1
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Leyden MC, Oviedo F, Saxena S, Kumar R, Le N, Reineke TM. Synergistic Polymer Blending Informs Efficient Terpolymer Design and Machine Learning Discerns Performance Trends for pDNA Delivery. Bioconjug Chem 2024; 35:897-911. [PMID: 38924453 DOI: 10.1021/acs.bioconjchem.4c00028] [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: 06/28/2024]
Abstract
Cationic polymers offer an alternative to viral vectors in nucleic acid delivery. However, the development of polymer vehicles capable of high transfection efficiency and minimal toxicity has remained elusive, and continued exploration of the vast design space is required. Traditional single polymer syntheses with large monomer bases are very time-intensive, limiting the speed at which new formulations are identified. In this work, we present an experimental method for the quick probing of the design space, utilizing a combinatorial set of 90 polymer blends, derived from 6 statistical copolymers, to deliver pDNA. This workflow facilitated rapid screening of polyplex compositions, successfully tailoring polyplex hydrophobicity, particle size, and payload binding affinity. This workflow identified blended polyplexes with high levels of transfection efficiency and cell viability relative to single copolymer controls and commercial JetPEI, indicating synergistic benefits from copolymer blending. Polyplex composition was coupled with biological outputs to guide the synthesis of single terpolymer vehicles, with high-performing polymers P10 and M20, providing superior transfection of HEK293T cells in serum-free and serum-containing media, respectively. Machine learning coupled with SHapley Additive exPlanations (SHAP) was used to identify polymer/polyplex attributes that most impact transfection efficiency, viability, and overall effective efficiency. Subsequent transfections on ARPE-19 and HDFn cells found that P10 and M20 were surpassed in performance by M10, contrasting with results in HEK293T cells. This cell type dependency reinforced the need to evaluate transfection conditions with multiple cell models to potentially identify moieties more beneficial to delivery in certain tissues. Overall, the workflow employed can be used to expedite the exploration of the polymer design space, bypassing extensive synthesis, and to develop improved polymer delivery vehicles more readily for nucleic acid therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael C Leyden
- Department of Chemical Engineering and Materials Science, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55455, United States
| | - Felipe Oviedo
- Nanite Inc., Boston, Massachusetts 02109, United States
| | - Sonashree Saxena
- Department of Chemistry, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55455, United States
| | - Ramya Kumar
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Colorado School of Mines, Golden, Colorado 80401, United States
| | - Ngoc Le
- 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
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2
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Agrohia DK, Goswami R, Jantarat T, Çiçek YA, Thongsukh K, Jeon T, Bell JM, Rotello VM, Vachet RW. Suborgan Level Quantitation of Proteins in Tissues Delivered by Polymeric Nanocarriers. ACS NANO 2024; 18:16808-16818. [PMID: 38870478 DOI: 10.1021/acsnano.4c02344] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/15/2024]
Abstract
Amidst the rapid growth of protein therapeutics as a drug class, there is an increased focus on designing systems to effectively deliver proteins to target organs. Quantitative monitoring of protein distributions in tissues is essential for optimal development of delivery systems; however, existing strategies can have limited accuracy, making it difficult to assess suborgan dosing. Here, we describe a quantitative imaging approach that utilizes metal-coded mass tags and laser ablation inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (LA-ICP-MS) to quantify the suborgan distributions of proteins in tissues that have been delivered by polymeric nanocarriers. Using this approach, we measure nanomole per gram levels of proteins as delivered by guanidinium-functionalized poly(oxanorborneneimide) (PONI) polymers to various tissues, including the alveolar region of the lung. Due to the multiplexing capability of the LA-ICP-MS imaging, we are also able to simultaneously quantify protein and polymer distributions, obtaining valuable information about the relative excretion pathways of the protein cargo and carrier. This imaging approach will facilitate quantitative correlations between nanocarrier properties and protein cargo biodistributions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dheeraj K Agrohia
- Department of Chemistry, University of Massachusetts Amherst, Amherst, Massachusetts 01003, United States
| | - Ritabrita Goswami
- Department of Chemistry, University of Massachusetts Amherst, Amherst, Massachusetts 01003, United States
| | - Teerapong Jantarat
- Department of Chemistry, University of Massachusetts Amherst, Amherst, Massachusetts 01003, United States
| | - Yağız Anil Çiçek
- Department of Chemistry, University of Massachusetts Amherst, Amherst, Massachusetts 01003, United States
| | - Korndanai Thongsukh
- Department of Chemistry, University of Massachusetts Amherst, Amherst, Massachusetts 01003, United States
| | - Taewon Jeon
- Molecular and Cellular Biology Program, University of Massachusetts Amherst, Amherst, Massachusetts 01003, United States
| | - Jonathan M Bell
- Department of Chemistry, University of Massachusetts Amherst, Amherst, Massachusetts 01003, United States
| | - Vincent M Rotello
- Department of Chemistry, University of Massachusetts Amherst, Amherst, Massachusetts 01003, United States
- Molecular and Cellular Biology Program, University of Massachusetts Amherst, Amherst, Massachusetts 01003, United States
| | - Richard W Vachet
- Department of Chemistry, University of Massachusetts Amherst, Amherst, Massachusetts 01003, United States
- Molecular and Cellular Biology Program, University of Massachusetts Amherst, Amherst, Massachusetts 01003, United States
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3
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Williams-Fegredo T, Davies L, Knevelman C, Mitrophanous K, Miskin J, Rafiq QA. Degradation of specific glycosaminoglycans improves transfection efficiency and vector production in transient lentiviral vector manufacturing processes. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2024; 12:1409203. [PMID: 38994127 PMCID: PMC11238175 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2024.1409203] [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: 03/29/2024] [Accepted: 06/04/2024] [Indexed: 07/13/2024] Open
Abstract
Both cell surface and soluble extracellular glycosaminoglycans have been shown to interfere with the exogenous nucleic acid delivery efficiency of non-viral gene delivery, including lipoplex and polyplex-mediated transfection. Most gene therapy viral vectors used commercially and in clinical trials are currently manufactured using transient transfection-based bioprocesses. The growing demand for viral vector products, coupled with a global shortage in production capability, requires improved transfection technologies and processes to maximise process efficiency and productivity. Soluble extracellular glycosaminoglycans were found to accumulate in the conditioned cell culture medium of suspension adapted HEK293T cell cultures, compromising transfection performance and lentiviral vector production. The enzymatic degradation of specific, chondroitin sulphate-based, glycosaminoglycans with chondroitinase ABC was found to significantly enhance transfection performance. Additionally, we report significant improvements in functional lentiviral vector titre when cultivating cells at higher cell densities than those utilised in a control lentiviral vector bioprocess; an improvement that was further enhanced when cultures were supplemented with chondroitinase ABC prior to transfection. A 71.2% increase in functional lentiviral vector titre was calculated when doubling the cell density prior to transfection compared to the existing process and treatment of the high-density cell cultures with 0.1 U/mL chondroitinase ABC resulted in a further 18.6% increase in titre, presenting a method that can effectively enhance transfection performance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Williams-Fegredo
- Oxford Biomedica (UK) Limited, Oxford, United Kingdom
- Department of Biochemical Engineering, Advanced Centre for Biochemical Engineering, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Lee Davies
- Oxford Biomedica (UK) Limited, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | | | | | - James Miskin
- Oxford Biomedica (UK) Limited, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Qasim A. Rafiq
- Department of Biochemical Engineering, Advanced Centre for Biochemical Engineering, University College London, London, United Kingdom
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4
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Hartl N, Gabold B, Uhl P, Kromer A, Xiao X, Fricker G, Mier W, Liu R, Merkel OM. ApoE-functionalization of nanoparticles for targeted brain delivery-a feasible method for polyplexes? Drug Deliv Transl Res 2024; 14:1660-1677. [PMID: 38087181 PMCID: PMC11052808 DOI: 10.1007/s13346-023-01482-w] [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] [Accepted: 11/09/2023] [Indexed: 04/28/2024]
Abstract
The blood-brain barrier (BBB) poses a major obstacle in the treatment of all types of central nervous system (CNS) diseases. Small interfering RNA (siRNA) offers in principle a promising therapeutic approach by downregulating disease-related genes via RNA interference. However, the BBB is a formidable barrier for macromolecules such as nucleic acids. In an effort to develop a brain-targeted strategy for siRNA delivery systems formed by electrostatic interactions with cationic polymers (polyplexes (PXs)), we investigated the suitability of the well-known surfactant-based approach for Apolipoprotein E (ApoE)-functionalization of nanoparticles (NPs). The aim of this present work was to investigate if ApoE coating of siRNA PXs formed with cationic branched 25-kDa poly(ethyleneimine) (b-PEI) and nylon-3 polymers without or after precoating with polysorbate 80 (PS 80) would promote successful delivery across the BBB. We utilized highly hydrophobic NM0.2/CP0.8 nylon-3 polymers to evaluate the effects of hydrophobic cyclopentyl (CP) subunits on ApoE binding efficacy and observed successful ApoE binding with and without PS 80 precoating to the nylon-3 but not the PEI polyplexes. Accordingly, ApoE-coated nylon-3 polyplexes showed significantly increased uptake and gene silencing in U87 glioma cells but no benefit in vivo. In conclusion, further optimization of ApoE-functionalized polyplexes and more sophisticated in vitro models are required to achieve more successful in vitro-in vivo translation in future approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natascha Hartl
- Pharmaceutical Technology and Biopharmaceutics, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität, Butenandtstr. 5-13, 81377, Munich, Germany
| | - Bettina Gabold
- Pharmaceutical Technology and Biopharmaceutics, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität, Butenandtstr. 5-13, 81377, Munich, Germany
| | - Philipp Uhl
- Pharmaceutical Technology and Biopharmaceutics, Ruprecht-Karls-University, Im Neuenheimer Feld 329, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Adrian Kromer
- Pharmaceutical Technology and Biopharmaceutics, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität, Butenandtstr. 5-13, 81377, Munich, Germany
| | - Ximian Xiao
- State Key Laboratory of Bioreactor Engineering, Frontiers Science Center for Materiobiology and Dynamic Chemistry, Shanghai Frontiers Science Center of Optogenetic Techniques for Cell Metabolism, School of Materials Science and Engineering, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai, 200237, China
| | - Gert Fricker
- Pharmaceutical Technology and Biopharmaceutics, Ruprecht-Karls-University, Im Neuenheimer Feld 329, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Walter Mier
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, University Hospital Heidelberg, Im Neuenheimer Feld 400, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Runhui Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Bioreactor Engineering, Frontiers Science Center for Materiobiology and Dynamic Chemistry, Shanghai Frontiers Science Center of Optogenetic Techniques for Cell Metabolism, School of Materials Science and Engineering, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai, 200237, China
| | - Olivia M Merkel
- Pharmaceutical Technology and Biopharmaceutics, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität, Butenandtstr. 5-13, 81377, Munich, Germany.
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Scherer D, Burger M, Leroux JC. Revival of Bioengineered Proteins as Carriers for Nucleic Acids. Bioconjug Chem 2024; 35:561-566. [PMID: 38621363 PMCID: PMC11099893 DOI: 10.1021/acs.bioconjchem.4c00079] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2024] [Accepted: 04/01/2024] [Indexed: 04/17/2024]
Affiliation(s)
- David Scherer
- Institute of Pharmaceutical
Sciences, Department of Chemistry and Applied Biosciences, ETH Zurich, Zurich 8093, Switzerland
| | - Michael Burger
- Institute of Pharmaceutical
Sciences, Department of Chemistry and Applied Biosciences, ETH Zurich, Zurich 8093, Switzerland
| | - Jean-Christophe Leroux
- Institute of Pharmaceutical
Sciences, Department of Chemistry and Applied Biosciences, ETH Zurich, Zurich 8093, Switzerland
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6
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Xiang K, Li Y, Cong H, Yu B, Shen Y. Peptide-based non-viral gene delivery: A comprehensive review of the advances and challenges. Int J Biol Macromol 2024; 266:131194. [PMID: 38554914 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2024.131194] [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: 12/11/2023] [Revised: 03/14/2024] [Accepted: 03/26/2024] [Indexed: 04/02/2024]
Abstract
Gene therapy is the most effective treatment option for diseases, but its effectiveness is affected by the choice and design of gene carriers. The genes themselves have to pass through multiple barriers in order to enter the cell and therefore require additional vectors to carry them inside the cell. In gene therapy, peptides have unique properties and potential as gene carriers, which can effectively deliver genes into specific cells or tissues, protect genes from degradation, improve gene transfection efficiency, and enhance gene targeting and biological responsiveness. This paper reviews the research progress of peptides and their derivatives in the field of gene delivery recently, describes the obstacles encountered by foreign materials to enter the interior of the cell, and introduces the following classes of functional peptides that can carry materials into the interior of the cell, and assist in transmembrane translocation of carriers, thus breaking through endosomal traps to enable successful entry of genetic materials into the nucleus of the cell. The paper also discusses the combined application of peptide vectors with other vectors to enhance its transfection ability, explores current challenges encountered by peptide vectors, and looks forward to future developments in the field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kai Xiang
- College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, College of Materials Science and Engineering, Institute of Biomedical Materials and Engineering, Qingdao University, Qingdao 266071, China
| | - Yanan Li
- College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, College of Materials Science and Engineering, Institute of Biomedical Materials and Engineering, Qingdao University, Qingdao 266071, China
| | - Hailin Cong
- College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, College of Materials Science and Engineering, Institute of Biomedical Materials and Engineering, Qingdao University, Qingdao 266071, China; State Key Laboratory of Bio-Fibers and Eco-Textiles, Qingdao University, Qingdao 266071, China; School of Materials Science and Engineering, Shandong University of Technology, Zibo 255000, China.
| | - Bing Yu
- College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, College of Materials Science and Engineering, Institute of Biomedical Materials and Engineering, Qingdao University, Qingdao 266071, China; State Key Laboratory of Bio-Fibers and Eco-Textiles, Qingdao University, Qingdao 266071, China.
| | - Youqing Shen
- College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, College of Materials Science and Engineering, Institute of Biomedical Materials and Engineering, Qingdao University, Qingdao 266071, China; Key Laboratory of Biomass Chemical Engineering of Ministry of Education, Center for Bio nanoengineering, and Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310027, China
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7
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Eweje F, Walsh ML, Ahmad K, Ibrahim V, Alrefai A, Chen J, Chaikof EL. Protein-based nanoparticles for therapeutic nucleic acid delivery. Biomaterials 2024; 305:122464. [PMID: 38181574 PMCID: PMC10872380 DOI: 10.1016/j.biomaterials.2023.122464] [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: 09/23/2023] [Revised: 12/25/2023] [Accepted: 12/31/2023] [Indexed: 01/07/2024]
Abstract
To realize the full potential of emerging nucleic acid therapies, there is a need for effective delivery agents to transport cargo to cells of interest. Protein materials exhibit several unique properties, including biodegradability, biocompatibility, ease of functionalization via recombinant and chemical modifications, among other features, which establish a promising basis for therapeutic nucleic acid delivery systems. In this review, we highlight progress made in the use of non-viral protein-based nanoparticles for nucleic acid delivery in vitro and in vivo, while elaborating on key physicochemical properties that have enabled the use of these materials for nanoparticle formulation and drug delivery. To conclude, we comment on the prospects and unresolved challenges associated with the translation of protein-based nucleic acid delivery systems for therapeutic applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Feyisayo Eweje
- Department of Surgery, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02215, USA; Harvard and MIT Division of Health Sciences and Technology, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, 02139, USA; Harvard/MIT MD-PhD Program, Boston, MA, USA, 02115; Wyss Institute of Biologically Inspired Engineering, Harvard University, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
| | - Michelle L Walsh
- Department of Surgery, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02215, USA; Harvard and MIT Division of Health Sciences and Technology, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, 02139, USA; Harvard/MIT MD-PhD Program, Boston, MA, USA, 02115
| | - Kiran Ahmad
- Department of Surgery, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02215, USA
| | - Vanessa Ibrahim
- Department of Surgery, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02215, USA
| | - Assma Alrefai
- Department of Surgery, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02215, USA
| | - Jiaxuan Chen
- Department of Surgery, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02215, USA; Wyss Institute of Biologically Inspired Engineering, Harvard University, Boston, MA, 02115, USA.
| | - Elliot L Chaikof
- Department of Surgery, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02215, USA; Wyss Institute of Biologically Inspired Engineering, Harvard University, Boston, MA, 02115, USA.
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8
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Yum J, Aulia F, Kamiya K, Hori M, Qiao N, Kim BS, Naito M, Ogura S, Nagata T, Yokota T, Uchida S, Obika S, Kim HJ, Miyata K. Hydrophobicity Tuning of Cationic Polyaspartamide Derivatives for Enhanced Antisense Oligonucleotide Delivery. Bioconjug Chem 2024; 35:125-131. [PMID: 38290165 DOI: 10.1021/acs.bioconjchem.3c00456] [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: 02/01/2024]
Abstract
Various cationic polymers are used to deliver polyplex-mediated antisense oligonucleotides (ASOs). However, few studies have investigated the structural determinants of polyplex functionalities in polymers. This study focused on the polymer hydrophobicity. A series of amphiphilic polyaspartamide derivatives possessing various hydrophobic (R) moieties together with cationic diethylenetriamine (DET) moieties in the side chain (PAsp(DET/R)s) were synthesized to optimize the R moieties (or hydrophobicity) for locked nucleic acid (LNA) gapmer ASO delivery. The gene knockdown efficiencies of PAsp(DET/R) polyplexes were plotted against a hydrophobicity parameter, logD7.3, of PAsp(DET/R), revealing that the gene knockdown efficiency was substantially improved by PAsp(DET/R) with logD7.3 higher than -2.4. This was explained by the increased polyplex stability and improved cellular uptake of ASO payloads. After intratracheal administration, the polyplex samples with a higher logD7.3 than -2.4 induced a significantly higher gene knockdown in the lung tissue compared with counterparts with lower hydrophobicity and naked ASO. These results demonstrate that the hydrophobicity of PAsp(DET/R) is crucial for efficient ASO delivery in vitro and in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jongmin Yum
- Department of Materials Engineering, Graduate School of Engineering, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8656, Japan
- Nucleotide and Peptide Drug Discovery Center (TIDE Center), Institute of Research, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, 1-5-45 Yushima, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-0034, Japan
| | - Fadlina Aulia
- Department of Materials Engineering, Graduate School of Engineering, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8656, Japan
| | - Keisuke Kamiya
- Department of Materials Engineering, Graduate School of Engineering, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8656, Japan
| | - Mao Hori
- Department of Materials Engineering, Graduate School of Engineering, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8656, Japan
| | - Nan Qiao
- Department of Materials Engineering, Graduate School of Engineering, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8656, Japan
| | - Beob Soo Kim
- Department of Materials Engineering, Graduate School of Engineering, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8656, Japan
| | - Mitsuru Naito
- Department of Materials Engineering, Graduate School of Engineering, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8656, Japan
| | - Satomi Ogura
- Department of Materials Engineering, Graduate School of Engineering, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8656, Japan
| | - Tetsuya Nagata
- Nucleotide and Peptide Drug Discovery Center (TIDE Center), Institute of Research, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, 1-5-45 Yushima, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-0034, Japan
| | - Takanori Yokota
- Nucleotide and Peptide Drug Discovery Center (TIDE Center), Institute of Research, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, 1-5-45 Yushima, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-0034, Japan
| | - Satoshi Uchida
- Department of Advanced Nanomedical Engineering, Medical Research Institute, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, 1-5-45 Yushima, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8510, Japan
| | - Satoshi Obika
- Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Osaka University, 1-6 Yamadaoka, Suita, Osaka 565-0871, Japan
| | - Hyun Jin Kim
- Department of Biological Engineering, College of Engineering, Inha University, 100 Inha-ro, Michuhol-gu, Incheon 22212, Republic of Korea
- Department of Biological Sciences and Bioengineering, Inha University, 100 Inha-ro, Michuhol-gu, Incheon 22212, Republic of Korea
| | - Kanjiro Miyata
- Department of Materials Engineering, Graduate School of Engineering, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8656, Japan
- Department of Bioengineering, Graduate School of Engineering, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8656, Japan
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9
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Liu Y, Zhou L, Xu X, Cheng Z, Chen Y, Mei XA, Zheng N, Zhang C, Bai Y. Combination of Backbone Rigidity and Richness in Aryl Structures Enables Direct Membrane Translocation of Polymer Scaffolds for Efficient Gene Delivery. Biomacromolecules 2023; 24:5698-5706. [PMID: 37945526 DOI: 10.1021/acs.biomac.3c00682] [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: 11/12/2023]
Abstract
The development of cell-penetrating polymers with endocytosis-independent cell uptake pathways has emerged as a prominent strategy to enhance the transfection efficiency. Inspired by the rigid α-helical structure that endows polypeptides with cell-penetrating ability, we propose that a rigid backbone can facilitate the corresponding polymer vector's performance in gene delivery by bypassing the difficult endosomal escape process. Meanwhile, the installation of aromatic domains, as a way to promote gene transfection efficiency, is employed through the construction of a poly(benzyl ether) (PBE)-based scaffold in this work. We demonstrate that the direct membrane translocation capability of the synthesized PBE contributes to its enhanced transfection performance and excellent biocompatibility profile, rendering the imidazolium-functionalized PBE scaffold with higher activity and biocompatibility. Molecular details of the PBE-lipid interaction are also revealed in molecular dynamics simulations, indicating the important roles of individual structural elements on the polymeric scaffold in the membrane penetration process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Chemo-/Bio-Sensing and Chemometrics, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Hunan University, Changsha, Hunan 410082, China
| | - Leyue Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Chemo-/Bio-Sensing and Chemometrics, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Hunan University, Changsha, Hunan 410082, China
- Department of Food and Pharmaceutical Engineering, Shijiazhuang College of Applied Technology, Shijiazhuang, Hebei 050081, China
| | - Xiang Xu
- Department of Polymer Science and Engineering, School of Chemical Engineering, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian, Liaoning 116024, China
| | - Zehong Cheng
- State Key Laboratory of Chemo-/Bio-Sensing and Chemometrics, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Hunan University, Changsha, Hunan 410082, China
| | - Yajie Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Chemo-/Bio-Sensing and Chemometrics, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Hunan University, Changsha, Hunan 410082, China
| | - Xue-Ao Mei
- State Key Laboratory of Chemo-/Bio-Sensing and Chemometrics, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Hunan University, Changsha, Hunan 410082, China
| | - Nan Zheng
- Department of Polymer Science and Engineering, School of Chemical Engineering, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian, Liaoning 116024, China
| | - Chunhui Zhang
- School of Biology, Hunan University, Changsha, Hunan 410082, China
| | - Yugang Bai
- State Key Laboratory of Chemo-/Bio-Sensing and Chemometrics, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Hunan University, Changsha, Hunan 410082, China
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10
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Fornaguera C, Torres-Coll A, Olmo L, Garcia-Fernandez C, Guerra-Rebollo M, Borrós S. Engineering oncogene-targeted anisamide-functionalized pBAE nanoparticles as efficient lung cancer antisense therapies. RSC Adv 2023; 13:29986-30001. [PMID: 37842686 PMCID: PMC10573942 DOI: 10.1039/d3ra05830a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2023] [Accepted: 10/04/2023] [Indexed: 10/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is one of the leading causes of worldwide death, mainly due to the lack of efficient and safe therapies. Currently, NSCLC standard of care for consist on the use of traditional chemotherapeutics, non-selectively distributed through the whole body, thus causing severe side effects while not achieving high efficacy outcomes. Consequently, the need of novel therapies, targeted to modify specific subcellular routes aberrantly expressed only in tumor cells is still urgent. In this context, the delivery of siRNAs that can know-down overexpressed oncogenes, such as mTOR, could become the promised targeted therapy. However, siRNA effective delivery remains a challenge due to its compromised stability in biological fluids and its inability to cross biological and plasmatic membranes. Therefore, polymeric nanoparticles that efficiently encapsulate siRNAs and are selectively targeted to tumor cells could play a pivotal role. Accordingly, we demonstrate in this work that oligopeptide end-modified poly(beta aminoester) (OM-pBAE) polymers can efficiently complex siRNA in small nanometric particles using very low polymer amounts, protecting siRNA from nucleases attack. These nanoparticles are stable in the presence of serum, advantageous fact in terms of in vivo use. We also demonstrated that they efficiently transfect cells in vitro, in the presence of serum and are able to knock down target gene expression. Moreover, we demonstrated their antitumor efficacy by encapsulating mTOR siRNA, as a model antisense therapy, which showed specific lung tumor cell growth inhibition in vitro and in vivo. Finally, through the addition of anisamide functionalization to the surface of the nanoparticles, we proved that they become selective to lung tumor cells, while not affecting healthy cells. Therefore, our results are a first step in the discovery of a tumor cell-targeted efficient silencing nanotherapy for NSCLC patients survival improvement.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cristina Fornaguera
- Grup d'Enginyeria de Materials (Gemat), Institut Químic de Sarrià (IQS), Universitat Ramon Llull (URL) Spain
| | - Antoni Torres-Coll
- Grup d'Enginyeria de Materials (Gemat), Institut Químic de Sarrià (IQS), Universitat Ramon Llull (URL) Spain
| | - Laura Olmo
- Grup d'Enginyeria de Materials (Gemat), Institut Químic de Sarrià (IQS), Universitat Ramon Llull (URL) Spain
| | - Coral Garcia-Fernandez
- Grup d'Enginyeria de Materials (Gemat), Institut Químic de Sarrià (IQS), Universitat Ramon Llull (URL) Spain
| | - Marta Guerra-Rebollo
- Grup d'Enginyeria de Materials (Gemat), Institut Químic de Sarrià (IQS), Universitat Ramon Llull (URL) Spain
| | - Salvador Borrós
- Grup d'Enginyeria de Materials (Gemat), Institut Químic de Sarrià (IQS), Universitat Ramon Llull (URL) Spain
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11
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Uchida S, Lau CYJ, Oba M, Miyata K. Polyplex designs for improving the stability and safety of RNA therapeutics. Adv Drug Deliv Rev 2023; 199:114972. [PMID: 37364611 DOI: 10.1016/j.addr.2023.114972] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2023] [Revised: 06/15/2023] [Accepted: 06/21/2023] [Indexed: 06/28/2023]
Abstract
Nanoparticle-based delivery systems have contributed to the recent clinical success of RNA therapeutics, including siRNA and mRNA. RNA delivery using polymers has several distinct properties, such as enabling RNA delivery into extra-hepatic organs, modulation of immune responses to RNA, and regulation of intracellular RNA release. However, delivery systems should overcome safety and stability issues to achieve widespread therapeutic applications. Safety concerns include direct damage to cellular components, innate and adaptive immune responses, complement activation, and interaction with surrounding molecules and cells in the blood circulation. The stability of the delivery systems should balance extracellular RNA protection and controlled intracellular RNA release, which requires optimization for each RNA species. Further, polymer designs for improving safety and stability often conflict with each other. This review covers advances in polymer-based approaches to address these issues over several years, focusing on biological understanding and design concepts for delivery systems rather than material chemistry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Satoshi Uchida
- Department of Advanced Nanomedical Engineering, Medical Research Institute, Tokyo Medical and Dental University (TMDU), 1-5-45 Yushima, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-8510, Japan; Medical Chemistry, Graduate School of Medical Science, Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine, 1-5 Shimogamohangi-cho, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto, 606-0823, Japan; Innovation Center of NanoMedicine (iCONM), Kawasaki Institute of Industrial Promotion, 3-25-14 Tonomachi, Kawasaki-ku, Kawasaki, 210-0821, Japan.
| | - Chun Yin Jerry Lau
- Department of Materials Engineering, Graduate School of Engineering, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8656, Japan
| | - Makoto Oba
- Medical Chemistry, Graduate School of Medical Science, Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine, 1-5 Shimogamohangi-cho, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto, 606-0823, Japan
| | - Kanjiro Miyata
- Department of Materials Engineering, Graduate School of Engineering, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8656, Japan; Department of Bioengineering, Graduate School of Engineering, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8656, Japan.
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12
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Pyreddy S, Poddar A, Carraro F, Polash SA, Dekiwadia C, Murdoch B, Nasa Z, Reddy TS, Falcaro P, Shukla R. Targeting telomerase utilizing zeolitic imidazole frameworks as non-viral gene delivery agents across different cancer cell types. BIOMATERIALS ADVANCES 2023; 149:213420. [PMID: 37062125 DOI: 10.1016/j.bioadv.2023.213420] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2022] [Revised: 03/28/2023] [Accepted: 04/02/2023] [Indexed: 04/18/2023]
Abstract
Telomerase, a ribonucleoprotein coded by the hTERT gene, plays an important role in cellular immortalization and carcinogenesis. hTERT is a suitable target for cancer therapeutics as its activity is highly upregulated in most of cancer cells but absent in normal somatic cells. Here, by employing the two Metal-Organic Frameworks (MOFs), viz. ZIF-C and ZIF-8, based biomineralization we encapsulate Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeat (CRISPR)/Cas9 plasmid system that targets hTERT gene (CrhTERT) in cancer cells. When comparing the two biocomposites, ZIF-C shows the better loading capacity and cell viability. The loaded plasmid in ZIF-C is highly protected against enzymatic degradation. CrhTERT@ZIF-C is efficiently endocytosed by cancer cells and the subcellular release of CrhTERT leads to telomerase knockdown. The resultant inhibition of hTERT expression decreases cellular proliferation and causing cancer cell death. Furthermore, hTERT knockdown shows a significant reduction in tumour metastasis and alters protein expression. Collectively we show the high potential of ZIF-C-based biocomposites as a promising general tool for gene therapy of different types of cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Suneela Pyreddy
- NanoBiotechnology Research Laboratory, Centre for Advanced Materials & Industrial Chemistry, RMIT University, Melbourne, Victoria 3001, Australia; School of Science, RMIT University, Melbourne, Victoria 3001, Australia
| | - Arpita Poddar
- NanoBiotechnology Research Laboratory, Centre for Advanced Materials & Industrial Chemistry, RMIT University, Melbourne, Victoria 3001, Australia; School of Science, RMIT University, Melbourne, Victoria 3001, Australia; Fiona Elsey Cancer Research Institute, Ballarat, Victoria 3350, Australia
| | - Francesco Carraro
- Institute of Physical and Theoretical Chemistry, Graz University of Technology, Graz 8010, Austria
| | - Shakil Ahmed Polash
- NanoBiotechnology Research Laboratory, Centre for Advanced Materials & Industrial Chemistry, RMIT University, Melbourne, Victoria 3001, Australia; School of Science, RMIT University, Melbourne, Victoria 3001, Australia
| | | | - Billy Murdoch
- School of Science, RMIT University, Melbourne, Victoria 3001, Australia
| | - Zeyad Nasa
- School of Science, RMIT University, Melbourne, Victoria 3001, Australia
| | - T Srinivasa Reddy
- NanoBiotechnology Research Laboratory, Centre for Advanced Materials & Industrial Chemistry, RMIT University, Melbourne, Victoria 3001, Australia; School of Science, RMIT University, Melbourne, Victoria 3001, Australia
| | - Paolo Falcaro
- Institute of Physical and Theoretical Chemistry, Graz University of Technology, Graz 8010, Austria.
| | - Ravi Shukla
- NanoBiotechnology Research Laboratory, Centre for Advanced Materials & Industrial Chemistry, RMIT University, Melbourne, Victoria 3001, Australia; School of Science, RMIT University, Melbourne, Victoria 3001, Australia.
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13
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Yang W, Miyazaki T, Nakagawa Y, Boonstra E, Masuda K, Nakashima Y, Chen P, Mixich L, Barthelmes K, Matsumoto A, Mi P, Uchida S, Cabral H. Block catiomers with flanking hydrolyzable tyrosinate groups enhance in vivo mRNA delivery via π-π stacking-assisted micellar assembly. SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY OF ADVANCED MATERIALS 2023; 24:2170164. [PMID: 36950277 PMCID: PMC10026751 DOI: 10.1080/14686996.2023.2170164] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2022] [Revised: 01/10/2023] [Accepted: 01/13/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Messenger RNA (mRNA) therapeutics have recently demonstrated high clinical potential with the accelerated approval of SARS-CoV-2 vaccines. To fulfill the promise of unprecedented mRNA-based treatments, the development of safe and efficient carriers is still necessary to achieve effective delivery of mRNA. Herein, we prepared mRNA-loaded nanocarriers for enhanced in vivo delivery using biocompatible block copolymers having functional amino acid moieties for tunable interaction with mRNA. The block copolymers were based on flexible poly(ethylene glycol)-poly(glycerol) (PEG-PG) modified with glycine (Gly), leucine (Leu) or tyrosine (Tyr) via ester bonds to generate block catiomers. Moreover, the amino acids can be gradually detached from the block copolymers after ester bond hydrolyzation, avoiding cytotoxic effects. When mixed with mRNA, the block catiomers formed narrowly distributed polymeric micelles with high stability and enhanced delivery efficiency. Particularly, the micelles based on tyrosine-modified PEG-PG (PEG-PGTyr), which formed a polyion complex (PIC) and π-π stacking with mRNA, displayed excellent stability against polyanions and promoted mRNA integrity in serum. PEG-PGTyr-based micelles also increased the cellular uptake and the endosomal escape, promoting high protein expression both in vitro and in vivo. Furthermore, the PEG-PGTyr-based micelles significantly extended the half-life of the loaded mRNA after intravenous injection. Our results highlight the potential of PEG-PGTyr-based micelles as safe and effective carriers for mRNA, expediting the rational design of polymeric materials for enhanced mRNA delivery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenqian Yang
- Department of Bioengineering, Graduate School of Engineering, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
- Department of Radiology, Center for Medical Imaging, and State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Takuya Miyazaki
- Kanagawa Institute of Industrial Science and Technology, Ebina, Japan
| | - Yasuhiro Nakagawa
- Department of Bioengineering, Graduate School of Engineering, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, School of Materials and Chemical Technology, Tokyo Institute of Technology, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Eger Boonstra
- Department of Bioengineering, Graduate School of Engineering, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Keita Masuda
- Department of Bioengineering, Graduate School of Engineering, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Yuki Nakashima
- Department of Bioengineering, Graduate School of Engineering, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Pengwen Chen
- Department of Bioengineering, Graduate School of Engineering, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Lucas Mixich
- Department of Bioengineering, Graduate School of Engineering, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Kevin Barthelmes
- Kanagawa Institute of Industrial Science and Technology, Ebina, Japan
| | - Akira Matsumoto
- Institute of Biomaterials and Bioengineering, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Peng Mi
- Department of Radiology, Center for Medical Imaging, and State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Satoshi Uchida
- Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Horacio Cabral
- Department of Bioengineering, Graduate School of Engineering, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
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14
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Yang W, Mixich L, Boonstra E, Cabral H. Polymer-Based mRNA Delivery Strategies for Advanced Therapies. Adv Healthc Mater 2023:e2202688. [PMID: 36785927 DOI: 10.1002/adhm.202202688] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 34.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2022] [Revised: 01/31/2023] [Indexed: 02/15/2023]
Abstract
Messenger RNA (mRNA)-based therapies offer great promise for the treatment of a variety of diseases. In 2020, two FDA approvals of mRNA-based vaccines have elevated mRNA vaccines to global recognition. However, the therapeutic capabilities of mRNA extend far beyond vaccines against infectious diseases. They hold potential for cancer vaccines, protein replacement therapies, gene editing therapies, and immunotherapies. For realizing such advanced therapies, it is crucial to develop effective carrier systems. Recent advances in materials science have led to the development of promising nonviral mRNA delivery systems. In comparison to other carriers like lipid nanoparticles, polymer-based delivery systems often receive less attention, despite their unique ability to carefully tune their chemical features to promote mRNA protection, their favorable pharmacokinetics, and their potential for targeting delivery. In this review, the central features of polymer-based systems for mRNA delivery highlighting the molecular design criteria, stability, and biodistribution are discussed. Finally, the role of targeting ligands for the future of RNA therapies is analyzed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenqian Yang
- Department of Bioengineering, Graduate School of Engineering, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-8656, Japan
| | - Lucas Mixich
- Department of Bioengineering, Graduate School of Engineering, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-8656, Japan
| | - Eger Boonstra
- Department of Bioengineering, Graduate School of Engineering, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-8656, Japan
| | - Horacio Cabral
- Department of Bioengineering, Graduate School of Engineering, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-8656, Japan
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15
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Chakraborty A, Dharmaraj S, Truong N, Pearson RM. Excipient-Free Ionizable Polyester Nanoparticles for Lung-Selective and Innate Immune Cell Plasmid DNA and mRNA Transfection. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2022; 14:56440-56453. [PMID: 36525379 PMCID: PMC9872050 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.2c14424] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Extrahepatic nucleic acid delivery using polymers typically requires the synthesis and purification of custom monomers, post-synthetic modifications, and incorporation of additional excipients to augment their stability, endosomal escape, and in vivo effectiveness. Here, we report the development of a single-component and excipient-free, polyester-based nucleic acid delivery nanoparticle platform comprising ionizable N-methyldiethanolamine (MDET) and various hydrophobic alkyl diols (Cp) that achieves lung-selective nucleic acid transfection in vivo. PolyMDET and polyMDET-Cp polyplexes displayed high serum and enzymatic stability, while delivering pDNA or mRNA to "hard-to-transfect" innate immune cells. PolyMDET-C4 and polyMDET-C6 mediated high protein expression in lung alveolar macrophages and dendritic cells without inducing tissue damage or systemic inflammatory responses. Improved strategies using readily available starting materials to produce a simple, excipient-free, non-viral nucleic acid delivery platform with lung-selective and innate immune cell tropism has the potential to expedite clinical deployment of polymer-based genetic medicines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Atanu Chakraborty
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Maryland School of Pharmacy, 20 N. Pine Street, Baltimore, Maryland21201, United States
| | - Shruti Dharmaraj
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Maryland School of Pharmacy, 20 N. Pine Street, Baltimore, Maryland21201, United States
| | - Nhu Truong
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Maryland School of Pharmacy, 20 N. Pine Street, Baltimore, Maryland21201, United States
| | - Ryan M Pearson
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Maryland School of Pharmacy, 20 N. Pine Street, Baltimore, Maryland21201, United States
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, 685 W. Baltimore Street, Baltimore, Maryland21201, United States
- Program in Molecular Medicine, University of Maryland School of Medicine, 655 W. Baltimore Street, Baltimore, Maryland21201, United States
- Marlene and Stewart Greenebaum Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Maryland School of Medicine, 22 S. Greene Street, Baltimore, Maryland21201, United States
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16
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Cui P, Ma L, Jiang P, Wang C, Wang J. PEG Gels Significantly Improve the Storage Stability of Nucleic Acid Preparations. Gels 2022; 8:gels8120819. [PMID: 36547343 PMCID: PMC9778030 DOI: 10.3390/gels8120819] [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: 11/17/2022] [Revised: 12/02/2022] [Accepted: 12/09/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Currently, nucleic acid preparations have gained much attention due to their unique working principle and application value. However, as macromolecular drugs, nucleic acid preparations have complex construction and poor stability. The current methods to promote stability face problems such as high cost and inconvenient operatios. In this study, the hydrophilic pharmaceutical excipient PEG was used to gelate nucleic acid preparations to avoid the random movements of liquid particles. The results showed that PEG gelation significantly improved the stability of PEI25K-based and liposome-based nucleic acid preparations, compared with nucleic acid preparations without PEG gelation. After being stored at 4 °C for 3 days, non-PEG gelled nucleic acid preparations almost lost transfection activity, while PEGylated preparations still maintained high transfection efficiency. Fluorescence experiments showed that this effect was caused by inhibiting particle aggregation. The method described in this study was simple and effective, and the materials used had good biocompatibility. It is believed that this study will contribute to the better development of gene therapy drugs.
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17
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Hanson MG, Grimme CJ, Santa Chalarca CF, Reineke TM. Cationic Micelles Outperform Linear Polymers for Delivery of Antisense Oligonucleotides in Serum: An Exploration of Polymer Architecture, Cationic Moieties, and Cell Addition Order. Bioconjug Chem 2022; 33:2121-2131. [PMID: 36265078 DOI: 10.1021/acs.bioconjchem.2c00379] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
Antisense oligonucleotides (ASOs) are an important emerging therapeutic; however, they struggle to enter cells without a delivery vehicle, such as a cationic polymer. To understand the role of polymer architecture for ASO delivery, five linear polymers and five diblock polymers (capable of self-assembly into micelles) were synthesized with varying cationic groups. After complexation of each polymer/micelle with ASO, it was found that less bulky cationic moieties transfected the ASO more effectively. Interestingly, however the ASO internalization trend was the opposite of the transfection trend for cationic moiety, indicating internalization is not the major factor in determining transfection efficiency for this series. Micelleplexes (micelle-ASO complexes) generally enable higher transfection efficacy as compared to polyplexes (linear polymer-ASO complexes). Additionally, the order of addition of cells and complexes was explored. Linear polyplexes showed better transfection efficiency in adhered cells, whereas micelleplexes delivered the ASO more efficiently when the cells and micelleplexes were added simultaneously. This phenomenon may be due to increased cell-complex interactions as micelleplexes have increased colloidal stability compared to polyplexes. These findings emphasize the importance of polymer composition and architecture in governing the cellular interactions necessary for transfection, thus allowing advancement in the design principles for nonviral nucleic acid delivery formulations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mckenna G Hanson
- Department of Chemistry, University of Minnesota, 207 Pleasant Street SE, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55455, United States
| | - Christian J Grimme
- Department of Chemical Engineering & Materials Science, University of Minnesota, 421Washington Avenue SE, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55455, United States
| | - Cristiam F Santa Chalarca
- Department of Chemistry, University of Minnesota, 207 Pleasant Street SE, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55455, United States
| | - Theresa M Reineke
- Department of Chemistry, University of Minnesota, 207 Pleasant Street SE, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55455, United States
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18
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Cunitz V, Stacy E, Jankoski P, Clemons T. Machine learning makes magnificent macromolecules for medicine. MATTER 2022; 5:2558-2561. [PMID: 38827387 PMCID: PMC11142474 DOI: 10.1016/j.matt.2022.07.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/04/2024]
Abstract
At the University of Minnesota, scientists explore the application of machine learning to screen a multiparametric library of polymers to investigate the relationship between polymer attributes, payload type, and biological outcomes to optimize polymeric vector development for delivery of nucleic acid payloads.
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Affiliation(s)
- Veronica Cunitz
- School of Polymer Science and Engineering, The University of Southern Mississippi, Hattiesburg, MS 39406, USA
- Department of Chemical Engineering, The University of Mississippi, Oxford, MS 38677, USA
- These authors contributed equally
| | - Evan Stacy
- School of Polymer Science and Engineering, The University of Southern Mississippi, Hattiesburg, MS 39406, USA
- These authors contributed equally
| | - Penelope Jankoski
- School of Polymer Science and Engineering, The University of Southern Mississippi, Hattiesburg, MS 39406, USA
- These authors contributed equally
| | - Tristan Clemons
- School of Polymer Science and Engineering, The University of Southern Mississippi, Hattiesburg, MS 39406, USA
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19
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Dhandapani RK, Gurusamy D, Palli SR. Protamine-Lipid-dsRNA Nanoparticles Improve RNAi Efficiency in the Fall Armyworm, Spodoptera frugiperda. JOURNAL OF AGRICULTURAL AND FOOD CHEMISTRY 2022; 70:6634-6643. [PMID: 35612305 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jafc.2c00901] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Developing safe and effective double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) delivery systems remains a major challenge for gene silencing, especially in lepidopteran insects. This study evaluated the protamine sulfate (PS)/lipid/dsRNA nanoparticle (NP) delivery system for RNA interference (RNAi) in cells and larvae of the fall armyworm (FAW), Spodoptera frugiperda, a major worldwide pest. A highly efficient gene delivery formulation was prepared using a cationic biopolymer, PS, and a cationic lipid, Cellfectin (CF), complexed with dsRNA. The NPs were prepared by a two-step self-assembly method. The formation of NPs was revealed by dynamic light scattering and transmission electron microscopy. The formation of CF/dsRNA/PS NPs was spherical in shape and size, ranging from 20 to 100 nm with a positive charge (+23.3 mV). Interestingly, prepared CF/dsRNA/PS NPs could protect dsRNA (95%) from nuclease degradation and thus significantly improve the stability of dsRNA. Formulations prepared by combining EGFP DNA with CF/PS increased transfection efficiency in Sf9 cells compared to PS/EGFP and CF/EGFP NPs. Also, the PS/CF/dsRNA NPs enhanced the endosomal escape for the intracellular delivery of dsRNA. The gene knockdown efficiency was assessed in Sf9 Luciferase (Luc) stable cells after a 72 h incubation with CF/dsRNA/PS, PS/dsRNA, CF/dsRNA, or naked dsRNA. Knockdown of the Luc gene was detected in CF/dsRNA/PS (76%) and PS/dsRNA (42.4%) not CF/dsRNA (19.5%) and naked dsRNA (10.3%) in Sf9 Luc cells. Moreover, CF/dsIAP/PS (25 μg of dsRNA targeting the inhibitor of apoptosis, IAP, gene of FAW) NPs showed knockdown of the IAP gene (39.5%) and mortality (55%) in FAW larvae. These results highlight the potential application of PS/lipid/dsRNA NPs for RNA-mediated control of insect pests.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Dhandapani Gurusamy
- Department of Entomology, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky 40546, United States
| | - Subba Reddy Palli
- Department of Entomology, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky 40546, United States
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20
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Yamasaki Y, Kumekawa D, Yamauchi S, Omuro H. Re-examination of Peptide-Sequence-Dependent Gene Expression of Cysteine-Installed Pegylated Oligolysine/DNA Complexes. ACS OMEGA 2022; 7:15478-15487. [PMID: 35571853 PMCID: PMC9096824 DOI: 10.1021/acsomega.2c00122] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2022] [Accepted: 04/08/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
We previously synthesized cysteine-installed C-terminally PEGylated oligolysines with 20 amino acid residues to form cross-linked polymeric micelles (PMs) with luciferase-coding plasmid DNA as a candidate for artificial gene vectors. Luciferase gene expression in HeLa cells mediated by PEG-CK18C, PEG-CK9CK9, and PEG-K9CK9C was reported to be 35-, 5.4-, and 1.3-fold higher than that mediated by cysteine-uninstalled PEGylated oligolysine PEG-K20, respectively. However, after the publication, the survival rate of HeLa cells used in the previous study was found to be lower than usual when subcutaneously implanted into mice to create a xenograft model. In this study, to re-examine the peptide sequence-dependent gene expression, gene expression efficacy mediated by PEG-peptide PMs was compared with the PM cellular uptake results using newly obtained HeLa cell lines and the additional cell lines Huh-7, PANC-1, and BxPC3. As a result, PEG-K9CK9C PMs mediated the maximum gene expression in all cell lines, and the corresponding cellular uptake was also obtained. Therefore, we concluded that our previous results were erroneously obtained due to normality-depleted HeLa cells. A comparison of physicochemical characterizations, gene expression efficacy, and cellular uptake of PEG-peptide PMs is discussed in detail.
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21
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Elzes MR, Mertens I, Sedlacek O, Verbraeken B, Doensen ACA, Mees MA, Glassner M, Jana S, Paulusse JMJ, Hoogenboom R. Linear Poly(ethylenimine-propylenimine) Random Copolymers for Gene Delivery: From Polymer Synthesis to Efficient Transfection with High Serum Tolerance. Biomacromolecules 2022; 23:2459-2470. [PMID: 35499242 DOI: 10.1021/acs.biomac.2c00210] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Naturally occurring oligoamines, such as spermine, spermidine, and putrescine, are well-known regulators of gene expression. These oligoamines frequently have short alkyl spacers with varying lengths between the amines. Linear polyethylenimine (PEI) is a polyamine that has been widely applied as a gene vector, with various formulations currently in clinical trials. In order to emulate natural oligoamine gene regulators, linear random copolymers containing both PEI and polypropylenimine (PPI) repeat units were designed as novel gene delivery agents. In general, statistical copolymerization of 2-oxazolines and 2-oxazines leads to the formation of gradient copolymers. In this study, however, we describe for the first time the synthesis of near-ideal random 2-oxazoline/2-oxazine copolymers through careful tuning of the monomer structures and reactivity as well as polymerization conditions. These copolymers were then transformed into near-random PEI-PPI copolymers by controlled side-chain hydrolysis. The prepared PEI-PPI copolymers formed stable polyplexes with GFP-encoding plasmid DNA, as validated by dynamic light scattering. Furthermore, the cytotoxicity and transfection efficiency of polyplexes were evaluated in C2C12 mouse myoblasts. While the polymer chain length did not significantly increase the toxicity, a higher PPI content was associated with increased toxicity and also lowered the amount of polymers needed to achieve efficient transfection. The transfection efficiency was significantly influenced by the degree of polymerization of PEI-PPI, whereby longer polymers resulted in more transfected cells. Copolymers with 60% or lower PPI content exhibited a good balance between high plasmid-DNA transfection efficiency and low toxicity. Interestingly, these novel PEI-PPI copolymers revealed exceptional serum tolerance, whereby transfection efficiencies of up to 53% of transfected cells were achieved even under 50% serum conditions. These copolymers, especially PEI-PPI with DP500 and a 1:1 PEI/PPI ratio, were identified as promising transfection agents for plasmid DNA.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Rachèl Elzes
- Department of Biomolecular Nanotechnology, MESA + Institute for Nanotechnology and TechMed Institute for Health and Biomedical Technologies, Faculty of Science and Technology, University of Twente, 7500 AE Enschede, The Netherlands
| | - Ine Mertens
- Supramolecular Chemistry Group, Centre of Macromolecular Chemistry (CMaC), Department of Organic and Macromolecular Chemistry, Ghent University, Krijgslaan 281, S4, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Ondrej Sedlacek
- Supramolecular Chemistry Group, Centre of Macromolecular Chemistry (CMaC), Department of Organic and Macromolecular Chemistry, Ghent University, Krijgslaan 281, S4, 9000 Ghent, Belgium.,Department of Physical and Macromolecular Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Charles University, 12800 Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Bart Verbraeken
- Supramolecular Chemistry Group, Centre of Macromolecular Chemistry (CMaC), Department of Organic and Macromolecular Chemistry, Ghent University, Krijgslaan 281, S4, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Aniek C A Doensen
- Department of Biomolecular Nanotechnology, MESA + Institute for Nanotechnology and TechMed Institute for Health and Biomedical Technologies, Faculty of Science and Technology, University of Twente, 7500 AE Enschede, The Netherlands.,Supramolecular Chemistry Group, Centre of Macromolecular Chemistry (CMaC), Department of Organic and Macromolecular Chemistry, Ghent University, Krijgslaan 281, S4, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Maarten A Mees
- Department of Biomolecular Nanotechnology, MESA + Institute for Nanotechnology and TechMed Institute for Health and Biomedical Technologies, Faculty of Science and Technology, University of Twente, 7500 AE Enschede, The Netherlands
| | - Mathias Glassner
- Supramolecular Chemistry Group, Centre of Macromolecular Chemistry (CMaC), Department of Organic and Macromolecular Chemistry, Ghent University, Krijgslaan 281, S4, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Somdeb Jana
- Supramolecular Chemistry Group, Centre of Macromolecular Chemistry (CMaC), Department of Organic and Macromolecular Chemistry, Ghent University, Krijgslaan 281, S4, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Jos M J Paulusse
- Department of Biomolecular Nanotechnology, MESA + Institute for Nanotechnology and TechMed Institute for Health and Biomedical Technologies, Faculty of Science and Technology, University of Twente, 7500 AE Enschede, The Netherlands
| | - Richard Hoogenboom
- Supramolecular Chemistry Group, Centre of Macromolecular Chemistry (CMaC), Department of Organic and Macromolecular Chemistry, Ghent University, Krijgslaan 281, S4, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
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22
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Yoshinaga N, Uchida S, Dirisala A, Naito M, Koji K, Osada K, Cabral H, Kataoka K. Bridging mRNA and Polycation Using RNA Oligonucleotide Derivatives Improves the Robustness of Polyplex Micelles for Efficient mRNA Delivery. Adv Healthc Mater 2022; 11:e2102016. [PMID: 34913604 DOI: 10.1002/adhm.202102016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2021] [Revised: 11/15/2021] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
Polyplex for messenger RNA (mRNA) delivery requires strong yet reversible association between mRNA and polycation for extracellular robustness and selective intracellular disintegration. Herein, RNA oligonucleotide (OligoRNA) derivatives that bridge mRNA and polycation are developed to stabilize polyplex micelles (PMs). A set of the OligoRNAs introduced with a polyol moiety in their 5' end is designed to hybridize to fixed positions along mRNA strand. After PM preparation from the hybridized mRNA and poly(ethylene glycol)-polycation block copolymer derived with phenylboronic acid (PBA) moieties in its cationic segment, PBA moieties form reversible phenylboronate ester linkages with a polyol moiety at 5' end of OligoRNAs and a diol moiety at their 3' end ribose, in the PM core. The OligoRNAs work as a node to bridge ionically complexed mRNA and polycation, thereby improving PM stability against polyion exchange reaction and ribonuclease attack in extracellular environment. After cellular uptake, intracellular high concentration of adenosine triphosphate triggers the cleavage of phenylboronate ester linkages, resulting in mRNA release from PM. Ultimately, the PM provides efficient mRNA introduction in cultured cells and mouse lungs after intratracheal administration, demonstrating the potential of the bridging strategy in polyplex-based mRNA delivery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Naoto Yoshinaga
- Department of Bioengineering Graduate School of Engineering The University of Tokyo 7‐3‐1 Hongo Bunkyo‐ku Tokyo 113‐8656 Japan
- Biomacromolecule Research Team RIKEN Center for Sustainable Resource Science 2‐1 Hirosawa, Wakoshi Saitama 351‐0198 Japan
| | - Satoshi Uchida
- Department of Bioengineering Graduate School of Engineering The University of Tokyo 7‐3‐1 Hongo Bunkyo‐ku Tokyo 113‐8656 Japan
- Medical Chemistry Graduate School of Medical Science Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine 1‐5 Shimogamohangi‐cho Sakyo‐ku Kyoto 606‐0823 Japan
- Innovation Center of NanoMedicine (iCONM) Kanagawa Institute of Industrial Promotion 3‐25‐14 Tonomachi, Kawasaki‐ku Kawasaki 210‐0821 Japan
| | - Anjaneyulu Dirisala
- Innovation Center of NanoMedicine (iCONM) Kanagawa Institute of Industrial Promotion 3‐25‐14 Tonomachi, Kawasaki‐ku Kawasaki 210‐0821 Japan
| | - Mitsuru Naito
- Center for Disease Biology and Integrative Medicine Graduate School of Medicine The University of Tokyo 7‐3‐1 Hongo Bunkyo‐ku Tokyo 113‐0033 Japan
| | - Kyoko Koji
- Department of Bioengineering Graduate School of Engineering The University of Tokyo 7‐3‐1 Hongo Bunkyo‐ku Tokyo 113‐8656 Japan
| | - Kensuke Osada
- Institute for Quantum Medical Science National Institutes for Quantum Science and Technology (QST) 4‐9‐1 Anagawa, Inage‐ku Chiba‐shi Chiba 263‐8555 Japan
| | - Horacio Cabral
- Department of Bioengineering Graduate School of Engineering The University of Tokyo 7‐3‐1 Hongo Bunkyo‐ku Tokyo 113‐8656 Japan
| | - Kazunori Kataoka
- Innovation Center of NanoMedicine (iCONM) Kanagawa Institute of Industrial Promotion 3‐25‐14 Tonomachi, Kawasaki‐ku Kawasaki 210‐0821 Japan
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Hydrophilic Random Cationic Copolymers as Polyplex-Formation Vectors for DNA. MATERIALS 2022; 15:ma15072650. [PMID: 35407982 PMCID: PMC9000809 DOI: 10.3390/ma15072650] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2022] [Revised: 03/29/2022] [Accepted: 03/31/2022] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Research on the improvement and fabrication of polymeric systems as non-viral gene delivery carriers is required for their implementation in gene therapy. Random copolymers have not been extensively utilized for these purposes. In this regard, double hydrophilic poly[(2-(dimethylamino) ethyl methacrylate)-co-(oligo(ethylene glycol) methyl ether methacrylate] [P(DMAEMA-co-OEGMA)] random copolymers were synthesized via reversible addition-fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) polymerization. The copolymers were further modified by quaternization of DMAEMA tertiary amine, producing the cationic P(QDMAEMA-co-OEGMA) derivatives. Fluorescence and ultraviolet-visible (UV-vis) spectroscopy revealed the efficient interaction of copolymers aggregates with linear DNAs of different lengths, forming polyplexes, with the quaternized copolymer aggregates exhibiting stronger binding affinity. Light scattering techniques evidenced the formation of polyplexes whose size, molar mass, and surface charge strongly depend on the N/P ratio (nitrogen (N) of the amine group of DMAEMA/QDMAEMA over phosphate (P) groups of DNA), DNA length, and length of the OEGMA chain. Polyplexes presented colloidal stability under physiological ionic strength as shown by dynamic light scattering. In vitro cytotoxicity of the empty nanocarriers was evaluated on HEK293 as a control cell line. P(DMAEMA-co-OEGMA) copolymer aggregates were further assessed for their biocompatibility on 4T1, MDA-MB-231, MCF-7, and T47D breast cancer cell lines presenting high cell viability rates.
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24
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Rodríguez DA, Vader P. Extracellular Vesicle-Based Hybrid Systems for Advanced Drug Delivery. Pharmaceutics 2022; 14:pharmaceutics14020267. [PMID: 35214000 PMCID: PMC8878585 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics14020267] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2021] [Revised: 01/17/2022] [Accepted: 01/18/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The continuous technological advancement of nanomedicine has enabled the development of novel vehicles for the effective delivery of therapeutic substances. Synthetic drug delivery systems are nano-sized carriers made from various materials that can be designed to deliver therapeutic cargoes to cells or tissues. However, rapid clearance by the immune system and the poor targeting profile of synthetic drug delivery systems are examples of the pressing obstacles faced in nanomedicine, which have directed the field toward the development of alternative strategies. Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are nanoscale particles enclosed by a protein-rich lipid bilayer; they are released by cells and are considered to be important mediators of intercellular communication. Owing to their natural composition, EVs have been suggested to exhibit good biocompatibility and to possess homing properties to specific cell types. Combining EVs with synthetic nanoparticles by defined hybridization steps gives rise to a novel potential drug delivery tool, i.e., EV-based hybrid systems. These novel therapeutic vehicles exhibit potential advantageous features as compared to synthetic drug delivery systems such as enhanced cellular uptake and cargo delivery, immuno-evasive properties, capability of crossing biological barriers, and tissue targeting profile. Here, we provide an overview of the various strategies practiced to produce EV-based hybrid systems and elucidate those advantageous features obtained by synthetic drug delivery systems upon hybridization with EVs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diego A. Rodríguez
- CDL Research, University Medical Center Utrecht, 3584 CX Utrecht, The Netherlands;
| | - Pieter Vader
- CDL Research, University Medical Center Utrecht, 3584 CX Utrecht, The Netherlands;
- Department of Experimental Cardiology, University Medical Center Utrecht, 3584 CX Utrecht, The Netherlands
- Correspondence:
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25
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Alazzo A, Gumus N, Gurnani P, Stolnik S, Rahman R, Spriggs K, Alexander C. Investigating histidinylated highly branched poly(lysine) for siRNA delivery. J Mater Chem B 2021; 10:236-246. [PMID: 34852030 DOI: 10.1039/d1tb01793d] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
The temporary silencing of disease-associated genes utilising short interfering RNA (siRNA) is a potent and selective route for addressing a wide range of life limiting disorders. However, the few clinically approved siRNA therapies rely on lipid based formulations, which although potent, provide limited chemical space to tune the stability, efficacy and tissue selectivity. In this study, we investigated the role of molar mass and histidinylation for poly(lysine) based non-viral vectors, synthesised through a fully aqueous thermal condensation polymerisation. Formulation and in vitro studies revealed that higher molar mass derivatives yielded smaller polyplexes attributed to a greater affinity for siRNA at lower N/P ratios yielding greater transfection efficiency, albeit with some cytotoxicity. Histidinylation had a negligible effect on formulation size, yet imparted a moderate improvement in biocompatibility, but did not provide any meaningful improvement over silencing efficiency compared to non-histidinylated derivatives. This was attributed to a greater degree of cellular internalisation for non-histidinylated analogues, which was enhanced with the higher molar mass material.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ali Alazzo
- Department of Pharmaceutics, College of Pharmacy, University of Mosul, Mosul, Iraq.,Division of Molecular Therapeutics and Formulation, School of Pharmacy, University of Nottingham, Nottingham NG7 2RD, UK.
| | - Nurcan Gumus
- Division of Molecular Therapeutics and Formulation, School of Pharmacy, University of Nottingham, Nottingham NG7 2RD, UK.
| | - Pratik Gurnani
- Division of Molecular Therapeutics and Formulation, School of Pharmacy, University of Nottingham, Nottingham NG7 2RD, UK.
| | - Snjezana Stolnik
- Division of Molecular Therapeutics and Formulation, School of Pharmacy, University of Nottingham, Nottingham NG7 2RD, UK.
| | - Ruman Rahman
- BioDiscovery Institute, University of Nottingham, Nottingham NG7 2RD, UK
| | - Keith Spriggs
- Division of Molecular Therapeutics and Formulation, School of Pharmacy, University of Nottingham, Nottingham NG7 2RD, UK.
| | - Cameron Alexander
- Division of Molecular Therapeutics and Formulation, School of Pharmacy, University of Nottingham, Nottingham NG7 2RD, UK.
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26
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Tian X, Qiu N, Shen Y, Zhang S, Dang C, Hu G, Wang Z, Chen J, Ding S. Preparation of poly(DMA-co-DBA) and its application in gene delivery. INT J POLYM MATER PO 2021. [DOI: 10.1080/00914037.2021.1999952] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoxiao Tian
- College of Chemical Engineering, Huaiyin Institute of Technology, Huaian, P. R. China
| | - Nasha Qiu
- Center for Bionanoengineering and Key Laboratory of Biomass Chemical Engineering of the Ministry of Education, College of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, P. R. China
| | - Youqing Shen
- Center for Bionanoengineering and Key Laboratory of Biomass Chemical Engineering of the Ministry of Education, College of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, P. R. China
| | - Shizhong Zhang
- College of Chemical Engineering, Huaiyin Institute of Technology, Huaian, P. R. China
| | - Chun Dang
- College of Chemical Engineering, Huaiyin Institute of Technology, Huaian, P. R. China
| | - Guang Hu
- College of Chemical Engineering, Huaiyin Institute of Technology, Huaian, P. R. China
| | - Zhihui Wang
- College of Chemical Engineering, Huaiyin Institute of Technology, Huaian, P. R. China
| | - Jing Chen
- College of Chemical Engineering, Huaiyin Institute of Technology, Huaian, P. R. China
| | - Shijie Ding
- College of Chemical Engineering, Huaiyin Institute of Technology, Huaian, P. R. China
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27
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Kim J, Vaughan HJ, Zamboni CG, Sunshine JC, Green JJ. High-throughput evaluation of polymeric nanoparticles for tissue-targeted gene expression using barcoded plasmid DNA. J Control Release 2021; 337:105-116. [PMID: 34097924 DOI: 10.1016/j.jconrel.2021.05.047] [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: 12/12/2020] [Revised: 05/03/2021] [Accepted: 05/31/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Successful systemic gene delivery requires specific tissue targeting as well as efficient intracellular transfection. Increasingly, research laboratories are fabricating libraries of novel nanoparticles, engineering both new biomaterial structures and composition ratios of multicomponent systems. Yet, methods for screening gene delivery vehicles directly in vivo are often low-throughout, limiting the number of candidate nanoparticles that can be investigated. Here, we report a comprehensive, high-throughput method to evaluate a library of polymeric nanoparticles in vivo for tissue-specific gene delivery. The method involves pairing each nanoparticle formulation with a plasmid DNA (pDNA) that harbors a unique nucleotide sequence serving as the identifying "barcode". Using real time quantitative PCR (qPCR) for detection of the barcoded pDNA and quantitative reverse transcription PCR (RT-qPCR) for transcribed barcoded mRNA, we can quantify accumulation and transfection in tissues of interest. The barcode pDNA and primers were designed with sufficient sensitivity and specificity to evaluate multiple nanoparticle formulations per mouse, improving screening efficiency. Using this platform, we evaluated the biodistribution and transfection of 8 intravenously administered poly(beta-amino ester; PBAE) nanoparticle formulations, each with a PBAE polymer of differential structure. Significant levels of nanoparticle accumulation and gene transfection were observed mainly in organs involved in clearance, including spleen, liver, and kidneys. Interestingly, higher levels of transfection of select organs did not necessarily correlate with higher levels of tissue accumulation, highlighting the importance of directly measuring in vivo transfection efficiency as the key barcoded parameter in gene delivery vector optimization. To validate this method, nanoparticle formulations were used individually for luciferase pDNA delivery in vivo. The distribution of luciferase expression in tissues matched the transfection analysis by the barcode qPCR method, confirming that this platform can be used to accurately evaluate systemic gene delivery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jayoung Kim
- Department of Biomedical Engineering and the Translational Tissue Engineering Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA; Institute for Nanobiotechnology, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Hannah J Vaughan
- Department of Biomedical Engineering and the Translational Tissue Engineering Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA; Institute for Nanobiotechnology, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Camila G Zamboni
- Department of Biomedical Engineering and the Translational Tissue Engineering Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA; Institute for Nanobiotechnology, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Joel C Sunshine
- Department of Biomedical Engineering and the Translational Tissue Engineering Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA; Institute for Nanobiotechnology, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA; Department of Pathology, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Jordan J Green
- Department of Biomedical Engineering and the Translational Tissue Engineering Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA; Institute for Nanobiotechnology, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA; Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA; Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA; Departments of Neurosurgery, Oncology, and Ophthalmology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA.
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28
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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.
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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
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29
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Lei C, Liu XR, Chen QB, Li Y, Zhou JL, Zhou LY, Zou T. Hyaluronic acid and albumin based nanoparticles for drug delivery. J Control Release 2021; 331:416-433. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jconrel.2021.01.033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2020] [Revised: 01/20/2021] [Accepted: 01/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
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30
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Peeler DJ, Yen A, Luera N, Stayton PS, Pun SH. Lytic Polyplex Vaccines Enhance Antigen‐Specific Cytotoxic T Cell Response through Induction of Local Cell Death. ADVANCED THERAPEUTICS 2021. [DOI: 10.1002/adtp.202100005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- David J. Peeler
- Department of Bioengineering University of Washington Seattle WA 98195 USA
| | - Albert Yen
- Department of Bioengineering University of Washington Seattle WA 98195 USA
| | - Nicholas Luera
- Department of Bioengineering University of Washington Seattle WA 98195 USA
| | - Patrick S. Stayton
- Department of Bioengineering University of Washington Seattle WA 98195 USA
| | - Suzie H. Pun
- Department of Bioengineering University of Washington Seattle WA 98195 USA
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31
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Van Bruggen C, Punihaole D, Keith AR, Schmitz AJ, Tolar J, Frontiera RR, Reineke TM. Quinine copolymer reporters promote efficient intracellular DNA delivery and illuminate a protein-induced unpackaging mechanism. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2020; 117:32919-32928. [PMID: 33318196 PMCID: PMC7777095 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2016860117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Polymeric vehicles that efficiently package and controllably release nucleic acids enable the development of safer and more efficacious strategies in genetic and polynucleotide therapies. Developing delivery platforms that endogenously monitor the molecular interactions, which facilitate binding and release of nucleic acids in cells, would aid in the rational design of more effective vectors for clinical applications. Here, we report the facile synthesis of a copolymer containing quinine and 2-hydroxyethyl acrylate that effectively compacts plasmid DNA (pDNA) through electrostatic binding and intercalation. This polymer system poly(quinine-co-HEA) packages pDNA and shows exceptional cellular internalization, transgene expression, and low cytotoxicity compared to commercial controls for several human cell lines, including HeLa, HEK 293T, K562, and keratinocytes (N/TERTs). Using quinine as an endogenous reporter for pDNA intercalation, Raman imaging revealed that proteins inside cells facilitate the unpackaging of polymer-DNA complexes (polyplexes) and the release of their cargo. Our work showcases the ability of this quinine copolymer reporter to not only facilitate effective gene delivery but also enable diagnostic monitoring of polymer-pDNA binding interactions on the molecular scale via Raman imaging. The use of Raman chemical imaging in the field of gene delivery yields unprecedented insight into the unpackaging behavior of polyplexes in cells and provides a methodology to assess and design more efficient delivery vehicles for gene-based therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Craig Van Bruggen
- Department of Chemistry, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455
| | - David Punihaole
- Department of Chemistry, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455
| | - Allison R Keith
- Department of Pediatrics, Stem Cell Institute, University of Minnesota Medical School, Minneapolis, MN 55455
| | - Andrew J Schmitz
- Department of Chemistry, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455
| | - Jakub Tolar
- Department of Pediatrics, Stem Cell Institute, University of Minnesota Medical School, Minneapolis, MN 55455
| | - Renee R Frontiera
- Department of Chemistry, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455;
| | - Theresa M Reineke
- Department of Chemistry, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455;
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32
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Lamm RJ, Pichon TJ, Huyan F, Wang X, Prossnitz AN, Manner KT, White NJ, Pun SH. Optimizing the Polymer Chemistry and Synthesis Method of PolySTAT, an Injectable Hemostat. ACS Biomater Sci Eng 2020; 6:7011-7020. [PMID: 33320636 DOI: 10.1021/acsbiomaterials.0c01189] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
There is a lack of prehospital hemostatic agents, especially for noncompressible hemorrhage. We previously reported PolySTAT, a unimeric, injectable hemostatic agent, that physically cross-links fibrin to strengthen clots. In this work, we sought to improve the water-solubility and synthesis yield of PolySTAT to increase the likelihood of clinical translation, reduce cost, and facilitate future mass production. First, we focused on side-chain engineering of the carrier polymer backbone to improve water-solubility. We found that substitution of the 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate (HEMA) monomer with glycerol monomethacrylate (GmMA) significantly improved the water-solubility of PolySTAT without compromising efficacy. Both materials increased clot firmness and decreased lysis as measured by rotational thromboelastometry (ROTEM). Additionally, we confirmed the in vivo activity of GmMA-based PolySTAT by improving rat survival in a femoral artery bleed model. Second, to reduce waste, we evaluated PolySTAT synthesis via direct polymerization of peptide monomers. Methacrylamide and methacrylate peptide-monomers were synthesized and polymerized via reversible addition-fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) polymerization. This approach markedly improved the yield of PolySTAT synthesis while maintaining its biological activity in ROTEM. This work demonstrates the flexibility of PolySTAT to a variety of comonomers and synthetic routes and establishes direct RAFT polymerization of peptide monomers as a potential route of mass production.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert J Lamm
- Department of Bioengineering and Molecular Engineering and Sciences Institute, University of Washington, 3720 15th Avenue NE, Box 355061, Seattle, Washington 98195, United States
| | - Trey J Pichon
- Department of Bioengineering and Molecular Engineering and Sciences Institute, University of Washington, 3720 15th Avenue NE, Box 355061, Seattle, Washington 98195, United States
| | - Frederick Huyan
- Department of Bioengineering and Molecular Engineering and Sciences Institute, University of Washington, 3720 15th Avenue NE, Box 355061, Seattle, Washington 98195, United States
| | - Xu Wang
- Department of Emergency Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, Washington 98195, United States
| | - Alexander N Prossnitz
- Department of Bioengineering and Molecular Engineering and Sciences Institute, University of Washington, 3720 15th Avenue NE, Box 355061, Seattle, Washington 98195, United States
| | - Karl T Manner
- Department of Bioengineering and Molecular Engineering and Sciences Institute, University of Washington, 3720 15th Avenue NE, Box 355061, Seattle, Washington 98195, United States
| | - Nathan J White
- Department of Emergency Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, Washington 98195, United States
| | - Suzie H Pun
- Department of Bioengineering and Molecular Engineering and Sciences Institute, University of Washington, 3720 15th Avenue NE, Box 355061, Seattle, Washington 98195, United States
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33
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Magana JR, Sproncken CCM, Voets IK. On Complex Coacervate Core Micelles: Structure-Function Perspectives. Polymers (Basel) 2020; 12:E1953. [PMID: 32872312 PMCID: PMC7565781 DOI: 10.3390/polym12091953] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2020] [Revised: 08/24/2020] [Accepted: 08/26/2020] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
The co-assembly of ionic-neutral block copolymers with oppositely charged species produces nanometric colloidal complexes, known, among other names, as complex coacervates core micelles (C3Ms). C3Ms are of widespread interest in nanomedicine for controlled delivery and release, whilst research activity into other application areas, such as gelation, catalysis, nanoparticle synthesis, and sensing, is increasing. In this review, we discuss recent studies on the functional roles that C3Ms can fulfil in these and other fields, focusing on emerging structure-function relations and remaining knowledge gaps.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Ilja K. Voets
- Laboratory of Self-Organizing Soft Matter, Department of Chemical Engineering and Chemistry and Institute for Complex Molecular Systems, Eindhoven University of Technology, P.O. Box 513, 5600 MB Eindhoven, The Netherlands; (J.R.M.); (C.C.M.S.)
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34
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Koji K, Yoshinaga N, Mochida Y, Hong T, Miyazaki T, Kataoka K, Osada K, Cabral H, Uchida S. Bundling of mRNA strands inside polyion complexes improves mRNA delivery efficiency in vitro and in vivo. Biomaterials 2020; 261:120332. [PMID: 32877764 DOI: 10.1016/j.biomaterials.2020.120332] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2020] [Accepted: 08/14/2020] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
RNA nanotechnology has promise for developing mRNA carriers with enhanced physicochemical and functional properties. However, the potential synergy for mRNA delivery of RNA nanotechnology in cooperation with established carrier systems remains unknown. This study proposes a combinational system of RNA nanotechnology and mRNA polyplexes, by focusing on mRNA steric structure inside the polyplexes. Firstly, several mRNA strands are bundled through hybridization with RNA oligonucleotide crosslinkers to obtain tight mRNA structure, and then the bundled mRNA is mixed with poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG)-polycation block copolymers to prepare PEG-coated polyplex micelles (PMs). mRNA bundling results in highly condensed mRNA packaging inside PM core with dense PEG chains on the surface, thereby, improving PM stability against polyion exchange reaction and ribonuclease (RNase) attack. Importantly, such stabilization effects are attributed to bundled structure of mRNA rather than the increase in total mRNA amount encapsulated in the PMs, as encapsulation of long mRNA strands without bundling fails to improve PM stability. Consequently, PMs loading bundled mRNA exhibit enhanced stability in mouse blood circulation, and induce efficient protein expression in cultured cells and mouse brain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kyoko Koji
- Department of Bioengineering, Graduate School of Engineering, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-8656, Japan
| | - Naoto Yoshinaga
- Department of Bioengineering, Graduate School of Engineering, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-8656, Japan
| | - Yuki Mochida
- Innovation Center of NanoMedicine (iCONM), Kawasaki Institute of Industrial Promotion, 3-25-14 Tonomachi, Kawasaki-ku, Kawasaki, 210-0821, Japan
| | - Taehun Hong
- Department of Bioengineering, Graduate School of Engineering, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-8656, Japan
| | - Takuya Miyazaki
- Department of Bioengineering, Graduate School of Engineering, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-8656, Japan; Kanagawa Institute of Industrial Science and Technology, 705-1 Shimoimaizumi, Ebina, Kanagawa, 243-0435, Japan
| | - Kazunori Kataoka
- Innovation Center of NanoMedicine (iCONM), Kawasaki Institute of Industrial Promotion, 3-25-14 Tonomachi, Kawasaki-ku, Kawasaki, 210-0821, Japan; Policy Alternatives Research Institute, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-0033, Japan
| | - Kensuke Osada
- Department of Molecular Imaging and Theranostics, Quantum Medical Science Directorate, National Institutes for Quantum and Radiological Science and Technology (QST), 4-9-1 Anagawa, Inage-ku, Chiba-shi, Chiba, 263-8555, Japan
| | - Horacio Cabral
- Department of Bioengineering, Graduate School of Engineering, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-8656, Japan; Innovation Center of NanoMedicine (iCONM), Kawasaki Institute of Industrial Promotion, 3-25-14 Tonomachi, Kawasaki-ku, Kawasaki, 210-0821, Japan.
| | - Satoshi Uchida
- Department of Bioengineering, Graduate School of Engineering, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-8656, Japan; Innovation Center of NanoMedicine (iCONM), Kawasaki Institute of Industrial Promotion, 3-25-14 Tonomachi, Kawasaki-ku, Kawasaki, 210-0821, Japan.
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Osada K. Structural Polymorphism of Single pDNA Condensates Elicited by Cationic Block Polyelectrolytes. Polymers (Basel) 2020; 12:polym12071603. [PMID: 32707655 PMCID: PMC7408586 DOI: 10.3390/polym12071603] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2020] [Revised: 07/15/2020] [Accepted: 07/16/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
DNA folding is a core phenomenon in genome packaging within a nucleus. Such a phenomenon is induced by polyelectrolyte complexation between anionic DNA and cationic proteins of histones. In this regard, complexes formed between DNA and cationic polyelectrolytes have been investigated as models to gain insight into genome packaging. Upon complexation, DNA undergoes folding to reduce its occupied volume, which often results in multi-complex associated aggregates. However, when cationic copolymers comprising a polycation block and a neutral hydrophilic polymer block are used instead, DNA undergoes folding as a single molecule within a spontaneously formed polyplex micelle (PM), thereby allowing the observation of the higher-order structures that DNA forms. The DNA complex forms polymorphic structures, including globular, rod-shaped, and ring-shaped (toroidal) structures. This review focuses on the polymorphism of DNA, particularly, to elucidate when, how, and why DNA organizes into these structures with cationic copolymers. The interactions between DNA and the copolymers, and the specific nature of DNA in rigidity; i.e., rigid but foldable, play significant roles in the observed polymorphism. Moreover, PMs serve as potential gene vectors for systemic application. The significance of the controlled DNA folding for such an application is addressed briefly in the last part.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kensuke Osada
- Quantum Medical Science Directorate, National Institutes for Quantum and Radiological Science and Technology (QST), Anagawa, Inage-ku, Chiba-shi, Chiba 263-8555, Japan
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Muhammad K, Zhou J, Ullah I, Zhao J, Muhammad A, Xia S, Zhang W, Feng Y. Bioreducible cationic random copolymer for gene delivery. POLYM ADVAN TECHNOL 2020. [DOI: 10.1002/pat.4957] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Khan Muhammad
- School of Chemical Engineering and TechnologyTianjin University Tianjin China
| | - Jiaying Zhou
- School of Chemical Engineering and TechnologyTianjin University Tianjin China
| | - Ihsan Ullah
- School of Chemical Engineering and TechnologyTianjin University Tianjin China
| | - Jing Zhao
- School of Chemical Engineering and TechnologyTianjin University Tianjin China
| | - Ayaz Muhammad
- School of Chemical Engineering and TechnologyTianjin University Tianjin China
| | - Shihai Xia
- Department of Hepatopancreatobiliary and Splenic Medicine Affiliated Hospital LogisticsUniversity of People's Armed Police Force Tianjin China
| | - Wencheng Zhang
- Department of Physiology and PathophysiologyLogistics University of People's Armed Police Force Tianjin China
| | - Yakai Feng
- School of Chemical Engineering and TechnologyTianjin University Tianjin China
- Chemical EngineeringCollaborative Innovation Center of Chemical Science Tianjin China
- Key Laboratory of Systems Bioengineering (Ministry of Education)Tianjin University Tianjin China
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Laisney J, Gurusamy D, Baddar ZE, Palli SR, Unrine JM. RNAi in Spodoptera frugiperda Sf9 Cells via Nanomaterial Mediated Delivery of dsRNA: A Comparison of Poly-l-arginine Polyplexes and Poly-l-arginine-Functionalized Au Nanoparticles. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2020; 12:25645-25657. [PMID: 32412742 PMCID: PMC9940120 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.0c06234] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
This work focused on the delivery of dsRNA either complexed with poly-l-arginine (PLR-polyplex) or loaded onto poly-l-arginine functionalized 20 nm Au nanoparticles (PLR/Au NPs). RNA interference (RNAi) of a luciferase gene expressed in Spodopteria frugiperda Sf9 stable cell line (Sf9_LUC) was used as a model system. The binding affinity of dsRNA with two modes of functionalization of Au NPs was investigated: the electrostatic binding of PLR on citrate stabilized Au NPs (e-PLR/Au NPs) via the layer-by-layer method or the covalent-linking reaction of the polymer with NHS groups on the Au NPs surface (c-PLR/Au NPs) with excess groups quenched with either hydroxylamine (c-PLR/Au/Hyd NPs) or bovine serum albumin (c-PLR/Au/BSA NPs). The formation of PLR-polyplex particles resulting from the complexation of PLR and dsRNA were revealed by transmission electron microscope (TEM), scanning transmission electron microscope (STEM), and elemental mapping by energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS). Luciferase gene knockdown was evaluated after exposure of Sf9 cells for 72 h to 600 ng of dsRNA. Gene knockdown (GK) was found to be more efficient by exposing Sf9 cells to nanoscaled (size <100 nm) PLR-polyplex (58% GK), in contrast to microscaled (size >1 μm) PLR-polyplex (20% GK) or covalent PLR/Au/Hyd (7% GK) particles. The replacement of hydroxylamine by bovine serum albumin as ligand has significantly enhanced the efficiency of GK (31% GK). Investigation of endosomal escape, a key physiological barrier for dsRNA delivery, with CypHer5E labeled dsRNA showed the good ability for the dsRNA conjugated to the different nanosystems to enter the cells compared to the unconjugated one. This study provides valuable information concerning the required properties of materials used for dsRNA delivery in lepidopteran cells such as nanoparticle size, stability in the cell culture media, the polymer molecular weight and binding strength to the nanoparticle, and the nature of ligands on the surface.
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Dirisala A, Uchida S, Toh K, Li J, Osawa S, Tockary TA, Liu X, Abbasi S, Hayashi K, Mochida Y, Fukushima S, Kinoh H, Osada K, Kataoka K. Transient stealth coating of liver sinusoidal wall by anchoring two-armed PEG for retargeting nanomedicines. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2020; 6:eabb8133. [PMID: 32637625 PMCID: PMC7319729 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.abb8133] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2020] [Accepted: 05/13/2020] [Indexed: 05/08/2023]
Abstract
A major critical issue in systemically administered nanomedicines is nonspecific clearance by the liver sinusoidal endothelium, causing a substantial decrease in the delivery efficiency of nanomedicines into the target tissues. Here, we addressed this issue by in situ stealth coating of liver sinusoids using linear or two-armed poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG)-conjugated oligo(l-lysine) (OligoLys). PEG-OligoLys selectively attached to liver sinusoids for PEG coating, leaving the endothelium of other tissues uncoated and, thus, accessible to the nanomedicines. Furthermore, OligoLys having a two-armed PEG configuration was ultimately cleared from sinusoidal walls to the bile, while OligoLys with linear PEG persisted in the sinusoidal walls, possibly causing prolonged disturbance of liver physiological functions. Such transient and selective stealth coating of liver sinusoids by two-arm-PEG-OligoLys was effective in preventing the sinusoidal clearance of nonviral and viral gene vectors, representatives of synthetic and nature-derived nanomedicines, respectively, thereby boosting their gene transfection efficiency in the target tissues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anjaneyulu Dirisala
- Innovation Center of NanoMedicine, Kawasaki Institute of Industrial Promotion, 3-25-14 Tonomachi, Kawasaki-ku, Kawasaki 210-0821, Japan
| | - Satoshi Uchida
- Innovation Center of NanoMedicine, Kawasaki Institute of Industrial Promotion, 3-25-14 Tonomachi, Kawasaki-ku, Kawasaki 210-0821, Japan
- Department of Bioengineering, Graduate School of Engineering, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8656, Japan
- Corresponding author. (S.U.); (K.K.)
| | - Kazuko Toh
- Innovation Center of NanoMedicine, Kawasaki Institute of Industrial Promotion, 3-25-14 Tonomachi, Kawasaki-ku, Kawasaki 210-0821, Japan
| | - Junjie Li
- Innovation Center of NanoMedicine, Kawasaki Institute of Industrial Promotion, 3-25-14 Tonomachi, Kawasaki-ku, Kawasaki 210-0821, Japan
| | - Shigehito Osawa
- Innovation Center of NanoMedicine, Kawasaki Institute of Industrial Promotion, 3-25-14 Tonomachi, Kawasaki-ku, Kawasaki 210-0821, Japan
- Department of Applied Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Tokyo University of Science, 1-3 Kagurazaka, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 162-8601, Japan
| | - Theofilus A. Tockary
- Innovation Center of NanoMedicine, Kawasaki Institute of Industrial Promotion, 3-25-14 Tonomachi, Kawasaki-ku, Kawasaki 210-0821, Japan
| | - Xueying Liu
- Innovation Center of NanoMedicine, Kawasaki Institute of Industrial Promotion, 3-25-14 Tonomachi, Kawasaki-ku, Kawasaki 210-0821, Japan
| | - Saed Abbasi
- Innovation Center of NanoMedicine, Kawasaki Institute of Industrial Promotion, 3-25-14 Tonomachi, Kawasaki-ku, Kawasaki 210-0821, Japan
| | - Kotaro Hayashi
- Innovation Center of NanoMedicine, Kawasaki Institute of Industrial Promotion, 3-25-14 Tonomachi, Kawasaki-ku, Kawasaki 210-0821, Japan
| | - Yuki Mochida
- Innovation Center of NanoMedicine, Kawasaki Institute of Industrial Promotion, 3-25-14 Tonomachi, Kawasaki-ku, Kawasaki 210-0821, Japan
| | - Shigeto Fukushima
- Innovation Center of NanoMedicine, Kawasaki Institute of Industrial Promotion, 3-25-14 Tonomachi, Kawasaki-ku, Kawasaki 210-0821, Japan
| | - Hiroaki Kinoh
- Innovation Center of NanoMedicine, Kawasaki Institute of Industrial Promotion, 3-25-14 Tonomachi, Kawasaki-ku, Kawasaki 210-0821, Japan
| | - Kensuke Osada
- National Institutes for Quantum and Radiological Science and Technology, 4-9-1 Anagawa, Inage-ku, Chiba 263-8555, Japan
| | - Kazunori Kataoka
- Innovation Center of NanoMedicine, Kawasaki Institute of Industrial Promotion, 3-25-14 Tonomachi, Kawasaki-ku, Kawasaki 210-0821, Japan
- Institute for Future Initiatives, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-0033, Japan
- Corresponding author. (S.U.); (K.K.)
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Krywko-Cendrowska A, di Leone S, Bina M, Yorulmaz-Avsar S, Palivan CG, Meier W. Recent Advances in Hybrid Biomimetic Polymer-Based Films: from Assembly to Applications. Polymers (Basel) 2020; 12:E1003. [PMID: 32357541 PMCID: PMC7285097 DOI: 10.3390/polym12051003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2020] [Revised: 04/15/2020] [Accepted: 04/16/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Biological membranes, in addition to being a cell boundary, can host a variety of proteins that are involved in different biological functions, including selective nutrient transport, signal transduction, inter- and intra-cellular communication, and cell-cell recognition. Due to their extreme complexity, there has been an increasing interest in developing model membrane systems of controlled properties based on combinations of polymers and different biomacromolecules, i.e., polymer-based hybrid films. In this review, we have highlighted recent advances in the development and applications of hybrid biomimetic planar systems based on different polymeric species. We have focused in particular on hybrid films based on (i) polyelectrolytes, (ii) polymer brushes, as well as (iii) tethers and cushions formed from synthetic polymers, and (iv) block copolymers and their combinations with biomacromolecules, such as lipids, proteins, enzymes, biopolymers, and chosen nanoparticles. In this respect, multiple approaches to the synthesis, characterization, and processing of such hybrid films have been presented. The review has further exemplified their bioengineering, biomedical, and environmental applications, in dependence on the composition and properties of the respective hybrids. We believed that this comprehensive review would be of interest to both the specialists in the field of biomimicry as well as persons entering the field.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Cornelia G. Palivan
- Department of Chemistry, University of Basel, Mattenstrasse 24a, BPR 1096, 4058 Basel, Switzerland; (A.K.-C.); (S.d.L.); (M.B.); (S.Y.-A.)
| | - Wolfgang Meier
- Department of Chemistry, University of Basel, Mattenstrasse 24a, BPR 1096, 4058 Basel, Switzerland; (A.K.-C.); (S.d.L.); (M.B.); (S.Y.-A.)
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40
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Tumor microenvironment-induced structure changing drug/gene delivery system for overcoming delivery-associated challenges. J Control Release 2020; 323:203-224. [PMID: 32320817 DOI: 10.1016/j.jconrel.2020.04.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2020] [Revised: 04/15/2020] [Accepted: 04/16/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Nano-drug/gene delivery systems (DDS) are powerful weapons for the targeted delivery of various therapeutic molecules in treatment of tumors. Nano systems are being extensively investigated for drug and gene delivery applications because of their exceptional ability to protect the payload from degradation in vivo, prolong circulation of the nanoparticles (NPs), realize controlled release of the contents, reduce side effects, and enhance targeted delivery among others. However, the specific properties required for a DDS vary at different phase of the complex delivery process, and these requirements are often conflicting, including the surface charge, particle size, and stability of DDS, which severely reduces the efficiency of the drug/gene delivery. Therefore, researchers have attempted to fabricate structure, size, or charge changeable DDS by introducing various tumor microenvironment (TME) stimuli-responsive elements into the DDS to meet the varying requirements at different phases of the delivery process, thus improving drug/gene delivery efficiency. This paper summarizes the most recent developments in TME stimuli-responsive DDS and addresses the aforementioned challenges.
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41
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Peeler DJ, Luera N, Horner PJ, Pun SH, Sellers DL. Polyplex transfection from intracerebroventricular delivery is not significantly affected by traumatic brain injury. J Control Release 2020; 322:149-156. [PMID: 32198024 DOI: 10.1016/j.jconrel.2020.03.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2020] [Revised: 03/09/2020] [Accepted: 03/16/2020] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is largely non-preventable and often kills or permanently disables its victims. Because current treatments for TBI merely ameliorate secondary effects of the initial injury like swelling and hemorrhaging, strategies for the induction of neuronal regeneration are desperately needed. Recent discoveries regarding the TBI-responsive migratory behavior and differentiation potential of neural progenitor cells (NPCs) found in the subventricular zone (SVZ) have prompted strategies targeting gene therapies to these cells to enhance neurogenesis after TBI. We have previously shown that plasmid polyplexes can non-virally transfect SVZ NPCs when directly injected in the lateral ventricles of uninjured mice. We describe the first reported intracerebroventricular transfections mediated by polymeric gene carriers in a murine TBI model and investigate the anatomical parameters that dictate transfection through this route of administration. Using both luciferase and GFP plasmid transfections, we show that the time delay between injury and polyplex injection directly impacts the magnitude of transfection efficiency, but that overall trends in the location of transfection are not affected by injury. Confocal microscopy of quantum dot-labeled plasmid uptake in vivo reveals association between our polymers and negatively charged NG2 chondroitin sulfate proteoglycans of the SVZ extracellular matrix. We further validate that glycosaminoglycans but not sulfate groups are required for polyplex uptake and transfection in vitro. These studies demonstrate that non-viral gene delivery is impacted by proteoglycan interactions and suggest the need for improved polyplex targeting materials that penetrate brain extracellular matrix to increase transfection efficiency in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- David J Peeler
- Department of Bioengineering and Molecular Engineering and Sciences Institute, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, United States
| | - Nicholas Luera
- Department of Bioengineering and Molecular Engineering and Sciences Institute, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, United States
| | - Philip J Horner
- Center for Neuroregeneration and Department of Neurosurgery, Houston Methodist Research Institute, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Suzie H Pun
- Department of Bioengineering and Molecular Engineering and Sciences Institute, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, United States.
| | - Drew L Sellers
- Department of Bioengineering and Molecular Engineering and Sciences Institute, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, United States.
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42
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Ingle NP, Hexum JK, Reineke TM. Polyplexes Are Endocytosed by and Trafficked within Filopodia. Biomacromolecules 2020; 21:1379-1392. [PMID: 32118406 DOI: 10.1021/acs.biomac.9b01610] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
The improvement of nonviral gene therapies relies to a large extent on understanding many fundamental physical and biological properties of these systems. This includes interactions of synthetic delivery systems with the cell and mechanisms of trafficking delivery vehicles, which remain poorly understood on both the extra- and intracellular levels. In this study, the mechanisms of cellular internalization and trafficking of polymer-based nanoparticle complexes consisting of polycations and nucleic acids, termed polyplexes, have been observed in detail at the cellular level. For the first time evidence has been obtained that filopodia, actin projections that radiate out from the surface of cells, serve as a route for the direct endocytosis of polyplexes. Confocal microscopy images demonstrated that filopodia on HeLa cells detect external polyplexes and extend into the extracellular milieu to internalize these particles. Polyplexes are observed to be internalized into membrane-bound vesicles (i.e., clathrin-coated pits and caveolae) directly within filopodial projections and are subsequently transported along actin to the main cell body for potential delivery of the nucleic acids to the nucleus. The kinetics and speed of polyplex trafficking have also been measured. The polyplex-loaded vesicles were also discovered to traffic between two cells within filopodial bridges. These findings provide novel insight into the early events of cellular contact with polyplexes through filopodial-based interactions in addition to endocytic vesicle trafficking-an important fundamental discovery to enable advancement of nonviral gene editing, nucleic acid therapies, and biomedical materials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nilesh P Ingle
- Department of Chemistry, University of Minnesota, 207 Pleasant Street SE, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55455, United States
| | - Joseph K Hexum
- Department of Chemistry, University of Minnesota, 207 Pleasant Street SE, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55455, United States
| | - Theresa M Reineke
- Department of Chemistry, University of Minnesota, 207 Pleasant Street SE, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55455, United States
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Gao X, Jin Z, Tan X, Zhang C, Zou C, Zhang W, Ding J, Das BC, Severinov K, Hitzeroth II, Debata PR, He D, Ma X, Tian X, Gao Q, Wu J, Tian R, Cui Z, Fan W, Huang Z, Cao C, Bao Y, Tan S, Hu Z. Hyperbranched poly(β-amino ester) based polyplex nanopaticles for delivery of CRISPR/Cas9 system and treatment of HPV infection associated cervical cancer. J Control Release 2020; 321:654-668. [PMID: 32114092 DOI: 10.1016/j.jconrel.2020.02.045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2019] [Revised: 02/22/2020] [Accepted: 02/27/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Persistent high-risk HPV infection is the main factor for cervical cancer. HPV E7 oncogene plays an important role in HPV carcinogenesis. Down-regulation of E7 oncogene expression could induce growth inhibition in HPV-positive cells and thus treats HPV related cervical cancer. Here we developed a non-virus gene vector based on poly(amide-amine)-poly(β-amino ester) hyperbranched copolymer (hPPC) for the delivery of CRISPR/Cas9 system to specifically cleave HPV E7 oncogene in HPV-positive cervical cancer cells. The diameter of polyplex nanoparticles (NPs) formed by hPPCs/linear poly(β-amino ester) (PBAE) and plasmids were approximately 300 nm. These hPPCs/PBAE-green fluorescence protein plasmids polyplex NPs showed high transfection efficiency and low toxicity in cells and mouse organs. By cleaving HPV16 E7 oncogene, reducing the expression of HPV16 E7 protein and increasing intracellular retinoblastoma 1 (RB1) amount, hPPCs/PBAE-CRISPR/Cas9 therapeutic plasmids polyplex NPs, especially highly branched hPPC1-plasmids polyplex NPs, exhibited strong growth inhibition of cervical cancer cells in vitro and xenograft tumors in nude mice. Together, the hPPCs/PBAE polyplex NPs to deliver HPV16 E7 targeted CRISPR/Cas9 system in this study could potentially be applied to treat HPV-related cervical cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xueqin Gao
- Department of Pharmacy, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430022, China
| | - Zhuang Jin
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, the First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510080, China
| | - Xiangyu Tan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, Hubei, China
| | - Chong Zhang
- School of Pharmacy, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, China
| | - Chenming Zou
- Department of Pharmacy, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430022, China
| | - Wei Zhang
- School of Pharmacy, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, China
| | - Jiahui Ding
- School of Pharmacy, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, China
| | - Bhudev C Das
- Amity Institute of Molecular Medicine & Stem Cell Research, Amity University, Uttar Pradesh, Noida 201313, India
| | - Konstantin Severinov
- Skolkovo Institute of Science and Technology, Skolkovo, Moscow Region 143025, Russia
| | - Inga Isabel Hitzeroth
- Biopharming Research Unit, Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Priya Ranjan Debata
- Department of Zoology, North Orissa University, Takatpur, Baripada, Odisha 757003, India
| | - Dan He
- Department of Neurology, the First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510080, Guangdong, China
| | - Xin Ma
- Department of Urology, General Hospital of People's Liberation Army, Beijing 100039, China
| | - Xun Tian
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Academician expert workstation, The Central Hospital of Wuhan, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430014, Hubei, China
| | - Qinglei Gao
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, Hubei, China
| | - Jun Wu
- School of Biomedical Engineering, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510006, Guangdong, China
| | - Rui Tian
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, the First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510080, China
| | - Zifeng Cui
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, the First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510080, China
| | - Weiwen Fan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, the First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510080, China
| | - Zhaoyue Huang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, the First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510080, China
| | - Chen Cao
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Academician expert workstation, The Central Hospital of Wuhan, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430014, Hubei, China
| | - Yuxian Bao
- Generulor Company Bio-X Lab, Guangzhou 510006, Guangdong, China
| | - Songwei Tan
- School of Pharmacy, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, China.
| | - Zheng Hu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, the First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510080, China; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, Hubei, China; Precision Medicine Institute, the First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510080, China.
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Herrera LC, Shastri VP. Silencing of GFP expression in human mesenchymal stem cells using quaternary polyplexes of siRNA-PEI with glycosaminoglycans and albumin. Acta Biomater 2019; 99:397-411. [PMID: 31541736 DOI: 10.1016/j.actbio.2019.09.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2019] [Revised: 08/24/2019] [Accepted: 09/08/2019] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
In recent years evidence has been mounting for a role for mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) in immunomodulation, anti-inflammatory processes, and paracrine signaling via secreted extracellular vesicles. In order to exploit these biological functions, systems to efficiently deliver genetic material into MSCs would therefore be highly desirable. In this study, efficient silencing of GFP expression by combining high N/P ratio siRNA and branched PEI (bPEI) polyplexes (siRNA-bPEI) polyplexes with glycosaminoglycans (GAGs), namely hyaluronic acid (HA), chondroitin sulfate (CS) and heparin sulfate (HS), and human serum albumin (HSA) is reported. These quaternary systems were characterized using surface charge, size and morphology and applied to MSCs, which represent a challenge due to their typically low transfection efficiency. The quaternary polyplexes promoted efficient charge shielding and release of siRNA in the cytoplasm with reduced toxicity. A high silencing efficiency of >90% (i.e., less than 10% remaining GFP expression) was achieved with noticeably reduced cellular toxicity, especially with siRNA-bPEI polyplexes modified with HA and HA + HSA. In general addition of GAGs led to more compact polyplexes. Endocytosis studies point to improved endosomal escape at high N/P ratios as a reason for high transfection efficiency and a role for hyaluronic acid in the uptake mechanism likely via CD44 interactions. Co-localization studies showed the polyplexes are stable in the cytosol over time, which correlates with a proper disassembly and subsequent silencing of GFP. Furthermore, GAG containing polyplexes were frequently co-localized with the nucleus. These findings in sum suggest that PEI/HSA/GAG based quaternary polyplexes are promising as transfection agents for MSCs. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: Since mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are recruited to the site of tissue repair and play a role in immunomodulation, anti-inflammatory processes, and paracrine signaling, they present an excellent target for genetic engineering. However, delivery of genetic material into MSCs is challenging. In this study, >97% silencing of constitutive green fluorescent protein expression in human MSCs (hMSCs) using high N/P ratio polyplexes of branched-PEI-siRNA incorporating glycosaminoglycan as a charge neutralizer and human serum albumin as co-complexing agent is demonstrated. In addition to possessing good cytocompatibility and excellent cytosolic stability; polyplexes incorporating GAGs also showed altered endocytic uptake, with incorporation of hyaluronic acid promoting caveolae-mediated entry. Our system highlights the importance of physiologically derived macromolecules in delivery of genetic material into hMSCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura C Herrera
- Institute for Macromolecular Chemistry, University of Freiburg, 79104 Freiburg, Germany
| | - V Prasad Shastri
- Institute for Macromolecular Chemistry, University of Freiburg, 79104 Freiburg, Germany; BIOSS-Centre for Biological Signalling Studies, University of Freiburg, 79104 Freiburg, Germany.
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45
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He Y, Liu Y, Sun Z, Han F, Tang JZ, Gao R, Wang G. The proper strategy to compress and protect plasmid DNA in the Pluronic L64-electropulse system for enhanced intramuscular gene delivery. Regen Biomater 2019; 6:289-298. [PMID: 31616566 PMCID: PMC6783702 DOI: 10.1093/rb/rby028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2018] [Revised: 10/30/2018] [Accepted: 11/26/2018] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Intramuscular expression of functional proteins is a promising strategy for therapeutic purposes. Previously, we developed an intramuscular gene delivery method by combining Pluronic L64 and optimized electropulse, which is among the most efficient methods to date. However, plasmid DNAs (pDNAs) in this method were not compressed, making them unstable and inefficient in vivo. We considered that a proper compression of pDNAs by an appropriate material should facilitate gene expression in this L64-electropulse system. Here, we reported our finding of such a material, Epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), a natural compound in green teas, which could compress and protect pDNAs and significantly increase intramuscular gene expression in the L64-electropulse system. Meanwhile, we found that polyethylenimine (PEI) could also slightly improve exogenous gene expression in the optimal procedure. By analysing the characteristic differences between EGCG and PEI, we concluded that negatively charged materials with strong affinity to nucleic acids and/or other properties suitable for gene delivery, such as EGCG, are better alternatives than cationic materials (like PEI) for muscle-based gene delivery. The results revealed that a critical principle for material/pDNA complex benefitting intramuscular gene delivery/expression is to keep the complex negatively charged. This proof-of-concept study displays the breakthrough in compressing pDNAs and provides a principle and strategy to develop more efficient intramuscular gene delivery systems for therapeutic applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yutong He
- National Engineering Research Center for Biomaterials
| | - Yili Liu
- National Engineering Research Center for Biomaterials
- Key Laboratory for Bio-Resource and Eco-Environment of Ministry Education, College of Life Science, Sichuan University, No. 29, Wangjiang Road, Chengdu, Sichuan, P.R. China
| | - Zhe Sun
- National Engineering Research Center for Biomaterials
| | - Fei Han
- National Engineering Research Center for Biomaterials
| | - James Zhenggui Tang
- Research Institute in Healthcare Science, Faculty of Science and Engineering, School of Pharmacy, University of Wolverhampton, Wolverhampton, UK
| | - Rong Gao
- Key Laboratory for Bio-Resource and Eco-Environment of Ministry Education, College of Life Science, Sichuan University, No. 29, Wangjiang Road, Chengdu, Sichuan, P.R. China
| | - Gang Wang
- National Engineering Research Center for Biomaterials
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Peng L, Wagner E. Polymeric Carriers for Nucleic Acid Delivery: Current Designs and Future Directions. Biomacromolecules 2019; 20:3613-3626. [DOI: 10.1021/acs.biomac.9b00999] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
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47
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Dirisala A, Uchida S, Tockary TA, Yoshinaga N, Li J, Osawa S, Gorantla L, Fukushima S, Osada K, Kataoka K. Precise tuning of disulphide crosslinking in mRNA polyplex micelles for optimising extracellular and intracellular nuclease tolerability. J Drug Target 2019; 27:670-680. [PMID: 30499743 DOI: 10.1080/1061186x.2018.1550646] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
Abstract
The major issues in messenger (m)RNA delivery are rapid mRNA degradation in the extracellular and intracellular spaces, which decreases the efficiency and duration for protein expression from mRNA. Stabilization of mRNA carriers using environment-responsive crosslinkings has promises to overcome these issues. Herein, we fine-tuned the structure of disulphide crosslinkings, which are selectively cleaved in the intracellular reductive environment, using the mRNA-loaded polyplex micelles (PMs) prepared from poly(ethylene glycol)-poly(L-lysine) (PEG-PLys) block copolymers, particularly by focussing on cationic charge density after the crosslinking. Primary amino groups in PLys segment were partially thiolated in two ways: One is to introduce 3-mercaptopropionyl (MP) groups via amide linkage, resulting in the decreased cationic charge density [PEG-PLys(MP)], and the other is the conversion of amino groups to 1-amidine-3-mercaptopropyl (AMP) groups with preserving cationic charge density [PEG-PLys(AMP)]. Compared to non-crosslinked and PEG-PLys(MP) PMs, PEG-PLys(AMP) PM attained tighter mRNA packaging in the PM core, thereby improving mRNA nuclease tolerability in serum and intracellular spaces, and providing enhanced protein expression in cultured cells at the optimal crosslinking density. These findings highlight the importance of cationic charge preservation in installing crosslinking moieties, providing a rationale for mRNA carrier design in the molecular level.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anjaneyulu Dirisala
- a Innovation Center of NanoMedicine (iCONM), Kawasaki Institute of Industrial Promotion , Kawasaki , Kanagawa , Japan
| | - Satoshi Uchida
- a Innovation Center of NanoMedicine (iCONM), Kawasaki Institute of Industrial Promotion , Kawasaki , Kanagawa , Japan.,b Department of Bioengineering , Graduate School of Engineering, The University of Tokyo , Bunkyo , Tokyo , Japan
| | - Theofilus A Tockary
- a Innovation Center of NanoMedicine (iCONM), Kawasaki Institute of Industrial Promotion , Kawasaki , Kanagawa , Japan
| | - Naoto Yoshinaga
- b Department of Bioengineering , Graduate School of Engineering, The University of Tokyo , Bunkyo , Tokyo , Japan
| | - Junjie Li
- a Innovation Center of NanoMedicine (iCONM), Kawasaki Institute of Industrial Promotion , Kawasaki , Kanagawa , Japan
| | - Shigehito Osawa
- a Innovation Center of NanoMedicine (iCONM), Kawasaki Institute of Industrial Promotion , Kawasaki , Kanagawa , Japan
| | - Lahari Gorantla
- c Department of Bioengineering , College of Engineering, University of Washington , Washington , USA
| | - Shigeto Fukushima
- a Innovation Center of NanoMedicine (iCONM), Kawasaki Institute of Industrial Promotion , Kawasaki , Kanagawa , Japan
| | - Kensuke Osada
- d National Institutes for Quantum and Radiology Science and Technology , Inage , Chiba , Japan
| | - Kazunori Kataoka
- a Innovation Center of NanoMedicine (iCONM), Kawasaki Institute of Industrial Promotion , Kawasaki , Kanagawa , Japan.,e Policy Alternatives Research Institute, The University of Tokyo , Bunkyo , Tokyo , Japan
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48
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Ullah I, Zhao J, Rukh S, Muhammad K, Guo J, Ren XK, Xia S, Zhang W, Feng Y. A PEG-b-poly(disulfide-l-lysine) based redox-responsive cationic polymer for efficient gene transfection. J Mater Chem B 2019; 7:1893-1905. [PMID: 32255052 DOI: 10.1039/c8tb03226b] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
Gene therapy is concerned with the transfer of complement genes to functionally defective cells in a safe and directed manner for the treatment of the most challenging diseases. But safety issues and low transfection efficiency of the gene vectors are the major challenges, which need to be overcome. Recently, redox-responsive bioreducible polymers containing disulfide linkages have been considered as efficient gene vectors, owing to the selective degradation of the disulfide bond in the reducing environment of the cells. This enables spatiotemporal release of pDNA with no or minimum toxicity. Herein, we reported a bioreducible poly(ethyleneglycol)-b-poly(disulfide-l-lysine) cationic polymer (denoted as PEG-SSL) via a Michael addition reaction of poly(ethyleneglycol)tetraacrylate PEG(Ac)4 and the terminal amine group of poly(disulfide-l-lysine). PEG-SSL efficiently condensed the plasmid ZNF580 gene (pZNF580) forming nano-sized polyplexes (155 ± 4 to 285 ± 3 nm) with zeta potentials of 1.9 ± 0.1 to 26.7 ± 0.4 mV. PEG-SSL successfully retarded pZNF580 at a small polymer/pDNA weight ratio of 10/1 and higher. When exposed to a reducing environment of 5 mM DTT, it rapidly released genes even at higher weight ratios of the PEG-SSL polymer in the PEG-SSL/pDNA complexes. The PEG-SSL/pZNF580 complexes exhibited good stability when exposed to DNase I and efficiently protected pDNA from degradation. In vitro transfection and cytotoxicity were investigated in EA.hy926 cells. The results showed that PEG-SSL successfully delivered pZNF580 into the cells with less cytotoxicity compared to PEI25kDa. The flow cytometry and confocal scanning laser microscopy results indicated that PEG-SSL polyplexes exhibited good cellular uptake and nuclear co-localization rates. All these results implied that PEG-SSL had the potential as a non-viral vector for gene transfection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ihsan Ullah
- School of Chemical Engineering and Technology, Tianjin University, Yaguan Road 135, Tianjin 300350, China.
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49
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Uchida S, Kataoka K. Design concepts of polyplex micelles for in vivo therapeutic delivery of plasmid DNA and messenger RNA. J Biomed Mater Res A 2019; 107:978-990. [PMID: 30665262 DOI: 10.1002/jbm.a.36614] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2018] [Accepted: 11/27/2018] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Nonviral delivery of plasmid (p)DNA or messenger (m)RNA is a safe and promising therapeutic option to continuously supply therapeutic proteins into diseased tissues. In most cases of in vivo pDNA and mRNA delivery, these nucleic acids are loaded into carriers based on cationic polymers and/or lipids to prevent nuclease-mediated degradation before reaching target cells. The carriers should also evade host clearance mechanisms, including uptake by scavenger cells and filtration in the spleen. Installation of ligands onto the carriers can facilitate their rapid uptake into target cells. Meanwhile, carrier toxicity should be minimized not only for preventing undesirable adverse responses in patients, but also for preserving the function of transfected cells to exert therapeutic effects. Long-term progressive improvement of platform technologies has helped overcome most of these issues, though some still remain hindering the widespread clinical application of nonviral pDNA and mRNA delivery. This review discusses design concepts of nonviral carriers for in vivo delivery and the issues to be overcome, focusing especially on our own efforts using polyplex micelles. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 107A: 978-990, 2019.
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Affiliation(s)
- Satoshi Uchida
- Department of Bioengineering, Graduate School of Engineering, The University of Tokyo, Bunkyo, Tokyo 113-8656, Japan.,Innovation Center of NanoMedicine (iCONM), Kawasaki Institute of Industrial Promotion, Kawasaki, Kanagawa 210-0821, Japan
| | - Kazunori Kataoka
- Innovation Center of NanoMedicine (iCONM), Kawasaki Institute of Industrial Promotion, Kawasaki, Kanagawa 210-0821, Japan.,Policy Alternatives Research Institute, The University of Tokyo, Bunkyo, Tokyo 113-0033, Japan
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50
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Yoshinaga N, Uchida S, Naito M, Osada K, Cabral H, Kataoka K. Induced packaging of mRNA into polyplex micelles by regulated hybridization with a small number of cholesteryl RNA oligonucleotides directed enhanced in vivo transfection. Biomaterials 2019; 197:255-267. [PMID: 30669016 DOI: 10.1016/j.biomaterials.2019.01.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2018] [Revised: 12/23/2018] [Accepted: 01/12/2019] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
There has been a progressive interest in the molecular design of polymers and lipids as synthetic carriers for targeting therapeutic mRNA in vivo with the ability to circumvent nuclease attack for treating intractable diseases. Herein, we developed a simple approach to attain one order of magnitude higher nuclease tolerability of mRNA through the formation of polyplex micelles (PMs) by combining ω-cholesteryl (ω-Chol)-poly (ethylene-glycol) (PEG)-polycation block copolymers with mRNA pre-hybridized with cholesterol (Chol)-tethered RNA oligonucleotides (Chol (+)-OligoRNA). Even one or a few short Chol (+)-OligoRNA anchors harboring along the 46-fold longer mRNA strand was sufficient to induce tight mRNA packaging in the PM core, as evidenced by Förster resonance energy transfer (FRET) measurement as well as by a longitudinal relaxation time (T1) measurement using NMR. These results suggest that Chol (+)-OligoRNA on mRNA strand serves as a node to attract ω-Chol moiety of the block copolymers to tighten the mRNA packaging in the PM core. These mRNA loaded PMs showed high tolerability against nuclease attack, and exerted appreciable protein translational activity in cultured cells without any inflammatory responses, achieved by shortening of the length of hybridizing Chol (+)-OligoRNAs to 17 nucleotides. Finally, the Chol (+)-OligoRNA-stabilized PM revealed efficient mRNA introduction into the mouse lungs via intratracheal administration, demonstrating in vivo utility of this formulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Naoto Yoshinaga
- Department of Bioengineering, Graduate School of Engineering, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8656, Japan
| | - Satoshi Uchida
- Department of Bioengineering, Graduate School of Engineering, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8656, Japan; Innovation Center of NanoMedicine (iCONM), Kawasaki Institute of Industrial Promotion, 3-25-14 Tonomachi, Kawasaki-ku, Kawasaki, 210-0821, Japan.
| | - Mitsuru Naito
- Center for Disease Biology and Integrative Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-0033, Japan
| | - Kensuke Osada
- National Institute of Radiological Science, 4-9-1 Anagawa, Inage-ku, Chiba-shi, Chiba 263-8555, Japan
| | - Horacio Cabral
- Department of Bioengineering, Graduate School of Engineering, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8656, Japan
| | - Kazunori Kataoka
- Innovation Center of NanoMedicine (iCONM), Kawasaki Institute of Industrial Promotion, 3-25-14 Tonomachi, Kawasaki-ku, Kawasaki, 210-0821, Japan; Policy Alternatives Research Institute, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-0033, Japan.
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