1
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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: 152] [Impact Index Per Article: 50.7] [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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2
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Rajagopal P, Jayandharan GR, Krishnan UM. Evaluation of the Anticancer Activity of pH-Sensitive Polyketal Nanoparticles for Acute Myeloid Leukemia. Mol Pharm 2021; 18:2015-2031. [PMID: 33780253 DOI: 10.1021/acs.molpharmaceut.0c01243] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Polyketals are a class of acid-responsive polymers that have been relatively less explored for drug delivery applications compared to polyesters. The degradation of these polymers is accelerated in an acidic medium and does not result in acidic byproducts. Their biocompatibility depends on the diol used for the synthesis. The present work aims to synthesize, characterize, and fabricate nanospheres of an aliphatic polyketal for delivery of the nucleotide analogue cytarabine toward the treatment of acute myeloid leukemia (AML). The internalization mechanism of the nanospheres was probed, and its implication on the nuclear localization and escape from the endo-lysosomal compartments were studied. The drug-loaded polyketal nanoparticles reduced the cell viability to a greater extent compared with the free drug. The effect of the drug-loaded polyketal nanoparticles on the differential gene expression of leukemic cells was investigated for the first time to understand their therapeutic implications. It was found that treatment with drug-loaded polyketal nanoparticles downregulated AML-specific genes involved in cell proliferation and recurrence compared to the free drug. The protein expression studies were performed for selected genes obtained from gene expression analysis. Biodistribution studies showed that the poly(cyclohexane-1,4-diyl acetone dimethylene ketal) (PCADK) nanoparticles exhibit prolonged circulation time. Overall, our results suggest that polyketal-based delivery of cytarabine represents a more effective alternative strategy for AML therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pratheppa Rajagopal
- Centre for Nanotechnology & Advanced Biomaterials, SASTRA Deemed University Thanjavur 613401, India.,School of Chemical and Biotechnology, SASTRA Deemed University, Thanjavur 613401, India
| | - Giridhara R Jayandharan
- Department of Biological Sciences and Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Technology, Kanpur 208016, Uttar Pradesh, India.,The Mehta Family Centre for Engineering In Medicine, Indian Institute of Technology, Kanpur 208016, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Uma Maheswari Krishnan
- Centre for Nanotechnology & Advanced Biomaterials, SASTRA Deemed University Thanjavur 613401, India.,School of Chemical and Biotechnology, SASTRA Deemed University, Thanjavur 613401, India.,School of Arts, Science & Humanities, SASTRA Deemed University, Thanjavur 613401, India
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3
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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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4
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Liu X, Hou Y, Zhang Y, Zhang W. Thermoresponsive Polymers of Poly(2-( N-alkylacrylamide)ethyl acetate)s. Polymers (Basel) 2020; 12:E2464. [PMID: 33114303 PMCID: PMC7690893 DOI: 10.3390/polym12112464] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2020] [Revised: 10/16/2020] [Accepted: 10/20/2020] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Thermoresponsive poly(2-(N-alkylacrylamide) ethyl acetate)s with different N-alkyl groups, including poly(2-(N-methylacrylamide) ethyl acetate) (PNMAAEA), poly(2-(N-ethylacrylamide) ethyl acetate) (PNEAAEA), and poly(2-(N-propylacrylamide) ethyl acetate) (PNPAAEA), as well as poly(N-acetoxylethylacrylamide) (PNAEAA), were synthesized by solution RAFT polymerization. Unexpectedly, it was found that there are induction periods in the RAFT polymerization of these monomers, and the induction time correlates with the length of the N-alkyl groups in the monomers and follows the order of NAEAA < NMAAEA < NEAAEA < NPAAEA. The solubility of poly(2-(N-alkylacrylamide) ethyl acetate)s in water is also firmly dependent on the length of the N-alkyl groups. PNPAAEA including the largest N-propyl group is insoluble in water, whereas PNMAAEA and PNEAAEA are thermoresponsive in water and undergo the reversible soluble-to-insoluble transition at a critical solution temperature. The cloud point temperature (Tcp) of the thermoresponsive polymers is in the order of PNEAAEA < PNAEAA < PNMAAEA. The parameters affecting the Tcp of thermoresponsive polymers, e.g., degree of polymerization (DP), polymer concentration, salt, urea, and phenol, are investigated. Thermoresponsive PNMAAEA-b-PNEAAEA block copolymer and PNMAAEA-co-PNEAAEA random copolymers with different PNMAAEA and/or PNEAAEA fractions are synthesized, and their thermoresponse is checked.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xue Liu
- Key Laboratory for Green Chemical Technology of Ministry of Education, School of Chemical Engineering and Technology, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300350, China;
| | - Yuwen Hou
- Key Laboratory of Functional Polymer Materials of the Ministry of Education, Institute of Polymer Chemistry, College of Chemistry, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, China;
| | - Yimin Zhang
- Key Laboratory for Green Chemical Technology of Ministry of Education, School of Chemical Engineering and Technology, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300350, China;
| | - Wangqing Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Functional Polymer Materials of the Ministry of Education, Institute of Polymer Chemistry, College of Chemistry, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, China;
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5
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Lee DC, Lamm RJ, Prossnitz AN, Boydston AJ, Pun SH. Dual Polymerizations: Untapped Potential for Biomaterials. Adv Healthc Mater 2019; 8:e1800861. [PMID: 30369103 PMCID: PMC6426662 DOI: 10.1002/adhm.201800861] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2018] [Revised: 09/05/2018] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Block copolymers with unique architectures and those that can self-assemble into supramolecular structures are used in medicine as biomaterial scaffolds and delivery vehicles for cells, therapeutics, and imaging agents. To date, much of the work relies on controlling polymer behavior by varying the monomer side chains to add functionality and tune hydrophobicity. Although varying the side chains is an efficient strategy to control polymer behavior, changing the polymer backbone can also be a powerful approach to modulate polymer self-assembly, rigidity, reactivity, and biodegradability for biomedical applications. There are many developments in the syntheses of polymers with segmented backbones, but these developments are not widely adopted as strategies to address the unique constraints and requirements of polymers for biomedical applications. This review highlights dual polymerization strategies for the synthesis of backbone-segmented block copolymers to facilitate their adoption for biomedical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel C. Lee
- Molecular Engineering and Sciences Institute, University of Washington
| | | | | | - Andrew J. Boydston
- Molecular Engineering and Sciences Institute, University of Washington
- Department of Chemistry, University of Washington
| | - Suzie H. Pun
- Molecular Engineering and Sciences Institute, University of Washington
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Washington
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6
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Hou Y, Guo Y, Qian S, Khan H, Han G, Zhang W. A new thermoresponsive polymer of poly(N-acetoxylethyl acrylamide). POLYMER 2019. [DOI: 10.1016/j.polymer.2019.02.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
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7
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Varlas S, Georgiou PG, Bilalis P, Jones JR, Hadjichristidis N, O’Reilly RK. Poly(sarcosine)-Based Nano-Objects with Multi-Protease Resistance by Aqueous Photoinitiated Polymerization-Induced Self-Assembly (Photo-PISA). Biomacromolecules 2018; 19:4453-4462. [DOI: 10.1021/acs.biomac.8b01326] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Spyridon Varlas
- School of Chemistry, University of Birmingham, B15 2TT Birmingham, United Kingdom
| | - Panagiotis G. Georgiou
- School of Chemistry, University of Birmingham, B15 2TT Birmingham, United Kingdom
- Department of Chemistry, University of Warwick, Gibbet Hill Road, CV4 7AL Coventry, United Kingdom
| | - Panayiotis Bilalis
- Physical Sciences and Engineering Division, KAUST Catalysis Center, Polymer Synthesis Laboratory, King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), 23955 Thuwal, Saudi Arabia
| | - Joseph R. Jones
- School of Chemistry, University of Birmingham, B15 2TT Birmingham, United Kingdom
| | - Nikos Hadjichristidis
- Physical Sciences and Engineering Division, KAUST Catalysis Center, Polymer Synthesis Laboratory, King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), 23955 Thuwal, Saudi Arabia
| | - Rachel K. O’Reilly
- School of Chemistry, University of Birmingham, B15 2TT Birmingham, United Kingdom
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8
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Varlas S, Blackman LD, Findlay HE, Reading E, Booth PJ, Gibson MI, O’Reilly RK. Photoinitiated Polymerization-Induced Self-Assembly in the Presence of Surfactants Enables Membrane Protein Incorporation into Vesicles. Macromolecules 2018. [DOI: 10.1021/acs.macromol.8b00994] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Spyridon Varlas
- School of Chemistry, University of Birmingham, B15 2TT Birmingham, U.K
| | | | - Heather E. Findlay
- Department of Chemistry, King’s College London, Britannia House, 7 Trinity Street, SE1 1DB London, U.K
| | - Eamonn Reading
- Department of Chemistry, King’s College London, Britannia House, 7 Trinity Street, SE1 1DB London, U.K
| | - Paula J. Booth
- Department of Chemistry, King’s College London, Britannia House, 7 Trinity Street, SE1 1DB London, U.K
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9
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Rajagopal P, Duraiswamy S, Sethuraman S, Giridhara Rao J, Krishnan UM. Polymer-coated viral vectors: hybrid nanosystems for gene therapy. J Gene Med 2018; 20:e3011. [PMID: 29423922 DOI: 10.1002/jgm.3011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2017] [Revised: 01/17/2018] [Accepted: 01/20/2018] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
The advantages and critical aspects of nanodimensional polymer-coated viral vector systems potentially applicable for gene delivery are reviewed. Various viral and nonviral vectors have been explored for gene therapy. Viral gene transfer methods, although highly efficient, are limited by their immunogenicity. Nonviral vectors have a lower transfection efficiency as a result of their inability to escape from the endosome. To overcome these drawbacks, novel nanotechnology-mediated interventions that involve the coating or modification of virus using polymers have emerged as a new paradigm in gene therapy. These alterations not only modify the tropism of the virus, but also reduce their undesirable interactions with the biological system. Also, co-encapsulation of other therapeutic agents in the polymeric coating may serve to augment the treatment efficacy. The viral particles can aid endosomal escape, as well as nuclear targeting, thereby enhancing the transfection efficiency. The integration of the desirable properties of both viral and nonviral vectors has been found beneficial for gene therapy by enhancing the transduction efficiency and minimizing the immune response. However, it is essential to ensure that these attempts should not compromise on the inherent ability of viruses to target and internalize into the cells and escape the endosomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pratheppa Rajagopal
- Centre for Nanotechnology & Advanced Biomaterials (CeNTAB), SASTRA Deemed-to-be University, Thanjavur, India
| | - Sowmiya Duraiswamy
- Centre for Nanotechnology & Advanced Biomaterials (CeNTAB), SASTRA Deemed-to-be University, Thanjavur, India
| | - Swaminathan Sethuraman
- Centre for Nanotechnology & Advanced Biomaterials (CeNTAB), SASTRA Deemed-to-be University, Thanjavur, India
| | - Jayandharan Giridhara Rao
- Department of Biological Sciences and Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Technology, Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Uma Maheswari Krishnan
- Centre for Nanotechnology & Advanced Biomaterials (CeNTAB), SASTRA Deemed-to-be University, Thanjavur, India
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10
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Ding Z, Ding M, Gao C, Boyer C, Zhang W. In Situ Synthesis of Coil–Coil Diblock Copolymer Nanotubes and Tubular Ag/Polymer Nanocomposites by RAFT Dispersion Polymerization in Poly(ethylene glycol). Macromolecules 2017. [DOI: 10.1021/acs.macromol.7b01363] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Cyrille Boyer
- Centre
for Advanced Macromolecular Design, School of Chemical Engineering, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales 2052, Australia
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11
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Wang K, Chen S, Zhang W. A New Family of Thermo-, pH-, and CO2-Responsive Homopolymers of Poly[Oligo(ethylene glycol) (N-dialkylamino) methacrylate]s. Macromolecules 2017. [DOI: 10.1021/acs.macromol.7b00763] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Ke Wang
- Key
Laboratory of Functional Polymer Materials of the Ministry of Education,
Institute of Polymer Chemistry, College of Chemistry, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, China
| | - Shengli Chen
- Key
Laboratory of Functional Polymer Materials of the Ministry of Education,
Institute of Polymer Chemistry, College of Chemistry, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, China
| | - Wangqing Zhang
- Key
Laboratory of Functional Polymer Materials of the Ministry of Education,
Institute of Polymer Chemistry, College of Chemistry, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, China
- Collaborative
Innovation Center of Chemical Science and Engineering (Tianjin), Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, China
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12
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Gao C, Zhou H, Qu Y, Wang W, Khan H, Zhang W. In Situ Synthesis of Block Copolymer Nanoassemblies via Polymerization-Induced Self-Assembly in Poly(ethylene glycol). Macromolecules 2016. [DOI: 10.1021/acs.macromol.6b00688] [Citation(s) in RCA: 81] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Chengqiang Gao
- Key Laboratory of Functional Polymer Materials
of the Ministry of Education, Institute of Polymer Chemistry and ‡Collaborative
Innovation Center of Chemical Science and Engineering (Tianjin), Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, China
| | - Heng Zhou
- Key Laboratory of Functional Polymer Materials
of the Ministry of Education, Institute of Polymer Chemistry and ‡Collaborative
Innovation Center of Chemical Science and Engineering (Tianjin), Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, China
| | - Yaqing Qu
- Key Laboratory of Functional Polymer Materials
of the Ministry of Education, Institute of Polymer Chemistry and ‡Collaborative
Innovation Center of Chemical Science and Engineering (Tianjin), Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, China
| | - Wei Wang
- Key Laboratory of Functional Polymer Materials
of the Ministry of Education, Institute of Polymer Chemistry and ‡Collaborative
Innovation Center of Chemical Science and Engineering (Tianjin), Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, China
| | - Habib Khan
- Key Laboratory of Functional Polymer Materials
of the Ministry of Education, Institute of Polymer Chemistry and ‡Collaborative
Innovation Center of Chemical Science and Engineering (Tianjin), Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, China
| | - Wangqing Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Functional Polymer Materials
of the Ministry of Education, Institute of Polymer Chemistry and ‡Collaborative
Innovation Center of Chemical Science and Engineering (Tianjin), Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, China
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13
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Wang K, Song Z, Liu C, Zhang W. RAFT synthesis of triply responsive poly[N-[2-(dialkylamino)ethyl]acrylamide]s and their N-substitute determined response. Polym Chem 2016. [DOI: 10.1039/c6py00526h] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
The thermo- and pH/CO2-responsive poly[N-[2-(dialkylamino)ethyl]acrylamide]s containing a polyacrylamide backbone but different N-substitutes of dialkylamine were synthesized and their solution properties were comparatively checked.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ke Wang
- Key Laboratory of Functional Polymer Materials of the Ministry of Education
- Institute of Polymer Chemistry
- Nankai University
- Tianjin 300071
- China
| | - Zefeng Song
- Key Laboratory of Functional Polymer Materials of the Ministry of Education
- Institute of Polymer Chemistry
- Nankai University
- Tianjin 300071
- China
| | - Chonggao Liu
- Key Laboratory of Functional Polymer Materials of the Ministry of Education
- Institute of Polymer Chemistry
- Nankai University
- Tianjin 300071
- China
| | - Wangqing Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Functional Polymer Materials of the Ministry of Education
- Institute of Polymer Chemistry
- Nankai University
- Tianjin 300071
- China
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14
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Song Z, Wang K, Gao C, Wang S, Zhang W. A New Thermo-, pH-, and CO2-Responsive Homopolymer of Poly[N-[2-(diethylamino)ethyl]acrylamide]: Is the Diethylamino Group Underestimated? Macromolecules 2015. [DOI: 10.1021/acs.macromol.5b02458] [Citation(s) in RCA: 93] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Zefeng Song
- Key Laboratory of Functional
Polymer Materials of the Ministry of Education, Collaborative Innovation
Center of Chemical Science and Engineering (Tianjin), Institute of
Polymer Chemistry, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, China
| | - Ke Wang
- Key Laboratory of Functional
Polymer Materials of the Ministry of Education, Collaborative Innovation
Center of Chemical Science and Engineering (Tianjin), Institute of
Polymer Chemistry, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, China
| | - Chengqiang Gao
- Key Laboratory of Functional
Polymer Materials of the Ministry of Education, Collaborative Innovation
Center of Chemical Science and Engineering (Tianjin), Institute of
Polymer Chemistry, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, China
| | - Shuang Wang
- Key Laboratory of Functional
Polymer Materials of the Ministry of Education, Collaborative Innovation
Center of Chemical Science and Engineering (Tianjin), Institute of
Polymer Chemistry, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, China
| | - Wangqing Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Functional
Polymer Materials of the Ministry of Education, Collaborative Innovation
Center of Chemical Science and Engineering (Tianjin), Institute of
Polymer Chemistry, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, China
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15
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Redondo J, Velasco D, Pérez-Perrino M, Reinecke H, Gallardo A, Pandit A, Elvira C. Synergistic effect of pendant hydroxypropyl and pyrrolidine moieties randomly distributed along polymethacrylamide backbones on in vitro DNA-transfection. Eur J Pharm Biopharm 2015; 90:38-43. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ejpb.2014.11.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2014] [Revised: 11/07/2014] [Accepted: 11/10/2014] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
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16
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Blum AP, Kammeyer JK, Yin J, Crystal DT, Rush AM, Gilson MK, Gianneschi NC. Peptides displayed as high density brush polymers resist proteolysis and retain bioactivity. J Am Chem Soc 2014; 136:15422-37. [PMID: 25314576 PMCID: PMC4227725 DOI: 10.1021/ja5088216] [Citation(s) in RCA: 66] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
We describe a strategy for rendering peptides resistant to proteolysis by formulating them as high-density brush polymers. The utility of this approach is demonstrated by polymerizing well-established cell-penetrating peptides (CPPs) and showing that the resulting polymers are not only resistant to proteolysis but also maintain their ability to enter cells. The scope of this design concept is explored by studying the proteolytic resistance of brush polymers composed of peptides that are substrates for either thrombin or a metalloprotease. Finally, we demonstrate that the proteolytic susceptibility of peptide brush polymers can be tuned by adjusting the density of the polymer brush and offer in silico models to rationalize this finding. We contend that this strategy offers a plausible method of preparing peptides for in vivo use, where rapid digestion by proteases has traditionally restricted their utility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angela P Blum
- Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry, ‡Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of California, San Diego , La Jolla, California 92093, United States
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17
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Tan JKY, Choi JL, Wei H, Schellinger JG, Pun SH. Reducible, dibromomaleimide-linked polymers for gene delivery. Biomater Sci 2014. [PMID: 26214195 DOI: 10.1039/c4bm00240g] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Polycations have been successfully used as gene transfer vehicles both in vitro and in vivo; however, their cytotoxicity has been associated with increasing molecular weight. Polymers that can be rapidly degraded after internalization are typically better tolerated by mammalian cells compared to their non-degradable counterparts. Here, we report the use of a dibromomaleimide-alkyne (DBM-alkyne) linking agent to reversibly bridge cationic polymer segments for gene delivery and to provide site-specific functionalization by azide-alkyne cycloaddition chemistry. A panel of reducible and non-reducible, statistical copolymers of (2-dimethylamino)ethyl methacrylate (DMAEMA) and oligo(ethylene glycol)methyl ether methacrylate (OEGMA) were synthesized and evaluated. When complexed with plasmid DNA, the reducible and non-reducible polymers had comparable DNA condensation properties, sizes, and transfection efficiencies. When comparing cytotoxicity, the DBM-linked, reducible polymers were significantly less toxic than the non-reducible polymers. To demonstrate polymer functionalization by click chemistry, the DBM-linked polymers were tagged with an azide-fluorophore and were used to monitor cellular uptake. Overall, this polymer system introduces the use of a reversible linker, DBM-alkyne, to the area of gene delivery and allows for facile, orthogonal, and site-specific functionalization of gene delivery vehicles.
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Affiliation(s)
- James-Kevin Y Tan
- University of Washington, Department of Bioengineering and Molecular Engineering and Sciences Institute, William H. Foege Building, Box 355061, 3720 15th Ave NE, Seattle, WA 98195, USA.
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18
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Qin X, Xie W, Tian S, Ali MA, Shirke A, Gross RA. Influence of Nε-Protecting Groups on the Protease-Catalyzed Oligomerization of l-Lysine Methyl Ester. ACS Catal 2014. [DOI: 10.1021/cs500268d] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Xu Qin
- Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI), Department of Chemistry and Biology,
Center for Biotechnology and Interdisciplinary Studies, 4005B BioTechnology Bldg., 110 Eighth
Street, Troy, New York 12180, United States
| | - Wenchun Xie
- Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI), Department of Chemistry and Biology,
Center for Biotechnology and Interdisciplinary Studies, 4005B BioTechnology Bldg., 110 Eighth
Street, Troy, New York 12180, United States
| | - Sai Tian
- Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI), Department of Chemistry and Biology,
Center for Biotechnology and Interdisciplinary Studies, 4005B BioTechnology Bldg., 110 Eighth
Street, Troy, New York 12180, United States
| | - Mohamed Abo Ali
- Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI), Department of Chemistry and Biology,
Center for Biotechnology and Interdisciplinary Studies, 4005B BioTechnology Bldg., 110 Eighth
Street, Troy, New York 12180, United States
| | - Abhijeet Shirke
- Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI), Department of Chemistry and Biology,
Center for Biotechnology and Interdisciplinary Studies, 4005B BioTechnology Bldg., 110 Eighth
Street, Troy, New York 12180, United States
| | - Richard A. Gross
- Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI), Department of Chemistry and Biology,
Center for Biotechnology and Interdisciplinary Studies, 4005B BioTechnology Bldg., 110 Eighth
Street, Troy, New York 12180, United States
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19
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Parelkar SS, Letteri R, Chan-Seng D, Zolochevska O, Ellis J, Figueiredo M, Emrick T. Polymer-peptide delivery platforms: effect of oligopeptide orientation on polymer-based DNA delivery. Biomacromolecules 2014; 15:1328-36. [PMID: 24606402 DOI: 10.1021/bm401878p] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
The success of nonviral transfection using polymers hinges on efficient nuclear uptake of nucleic acid cargo and overcoming intra- and extracellular barriers. By incorporating PKKKRKV heptapeptide pendent groups as nuclear localization signals (NLS) on a polymer backbone, we demonstrate protein expression levels higher than those obtained from JetPEI and Lipofectamine 2000, the latter being notorious for coupling high transfection efficiency with cytotoxicity. The orientation of the NLS peptide grafts markedly affected transfection performance. Polymers with the sequence attached to the backbone from the valine residue achieved a level of nuclear translocation higher than the levels of those having the NLS groups attached in the opposite orientation. The differences in nuclear localization and DNA complexation strength between the two orientations correlated with a striking difference in protein expression, both in cell culture and in vivo. Polyplexes formed from these comb polymer structures exhibited transfection efficiencies superior to those of Lipofectamine 2000 but with greatly reduced toxicity. Moreover, these novel polymers, when administered by intramuscular ultrasound-mediated delivery, allowed a high level of reporter gene expression in mice, demonstrating their therapeutic promise in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sangram S Parelkar
- Polymer Science and Engineering Department, University of Massachusetts , 120 Governors Drive, Amherst, Massachusetts 01003, United States
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20
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Shi J, Schellinger JG, Pun SH. Engineering biodegradable and multifunctional peptide-based polymers for gene delivery. J Biol Eng 2013; 7:25. [PMID: 24156736 PMCID: PMC4015834 DOI: 10.1186/1754-1611-7-25] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2013] [Accepted: 10/17/2013] [Indexed: 01/23/2023] Open
Abstract
The complex nature of in vivo gene transfer establishes the need for multifunctional delivery vectors capable of meeting these challenges. An additional consideration for clinical translation of synthetic delivery formulations is reproducibility and scale-up of materials. In this review, we summarize our work over the last five years in developing a modular approach for synthesizing peptide-based polymers. In these materials, bioactive peptides that address various barriers to gene delivery are copolymerized with a hydrophilic backbone of N-(2-hydroxypropyl)methacrylamide (HPMA) using reversible-addition fragmentation chain-transfer (RAFT) polymerization. We demonstrate that this synthetic approach results in well-defined, narrowly-disperse polymers with controllable composition and molecular weight. To date, we have investigated the effectiveness of various bioactive peptides for DNA condensation, endosomal escape, cell targeting, and degradability on gene transfer, as well as the impact of multivalency and polymer architecture on peptide bioactivity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julie Shi
- Department of Bioengineering and Molecular Engineering & Sciences Institute, University of Washington, 3720 15th Ave NE, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
| | - Joan G Schellinger
- Department of Bioengineering and Molecular Engineering & Sciences Institute, University of Washington, 3720 15th Ave NE, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
| | - Suzie H Pun
- Department of Bioengineering and Molecular Engineering & Sciences Institute, University of Washington, 3720 15th Ave NE, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
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21
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Parhiz H, Shier WT, Ramezani M. From rationally designed polymeric and peptidic systems to sophisticated gene delivery nano-vectors. Int J Pharm 2013; 457:237-59. [PMID: 24060371 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpharm.2013.09.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2013] [Revised: 08/21/2013] [Accepted: 09/17/2013] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Lack of safe, efficient and controllable methods for delivering therapeutic genes appears to be the most important factor preventing human gene therapy. Safety issues encountered with viral vectors have prompted substantial attention to in vivo investigations with non-viral vectors throughout the past decade. However, developing non-viral vectors with effectiveness comparable to viral ones has been a challenge. The strategy of designing multifunctional synthetic carriers targeting several extracellular and intracellular barriers in the gene transfer pathway has emerged as a promising approach to improving the efficacy of gene delivery systems. This review will explain how sophisticated synthetic vectors can be created by combining conventional polycationic vectors such as polyethylenimine and basic amino acid peptides with additional polymers and peptides that are designed to overcome potential barriers to the gene delivery process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hamideh Parhiz
- Pharmaceutical Research Center, Department of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, School of Pharmacy, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, P.O. Box 91775-1365, Mashhad, Iran
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22
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Chu DSH, Schellinger JG, Bocek MJ, Johnson RN, Pun SH. Optimization of Tet1 ligand density in HPMA-co-oligolysine copolymers for targeted neuronal gene delivery. Biomaterials 2013; 34:9632-7. [PMID: 24041424 DOI: 10.1016/j.biomaterials.2013.08.045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2013] [Accepted: 08/17/2013] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Targeted gene delivery vectors can enhance cellular specificity and transfection efficiency. We demonstrated previously that conjugation of Tet1, a peptide that binds to the GT1b ganglioside, to polyethylenimine results in preferential transfection of neural progenitor cells in vivo. In this work, we investigate the effect of Tet1 ligand density on gene delivery to neuron-like, differentiated PC-12 cells. A series of statistical, cationic peptide-based polymers containing various amounts (1-5 mol%) of Tet1 were synthesized via one-pot reversible addition-fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) polymerization by copolymerization of Tet1 and oligo-l-lysine macromonomers with N-(2-hydroxypropyl)methacrylamide (HPMA). When complexed with plasmid DNA, the resulting panel of Tet1-functionalized polymers formed particles with similar particle size as particles formed with untargeted HPMA-oligolysine copolymers. The highest cellular uptake in neuron-like differentiated PC-12 cells was observed using polymers with intermediate Tet1 peptide incorporation. Compared to untargeted polymers, polymers with optimal incorporation of Tet1 increased gene delivery to neuron-like PC-12 cells by over an order of magnitude but had no effect compared to control polymers in transfecting NIH/3T3 control cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- David S H Chu
- University of Washington, Department of Bioengineering, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
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23
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Shi J, Schellinger JG, Johnson RN, Choi JL, Chou B, Anghel EL, Pun SH. Influence of histidine incorporation on buffer capacity and gene transfection efficiency of HPMA-co-oligolysine brush polymers. Biomacromolecules 2013; 14:1961-70. [PMID: 23641942 DOI: 10.1021/bm400342f] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
One of the major intracellular barriers to nonviral gene delivery is efficient endosomal escape. The incorporation of histidine residues into polymeric constructs has been found to increase endosomal escape via the proton sponge effect. Statistical and diblock copolymers of N-(2-hydroxypropyl)methacrylamide (HPMA), oligolysine, and oligohistidine were synthesized via reversible-addition fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) polymerization and tested for in vitro transfection efficiency, buffering ability, and polyplex uptake mechanism via the use of chemical endocytic inhibitors. Interestingly, histidine-containing statistical and diblock polymers exhibited increased buffer capacity in different endosomal pH ranges. Statistical copolymers transfected better than block copolymers that contained similar amounts of histidine. In addition, only the polymer containing the highest incorporation of oligohistidine residues led to increases in transfection efficiency over the HPMA-oligolysine base polymer. Thus, for these polymer architectures, high histidine incorporation may be required for efficient endosomal escape. Furthermore, inhibitor studies indicate that nonacidified caveolae-mediated endocytosis may be the primary route of transfection for these copolymers, suggesting that alternative approaches for increasing endosomal escape may be beneficial for enhancing transfection efficiency with these HPMA-oligolysine copolymers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julie Shi
- Department of Bioengineering and Molecular Engineering & Sciences Institute, University of Washington , 3720 15th Avenue NE, Box 355061, Seattle, Washington 98195, United States
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24
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Wei H, Pahang J, Pun SH. Optimization of brush-like cationic copolymers for nonviral gene delivery. Biomacromolecules 2013; 14:275-84. [PMID: 23240866 PMCID: PMC3544971 DOI: 10.1021/bm301747r] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
Polyethylenimine (PEI) is one of the most broadly used polycations for gene delivery due to its high transfection efficiency and commercial availability but materials are cytotoxic and often polydisperse. The goal of current work is to develop an alternative family of polycations based on controlled living radical polymerization (CLRP) and to optimize the polymer structure for efficient gene delivery. In this study, well-defined poly(glycidyl methacrylate)(P(GMA)) homopolymers were synthesized using reversible addition-fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) polymerization followed by decoration using three different types of oligoamines, i.e., tetraethylenepentamine (TEPA), pentaethylenehexamine (PEHA), and tris(2-aminoethyl)amine (TREN), respectively, to generate various P(GMA-oligoamine) homopolycations. The effect of P(GMA) backbone length and structure of oligoamine on gene transfer efficiency was then determined. The optimal polymer, P(GMA-TEPA)(50), provided comparable transfection efficiency but lower cytotoxicity than PEI. P(GMA-TEPA)(50) was then used as the cationic block in diblock copolymers containing hydrophilic N-(2-hydroxypropyl) methacrylamide (HPMA) and oligo(ethylene glycol) monomethyl ether methacrylate (OEGMA). Polyplexes of block copolymers were stable against aggregation in physiological salt condition and in Opti-MEM due to the shielding effect of P(HPMA) and P(OEGMA). However, the presence of the HPMA/OEGMA block significantly decreased the transfection efficacy of P(GMA-TEPA)(50) homopolycation. To compensate for reduced cell uptake caused by the hydrophilic shell of polyplex, the integrin-binding peptide, RGD, was conjugated to the hydrophilic chain end of P(OEGMA)(15)-b-P(GMA-TEPA)(50) copolymer by Michael-type addition reaction. At low polymer to DNA ratios, the RGD-functionalized polymer showed increased gene delivery efficiency to HeLa cells compared to analogous polymers lacking RGD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hua Wei
- Department of Bioengineering and Molecular Engineering and Sciences Institute, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195
| | - JoshuelA Pahang
- Department of Bioengineering and Molecular Engineering and Sciences Institute, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195
| | - Suzie H. Pun
- Department of Bioengineering and Molecular Engineering and Sciences Institute, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195
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25
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Carlson PM, Schellinger JG, Pahang JA, Johnson RN, Pun SH. Comparative study of guanidine-based and lysine-based brush copolymers for plasmid delivery. Biomater Sci 2013; 1:736-744. [PMID: 23750319 DOI: 10.1039/c3bm60079c] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Polyethylenimine (PEI), one of the most frequently used polycations for non-viral nucleic acid delivery, exhibits good transfection efficiency to cultured cells but generally has to be used in restricted concentration ranges due to high cytotoxicity. We recently reported a family of HPMA-co-oligolysine brush copolymers that show nucleic acid delivery efficiencies approaching that of PEI. Guanidine-containing polymers have been reported in some systems to be more effective at cellular delivery of cargo than their primary-amine analogs. The goal of this work is to investigate the effect of guanidinylation on gene transfer ability of HPMA-co-oligolysine copolymers. Several parameters were evaluated: arginine versus homoarginine monomers, oligopeptide length, and charge density within the peptide. Using reversible addition-fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) polymerization, a series of six copolymers were synthesized containing the cationic peptides K10, R10, K5, and (GK)5. Lysine-containing copolymers were functionalized with guanidine by reaction with O-methylisourea to generate an additional five homoarginine-based copolymers. All eleven copolymers readily condensed DNA into small, < 150 nm polyplexes and remained stable in physiological salt conditions. The best performing copolymers provided more efficient gene transfection with less associated cytotoxicity than PEI. Reducing the number of charge centers (from 10 to 5) further reduced toxicity while retaining comparable transfection efficiency to PEI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter M Carlson
- University of Washington Department of Bioengineering and Molecular Engineering & Sciences Institute William H. Foege Building, Box 355061 3720 15 Ave NE, Seattle, WA, 98195
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26
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Schellinger JG, Pahang JA, Johnson RN, Chu DSH, Sellers DL, Maris DO, Convertine AJ, Stayton PS, Horner PJ, Pun SH. Melittin-grafted HPMA-oligolysine based copolymers for gene delivery. Biomaterials 2012; 34:2318-26. [PMID: 23261217 DOI: 10.1016/j.biomaterials.2012.09.072] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2012] [Accepted: 09/28/2012] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
Non-viral gene delivery systems capable of transfecting cells in the brain are critical in realizing the potential impact of nucleic acid therapeutics for diseases of the central nervous system. In this study, the membrane-lytic peptide melittin was incorporated into block copolymers synthesized by reversible addition-fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) polymerization. The first block, designed for melittin conjugation, was composed of N-(2-hydroxypropyl)methacrylamide (HPMA) and pyridyl disulfide methacrylamide (PDSMA) and the second block, designed for DNA binding, was composed of oligo-l-lysine (K10) and HPMA. Melittin modified with cysteine at the C-terminus was conjugated to the polymers through the pyridyl disulfide pendent groups via disulfide exchange. The resulting pHgMelbHK10 copolymers are more membrane-lytic than melittin-free control polymers, and efficiently condensed plasmid DNA into salt-stable particles (~100-200 nm). The melittin-modified polymers transfected both HeLa and neuron-like PC-12 cells more efficiently than melittin-free polymers although toxicity associated with the melittin peptide was observed. Optimized formulations containing the luciferase reporter gene were delivered to mouse brain by intraventricular brain injections. Melittin-containing polyplexes produced about 35-fold higher luciferase activity in the brain compared to polyplexes without melittin. Thus, the melittin-containing block copolymers described in this work are promising materials for gene delivery to the brain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joan G Schellinger
- Department of Bioengineering, Univeristy of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
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27
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Badi N, Chan-Seng D, Lutz JF. Microstructure Control: An Underestimated Parameter in Recent Polymer Design. MACROMOL CHEM PHYS 2012. [DOI: 10.1002/macp.201200475] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
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28
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Fang C, Kievit FM, Cho YC, Mok H, Press OW, Zhang M. Effect of cationic side-chains on intracellular delivery and cytotoxicity of pH sensitive polymer-doxorubicin nanocarriers. NANOSCALE 2012; 4:7012-20. [PMID: 23041969 DOI: 10.1039/c2nr32159a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/12/2023]
Abstract
Fine-tuning the design of polymer-doxorubicin conjugates permits optimization of an efficient nanocarrier to greatly increase intracellular uptake and cytotoxicity. Here, we report synthesis of a family of self-assembled polymer-doxorubicin nanoparticles and an evaluation of the effects of various types of side-chains on intracellular uptake and cytotoxicity of the nanocarriers for lymphoma cells. Monomers with three different cationic side-chains (CA) and pK(a)'s, i.e., a guanidinium group (Ag), an imidazole group (Im), and a tertiary amine group (Dm), were comparatively investigated. The cationic monomer, poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG), and doxorubicin (Dox) were reacted with 1,4-(butanediol) diacrylate (BUDA) to prepare a poly(β-amino ester) (PBAE) polymer via Michael addition. All three polymer-Dox conjugates spontaneously formed nanoparticles (NP) through hydrophobic interactions between doxorubicin in aqueous solution, resulting in NP-Im/Dox, NP-Ag/Dox, and NP-Dm/Dox, with hydrodynamic sizes below 80 nm. Doxorubicin was linked to all 3 types of NPs with a hydrazone bond to assure selective release of doxorubicin only at acidic pH, as it occurs in the tumor microenvironment. Both NP-Im/Dox and NP-Ag/Dox exhibited much higher intracellular uptake by Ramos cells (Burkitt's lymphoma) than NP-Dm/Dox, suggesting that the type of side chain in the NPs determines the extent of intracellular uptake. As a result, NP-Im/Dox and NP-Ag/Dox showed cytotoxicity that was comparable to free Dox in vitro. Our findings suggest that the nature of surface cationic group on nanocarriers may profoundly influence their intracellular trafficking and resulting therapeutic efficacy. Thus, it is a crucial factor to be considered in the design of novel carriers for intracellular drug delivery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chen Fang
- Clinical Research Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA 98109, USA
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29
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Chu DSH, Schellinger JG, Shi J, Convertine AJ, Stayton PS, Pun SH. Application of living free radical polymerization for nucleic acid delivery. Acc Chem Res 2012; 45:1089-99. [PMID: 22242774 DOI: 10.1021/ar200242z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 105] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Therapeutic gene delivery can alter protein function either through the replacement of nonfunctional genes to restore cellular health or through RNA interference (RNAi) to mask mutated and harmful genes. Researchers have investigated a range of nucleic acid-based therapeutics as potential treatments for hereditary, acquired, and infectious diseases. Candidate drugs include plasmids that induce gene expression and small, interfering RNAs (siRNAs) that silence target genes. Because of their self-assembly with nucleic acids into virus-sized nanoparticles and high transfection efficiency in vitro, cationic polymers have been extensively studied for nucleic acid delivery applications, but toxicity and particle stability have limited the clinical applications of these systems. The advent of living free radical polymerization has improved the quality, control, and reproducibility of these synthesized materials. This process yields well-defined, narrowly disperse materials with designed architectures and molecular weights. As a result, researchers can study the effects of polymer architecture and molecular weight on transfection efficiency and cytotoxicity, which will improve the design of next-generation vectors. In this Account, we review findings from structure-function studies that have elucidated key design motifs necessary for the development of effective nucleic acid vectors. Researchers have used robust methods such as atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP), reverse addition-fragmentation chain transfer polymerization (RAFT), and ring-opening metastasis polymerization (ROMP) to engineer materials that enhance extracellular stability and cellular specificity and decrease toxicity. In addition, we discuss polymers that are biodegradable, form supramolecular structures, target specific cells, or facilitate endosomal release. Finally, we describe promising materials with a range of in vivo applications from pulmonary gene delivery to DNA vaccines.
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Affiliation(s)
- David S. H. Chu
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington 98195, United States
| | - Joan G. Schellinger
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington 98195, United States
| | - Julie Shi
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington 98195, United States
| | - Anthony J. Convertine
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington 98195, United States
| | - Patrick S. Stayton
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington 98195, United States
| | - Suzie H. Pun
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington 98195, United States
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30
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Moad G, Rizzardo E, Thang SH. Living Radical Polymerization by the RAFT Process – A Third Update. Aust J Chem 2012. [DOI: 10.1071/ch12295] [Citation(s) in RCA: 825] [Impact Index Per Article: 68.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
This paper provides a third update to the review of reversible deactivation radical polymerization (RDRP) achieved with thiocarbonylthio compounds (ZC(=S)SR) by a mechanism of reversible addition-fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) that was published in June 2005 (Aust. J. Chem. 2005, 58, 379). The first update was published in November 2006 (Aust. J. Chem. 2006, 59, 669) and the second in December 2009 (Aust. J. Chem. 2009, 62, 1402). This review cites over 700 publications that appeared during the period mid 2009 to early 2012 covering various aspects of RAFT polymerization which include reagent synthesis and properties, kinetics and mechanism of polymerization, novel polymer syntheses, and a diverse range of applications. This period has witnessed further significant developments, particularly in the areas of novel RAFT agents, techniques for end-group transformation, the production of micro/nanoparticles and modified surfaces, and biopolymer conjugates both for therapeutic and diagnostic applications.
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31
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Wang CHK, Chan LW, Johnson RN, Chu DS, Shi J, Schellinger JG, Lieber A, Pun SH. The transduction of Coxsackie and Adenovirus Receptor-negative cells and protection against neutralizing antibodies by HPMA-co-oligolysine copolymer-coated adenovirus. Biomaterials 2011; 32:9536-45. [PMID: 21959008 PMCID: PMC3190026 DOI: 10.1016/j.biomaterials.2011.08.069] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2011] [Accepted: 08/23/2011] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
Adenoviral (AdV) gene vectors offer efficient nucleic acid transfer into both dividing and non-dividing cells. However issues such as vector immunogenicity, toxicity and restricted transduction to receptor-expressing cells have prevented broad clinical translation of these constructs. To address this issue, engineered AdV have been prepared by both genetic and chemical manipulation. In this work, a polymer-coated Ad5 formulation is optimized by evaluating a series of N-(2-hydroxypropyl) methacrylamide (HPMA)-co-oligolysine copolymers synthesized by living polymerization techniques. This synthesis approach was used to generate highly controlled and well-defined polymers with varying peptide length (K(5), K(10) and K(15)), polymer molecular weight, and degradability to coat the viral capsid. The optimal formulation was not affected by the presence of serum during transduction and significantly increased Ad5 transduction of several cell types that lack the Coxsackie and Adenovirus Receptor (CAR) by up to 6-fold compared to unmodified AdV. Polymer-coated Ad5 also retained high transduction capability in the presence of Ad5 neutralizing antibodies. The critical role of heparan sulfate proteoglycans (HSPGs) in mediating cell binding and internalization of polymer-coated AdV was also demonstrated by evaluating transduction in HSPG-defective recombinant CHO cells. The formulations developed here are attractive vectors for ex vivo gene transfer in applications such as cell therapy. In addition, this platform for adenoviral modification allows for facile introduction of alternative targeting ligands.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chung-Huei K. Wang
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, 98195, USA
| | - Leslie W. Chan
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, 98195, USA
| | - Russell N. Johnson
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, 98195, USA
| | - David S.H. Chu
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, 98195, USA
| | - Julie Shi
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, 98195, USA
| | - Joan G. Schellinger
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, 98195, USA
| | - Andre Lieber
- Division of Medical Genetics, Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, 98195, USA
| | - Suzie H. Pun
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, 98195, USA
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32
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Chu DSH, Johnson RN, Pun SH. Cathepsin B-sensitive polymers for compartment-specific degradation and nucleic acid release. J Control Release 2011; 157:445-54. [PMID: 22036879 DOI: 10.1016/j.jconrel.2011.10.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2011] [Revised: 10/06/2011] [Accepted: 10/14/2011] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Degradable cationic polymers are desirable for in vivo nucleic acid delivery because they offer significantly decreased toxicity over non-degradable counterparts. Peptide linkers provide chemical stability and high specificity for particular endopeptidases but have not been extensively studied for nucleic acid delivery applications. In this work, enzymatically degradable peptide-HPMA copolymers were synthesized by RAFT polymerization of HPMA with methacrylamido-terminated peptide macromonomers, resulting in polymers with low polydispersity and near quantitative incorporation of peptides. Three peptide-HPMA copolymers were evaluated: (i) pHCathK(10), containing peptides composed of the linker phe-lys-phe-leu (FKFL), a substrate of the endosomal/lysosomal endopeptidase cathepsin B, connected to oligo-(L)-lysine for nucleic acid binding, (ii) pHCath(D)K(10), containing the FKFL linker with oligo-(D)-lysine, and (iii) pH(D)Cath(D)K(10), containing all (D) amino acids. Cathepsin B degraded copolymers pHCathK(10) and pHCath(D)K(10) within 1 h while no degradation of pH(D)Cath(D)K(10) was observed. Polyplexes formed with pHCathK(10) copolymers show DNA release by 4 h of treatment with cathepsin B; comparatively, polyplexes formed with pHCath(D)K(10) and pH(D)Cath(D)K(10) show no DNA release within 8 h. Transfection efficiency in HeLa and NIH/3T3 cells were comparable between the copolymers but pHCathK(10) was less toxic. This work demonstrates the successful application of peptide linkers for degradable cationic polymers and DNA release.
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Affiliation(s)
- David S H Chu
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, United States
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33
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Shi J, Johnson RN, Schellinger JG, Carlson PM, Pun SH. Reducible HPMA-co-oligolysine copolymers for nucleic acid delivery. Int J Pharm 2011; 427:113-22. [PMID: 21893178 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpharm.2011.08.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2011] [Revised: 07/18/2011] [Accepted: 08/08/2011] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Biodegradability can be incorporated into cationic polymers via use of disulfide linkages that are degraded in the reducing environment of the cell cytosol. In this work, N-(2-hydroxypropyl)methacrylamide (HPMA) and methacrylamido-functionalized oligo-l-lysine peptide monomers with either a non-reducible 6-aminohexanoic acid (AHX) linker or a reducible 3-[(2-aminoethyl)dithiol] propionic acid (AEDP) linker were copolymerized via reversible addition-fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) polymerization. Both of the copolymers and a 1:1 (w/w) mixture of copolymers with reducible and non-reducible peptides were complexed with DNA to form polyplexes. The polyplexes were tested for salt stability, transfection efficiency, and cytotoxicity. The HPMA-oligolysine copolymer containing the reducible AEDP linkers was less efficient at transfection than the non-reducible polymer and was prone to flocculation in saline and serum-containing conditions, but was also not cytotoxic at charge ratios tested. Optimal transfection efficiency and toxicity were attained with mixed formulation of copolymers. Flow cytometry uptake studies indicated that blocking extracellular thiols did not restore transfection efficiency and that the decreased transfection of the reducible polyplex is therefore not primarily caused by extracellular polymer reduction by free thiols. The decrease in transfection efficiency of the reducible polymers could be partially mitigated by the addition of low concentrations of EDTA to prevent metal-catalyzed oxidation of reduced polymers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julie Shi
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
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Johnson RN, Chu DSH, Shi J, Schellinger JG, Carlson PM, Pun SH. HPMA-oligolysine copolymers for gene delivery: optimization of peptide length and polymer molecular weight. J Control Release 2011; 155:303-11. [PMID: 21782863 DOI: 10.1016/j.jconrel.2011.07.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 68] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2011] [Revised: 06/30/2011] [Accepted: 07/05/2011] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
Polycations are one of the most frequently used classes of materials for non-viral gene transfer in vivo. Several studies have demonstrated a sensitive relationship between polymer structure and delivery activity. In this work, we used reverse addition-fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) polymerization to build a panel of N-(2-hydroxypropyl)methacrylamide (HPMA)-oligolysine copolymers with varying peptide length and polymer molecular weight. The panel was screened for optimal DNA-binding, colloidal stability in salt, high transfection efficiency, and low cytotoxicity. Increasing polyplex stability in PBS correlated with increasing polymer molecular weight and decreasing peptide length. Copolymers containing K(5) and K(10) oligocations transfected cultured cells with significantly higher efficiencies than copolymers of K(15). Four HPMA-oligolysine copolymers were identified that met the desired criteria. Polyplexes formed with these copolymers demonstrated both salt stability and transfection efficiencies on-par with poly(ethylenimine) PEI in cultured cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Russell N Johnson
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
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