Neutral Postgrafted Colloidal Particles for Gene Delivery

Tunable pH Sensitive Lipoplexes

To provide long circulating nanoparticles able to carry a gene to tumor cells, we have designed anionic pegylated lipoplexes which are pH sensitive. The reduction of positive charges in nucleic acid carriers allows reducing the elimination rate, increasing circulation time in the blood, leading to improved tumor accumulation of lipid nanoparticles. Anionic pegylated lipoplexes have been prepared from the combined formulation of cationic lipoplexes and pegylated anionic liposomes. The neutralization of the particle surface charge as a function of the pH was monitored by dynamic light scattering in order to determine the ratio between anionic and cationic lipids that would give pH-sensitive complexes. This ratio has been optimized to form particles sensitive to pH change in the range 5.5-6.5. Compaction of DNA into these newly formed anionic complexes was checked by DNA accessibility to Picogreen. The transfection efficiency and pH-sensitive property of these formulations were shown in vitro using bafilomycin, a vacuolar H⁺-ATPase inhibitor.

Influence of Liposomes’ and Lipoplexes’ Physicochemical Characteristics on Their Uptake Rate and Mechanisms by the Placenta

Pregnant women are still considered as drug orphans. Developing new medications for pregnancy complications is an urgent need. Nanomedicines seem to be a promising approach to control the biodistribution of drugs to ensure both the mother’s and the fetus’ safety. Understanding the interaction between nanoparticles and the placental barrier is a key factor to the success of the development of nanomedicines for pregnant women. In this study, we evaluated the behavior of fluorescent PEGylated liposomes and lipoplexes in human placental tissue using in vitro and ex vivo models, BeWo cell culture and suspended villous placental explants, respectively. Fluorescent based analytical tools such as Fluorescence activated cells sorting (FACS), confocal microscopy and HPLC coupled to fluorescence detection were used to assess liposomes penetration and their endocytosis mechanisms in the placenta. First, no influence of the PEGylation density was observed on the cellular internalization of liposomal formulations using both models. The comparison between neutral and cationic liposomes exhibits a significant higher internalization of the cationic formulation compared to the neutral ones. In addition, the HPLC quantification of the fluorescent liposomes in human villous explants demonstrated an increase of cationic liposomes uptake with increasing incubation concentrations. Similar uptake of cationic liposomes and lipoplexes, containing the same cationic lipid, the DMAPAP but with an overall neutral surface charge, was observed and evidenced the higher effect of composition than charge surface on trophoblast penetration. Moreover, both cationic liposomes and lipoplexes exhibited an endocytosis mechanism of internalization via pathways implicating dynamin. These data highlight the key role of the liposome’s lipid composition and the possibility to modulate their internalization in the placenta by adjusting their design.

P-selectin targeted RAGE-shRNA lipoplexes alleviate atherosclerosis-associated inflammation

The receptor for advanced glycation end products (RAGE) plays a central role in the chronic inflammatory process associated with atherosclerosis development. We aimed to develop lipoplexes carrying RAGE-short hairpin (sh) RNA, targeted to the adhesion molecule P-selectin, selectively expressed on the surface of activated endothelium (Psel-lipo/shRAGE) to down-regulate RAGE expression as a therapeutic strategy for atherosclerosis. In vitro, Psel-lipo/shRAGE lipoplexes were efficiently taken up by activated endothelial cells (EC), decreased the expression of RAGE protein, and proved to be functional by reducing the monocyte adhesion to activated EC. In ApoE-deficient mice, the targeted lipoplexes accumulated specifically and efficiently transfected the aorta. The repeated administration of Psel-lipo/shRAGE lipoplexes, twice per week for one month: i) reduced the expression of RAGE protein in the aorta by decreasing the expression of NF-kB and TNF-α; ii) diminished the plasma levels of TNF-α, IL6, IL-1β, and MCP-1; iii) inhibited the atherosclerotic plaque development and iv) had no significant adverse effects. In conclusion, the newly developed Psel-lipo/shRAGE lipoplexes reduce the inflammatory processes associated with RAGE signaling and the progression of atherosclerosis in ApoE-deficient mice. Downregulation of RAGE employing these lipoplexes may represent a promising new targeted therapy to block atherosclerosis progression.

Viscous Core Liposomes Increase siRNA Encapsulation and Provides Gene Inhibition When Slightly Positively Charged

Since its discovery, evidence that siRNA was able to act as an RNA interference effector, led to its acceptation as a novel medicine. The siRNA approach is very effective, due to its catalytic mechanism, but still the limitations of its cellular delivery should be addressed. One promising form of non-viral gene delivery system is liposomes. The variable and versatile nature of the lipids keeps the possibility to upgrade the liposomal structure, which makes them suitable for encapsulation and delivery of drugs. However, to avoid the limitation of fast release for the hydrophilic drug, we previously designed viscous core liposomes. We aimed in this work to evaluate if these viscous core liposomes (NvcLs) could be of interest for siRNA encapsulation. Then, we sought to add a limited amount of positive charges to provide cell interaction and transfection. Cationic lipid dimyristoylaminopropylaminopropyl or the polymer poly(ethylenimine) were incorporated in NvcL to produce positively charged viscous core liposomes (PvcL) by a customized microfluidic device. We found that NvcLs increased the encapsulation efficiency and loading content with regards to the neutral liposome. Both PvcL_PEI and PvcL_DMAPAP exhibited transfection and GFP knock-down (≈40%) in both 2D and 3D cell cultures. Finally, the addition of slight positive charges did not induce cell toxicity.

Non-viral, direct neuronal reprogramming from human fibroblast using a polymer-functionalized nanodot

Among various strategies to treat neurodegenerative disorders, cell replacement therapies have drawn much attention recently. Such a trend led to the increase in demand for the rare and specialized cells, followed by the outburst development of various cell reprogramming strategies. However, several limitations on these conventional methods remain to be solved, including the genetic instability of the viral vectors and the high cytotoxicity or poor performance of the non-viral carriers. Therefore, non-viral methods need to be developed to ensure safe and efficient cell reprogramming. Here, we introduce a polymer-modified nano-reagent (Polymer-functionalized Nanodot, PolyN) for the safe and efficient, non-viral direct cell reprogramming. PolyN facilitated the highly efficient contemporary overexpression of the transgene compared to the conventional reagent. With our nano-reagent, we demonstrated the SOX2-mediated cell reprogramming and successfully generated the neuron-like cell from the human fibroblast.

Development of Theranostic Cationic Liposomes Designed for Image-Guided Delivery of Nucleic Acid

Cationic liposomes have been considered as potential vectors for gene delivery thanks to their ability to transfect cells with high efficiency. Recently, the combination of diagnostic agent and therapeutic agents in the same particle to form a theranostic system has been reported. Magnetic liposomes are one of these examples. Due to the magnetic nanoparticles encapsulated in the liposomes, they can act as a drug delivery system and, at the same time, a magnetic resonance imaging contrast enhancement agent or hyperthermia. In this work, nucleic acid delivery systems based on magnetic cationic liposomes (MCLs) were developed. Two different techniques, reverse phase evaporation and cosolvent sonication, were employed for liposome preparation. Both strategies produced MCLs of less than 200 nm with highly positive charge. Enhancement of their transverse and longitudinal relaxivities r₂ and r₁ was obtained with both kinds of magnetic liposomes compared to free magnetic nanoparticles. Moreover, these MCLs showed high capacity to form complexes and transfect CT-26 cells using the antibiotic-free pFAR4-luc plasmid. The transfection enhancement with magnetofection was also carried out in CT26 cells. These results suggested that our MCLs could be a promising candidate for image-guided gene therapy.

Targeted Transfection Using PEGylated Cationic Liposomes Directed Towards P-Selectin Increases siRNA Delivery into Activated Endothelial Cells

: The progress in small-interfering RNA (siRNA) therapeutics depends on the development of suitable nanocarriers to perform specific and effective delivery to dysfunctional cells. In this paper, we questioned whether P-selectin, a cell adhesion molecule specifically expressed on the surface of activated endothelial cells (EC) could be employed as a target for nanotherapeutic intervention. To this purpose, we developed and characterized P-selectin targeted PEGylated cationic liposomes able to efficiently pack siRNA and to function as efficient vectors for siRNA delivery to tumour necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) activated EC. Targeted cationic liposomes were obtained by coupling a peptide with high affinity for P-selectin to a functionalized PEGylated phospholipid inserted in the liposomes' bilayer (Psel-lipo). As control, scrambled peptide coupled cationic liposomes (Scr-lipo) were used. The lipoplexes obtained by complexation of Psel-lipo with siRNA (Psel-lipo/siRNA) were taken up specifically and at a higher extent by TNF-α activated b.End3 endothelial cells as compared to non-targeted Scr-lipo/siRNA. The Psel-lipo/siRNA delivered with high efficiency siRNA into the cells. The lipoplexes were functional as demonstrated by the down-regulation of the selected gene (GAPDH). The results demonstrate an effective targeted delivery of siRNA into cultured activated endothelial cells using P-selectin directed PEGylated cationic liposomes, which subsequently knock-down the desired gene.

Lipids for Nucleic Acid Delivery: Cationic or Neutral Lipoplexes, Synthesis, and Particle Formation

Lipidic vesicles have been extensively studied for their capacity to condensate and deliver nucleic acids to the cells. Many different amphiphilic lipidic structures have been proposed each of them bringing some advances in nonviral gene transfection. The ionic or neutral nature of the lipids induces tremendous differences in the behavior of the corresponding liposomes, from the complexation of nucleic acid to the delivery to the cell. An efficient delivery in vitro or in vivo also depends closely on the structure of the lipids and very often, efficient liposomes in vitro have been found useless for in vivo administration.We describe in this chapter the chemical synthesis of two different lipids, one cationic and the other essentially neutral, and the formulation to obtain liposomes and DNA-liposome complexes. The different ways and tricks for the formulation of the two different structures are especially highlighted.

Microbubbles for Nucleic Acid Delivery in Liver Using Mild Sonoporation

Ultrasound-mediated gene delivery is an interesting approach, which could help in increasing gene transfer in deep tissues. Moreover, it allows for performing experiments guided by the image to determine which elements are required. Microbubbles complexed with a eukaryotic expression cassette are excellent agents as they are responsive to ultrasounds and, upon oscillation, can destabilize membranes to enhance gene transfer. Here, we describe the preparation of positively charged microbubbles, plasmid free of antibiotic resistance marker, their combination and the conditions of ultrasound-mediated liver transfection post-systemic administration in mice. This association allowed us to obtain a superior liver gene expression at least over 8 months after a single injection.

Novel Perfluorinated Triblock Amphiphilic Copolymers for Lipid-Shelled Microbubble Stabilization

Amphiphilic triblock (Atri) copolymers made of perfluorinated alkyl chain linked to hydrocarbon chain and methoxy-poly(ethylene glycol) of three different molecular weights were synthesized. In vitro evaluation demonstrated that these new compounds were noncytotoxic. Characterization and interaction of each triblock copolymer with a branched polyamine myristoyl lipid (2-{3[bis-(3-amino-propyl)-amino]-propylamino}- N-ditetradecyl carbamoyl methyl-acetamide, DMAPAP) were studied by the Langmuir film method and thermal analysis. The triblock copolymer/cationic lipids (1:10, w/w) were mixed with perfluorobutane gas to form microbubbles (MBs). The latter were characterized by optical microscopy to get the microbubble size and concentration by densimetry to determine the amount of encapsulated gas and by ultrasound to assess oscillation properties. Atri with the lowest and intermediate weights were shown to interact with the cationic lipid DMAPAP and stabilize the Langmuir film. In that case, monodisperse microbubbles ranging from 2.3 ± 0.1 to 2.8 ± 0.1 μm were obtained. The proportion of encapsulated gas within the MB shell increased up to 3 times after the incorporation of the copolymer with the lowest and intermediate weights. Moreover, the acoustic response of the microbubbles was maintained in the presence of the copolymers.

Anionic pH-Sensitive Lipoplexes

To provide long circulating nanoparticles able to carry a gene to tumors, we have designed anionic pegylated lipoplexes which are pH sensitive. Anionic pegylated lipoplexes have been prepared from the combined formulation of cationic lipoplexes and pegylated anionic liposomes. The neutralization of the particle surface charge as a function of the pH was monitored by light scattering in order to determine the ratio between anionic and cationic lipids that would give pH sensitive complexes. This ratio has been optimized to form particles sensitive to pH change in the range 5.5-6.5. Compaction of DNA into these newly formed anionic complexes is checked by DNA accessibility to picogreen. The transfection efficiency and pH sensitive property of these formulations has been shown in vitro using bafilomycin, a vacuolar H⁺-ATPase inhibitor.

Cationic gas-filled microbubbles for ultrasound-based nucleic acids delivery

The use of ultrasound has gained great interest for nucleic acids delivery. Ultrasound can reach deep tissues in non-invasive manner. The process of sonoporation is based on the use of low-frequency ultrasound combined with gas-filled microbubbles (MBs) allowing an improved delivery of molecules including nucleic acids in the insonified tissue. For in vivo gene transfer, the engineering of cationic MBs is essential for creating strong electrostatic interactions between MBs and nucleic acids leading to their protection against nucleases degradation and high concentration within the target tissue. Cationic MBs must be stable enough to withstand nucleic acids interaction, have a good size distribution for in vivo administration, and enough acoustic activity to be detected by echography. This review aims to summarize the basic principles of ultrasound-based delivery and new knowledge acquired in these recent years about this method. A focus is made on gene delivery by discussing reported studies made with cationic MBs including ours. They have the ability for efficient delivery of plasmid DNA (pDNA), mRNA or siRNA. Last, we discuss about the key challenges that have to be faced for a fine use of this delivery system.

Cationic microbubbles and antibiotic-free miniplasmid for sustained ultrasound-mediated transgene expression in liver

Despite the increasing number of clinical trials in gene therapy, no ideal methods still allow non-viral gene transfer in deep tissues such as the liver. We were interested in ultrasound (US)-mediated gene delivery to provide long term liver expression. For this purpose, new positively charged microbubbles were designed and complexed with pFAR4, a highly efficient small length miniplasmid DNA devoid of antibiotic resistance sequence. Sonoporation parameters, such as insonation time, acoustic pressure and duration of plasmid injection were controlled under ultrasound imaging guidance. The optimization of these various parameters was performed by bioluminescence optical imaging of luciferase reporter gene expression in the liver. Mice were injected with 50μg pFAR4-LUC either alone, or complexed with positively charged microbubbles, or co-injected with neutral MicroMarker™ microbubbles, followed by low ultrasound energy application to the liver. Injection of the pFAR4 encoding luciferase alone led to a transient transgene expression that lasted only for two days. The significant luciferase signal obtained with neutral microbubbles decreased over 2days and reached a plateau with a level around 1 log above the signal obtained with pFAR4 alone. With the newly designed positively charged microbubbles, we obtained a much stronger bioluminescence signal which increased over 2days. The 12-fold difference (p<0.05) between MicroMarker™ and our positively charged microbubbles was maintained over a period of 6months. Noteworthy, the positively charged microbubbles led to an improvement of 180-fold (p<0.001) as regard to free pDNA using unfocused ultrasound performed at clinically tolerated ultrasound amplitude. Transient liver damage was observed when using the cationic microbubble-pFAR4 complexes and the optimized sonoporation parameters. Immunohistochemistry analyses were performed to determine the nature of cells transfected. The pFAR4 miniplasmid complexed with cationic microbubbles allowed to transfect mostly hepatocytes compared to its co-injection with MicroMarker™ which transfected more preferentially endothelial cells.

Characterization of Positively Charged Lipid Shell Microbubbles with Tunable Resistive Pulse Sensing (TRPS) Method: A Technical Note

Microbubbles are polydisperse microparticles. Their size distribution cannot be accurately measured from the current methods used, such as optical microscopy, electrical sensing or light scattering. Indeed, these techniques present some limitations when applied to microbubbles, which prompted us to investigate the use of an alternative technique: tunable resistive pulse sensing (TRPS). This technique is based on the principle of the Coulter counter with the advantage of being more flexible compared to other methods using this principle, since the flow rate, the potential difference and the pore size can be modulated. The main limitation of TRPS is that more than one size of nanopore membrane is required to obtain the full size distribution of polydisperse microparticles. To evaluate this technique, the concentration and the size distribution of positively charged microbubbles were studied using TRPS and compared to data obtained using optical microscopy. We describe herein the parameters required for the accurate measurement of microbubble concentration and size distribution by TRPS and present a statistical comparison of the data obtained by TRPS and optical microscopy.

Spherulites: onion-like vesicles as nanomedicines

Spherulites are onion-like structures composed of phospholipids and excipients. Initially discovered in an academic laboratory, these autoassembled nano-objects have been developed further by the start-up Capsulis (Bordeaux, France), and commercialized for veterinary and dermatological applications. Owing to economical strategies, the development of these objects have not been pursued, however, they are very interesting systems, which should be exploited further. The autoassembly of amphiphiles followed by a shear stress allows the formation of nano- to micrometer range nanoparticles, which could be interesting either for systemic or local delivery. Small molecules to macromolecules have been encapsulated in spherulites in the nanometer range. All have shown promising results. Hence, spherulite-encapsulated oligonucleotides have shown increased cell internalization. DNA was shown to be encapsulated in these neutral nanoparticles. Proof-of-concept of protein encapsulation was obtained leading to immune stimulation. This review summarizes the different ways to obtain spherulites, the results of the various investigations performed to date and indicates the limits and the interests of theses nanocarriers and proposes future prospects.

Nanocomplexes for gene therapy of respiratory diseases: Targeting and overcoming the mucus barrier

Gene therapy, i.e. the delivery and expression of therapeutic genes, holds great promise for congenital and acquired respiratory diseases. Non-viral vectors are less toxic and immunogenic than viral vectors, although they are characterized by lower efficiency. However, they have to overcome many barriers, including inflammatory and immune mediators and cells. The respiratory and airway epithelial cells, the main target of these vectors, are coated with a layer of mucus, which hampers the effective reaching of gene therapy vectors carrying either plasmid DNA or small interfering RNA. This barrier is thicker in many lung diseases, such as cystic fibrosis. This review summarizes the most important advancements in the field of non-viral vectors that have been achieved with the use of nanoparticulate (NP) systems, composed either of polymers or lipids, in the lung gene delivery. In particular, different strategies of targeting of respiratory and airway lung cells will be described. Then, we will focus on the two approaches that attempt to overcome the mucus barrier: coating of the nanoparticulate system with poly(ethylene glycol) and treatment with mucolytics. Our conclusions are: 1) Ligand and physical targeting can direct therapeutic gene expression in specific cell types in the respiratory tract; 2) Mucopenetrating NPs are endowed with promising features to be useful in treating respiratory diseases and should be now advanced in pre-clinical trials. Finally, we discuss the development of such polymer- and lipid-based NPs in the context of in vitro and in vivo disease models, such as lung cancer, as well as in clinical trials.

Fine tuning of mixed ionic and hydrogen bond interactions for plasmid delivery using lipoplexes

Non viral gene transfection has been mostly reached via cationic polymer and lipid, required for DNA complexation and cell internalisation. However, cationic charges often induce cytotoxicity and limit the efficacy of the lipoplexes in vivo due to their fast elimination from the blood stream. Few years ago, we had developed noncationic lipid interacting with DNA via hydrogen bond interactions. To take advantage of both the internalisation efficacy of cationic complexes and the higher DNA release efficacy of non cationic lipids, we chose to mix both ionic and hydrogen bond interactions within one lipoplex. The idea behind this strategy would be to reduce the overall charge while maintaining a high level of transfection. Four mixed formulations of cationic lipid and thiourea lipid were prepared. We found that decreasing ionic interactions and increasing hydrogen bond interactions improved cationic lipoplexes properties. Indeed, we showed that replacement of net positive charges by hydrogen bond interactions with DNA phosphates led to efficient lipoplexes for in vitro DNA transfection at lower cationic charge content, which consequently reduced lipoplex cytotoxicity.

Synthesis, characterization, and evaluation of a novel amphiphilic polymer RGD-PEG-Chol for target drug delivery system

An amphiphilic polymer RGD-PEG-Chol which can be produced in large scale at a very low cost has been synthesized successfully. The synthesized intermediates and final products were characterized and confirmed by ¹H nuclear magnetic resonance spectrum (¹H NMR) and Fourier transform infrared spectrum (FT-IR). The paclitaxel- (PTX-) loaded liposomes based on RGD-PEG-Chol were then prepared by film formation method. The liposomes had a size within 100 nm and significantly enhanced the cytotoxicity of paclitaxel to B16F10 cell as demonstrated by MTT test (IC₅₀ = 0.079  μg/mL of RGD-modified PTX-loaded liposomes compared to 9.57  μg/mL of free PTX). Flow cytometry analysis revealed that the cellular uptake of coumarin encapsulated in the RGD-PEG-Chol modified liposome was increased for HUVEC cells. This work provides a reasonable, facile, and economic approach to prepare peptide-modified liposome materials with controllable performances and the obtained linear RGD-modified PTX-loaded liposomes might be attractive as a drug delivery system.

Lipids for nucleic acid delivery: synthesis and particle formation

Lipidic vesicles have been extensively studied for their capacity to condensate and deliver nucleic acids to the cells. Many different amphiphilic lipidic structures have been proposed, each of them bringing some advances in nonviral gene transfection. The ionic or neutral nature of the lipids induces tremendous differences in the behavior of the corresponding liposomes, from the complexation of nucleic acid to the delivery to the cell. An efficient delivery in vitro or in vivo also depends closely on the structure of the lipids and very often, efficient liposomes in vitro have been found useless for in vivo administration.We wish to describe in this chapter the chemical synthesis of two different lipids, one cationic and the other essentially neutral, and the formulation to obtain liposomes and DNA/liposome complexes. The different ways and tricks for the formulation of the two different structures are especially highlighted.

A review of RGD-functionalized nonviral gene delivery vectors for cancer therapy

The development of effective treatments that enable many patients suffering from cancer to be successfully cured is highly demanded. Angiogenesis, which is a process for the formation of new capillary blood vessels, has a crucial role in solid tumor progression and the development of metastasis. Antiangiogenic therapy designed to prevent tumor angiogenesis, thereby arresting the growth or spread of tumors, has emerged as a non-invasive and safe option for cancer treatment. Due to the fact that integrin receptors are overexpressed on the surface of angiogenic endothelial cells, various strategies have been made to develop targeted delivery systems for cancer gene therapy utilizing integrin-targeting peptides with an exposed arginine-glycine-aspartate (RGD) sequence. The aim of this review is to summarize the progress and prospect of RGD-functionalized nonviral vectors toward targeted delivery of genetic materials in order to achieve an efficient therapeutic outcome for cancer gene therapy, including antiangiogenic therapy.

Lipothioureas as Lipids for Gene Transfection: A Review

Non-viral gene therapy requires innovative strategies to achieve higher transfection efficacy. A few years ago, our group proposed bioinspired lipids whose interaction with DNA was not based on ionic interactions, but on hydrogen bonds. We thus developed lipids bearing a thiourea head which allowed an interaction with DNA phosphates through hydrogen bonds. After a proof of concept with a lipid bearing three thiourea functions, a molecular and cellular screening was performed by varying all parts of the lipids: the hydrophobic anchor, the spacer, the linker, and the thiourea head. Two lipothiourea-based structures were identified as highly efficient in vitro transfecting agents. The lipothioureas were shown to reduce non specific interactions with cell membranes and deliver their DNA content intracellularly more efficiently, as compared to cationic lipoplexes. These lipids could deliver siRNA efficiently and allowed specific cell targeting in vitro. In vivo, thiourea lipoplexes presented a longer retention time in the blood and less accumulation in the lungs after an intravenous injection in mice. They also induced luciferase gene expression in muscle and tumor after local administration in mice. Therefore, these novel lipoplexes represent an excellent alternative to cationic lipoplexes as transfecting agents. In this review we will focus on the structure activity studies that permitted the identification of the two most efficient thiourea lipids.

Development of a liposomal formulation of the natural flavonoid fisetin

The natural flavonoid fisetin (3,3',4',7-tetrahydroxyflavone) has been shown to possess antiangiogenic and anticancer properties. Because of the limited water solubility of fisetin, our aim was to design and optimize a liposomal formulation that could facilitate its in vivo administration, taking into account the availability and cost of the various components. Several methods were evaluated such as probe sonication, homogeneization, film hydration and lipid cake formation. A selection of lipid and lipid-PEG was also performed via their incorporation in different formulations based on the size of the liposomes, their polydispersity index (PDI) and the fisetin encapsulation yield. An optimal liposomal formulation was developed with P90G and DODA-GLY-PEG2000, possessing a diameter in the nanometer scale (175nm), a high homogeneity (PDI 0.12) and a high fisetin encapsulation (73%). Fisetin liposomes were stable over 59 days for their particle diameter and still retained 80% of their original fisetin content on day 32. Moreover, liposomal fisetin retained the cytotoxicity and typical morphological effect of free fisetin in different tumour and endothelial cell lines. In conclusion, based on its physico-chemical properties and retention of fisetin biological effects, the developed liposomal fisetin preparation is therefore suitable for in vivo administration.

Cationic and anionic lipoplexes inhibit gene transfection by electroporation in vivo

BACKGROUND

Nonviral gene therapy still suffers from low efficiency. Methods that would lead to higher gene expression level of longer duration would be a major advance in this field. Lipidic vectors and physical methods have been investigated separately, and both induced gene expression improvement.

METHODS

We sought to combine both chemical and physical methods. Cationic or anionic lipids can potentially destabilize the cell membrane and could consequently enhance gene delivery by a physical method such as electrotransfer. A plasmid model encoding luciferase was used, either free or associated with differently-charged lipoplexes before electrotransfer.

RESULTS

Electrotransfer alone strongly enhanced gene expression after intramuscular and intradermal injection of naked DNA. On the other hand, cationic and anionic lipoplex formulations decreased gene expression after electrotransfer, whereas poorly-charged thiourea-based complexes, brought no benefit. Pre-injection of the lipids, followed by administration of naked DNA, did not modified gene expression induced by electroporation in the skin.

CONCLUSIONS

The results obtained in the present study suggest that packing of DNA plasmid in lipoplexes strongly decreases the efficiency of gene electrotransfer, independently of the lipoplex charge. Non-aggregating complexes, such as poorly-charged thiourea-based complexes, should be preferred to increase DNA release.

Comparative gene transfer between cationic and thiourea lipoplexes

BACKGROUND

We have previously developed lipopolythiourea lipids as neutral DNA condensing agents for systemic gene delivery. Optimization of the lipopolythiourea structure led to efficient transfecting agents. To further evaluate these lipids, we investigated the internalization process of the thiourea lipoplexes and their intracellular mechanism of transfection versus that of cationic lipoplexes.

METHODS

The MTT test was used for cytotoxicity assessment. Transfection efficiency was determined by luciferase read-out. Permeation to propidium iodide and enhanced green fluorescent protein was evaluated by flow cytometry. Kinetics of internalization and DNA release were monitored by confocal microscopy with labelled DNA. Endocytosis inhibitors were used to study the mechanisms of lipoplex internalization.

RESULTS

Although thiourea/DNA complexes exhibit an almost similar level of transfection compared to that of cationic complexes, the thiourea lipoplexes were shown to be six-fold less internalized. Complexes were able to permeabilize the cytoplasmic membrane to 30 kDa molecules. Finally, DNA was shown to be released in less than 10 min in the cellular cytoplasm versus 30 min for cationic lipoplexes.

CONCLUSIONS

Despite a weaker internalization compared to cationic lipids, the thiourea lipoplexes were able to transfect cells at a similar level as a result of its greater ability to destabilize the cytoplasmic membrane and release DNA.

Anionic pH sensitive lipoplexes

To provide long circulating nanoparticles which can carry a gene to tumors, we have designed anionic pegylated lipoplexes that are pH sensitive. Anionic pegylated lipoplexes have been prepared from the combined formulation of cationic lipoplexes and pegylated anionic liposomes. The neutralization of the particle surface charge as a function of the pH was monitored by light scattering, in order to determine the ratio between anionic and cationic lipids that would give pH sensitive complexes. This ratio has been optimized to form particles sensitive to pH change in the range 5.5-6.5. Compaction of DNA into these newly formed anionic complexes was checked by DNA accessibility to picogreen. The transfection efficiency and pH sensitive property of these formulations were shown in vitro using bafilomycin, a vacuolar H(+)-ATPase inhibitor.

Iminothiol/thiourea tautomeric equilibrium in thiourea lipids impacts DNA compaction by inducing a cationic nucleation for complex assembly

Our research on lipidic vectors for transfection led us to develop thiourea lipids able to interact with DNA. Hence, we developed a series of lipopolythioureas based on the strong hydrogen bond donor ability of thiourea. More recently we have reported a branched hydroxylated bis-thiourea derivative with interesting transfecting properties. The last step of the syntheses involved a strong acidic condition, leading to an unstable product upon storage. Therefore we designed a new synthesis in mild acidic conditions. Though they exhibit the same mass, the lipids obtained in the two different conditions differ by their interaction with DNA. We therefore explored the physicochemical properties of these two lipids by different means that we describe in this article. In order to insure easier and reliable (13)C-NMR studies of the thiourea group we have designed the synthesis of the corresponding (13)C-labeled thiourea lipids. We have thus shown that when the lipid was submitted to mildly acidic medium; only the thiourea group was observed; while a thiourea/charged and/or uncharged iminothiol tautomeric equilibrium formed when the last step of the synthesis was submitted to low pH. NMR experiments showed that this tautomeric equilibrium could not form in polar solvents. However, UV experiments on the liposomal form of the lipopolythiourea showed the presence of the tautomers. Lipid/DNA interaction consequently differed according to the acidic treatment applied. Eventually, these results revealed that on this particular thiourea lipid, electrostatic interactions due to cationic thioureas are likely to be responsible for DNA compaction and that this tautomeric form of the thiourea could be stabilised by hydrogen bonds in a supramolecular assembly. Nevertheless, this does not reflect a general thiourea lipid/DNA interaction as other thiourea lipids that are able to compact DNA do not undergo an acidic treatment during the final stage of their synthesis.

Surface properties of lipoplexes modified with mannosylerythritol lipid-a and tween 80 and their cellular association

The surface properties of cationic liposomes and lipoplexes largely determine the cellular association and gene transfection efficiency. In this study, we measured the surface properties, such as zeta potentials, surface pH and hydration levels of MHAPC- and OH-Chol-lipoplexes and their cellular association, without and with the modification of biosurfactant mannosylerythritol lipid-A (MEL-A) or Tween 80 (MHAPC=N,N-methyl hydroxyethyl aminopropane carbamoyl cholesterol; OH-Chol=cholesteryl-3beta-carboxyamindoethylene-N-hydroxyethylamine). Compared to OH-Chol-lipoplexes, the higher cellular association of MHAPC-lipoplexes correlated with the significantly higher zeta potentials, lower surface pH levels and "drier" surface, as evaluated by the generalized polarization of laurdan. Both MEL-A and Tween 80 modification of MHAPC-lipoplexes did not significantly change zeta potentials and surface pH levels, while MEL-A modification of OH-Chol-lipoplexes seriously decreased them. MEL-A hydrated the liposomal surface of MHAPC-lipoplexes but dehydrated that of OH-Chol-lipoplexes, while Tween 80 hydrated those of MHAPC- and OH-Chol-lipoplexes. In all, cationic liposomes composed of lipids with secondary and tertiary amine exhibited different surface properties and cellular associations of lipoplexes, and modification with surfactants further enlarged their difference. The strong hydration ability of Tween 80 may relate to the low cellular association of lipoplexes, while the dehydration of MEL-A-modified OH-Chol-lipoplexes seemed to compensate the negative zeta potential for the cellular association of lipoplexes.

Extracellular barriers in respiratory gene therapy

Respiratory gene therapy has been considered for the treatment of a broad range of pulmonary disorders. However, respiratory secretions form an important barrier towards the pulmonary delivery of therapeutic nucleic acids. In this review we will start with a brief description of the biophysical properties of respiratory mucus and alveolar fluid. This must allow the reader to gain insights into the mechanisms by which respiratory secretions may impede the gene transfer efficiency of nucleic acid containing nanoparticles (NANs). Subsequently, we will summarize the efforts that have been done to understand the barrier properties of respiratory mucus and alveolar fluid towards the respiratory delivery of therapeutic nucleic acids. Finally, new and current strategies that can overcome the inhibitory effects of respiratory secretions are discussed.

Efficient new cationic liposome formulation for systemic delivery of small interfering RNA silencing tumor necrosis factor α in experimental arthritis

OBJECTIVE

Tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNFalpha) is among the most prominent cytokines in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and is secreted mainly by macrophages. A direct method for restoring the immunologic balance in RA is use of small interfering RNA (siRNA) for silencing the TNFalpha transcript. The aim of this study was to determine the therapeutic effect of systemic administration of TNFalpha siRNA in an experimental model of RA, optimizing its delivery using new liposome formulations.

METHODS

Murine macrophages were transfected with siRNA targeting TNFalpha, and expression was measured. The therapeutic effect in collagen-induced arthritis (CIA) was assessed after intravenous delivery of TNFalpha siRNA. Delivery was optimized using a carrier DNA for complexation with the cationic liposome RPR209120/DOPE. Levels of TNFalpha and other cytokines were measured in sera and joint tissue-conditioned media. Biodistribution was determined using a fluorescent siRNA.

RESULTS

In vitro, TNFalpha siRNA efficiently and specifically modulated the expression of TNFalpha at both the messenger RNA and protein levels. In vivo, complete cure of CIA was observed when TNFalpha siRNA was administered weekly, complexed with the liposome and combined with carrier DNA. Inhibition (50-70%) of articular and systemic TNFalpha secretion was detected in the siRNA-injected groups, which correlated with a decrease in the levels of interleukin-6 and monocyte chemotactic protein 1. The main organs targeted by siRNA were the liver and spleen; the addition of liposome RPR209120 and carrier DNA significantly increased organ uptake.

CONCLUSION

We demonstrated the efficiency of systemic delivery of siRNA designed to silence TNFalpha in CIA, using a liposome carrier system as a way to address the methodologic limitations in vivo.

RGD-based strategies for selective delivery of therapeutics and imaging agents to the tumour vasculature

During the past decade, RGD-peptides have become a popular tool for the targeting of drugs and imaging agents to alphavbeta3-integrin expressing tumour vasculature. RGD-peptides have been introduced by recombinant means into therapeutic proteins and viruses. Chemical means have been applied to couple RGD-peptides and RGD-mimetics to liposomes, polymers, peptides, small molecule drugs and radiotracers. Some of these products show impressive results in preclinical animal models and a RGD targeted radiotracer has already successfully been tested in humans for the visualization of alphavbeta3-integrin, which demonstrates the feasibility of this approach. This review will summarize the structural requirements for RGD-peptides and RGD-mimetics as ligands for alphavbeta3. We will show how they have been introduced in the various types of constructs by chemical and recombinant techniques. The importance of multivalent RGD-constructs for high affinity binding and internalization will be highlighted. Furthermore the in vitro and in vivo efficacy of RGD-targeted therapeutics and diagnostics reported in recent years will be reviewed.