various lipophilic tertiary lipoamino fatty acids (LAFs) act as ionizable amphiphilic units, connected in different ratios via bisamidated lysines as branching units. A series of more lipophilic LAF4-Stp1 carriers with bundle topology is especially well suited for efficient encapsulation of mRNA into LNPs, facilitated cellular uptake and strongly enhanced endosomal escape. These LNPs display improved, faster transfection kinetics compared to standard LNP formulations, with high potency in a variety of tumor cell lines (including N2a neuroblastoma, HepG2 and Huh7 hepatocellular, and HeLa cervical carcinoma cells), J774A.1 macrophages, and DC2.4 dendritic cells. High transfection levels were obtained even in the presence of serum at very low sub-microgram mRNA doses. Upon intravenous application of only 3 µg mRNA per mouse, in vivo mRNA expression is found with a high selectivity for dendritic cells and macrophages, resulting in a particularly high overall preferred expression in the spleen.
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Affiliation(s)
- Franziska Haase
- Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Department of Pharmacy, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität Munich, Butenandtstrasse 5-13, 81377 Munich, Germany.
| | - Jana Pöhmerer
- Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Department of Pharmacy, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität Munich, Butenandtstrasse 5-13, 81377 Munich, Germany.
| | - Mina Yazdi
- Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Department of Pharmacy, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität Munich, Butenandtstrasse 5-13, 81377 Munich, Germany.
| | - Melina Grau
- Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Department of Pharmacy, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität Munich, Butenandtstrasse 5-13, 81377 Munich, Germany.
| | - Yanira Zeyn
- Department of Dermatology, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg University (JGU) Mainz, Langenbeckstrasse 1, 55131 Mainz, Germany.
| | - Ulrich Wilk
- Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Department of Pharmacy, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität Munich, Butenandtstrasse 5-13, 81377 Munich, Germany.
| | - Tobias Burghardt
- Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Department of Pharmacy, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität Munich, Butenandtstrasse 5-13, 81377 Munich, Germany.
| | - Miriam Höhn
- Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Department of Pharmacy, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität Munich, Butenandtstrasse 5-13, 81377 Munich, Germany.
| | - Christoph Hieber
- Department of Dermatology, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg University (JGU) Mainz, Langenbeckstrasse 1, 55131 Mainz, Germany.
| | - Matthias Bros
- Department of Dermatology, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg University (JGU) Mainz, Langenbeckstrasse 1, 55131 Mainz, Germany.
| | - Ernst Wagner
- Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Department of Pharmacy, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität Munich, Butenandtstrasse 5-13, 81377 Munich, Germany; Center for Nanoscience, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität Munich, Geschwister-Scholl-Platz 1, 80539 Munich, Germany; CNATM - Cluster for Nucleic Acid Therapeutics Munich, Germany.
| | - Simone Berger
- Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Department of Pharmacy, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität Munich, Butenandtstrasse 5-13, 81377 Munich, Germany; Center for Nanoscience, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität Munich, Geschwister-Scholl-Platz 1, 80539 Munich, Germany; CNATM - Cluster for Nucleic Acid Therapeutics Munich, Germany.
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6
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Leng Q, He J, Anand A, Mixson AJ. Delivery of mRNA with Histidine-Lysine Peptides. Methods Mol Biol 2024; 2822:367-386. [PMID: 38907929 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-3918-4_23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/24/2024]
Abstract
Transfection with mRNA has been considered superior to that with plasmids since the mRNA can be translated to a protein in the cytosol without entering the nucleus. One disadvantage of using mRNA is its susceptibility to enzymatic biodegradability, and consequently, significant research has occurred to determine nonviral carriers that will sufficiently stabilize this nucleic acid for cellular transport. Histidine-lysine peptides (HK) are one such class of mRNA carriers, which we think serves as a model for other peptides and polymeric carrier systems. When the HK peptide and mRNA are mixed and interact through ionic and nonionic bonds, mRNA polyplexes are formed, which can transfect cells. In contrast to linear HK peptides, branched HK peptides protected and efficiently transfected mRNA into cells. After describing the preparation and biophysical characterization of these polyplexes, we will provide protocols for in vitro and in vivo transfection for these mRNA polyplexes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qixin Leng
- Department of Pathology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Jiaxi He
- Department of Pathology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Aishwarya Anand
- Department of Pathology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - A James Mixson
- Department of Pathology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA.
- Greenebaum Cancer Center, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA.
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7
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Agrawal A, Leng Q, Imtiyaz Z, Mixson AJ. Exploring the outer limits of polyplexes. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2023; 678:33-38. [PMID: 37619309 PMCID: PMC10528873 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2023.08.023] [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: 07/25/2023] [Revised: 07/28/2023] [Accepted: 08/10/2023] [Indexed: 08/26/2023]
Abstract
Histidine-containing polymers show promise in their transport of nucleic acids in vitro and in vivo. In addition to the pH-buffering histidine component, the polymer often contains a protonated component at physiological pH, such as lysine. These polyplexes usually accumulate in the tumor by enhanced permeability and retention, which has proved disappointing in clinical trials. We presently compare two histidine-lysine (HK) peptide polyplexes for their neuropilin-1-mediated transport of plasmids in vivo. While the polymerized HK (H2KC-48) polyplex was markedly better than the monomeric HK (H2K) polyplex in vitro, both HK polyplexes were effective in transfecting tumor xenografts over a wide range of peptide and plasmid ratios. Nevertheless, polyplexes of low peptide/DNA ratios gave higher tumor transfection and specificity than those of higher ratios. Surprisingly, there was minimal to no gel retardation of polyplexes made from these low ratios during electrophoresis. These results demonstrate that loosely packed HK polyplexes effectively transfected tumors in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Agrawal
- Department of Pathology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, 10 S. Pine St., University of Maryland, Baltimore, MD, 21201, USA
| | - Q Leng
- Department of Pathology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, 10 S. Pine St., University of Maryland, Baltimore, MD, 21201, USA
| | - Z Imtiyaz
- Department of Pathology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, 10 S. Pine St., University of Maryland, Baltimore, MD, 21201, USA
| | - A James Mixson
- Department of Pathology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, 10 S. Pine St., University of Maryland, Baltimore, MD, 21201, USA.
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8
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Yu Y, Gao Y, He L, Fang B, Ge W, Yang P, Ju Y, Xie X, Lei L. Biomaterial-based gene therapy. MedComm (Beijing) 2023; 4:e259. [PMID: 37284583 PMCID: PMC10239531 DOI: 10.1002/mco2.259] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2022] [Revised: 03/17/2023] [Accepted: 03/21/2023] [Indexed: 06/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Gene therapy, a medical approach that involves the correction or replacement of defective and abnormal genes, plays an essential role in the treatment of complex and refractory diseases, such as hereditary diseases, cancer, and rheumatic immune diseases. Nucleic acids alone do not easily enter the target cells due to their easy degradation in vivo and the structure of the target cell membranes. The introduction of genes into biological cells is often dependent on gene delivery vectors, such as adenoviral vectors, which are commonly used in gene therapy. However, traditional viral vectors have strong immunogenicity while also presenting a potential infection risk. Recently, biomaterials have attracted attention for use as efficient gene delivery vehicles, because they can avoid the drawbacks associated with viral vectors. Biomaterials can improve the biological stability of nucleic acids and the efficiency of intracellular gene delivery. This review is focused on biomaterial-based delivery systems in gene therapy and disease treatment. Herein, we review the recent developments and modalities of gene therapy. Additionally, we discuss nucleic acid delivery strategies, with a focus on biomaterial-based gene delivery systems. Furthermore, the current applications of biomaterial-based gene therapy are summarized.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi Yu
- Department of StomatologyThe Second Xiangya HospitalCentral South UniversityChangshaChina
| | - Yijun Gao
- Department of StomatologyThe Second Xiangya HospitalCentral South UniversityChangshaChina
| | - Liming He
- Department of StomatologyChangsha Stomatological HospitalChangshaChina
| | - Bairong Fang
- Department of Plastic and Aesthetic (Burn) SurgeryThe Second Xiangya HospitalCentral South UniversityChangshaChina
| | - Wenhui Ge
- Department of StomatologyThe Second Xiangya HospitalCentral South UniversityChangshaChina
| | - Pu Yang
- Department of Plastic and Aesthetic (Burn) SurgeryThe Second Xiangya HospitalCentral South UniversityChangshaChina
| | - Yikun Ju
- Department of Plastic and Aesthetic (Burn) SurgeryThe Second Xiangya HospitalCentral South UniversityChangshaChina
| | - Xiaoyan Xie
- Department of StomatologyThe Second Xiangya HospitalCentral South UniversityChangshaChina
| | - Lanjie Lei
- State Key Laboratory of Bioelectronics, School of Biological Science and Medical EngineeringSoutheast UniversityNanjingChina
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de Oliveira FA, Albuquerque LJC, Nascimento-Sales M, Christoffolete MA, Bellettini IC, Giacomelli FC. Balancing gene transfection and cytotoxicity of nucleic acid carriers with focus on ocular and hepatic disorders: evaluation of hydrophobic and hydrophilic polyethyleneimine derivatives. J Mater Chem B 2023; 11:4556-4571. [PMID: 37161773 DOI: 10.1039/d3tb00477e] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/11/2023]
Abstract
Polyethyleneimine (PEI) derivatives substituted by lactose, succinic acid or alkyl domains were evaluated as nonviral gene delivery vectors towards balancing gene transfection and cytotoxicity. The investigations were focused on pDNA transfection into arising retinal pigment epithelia (ARPE-19) and human hepatocellular carcinoma (HepG2) cell lines. The first mentioned cell line was chosen as motivated by the non-negligible number of ocular disorders linked to gene aberrations, whereas the second one is a cell line overexpressing the asialoglycoprotein receptor (ASGP-R), which can bind to galactose residues. The presence of short alkyl domains (C4 and C6), and particularly the succinylation of the PEI chains, improved the biological outputs of the gene vectors. The presence of hydrophobic units possibly enhances lytic activity, whereas the incorporation of succinic acid slightly reduces polymer-DNA interaction strength, thereby enabling more efficient intracellular unpacking and cargo release. Succinylation is also supposed to decrease cytotoxicity and avoid protein adsorption to the polyplexes. The presence of long carbon chains (for instance, C12) nevertheless, results in higher levels of cytotoxicity and respective lower transfection rates. The sugar-decorated polyplexes are overall less cytotoxic, but the presence of lactose moieties also leads to larger polyplexes and notably weak polymer-DNA binding, which compromise the transfection efficiency. Yet, along with the presence of short lytic alkyl domains, the double-substitution of PEI synergistically boosts gene transfection probably due to the uptake of higher DNA and polymer amounts without cell damage. Overall, the experimental data suggest that ocular and hepatic gene therapies may be potentialized by fine-tuning the hydrophobic-to-hydrophilic balance, and succinic acid is a favorable motif for the modification of PEI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fernando A de Oliveira
- Centro de Ciências Naturais e Humanas, Universidade Federal do ABC, Santo André, Brazil.
| | | | | | | | - Ismael C Bellettini
- Departamento de Ciências Exatas e Educação, Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina, Blumenau, Brazil
| | - Fernando C Giacomelli
- Centro de Ciências Naturais e Humanas, Universidade Federal do ABC, Santo André, Brazil.
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10
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Lin Y, Wilk U, Pöhmerer J, Hörterer E, Höhn M, Luo X, Mai H, Wagner E, Lächelt U. Folate Receptor-Mediated Delivery of Cas9 RNP for Enhanced Immune Checkpoint Disruption in Cancer Cells. SMALL (WEINHEIM AN DER BERGSTRASSE, GERMANY) 2023; 19:e2205318. [PMID: 36399647 DOI: 10.1002/smll.202205318] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2022] [Revised: 10/17/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
The clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR)/CRISPR-associated protein 9 (Cas9) system offers great opportunities for the treatment of numerous diseases by precise modification of the genome. The functional unit of the system is represented by Cas9/sgRNA ribonucleoproteins (RNP), which mediate sequence-specific cleavage of DNA. For therapeutic applications, efficient and cell-specific transport into target cells is essential. Here, Cas9 RNP nanocarriers are described, which are based on lipid-modified oligoamino amides and folic acid (FolA)-PEG to realize receptor-mediated uptake and gene editing in cancer cells. In vitro studies confirm strongly enhanced potency of receptor-mediated delivery, and the nanocarriers enable efficient knockout of GFP and two immune checkpoint genes, PD-L1 and PVR, at low nanomolar concentrations. Compared with non-targeted nanoparticles, FolA-modified nanocarriers achieve substantially higher gene editing including dual PD-L1/PVR gene disruption after injection into CT26 tumors in vivo. In the syngeneic mouse model, dual disruption of PD-L1 and PVR leads to CD8+ T cell recruitment and distinct CT26 tumor growth inhibition, clearly superior to the individual knockouts alone. The reported Cas9 RNP nanocarriers represent a versatile platform for potent and receptor-specific gene editing. In addition, the study demonstrates a promising strategy for cancer immunotherapy by permanent and combined immune checkpoint disruption.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi Lin
- Department of Pharmacy and Center for NanoScience (CeNS), LMU Munich, 81377, Munich, Germany
| | - Ulrich Wilk
- Department of Pharmacy and Center for NanoScience (CeNS), LMU Munich, 81377, Munich, Germany
| | - Jana Pöhmerer
- Department of Pharmacy and Center for NanoScience (CeNS), LMU Munich, 81377, Munich, Germany
| | - Elisa Hörterer
- Department of Pharmacy and Center for NanoScience (CeNS), LMU Munich, 81377, Munich, Germany
| | - Miriam Höhn
- Department of Pharmacy and Center for NanoScience (CeNS), LMU Munich, 81377, Munich, Germany
| | - Xianjin Luo
- Department of Pharmacy and Center for NanoScience (CeNS), LMU Munich, 81377, Munich, Germany
| | - Hongcheng Mai
- Institute for Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine (iTERM), Helmholtz Zentrum München, 85764, Neuherberg, Germany
- Institute for Stroke and Dementia Research (ISD), University Hospital, LMU Munich, 81377, Munich, Germany
| | - Ernst Wagner
- Department of Pharmacy and Center for NanoScience (CeNS), LMU Munich, 81377, Munich, Germany
| | - Ulrich Lächelt
- Department of Pharmacy and Center for NanoScience (CeNS), LMU Munich, 81377, Munich, Germany
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Vienna, Vienna, 1090, Austria
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11
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Köhler B, Dubovik S, Hörterer E, Wilk U, Stöckl JB, Tekarslan-Sahin H, Ljepoja B, Paulitschke P, Fröhlich T, Wagner E, Roidl A. Combating Drug Resistance by Exploiting miRNA-200c-Controlled Phase II Detoxification. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14225554. [PMID: 36428646 PMCID: PMC9688189 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14225554] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2022] [Revised: 11/03/2022] [Accepted: 11/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Acquired drug resistance constitutes a serious obstacle to the successful therapy of cancer. In the process of therapy resistance, microRNAs can play important roles. In order to combat resistance formation and to improve the efficacy of chemotherapeutics, the mechanisms of the multifaceted hsa-miR-200c on drug resistance were elucidated. Upon knockout of hsa-miR-200c in breast carcinoma cells, a proteomic approach identified altered expression of glutathione S-transferases (GSTs) when cells were treated with the chemotherapeutic drug doxorubicin. In different hsa-miR-200c expression systems, such as knockout, inducible sponge and inducible overexpression, the differential expression of all members of the GST family was evaluated. Expression of hsa-miR-200c in cancer cells led to the repression of a multitude of these GSTs and as consequence, enhanced drug-induced tumor cell death which was evaluated for two chemotherapeutic drugs. Additionally, the influence of hsa-miR-200c on the glutathione pathway, which is part of the phase II detoxification mechanism, was investigated. Finally, the long-term effects of hsa-miR-200c on drug efficacy were studied in vitro and in vivo. Upon doxycycline induction of hsa-miR-200c, MDA-MB 231 xenograft mouse models revealed a strongly reduced tumor growth and an enhanced treatment response to doxorubicin. A combined treatment of these tumors with hsa-miR-200c and doxorubicin resulted in complete regression of the tumor in 60% of the animals. These results identify hsa-miR-200c as an important player regulating the cellular phase II detoxification, thus sensitizing cancer cells not expressing this microRNA to chemotherapeutics and reversing drug resistance through suppression of GSTs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bianca Köhler
- Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Department of Pharmacy, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, D-81377 Munich, Germany
| | - Sviatlana Dubovik
- Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Department of Pharmacy, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, D-81377 Munich, Germany
| | - Elisa Hörterer
- Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Department of Pharmacy, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, D-81377 Munich, Germany
| | - Ulrich Wilk
- Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Department of Pharmacy, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, D-81377 Munich, Germany
| | - Jan Bernd Stöckl
- Laboratory of Functional Genome Analysis (LAFUGA), Gene Center, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, D-81377 Munich, Germany
| | - Hande Tekarslan-Sahin
- Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Department of Pharmacy, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, D-81377 Munich, Germany
| | - Bojan Ljepoja
- Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Department of Pharmacy, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, D-81377 Munich, Germany
| | | | - Thomas Fröhlich
- Laboratory of Functional Genome Analysis (LAFUGA), Gene Center, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, D-81377 Munich, Germany
| | - Ernst Wagner
- Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Department of Pharmacy, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, D-81377 Munich, Germany
| | - Andreas Roidl
- Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Department of Pharmacy, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, D-81377 Munich, Germany
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +49-89-2180-77456
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12
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Berger S, Berger M, Bantz C, Maskos M, Wagner E. Performance of nanoparticles for biomedical applications: The in vitro/ in vivo discrepancy. BIOPHYSICS REVIEWS 2022; 3:011303. [PMID: 38505225 PMCID: PMC10903387 DOI: 10.1063/5.0073494] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2021] [Accepted: 01/04/2022] [Indexed: 03/21/2024]
Abstract
Nanomedicine has a great potential to revolutionize the therapeutic landscape. However, up-to-date results obtained from in vitro experiments predict the in vivo performance of nanoparticles weakly or not at all. There is a need for in vitro experiments that better resemble the in vivo reality. As a result, animal experiments can be reduced, and potent in vivo candidates will not be missed. It is important to gain a deeper knowledge about nanoparticle characteristics in physiological environment. In this context, the protein corona plays a crucial role. Its formation process including driving forces, kinetics, and influencing factors has to be explored in more detail. There exist different methods for the investigation of the protein corona and its impact on physico-chemical and biological properties of nanoparticles, which are compiled and critically reflected in this review article. The obtained information about the protein corona can be exploited to optimize nanoparticles for in vivo application. Still the translation from in vitro to in vivo remains challenging. Functional in vitro screening under physiological conditions such as in full serum, in 3D multicellular spheroids/organoids, or under flow conditions is recommended. Innovative in vivo screening using barcoded nanoparticles can simultaneously test more than hundred samples regarding biodistribution and functional delivery within a single mouse.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simone Berger
- Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Department of Pharmacy, Ludwig–Maximilians-Universität (LMU) Munich, Butenandtstr. 5-13, D-81377 Munich, Germany
| | - Martin Berger
- Department of Chemistry, Johannes Gutenberg-Universität Mainz, Duesbergweg 10-14, D-55128 Mainz, Germany
| | - Christoph Bantz
- Fraunhofer Institute for Microengineering and Microsystems IMM, Carl-Zeiss-Str. 18-20, D-55129 Mainz, Germany
| | | | - Ernst Wagner
- Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Department of Pharmacy, Ludwig–Maximilians-Universität (LMU) Munich, Butenandtstr. 5-13, D-81377 Munich, Germany
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13
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Spellerberg R, Benli-Hoppe T, Kitzberger C, Berger S, Schmohl KA, Schwenk N, Yen HY, Zach C, Schilling F, Weber WA, Kälin RE, Glass R, Nelson PJ, Wagner E, Spitzweg C. Selective sodium iodide symporter ( NIS) genetherapy of glioblastoma mediatedby EGFR-targeted lipopolyplexes. Mol Ther Oncolytics 2021; 23:432-446. [PMID: 34853814 PMCID: PMC8604759 DOI: 10.1016/j.omto.2021.10.011] [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] [Received: 05/29/2021] [Revised: 10/11/2021] [Accepted: 10/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Lipo-oligomers, post-functionalized with ligands to enhance targeting, represent promising new vehicles for the tumor-specific delivery of therapeutic genes such as the sodium iodide symporter (NIS). Due to its iodide trapping activity, NIS is a powerful theranostic tool for diagnostic imaging and the application of therapeutic radionuclides. 124I PET imaging allows non-invasive monitoring of the in vivo biodistribution of functional NIS expression, and application of 131I enables cytoreduction. In our experimental design, we used epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR)-targeted polyplexes (GE11) initially characterized in vitro using 125I uptake assays. Mice bearing an orthotopic glioblastoma were treated subsequently with mono-dibenzocyclooctyne (DBCO)-PEG24-GE11/NIS or bisDBCO-PEG24-GE11/NIS, and 24-48 h later, 124I uptake was assessed by positron emission tomography (PET) imaging. The best-performing polyplex in the imaging studies was then selected for 131I therapy studies. The in vitro studies showed EGFR-dependent and NIS-specific transfection efficiency of the polyplexes. The injection of monoDBCO-PEG24-GE11/NIS polyplexes 48 h before 124I application was characterized to be the optimal regime in the imaging studies and was therefore used for an 131I therapy study, showing a significant decrease in tumor growth and a significant extension of survival in the therapy group. These studies demonstrate the potential of EGFR-targeted polyplex-mediated NIS gene therapy as a new strategy for the therapy of glioblastoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebekka Spellerberg
- Department of Internal Medicine IV, University Hospital, LMU Munich, 81377 Munich, Germany
| | - Teoman Benli-Hoppe
- Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Department of Pharmacy, LMU Munich, 81377 Munich, Germany
| | - Carolin Kitzberger
- Department of Internal Medicine IV, University Hospital, LMU Munich, 81377 Munich, Germany
| | - Simone Berger
- Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Department of Pharmacy, LMU Munich, 81377 Munich, Germany
| | - Kathrin A Schmohl
- Department of Internal Medicine IV, University Hospital, LMU Munich, 81377 Munich, Germany
| | - Nathalie Schwenk
- Department of Internal Medicine IV, University Hospital, LMU Munich, 81377 Munich, Germany
| | - Hsi-Yu Yen
- Institute of Pathology, School of Medicine, Technical University of Munich, 81675 Munich, Germany
| | - Christian Zach
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, University Hospital, LMU Munich, 81377 Munich, Germany
| | - Franz Schilling
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, School of Medicine, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technical University Munich, 81675 Munich, Germany
| | - Wolfgang A Weber
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, School of Medicine, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technical University Munich, 81675 Munich, Germany
| | - Roland E Kälin
- Neurosurgical Research, Department of Neurosurgery, University Hospital, LMU Munich, 81377 Munich, Germany.,Walter Brendel Center of Experimental Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, LMU Munich, 81377 Munich, Germany
| | - Rainer Glass
- Neurosurgical Research, Department of Neurosurgery, University Hospital, LMU Munich, 81377 Munich, Germany.,Walter Brendel Center of Experimental Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, LMU Munich, 81377 Munich, Germany.,German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), partner site 80336 Munich and German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Peter J Nelson
- Department of Internal Medicine IV, University Hospital, LMU Munich, 81377 Munich, Germany
| | - Ernst Wagner
- Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Department of Pharmacy, LMU Munich, 81377 Munich, Germany
| | - Christine Spitzweg
- Department of Internal Medicine IV, University Hospital, LMU Munich, 81377 Munich, Germany.,Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes, Metabolism and Nutrition, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN 55905, USA
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14
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Krhač Levačić A, Berger S, Müller J, Wegner A, Lächelt U, Dohmen C, Rudolph C, Wagner E. Dynamic mRNA polyplexes benefit from bioreducible cleavage sites for in vitro and in vivo transfer. J Control Release 2021; 339:27-40. [PMID: 34547258 DOI: 10.1016/j.jconrel.2021.09.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2021] [Revised: 09/10/2021] [Accepted: 09/13/2021] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
Currently, messenger RNA (mRNA)-based lipid nanoparticle formulations revolutionize the clinical field. Cationic polymer-based complexes (polyplexes) represent an alternative compound class for mRNA delivery. After establishing branched polyethylenimine with a succinylation degree of 10% (succPEI) as highly effective positive mRNA transfection standard, a diverse library of PEI-like peptides termed sequence-defined oligoaminoamides (OAAs) was screened for mRNA delivery. Notably, sequences, which had previously been identified as potent plasmid DNA (pDNA) or small-interfering RNA (siRNA) carriers, displayed only moderate mRNA transfection activity. A second round of screening combined the cationizable building block succinoyl tetraethylene pentamine and histidines for endosomal buffering, tyrosine tripeptides and various fatty acids for mRNA polyplex stabilization, as well as redox-sensitive units for programmed intracellular release. For the tested OAA carriers, balancing of extracellular stability, endosomal lytic activity, and intracellular release capability was found to be of utmost importance for optimum mRNA transfection efficiency. OAAs with T-shape topology containing two oleic acids as well-stabilizing fatty acids, attached via a dynamic bioreducible building block, displayed superior activity with up to 1000-fold increased transfection efficiency compared to their non-reducible analogs. In the absence of the dynamic linkage, incorporation of shorter less stabilizing fatty acids could only partly compensate for mRNA delivery. Highest GFP expression and the largest fraction of transfected cells (96%) could be detected for the bioreducible OAA with incorporated histidines and a dioleoyl motif, outperforming all other tested carriers as well as the positive control succPEI. The good in vitro performance of the dynamic lead structure was verified in vivo upon intratracheal administration of mRNA complexes in mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Krhač Levačić
- Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Department of Pharmacy, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität (LMU) Munich, Butenandtstr. 5-13, D-81377 Munich, Germany
| | - Simone Berger
- Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Department of Pharmacy, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität (LMU) Munich, Butenandtstr. 5-13, D-81377 Munich, Germany
| | - Judith Müller
- Ethris GmbH, Semmelweisstr. 3, Planegg D-82152, Germany
| | - Andrea Wegner
- Ethris GmbH, Semmelweisstr. 3, Planegg D-82152, Germany
| | - Ulrich Lächelt
- Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Department of Pharmacy, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität (LMU) Munich, Butenandtstr. 5-13, D-81377 Munich, Germany
| | | | | | - Ernst Wagner
- Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Department of Pharmacy, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität (LMU) Munich, Butenandtstr. 5-13, D-81377 Munich, Germany.
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15
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Benli-Hoppe T, Göl Öztürk Ş, Öztürk Ö, Berger S, Wagner E, Yazdi M. Transferrin Receptor Targeted Polyplexes Completely Comprised of Sequence-Defined Components. Macromol Rapid Commun 2021; 43:e2100602. [PMID: 34713524 DOI: 10.1002/marc.202100602] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2021] [Revised: 10/20/2021] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Human transferrin protein (Tf) modified polyplexes have already displayed encouraging potential for receptor-mediated nucleic acid delivery into tumors. The use of a blood-derived targeting protein and polydisperse macromolecular cationic subunits however presents a practical challenge for pharmaceutical grade production. Here, Tf receptor (TfR) targeted small interfering RNA (siRNA) polyplexes are designed that are completely composed of synthetic, monodisperse, and sequence-defined subunits generated by solid-phase supported synthesis. An optimized cationizable lipo-oligoaminoamide (lipo-OAA) is used for siRNA core polyplex formation, and a retro-enantio peptide (reTfR) attached via a monodisperse polyethylene glycol (PEG) spacer via click chemistry is applied for targeting. Improved gene silencing is demonstrated in TfR-expressing KB and DU145 cells. Analogous plasmid DNA (pDNA) polyplexes are successfully used for receptor-mediated gene delivery in TfR-rich K562 cells and Neuro2a cells. Six lipo-OAAs differing in their lipidic domain and redox-sensitive attachment of lipid residues are tested in order to evaluate the impact of core polyplex stability on receptor-dependent gene transfer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Teoman Benli-Hoppe
- Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Center for Drug Research, and Center for Nanoscience, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität Munich, Butenandtstrasse 5-13, Munich, 81377, Germany
| | - Şurhan Göl Öztürk
- Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Center for Drug Research, and Center for Nanoscience, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität Munich, Butenandtstrasse 5-13, Munich, 81377, Germany
| | - Özgür Öztürk
- Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Center for Drug Research, and Center for Nanoscience, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität Munich, Butenandtstrasse 5-13, Munich, 81377, Germany
| | - Simone Berger
- Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Center for Drug Research, and Center for Nanoscience, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität Munich, Butenandtstrasse 5-13, Munich, 81377, Germany
| | - Ernst Wagner
- Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Center for Drug Research, and Center for Nanoscience, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität Munich, Butenandtstrasse 5-13, Munich, 81377, Germany
| | - Mina Yazdi
- Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Center for Drug Research, and Center for Nanoscience, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität Munich, Butenandtstrasse 5-13, Munich, 81377, Germany
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16
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Singh R, Kumar P. Disaccharide-polyethylenimine organic nanoparticles as non-toxic in vitro gene transporters and their anticancer potential. Bioorg Chem 2021; 112:104918. [PMID: 33932768 DOI: 10.1016/j.bioorg.2021.104918] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2021] [Revised: 04/01/2021] [Accepted: 04/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Polyethylenimines (PEIs) have been shown as efficient gene delivery vectors due to their unique properties, however, toxicity as well as non-specific interactions with the tissues/cells because of high charge density have hampered their use in clinical applications. To counter these concerns, here, we have prepared disachharide-PEI organic nanoparticles by mixing PEIs with non-reducing disaccharides, i.e. trehalose (TPONs) and sucrose (SPONs), under mild conditions. The fabricated nanoparticles were complexed with pDNA and size of these complexes was found in the range of ~130-162 nm with zeta potential ~ +8-25 mV. Further evaluation of these nanoparticles revealed that substitution of disaccharides on PEIs successfully augmented cell viability. Transfection efficiency exhibited by these complexes was significantly higher than the unmodified polymer and the standard, Lipofectamine, complexes. Fabrication of organic nanoparticles did not alter the buffering capacity considerably which was found to be instrumental during endosomal escape of the complexes. Among both the series of nanoparticles, trehalose-PEI organic nanoparticles (TPONs) exhibited greater pDNA transportation potential than sucrose-PEI organic nanoparticles (SPONs) which was also established by flow cytometric data, wherein percent cells expressing GFP was higher in case of TP/pDNA complexes as compared to SP/pDNA complexes. Interestingly, TPONs also showed promising anticancer activity on cancer cell lines i.e. Mg63, MCF-7 and HepG2. Overall, the results advocate promising potential of disaccharide-PEI organic nanoparticles as efficient gene delivery agents which can be used effectively in future gene therapy applications along with anti-cancer competence of TPONs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Reena Singh
- Nucleic Acids Research Laboratory, CSIR-Institute of Genomics and Integrative Biology, Mall Road, Delhi 110007, India; Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad 201002, India
| | - Pradeep Kumar
- Nucleic Acids Research Laboratory, CSIR-Institute of Genomics and Integrative Biology, Mall Road, Delhi 110007, India; Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad 201002, India.
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