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Wu Z, Chen L, Guo W, Wang J, Ni H, Liu J, Jiang W, Shen J, Mao C, Zhou M, Wan M. Oral mitochondrial transplantation using nanomotors to treat ischaemic heart disease. NATURE NANOTECHNOLOGY 2024:10.1038/s41565-024-01681-7. [PMID: 38802669 DOI: 10.1038/s41565-024-01681-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2023] [Accepted: 04/15/2024] [Indexed: 05/29/2024]
Abstract
Mitochondrial transplantation is an important therapeutic strategy for restoring energy supply in patients with ischaemic heart disease (IHD); however, it is limited by the invasiveness of the transplantation method and loss of mitochondrial activity. Here we report successful mitochondrial transplantation by oral administration for IHD therapy. A nitric-oxide-releasing nanomotor is modified on the mitochondria surface to obtain nanomotorized mitochondria with chemotactic targeting ability towards damaged heart tissue due to nanomotor action. The nanomotorized mitochondria are packaged in enteric capsules to protect them from gastric acid erosion. After oral delivery the mitochondria are released in the intestine, where they are quickly absorbed by intestinal cells and secreted into the bloodstream, allowing delivery to the damaged heart tissue. The regulation of disease microenvironment by the nanomotorized mitochondria can not only achieve rapid uptake and high retention of mitochondria by damaged cardiomyocytes but also maintains high activity of the transplanted mitochondria. Furthermore, results from animal models of IHD indicate that the accumulated nanomotorized mitochondria in the damaged heart tissue can regulate cardiac metabolism at the transcriptional level, thus preventing IHD progression. This strategy has the potential to change the therapeutic strategy used to treat IHD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ziyu Wu
- National and Local Joint Engineering Research Center of Biomedical Functional Materials, School of Chemistry and Materials Science, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing, China
- Department of Vascular Surgery, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, The Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing, China
| | - Lin Chen
- National and Local Joint Engineering Research Center of Biomedical Functional Materials, School of Chemistry and Materials Science, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing, China
| | - Wenyan Guo
- National and Local Joint Engineering Research Center of Biomedical Functional Materials, School of Chemistry and Materials Science, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing, China
| | - Jun Wang
- Department of Vascular Surgery, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, Clinical College of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Haiya Ni
- Department of Vascular Surgery, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, Clinical College of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Jianing Liu
- Department of Vascular Surgery, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, Clinical College of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Wentao Jiang
- Department of Vascular Surgery, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, The Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing, China
| | - Jian Shen
- National and Local Joint Engineering Research Center of Biomedical Functional Materials, School of Chemistry and Materials Science, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing, China
| | - Chun Mao
- National and Local Joint Engineering Research Center of Biomedical Functional Materials, School of Chemistry and Materials Science, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing, China.
| | - Min Zhou
- Department of Vascular Surgery, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, The Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing, China.
- Department of Vascular Surgery, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, Clinical College of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China.
| | - Mimi Wan
- National and Local Joint Engineering Research Center of Biomedical Functional Materials, School of Chemistry and Materials Science, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing, China.
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Ngocho K, Yang X, Wang Z, Hu C, Yang X, Shi H, Wang K, Liu J. Synthetic Cells from Droplet-Based Microfluidics for Biosensing and Biomedical Applications. SMALL (WEINHEIM AN DER BERGSTRASSE, GERMANY) 2024:e2400086. [PMID: 38563581 DOI: 10.1002/smll.202400086] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2024] [Revised: 03/13/2024] [Indexed: 04/04/2024]
Abstract
Synthetic cells function as biological mimics of natural cells by mimicking salient features of cells such as metabolism, response to stimuli, gene expression, direct metabolism, and high stability. Droplet-based microfluidic technology presents the opportunity for encapsulating biological functional components in uni-lamellar liposome or polymer droplets. Verified by its success in the fabrication of synthetic cells, microfluidic technology is widely replacing conventional labor-intensive, expensive, and sophisticated techniques justified by its ability to miniaturize and perform batch production operations. In this review, an overview of recent research on the preparation of synthetic cells through droplet-based microfluidics is provided. Different synthetic cells including lipid vesicles (liposome), polymer vesicles (polymersome), coacervate microdroplets, and colloidosomes, are systematically discussed. Efforts are then made to discuss the design of a variety of microfluidic chips for synthetic cell preparation since the combination of microfluidics with bottom-up synthetic biology allows for reproductive and tunable construction of batches of synthetic cell models from simple structures to higher hierarchical structures. The recent advances aimed at exploiting them in biosensors and other biomedical applications are then discussed. Finally, some perspectives on the challenges and future developments of synthetic cell research with microfluidics for biomimetic science and biomedical applications are provided.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kleins Ngocho
- State key laboratory of Chemo/Biosensing and Chemometrics College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering Key Laboratory for Bio-Nanotechnology and Molecular Engineering of Hunan Province, Hunan University, Changsha, 410082, P. R. China
| | - Xilei Yang
- State key laboratory of Chemo/Biosensing and Chemometrics College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering Key Laboratory for Bio-Nanotechnology and Molecular Engineering of Hunan Province, Hunan University, Changsha, 410082, P. R. China
| | - Zefeng Wang
- State key laboratory of Chemo/Biosensing and Chemometrics College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering Key Laboratory for Bio-Nanotechnology and Molecular Engineering of Hunan Province, Hunan University, Changsha, 410082, P. R. China
| | - Cunjie Hu
- State key laboratory of Chemo/Biosensing and Chemometrics College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering Key Laboratory for Bio-Nanotechnology and Molecular Engineering of Hunan Province, Hunan University, Changsha, 410082, P. R. China
| | - Xiaohai Yang
- State key laboratory of Chemo/Biosensing and Chemometrics College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering Key Laboratory for Bio-Nanotechnology and Molecular Engineering of Hunan Province, Hunan University, Changsha, 410082, P. R. China
| | - Hui Shi
- State key laboratory of Chemo/Biosensing and Chemometrics College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering Key Laboratory for Bio-Nanotechnology and Molecular Engineering of Hunan Province, Hunan University, Changsha, 410082, P. R. China
| | - Kemin Wang
- State key laboratory of Chemo/Biosensing and Chemometrics College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering Key Laboratory for Bio-Nanotechnology and Molecular Engineering of Hunan Province, Hunan University, Changsha, 410082, P. R. China
| | - Jianbo Liu
- State key laboratory of Chemo/Biosensing and Chemometrics College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering Key Laboratory for Bio-Nanotechnology and Molecular Engineering of Hunan Province, Hunan University, Changsha, 410082, P. R. China
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3
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Doherty W, Benson S, Pepdjonovic L, Koppes AN, Koppes RA. Cell Line and Media Composition Influence the Production of Giant Plasma Membrane Vesicles. ACS Biomater Sci Eng 2024; 10:1880-1891. [PMID: 38374716 PMCID: PMC10934252 DOI: 10.1021/acsbiomaterials.3c01596] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2023] [Revised: 02/07/2024] [Accepted: 02/08/2024] [Indexed: 02/21/2024]
Abstract
Giant plasma membrane vesicles (GPMVs) have been utilized as a model to study phase separation in the plasma membrane. Additionally, GPMVs have been employed as vehicle for delivering molecular cargo, including small molecule drugs and nanoparticles. Nearly all examples of GPMV production use a defined salt buffer that is a stark contrast to typical cell culture medium. In this study, we demonstrate that the addition of formaldehyde and dithiothreitol to a standard culture medium was capable of generating GPMVs at a concentration equal to or higher than the traditional production buffer. These methods were evaluated for two human cell lines: kidney endothelial and Schwann cells (SCs). Morphological properties of the resultant GPMVs exhibited no significant differences between the two formulations. Factors such as pH and seeding density significantly influenced the production of GPMVs in both mediums. The cell type and seeding density was shown to influence the number of GPMVs to the greatest extent. SCs yield more GPMVs at higher seeding densities compared to endothelial cells. Stability of the membrane of the GPMVs produced in both mediums was evaluated by monitoring passive diffusion of two fluorescently tagged dextrans (3 and 10 kDa). Regardless of the production formulation or cell type, approximately 85% GPMVs are impermeable to either dextran. Cold storage for on-demand use and shipping are essential for broader use of GPMVs. Toward this aim, we have evaluated the GMPV number and morphologies following storage at -80 °C and in liquid nitrogen. A significant loss of the GPMV number, ∼30%, was observed following storage across production formulations as well as cell types. Our results indicate that smaller GMPVs, <5 μm are more stable for preservation. In conclusion, GPMVs can be produced in a broad range of formulations, exhibit a high degree of stability, and can undergo cold storage for further adoption.
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Affiliation(s)
- William Doherty
- Department
of Chemical Engineering, Northeastern University, 360 Huntington Avenue, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, United States
| | - Sarah Benson
- Department
of Chemical Engineering, Northeastern University, 360 Huntington Avenue, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, United States
| | - Lisa Pepdjonovic
- Department
of Chemical Engineering, Northeastern University, 360 Huntington Avenue, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, United States
| | - Abigail N. Koppes
- Department
of Chemical Engineering, Northeastern University, 360 Huntington Avenue, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, United States
- Department
of Biology, Northeastern University, 360 Huntington Avenue, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, United States
- Department
of Bioengineering, Northeastern University, 360 Huntington Avenue, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, United States
| | - Ryan A. Koppes
- Department
of Chemical Engineering, Northeastern University, 360 Huntington Avenue, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, United States
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4
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Hanafy MS, Cui Z. Connexin-Containing Vesicles for Drug Delivery. AAPS J 2024; 26:20. [PMID: 38267725 DOI: 10.1208/s12248-024-00889-8] [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: 09/30/2023] [Accepted: 12/20/2023] [Indexed: 01/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Connexin is a transmembrane protein present on the cell membrane of most cell types. Connexins assemble into a hexameric hemichannel known as connexon that pairs with another hemichannel present on a neighboring cell to form gap junction that acts as a channel or pore for the transport of ions and small molecules between the cytoplasm of the two cells. Extracellular vesicles released from connexin-expressing cells could carry connexin hemichannels on their surface and couple with another connexin hemichannel on a distant recipient cell to allow the transfer of the intravesicular content directly into the cytoplasm. Connexin-containing vesicles can be potentially utilized for intracellular drug delivery. In this review, we introduced cell-derived, connexin-containing extracellular vesicles and cell-free connexin-containing liposomes, methods of preparing them, procedures to load cargos in them, factors regulating the connexin hemichannel activity, (potential) applications of connexin-containing vesicles in drug delivery, and finally the challenges and future directions in realizing the promises of this platform delivery system for (intracellular) drug delivery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mahmoud S Hanafy
- Division of Molecular Pharmaceutics and Drug Delivery, College of Pharmacy, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas, USA
| | - Zhengrong Cui
- Division of Molecular Pharmaceutics and Drug Delivery, College of Pharmacy, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas, USA.
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5
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Yuan C, Gerhards L, Solov'yov IA, Dedek K. Biotin-cGMP and -cAMP are able to permeate through the gap junctions of some amacrine cells in the mouse retina despite their large size. FRONTIERS IN OPHTHALMOLOGY 2024; 3:1334602. [PMID: 38983094 PMCID: PMC11182161 DOI: 10.3389/fopht.2023.1334602] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2023] [Accepted: 12/22/2023] [Indexed: 07/11/2024]
Abstract
Gap junctions transmit electrical signals in neurons and serve metabolic coupling and chemical communication. Gap junctions are made of intercellular channels with large pores, allowing ions and small molecules to permeate. In the mammalian retina, intercellular coupling fulfills many vital functions in visual signal processing but is also implicated in promoting cell death after insults, such as excitotoxicity or hypoxia. Conversely, some studies also suggested a role for retinal gap junctions in neuroprotection. Recently, gap junctions were also advocated as conduits for therapeutic drug delivery in neurodegenerative disorders. This requires the permeation of rather large molecules through retinal gap junctions. However, the permeability of retinal networks for molecules >0.6 kDa has not been tested systematically. Here, we used the cut-loading method and probed gap junctional networks in the mouse retina for their permeability to cGMP and cAMP coupled to Biotin, using the well-characterized tracer Neurobiotin as control. Biotin-cGMP and -cAMP have a molecular weight of >0.8 kDa. We show that they cannot pass the gap junctions of horizontal cells but can permeate through the gap junctions of specific amacrine cells in the inner retina. These amacrine cells do not comprise AII amacrine cells and nitric oxide-releasing amacrine cells but some unknown type. In summary, we show that some retinal gap junctions are large enough to let molecules >0.8 kDa pass, making the intercellular delivery of therapeutic agents - already successfully exploited, for example, in cancer - also feasible in neurodegenerative diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chunxu Yuan
- Animal Navigation, Institute for Biology and Environmental Sciences, Carl von Ossietzky Universität Oldenburg, Oldenburg, Germany
| | - Luca Gerhards
- Institute of Physics, Carl von Ossietzky Universität Oldenburg, Oldenburg, Germany
| | - Ilia A Solov'yov
- Institute of Physics, Carl von Ossietzky Universität Oldenburg, Oldenburg, Germany
- Research Center Neurosensory Science, University of Oldenburg, Oldenburg, Germany
- CeNaD - Center for Nanoscale Dynamics, University of Oldenburg, Oldenburg, Germany
| | - Karin Dedek
- Animal Navigation, Institute for Biology and Environmental Sciences, Carl von Ossietzky Universität Oldenburg, Oldenburg, Germany
- Research Center Neurosensory Science, University of Oldenburg, Oldenburg, Germany
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6
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Lin AJ, Sihorwala AZ, Belardi B. Engineering Tissue-Scale Properties with Synthetic Cells: Forging One from Many. ACS Synth Biol 2023; 12:1889-1907. [PMID: 37417657 PMCID: PMC11017731 DOI: 10.1021/acssynbio.3c00061] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/08/2023]
Abstract
In metazoans, living cells achieve capabilities beyond individual cell functionality by assembling into multicellular tissue structures. These higher-order structures represent dynamic, heterogeneous, and responsive systems that have evolved to regenerate and coordinate their actions over large distances. Recent advances in constructing micrometer-sized vesicles, or synthetic cells, now point to a future where construction of synthetic tissue can be pursued, a boon to pressing material needs in biomedical implants, drug delivery systems, adhesives, filters, and storage devices, among others. To fully realize the potential of synthetic tissue, inspiration has been and will continue to be drawn from new molecular findings on its natural counterpart. In this review, we describe advances in introducing tissue-scale features into synthetic cell assemblies. Beyond mere complexation, synthetic cells have been fashioned with a variety of natural and engineered molecular components that serve as initial steps toward morphological control and patterning, intercellular communication, replication, and responsiveness in synthetic tissue. Particular attention has been paid to the dynamics, spatial constraints, and mechanical strengths of interactions that drive the synthesis of this next-generation material, describing how multiple synthetic cells can act as one.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander J Lin
- Department of Chemistry, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas 78712, United States
| | - Ahmed Z Sihorwala
- McKetta Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas 78712, United States
| | - Brian Belardi
- McKetta Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas 78712, United States
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7
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Sihorwala AZ, Lin AJ, Stachowiak JC, Belardi B. Light-Activated Assembly of Connexon Nanopores in Synthetic Cells. J Am Chem Soc 2023; 145:3561-3568. [PMID: 36724060 PMCID: PMC10188233 DOI: 10.1021/jacs.2c12491] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
During developmental processes and wound healing, activation of living cells occurs with spatiotemporal precision and leads to rapid release of soluble molecular signals, allowing communication and coordination between neighbors. Nonliving systems capable of similar responsive release hold great promise for information transfer in materials and site-specific drug delivery. One nonliving system that offers a tunable platform for programming release is synthetic cells. Encased in a lipid bilayer structure, synthetic cells can be outfitted with molecular conduits that span the bilayer and lead to material exchange. While previous work expressing membrane pore proteins in synthetic cells demonstrated content exchange, user-defined control over release has remained elusive. In mammalian cells, connexon nanopore structures drive content release and have garnered significant interest since they can direct material exchange through intercellular contacts. Here, we focus on connexon nanopores and present activated release of material from synthetic cells in a light-sensitive fashion. To do this, we re-engineer connexon nanopores to assemble after post-translational processing by a protease. By encapsulating proteases in light-sensitive liposomes, we show that assembly of nanopores can be triggered by illumination, resulting in rapid release of molecules encapsulated within synthetic cells. Controlling connexon nanopore activity provides an opportunity for initiating communication with extracellular signals and for transferring molecular agents to the cytoplasm of living cells in a rapid, light-guided manner.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ahmed Z Sihorwala
- McKetta Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas 78712, United States
| | - Alexander J Lin
- Department of Chemistry, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas 78712, United States
| | - Jeanne C Stachowiak
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas 78712, United States
| | - Brian Belardi
- McKetta Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas 78712, United States
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8
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Trementozzi AN, Zhao C, Smyth H, Cui Z, Stachowiak JC. Gap Junction-Mediated Delivery of Polymeric Macromolecules. ACS Biomater Sci Eng 2022; 8:1566-1572. [PMID: 35263989 PMCID: PMC9157716 DOI: 10.1021/acsbiomaterials.1c01459] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Cellular delivery of therapeutic macromolecules such as proteins, peptides, and nucleic acids remains limited due to inefficient transport across the cellular plasma membrane. Gap junction channels, composed of connexin proteins, provide a mechanism for direct transfer of small molecules across membranes, and recent evidence suggests that the transfer of larger, polymer-like molecules such as microRNAs may be possible. Here, we report direct evidence of gap junction-mediated transfer of polymeric macromolecules. Specifically, we examined the transport of dextran chains with molecular weights ranging from 10 to 70 kDa. We found that dextran chains of up to 40 kDa can diffuse through at least five cell layers in a gap junction-dependent manner within a 30 min time frame. Further, we evaluated the ability of connectosomes, cell-derived vesicles containing functional connexin proteins, to be loaded with dextran chains. By opening connexon hemichannel pores within the membranes of connectosomes, we found that 10 kDa dextran was loaded into more than 90% of vesicles, with reduced levels of loading for dextran chains of larger molecular weight. Upon delivering 10 kDa dextran-loaded connectosomes to cells, we further found that connectosomes transferred these membrane-impermeable molecules to the cellular cytosol with dramatically improved efficiency in comparison to the delivery of free, unencapsulated dextran. Collectively, these results reveal that polymeric macromolecules can be delivered to cells via gap junctions, suggesting that the gap junction route may be useful for the delivery of polymeric therapeutic molecules, such as nucleic acids and peptides.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea N Trementozzi
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas 78712, United States
| | - Chi Zhao
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas 78712, United States
| | - Hugh Smyth
- College of Pharmacy, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas 78712, United States
| | - Zhengrong Cui
- College of Pharmacy, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas 78712, United States
| | - Jeanne C Stachowiak
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas 78712, United States
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9
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van der Koog L, Gandek TB, Nagelkerke A. Liposomes and Extracellular Vesicles as Drug Delivery Systems: A Comparison of Composition, Pharmacokinetics, and Functionalization. Adv Healthc Mater 2022; 11:e2100639. [PMID: 34165909 DOI: 10.1002/adhm.202100639] [Citation(s) in RCA: 127] [Impact Index Per Article: 63.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2021] [Revised: 05/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Over the past decades, lipid-based nanoparticle drug delivery systems (DDS) have caught the attention of researchers worldwide, encouraging the field to rapidly develop improved ways for effective drug delivery. One of the most prominent examples is liposomes, which are spherical shaped artificial vesicles composed of lipid bilayers and able to encapsulate both hydrophilic and hydrophobic materials. At the same time, biological nanoparticles naturally secreted by cells, called extracellular vesicles (EVs), have emerged as promising more complex biocompatible DDS. In this review paper, the differences and similarities in the composition of both vesicles are evaluated, and critical mediators that affect their pharmacokinetics are elucidate. Different strategies that have been assessed to tweak the pharmacokinetics of both liposomes and EVs are explored, detailing the effects on circulation time, targeting capacity, and cytoplasmic delivery of therapeutic cargo. Finally, whether a hybrid system, consisting of a combination of only the critical constituents of both vesicles, could offer the best of both worlds is discussed. Through these topics, novel leads for further research are provided and, more importantly, gain insight in what the liposome field and the EV field can learn from each other.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luke van der Koog
- Molecular Pharmacology Groningen Research Institute of Pharmacy GRIAC Research Institute, University Medical Center Groningen University of Groningen P.O. Box 196, XB10 Groningen 9700 AD The Netherlands
| | - Timea B. Gandek
- Pharmaceutical Analysis Groningen Research Institute of Pharmacy University of Groningen P.O. Box 196, XB20 Groningen 9700 AD The Netherlands
| | - Anika Nagelkerke
- Pharmaceutical Analysis Groningen Research Institute of Pharmacy University of Groningen P.O. Box 196, XB20 Groningen 9700 AD The Netherlands
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10
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Wang L, Gong X, Qi G, Li Y, Zhang K, Gao YH, Wang D, Cao H, Yang Z. Self-assembling and cellular distribution of a series of transformable peptides. J Mater Chem B 2022; 10:3886-3894. [DOI: 10.1039/d1tb02814f] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Transformable peptides (TPs) are biomedical materials with unique structures and diverse functionalities that have drawn great interest in material science and nanomedicine. Here, we design a series of TPs with...
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11
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Jindal S, Chockalingam S, Ghosh SS, Packirisamy G. Connexin and gap junctions: perspectives from biology to nanotechnology based therapeutics. Transl Res 2021; 235:144-167. [PMID: 33582245 DOI: 10.1016/j.trsl.2021.02.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2020] [Revised: 01/10/2021] [Accepted: 02/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
The concept of gap junctions and their role in intercellular communication has been known for around 50 years. Considerable progress has been made in understanding the fundamental biology of connexins in mediating gap junction intercellular communication (GJIC) and their role in various cellular processes including pathological conditions. However, this understanding has not led to development of advanced therapeutics utilizing GJIC. Inadequacies in strategies that target specific connexin protein in the affected tissue, with minimal or no collateral damage, are the primary reason for the lack of development of efficient therapeutic models. Herein, nanotechnology has a role to play, giving plenty of scope to circumvent these problems and develop more efficient connexin based therapeutics. AsODN, antisense oligodeoxynucleotides; BMPs, bone morphogenetic proteins; BMSCs, bone marrow stem cells; BG, bioglass; Cx, Connexin; CxRE, connexin-responsive elements; CoCr NPs, cobalt-chromium nanoparticles; cGAMP, cyclic guanosine monophosphate-adenosine monophosphate; cAMP, cyclic adenosine monophosphate; ERK1/2, extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2; EMT, epithelial-mesenchymal transition; EPA, eicosapentaenoic acids; FGFR1, fibroblast growth factor receptor 1; FRAP, fluorescence recovery after photobleaching; 5-FU, 5-fluorouracil; GJ, gap junction; GJIC, gap junctional intercellular communication; HGPRTase, hypoxanthine phosphoribosyltransferase; HSV-TK, herpes virus thymidine kinase; HSA, human serum albumin; HA, hyaluronic acid; HDAC, histone deacetylase; IRI, ischemia reperfusion injury; IL-6, interleukin-6; IL-8, interleukin-8; IONPs, iron-oxide nanoparticles; JNK, c-Jun N-terminal kinase; LAMP, local activation of molecular fluorescent probe; MSCs, mesenchymal stem cells; MMP, matrix metalloproteinase; MI, myocardial infarction; MAPK, mitogen-activated protein kinase; NF-κB, nuclear factor kappa B; NO, nitric oxide; PKC, protein kinase C; QDs, quantum dots; ROI, region of interest; RGO, reduced graphene oxide; siRNA, small interfering RNA; TGF-β1, transforming growth factor-β1; TNF-α, tumor necrosis factor-α; UCN, upconversion nanoparticles; VEGF, vascular endothelial growth factor. In this review, we discuss briefly the role of connexins and gap junctions in various physiological and pathological processes, with special emphasis on cancer. We further discuss the application of nanotechnology and tissue engineering in developing treatments for various connexin based disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shlok Jindal
- Nanobiotechnology Laboratory, Department of Biotechnology, Indian Institute of Technology Roorkee, Roorkee, Uttarakhand, India
| | - S Chockalingam
- Department of Biotechnology, National Institute of Technology Warangal, Warangal, Telangana, India
| | - Siddhartha Sankar Ghosh
- Department of Biosciences and Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati, Guwahati, Assam, India
| | - Gopinath Packirisamy
- Nanobiotechnology Laboratory, Department of Biotechnology, Indian Institute of Technology Roorkee, Roorkee, Uttarakhand, India; Centre for Nanotechnology, Indian Institute of Technology Roorkee, Roorkee, Uttarakhand, India.
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12
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Lussier F, Staufer O, Platzman I, Spatz JP. Can Bottom-Up Synthetic Biology Generate Advanced Drug-Delivery Systems? Trends Biotechnol 2020; 39:445-459. [PMID: 32912650 DOI: 10.1016/j.tibtech.2020.08.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2020] [Revised: 08/03/2020] [Accepted: 08/05/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Creating a magic bullet that can selectively kill cancer cells while sparing nearby healthy cells remains one of the most ambitious objectives in pharmacology. Nanomedicine, which relies on the use of nanotechnologies to fight disease, was envisaged to fulfill this coveted goal. Despite substantial progress, the structural complexity of therapeutic vehicles impedes their broad clinical application. Novel modular manufacturing approaches for engineering programmable drug carriers may be able to overcome some fundamental limitations of nanomedicine. We discuss how bottom-up synthetic biology principles, empowered by microfluidics, can palliate current drug carrier assembly limitations, and we demonstrate how such a magic bullet could be engineered from the bottom up to ultimately improve clinical outcomes for patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Felix Lussier
- Department for Cellular Biophysics, Max Planck Institute for Medical Research, Jahnstraße 29, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany; Institute for Molecular Systems Engineering (IMSE), Heidelberg University, Im Neuenheimer Feld 225, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany.
| | - Oskar Staufer
- Department for Cellular Biophysics, Max Planck Institute for Medical Research, Jahnstraße 29, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany; Institute for Molecular Systems Engineering (IMSE), Heidelberg University, Im Neuenheimer Feld 225, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany; Max Planck-Bristol Centre for Minimal Biology, University of Bristol, 1 Tankard's Close, Bristol BS8 1TD, UK; Max Planck School Matter to Life, Jahnstraße 29, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Ilia Platzman
- Department for Cellular Biophysics, Max Planck Institute for Medical Research, Jahnstraße 29, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany; Institute for Molecular Systems Engineering (IMSE), Heidelberg University, Im Neuenheimer Feld 225, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany; Max Planck-Bristol Centre for Minimal Biology, University of Bristol, 1 Tankard's Close, Bristol BS8 1TD, UK.
| | - Joachim P Spatz
- Department for Cellular Biophysics, Max Planck Institute for Medical Research, Jahnstraße 29, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany; Institute for Molecular Systems Engineering (IMSE), Heidelberg University, Im Neuenheimer Feld 225, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany; Max Planck-Bristol Centre for Minimal Biology, University of Bristol, 1 Tankard's Close, Bristol BS8 1TD, UK; Max Planck School Matter to Life, Jahnstraße 29, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany.
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13
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Trementozzi AN, Hufnagel S, Xu H, Hanafy MS, Rosero Castro F, Smyth HDC, Cui Z, Stachowiak JC. Gap Junction Liposomes for Efficient Delivery of Chemotherapeutics to Solid Tumors. ACS Biomater Sci Eng 2020; 6:4851-4857. [PMID: 33455217 DOI: 10.1021/acsbiomaterials.0c01047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Chemotherapeutic delivery is limited by inefficient transport across cellular membranes. Here, we harness the cellular gap junction network to release therapeutic cargos directly into the cytosol. Specifically, cell-derived vesicles, termed connectosomes, contain gap junction transmembrane proteins that open a direct passageway to the cellular interior. Connectosomes were previously shown to substantially improve chemotherapeutic delivery in vitro. Here, we test connectosomes in vivo, using a murine breast tumor model. We demonstrate that connectosomes improve chemotherapeutic delivery to cellular targets within tumors by up to 16-fold, compared to conventional drug-loaded liposomes, suggesting an efficient alternative pathway for intracellular delivery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea N Trementozzi
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas 78712, United States
| | - Stephanie Hufnagel
- College of Pharmacy, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas 78712, United States
| | - Haiyue Xu
- College of Pharmacy, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas 78712, United States
| | - Mahmoud S Hanafy
- College of Pharmacy, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas 78712, United States
| | - Felipe Rosero Castro
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas 78712, United States
| | - Hugh D C Smyth
- College of Pharmacy, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas 78712, United States
| | - Zhengrong Cui
- College of Pharmacy, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas 78712, United States
| | - Jeanne C Stachowiak
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas 78712, United States
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14
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Kitagishi H, Jiromaru M, Hasegawa N. Intracellular Delivery of Adamantane-Tagged Small Molecule, Proteins, and Liposomes Using an Octaarginine-Conjugated β-Cyclodextrin. ACS APPLIED BIO MATERIALS 2020; 3:4902-4911. [PMID: 35021734 DOI: 10.1021/acsabm.0c00421] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Herein, we demonstrate a convenient technique for the intracellular delivery of proteins and liposomes based on supramolecular host-guest chemistry. First, we prepared the R8-CDOH carrier molecule, which is a β-cyclodextrin derivative bearing an octaarginine (R8) chain, as a cell-penetrating peptide, at the primary hydroxyl group. The surface amino groups of proteins (GFP, β-gal, and IgG) were then partly modified with adamantane (Ad) tags using 1-Ad-carboxylic acid N-hydroxysuccinimide ester (Ad-NHS). These Ad-tagged proteins were effectively delivered into HeLa cells though supramolecular host-guest interactions with R8-CDOH. A 100 nm sized liposome bearing Ad-tags on its surface was also delivered into these cells by the action of R8-CDOH. The present method does not require any genetic manipulation, and only easy chemical modification processes are used to facilitate intracellular delivery; therefore, we believe that the present method is applicable to a variety of bioengineering processes, such as protein-based therapeutics, cellular reprogramming, and genome-editing, among others.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hiroaki Kitagishi
- Department of Molecular Chemistry and Biochemistry, Faculty of Science and Engineering, Doshisha University, Kyotanabe, Kyoto 610-0321, Japan
| | - Misa Jiromaru
- Department of Molecular Chemistry and Biochemistry, Faculty of Science and Engineering, Doshisha University, Kyotanabe, Kyoto 610-0321, Japan
| | - Naomi Hasegawa
- Department of Molecular Chemistry and Biochemistry, Faculty of Science and Engineering, Doshisha University, Kyotanabe, Kyoto 610-0321, Japan
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15
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Zartner L, Garni M, Craciun I, Einfalt T, Palivan CG. How Can Giant Plasma Membrane Vesicles Serve as a Cellular Model for Controlled Transfer of Nanoparticles? Biomacromolecules 2020; 22:106-115. [PMID: 32648740 DOI: 10.1021/acs.biomac.0c00624] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
Cellular model systems are essential platforms used across multiple research fields for exploring the fundaments of biology and biochemistry. Here, we present giant plasma membrane vesicles (GPMVs) as a platform of cell-like compartments that will facilitate the study of particles within a biorelevant environment and promote their further development. We studied how cellularly taken up nanoparticles (NPs) can be transferred into formed GPMVs and which are the molecular factors that play a role in successful transfer (size, concentration, and surface charge along with 3 different cell lines: HepG2, HeLa, and Caco-2). We observed that polystyrene (PS) carboxylated NPs with a size of 40 and 100 nm were successfully and efficiently transferred to GPMVs derived from all cell lines. We then investigated the distribution of NPs inside formed GPMVs and established the average number of NPs/GPMVs and the percentage of all GPMVs with NPs in their cavity. We pave the way for GPMV usage as superior cell-like mimics in medically relevant applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luisa Zartner
- Department of Chemistry, University of Basel, Mattenstrasse 24a, BPR 1096, P.O. Box 3350, CH-4002 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Martina Garni
- Department of Chemistry, University of Basel, Mattenstrasse 24a, BPR 1096, P.O. Box 3350, CH-4002 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Ioana Craciun
- Department of Chemistry, University of Basel, Mattenstrasse 24a, BPR 1096, P.O. Box 3350, CH-4002 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Tomaž Einfalt
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Division of Pharmaceutical Technology, University of Basel, Klingelbergstrasse 50, CH-4056 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Cornelia G Palivan
- Department of Chemistry, University of Basel, Mattenstrasse 24a, BPR 1096, P.O. Box 3350, CH-4002 Basel, Switzerland
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16
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Einfalt T, Garni M, Witzigmann D, Sieber S, Baltisberger N, Huwyler J, Meier W, Palivan CG. Bioinspired Molecular Factories with Architecture and In Vivo Functionalities as Cell Mimics. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2020; 7:1901923. [PMID: 32099756 PMCID: PMC7029636 DOI: 10.1002/advs.201901923] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2019] [Revised: 12/02/2019] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
Despite huge need in the medical domain and significant development efforts, artificial cells to date have limited composition and functionality. Although some artificial cells have proven successful for producing therapeutics or performing in vitro specific reactions, they have not been investigated in vivo to determine whether they preserve their architecture and functionality while avoiding toxicity. Here, these limitations are overcome and customizable cell mimic is achieved-molecular factories (MFs)-by supplementing giant plasma membrane vesicles derived from donor cells with nanometer-sized artificial organelles (AOs). MFs inherit the donor cell's natural cytoplasm and membrane, while the AOs house reactive components and provide cell-like architecture and functionality. It is demonstrated that reactions inside AOs take place in a close-to-nature environment due to the unprecedented level of complexity in the composition of the MFs. It is further demonstrated that in a zebrafish vertebrate animal model, these cell mimics show no apparent toxicity and retain their integrity and function. The unique advantages of highly varied composition, multicompartmentalized architecture, and preserved functionality in vivo open new biological avenues ranging from the study of biorelevant processes in robust cell-like environments to the production of specific bioactive compounds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tomaž Einfalt
- Department of ChemistryUniversity of BaselMattenstrasse 24a, BPR 1096, P.O. Box 3350CH‐4002BaselSwitzerland
- Department of Pharmaceutical SciencesDivision of Pharmaceutical TechnologyUniversity of BaselKlingelbergstrasse 50CH‐4056BaselSwitzerland
| | - Martina Garni
- Department of ChemistryUniversity of BaselMattenstrasse 24a, BPR 1096, P.O. Box 3350CH‐4002BaselSwitzerland
| | - Dominik Witzigmann
- Department of Pharmaceutical SciencesDivision of Pharmaceutical TechnologyUniversity of BaselKlingelbergstrasse 50CH‐4056BaselSwitzerland
| | - Sandro Sieber
- Department of Pharmaceutical SciencesDivision of Pharmaceutical TechnologyUniversity of BaselKlingelbergstrasse 50CH‐4056BaselSwitzerland
| | - Niklaus Baltisberger
- Department of ChemistryUniversity of BaselMattenstrasse 24a, BPR 1096, P.O. Box 3350CH‐4002BaselSwitzerland
| | - Jörg Huwyler
- Department of Pharmaceutical SciencesDivision of Pharmaceutical TechnologyUniversity of BaselKlingelbergstrasse 50CH‐4056BaselSwitzerland
| | - Wolfgang Meier
- Department of ChemistryUniversity of BaselMattenstrasse 24a, BPR 1096, P.O. Box 3350CH‐4002BaselSwitzerland
| | - Cornelia G. Palivan
- Department of ChemistryUniversity of BaselMattenstrasse 24a, BPR 1096, P.O. Box 3350CH‐4002BaselSwitzerland
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17
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Skinkle AD, Levental KR, Levental I. Cell-Derived Plasma Membrane Vesicles Are Permeable to Hydrophilic Macromolecules. Biophys J 2020; 118:1292-1300. [PMID: 32053777 DOI: 10.1016/j.bpj.2019.12.040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2019] [Revised: 12/09/2019] [Accepted: 12/23/2019] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Giant plasma membrane vesicles (GPMVs) are a widely used experimental platform for biochemical and biophysical analysis of isolated mammalian plasma membranes (PMs). A core advantage of these vesicles is that they maintain the native lipid and protein diversity of the PM while affording the experimental flexibility of synthetic giant vesicles. In addition to fundamental investigations of PM structure and composition, GPMVs have been used to evaluate the binding of proteins and small molecules to cell-derived membranes and the permeation of drug-like molecules through them. An important assumption of such experiments is that GPMVs are sealed, i.e., that permeation occurs by diffusion through the hydrophobic core rather than through hydrophilic pores. Here, we demonstrate that this assumption is often incorrect. We find that most GPMVs isolated using standard preparations are passively permeable to various hydrophilic solutes as large as 40 kDa, in contrast to synthetic giant unilamellar vesicles. We attribute this leakiness to stable, relatively large, and heterogeneous pores formed by rupture of vesicles from cells. Finally, we identify preparation conditions that minimize poration and allow evaluation of sealed GPMVs. These unexpected observations of GPMV poration are important for interpreting experiments utilizing GPMVs as PM models, particularly for drug permeation and membrane asymmetry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Allison D Skinkle
- Department of Integrative Biology and Pharmacology, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, Texas; Biological and Biomedical Sciences Program, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
| | - Kandice R Levental
- Department of Integrative Biology and Pharmacology, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, Texas
| | - Ilya Levental
- Department of Integrative Biology and Pharmacology, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, Texas.
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18
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Ando M, Sasaki Y, Akiyoshi K. Preparation of cationic proteoliposomes using cell-free membrane protein synthesis: the chaperoning effect of cationic liposomes. RSC Adv 2020; 10:28741-28745. [PMID: 35520093 PMCID: PMC9055869 DOI: 10.1039/d0ra05825d] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2020] [Accepted: 07/29/2020] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Membrane protein reconstituted cationic liposomes are constructed using cell-free membrane protein synthesis in the presence of cationic liposomes. The chaperon effect of cationic liposomal membrane assists in folding the functional conformation of membrane protein. This preparation method enables the provision of the usage of proteoliposomes for drug delivery. The preparation method of cationic proteoliposomes is established using a cell-free membrane protein synthesis in the presence of cationic liposomes.![]()
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Affiliation(s)
- Mitsuru Ando
- Department of Polymer Chemistry
- Graduate School of Engineering
- Kyoto University
- Kyoto
- Japan
| | - Yoshihiro Sasaki
- Department of Polymer Chemistry
- Graduate School of Engineering
- Kyoto University
- Kyoto
- Japan
| | - Kazunari Akiyoshi
- Department of Polymer Chemistry
- Graduate School of Engineering
- Kyoto University
- Kyoto
- Japan
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19
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Lu M, Zhao X, Xing H, Liu H, Lang L, Yang T, Xun Z, Wang D, Ding P. Cell-free synthesis of connexin 43-integrated exosome-mimetic nanoparticles for siRNA delivery. Acta Biomater 2019; 96:517-536. [PMID: 31284098 DOI: 10.1016/j.actbio.2019.07.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2019] [Revised: 06/29/2019] [Accepted: 07/03/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Exosomes are naturally secreted nanovesicles that have emerged as a promising therapeutic nanodelivery platform, due to their specific composition and biological properties. However, challenges like considerable complexity, low isolation yield, drug payload, and potential safety concerns substantially reduce their pharmaceutical acceptability. Given that the nano-bio-interface is a crucial factor for nanocarrier behavior and function, modification of synthetic nanoparticles with the intrinsic hallmarks of exosomes' membrane to create exosome mimetics could allow for siRNA delivery in a safer and more efficient manner. Herein, connexin 43 (Cx43)-embedded, exosome-mimicking lipid bilayers coated chitosan nanoparticles (Cx43/L/CS NPs) were constructed by using cell-free (CF) synthesis systems with plasmids encoding Cx43 in the presence of lipid-coated CS NPs (L/CS NPs). The integration of de novo synthesized Cx43 into the lipid bilayers of L/CS NPs occurred cotranslationally during one-pot reaction and, more importantly, the integrated Cx43 was functionally active in transport. In addition to considerably lower cytotoxicity (<four-fold) than cationic Lipo 2000, the obtained Cx43/L/CS-siRNA NPs showed feasible cellular uptake and silencing efficacy that was significantly higher than free siRNA and CS-siRNA NPs. By using a gap junction (GJ) inhibitor, 18β-glycyrrhetinic acid, we demonstrated that Cx43 facilitated the delivery of siRNA into Cx43-expressing U87 MG cells. Additionally, the cellular entry of Cx43/L/CS-siRNA NPs may rely on different endocytic mechanisms, depending on the types of recipient cells. However, Cx43/L/CS-siRNA NPs still exhibited far from adequate delivery efficiency compared with transfection reagent Lipo 2000. Taken together, our study provides a brand new strategy to construct Cx43-functionalized, exosome-mimetic nanoparticles, which may further encourage the establishment of more biomimetic nanocarriers with higher biocompatibility and delivery efficiency. SIGNIFICANCE OF STATEMENT: The major issue to move RNA interference (RNAi) therapy from bench to bedside is the lack of safe and efficient delivery vehicles. Given the certain advantages and limitations of exosomes and synthetic nanocarriers, a promising strategy is to facilitate positive feedbacks between the two fields, in which the superiority of exosomes regarding special membrane composition beneficial for cytoplasmic delivery and the better pharmaceutical acceptance of synthetic nanocarriers could be combined. In this study, we reported to construct Cx43-integrated, exosome-mimetic lipid bilayers coated nanoparticles by using CF synthesis technique. The obtained Cx43/L/CS-siRNA NPs were characterized by desirable cytotoxicity profile and feasible delivery efficiency. This study provides a new avenue and insights for the synthesis of more biocompatible and effective bio-mimetic siRNA delivery platforms.
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20
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Martins-Marques T, Ribeiro-Rodrigues T, Batista-Almeida D, Aasen T, Kwak BR, Girao H. Biological Functions of Connexin43 Beyond Intercellular Communication. Trends Cell Biol 2019; 29:835-847. [PMID: 31358412 DOI: 10.1016/j.tcb.2019.07.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2019] [Revised: 06/27/2019] [Accepted: 07/01/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Connexin43 (Cx43) is commonly associated with direct cell-cell communication through gap junctions (GJs). However, recent groundbreaking studies have challenged this dogma, implicating Cx43 in other biological processes, such as transcription, metabolism, autophagy, and ion channel trafficking. How Cx43 participates in these processes remains largely unknown, although its high turnover rate, capacity to bind to myriad proteins, and the discovery of truncated isoforms of Cx43, ascribe to this protein unanticipated roles in chief processes that require fine-tuned regulation. Accordingly, Cx43 can be regarded as a central integrative hub to which diverse cues converge to be processed in a concerted manner. In this review, we examine the noncanonical roles of Cx43 and discuss the implications of these functions in human diseases and future therapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tania Martins-Marques
- Coimbra Institute for Clinical and Biomedical Research (iCBR), Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal; CNC.IBILI, University of Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Teresa Ribeiro-Rodrigues
- Coimbra Institute for Clinical and Biomedical Research (iCBR), Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal; CNC.IBILI, University of Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Daniela Batista-Almeida
- Coimbra Institute for Clinical and Biomedical Research (iCBR), Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal; CNC.IBILI, University of Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Trond Aasen
- Translational Molecular Pathology, Vall d'Hebron Institute of Research (VHIR), Autonomous University of Barcelona, CIBERONC, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Brenda R Kwak
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, University of Geneva, CH-1211 Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Henrique Girao
- Coimbra Institute for Clinical and Biomedical Research (iCBR), Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal; CNC.IBILI, University of Coimbra, Portugal.
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21
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Svetlova A, Ellieroth J, Milos F, Maybeck V, Offenhäusser A. Composite Lipid Bilayers from Cell Membrane Extracts and Artificial Mixes as a Cell Culture Platform. LANGMUIR : THE ACS JOURNAL OF SURFACES AND COLLOIDS 2019; 35:8076-8084. [PMID: 31055920 DOI: 10.1021/acs.langmuir.9b00763] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
An artificial lipid bilayer is the closest possible model for the cell membrane. Despite that, current methods of lipid bilayer assembly and functionalization do not provide a satisfactory mimic of the cell-cell contact due to the inability to recreate an asymmetrical multicomponent system. In the current work, a method to produce an integrated solid-supported lipid bilayer combining natural extracts from cell membranes and artificially made lipid vesicles is proposed. This simple method allows delivery of transmembrane proteins and components of the extracellular matrix into the substrate. Biocompatibility of the composite natural/artificial lipid bilayers is evaluated by their interactions with the cardiomyocyte-like HL-1 cell line. Compared with fully artificial mixes, composite lipid bilayers allow cells to adhere and develop a morphologically more normal cytoskeleton.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anastasia Svetlova
- Institute of Bioelectronics (ICS-8), Forschungszentrum Jülich GmbH , Wilhelm-Johnen Straße , 52425 Jülich , Germany
| | - Jana Ellieroth
- Institute of Bioelectronics (ICS-8), Forschungszentrum Jülich GmbH , Wilhelm-Johnen Straße , 52425 Jülich , Germany
| | - Frano Milos
- Institute of Bioelectronics (ICS-8), Forschungszentrum Jülich GmbH , Wilhelm-Johnen Straße , 52425 Jülich , Germany
| | - Vanessa Maybeck
- Institute of Bioelectronics (ICS-8), Forschungszentrum Jülich GmbH , Wilhelm-Johnen Straße , 52425 Jülich , Germany
| | - Andreas Offenhäusser
- Institute of Bioelectronics (ICS-8), Forschungszentrum Jülich GmbH , Wilhelm-Johnen Straße , 52425 Jülich , Germany
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22
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Connecting Exosomes and Connexins. Cancers (Basel) 2019; 11:cancers11040476. [PMID: 30987321 PMCID: PMC6520873 DOI: 10.3390/cancers11040476] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2019] [Revised: 03/22/2019] [Accepted: 04/02/2019] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Intercellular communication is accomplished by passage of ions and small molecules through gap junction channels in directly contacting cells or by secretion and response to transmitters, hormones and extracellular vesicles in cells that are distant from each other. Recent studies have suggested that there may be overlap of these processes; specifically, small extracellular vesicles may contain subunit gap junction proteins, connexins. We isolated and analyzed extracellular vesicles secreted by cultured microvascular endothelial cells. These vesicles had a diameter of ~120 nm. They contained four exosomal proteins (flotillin-1, CD63, CD81 and Alix) and the gap junction protein, connexin43. They did not contain an endoplasmic reticulum protein (Grp94) or an adherens junction protein (VE-cadherin). Secretion of vesicles was increased by treatment of the cells with staurosporine. Our data confirm that the gap junction protein, connexin43, can be secreted in vesicles with the properties of exosomes. Although the role of vesicular connexin is not clearly known, we speculate that it might participate in docking/fusion of the exosomes with the recipient cell, transmission of vesicular contents, or cellular signaling.
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23
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Cheng H, Zheng RR, Fan GL, Fan JH, Zhao LP, Jiang XY, Yang B, Yu XY, Li SY, Zhang XZ. Mitochondria and plasma membrane dual-targeted chimeric peptide for single-agent synergistic photodynamic therapy. Biomaterials 2019; 188:1-11. [DOI: 10.1016/j.biomaterials.2018.10.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 89] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2018] [Revised: 10/05/2018] [Accepted: 10/05/2018] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
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24
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Lu M, Zhao X, Xing H, Xun Z, Yang T, Cai C, Wang D, Ding P. Liposome-chaperoned cell-free synthesis for the design of proteoliposomes: Implications for therapeutic delivery. Acta Biomater 2018; 76:1-20. [PMID: 29625253 DOI: 10.1016/j.actbio.2018.03.043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2017] [Revised: 03/20/2018] [Accepted: 03/27/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Cell-free (CF) protein synthesis has emerged as a powerful technique platform for efficient protein production in vitro. Liposomes have been widely studied as therapeutic carriers due to their biocompatibility, biodegradability, low toxicity, flexible surface manipulation, easy preparation, and higher cargo encapsulation capability. However, rapid immune clearance, insufficient targeting capacity, and poor cytoplasmic delivery efficiency substantially restrict their clinical application. The incorporation of functional membrane proteins (MPs) or peptides allows the transfer of biological properties to liposomes and imparts them with improved circulation, increased targeting, and efficient intracellular delivery. Liposome-chaperoned CF synthesis enables production of proteoliposomes in one-step reaction, which not only substantially simplifies the production procedure but also keeps protein functionality intact. Building off these observations, proteoliposomes with integrated MPs represent an excellent candidate for therapeutic delivery. In this review, we describe recent advances in CF synthesis with emphasis on detailing key factors for improving CF expression efficiency. Furthermore, we provide insights into strategies for rational design of proteoliposomal nanodelivery systems via CF synthesis. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE Liposome-chaperoned CF synthesis has emerged as a powerful approach for the design of recombinant proteoliposomes in one-step reaction. The incorporation of bioactive MPs or peptides into liposomes via CF synthesis can facilitate the development of proteoliposomal nanodelivery systems with improved circulation, increased targeting, and enhanced cellular delivery capacity. Moreover, by adapting lessons learned from natural delivery vehicles, novel bio-inspired proteoliposomes with enhanced delivery properties could be produced in CF systems. In this review, we first give an overview of CF synthesis with focus on enhancing protein expression in liposome-chaperoned CF systems. Furthermore, we intend to provide insight into harnessing CF-synthesized proteoliposomes for efficient therapeutic delivery.
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25
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Jia HR, Zhu YX, Xu KF, Liu X, Wu FG. Plasma membrane-anchorable photosensitizing nanomicelles for lipid raft-responsive and light-controllable intracellular drug delivery. J Control Release 2018; 286:103-113. [PMID: 30026079 DOI: 10.1016/j.jconrel.2018.07.027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2018] [Revised: 07/10/2018] [Accepted: 07/15/2018] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
The past decade has witnessed a growing number of nanoparticulate drug delivery systems for cancer treatment. However, insufficient cellular uptake by cancer cells and the undesirable endo/lysosomal entrapment of internalized therapeutic drugs remain the "Achilles heel" of many developed nanoagents. Here, we develop a novel lipid raft-responsive and light-controllable polymeric drug for efficient cytosolic delivery of photosensitizers. Conjugating a photosensitizer protoporphyrin IX (PpIX) to a polyethylene glycol-cholesterol polymer affords the amphiphilic drug (denoted as Chol-PEG-PpIX) that forms micelles in aqueous solutions. The Chol-PEG-PpIX with two hydrophobic units (cholesterol and PpIX) showed robust binding to plasma membranes and enabled significant cellular uptake via two pathways: (1) cholesterol moiety triggered the lipid raft-mediated endocytosis of Chol-PEG-PpIX with minimized endo/lysosomal trafficking after internalization; (2) the membrane-bound PpIX acted as a light-controlled trigger and can augment the permeability of plasma membranes upon laser irradiation, allowing the rapid influx of extracellular Chol-PEG-PpIX within 5 min. For systemic drug delivery, Chol-PEG-PpIX was anchored on the surface of liposomes via in situ membrane modification, which substantially avoided nonspecific binding of Chol-PEG-PpIX to red blood cells during circulation. Besides, the Chol-PEG-PpIX-anchored liposomes exhibited enhanced in vivo fluorescence, reduced liver uptake, prolonged tumor retention, and effective tumor ablation by photodynamic therapy. This work illustrates a new strategy for direct and efficient cytosolic delivery of photosensitizers, which may hold great promise in cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hao-Ran Jia
- State Key Laboratory of Bioelectronics, School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, Southeast University, 2 Sipailou Road, Nanjing 210096, PR China
| | - Ya-Xuan Zhu
- State Key Laboratory of Bioelectronics, School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, Southeast University, 2 Sipailou Road, Nanjing 210096, PR China
| | - Ke-Fei Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Bioelectronics, School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, Southeast University, 2 Sipailou Road, Nanjing 210096, PR China
| | - Xiaoyang Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Bioelectronics, School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, Southeast University, 2 Sipailou Road, Nanjing 210096, PR China
| | - Fu-Gen Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Bioelectronics, School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, Southeast University, 2 Sipailou Road, Nanjing 210096, PR China.
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26
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Azevedo C, Macedo MH, Sarmento B. Strategies for the enhanced intracellular delivery of nanomaterials. Drug Discov Today 2018; 23:944-959. [PMID: 28919437 PMCID: PMC7108348 DOI: 10.1016/j.drudis.2017.08.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2017] [Revised: 06/13/2017] [Accepted: 08/23/2017] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
The intracellular delivery of nanomaterials and drugs has been attracting increasing research interest, mainly because of their important effects and functions in several organelles. Targeting specific organelles can help treat or decrease the symptoms of diabetes, cancer, infectious, and autoimmune diseases. Tuning biological and chemical properties enables the creation of functionalized nanomaterials with enhanced intracellular uptake, ability to escape premature lysosome degradation, and to reach a specific target. Here, we provide an update of recent advances in the intracellular delivery mechanisms that could help drugs reach their target more efficiently.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cláudia Azevedo
- i3S - Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, Universidade do Porto, Rua Alfredo Allen, 208, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal; Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas Abel Salazar, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Maria Helena Macedo
- i3S - Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, Universidade do Porto, Rua Alfredo Allen, 208, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal
| | - Bruno Sarmento
- i3S - Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, Universidade do Porto, Rua Alfredo Allen, 208, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal; CESPU, Instituto de Investigação e Formação Avançada em Ciências e Tecnologias da Saúde & Instituto Universitário de Ciências da Saúde, Gandra, Portugal.
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Ferrati S, Gadok AK, Brunaugh AD, Zhao C, Heersema LA, Smyth HDC, Stachowiak JC. Connexin membrane materials as potent inhibitors of breast cancer cell migration. J R Soc Interface 2018; 14:rsif.2017.0313. [PMID: 28768882 DOI: 10.1098/rsif.2017.0313] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2017] [Accepted: 07/10/2017] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Gap junction (GJ) channels facilitate cell-cell communication through the exchange of chemical and mechanical signals, ensuring proper tissue development and homeostasis. The complex, disease stage-dependent role of connexins in breast cancer progression has been extensively studied over the past two decades. In the early stages of breast cancer, substantial evidence supports the role of GJ channels, formed by connexins at the interfaces between neighbouring cells, as suppressors of cell migration and proliferation. These findings suggest that materials that reintroduce connexins into the tumour cell environment have the potential to inhibit cell migration. Here, we report that exposure of highly metastatic MDA-MB-231 breast tumour cells to connexin-rich biovesicle materials potently suppresses cell migration. Specifically, these biovesicles, which can form GJ interfaces with cells, were extracted from the plasma membrane of donor cells engineered to express a high concentration of functional connexin 43 channels. These connexin-rich membrane materials dramatically reduced cell migration in both a transwell migration assay and a scratch closure assay. Collectively, these results suggest that using membrane materials to reintroduce connexins into the tumour cell environment provides a novel approach for combating cell migration and invasion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Silvia Ferrati
- Division of Pharmaceutics, The University of Texas at Austin, 2409 University Ave, Austin, TX 78712, USA
| | - Avinash K Gadok
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The University of Texas at Austin, 107 W Dean Keeton Street, Austin, TX 78712, USA
| | - Ashlee D Brunaugh
- Division of Pharmaceutics, The University of Texas at Austin, 2409 University Ave, Austin, TX 78712, USA
| | - Chi Zhao
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The University of Texas at Austin, 107 W Dean Keeton Street, Austin, TX 78712, USA
| | - Lara A Heersema
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The University of Texas at Austin, 107 W Dean Keeton Street, Austin, TX 78712, USA
| | - Hugh D C Smyth
- Division of Pharmaceutics, The University of Texas at Austin, 2409 University Ave, Austin, TX 78712, USA
| | - Jeanne C Stachowiak
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The University of Texas at Austin, 107 W Dean Keeton Street, Austin, TX 78712, USA
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Cornelison RC, Munson JM. Perspective on Translating Biomaterials Into Glioma Therapy: Lessons From in vitro Models. FRONTIERS IN MATERIALS 2018; 5:27. [PMID: 30911536 PMCID: PMC6430582 DOI: 10.3389/fmats.2018.00027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
Glioblastoma (GBM) is the most common and malignant form of brain cancer. Even with aggressive standard of care, GBM almost always recurs because its diffuse, infiltrative nature makes these tumors difficult to treat. The use of biomaterials is one strategy that has been, and is being, employed to study and overcome recurrence. Biomaterials have been used in GBM in two ways: in vitro as mediums in which to model the tumor microenvironment, and in vivo to sustain release of cytotoxic therapeutics. In vitro systems are a useful platform for studying the effects of drugs and tissue-level effectors on tumor cells in a physiologically relevant context. These systems have aided examination of how glioma cells respond to a variety of natural, synthetic, and semi-synthetic biomaterials with varying substrate properties, biochemical factor presentations, and non-malignant parenchymal cell compositions in both 2D and 3D environments. The current in vivo paradigm is completely different, however. Polymeric implants are simply used to line the post-surgical resection cavities and deliver secondary therapies, offering moderate impacts on survival. Instead, perhaps we can use the data generated from in vitro systems to design novel biomaterial-based treatments for GBM akin to a tissue engineering approach. Here we offer our perspective on the topic, summarizing how biomaterials have been used to identify facets of glioma biology in vitro and discussing the elements that show promise for translating these systems in vivo as new therapies for GBM.
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Affiliation(s)
- R. Chase Cornelison
- Department of Biomedical Engineering and Mechanics, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, VA, United States
| | - Jennifer M. Munson
- Department of Biomedical Engineering and Mechanics, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, VA, United States
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29
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Gadok AK, Zhao C, Meriwether AI, Ferrati S, Rowley TG, Zoldan J, Smyth HDC, Stachowiak JC. The Display of Single-Domain Antibodies on the Surfaces of Connectosomes Enables Gap Junction-Mediated Drug Delivery to Specific Cell Populations. Biochemistry 2018; 57:81-90. [PMID: 28829120 PMCID: PMC5880529 DOI: 10.1021/acs.biochem.7b00688] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Gap junctions, transmembrane protein channels that directly connect the cytoplasm of neighboring cells and enable the exchange of molecules between cells, are a promising new frontier for therapeutic delivery. Specifically, cell-derived lipid vesicles that contain functional gap junction channels, termed Connectosomes, have recently been demonstrated to substantially increase the effectiveness of small molecule chemotherapeutics. However, because gap junctions are present in nearly all tissues, Connectosomes have no intrinsic ability to target specific cell types, which potentially limits their therapeutic effectiveness. To address this challenge, here we display targeting ligands consisting of single-domain antibodies on the surfaces of Connectosomes. We demonstrate that these targeted Connectosomes selectively interact with cells that express a model receptor, promoting the selective delivery of the chemotherapeutic doxorubicin to this target cell population. More generally, our approach has the potential to boost cytoplasmic delivery of diverse therapeutic molecules to specific cell populations while protecting off-target cells, a critical step toward realizing the therapeutic potential of gap junctions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Avinash K. Gadok
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX
| | - Chi Zhao
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX
| | - Amanda I. Meriwether
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX
| | - Silvia Ferrati
- College of Pharmacy, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX
| | - Tanner G. Rowley
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX
| | - Janet Zoldan
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX
| | - Hugh D. C. Smyth
- College of Pharmacy, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX
| | - Jeanne C. Stachowiak
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX
- Institute for Cellular and Molecular Biology, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX
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30
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Ribeiro-Rodrigues TM, Martins-Marques T, Morel S, Kwak BR, Girão H. Role of connexin 43 in different forms of intercellular communication - gap junctions, extracellular vesicles and tunnelling nanotubes. J Cell Sci 2017; 130:3619-3630. [PMID: 29025971 DOI: 10.1242/jcs.200667] [Citation(s) in RCA: 101] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Communication is important to ensure the correct and efficient flow of information, which is required to sustain active social networks. A fine-tuned communication between cells is vital to maintain the homeostasis and function of multicellular or unicellular organisms in a community environment. Although there are different levels of complexity, intercellular communication, in prokaryotes to mammalians, can occur through secreted molecules (either soluble or encapsulated in vesicles), tubular structures connecting close cells or intercellular channels that link the cytoplasm of adjacent cells. In mammals, these different types of communication serve different purposes, may involve distinct factors and are mediated by extracellular vesicles, tunnelling nanotubes or gap junctions. Recent studies have shown that connexin 43 (Cx43, also known as GJA1), a transmembrane protein initially described as a gap junction protein, participates in all these forms of communication; this emphasizes the concept of adopting strategies to maximize the potential of available resources by reutilizing the same factor in different scenarios. In this Review, we provide an overview of the most recent advances regarding the role of Cx43 in intercellular communication mediated by extracellular vesicles, tunnelling nanotubes and gap junctions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Teresa M Ribeiro-Rodrigues
- Institute for Biomedical Imaging and Life Sciences (IBILI), Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra, Azinhaga de Sta Comba, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal.,CNC.IBILI, University of Coimbra, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Tânia Martins-Marques
- Institute for Biomedical Imaging and Life Sciences (IBILI), Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra, Azinhaga de Sta Comba, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal.,CNC.IBILI, University of Coimbra, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Sandrine Morel
- Dept. of Pathology and Immunology, and Dept. of Medical Specialties - Cardiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Geneva, 1211 Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Brenda R Kwak
- Dept. of Pathology and Immunology, and Dept. of Medical Specialties - Cardiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Geneva, 1211 Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Henrique Girão
- Institute for Biomedical Imaging and Life Sciences (IBILI), Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra, Azinhaga de Sta Comba, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal .,CNC.IBILI, University of Coimbra, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal
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31
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Hua XW, Bao YW, Chen Z, Wu FG. Carbon quantum dots with intrinsic mitochondrial targeting ability for mitochondria-based theranostics. NANOSCALE 2017; 9:10948-10960. [PMID: 28736787 DOI: 10.1039/c7nr03658b] [Citation(s) in RCA: 115] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/22/2023]
Abstract
We prepare for the first time a novel type of fluorescent carbon quantum dot (or carbon dot, CD) with intrinsic mitochondrial targeting ability by a one-step hydrothermal treatment of chitosan, ethylenediamine and mercaptosuccinic acid. The as-prepared CDs can realize mitochondrial imaging and mitochondria-targeted photodynamic cancer therapy without further modifications of other mitochondriotropic ligands (such as triphenylphosphine, TPP). Currently, many commercial mitochondrial probes suffer from the lack of modifiable groups, poor photostability, short tracking time, high cost and/or complicated staining procedures, which severely limit their applications in live-cell mitochondrial imaging. Compared to commercial mitochondrial probes such as MitoTrackers, our CDs exhibit remarkable features including ultra-simple and cost-effective synthesis, excellent photostability, facile storage, easy surface modification, wash-free and long-term imaging capability and negligible cytotoxicity. Besides, since mitochondria are susceptible to the reactive oxygen species generated during chemo-, photo- or radiotherapy, mitochondria-targeted cancer therapy has attracted much attention due to its satisfying anticancer efficiency. To test if the CDs can be used for mitochondria-targeted drug delivery, they were conjugated with a photosensitizer rose bengal (RB) and the resultant CDs-RB nanomissiles achieved efficient cellular uptake and mitochondrial targeting/accumulation, realizing mitochondria-targeted photodynamic therapy. We believe that the CD-based nanotheranostics holds great promise in various biomedical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xian-Wu Hua
- State Key Laboratory of Bioelectronics, School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, Southeast University, Nanjing 210096, P. R. China.
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32
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Wen Q, Tang EI, Gao Y, Jesus TT, Chu DS, Lee WM, Wong CKC, Liu YX, Xiao X, Silvestrini B, Cheng CY. Signaling pathways regulating blood-tissue barriers - Lesson from the testis. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA-BIOMEMBRANES 2017; 1860:141-153. [PMID: 28450047 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbamem.2017.04.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2017] [Revised: 04/18/2017] [Accepted: 04/21/2017] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Signaling pathways that regulate blood-tissue barriers are important for studying the biology of various blood-tissue barriers. This information, if deciphered and better understood, will provide better therapeutic management of diseases particularly in organs that are sealed by the corresponding blood-tissue barriers from systemic circulation, such as the brain and the testis. These barriers block the access of antibiotics and/or chemotherapeutical agents across the corresponding barriers. Studies in the last decade using the blood-testis barrier (BTB) in rats have demonstrated the presence of several signaling pathways that are crucial to modulate BTB function. Herein, we critically evaluate these findings and provide hypothetical models regarding the underlying mechanisms by which these signaling molecules/pathways modulate BTB dynamics. This information should be carefully evaluated to examine their applicability in other tissue barriers which shall benefit future functional studies in the field. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled: Gap Junction Proteins edited by Jean Claude Herve.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qing Wen
- The Mary M. Woldford Laboratory for Male Contraceptive Research, Center for Biomedical Research, Population Council, 1230 York Ave, New York, NY 10065, United States
| | - Elizabeth I Tang
- The Mary M. Woldford Laboratory for Male Contraceptive Research, Center for Biomedical Research, Population Council, 1230 York Ave, New York, NY 10065, United States
| | - Ying Gao
- The Mary M. Woldford Laboratory for Male Contraceptive Research, Center for Biomedical Research, Population Council, 1230 York Ave, New York, NY 10065, United States
| | - Tito T Jesus
- The Mary M. Woldford Laboratory for Male Contraceptive Research, Center for Biomedical Research, Population Council, 1230 York Ave, New York, NY 10065, United States
| | - Darren S Chu
- The Mary M. Woldford Laboratory for Male Contraceptive Research, Center for Biomedical Research, Population Council, 1230 York Ave, New York, NY 10065, United States
| | - Will M Lee
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Chris K C Wong
- Department of Biology, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong, China
| | - Yi-Xun Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Xiang Xiao
- Department of Reproductive Physiology, Zhejiang Academy of Medical Sciences, Hangzhou 310013, Zhejiang, China
| | | | - C Yan Cheng
- The Mary M. Woldford Laboratory for Male Contraceptive Research, Center for Biomedical Research, Population Council, 1230 York Ave, New York, NY 10065, United States.
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33
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Ho KKY, Lee JW, Durand G, Majumder S, Liu AP. Protein aggregation with poly(vinyl) alcohol surfactant reduces double emulsion-encapsulated mammalian cell-free expression. PLoS One 2017; 12:e0174689. [PMID: 28358875 PMCID: PMC5373588 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0174689] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2016] [Accepted: 03/12/2017] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Development of artificial cell models requires encapsulation of biomolecules within membrane-bound compartments. There have been limited studies of using mammalian cell-free expression (CFE) system as the 'cytosol' of artificial cells. We exploit glass capillary droplet microfluidics for the encapsulation of mammalian CFE within double emulsion templated vesicles. The complexity of the physicochemical properties of HeLa cell-free lysate poses a challenge compared with encapsulating simple buffer solutions. In particular, we discovered the formation of aggregates in double emulsion templated vesicles encapsulating mammalian HeLa CFE, but not with bacterial CFE. The aggregates did not arise from insolubility of the proteins made from CFE nor due to the interaction of mammalian CFE with the organic solvents in the middle phase of the double emulsions. We found that aggregation is dependent on the concentration of poly(vinyl) alcohol (PVA) surfactant, a critical double emulsion-stabilizing surfactant, and the lysate concentration in mammalian CFE. Despite vesicle instability and reduced protein expression, we demonstrate protein expression by encapsulating mammalian CFE system. Using mass spectrometry and Western blot, we identified and verified that actin is one of the proteins inside the mammalian CFE that aggregated with PVA surfactant. Our work establishes a baseline description of mammalian CFE system encapsulated in double emulsion templated vesicles as a platform for building artificial cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kenneth K Y Ho
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, United States of America
| | - Jin Woo Lee
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, United States of America
| | - Grégory Durand
- Institut des Biomolécules Max Mousseron, UMR 5247, CNRS-Université Montpellier-ENSCM et Université d'Avignon et des Pays de Vaucluse, Avignon, France
| | - Sagardip Majumder
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, United States of America
| | - Allen P Liu
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, United States of America
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, United States of America
- Cellular and Molecular Biology Program, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, United States of America
- Biophysics Program, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, United States of America
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34
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Varela-Eirin M, Varela-Vazquez A, Rodríguez-Candela Mateos M, Vila-Sanjurjo A, Fonseca E, Mascareñas JL, Eugenio Vázquez M, Mayan MD. Recruitment of RNA molecules by connexin RNA-binding motifs: Implication in RNA and DNA transport through microvesicles and exosomes. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA-MOLECULAR CELL RESEARCH 2017; 1864:728-736. [PMID: 28167212 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbamcr.2017.02.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2016] [Revised: 01/26/2017] [Accepted: 02/02/2017] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Connexins (Cxs) are integral membrane proteins that form high-conductance plasma membrane channels, allowing communication from cell to cell (via gap junctions) and from cells to the extracellular environment (via hemichannels). Initially described for their role in joining excitable cells (nerve and muscle), gap junctions (GJs) are found between virtually all cells in solid tissues and are essential for functional coordination by enabling the direct transfer of small signalling molecules, metabolites, ions, and electrical signals from cell to cell. Several studies have revealed diverse channel-independent functions of Cxs, which include the control of cell growth and tumourigenicity. Connexin43 (Cx43) is the most widespread Cx in the human body. The myriad roles of Cx43 and its implication in the development of disorders such as cancer, inflammation, osteoarthritis and Alzheimer's disease have given rise to many novel questions. Several RNA- and DNA-binding motifs were predicted in the Cx43 and Cx26 sequences using different computational methods. This review provides insights into new, ground-breaking functions of Cxs, highlighting important areas for future work such as transfer of genetic information through extracellular vesicles. We discuss the implication of potential RNA- and DNA-binding domains in the Cx43 and Cx26 sequences in the cellular communication and control of signalling pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marta Varela-Eirin
- CellCOM research group, Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de A Coruña (INIBIC), CH-Universitario A Coruña (XXIAC), Servizo Galego de Saúde (SERGAS), University of A Coruña, Xubias de Arriba, 84 15006 A Coruña, Spain
| | - Adrian Varela-Vazquez
- CellCOM research group, Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de A Coruña (INIBIC), CH-Universitario A Coruña (XXIAC), Servizo Galego de Saúde (SERGAS), University of A Coruña, Xubias de Arriba, 84 15006 A Coruña, Spain
| | - Marina Rodríguez-Candela Mateos
- CellCOM research group, Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de A Coruña (INIBIC), CH-Universitario A Coruña (XXIAC), Servizo Galego de Saúde (SERGAS), University of A Coruña, Xubias de Arriba, 84 15006 A Coruña, Spain
| | - Anton Vila-Sanjurjo
- Grupo GIBE, Departamento de Bioloxía Celular e Molecular, Facultade de Ciencias, Universidade de A Coruña (UDC), Campus Zapateira, s/n 15.071, A Coruña, Spain
| | - Eduardo Fonseca
- CellCOM research group, Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de A Coruña (INIBIC), CH-Universitario A Coruña (XXIAC), Servizo Galego de Saúde (SERGAS), University of A Coruña, Xubias de Arriba, 84 15006 A Coruña, Spain
| | - José L Mascareñas
- Centro Singular de Investigación en Química Biolóxica e Materiais Moleculares (CIQUS), Universidade de Santiago de Compostela, 15782, Santiago de Compostela, Spain; Departamento de Química Orgánica, Universidade de Santiago de Compostela, 15782, Santiago de Compostela, Spain; Departamento de Química Inorgánica, Universidade de Santiago de Compostela, 15782, Santiago de Compostela, Spain
| | - M Eugenio Vázquez
- Centro Singular de Investigación en Química Biolóxica e Materiais Moleculares (CIQUS), Universidade de Santiago de Compostela, 15782, Santiago de Compostela, Spain; Departamento de Química Orgánica, Universidade de Santiago de Compostela, 15782, Santiago de Compostela, Spain; Departamento de Química Inorgánica, Universidade de Santiago de Compostela, 15782, Santiago de Compostela, Spain
| | - Maria D Mayan
- CellCOM research group, Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de A Coruña (INIBIC), CH-Universitario A Coruña (XXIAC), Servizo Galego de Saúde (SERGAS), University of A Coruña, Xubias de Arriba, 84 15006 A Coruña, Spain.
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