1
|
Santo D, Cordeiro RA, Mendonça P, Serra A, Coelho JFJ, Faneca H. Glycopolymers Mediate Suicide Gene Therapy in ASGPR-Expressing Hepatocellular Carcinoma Cells in Tandem with Docetaxel. Biomacromolecules 2023; 24:1274-1286. [PMID: 36780314 PMCID: PMC10015461 DOI: 10.1021/acs.biomac.2c01329] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/14/2023]
Abstract
Cationic glycopolymers stand out as gene delivery nanosystems due to their inherent biocompatibility and high binding affinity to the asialoglycoprotein receptor (ASGPR), a target receptor overexpressed in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) cells. However, their synthesis procedure remains laborious and complex, with problems of solubilization and the need for protection/deprotection steps. Here, a mini-library of well-defined poly(2-aminoethyl methacrylate hydrochloride-co-poly(2-lactobionamidoethyl methacrylate) (PAMA-co-PLAMA) glycopolymers was synthesized by activators regenerated by electron transfer (ARGET) ATRP to develop an efficient gene delivery nanosystem. The glycoplexes generated had suitable physicochemical properties and showed high ASGPR specificity and high transfection efficiency. Moreover, the HSV-TK/GCV suicide gene therapy strategy, mediated by PAMA144-co-PLAMA19-based nanocarriers, resulted in high antitumor activity in 2D and 3D culture models of HCC, which was significantly enhanced by the combination with small amounts of docetaxel. Overall, our results demonstrated the potential of primary-amine polymethacrylate-containing-glycopolymers as HCC-targeted suicide gene delivery nanosystems and highlight the importance of combined strategies for HCC treatment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Daniela Santo
- Center
for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, University
of Coimbra, Coimbra 3004-504, Portugal
- Institute
for Interdisciplinary Research, University
of Coimbra, Coimbra 3030-789, Portugal
| | - Rosemeyre A. Cordeiro
- Center
for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, University
of Coimbra, Coimbra 3004-504, Portugal
- Institute
for Interdisciplinary Research, University
of Coimbra, Coimbra 3030-789, Portugal
| | - Patrícia
V. Mendonça
- Centre
for Mechanical Engineering, Materials and Processes, Department of
Chemical Engineering, University of Coimbra, Coimbra 3030-790, Portugal
| | - Arménio
C. Serra
- Centre
for Mechanical Engineering, Materials and Processes, Department of
Chemical Engineering, University of Coimbra, Coimbra 3030-790, Portugal
| | - Jorge F. J. Coelho
- Centre
for Mechanical Engineering, Materials and Processes, Department of
Chemical Engineering, University of Coimbra, Coimbra 3030-790, Portugal
- Associação
para a Inovação e Desenvolvimento Em Ciência
e Tecnologia, IPN—Instituto Pedro
Nunes, Rua Pedro Nunes, 3030-199 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Henrique Faneca
- Center
for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, University
of Coimbra, Coimbra 3004-504, Portugal
- Institute
for Interdisciplinary Research, University
of Coimbra, Coimbra 3030-789, Portugal
- . Phone: +351-239-820-190. Fax: +351- 239-853-607
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Rodrigues AF, Rebelo C, Simões S, Paulo C, Pinho S, Francisco V, Ferreira L. A Polymeric Nanoparticle Formulation for Targeted mRNA Delivery to Fibroblasts. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2023; 10:e2205475. [PMID: 36529964 PMCID: PMC9929262 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202205475] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2022] [Revised: 11/18/2022] [Indexed: 05/10/2023]
Abstract
Messenger RNA (mRNA)-based therapies offer enhanced control over the production of therapeutic proteins for many diseases. Their clinical implementation warrants formulations capable of delivering them safely and effectively to target sites. Owing to their chemical versatility, polymeric nanoparticles can be designed by combinatorial synthesis of different ionizable, cationic, and aromatic moieties to modulate cell targeting, using inexpensive formulation steps. Herein, 152 formulations are evaluated by high-throughput screening using a reporter fibroblast model sensitive to functional delivery of mRNA encoding Cre recombinase. Using in vitro and in vivo models, a polymeric nanoformulation based on the combination of 3 specific monomers is identified to transfect fibroblasts much more effectively than other cell types populating the skin, with superior performance than lipid-based transfection agents in the delivery of Cas9 mRNA and guide RNA. This tropism can be explained by receptor-mediated endocytosis, involving CD26 and FAP, which are overexpressed in profibrotic fibroblasts. Structure-activity analysis reveals that efficient mRNA delivery required the combination of high buffering capacity and low mRNA binding affinity for rapid release upon endosomal escape. These results highlight the use of high-throughput screening to rapidly identify chemical features towards the design of highly efficient mRNA delivery systems targeting fibrotic diseases.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Artur Filipe Rodrigues
- CNC–Center for Neurosciences and Cell BiologyUniversity of CoimbraCoimbra3000‐517Portugal
| | - Catarina Rebelo
- CNC–Center for Neurosciences and Cell BiologyUniversity of CoimbraCoimbra3000‐517Portugal
- Faculty of MedicinePólo das Ciências da SaúdeUnidade CentralUniversity of CoimbraCoimbra3000‐354Portugal
| | - Susana Simões
- CNC–Center for Neurosciences and Cell BiologyUniversity of CoimbraCoimbra3000‐517Portugal
| | - Cristiana Paulo
- CNC–Center for Neurosciences and Cell BiologyUniversity of CoimbraCoimbra3000‐517Portugal
| | - Sónia Pinho
- CNC–Center for Neurosciences and Cell BiologyUniversity of CoimbraCoimbra3000‐517Portugal
| | - Vítor Francisco
- CNC–Center for Neurosciences and Cell BiologyUniversity of CoimbraCoimbra3000‐517Portugal
| | - Lino Ferreira
- CNC–Center for Neurosciences and Cell BiologyUniversity of CoimbraCoimbra3000‐517Portugal
- Faculty of MedicinePólo das Ciências da SaúdeUnidade CentralUniversity of CoimbraCoimbra3000‐354Portugal
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Klemm P, Solomun JI, Rodewald M, Kuchenbrod MT, Hänsch VG, Richter F, Popp J, Hertweck C, Hoeppener S, Bonduelle C, Lecommandoux S, Traeger A, Schubert S. Efficient Gene Delivery of Tailored Amphiphilic Polypeptides by Polyplex Surfing. Biomacromolecules 2022; 23:4718-4733. [PMID: 36269943 DOI: 10.1021/acs.biomac.2c00919] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Within this study, an amphiphilic and potentially biodegradable polypeptide library based on poly[(4-aminobutyl)-l-glutamine-stat-hexyl-l-glutamine] [P(AB-l-Gln-stat-Hex-l-Gln)] was investigated for gene delivery. The influence of varying proportions of aliphatic and cationic side chains affecting the physicochemical properties of the polypeptides on transfection efficiency was investigated. A composition of 40 mol% Hex-l-Gln and 60 mol % AB-l-Gln (P3) was identified as best performer over polypeptides with higher proportions of protonatable monomers. Detailed studies of the transfection mechanism revealed the strongest interaction of P3 with cell membranes, promoting efficient endocytic cell uptake and high endosomal release. Spectrally, time-, and z-resolved fluorescence microscopy further revealed the crucial role of filopodia surfing in polyplex-cell interaction and particle internalization in lamellipodia regions, followed by rapid particle transport into cells. This study demonstrates the great potential of polypeptides for gene delivery. The amphiphilic character improves performance over cationic homopolypeptides, and the potential biodegradability is advantageous toward other synthetic polymeric delivery systems.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Paul Klemm
- Laboratory of Organic and Macromolecular Chemistry (IOMC), Friedrich Schiller University Jena, Humboldtstrasse 10, 07743 Jena, Germany.,Jena Center for Soft Matter (JCSM), Friedrich Schiller University Jena, Philosophenweg 7, 07743 Jena, Germany
| | - Jana I Solomun
- Laboratory of Organic and Macromolecular Chemistry (IOMC), Friedrich Schiller University Jena, Humboldtstrasse 10, 07743 Jena, Germany.,Jena Center for Soft Matter (JCSM), Friedrich Schiller University Jena, Philosophenweg 7, 07743 Jena, Germany
| | - Marko Rodewald
- Leibniz Institute for Photonic Technology Jena, Member of Leibniz Health Technologies, Albert-Einstein-Strasse 9, 07745 Jena, Germany.,Institute of Physical Chemistry and Abbe Center of Photonics, Friedrich Schiller University Jena, Lessingstrasse 10, 07743 Jena, Germany.,Jena Center for Soft Matter (JCSM), Friedrich Schiller University Jena, Philosophenweg 7, 07743 Jena, Germany
| | - Maren T Kuchenbrod
- Laboratory of Organic and Macromolecular Chemistry (IOMC), Friedrich Schiller University Jena, Humboldtstrasse 10, 07743 Jena, Germany.,Jena Center for Soft Matter (JCSM), Friedrich Schiller University Jena, Philosophenweg 7, 07743 Jena, Germany
| | - Veit G Hänsch
- Department of Biomolecular Chemistry, Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology, Hans Knöll Institute, Beutenbergstrasse 11a, 07745 Jena, Germany
| | - Friederike Richter
- Laboratory of Organic and Macromolecular Chemistry (IOMC), Friedrich Schiller University Jena, Humboldtstrasse 10, 07743 Jena, Germany.,Jena Center for Soft Matter (JCSM), Friedrich Schiller University Jena, Philosophenweg 7, 07743 Jena, Germany
| | - Jürgen Popp
- Leibniz Institute for Photonic Technology Jena, Member of Leibniz Health Technologies, Albert-Einstein-Strasse 9, 07745 Jena, Germany.,Institute of Physical Chemistry and Abbe Center of Photonics, Friedrich Schiller University Jena, Lessingstrasse 10, 07743 Jena, Germany.,Jena Center for Soft Matter (JCSM), Friedrich Schiller University Jena, Philosophenweg 7, 07743 Jena, Germany
| | - Christian Hertweck
- Department of Biomolecular Chemistry, Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology, Hans Knöll Institute, Beutenbergstrasse 11a, 07745 Jena, Germany
| | - Stephanie Hoeppener
- Laboratory of Organic and Macromolecular Chemistry (IOMC), Friedrich Schiller University Jena, Humboldtstrasse 10, 07743 Jena, Germany.,Jena Center for Soft Matter (JCSM), Friedrich Schiller University Jena, Philosophenweg 7, 07743 Jena, Germany
| | - Colin Bonduelle
- Univ. Bordeaux, CNRS, Bordeaux INP, LCPO, UMR 5629, F-33600 Pessac, France
| | | | - Anja Traeger
- Laboratory of Organic and Macromolecular Chemistry (IOMC), Friedrich Schiller University Jena, Humboldtstrasse 10, 07743 Jena, Germany.,Jena Center for Soft Matter (JCSM), Friedrich Schiller University Jena, Philosophenweg 7, 07743 Jena, Germany
| | - Stephanie Schubert
- Laboratory of Organic and Macromolecular Chemistry (IOMC), Friedrich Schiller University Jena, Humboldtstrasse 10, 07743 Jena, Germany.,Jena Center for Soft Matter (JCSM), Friedrich Schiller University Jena, Philosophenweg 7, 07743 Jena, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Ottonelli I, Caraffi R, Tosi G, Vandelli MA, Duskey JT, Ruozi B. Tunneling Nanotubes: A New Target for Nanomedicine? Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23042237. [PMID: 35216348 PMCID: PMC8878036 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23042237] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2022] [Revised: 02/14/2022] [Accepted: 02/15/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Tunneling nanotubes (TNTs), discovered in 2004, are thin, long protrusions between cells utilized for intercellular transfer and communication. These newly discovered structures have been demonstrated to play a crucial role in homeostasis, but also in the spreading of diseases, infections, and metastases. Gaining much interest in the medical research field, TNTs have been shown to transport nanomedicines (NMeds) between cells. NMeds have been studied thanks to their advantageous features in terms of reduced toxicity of drugs, enhanced solubility, protection of the payload, prolonged release, and more interestingly, cell-targeted delivery. Nevertheless, their transfer between cells via TNTs makes their true fate unknown. If better understood, TNTs could help control NMed delivery. In fact, TNTs can represent the possibility both to improve the biodistribution of NMeds throughout a diseased tissue by increasing their formation, or to minimize their formation to block the transfer of dangerous material. To date, few studies have investigated the interaction between NMeds and TNTs. In this work, we will explain what TNTs are and how they form and then review what has been published regarding their potential use in nanomedicine research. We will highlight possible future approaches to better exploit TNT intercellular communication in the field of nanomedicine.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ilaria Ottonelli
- Clinical and Experimental Medicine PhD Program, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, 41125 Modena, Italy;
- Nanotech Lab, Te.Far.T.I., Department of Life Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, 41125 Modena, Italy; (R.C.); (G.T.); (M.A.V.); (B.R.)
| | - Riccardo Caraffi
- Nanotech Lab, Te.Far.T.I., Department of Life Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, 41125 Modena, Italy; (R.C.); (G.T.); (M.A.V.); (B.R.)
| | - Giovanni Tosi
- Nanotech Lab, Te.Far.T.I., Department of Life Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, 41125 Modena, Italy; (R.C.); (G.T.); (M.A.V.); (B.R.)
| | - Maria Angela Vandelli
- Nanotech Lab, Te.Far.T.I., Department of Life Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, 41125 Modena, Italy; (R.C.); (G.T.); (M.A.V.); (B.R.)
| | - Jason Thomas Duskey
- Nanotech Lab, Te.Far.T.I., Department of Life Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, 41125 Modena, Italy; (R.C.); (G.T.); (M.A.V.); (B.R.)
- Correspondence:
| | - Barbara Ruozi
- Nanotech Lab, Te.Far.T.I., Department of Life Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, 41125 Modena, Italy; (R.C.); (G.T.); (M.A.V.); (B.R.)
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Ranathunge TA, Yaddehige ML, Varma JH, Smith C, Nguyen J, Owolabi I, Kolodziejczyk W, Hammer NI, Hill G, Flynt A, Watkins DL. Heteroacene-Based Amphiphile as a Molecular Scaffold for Bioimaging Probes. Front Chem 2021; 9:729125. [PMID: 34485246 PMCID: PMC8416430 DOI: 10.3389/fchem.2021.729125] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2021] [Accepted: 08/03/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The challenges faced with current fluorescence imaging agents have motivated us to study two nanostructures based on a hydrophobic dye, 6H-pyrrolo[3,2-b:4,5-b']bis [1,4]benzothiazine (TRPZ). TRPZ is a heteroacene with a rigid, pi-conjugated structure, multiple reactive sites, and unique spectroscopic properties. Here we coupled TRPZ to a tert-butyl carbamate (BOC) protected 2,2-bis(hydroxymethyl)propanoic acid (bisMPA) dendron via azide-alkyne Huisgen cycloaddition. Deprotection of the protected amine groups on the dendron afforded a cationic terminated amphiphile, TRPZ-bisMPA. TRPZ-bisMPA was nanoprecipitated into water to obtain nanoparticles (NPs) with a hydrodynamic radius that was <150 nm. For comparison, TRPZ-PG was encapsulated in pluronic-F127 (Mw = 12 kD), a polymer surfactant to afford NPs almost twice as large as those formed by TRPZ-bisMPA. Size and stability studies confirm the suitability of the TRPZ-bisMPA NPs for biomedical applications. The photophysical properties of the TRPZ-bisMPA NPs show a quantum yield of 49%, a Stokes shift of 201 nm (0.72 eV) and a lifetime of 6.3 ns in water. Further evidence was provided by cell viability and cellular uptake studies confirming the low cytotoxicity of TRPZ-bisMPA NPs and their potential in bioimaging.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tharindu A. Ranathunge
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Mississippi University, Oxford, MS, United States
| | - Mahesh Loku Yaddehige
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Mississippi University, Oxford, MS, United States
| | - Jordan H. Varma
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Mississippi University, Oxford, MS, United States
| | - Cameron Smith
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Mississippi University, Oxford, MS, United States
| | - Jay Nguyen
- Cellular and Molecular Biology, The University of Southern Mississippi, Hattiesburg, MS, United States
| | - Iyanuoluwani Owolabi
- Cellular and Molecular Biology, The University of Southern Mississippi, Hattiesburg, MS, United States
| | - Wojciech Kolodziejczyk
- Interdisciplinary Center for Nanotoxicity, Department of Chemistry, Physics and Atmospheric Sciences, Jackson State University, Jackson, MS, United States
| | - Nathan I. Hammer
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Mississippi University, Oxford, MS, United States
| | - Glake Hill
- Interdisciplinary Center for Nanotoxicity, Department of Chemistry, Physics and Atmospheric Sciences, Jackson State University, Jackson, MS, United States
| | - Alex Flynt
- Cellular and Molecular Biology, The University of Southern Mississippi, Hattiesburg, MS, United States
| | - Davita L. Watkins
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Mississippi University, Oxford, MS, United States
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Simms BL, Ji N, Chandrasiri I, Zia MF, Udemgba CS, Kaur R, Delcamp JH, Flynt A, Tan C, Watkins DL. Physicochemical properties and bio‐interfacial interactions of surface modified
PDLLA‐PAMAM
linear dendritic block copolymers. JOURNAL OF POLYMER SCIENCE 2021. [DOI: 10.1002/pol.20210448] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Briana L. Simms
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry University of Mississippi University Oxford Mississippi USA
| | - Nan Ji
- Department of Pharmaceutics and Drug Delivery, School of Pharmacy University of Mississippi University Oxford Mississippi USA
| | - Indika Chandrasiri
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry University of Mississippi University Oxford Mississippi USA
| | - Mohammad Farid Zia
- Department of Biological Sciences The University of Southern Mississippi Hattiesburg Mississippi USA
| | - Chinwe S. Udemgba
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry University of Mississippi University Oxford Mississippi USA
| | - Ravinder Kaur
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry University of Mississippi University Oxford Mississippi USA
| | - Jared H. Delcamp
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry University of Mississippi University Oxford Mississippi USA
| | - Alex Flynt
- Department of Biological Sciences The University of Southern Mississippi Hattiesburg Mississippi USA
| | - Chalet Tan
- Department of Pharmaceutics and Drug Delivery, School of Pharmacy University of Mississippi University Oxford Mississippi USA
| | - Davita L. Watkins
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry University of Mississippi University Oxford Mississippi USA
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Bhattacharya DS, Bapat A, Svechkarev D, Mohs AM. Water-Soluble Blue Fluorescent Nonconjugated Polymer Dots from Hyaluronic Acid and Hydrophobic Amino Acids. ACS OMEGA 2021; 6:17890-17901. [PMID: 34308024 PMCID: PMC8296014 DOI: 10.1021/acsomega.1c01343] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2021] [Accepted: 06/24/2021] [Indexed: 05/04/2023]
Abstract
Fluorescent polymers have been increasingly investigated to improve their water solubility and biocompatibility to enhance their performance in drug delivery and theranostic applications. However, the environmentally friendly synthesis and dual functionality of such systems remain a challenge due to the complicated synthesis of conventional fluorescent materials. Herein, we generated a novel blue fluorescent polymer dot through chemical conjugation of hydrophobic amino acids to hyaluronic acid (HA) under one-pot green chemistry conditions. These nonconjugated fluorescent polymer dots (NCPDs) are water soluble, nontoxic to cells, have high fluorescence quantum yield, and can be used for in vitro bioimaging. HA-derived NCPDs exhibit excitation wavelength-dependent fluorescent properties. In addition, the NCPDs also show enhanced doxorubicin loading and delivery in naive and drug-resistant breast cancer cells in 2D and 3D tumor cellular systems. These results demonstrate the potential for successful synthetic scale-up and applications for HA-derived NCPDs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Deep S. Bhattacharya
- Department
of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of
Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska 68198, United States
| | - Aishwarya Bapat
- Department
of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of
Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska 68198, United States
| | - Denis Svechkarev
- Department
of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of
Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska 68198, United States
| | - Aaron M. Mohs
- Department
of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of
Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska 68198, United States
- Fred
and Pamela Buffett Cancer Center, University
of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska 68198, United States
- Department
of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University
of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska 68198, United States
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Kumar R, Santa Chalarca CF, Bockman MR, Bruggen CV, Grimme CJ, Dalal RJ, Hanson MG, Hexum JK, Reineke TM. Polymeric Delivery of Therapeutic Nucleic Acids. Chem Rev 2021; 121:11527-11652. [PMID: 33939409 DOI: 10.1021/acs.chemrev.0c00997] [Citation(s) in RCA: 128] [Impact Index Per Article: 42.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
The advent of genome editing has transformed the therapeutic landscape for several debilitating diseases, and the clinical outlook for gene therapeutics has never been more promising. The therapeutic potential of nucleic acids has been limited by a reliance on engineered viral vectors for delivery. Chemically defined polymers can remediate technological, regulatory, and clinical challenges associated with viral modes of gene delivery. Because of their scalability, versatility, and exquisite tunability, polymers are ideal biomaterial platforms for delivering nucleic acid payloads efficiently while minimizing immune response and cellular toxicity. While polymeric gene delivery has progressed significantly in the past four decades, clinical translation of polymeric vehicles faces several formidable challenges. The aim of our Account is to illustrate diverse concepts in designing polymeric vectors towards meeting therapeutic goals of in vivo and ex vivo gene therapy. Here, we highlight several classes of polymers employed in gene delivery and summarize the recent work on understanding the contributions of chemical and architectural design parameters. We touch upon characterization methods used to visualize and understand events transpiring at the interfaces between polymer, nucleic acids, and the physiological environment. We conclude that interdisciplinary approaches and methodologies motivated by fundamental questions are key to designing high-performing polymeric vehicles for gene therapy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ramya Kumar
- Department of Chemistry, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55455, United States
| | | | - Matthew R Bockman
- Department of Chemistry, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55455, United States
| | - Craig Van Bruggen
- Department of Chemistry, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55455, United States
| | - Christian J Grimme
- Department of Chemical Engineering and Materials Science, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55455, United States
| | - Rishad J Dalal
- Department of Chemistry, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55455, United States
| | - Mckenna G Hanson
- Department of Chemistry, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55455, United States
| | - Joseph K Hexum
- Department of Chemistry, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55455, United States
| | - Theresa M Reineke
- Department of Chemistry, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55455, United States
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Opportunities and Challenges in Tunneling Nanotubes Research: How Far from Clinical Application? Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22052306. [PMID: 33669068 PMCID: PMC7956326 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22052306] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2021] [Revised: 02/21/2021] [Accepted: 02/21/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Tunneling nanotubes (TNTs) are recognized long membrane nanotubes connecting distance cells. In the last decade, growing evidence has shown that these subcellular structures mediate the specific transfer of cellular materials, pathogens, and electrical signals between cells. As intercellular bridges, they play a unique role in embryonic development, collective cell migration, injured cell recovery, cancer treatment resistance, and pathogen propagation. Although TNTs have been considered as potential drug targets for treatment, there is still a long way to go to translate the research findings into clinical practice. Herein, we emphasize the heterogeneous nature of TNTs by systemically summarizing the current knowledge on their morphology, structure, and biogenesis in different types of cells. Furthermore, we address the communication efficiency and biological outcomes of TNT-dependent transport related to diseases. Finally, we discuss the opportunities and challenges of TNTs as an exciting therapeutic approach by focusing on the development of efficient and safe drugs targeting TNTs.
Collapse
|
10
|
Ayyadevara VSSA, Roh KH. Calcium enhances polyplex-mediated transfection efficiency of plasmid DNA in Jurkat cells. Drug Deliv 2020; 27:805-815. [PMID: 32489110 PMCID: PMC8216448 DOI: 10.1080/10717544.2020.1770371] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Jurkat, an immortalized cell line derived from human leukemic T lymphocytes, has been employed as an excellent surrogate model of human primary T-cells for the advancement of T-cell biology and their applications in medicine. However, presumably due to its T-cell origin, Jurkat cells are very difficult to transfect. Thus, for the genetic modification of Jurkat cells, expensive and time-consuming viral vectors are normally required. Despite many previous efforts, non-viral vectors have not yet overcome the hurdles of low transfection efficiency and/or high toxicity in transfection of Jurkat cells. Here, we report that a simple addition of calcium ions (Ca2+) into culture media at optimal concentrations can enhance the efficiency of the polyplex-mediated transfection using poly(ethylene imine) (PEI) by up to 12-fold when compared to the polyplex-only control. We show that calcium enhances the association between polyplex and Jurkat, which is at least partially responsible for the increase in transmembrane delivery of polyplex and consequential enhancement in expression of transgene. Other cations, Mg2+ or Na+ did not show similar enhancement. Interestingly, addition of Ca2+ was rather detrimental for the transfection of lipoplex on Jurkat cells. Observation of significant enhancement in the transfection of non-viral vectors with a simple and physiologically relevant reagent like Ca2+ in the engineering of hard-to-transfect cells such as Jurkat warrants further investigation on similar strategies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Kyung-Ho Roh
- Biotechnology Science and Engineering, University of Alabama in Huntsville, Huntsville, AL, USA.,Department of Chemical and Materials Engineering, University of Alabama in Huntsville, Huntsville, AL, USA
| |
Collapse
|