1
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Cirillo S, Zhang B, Brown S, Zhao X. Antimicrobial peptide A 9K as a gene delivery vector in cancer cells. Eur J Pharm Biopharm 2024; 198:114244. [PMID: 38467336 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejpb.2024.114244] [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: 02/24/2024] [Accepted: 03/04/2024] [Indexed: 03/13/2024]
Abstract
Designed peptides are promising biomaterials for biomedical applications. The amphiphilic cationic antimicrobial peptide (AMP), A9K, can self-assemble into nano-rod structures and has shown cancer cell selectivity and could therefore be a promising candidate for therapeutic delivery into cancer cells. In this paper, we investigate the selectivity of A9K for cancer cell models, examining its effect on two human cancer cell lines, A431 and HCT-116. Little or no activity was observed on the control, human dermal fibroblasts (HDFs). In the cancer cell lines the peptide inhibited cellular growth through changes in mitochondrial morphology and membrane potential while remaining harmless towards HDFs. In addition, the peptide can bind to and protect nucleic acids while transporting them into both 2D cultures and 3D spheroids of cancer cells. A9K showed high efficiency in delivering siRNA molecules into the centre of the spheroids. A9K was also explored in vivo, using a zebrafish (Danio rerio) development toxicity assay, showing that the peptide is safe at low doses. Finally, a high-content imaging screen, using RNA interference (RNAi) targeted towards cellular uptake, in HCT-116 cells was carried out. Our findings suggest that active cellular uptake is involved in peptide internalisation, mediated through clathrin-mediated endocytosis. These new discoveries make A9K attractive for future developments in clinical and biotechnological applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Silvia Cirillo
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, University of Sheffield, Sheffield S1 3JD, UK
| | - Bo Zhang
- School of Pharmacy, Changzhou University, Changzhou 213164, China
| | - Stephen Brown
- The Sheffield RNAi Screening Facility, Department of Biomedical Science, University of Sheffield, Sheffield S10 2TN, UK
| | - Xiubo Zhao
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, University of Sheffield, Sheffield S1 3JD, UK; School of Pharmacy, Changzhou University, Changzhou 213164, China.
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2
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Agyekum GA, Zhang M, Li F, Sun M, Zhang F, Yang Y, Lu Y, Chen M, Zhang Z. The complexing of cationic copolymer MPC 30-DEA 70 with TGF-β1 antisense oligodeoxynucleotide and transfection into cardiomyocytes in vitro. J Biomater Appl 2023; 37:1315-1324. [PMID: 36373781 DOI: 10.1177/08853282221138922] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Although gene therapy is an attractive option for the treatment of cardiovascular diseases, the ideal gene delivery systems are still under investigation and must meet the following criteria: safety, adequate gene transfer efficiency, and stable expression of the transgene for a duration appropriate for treating the disease. In this study, we developed a cationic phosphorylcholine-containing diblock copolymer, namely MPC30-DEA70, as carrier systems to deliver a chemically synthesized transforming growth factor-beta 1(TGF-β1) antisense oligonucleotide (AS-ODN) into cardiomyocytes (CMs) to observe the cell transfection efficiency of MPC30-DEA70 and the inhibition effect on the expression of TGF-β1. MPC30-DEA70/TGF-β1 AS-ODN complexes were formed through complexation between copolymer MPC30-DEA70 (N) and AS-ODN (P) at different N/P ratios and were characterized by DNA electrophoresis. Notably, the cytotoxicity and cell growth inhibition assay showed that the MPC30-DEA70 had low cytotoxicity to CMs within the effective transfection dosage range (<20 μL/mL). CLSM/TEM images displayed that most of the AS-ODN molecules engulfed by cells were located around the cell nuclei, and a few entered into the cell nuclei without harming the organelles in the cell. Transfection studies from CMs indicated a steady increase of transfection efficiency with increasing N/P ratios. The expression levels of TGF-β1 mRNA and protein in CMs were significantly inhibited at high N/P ratios. This study shows that MPC30-DEA70 can function as an effective transgenic vector into CMs and that TGF-β1 AS-ODN delivered by MPC30-DEA70 can silence the expression of the TGF-β1 gene efficiently and specifically and thereafter antagonize TGF-β1-mediated biological function in cardiomyocytes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Godfred Amfo Agyekum
- 117910Department of Cardiology, Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China.,38044School of International Education, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China
| | - Min Zhang
- 117910Department of Cardiology, Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China
| | - Fei Li
- 117910Department of Cardiology, Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China
| | - Min Sun
- 117910Department of Cardiology, Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China
| | - Fengyun Zhang
- 117910Department of Cardiology, Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China
| | - Yu Yang
- 117910Department of Cardiology, Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China
| | - Yuan Lu
- 117910Department of Cardiology, Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China
| | - Minmin Chen
- 38044School of Stomatology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China
| | - Zhuoqi Zhang
- 117910Department of Cardiology, Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China.,38044School of International Education, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China
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3
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Grimme CJ, Hanson MG, Corcoran LG, Reineke TM. Polycation Architecture Affects Complexation and Delivery of Short Antisense Oligonucleotides: Micelleplexes Outperform Polyplexes. Biomacromolecules 2022; 23:3257-3271. [PMID: 35862267 DOI: 10.1021/acs.biomac.2c00338] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Herein, we examine the complexation and biological delivery of a short single-stranded antisense oligonucleotide (ASO) payload with four polymer derivatives that form two architectural variants (polyplexes and micelleplexes): a homopolymer poly(2-dimethylaminoethyl methacrylate) (D), a diblock polymer poly(ethylene glycol)methylether methacrylate-block-poly(2-dimethylaminoethyl methacrylate) (ObD), and two micelle-forming variants, poly(2-dimethylaminoethyl methacrylate)-block-poly(n-butyl methacrylate) (DB) and poly(ethylene glycol)methylether methacrylate-block-poly(2-dimethylaminoethyl methacrylate)-block-poly(n-butyl methacrylate) (ObDB). Both polyplexes and micelleplexes complexed ASOs, and the incorporation of an Ob brush enhances colloidal stability. Micellplexes are templated by the size and shape of the unloaded micelle and that micelle-ASO complexation is not sensitive to formulation/mixing order, allowing ease, versatility, and reproducibility in packaging short oligonucleotides. The DB micelleplexes promoted the largest gene silencing, internalization, and tolerable toxicity while the ObDB micelleplexes displayed enhanced colloidal stability and highly efficient payload trafficking despite having lower cellular uptake. Overall, this work demonstrates that cationic micelles are superior delivery vehicles for ASOs denoting the importance of vehicle architecture in biological performance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christian J Grimme
- Department of Chemical Engineering & Materials Science, University of Minnesota, 421 Washington Avenue SE, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55455, United States
| | - Mckenna G Hanson
- Department of Chemistry, University of Minnesota, 207 Pleasant Street SE, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55455, United States
| | - Louis G Corcoran
- 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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4
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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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5
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Tomeh MA, Zhao X. Recent Advances in Microfluidics for the Preparation of Drug and Gene Delivery Systems. Mol Pharm 2020; 17:4421-4434. [PMID: 33213144 DOI: 10.1021/acs.molpharmaceut.0c00913] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Drug delivery systems (DDSs) have great potential for improving the treatment of several diseases, especially microbial infections and cancers. However, the formulation procedures of DDSs remain challenging, especially at the nanoscale. Reducing batch-to-batch variation and enhancing production rate are some of the essential requirements for accelerating the translation of DDSs from a small scale to an industrial level. Microfluidic technologies have emerged as an alternative to the conventional bench methods to address these issues. By providing precise control over the fluid flows and rapid mixing, microfluidic systems can be used to fabricate and engineer different types of DDSs with specific properties for efficient delivery of a wide range of drugs and genetic materials. This review discusses the principles of controlled rapid mixing that have been employed in different microfluidic strategies for producing DDSs. Moreover, the impact of the microfluidic device design and parameters on the type and properties of DDS formulations was assessed, and recent applications in drug and gene delivery were also considered.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mhd Anas Tomeh
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, University of Sheffield, Sheffield S1 3JD, United Kingdom
| | - Xiubo Zhao
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, University of Sheffield, Sheffield S1 3JD, United Kingdom.,School of Pharmacy, Changzhou University, Changzhou 213164, China
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6
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Song W, Gregory DA, Al-Janabi H, Muthana M, Cai Z, Zhao X. Magnetic-silk/polyethyleneimine core-shell nanoparticles for targeted gene delivery into human breast cancer cells. Int J Pharm 2019; 555:322-336. [PMID: 30448314 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpharm.2018.11.030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2018] [Revised: 11/10/2018] [Accepted: 11/12/2018] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
The lack of efficient and cost-effective methods for gene delivery has significantly hindered the applications of gene therapy. In this paper, a simple one step and cost effective salting-out method has been explored to fabricate silk-PEI nanoparticles (SPPs) and magnetic-silk/PEI core-shell nanoparticles (MSPPs) for targeted delivery of c-myc antisense oligodeoxynucleotides (ODNs) into MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cells. The size and zeta potential of the particles were controlled by adjusting the amount of silk fibroin in particle synthesis. Lower surface charges and reduced cytotoxicity were achieved for MSPPs compared with PEI coated magnetic nanoparticles (MPPs). Both SPPs and MSPPs were capable of delivering the ODNs into MDA-MB-231 cells and significantly inhibited the cell growth. Through magnetofection, high ODN uptake efficiencies (over 70%) were achieved within 20 min using MSPPs as carriers, exhibiting a significantly enhanced uptake effect compared to the same carriers via non-magnetofection. Both SPPs and MSPPs exhibited a significantly higher inhibition effect against MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cells compared to human dermal fibroblast (HDF) cells. Targeted ODN delivery was achieved using MSPPs with the help of a magnet, making them promising candidates for targeted gene therapy applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenxing Song
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, University of Sheffield, Sheffield S1 3JD, UK; School of Pharmaceutical Engineering and Life Science, Changzhou University, Changzhou 213164, China
| | - David A Gregory
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, University of Sheffield, Sheffield S1 3JD, UK
| | - Haider Al-Janabi
- Department of Infection and Immunity, University of Sheffield, Sheffield S10 2RX, UK
| | - Munitta Muthana
- Department of Infection and Immunity, University of Sheffield, Sheffield S10 2RX, UK
| | - Zhiqiang Cai
- School of Pharmaceutical Engineering and Life Science, Changzhou University, Changzhou 213164, China
| | - Xiubo Zhao
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, University of Sheffield, Sheffield S1 3JD, UK; School of Pharmaceutical Engineering and Life Science, Changzhou University, Changzhou 213164, China.
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7
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Whitfield R, Anastasaki A, Truong NP, Cook AB, Omedes-Pujol M, Loczenski Rose V, Nguyen TAH, Burns JA, Perrier S, Davis TP, Haddleton DM. Efficient Binding, Protection, and Self-Release of dsRNA in Soil by Linear and Star Cationic Polymers. ACS Macro Lett 2018; 7:909-915. [PMID: 35650964 DOI: 10.1021/acsmacrolett.8b00420] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Double stranded RNA (dsRNA) exhibits severe degradation within 3 days in live soil, limiting its potential application in crop protection. Herein we report the efficient binding, protection, and self-release of dsRNA in live soil through the usage of a cationic polymer. Soil stability assays show that linear poly(2-(dimethylamino)ethyl acrylate) can delay the degradation of dsRNA by up to 1 week while the star shaped analogue showed an increased stabilization of dsRNA by up to 3 weeks. Thus, the architecture of the polymer can significantly affect the lifetime of dsRNA in soil. In addition, the hydrolysis and dsRNA binding and release profiles of these polymers were carefully evaluated and discussed. Importantly, hydrolysis could occur independently of environmental conditions (e.g., different pH, different temperature) showing the potential for many opportunities in agrochemicals where protection and subsequent self-release of dsRNA in live soil is required.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard Whitfield
- Chemistry Department, University of Warwick, Library Road, CV4 7AL, Coventry, U.K
| | - Athina Anastasaki
- Chemistry Department, University of Warwick, Library Road, CV4 7AL, Coventry, U.K
| | - Nghia P. Truong
- ARC Centre of Excellence in Convergent Bio-Nano Science and Technology, Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University (Parkville Campus), 399 Royal Parade, Parkville, Victoria 3152, Australia
| | - Alexander B. Cook
- Chemistry Department, University of Warwick, Library Road, CV4 7AL, Coventry, U.K
| | - Marta Omedes-Pujol
- Formulation Technology Group, Syngenta, Jealotts Hill international Research Centre, Bracknell, Berkshire RG42 6EY, U.K
| | - Vanessa Loczenski Rose
- Formulation Technology Group, Syngenta, Jealotts Hill international Research Centre, Bracknell, Berkshire RG42 6EY, U.K
| | - Tuan A. H. Nguyen
- School of Chemical Engineering, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4072, Australia
| | - James A. Burns
- Formulation Technology Group, Syngenta, Jealotts Hill international Research Centre, Bracknell, Berkshire RG42 6EY, U.K
| | - Sébastien Perrier
- Chemistry Department, University of Warwick, Library Road, CV4 7AL, Coventry, U.K
- ARC Centre of Excellence in Convergent Bio-Nano Science and Technology, Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University (Parkville Campus), 399 Royal Parade, Parkville, Victoria 3152, Australia
- Warwick Medical School, University of Warwick, Coventry CV4 7AL, U.K
| | - Thomas P. Davis
- Chemistry Department, University of Warwick, Library Road, CV4 7AL, Coventry, U.K
- ARC Centre of Excellence in Convergent Bio-Nano Science and Technology, Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University (Parkville Campus), 399 Royal Parade, Parkville, Victoria 3152, Australia
| | - David M. Haddleton
- Chemistry Department, University of Warwick, Library Road, CV4 7AL, Coventry, U.K
- ARC Centre of Excellence in Convergent Bio-Nano Science and Technology, Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University (Parkville Campus), 399 Royal Parade, Parkville, Victoria 3152, Australia
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8
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Santo D, Cordeiro RA, Sousa A, Serra A, Coelho JF, Faneca H. Combination of Poly[(2-dimethylamino)ethyl methacrylate] and Poly(β-amino ester) Results in a Strong and Synergistic Transfection Activity. Biomacromolecules 2017; 18:3331-3342. [DOI: 10.1021/acs.biomac.7b00983] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Daniela Santo
- Center
for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, University of Coimbra, 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal
- Department
of Life Sciences, Faculty of Science and Technology, University of Coimbra, 3004-517 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Rosemeyre A. Cordeiro
- Center
for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, University of Coimbra, 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Ana Sousa
- Center
for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, University of Coimbra, 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal
- Department
of Life Sciences, Faculty of Science and Technology, University of Coimbra, 3004-517 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Arménio Serra
- CEMMPRE,
Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Coimbra, 3030-790 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Jorge F.J. Coelho
- CEMMPRE,
Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Coimbra, 3030-790 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Henrique Faneca
- Center
for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, University of Coimbra, 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal
- Department
of Life Sciences, Faculty of Science and Technology, University of Coimbra, 3004-517 Coimbra, Portugal
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9
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Hegarty JP, Krzeminski J, Sharma AK, Guzman-Villanueva D, Weissig V, Stewart DB. Bolaamphiphile-based nanocomplex delivery of phosphorothioate gapmer antisense oligonucleotides as a treatment for Clostridium difficile. Int J Nanomedicine 2016; 11:3607-19. [PMID: 27536102 PMCID: PMC4975145 DOI: 10.2147/ijn.s109600] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite being a conceptually appealing alternative to conventional antibiotics, a major challenge toward the successful implementation of antisense treatments for bacterial infections is the development of efficient oligonucleotide delivery systems. Cationic vesicles (bolasomes) composed of dequalinium chloride ("DQAsomes") have been used to deliver plasmid DNA across the cardiolipin-rich inner membrane of mitochondria. As cardiolipin is also a component of many bacterial membranes, we investigated the application of cationic bolasomes to bacteria as an oligonucleotide delivery system. Antisense sequences designed in silico to target the expression of essential genes of the bacterial pathogen, Clostridium difficile, were synthesized as 2'-O-methyl phosphorothioate gapmer antisense oligonucleotides (ASO). These antisense gapmers were quantitatively assessed for their ability to block mRNA translation using luciferase reporter and C. difficile protein expression plasmid constructs in a coupled transcription-translation system. Cationic bolaamphiphile compounds (dequalinium derivatives) of varying alkyl chain length were synthesized and bolasomes were prepared via probe sonication of an aqueous suspension. Bolasomes were characterized by particle size distribution, zeta potential, and binding capacities for anionic oligonucleotide. Bolasomes and antisense gapmers were combined to form antisense nanocomplexes. Anaerobic C. difficile log phase cultures were treated with serial doses of gapmer nanocomplexes or equivalent amounts of empty bolasomes for 24 hours. Antisense gapmers for four gene targets achieved nanomolar minimum inhibitory concentrations for C. difficile, with the lowest values observed for oligonucleotides targeting polymerase genes rpoB and dnaE. No inhibition of bacterial growth was observed from treatments at matched dosages of scrambled gapmer nanocomplexes or plain, oligonucleotide-free bolasomes compared to untreated control cultures. We describe the novel application of cationic bolasomes to deliver ASOs into bacteria. We also report the first successful in vitro antisense treatment to inhibit the growth of C. difficile.
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Affiliation(s)
- John P Hegarty
- Deparment of Surgery, Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine Hershey, PA, USA
| | - Jacek Krzeminski
- Department of Pharmacology, Penn State Hershey Cancer Institute, Hershey, PA, USA
| | - Arun K Sharma
- Department of Pharmacology, Penn State Hershey Cancer Institute, Hershey, PA, USA
| | - Diana Guzman-Villanueva
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Nanomedicine Center of Excellence in Translational Research, Midwestern University, Glendale, AZ, USA
| | - Volkmar Weissig
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Nanomedicine Center of Excellence in Translational Research, Midwestern University, Glendale, AZ, USA
| | - David B Stewart
- Deparment of Surgery, Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine Hershey, PA, USA
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10
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Lin X, Konno T, Ishihara K. Cell-membrane-permeable and cytocompatible phospholipid polymer nanoprobes conjugated with molecular beacons. Biomacromolecules 2013; 15:150-7. [PMID: 24308501 DOI: 10.1021/bm401430k] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
To enable the visualization of the distribution and dynamics of intracellular biomolecules and thereby understand the mechanisms of intracellular bioreactions, we developed a specific functional nanoprobe through the combination of a well-designed, cytocompatible phospholipid polymer and molecular beacons (MBs). A water-soluble, amphiphilic phospholipid polymer, poly[2-methacryloyloxyethyl phosphorylcholine (MPC)-co-n-butyl methacrylate (BMA)-co-N-succinimidyloxycarbonyl tetra(ethylene glycol) methacrylate] (PMBS), was synthesized and conjugated with MBs to form nanoprobes via a chemical reaction between the ester group of N-hydroxysuccinimide and the amine group of the MBs. Surface tension measurements indicated that the polymeric nanoprobes had different conformations in aqueous solution, specifically at a concentration of 1.0 mg/mL. The PMBS, containing the large, hydrophobic BMA, formed polymer aggregates. The carcinoma cells used to test the probes remained 100% viable after incubation with PMBS-MB probes. The polymeric nanoprobes demonstrated not only a high target specificity but also resistance to nonspecific adsorption of proteins compared with unconjugated MBs and were able to penetrate the cytoplasm of the cells, allowing the live imaging of mRNA. In summary, MPC polymer-MB nanoprobes have great potential for practical application for the noninvasive monitoring of intracellular biomolecules and bioreactions in real time.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaojie Lin
- Department of Materials Engineering and ‡Department of Bioengineering, School of Engineering, The University of Tokyo , 7-3-1, Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8656, Japan
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11
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12
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Yu H, Nie Y, Dohmen C, Li Y, Wagner E. Epidermal Growth Factor–PEG Functionalized PAMAM-Pentaethylenehexamine Dendron for Targeted Gene Delivery Produced by Click Chemistry. Biomacromolecules 2011; 12:2039-47. [DOI: 10.1021/bm101464n] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Haijun Yu
- Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Center of Drug Research, Department of Pharmacy, and Center for Nanoscience (CeNS), Ludwig-Maximilians Universität, Butenandtstrasse 5-13, D-81377 Munich, Germany
| | - Yu Nie
- Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Center of Drug Research, Department of Pharmacy, and Center for Nanoscience (CeNS), Ludwig-Maximilians Universität, Butenandtstrasse 5-13, D-81377 Munich, Germany
| | - Christian Dohmen
- Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Center of Drug Research, Department of Pharmacy, and Center for Nanoscience (CeNS), Ludwig-Maximilians Universität, Butenandtstrasse 5-13, D-81377 Munich, Germany
| | - Yunqiu Li
- Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Center of Drug Research, Department of Pharmacy, and Center for Nanoscience (CeNS), Ludwig-Maximilians Universität, Butenandtstrasse 5-13, D-81377 Munich, Germany
| | - Ernst Wagner
- Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Center of Drug Research, Department of Pharmacy, and Center for Nanoscience (CeNS), Ludwig-Maximilians Universität, Butenandtstrasse 5-13, D-81377 Munich, Germany
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13
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Ma PL, Buschmann MD, Winnik FM. Complete Physicochemical Characterization of DNA/Chitosan Complexes by Multiple Detection Using Asymmetrical Flow Field-Flow Fractionation. Anal Chem 2010; 82:9636-43. [DOI: 10.1021/ac100711j] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Pei Lian Ma
- Department of Chemical Engineering and Institute of Biomedical Engineering, Ecole Polytechnique de Montréal, P. O. 6079 Succursale Centre-Ville, Montreal, Quebec, Canada H3C 3A7, and Department of Chemistry and Faculty of Pharmacy, Université de Montréal, P. O. 6128 Succursale Centre-Ville, Montréal, Québec, Canada H3C 3J7
| | - Michael D. Buschmann
- Department of Chemical Engineering and Institute of Biomedical Engineering, Ecole Polytechnique de Montréal, P. O. 6079 Succursale Centre-Ville, Montreal, Quebec, Canada H3C 3A7, and Department of Chemistry and Faculty of Pharmacy, Université de Montréal, P. O. 6128 Succursale Centre-Ville, Montréal, Québec, Canada H3C 3J7
| | - Françoise M. Winnik
- Department of Chemical Engineering and Institute of Biomedical Engineering, Ecole Polytechnique de Montréal, P. O. 6079 Succursale Centre-Ville, Montreal, Quebec, Canada H3C 3A7, and Department of Chemistry and Faculty of Pharmacy, Université de Montréal, P. O. 6128 Succursale Centre-Ville, Montréal, Québec, Canada H3C 3J7
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14
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Dinçer S, Oskay EK, Piskin AK, Zeybek ND, Pişkin E. Growth inhibition of SK-MEL-30 human melanoma cells by antisense c-myc oligonucleotides delivered by poly(N-isopropylacrylamide)/ poly(ethyleneimine) copolymer. J Tissue Eng Regen Med 2010; 4:284-90. [PMID: 19967748 DOI: 10.1002/term.239] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
The c-myc oncogene has been shown to be overexpressed in a number of malignancies and plays a key role in the abnormal growth regulation of melanoma cells. This study aimed to provide an efficient system for the in vitro manipulation of c-myc expression by antisense oligonucleotides. Therefore, we used poly(NIPA)/PEI2B copolymer as vector in order to improve the intracellular availability and stability of AS ODNs. We targeted oligonucleotide sequences within the human c-myc mRNA as free AS ODNs or conjugated with a thermosensitive copolymer, in an effort to inhibit the growth of human melanoma cells. The conjugates adopted more positive charge and smaller size at 37 degrees C and they had no toxic effects on human fibroblast cells. The conjugated AS ODNs showed increased antiproliferative effect on melanoma cells as compared to free AS ODNs. At a concentration of 100 ng, AS ODNs inhibited SK-MEL 30 human melanoma cell line proliferation maximally by 18.6%, whereas the same amount of conjugated AS ODN provided 52% inhibition. The greatest inhibition was obtained by conjugates having a polymer:AS ODN ratio of 9. Greatest inhibition was detected at 48 h and decreased after 96 h, which may be due to the depletion of AS ODNs. The results confirm the enhanced antiproliferative effects of poly(NIPA)/PEI2B-conjugated AS ODNs, which may provide improved intracellular availability for c-myc-directed antisense strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Dinçer
- Bioengineering Department, Yildiz Technical University, Davutpasa, Istanbul, Turkey
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15
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Poly(propylene glycol)-based ammonium ionenes as segmented ion-containing block copolymers. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2010. [DOI: 10.1002/pola.24186] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
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16
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Dinçer S, Türk M, Karagöz A, Uzunalan G. Potential c-myc antisense oligonucleotide carriers: PCl/PEG/PEI and PLL/PEG/PEI. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2010; 39:143-54. [PMID: 20677903 DOI: 10.3109/10731199.2010.506852] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
In this work, positively charged, micelle-forming polymers were synthesized and used as a model vector to deliver antisense oligodeoxynucleotide (ASODN) into melanoma cells. Polymers and polymer/ASODN complexes were characterized by DLS according to size, charge, and critical micelle concentration. Nanosize and spherical complexes were observed by AFM. Complexes did not reveal significant toxicity to melanoma cells. Antiproliferative effect of the complexes was observed by immunocytochemical staining and estimated as 56.8% with N/P:9. High amount of apoptosis and very small amount of necrosis were estimated. According to the results, these positively charged polymers forming micelle-like structures seem promising as ASODN carriers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sevil Dinçer
- Yıldız Technical University, Bioengineering Department, Davutpasa, Istanbul, Turkey.
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17
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Zhao X, Pan F, Yaseen M, Lu JR. Molecular biophysics underlying gene delivery. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2010. [DOI: 10.1039/b903512p] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
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18
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Nemoto Y, Borovkov A, Zhou YM, Takewa Y, Tatsumi E, Nakayama Y. Impact of Molecular Weight in Four-Branched Star Vectors with Narrow Molecular Weight Distribution on Gene Delivery Efficiency. Bioconjug Chem 2009; 20:2293-9. [DOI: 10.1021/bc900283h] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Yasushi Nemoto
- Department of Bioengineering and Department of Artificial Organs, Advanced Medical Engineering Center, National Cardiovascular Center Research Institute, Division of Molecular Chemistry, Graduate School of Engineering, Hokkaido University, and Development Department, Chemical Products Development Department, Bridgestone Company
| | - Alexey Borovkov
- Department of Bioengineering and Department of Artificial Organs, Advanced Medical Engineering Center, National Cardiovascular Center Research Institute, Division of Molecular Chemistry, Graduate School of Engineering, Hokkaido University, and Development Department, Chemical Products Development Department, Bridgestone Company
| | - Yue-Min Zhou
- Department of Bioengineering and Department of Artificial Organs, Advanced Medical Engineering Center, National Cardiovascular Center Research Institute, Division of Molecular Chemistry, Graduate School of Engineering, Hokkaido University, and Development Department, Chemical Products Development Department, Bridgestone Company
| | - Yoshiaki Takewa
- Department of Bioengineering and Department of Artificial Organs, Advanced Medical Engineering Center, National Cardiovascular Center Research Institute, Division of Molecular Chemistry, Graduate School of Engineering, Hokkaido University, and Development Department, Chemical Products Development Department, Bridgestone Company
| | - Eisuke Tatsumi
- Department of Bioengineering and Department of Artificial Organs, Advanced Medical Engineering Center, National Cardiovascular Center Research Institute, Division of Molecular Chemistry, Graduate School of Engineering, Hokkaido University, and Development Department, Chemical Products Development Department, Bridgestone Company
| | - Yasuhide Nakayama
- Department of Bioengineering and Department of Artificial Organs, Advanced Medical Engineering Center, National Cardiovascular Center Research Institute, Division of Molecular Chemistry, Graduate School of Engineering, Hokkaido University, and Development Department, Chemical Products Development Department, Bridgestone Company
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19
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Zhao X, Pan F, Holt CM, Lewis AL, Lu JR. Controlled delivery of antisense oligonucleotides: a brief review of current strategies. Expert Opin Drug Deliv 2009; 6:673-86. [PMID: 19552611 DOI: 10.1517/17425240902992894] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Antisense therapy has been investigated extensively over the past two decades, either experimentally for gene functional research or clinically as therapeutic agents owing to the conceptual simplicity, ease of design and low cost. The concept of this therapeutic approach is promising because short antisense oligonucleotides (ASOs) can be delivered into target cells for specific hybridisation with target mRNA, resulting in the inhibition of the expression of pathogenic genes. However, the efficient delivery of the ASO molecules into target cells remains challenging; this bottleneck together with several other technical hurdles need to be overcome before this approach becomes effective and widely adopted. A variety of vectors such as lipids, polymers, peptides and nanoparticles have been explored. This review outlines the recent advances of the non-viral ASO delivery strategies. Several recent scientific studies, including authors' contributions, have been selected to highlight the technical aspects of ASO delivery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiubo Zhao
- University of Manchester, School of Physics and Astronomy, Biological Physics Group, Schuster Building, Manchester M13 9PL, UK.
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20
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Convertine AJ, Benoit DSW, Duvall CL, Hoffman AS, Stayton PS. Development of a novel endosomolytic diblock copolymer for siRNA delivery. J Control Release 2009; 133:221-9. [PMID: 18973780 PMCID: PMC3110267 DOI: 10.1016/j.jconrel.2008.10.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 313] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2008] [Revised: 09/11/2008] [Accepted: 10/05/2008] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
The gene knockdown activity of small interfering RNA (siRNA) has led to their use as target validation tools and as potential therapeutics for a variety of diseases. The delivery of these double-stranded RNA macromolecules has proven to be challenging, however, and in many cases, is a barrier to their deployment. Here we report the development of a new diblock copolymer family that was designed to enhance the systemic and intracellular delivery of siRNA. These diblock copolymers were synthesized using the controlled reversible addition fragmentation chain transfer polymerization (RAFT) method and are composed of a positively-charged block of dimethylaminoethyl methacrylate (DMAEMA) to mediate siRNA condensation, and a second endosomal-releasing block composed of DMAEMA and propylacrylic acid (PAA) in roughly equimolar ratios, together with butyl methacylate (BMA). A related series of diblock compositions were characterized, with the cationic block kept constant, and with the ratio of DMAEMA and PAA to BMA varied. These carriers became sharply hemolytic at endosomal pH regimes, with increasing hemolytic activity seen as the percentage of BMA in the second block was systematically increased. The diblock copolymers condensed siRNA into 80-250 nm particles with slightly positive Zeta potentials. SiRNA-mediated knockdown of a model protein, namely glyceraldehyde 3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPDH), in HeLa cells generally followed the hemolytic activity trends, with the most hydrophobic second block (highest BMA content) exhibiting the best knockdown. This pH-responsive carrier designed to mediate endosomal release shows significant promise for the intracellular delivery of siRNA.
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21
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Zhao X, Pan F, Coffey P, Lu JR. Cationic copolymer-mediated DNA immobilization: interfacial structure and composition as determined by ellipsometry, dual polarization interferometry, and neutron reflection. LANGMUIR : THE ACS JOURNAL OF SURFACES AND COLLOIDS 2008; 24:13556-13564. [PMID: 18986183 DOI: 10.1021/la8024974] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
DNA immobilization onto support surfaces is required in biotechnological applications such as microarrays and gene delivery. This important interfacial molecular process can be mediated from a preadsobred cationic polymer. There is, however, a lack of understanding over the control of the interfacial composition and structural distribution of the DNA immobilized. We have used a combined approach of spectroscopic ellipsometry (SE), dual polarization interferometry (DPI) and neutron reflection (NR) to determine the interfacial polymer adsorption and the subsequent DNA binding. Cationic diblock copolymers incorporating 30 phosphorylcholine (PC) groups and different diethylaminoethyl groups, referred to as MPC30-DEAn, were chosen because of their well-defined molecular architecture. While our studies revealed different effects of surface charge and hydrophobicity, the amount of copolymers adsorbed on both model surfaces showed a broad trend of increase with solution pH, indicating a strong effect arising from pH-dependent charge density on the copolymers. In contrast, the copolymer structure and solution concentration showed a weak effect under the conditions studied. The subsequent DNA binding at pH 7 showed that on both surfaces the amount of DNA immobilized followed an approximate 1:1 charge interaction for all different DNA samples studied, irrespective of single or double strand, or different DNA size, indicating the dominant effect of electrostatic interaction between the two species. Both DPI and NR revealed consistent thickness increase upon DNA binding. Furthermore, with increasing DNA size, the interfacial layer became much thicker, and charge interaction drove more extensive interfacial mixing between the two species. Our results show that the amount of DNA immobilized is controlled by the amount of cationic copolymer preadsorbed that is in turn controlled by the solution pH and surface chemistry but that is barely affected by the type and concentration of DNA or cationic copolymer.
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Affiliation(s)
- XiuBo Zhao
- Biological Physics Group, School of Physics and Astronomy, The University of Manchester, Schuster Building, Manchester M13 9PL, UK
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22
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Lewis A, Tang Y, Brocchini S, Choi JW, Godwin A. Poly(2-methacryloyloxyethyl phosphorylcholine) for Protein Conjugation. Bioconjug Chem 2008; 19:2144-55. [DOI: 10.1021/bc800242t] [Citation(s) in RCA: 99] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Andrew Lewis
- Biocompatibles UK Ltd, Weydon Lane, Farnham, Surrey GU9 8QL, PolyTherics Ltd, 2 Royal College Street, London NW1 0TU, and The School of Pharmacy, University of London, 29 Brunswick Square, London WC1N 1AX, United Kingdom
| | - Yiqing Tang
- Biocompatibles UK Ltd, Weydon Lane, Farnham, Surrey GU9 8QL, PolyTherics Ltd, 2 Royal College Street, London NW1 0TU, and The School of Pharmacy, University of London, 29 Brunswick Square, London WC1N 1AX, United Kingdom
| | - Steve Brocchini
- Biocompatibles UK Ltd, Weydon Lane, Farnham, Surrey GU9 8QL, PolyTherics Ltd, 2 Royal College Street, London NW1 0TU, and The School of Pharmacy, University of London, 29 Brunswick Square, London WC1N 1AX, United Kingdom
| | - Ji-won Choi
- Biocompatibles UK Ltd, Weydon Lane, Farnham, Surrey GU9 8QL, PolyTherics Ltd, 2 Royal College Street, London NW1 0TU, and The School of Pharmacy, University of London, 29 Brunswick Square, London WC1N 1AX, United Kingdom
| | - Antony Godwin
- Biocompatibles UK Ltd, Weydon Lane, Farnham, Surrey GU9 8QL, PolyTherics Ltd, 2 Royal College Street, London NW1 0TU, and The School of Pharmacy, University of London, 29 Brunswick Square, London WC1N 1AX, United Kingdom
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23
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Williams SR, Borgerding EM, Layman JM, Wang W, Winey KI, Long TE. Synthesis and Characterization of Well-Defined 12,12-Ammonium Ionenes: Evaluating Mechanical Properties as a Function of Molecular Weight. Macromolecules 2008. [DOI: 10.1021/ma8006152] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Sharlene R. Williams
- Department of Chemistry, Macromolecules and Interfaces Institute, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, Virginia 24061-0344, and Department of Materials Science and Engineering, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104-6272
| | - Erika M. Borgerding
- Department of Chemistry, Macromolecules and Interfaces Institute, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, Virginia 24061-0344, and Department of Materials Science and Engineering, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104-6272
| | - John M. Layman
- Department of Chemistry, Macromolecules and Interfaces Institute, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, Virginia 24061-0344, and Department of Materials Science and Engineering, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104-6272
| | - Wenqin Wang
- Department of Chemistry, Macromolecules and Interfaces Institute, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, Virginia 24061-0344, and Department of Materials Science and Engineering, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104-6272
| | - Karen I. Winey
- Department of Chemistry, Macromolecules and Interfaces Institute, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, Virginia 24061-0344, and Department of Materials Science and Engineering, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104-6272
| | - Timothy E. Long
- Department of Chemistry, Macromolecules and Interfaces Institute, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, Virginia 24061-0344, and Department of Materials Science and Engineering, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104-6272
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24
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Zhao X, Zhang Z, Pan F, Waigh TA, Lu JR. Plasmid DNA complexation with phosphorylcholine diblock copolymers and its effect on cell transfection. LANGMUIR : THE ACS JOURNAL OF SURFACES AND COLLOIDS 2008; 24:6881-6888. [PMID: 18500832 DOI: 10.1021/la800593q] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
Abstract
We examined a series of novel cationic MPC-based (2-methacryloyloxyethyl phosphorylcholine) copolymers as vectors for gene delivery, with emphasis on the assessment of the effects of the charge ratio (administered via pH variation) on the complex (polyplex) formation and the subsequent transfection efficiency. A combination of electrophoresis, dynamic light scattering, and small angle neutron scattering was used to characterize the structure and charge distribution of the polyplexes formed between the copolymer and the luciferase plasmid DNA. Polymers with larger hydrophobic side chains had lower p K a values and tended to aggregate more strongly. For a given copolymer, electrostatic interaction was the main driving force for the formation of the nanopolyplexes. When the cationic copolymers were in excess, the majority of the polyplexes formed was neutral, and only a small faction of them carried net positive charges. Polyplexes formed under excess copolymer protected the DNA from restriction enzyme digestion. As the copolymers were weak polyelectrolytes, the pH had a distinct effect on the structure and charge distribution of the polyplexes formed. Below the p K a, the copolymers were found to bind with the plasmid DNA in the form of unimers, while above the p K a, the copolymers self-aggregated and complexed with DNA in the form of micelles. It was subsequently found that unimer/DNA polyplexes were far more effective in the transfection of HEK293 cells than micellar DNA polyplexes. The results thus revealed that different hydrophobicities of the side chains in the copolymer series led to different nanostructuring and charge characteristics, which had a consequential effect on the transfection efficiency. This study provided useful insight into the molecular processes underlying polyplex formation and demonstrated a strong link between structural and physical properties of polyplexes and cell transfection efficiency.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiubo Zhao
- Biological Physics Group, School of Physics and Astronomy, The University of Manchester, Schuster Building, Manchester M13 9PL, United Kingdom
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