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Xiao X, Zhang L, Ni M, Liu X, Xing L, Wu L, Zhou Z, Li L, Wen J, Huang Y. Enhanced oral and pulmonary delivery of biomacromolecules via amplified transporter targeting. J Control Release 2024; 370:152-167. [PMID: 38641020 DOI: 10.1016/j.jconrel.2024.04.026] [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: 01/23/2024] [Revised: 04/01/2024] [Accepted: 04/14/2024] [Indexed: 04/21/2024]
Abstract
Ligand-modified nanocarriers can promote oral or inhalative administration of macromolecular drugs across the intestinal or pulmonary mucosa. However, enhancing the unidirectional transport of the nanocarriers through "apical uptake→intracellular transport→basolateral exocytosis" route remains a hot topic and challenge in current research. Forskolin is a naturally occurring diterpenoid compound extracted from the roots of C. forskohlii. In our studies, we found that forskolin could increase the transcellular transport of butyrate-modified nanoparticles by 1.67-fold and 1.20-fold in Caco-2 intestinal epithelial cell models and Calu-3 lung epithelial cell models, respectively. Further mechanistic studies revealed that forskolin, on the one hand, promoted the cellular uptake of butyrate-modified nanoparticles by upregulating the expression of monocarboxylic acid transporter-1 (MCT-1) on the apical membrane. On the other hand, forskolin facilitated the binding of MCT-1 to caveolae, thereby mediating butyrate-modified nanoparticles hijacking caveolae to promote the basolateral exocytosis of butyrate-modified nanoparticles. Studies in normal mice model showed that forskolin could promote the transmucosal absorption of butyrate-modified nanoparticles by >2-fold, regardless of oral or inhalative administration. Using semaglutide as the model drug, both oral and inhalation delivery approaches demonstrated significant hypoglycemic effects in type 2 diabetes mice model, in which inhalative administration was more effective than oral administration. This study optimized the strategies aimed at enhancing the transmucosal absorption of ligand-modified nanocarriers in the intestinal or pulmonary mucosa.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin Xiao
- Key Laboratory of Drug-Targeting and Drug Delivery System of the Education Ministry and Sichuan Province, Sichuan Engineering Laboratory for Plant-Sourced Drug and Sichuan Research Center for Drug Precision Industrial Technology, West China School of Pharmacy, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, PR China
| | - Lie Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Drug-Targeting and Drug Delivery System of the Education Ministry and Sichuan Province, Sichuan Engineering Laboratory for Plant-Sourced Drug and Sichuan Research Center for Drug Precision Industrial Technology, West China School of Pharmacy, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, PR China
| | - Mingjie Ni
- Key Laboratory of Drug-Targeting and Drug Delivery System of the Education Ministry and Sichuan Province, Sichuan Engineering Laboratory for Plant-Sourced Drug and Sichuan Research Center for Drug Precision Industrial Technology, West China School of Pharmacy, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, PR China
| | - Xi Liu
- Key Laboratory of Drug-Targeting and Drug Delivery System of the Education Ministry and Sichuan Province, Sichuan Engineering Laboratory for Plant-Sourced Drug and Sichuan Research Center for Drug Precision Industrial Technology, West China School of Pharmacy, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, PR China
| | - Liyun Xing
- Key Laboratory of Drug-Targeting and Drug Delivery System of the Education Ministry and Sichuan Province, Sichuan Engineering Laboratory for Plant-Sourced Drug and Sichuan Research Center for Drug Precision Industrial Technology, West China School of Pharmacy, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, PR China
| | - Licheng Wu
- Key Laboratory of Drug-Targeting and Drug Delivery System of the Education Ministry and Sichuan Province, Sichuan Engineering Laboratory for Plant-Sourced Drug and Sichuan Research Center for Drug Precision Industrial Technology, West China School of Pharmacy, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, PR China
| | - Zhou Zhou
- Key Laboratory of Drug-Targeting and Drug Delivery System of the Education Ministry and Sichuan Province, Sichuan Engineering Laboratory for Plant-Sourced Drug and Sichuan Research Center for Drug Precision Industrial Technology, West China School of Pharmacy, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, PR China
| | - Lian Li
- Key Laboratory of Drug-Targeting and Drug Delivery System of the Education Ministry and Sichuan Province, Sichuan Engineering Laboratory for Plant-Sourced Drug and Sichuan Research Center for Drug Precision Industrial Technology, West China School of Pharmacy, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, PR China
| | - Jingyuan Wen
- School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Auckland, 85 Park Road, Grafton, Auckland 1023, New Zealand
| | - Yuan Huang
- Key Laboratory of Drug-Targeting and Drug Delivery System of the Education Ministry and Sichuan Province, Sichuan Engineering Laboratory for Plant-Sourced Drug and Sichuan Research Center for Drug Precision Industrial Technology, West China School of Pharmacy, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, PR China.
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Bright SA, Erby M, Poynton FE, Monteyne D, Pérez-Morga D, Gunnlaugsson T, Williams DC, Elmes RBP. Tracking the cellular uptake and phototoxicity of Ru(ii)-polypyridyl-1,8-naphthalimide Tröger's base conjugates. RSC Chem Biol 2024; 5:344-359. [PMID: 38576718 PMCID: PMC10989513 DOI: 10.1039/d3cb00206c] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2023] [Accepted: 02/07/2024] [Indexed: 04/06/2024] Open
Abstract
Ruthenium(ii) complexes are attracting significant research attention as a promising class of photosensitizers (PSs) in photodynamic therapy (PDT). Having previously reported the synthesis of two novel Ru(ii)-polypyridyl-1,8-naphthalimide Tröger's base compounds 1 and 2 with interesting photophysical properties, where the emission from either the Ru(ii) polypyridyl centres or the naphthalimide moieties could be used to monitor binding to nucleic acids, we sought to use these compounds to investigate further and in more detail their biological profiling, which included unravelling their mechanism of cellular uptake, cellular trafficking and cellular responses to photoexcitation. Here we demonstrate that these compounds undergo rapid time dependent uptake in HeLa cells that involved energy dependent, caveolae and lipid raft-dependent mediated endocytosis, as demonstrated by confocal imaging, and transmission and scanning electron microscopy. Following endocytosis, both compounds were shown to localise to mostly lysosomal and Golgi apparatus compartments with some accumulation in mitochondria but no localisation was found to the nucleus. Upon photoactivation, the compounds increased ROS production and induced ROS-dependent apoptotic cell death. The photo-activated compounds subsequently induced DNA damage and altered tubulin, but not actin structures, which was likely to be an indirect effect of ROS production and induced apoptosis. Furthermore, by changing the concentration of the compounds or the laser used to illuminate the cells, the mechanism of cell death could be changed from apoptosis to necrosis. This is the first detailed biological study of Ru(ii)-polypyridyl Tröger's bases and clearly suggests caveolae-dependent endocytosis is responsible for cell uptake - this may also explain the lack of nuclear uptake for these compounds and similar results observed for other Ru(ii)-polypyridyl complexes. These conjugates are potential candidates for further development as PDT agents and may also be useful in mechanistic studies on cell uptake and trafficking.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sandra A Bright
- School of Biochemistry and Immunology, Biomedical Sciences Institute, Trinity College Dublin 2 Ireland +353 1 8962596
- School of Chemistry, Centre for Synthesis and Chemical Biology, Biomedical Sciences Institute, Trinity College Dublin Dublin 2 Ireland +353 1 8963459
| | - MariaLuisa Erby
- School of Biochemistry and Immunology, Biomedical Sciences Institute, Trinity College Dublin 2 Ireland +353 1 8962596
| | - Fergus E Poynton
- School of Chemistry, Centre for Synthesis and Chemical Biology, Biomedical Sciences Institute, Trinity College Dublin Dublin 2 Ireland +353 1 8963459
| | - Daniel Monteyne
- Laboratoire de Parasitologie Moléculaire, IBMM-DBM Université Libre de Bruxelles Gosselies Belgium
| | - David Pérez-Morga
- Laboratoire de Parasitologie Moléculaire, IBMM-DBM Université Libre de Bruxelles Gosselies Belgium
- Center for Microscopy and Molecular Imaging CMMI Université Libre de Bruxelles Gosselies Belgium
| | - Thorfinnur Gunnlaugsson
- School of Chemistry, Centre for Synthesis and Chemical Biology, Biomedical Sciences Institute, Trinity College Dublin Dublin 2 Ireland +353 1 8963459
- Synthesis and Solid State Pharmaceutical Centre (SSPC), University of Limerick Ireland
| | - D Clive Williams
- School of Biochemistry and Immunology, Biomedical Sciences Institute, Trinity College Dublin 2 Ireland +353 1 8962596
| | - Robert B P Elmes
- Synthesis and Solid State Pharmaceutical Centre (SSPC), University of Limerick Ireland
- Department of Chemistry, Maynooth University, National University of Ireland Maynooth Co. Kildare Ireland +353 1708 4615
- Kathleen Lonsdale Institute for Human Health Research, Maynooth University Maynooth Co. Kildare Ireland
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Zhang J, Gao M, Gao Z, Hou Y, Liang J, Lu J, Gao S, Li B, Gao Y, Chen J. Chondroitin sulfate modified calcium phosphate nanoparticles for efficient transfection via caveolin-mediated endocytosis. Int J Biol Macromol 2023; 253:127046. [PMID: 37742889 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2023.127046] [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: 04/21/2023] [Revised: 09/06/2023] [Accepted: 09/21/2023] [Indexed: 09/26/2023]
Abstract
Efficient transfection remains a challenge for gene delivery in both cell biological scientific research and gene therapeutic fields. Existing transfection strategies rarely pay attention to altering the endocytosis pathway of nanocarriers for transfection efficiency improvement. In this work, we innovatively postulated that calcium phosphate nanoparticles coated with glycosaminoglycan could be internalized by cells mainly through caveolin-mediated endocytosis pathway allowing genes to bypass lysosome route, and hence enhance the transfection efficiency. To achieve this, we developed calcium phosphate nanoparticles (CP-ALN-CS) coated with chondroitin sulfate (CS) and alendronate (ALN) in a modular manner. The CP-ALN-CS had a hydrodynamic size of 131.0 ± 8.7 nm and exhibited favorable dispersity, stability, and resistance to nuclease degradation. Unlike conventional calcium phosphate and PEI-based transfection, CP-ALN-CS exhibited efficient cellular uptake with co-localization in Golgi apparatus and endoplasmic reticulum. Through bypassing the lysosome involved cellular uptake route, CP-ALN-CS can effectively protect genes from degradation and relieve cytotoxicity. After loading plasmid DNA, CP-ALN-CS showed extraordinary transfection efficiency in HEK 293T cells, outperforming the PEI which is considered as the gold standard. The current work provides a novel and facile approach to improve gene transfection efficiency and is valuable for the design of next-generation in vitro transfection reagents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiarong Zhang
- School of Life Sciences and Health Engineering, Jiangnan University, Wuxi 214122, China
| | - Min Gao
- School of Life Sciences and Health Engineering, Jiangnan University, Wuxi 214122, China.
| | - Zhuoya Gao
- School of Life Sciences and Health Engineering, Jiangnan University, Wuxi 214122, China
| | - Yingchao Hou
- School of Life Sciences and Health Engineering, Jiangnan University, Wuxi 214122, China
| | - Jing Liang
- School of Life Sciences and Health Engineering, Jiangnan University, Wuxi 214122, China
| | - Jinjin Lu
- School of Life Sciences and Health Engineering, Jiangnan University, Wuxi 214122, China
| | - Shuai Gao
- School of Life Sciences and Health Engineering, Jiangnan University, Wuxi 214122, China
| | - Boqi Li
- School of Life Sciences and Health Engineering, Jiangnan University, Wuxi 214122, China
| | - Yufeng Gao
- School of Life Sciences and Health Engineering, Jiangnan University, Wuxi 214122, China
| | - Jinghua Chen
- School of Life Sciences and Health Engineering, Jiangnan University, Wuxi 214122, China.
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Yu D, Wang Y, Qu S, Zhang N, Nie K, Wang J, Huang Y, Sui D, Yu B, Qin M, Xu FJ. Controllable Star Cationic Poly(Disulfide)s Achieve Genetically Cascade Catalytic Therapy by Delivering Bifunctional Fusion Plasmids. ADVANCED MATERIALS (DEERFIELD BEACH, FLA.) 2023; 35:e2307190. [PMID: 37691439 DOI: 10.1002/adma.202307190] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2023] [Revised: 09/06/2023] [Indexed: 09/12/2023]
Abstract
The absence of effective delivery vectors and suitable multifunctional plasmids limits cancer gene therapy development. The star cationic poly(disulfide)s with β-cyclodextrin cores (termed β-CD-g-PSSn ) for caveolae-mediated endocytosis are designed and prepared via mild and controllable disulfide exchange polymerization for high-efficacy cancer therapy. Then, β-CD-g-PSSn /pDNA complexes are transported to the Golgi apparatus and endoplasmic reticulum. Disulfides in β-CD-g-PSSn vectors are degraded by glutathione in tumor cells, which not only promotes intracellular pDNA release but also reduces in vitro and in vivo toxicity. One bifunctional fusion plasmid pCATKR, which expresses catalase (CAT) fused to KillerRed (KR) (CATKR) in the same target cell, is also proposed for genetically cascade catalytic therapy. When compared with pCAT-KR (plasmid expressing CAT and KR separately in the same cell), delivered pCATKR decomposes hydrogen peroxide, alleviates tumor hypoxia more effectively, generates stronger reactive oxygen species (ROS) capabilities under moderate irradiation, and leads to robust antitumor cascade photodynamic effects. These impressive results are attributed to fusion protein design, which shortens the distance between CAT and KR catalytic centers and leads to improved ROS production efficiency. This work provides a promising strategy by delivering a catalytic cascade functional plasmid via a high-performance vector with biodegradable and caveolae-mediated endocytosis characteristics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dan Yu
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical Resource Engineering, Key Lab of Biomedical Materials of Natural Macromolecules (Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Ministry of Education) and Laboratory of Biomedical Materials, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing, 100029, China
| | - Yuanchen Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical Resource Engineering, Key Lab of Biomedical Materials of Natural Macromolecules (Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Ministry of Education) and Laboratory of Biomedical Materials, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing, 100029, China
| | - Shuang Qu
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical Resource Engineering, Key Lab of Biomedical Materials of Natural Macromolecules (Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Ministry of Education) and Laboratory of Biomedical Materials, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing, 100029, China
| | - Na Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical Resource Engineering, Key Lab of Biomedical Materials of Natural Macromolecules (Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Ministry of Education) and Laboratory of Biomedical Materials, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing, 100029, China
| | - Kaili Nie
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical Resource Engineering, Key Lab of Biomedical Materials of Natural Macromolecules (Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Ministry of Education) and Laboratory of Biomedical Materials, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing, 100029, China
| | - Junkai Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical Resource Engineering, Key Lab of Biomedical Materials of Natural Macromolecules (Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Ministry of Education) and Laboratory of Biomedical Materials, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing, 100029, China
| | - Yichun Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical Resource Engineering, Key Lab of Biomedical Materials of Natural Macromolecules (Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Ministry of Education) and Laboratory of Biomedical Materials, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing, 100029, China
| | - Dandan Sui
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical Resource Engineering, Key Lab of Biomedical Materials of Natural Macromolecules (Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Ministry of Education) and Laboratory of Biomedical Materials, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing, 100029, China
| | - Bingran Yu
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical Resource Engineering, Key Lab of Biomedical Materials of Natural Macromolecules (Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Ministry of Education) and Laboratory of Biomedical Materials, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing, 100029, China
| | - Meng Qin
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical Resource Engineering, Key Lab of Biomedical Materials of Natural Macromolecules (Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Ministry of Education) and Laboratory of Biomedical Materials, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing, 100029, China
- Cancer Center and National Chengdu Center for Safety Evaluation of Drugs, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610041, China
| | - Fu-Jian Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical Resource Engineering, Key Lab of Biomedical Materials of Natural Macromolecules (Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Ministry of Education) and Laboratory of Biomedical Materials, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing, 100029, China
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Chastagnier L, Marquette C, Petiot E. In situ transient transfection of 3D cell cultures and tissues, a promising tool for tissue engineering and gene therapy. Biotechnol Adv 2023; 68:108211. [PMID: 37463610 DOI: 10.1016/j.biotechadv.2023.108211] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2022] [Revised: 04/26/2023] [Accepted: 07/09/2023] [Indexed: 07/20/2023]
Abstract
Various research fields use the transfection of mammalian cells with genetic material to induce the expression of a target transgene or gene silencing. It is a tool widely used in biological research, bioproduction, and therapy. Current transfection protocols are usually performed on 2D adherent cells or suspension cultures. The important rise of new gene therapies and regenerative medicine in the last decade raises the need for new tools to empower the in situ transfection of tissues and 3D cell cultures. This review will present novel in situ transfection methods based on a chemical or physical non-viral transfection of cells in tissues and 3D cultures, discuss the advantages and remaining gaps, and propose future developments and applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Chastagnier
- 3D Innovation Lab - 3d.FAB - ICBMS, University Claude Bernard Lyon 1, Université Lyon 1, CNRS, INSA, CPE-Lyon, UMR 5246, bat. Lederer, 5 rue Gaston Berger, 69100 Villeurbanne, France
| | - Christophe Marquette
- 3D Innovation Lab - 3d.FAB - ICBMS, University Claude Bernard Lyon 1, Université Lyon 1, CNRS, INSA, CPE-Lyon, UMR 5246, bat. Lederer, 5 rue Gaston Berger, 69100 Villeurbanne, France
| | - Emma Petiot
- 3D Innovation Lab - 3d.FAB - ICBMS, University Claude Bernard Lyon 1, Université Lyon 1, CNRS, INSA, CPE-Lyon, UMR 5246, bat. Lederer, 5 rue Gaston Berger, 69100 Villeurbanne, France.
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Jin Z, Gao Q, Wu K, Ouyang J, Guo W, Liang XJ. Harnessing inhaled nanoparticles to overcome the pulmonary barrier for respiratory disease therapy. Adv Drug Deliv Rev 2023; 202:115111. [PMID: 37820982 DOI: 10.1016/j.addr.2023.115111] [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: 07/16/2023] [Revised: 09/22/2023] [Accepted: 10/08/2023] [Indexed: 10/13/2023]
Abstract
The lack of effective treatments for pulmonary diseases presents a significant global health burden, primarily due to the challenges posed by the pulmonary barrier that hinders drug delivery to the lungs. Inhaled nanomedicines, with their capacity for localized and precise drug delivery to specific pulmonary pathologies through the respiratory route, hold tremendous promise as a solution to these challenges. Nevertheless, the realization of efficient and safe pulmonary drug delivery remains fraught with multifaceted challenges. This review summarizes the delivery barriers associated with major pulmonary diseases, the physicochemical properties and drug formulations affecting these barriers, and emphasizes the design advantages and functional integration of nanomedicine in overcoming pulmonary barriers for efficient and safe local drug delivery. The review also deliberates on established nanocarriers and explores drug formulation strategies rooted in these nanocarriers, thereby furnishing essential guidance for the rational design and implementation of pulmonary nanotherapeutics. Finally, this review cast a forward-looking perspective, contemplating the clinical prospects and challenges inherent in the application of inhaled nanomedicines for respiratory diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhaokui Jin
- School of Biomedical Engineering, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou 511436, PR China
| | - Qi Gao
- School of Biomedical Engineering, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou 511436, PR China
| | - Keke Wu
- School of Biomedical Engineering, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou 511436, PR China
| | - Jiang Ouyang
- School of Biomedical Engineering, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou 511436, PR China
| | - Weisheng Guo
- School of Biomedical Engineering, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou 511436, PR China.
| | - Xing-Jie Liang
- School of Biomedical Engineering, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou 511436, PR China; CAS Key Laboratory for Biomedical Effects of Nanomaterials and Nanosafety, CAS Center for Excellence in Nanoscience, National Center for Nanoscience and Technology of China, No. 11, First North Road, Zhongguancun, Beijing 100190, PR China.
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Kim DK, Kang SJ, Rhee WJ. Perilla-Leaf-Derived Extracellular Vesicles Selectively Inhibit Breast Cancer Cell Proliferation and Invasion. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:15633. [PMID: 37958616 PMCID: PMC10647566 DOI: 10.3390/ijms242115633] [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: 10/03/2023] [Revised: 10/24/2023] [Accepted: 10/25/2023] [Indexed: 11/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Breast cancer is a common type of cancer characterized by high mortality rates. However, chemotherapy is not selective and often leads to side-effects. Therefore, there is a need for the development of highly efficient drugs. Recent studies have shown that some extracellular vesicles (EVs) derived from cell cultures possess anti-cancer activity and hold great potential as cancer therapeutics. However, the use of mammalian cell cultures for EV production results in low productivity and high costs. To address this issue, extracellular vesicles derived from perilla leaves (Perex) were isolated and investigated for their anti-cancer activity in various cancer cells. Initially, a high concentration of Perex with a low level of impurities was successfully purified through a combination of ultrafiltration and size-exclusion chromatography. Perex exhibited potent anti-cancer activities, inhibiting the proliferation, migration, and invasion of MDA-MB-231 cancer cells, which have high levels of caveolin-1 compared to other cancer and normal cells. This selective attack on cancer cells with high levels of caveolin-1 reduces unwanted side-effects on normal cells. Considering its high productivity, low production cost, selective anti-cancer activity, and minimal side-effects, Perex represents a promising candidate for the therapeutic treatment of breast cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Do Kyung Kim
- Department of Bioengineering and Nano-Bioengineering, Incheon National University, Incheon 22012, Republic of Korea; (D.K.K.); (S.J.K.)
| | - Su Jin Kang
- Department of Bioengineering and Nano-Bioengineering, Incheon National University, Incheon 22012, Republic of Korea; (D.K.K.); (S.J.K.)
| | - Won Jong Rhee
- Department of Bioengineering and Nano-Bioengineering, Incheon National University, Incheon 22012, Republic of Korea; (D.K.K.); (S.J.K.)
- Division of Bioengineering, Incheon National University, Incheon 22012, Republic of Korea
- Research Center for Bio Materials & Process Development, Incheon National University, 119 Academy-ro, Yeonsu-gu, Incheon 22012, Republic of Korea
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Graceffa V. Intracellular protein delivery: New insights into the therapeutic applications and emerging technologies. Biochimie 2023; 213:82-99. [PMID: 37209808 DOI: 10.1016/j.biochi.2023.05.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2023] [Revised: 05/16/2023] [Accepted: 05/17/2023] [Indexed: 05/22/2023]
Abstract
The inability to cross the plasma membranes traditionally limited the therapeutic use of recombinant proteins. However, in the last two decades, novel technologies made delivering proteins inside the cells possible. This allowed researchers to unlock intracellular targets, once considered 'undruggable', bringing a new research area to emerge. Protein transfection systems display a large potential in a plethora of applications. However, their modality of action is often unclear, and cytotoxic effects are elevated, whereas experimental conditions to increase transfection efficacy and cell viability still need to be identified. Furthermore, technical complexity often limits in vivo experimentation, while challenging industrial and clinical translation. This review highlights the applications of protein transfection technologies, and then critically discuss the current methodologies and their limitations. Physical membrane perforation systems are compared to systems exploiting cellular endocytosis. Research evidence of the existence of either extracellular vesicles (EVs) or cell-penetrating peptides (CPPs)- based systems, that circumvent the endosomal systems is critically analysed. Commercial systems, novel solid-phase reverse protein transfection systems, and engineered living intracellular bacteria-based mechanisms are finally described. This review ultimately aims at finding new methodologies and possible applications of protein transfection systems, while helping the development of an evidence-based research approach.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valeria Graceffa
- Cellular Health and Toxicology Research Group (CHAT), Centre for Mathematical Modelling and Intelligent Systems for Health and Environment (MISHE), Atlantic Technological University (ATU), Sligo, Ireland.
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Qiu C, Xia F, Zhang J, Shi Q, Meng Y, Wang C, Pang H, Gu L, Xu C, Guo Q, Wang J. Advanced Strategies for Overcoming Endosomal/Lysosomal Barrier in Nanodrug Delivery. RESEARCH (WASHINGTON, D.C.) 2023; 6:0148. [PMID: 37250954 PMCID: PMC10208951 DOI: 10.34133/research.0148] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2023] [Accepted: 04/27/2023] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
Nanocarriers have therapeutic potential to facilitate drug delivery, including biological agents, small-molecule drugs, and nucleic acids. However, their efficiency is limited by several factors; among which, endosomal/lysosomal degradation after endocytosis is the most important. This review summarizes advanced strategies for overcoming endosomal/lysosomal barriers to efficient nanodrug delivery based on the perspective of cellular uptake and intracellular transport mechanisms. These strategies include promoting endosomal/lysosomal escape, using non-endocytic methods of delivery to directly cross the cell membrane to evade endosomes/lysosomes and making a detour pathway to evade endosomes/lysosomes. On the basis of the findings of this review, we proposed several promising strategies for overcoming endosomal/lysosomal barriers through the smarter and more efficient design of nanodrug delivery systems for future clinical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chong Qiu
- Artemisinin Research Center, and Institute of Chinese Materia Medica,
China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing 100700, China
| | - Fei Xia
- Artemisinin Research Center, and Institute of Chinese Materia Medica,
China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing 100700, China
| | - Junzhe Zhang
- Artemisinin Research Center, and Institute of Chinese Materia Medica,
China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing 100700, China
| | - Qiaoli Shi
- Artemisinin Research Center, and Institute of Chinese Materia Medica,
China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing 100700, China
| | - Yuqing Meng
- Artemisinin Research Center, and Institute of Chinese Materia Medica,
China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing 100700, China
| | - Chen Wang
- Artemisinin Research Center, and Institute of Chinese Materia Medica,
China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing 100700, China
| | - Huanhuan Pang
- Artemisinin Research Center, and Institute of Chinese Materia Medica,
China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing 100700, China
| | - Liwei Gu
- Artemisinin Research Center, and Institute of Chinese Materia Medica,
China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing 100700, China
| | - Chengchao Xu
- Artemisinin Research Center, and Institute of Chinese Materia Medica,
China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing 100700, China
| | - Qiuyan Guo
- Artemisinin Research Center, and Institute of Chinese Materia Medica,
China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing 100700, China
| | - Jigang Wang
- Artemisinin Research Center, and Institute of Chinese Materia Medica,
China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing 100700, China
- Department of Nephrology, and Shenzhen Clinical Research Centre for Geriatrics, Shenzhen People's Hospital, The First Affiliated Hospital,
Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518020, China
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Rodrigues AF, Rebelo C, Simões S, Paulo C, Pinho S, Francisco V, Ferreira L. A Polymeric Nanoparticle Formulation for Targeted mRNA Delivery to Fibroblasts. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2023; 10:e2205475. [PMID: 36529964 PMCID: PMC9929262 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202205475] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2022] [Revised: 11/18/2022] [Indexed: 05/10/2023]
Abstract
Messenger RNA (mRNA)-based therapies offer enhanced control over the production of therapeutic proteins for many diseases. Their clinical implementation warrants formulations capable of delivering them safely and effectively to target sites. Owing to their chemical versatility, polymeric nanoparticles can be designed by combinatorial synthesis of different ionizable, cationic, and aromatic moieties to modulate cell targeting, using inexpensive formulation steps. Herein, 152 formulations are evaluated by high-throughput screening using a reporter fibroblast model sensitive to functional delivery of mRNA encoding Cre recombinase. Using in vitro and in vivo models, a polymeric nanoformulation based on the combination of 3 specific monomers is identified to transfect fibroblasts much more effectively than other cell types populating the skin, with superior performance than lipid-based transfection agents in the delivery of Cas9 mRNA and guide RNA. This tropism can be explained by receptor-mediated endocytosis, involving CD26 and FAP, which are overexpressed in profibrotic fibroblasts. Structure-activity analysis reveals that efficient mRNA delivery required the combination of high buffering capacity and low mRNA binding affinity for rapid release upon endosomal escape. These results highlight the use of high-throughput screening to rapidly identify chemical features towards the design of highly efficient mRNA delivery systems targeting fibrotic diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Artur Filipe Rodrigues
- CNC–Center for Neurosciences and Cell BiologyUniversity of CoimbraCoimbra3000‐517Portugal
| | - Catarina Rebelo
- CNC–Center for Neurosciences and Cell BiologyUniversity of CoimbraCoimbra3000‐517Portugal
- Faculty of MedicinePólo das Ciências da SaúdeUnidade CentralUniversity of CoimbraCoimbra3000‐354Portugal
| | - Susana Simões
- CNC–Center for Neurosciences and Cell BiologyUniversity of CoimbraCoimbra3000‐517Portugal
| | - Cristiana Paulo
- CNC–Center for Neurosciences and Cell BiologyUniversity of CoimbraCoimbra3000‐517Portugal
| | - Sónia Pinho
- CNC–Center for Neurosciences and Cell BiologyUniversity of CoimbraCoimbra3000‐517Portugal
| | - Vítor Francisco
- CNC–Center for Neurosciences and Cell BiologyUniversity of CoimbraCoimbra3000‐517Portugal
| | - Lino Ferreira
- CNC–Center for Neurosciences and Cell BiologyUniversity of CoimbraCoimbra3000‐517Portugal
- Faculty of MedicinePólo das Ciências da SaúdeUnidade CentralUniversity of CoimbraCoimbra3000‐354Portugal
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11
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Hwang J, Kiick KL, Sullivan MO. Modified hyaluronic acid-collagen matrices trigger efficient gene transfer and prohealing behavior in fibroblasts for improved wound repair. Acta Biomater 2022; 150:138-153. [PMID: 35907557 DOI: 10.1016/j.actbio.2022.07.039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2022] [Revised: 07/20/2022] [Accepted: 07/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/01/2022]
Abstract
Growth factor therapy has demonstrated great promise for chronic wound repair, but controlling growth factor activity and cell phenotype over desired time frames remains a critical challenge. In this study, we developed a gene-activated hyaluronic acid-collagen matrix (GAHCM) comprising DNA/polyethylenimine (PEI) polyplexes retained on hyaluronic acid (HA)-collagen hydrogels using collagen mimetic peptides (CMPs). We hypothesized that manipulating both the number of CMP-collagen tethers and the ECM composition would provide a powerful strategy to control growth factor gene transfer kinetics while regulating cell behavior, resulting in enhanced growth factor activity for wound repair. We observed that polyplexes with 50% CMP-modified PEI (50 CP) showed enhanced retention of polyplexes in HCM hydrogels by 2.7-fold as compared to non-CMP modified polyplexes. Moreover, the incorporation of HA in the hydrogel promoted a significant increase in gene transfection efficiency based upon analysis of Gaussia luciferase (GLuc) reporter gene expression, and gene expression could be attenuated by blocking HA-CD44 signaling. Furthermore, when fibroblasts were exposed to vascular endothelial growth factor-A (VEGF-A)-GAHCM, the 50 CP matrix facilitated sustained VEGF-A production for up to 7 days, with maximal expression at day 5. Application of these VEGF-A-50 CP samples stimulated prolonged pro-healing responses, including the TGF-β1-induced myofibroblast-like phenotypes and enhanced closure of murine splinted wounds. Overall, these findings demonstrate the use of ECM-based materials to stimulate efficient gene transfer and regulate cellular phenotype, resulting in improved control of growth factor activity for wound repair. GAHCM have significant potential to overcome key challenges in growth factor therapy for regenerative medicine. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: Despite great promise for growth factor therapies in wound treatment, controlling growth factor activity and providing a microenvironment for cells that maximizes growth factor signaling have continued to limit the success of existing formulations. Our GAHCM strategy, combining CMP gene delivery and hyaluronic acid-collagen matrix, enabled enhanced wound healing efficacy via the combination of controlled and localized growth factor expression and matrix-mediated regulation of cell behavior. Incorporation of CMPs and HA in the same matrix synergistically enhanced VEGF activity as compared with simpler matrices. Accordingly, GAHCM will advance our ability to leverage growth factor signaling for wound healing, resulting in new long-term treatments for recalcitrant wounds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeongmin Hwang
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Delaware, Newark, DE, USA
| | - Kristi L Kiick
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Delaware, Newark, DE, USA; Department of Materials Science and Engineering, University of Delaware, Newark, DE, USA.
| | - Millicent O Sullivan
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Delaware, Newark, DE, USA; Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of Delaware, Newark, DE, USA.
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12
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Yang Z, Lin L, Guo Z, Guo X, Tang Z, Tian H, Chen X. Synthetic Helical Polypeptide as a Gene Transfection Enhancer. Biomacromolecules 2022; 23:2867-2877. [PMID: 35678301 DOI: 10.1021/acs.biomac.2c00331] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
The relatively low transfection efficiency limits further application of polymeric gene carriers. It is imperative to exploit a universal and simple strategy to enhance the gene transfection efficiency of polymeric gene carriers. Herein, we prepared a cationic polypeptide poly(γ-aminoethylthiopropyl-l-glutamate) (PALG-MEA, termed PM) with a stable α-helical conformation, which can significantly improve the gene transfection efficiency of cationic polymers. PM can be integrated into polymeric gene delivery systems noncovalently through electrostatic interactions. With the assistance of PM, polymeric gene delivery systems exhibited excellent cellular uptake and endosomal escape, thereby enhancing transfection efficiency. The transfection enhancement effect of PM was applicable to a variety of cationic polymers such as polyethylenimine (PEI), poly-l-lysine (PLL), and polyamidoamine (PAMAM). The ternary gene delivery system PM/pshVEGF/PEI exhibited an excellent antitumor effect against the B16F10 tumor model. Moreover, we demonstrated that PM could also enhance the delivery of gene editing systems (sgRNA-Cas9 plasmids). This work provides a facile and effective strategy for constructing polymeric gene delivery systems with a high transfection efficiency.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhiyu Yang
- Key Laboratory of Polymer Ecomaterials, Changchun Institute of Applied Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Changchun 130022, China.,University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230026, China.,Jilin Biomedical Polymers Engineering Laboratory, Changchun 130022, China
| | - Lin Lin
- Key Laboratory of Polymer Ecomaterials, Changchun Institute of Applied Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Changchun 130022, China.,University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230026, China.,Jilin Biomedical Polymers Engineering Laboratory, Changchun 130022, China
| | - Zhaopei Guo
- Key Laboratory of Polymer Ecomaterials, Changchun Institute of Applied Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Changchun 130022, China.,Jilin Biomedical Polymers Engineering Laboratory, Changchun 130022, China
| | - Xiaoya Guo
- Key Laboratory of Polymer Ecomaterials, Changchun Institute of Applied Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Changchun 130022, China.,University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230026, China.,Jilin Biomedical Polymers Engineering Laboratory, Changchun 130022, China
| | - Zhaohui Tang
- Key Laboratory of Polymer Ecomaterials, Changchun Institute of Applied Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Changchun 130022, China.,University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230026, China.,Jilin Biomedical Polymers Engineering Laboratory, Changchun 130022, China
| | - Huayu Tian
- Key Laboratory of Polymer Ecomaterials, Changchun Institute of Applied Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Changchun 130022, China.,University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230026, China.,Jilin Biomedical Polymers Engineering Laboratory, Changchun 130022, China
| | - Xuesi Chen
- Key Laboratory of Polymer Ecomaterials, Changchun Institute of Applied Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Changchun 130022, China.,University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230026, China.,Jilin Biomedical Polymers Engineering Laboratory, Changchun 130022, China
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13
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Van de Vyver T, De Smedt SC, Raemdonck K. Modulating intracellular pathways to improve non-viral delivery of RNA therapeutics. Adv Drug Deliv Rev 2022; 181:114041. [PMID: 34763002 DOI: 10.1016/j.addr.2021.114041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2021] [Revised: 10/12/2021] [Accepted: 11/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
RNA therapeutics (e.g. siRNA, oligonucleotides, mRNA, etc.) show great potential for the treatment of a myriad of diseases. However, to reach their site of action in the cytosol or nucleus of target cells, multiple intra- and extracellular barriers have to be surmounted. Several non-viral delivery systems, such as nanoparticles and conjugates, have been successfully developed to meet this requirement. Unfortunately, despite these clear advances, state-of-the-art delivery agents still suffer from relatively low intracellular delivery efficiencies. Notably, our current understanding of the intracellular delivery process is largely oversimplified. Gaining mechanistic insight into how RNA formulations are processed by cells will fuel rational design of the next generation of delivery carriers. In addition, identifying which intracellular pathways contribute to productive RNA delivery could provide opportunities to boost the delivery performance of existing nanoformulations. In this review, we discuss both established as well as emerging techniques that can be used to assess the impact of different intracellular barriers on RNA transfection performance. Next, we highlight how several modulators, including small molecules but also genetic perturbation technologies, can boost RNA delivery by intervening at differing stages of the intracellular delivery process, such as cellular uptake, intracellular trafficking, endosomal escape, autophagy and exocytosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thijs Van de Vyver
- Ghent Research Group on Nanomedicines, Laboratory of General Biochemistry and Physical Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ghent University, Ottergemsesteenweg 460, 9000 Ghent, Belgium.
| | - Stefaan C De Smedt
- Ghent Research Group on Nanomedicines, Laboratory of General Biochemistry and Physical Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ghent University, Ottergemsesteenweg 460, 9000 Ghent, Belgium.
| | - Koen Raemdonck
- Ghent Research Group on Nanomedicines, Laboratory of General Biochemistry and Physical Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ghent University, Ottergemsesteenweg 460, 9000 Ghent, Belgium.
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14
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Chen SY, Xu XX, Li X, Yi NB, Li SZ, Xiang XC, Cheng DB, Sun T. Recent advances in the intracellular delivery of macromolecule therapeutics. Biomater Sci 2022; 10:6642-6655. [DOI: 10.1039/d2bm01348g] [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
This review summarizes the uptake pathway of intracellular delivery vehicles for macromolecule therapeutics, and provides in-depth discussions and prospects about intracellular delivery of macromolecule therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Si-Yi Chen
- School of Chemistry, Chemical Engineering & Life Science, Wuhan University of Technology, No. 122 Luoshi Road, Wuhan, 430070, PR China
| | - Xiao-Xue Xu
- School of Chemistry, Chemical Engineering & Life Science, Wuhan University of Technology, No. 122 Luoshi Road, Wuhan, 430070, PR China
| | - Xin Li
- School of Chemistry, Chemical Engineering & Life Science, Wuhan University of Technology, No. 122 Luoshi Road, Wuhan, 430070, PR China
| | - Ning-Bo Yi
- School of Chemistry, Chemical Engineering & Life Science, Wuhan University of Technology, No. 122 Luoshi Road, Wuhan, 430070, PR China
| | - Shi-Zhuo Li
- School of Chemistry, Chemical Engineering & Life Science, Wuhan University of Technology, No. 122 Luoshi Road, Wuhan, 430070, PR China
| | - Xing-Cheng Xiang
- School of Chemistry, Chemical Engineering & Life Science, Wuhan University of Technology, No. 122 Luoshi Road, Wuhan, 430070, PR China
| | - Dong-Bing Cheng
- School of Chemistry, Chemical Engineering & Life Science, Wuhan University of Technology, No. 122 Luoshi Road, Wuhan, 430070, PR China
| | - Taolei Sun
- School of Chemistry, Chemical Engineering & Life Science, Wuhan University of Technology, No. 122 Luoshi Road, Wuhan, 430070, PR China
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15
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Qi LY, Wang Y, Hu LF, Zhao PS, Yu HY, Xing L, Gao XD, Cao QR, Jiang HL. Enhanced nuclear gene delivery via integrating and streamlining intracellular pathway. J Control Release 2021; 341:511-523. [PMID: 34864117 DOI: 10.1016/j.jconrel.2021.11.046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2021] [Revised: 11/24/2021] [Accepted: 11/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
The essential challenge of gene therapy is to develop safe and efficient vectors that escort genes to target sites. However, due to the cumbersome workflow of gene transfection into cells, successive gene loss occurs. This leads to considerable reductions in nuclear gene uptake, eventually causing low gene expression. Herein, we designed a gene vector named CA3S2 (C: N,N'-cystamine-bis-acrylamide [CBA], A: agmatine dihydrochloride [Agm], S: 4-(2-aminoethyl) benzenesulfonamide [ABS]) with excellent gene transfection ability. This vector can promote gene delivery to the nucleus via enhanced endoplasmic reticulum (ER) targeting through integrating and streamlining of the complex intracellular pathway. Briefly, ABS endowed CA3S2/DNA nanoparticles with not only a natural ER-targeting tendency attributed to the caveolae-mediated pathway but also direct receptor-binding capacity on the ER surface. Agm enabled CA3S2 to enhance lysosomal escape and nuclear uptake ability. The gene delivery efficiency of CA3S2 was significantly better than that of polyethyleneimine 25K (PEI 25K). Therefore, CA3S2 is a promising gene carrier, and the ER-targeting strategy involving intracellular pathway integration and streamlining has potential for gene therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lian-Yu Qi
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, Department of Pharmaceutics, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Yi Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, Department of Pharmaceutics, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Li-Fan Hu
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, Department of Pharmaceutics, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Pu-Song Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, Department of Pharmaceutics, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Hao-Yuan Yu
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, Department of Pharmaceutics, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Lei Xing
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, Department of Pharmaceutics, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China; Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Druggability of Biopharmaceuticals, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China; Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Drug Screening, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China; NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Pharmaceutical Preparations and Excipients, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Xiang-Dong Gao
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Druggability of Biopharmaceuticals, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China.
| | - Qing-Ri Cao
- College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Soochow University, Suzhou 215123, China.
| | - Hu-Lin Jiang
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, Department of Pharmaceutics, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China; Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Druggability of Biopharmaceuticals, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China; Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Drug Screening, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China; NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Pharmaceutical Preparations and Excipients, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China.
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16
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Monnery BD. Polycation-Mediated Transfection: Mechanisms of Internalization and Intracellular Trafficking. Biomacromolecules 2021; 22:4060-4083. [PMID: 34498457 DOI: 10.1021/acs.biomac.1c00697] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Polyplex-mediated gene transfection is now in its' fourth decade of serious research, but the promise of polyplex-mediated gene therapy has yet to fully materialize. Only approximately one in a million applied plasmids actually expresses. A large part of this is due to an incomplete understanding of the mechanism of polyplex transfection. There is an assumption that internalization must follow a canonical mechanism of receptor mediated endocytosis. Herein, we present arguments that untargeted (and most targeted) polyplexes do not utilize these routes. By incorporating knowledge of syndecan-polyplex interactions, we can show that syndecans are the "target" for polyplexes. Further, it is known that free polycations (which disrupt cell-membranes by acid-catalyzed hydrolysis of phospholipid esters) are necessary for (untargeted) endocytosis. This can be incorporated into the model to produce a novel mechanism of endocytosis, which fits the observed phenomenology. After membrane translocation, polyplex containing vesicles reach the endosome after diffusing through the actin mesh below the cell membrane. From there, they are acidified and trafficked toward the lysosome. Some polyplexes are capable of escaping the endosome and unpacking, while others are not. Herein, it is argued that for some polycations, as acidification proceeds the polyplexes excluding free polycations, which disrupt the endosomal membrane by acid-catalyzed hydrolysis, allowing the polyplex to escape. The polyplex's internal charge ratio is now insufficient for stability and it releases plasmids which diffuse to the nucleus. A small proportion of these plasmids diffuse through the nuclear pore complex (NPC), with aggregation being the major cause of loss. Those plasmids that have diffused through the NPC will also aggregate, and this appears to be the reason such a small proportion of nuclear plasmids express mRNA. Thus, the structural features which promote unpacking in the endosome and allow for endosomal escape can be determined, and better polycations can be designed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bryn D Monnery
- Department of Organic and (Bio)Polymer Chemistry, Hasselt University, Building F, Agoralaan 1, B-3590 Diepenbeek, Belgium
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17
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Lv S, Sylvestre M, Prossnitz AN, Yang LF, Pun SH. Design of Polymeric Carriers for Intracellular Peptide Delivery in Oncology Applications. Chem Rev 2021; 121:11653-11698. [PMID: 33566580 DOI: 10.1021/acs.chemrev.0c00963] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
In recent decades, peptides, which can possess high potency, excellent selectivity, and low toxicity, have emerged as promising therapeutics for cancer applications. Combined with an improved understanding of tumor biology and immuno-oncology, peptides have demonstrated robust antitumor efficacy in preclinical tumor models. However, the translation of peptides with intracellular targets into clinical therapies has been severely hindered by limitations in their intrinsic structure, such as low systemic stability, rapid clearance, and poor membrane permeability, that impede intracellular delivery. In this Review, we summarize recent advances in polymer-mediated intracellular delivery of peptides for cancer therapy, including both therapeutic peptides and peptide antigens. We highlight strategies to engineer polymeric materials to increase peptide delivery efficiency, especially cytosolic delivery, which plays a crucial role in potentiating peptide-based therapies. Finally, we discuss future opportunities for peptides in cancer treatment, with an emphasis on the design of polymer nanocarriers for optimized peptide delivery.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Alexander N Prossnitz
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington 98195, United States
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18
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Graceffa V. Physical and mechanical cues affecting biomaterial-mediated plasmid DNA delivery: insights into non-viral delivery systems. J Genet Eng Biotechnol 2021; 19:90. [PMID: 34142237 PMCID: PMC8211807 DOI: 10.1186/s43141-021-00194-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2021] [Accepted: 06/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Whilst traditional strategies to increase transfection efficiency of non-viral systems aimed at modifying the vector or the polyplexes/lipoplexes, biomaterial-mediated gene delivery has recently sparked increased interest. This review aims at discussing biomaterial properties and unravelling underlying mechanisms of action, for biomaterial-mediated gene delivery. DNA internalisation and cytoplasmic transport are initially discussed. DNA immobilisation, encapsulation and surface-mediated gene delivery (SMD), the role of extracellular matrix (ECM) and topographical cues, biomaterial stiffness and mechanical stimulation are finally outlined. MAIN TEXT Endocytic pathways and mechanisms to escape the lysosomal network are highly variable. They depend on cell and DNA complex types but can be diverted using appropriate biomaterials. 3D scaffolds are generally fabricated via DNA immobilisation or encapsulation. Degradation rate and interaction with the vector affect temporal patterns of DNA release and transgene expression. In SMD, DNA is instead coated on 2D surfaces. SMD allows the incorporation of topographical cues, which, by inducing cytoskeletal re-arrangements, modulate DNA endocytosis. Incorporation of ECM mimetics allows cell type-specific transfection, whereas in spite of discordances in terms of optimal loading regimens, it is recognised that mechanical loading facilitates gene transfection. Finally, stiffer 2D substrates enhance DNA internalisation, whereas in 3D scaffolds, the role of stiffness is still dubious. CONCLUSION Although it is recognised that biomaterials allow the creation of tailored non-viral gene delivery systems, there still are many outstanding questions. A better characterisation of endocytic pathways would allow the diversion of cell adhesion processes and cytoskeletal dynamics, in order to increase cellular transfection. Further research on optimal biomaterial mechanical properties, cell ligand density and loading regimens is limited by the fact that such parameters influence a plethora of other different processes (e.g. cellular adhesion, spreading, migration, infiltration, and proliferation, DNA diffusion and release) which may in turn modulate gene delivery. Only a better understanding of these processes may allow the creation of novel robust engineered systems, potentially opening up a whole new area of biomaterial-guided gene delivery for non-viral systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valeria Graceffa
- Cellular Health and Toxicology Research Group (CHAT), Institute of Technology Sligo, Ash Ln, Bellanode, Sligo, Ireland.
- Department of Life Sciences, Institute of Technology Sligo, Ash Ln, Bellanode, Sligo, Ireland.
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Kumar R, Santa Chalarca CF, Bockman MR, Bruggen CV, Grimme CJ, Dalal RJ, Hanson MG, Hexum JK, Reineke TM. Polymeric Delivery of Therapeutic Nucleic Acids. Chem Rev 2021; 121:11527-11652. [PMID: 33939409 DOI: 10.1021/acs.chemrev.0c00997] [Citation(s) in RCA: 128] [Impact Index Per Article: 42.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
The advent of genome editing has transformed the therapeutic landscape for several debilitating diseases, and the clinical outlook for gene therapeutics has never been more promising. The therapeutic potential of nucleic acids has been limited by a reliance on engineered viral vectors for delivery. Chemically defined polymers can remediate technological, regulatory, and clinical challenges associated with viral modes of gene delivery. Because of their scalability, versatility, and exquisite tunability, polymers are ideal biomaterial platforms for delivering nucleic acid payloads efficiently while minimizing immune response and cellular toxicity. While polymeric gene delivery has progressed significantly in the past four decades, clinical translation of polymeric vehicles faces several formidable challenges. The aim of our Account is to illustrate diverse concepts in designing polymeric vectors towards meeting therapeutic goals of in vivo and ex vivo gene therapy. Here, we highlight several classes of polymers employed in gene delivery and summarize the recent work on understanding the contributions of chemical and architectural design parameters. We touch upon characterization methods used to visualize and understand events transpiring at the interfaces between polymer, nucleic acids, and the physiological environment. We conclude that interdisciplinary approaches and methodologies motivated by fundamental questions are key to designing high-performing polymeric vehicles for gene therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ramya Kumar
- Department of Chemistry, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55455, United States
| | | | - Matthew R Bockman
- Department of Chemistry, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55455, United States
| | - Craig Van Bruggen
- Department of Chemistry, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55455, United States
| | - Christian J Grimme
- Department of Chemical Engineering and Materials Science, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55455, United States
| | - Rishad J Dalal
- Department of Chemistry, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55455, United States
| | - Mckenna G Hanson
- Department of Chemistry, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55455, United States
| | - Joseph K Hexum
- Department of Chemistry, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55455, United States
| | - Theresa M Reineke
- Department of Chemistry, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55455, United States
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Xing L, Zheng Y, Yu Y, Wu R, Liu X, Zhou R, Huang Y. Complying with the physiological functions of Golgi apparatus for secretory exocytosis facilitated oral absorption of protein drugs. J Mater Chem B 2021; 9:1707-1718. [PMID: 33496710 DOI: 10.1039/d0tb02848g] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
Intestinal epithelial cells are the primary biological barriers for orally administrated nano-formulations and the delivered protein drugs. Thereinto, besides the cellular uptake, intracellular trafficking pathway and the related exocytosis are of great importance to the trans-epithelial transport of drug-loaded NPs. Herein, inspired by the physiological functions of Golgi apparatus for secreting proteins out of cells, Golgi localization-related amino acid l-cysteine (Cys) was modified on the surface of NPs to see whether and how this modification could guide the Golgi pathway-related transport and facilitate the exocytosis of drug-loaded NPs. Meanwhile, cell-penetrating peptide octa-arginine (R8) was co-modified to increase the cellular uptake. The proportion of R8 and Cys modification was explored to get the best effect of endocytosis and exocytosis of NPs. As a result, 25%R8 + 75%Cys NPs with most Cys modification showed efficient transcytosis with the highest transcytosis/endocytosis ratio (0.87). Interestingly, exocytosis mechanism studies indicated that they trafficked through the Golgi secretory pathway and bypassed lysosomes due to Cys modification. The detailed Golgi position mechanism studies further suggested that the thiol group from Cys was important for mediating Golgi transport. In particular, competitive inhibition studies demonstrated that Cys-modified NPs were more conducive to their exocytosis after being transported through the Golgi secretory pathway. We proved that cargos transported via Golgi apparatus tended to be trafficked out of the cells and avoid degradation, which contributed to the transcytosis of 25%R8 + 75%Cys NPs in vitro. Inspiringly, compared with unmodified NPs, 25%R8 + 75%Cys NPs also exhibited promoted intestinal penetration and oral absorption in vivo. Oral delivery of insulin-loaded 25%R8 + 75%Cys NPs showed stronger hypoglycemic effects in diabetic rats. In summary, this work provides a strategy for complying with the physiological functions of Golgi apparatus for secreting to facilitate the exocytosis of NPs, thus further improving the oral absorption of loaded protein drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liyun Xing
- Key Laboratory of Drug-Targeting and Drug Delivery System of the Education Ministry and Sichuan Province, Sichuan Engineering Laboratory for Plant-Sourced Drug and Sichuan Research Center for Drug Precision Industrial Technology, West China School of Pharmacy, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China.
| | - Yaxian Zheng
- Key Laboratory of Drug-Targeting and Drug Delivery System of the Education Ministry and Sichuan Province, Sichuan Engineering Laboratory for Plant-Sourced Drug and Sichuan Research Center for Drug Precision Industrial Technology, West China School of Pharmacy, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China.
| | - Yinglan Yu
- Key Laboratory of Drug-Targeting and Drug Delivery System of the Education Ministry and Sichuan Province, Sichuan Engineering Laboratory for Plant-Sourced Drug and Sichuan Research Center for Drug Precision Industrial Technology, West China School of Pharmacy, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China.
| | - Ruinan Wu
- Key Laboratory of Drug-Targeting and Drug Delivery System of the Education Ministry and Sichuan Province, Sichuan Engineering Laboratory for Plant-Sourced Drug and Sichuan Research Center for Drug Precision Industrial Technology, West China School of Pharmacy, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China.
| | - Xi Liu
- Key Laboratory of Drug-Targeting and Drug Delivery System of the Education Ministry and Sichuan Province, Sichuan Engineering Laboratory for Plant-Sourced Drug and Sichuan Research Center for Drug Precision Industrial Technology, West China School of Pharmacy, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China.
| | - Rui Zhou
- Key Laboratory of Drug-Targeting and Drug Delivery System of the Education Ministry and Sichuan Province, Sichuan Engineering Laboratory for Plant-Sourced Drug and Sichuan Research Center for Drug Precision Industrial Technology, West China School of Pharmacy, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China.
| | - Yuan Huang
- Key Laboratory of Drug-Targeting and Drug Delivery System of the Education Ministry and Sichuan Province, Sichuan Engineering Laboratory for Plant-Sourced Drug and Sichuan Research Center for Drug Precision Industrial Technology, West China School of Pharmacy, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China.
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21
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Biological activities of siRNA-loaded lanthanum phosphate nanoparticles on colorectal cancer. J Control Release 2020; 328:45-58. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jconrel.2020.08.027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2020] [Revised: 08/06/2020] [Accepted: 08/18/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
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22
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Yin H, Yuan X, Luo L, Lu Y, Qin B, Zhang J, Shi Y, Zhu C, Yang J, Li X, Jiang M, Luo Z, Shan X, Chen D, You J. Appropriate Delivery of the CRISPR/Cas9 System through the Nonlysosomal Route: Application for Therapeutic Gene Editing. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2020; 7:1903381. [PMID: 32714743 PMCID: PMC7375254 DOI: 10.1002/advs.201903381] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2019] [Revised: 04/19/2020] [Indexed: 05/30/2023]
Abstract
The development of gene delivery has attracted increasing attention, especially when the introduction and application of the CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing system appears promising for gene therapy. However, ensuring biosafety and high gene editing efficiency at the same time poses a great challenge for its in vivo applications. Herein, a pardaxin peptide (PAR)-modified cationic liposome (PAR-Lipo) is developed. The results are indicative that significantly enhanced gene editing efficiency can be obtained through the mediation of PAR-Lipos compared to non-Lipos (non-PAR-modified liposomes) and Lipofectamine 2000, owing to its protection toward carried nucleotide by the prevention of lysosomal capture, prolongation of retention time in cells through the accumulation in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER), and more importantly, facilitation of the nuclear access via an ER-nucleus route. Accumulation of PAR-Lipos in the ER may improve the binding of Cas9 and sgRNA, thus further contributing to the eventually enhanced gene editing efficiency. Given their high biosafety, PAR-Lipos are used to mediate the knockout of the oncogene CDC6 in vivo, which results in significant tumor growth inhibition. This work may provide a useful reference for enhancing the delivery of gene editing systems, thus improving the potential for their future clinical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hang Yin
- College of Pharmaceutical SciencesZhejiang UniversityHangzhou310058P. R. China
| | - Xiaoling Yuan
- College of Pharmaceutical SciencesZhejiang UniversityHangzhou310058P. R. China
| | - Lihua Luo
- College of Pharmaceutical SciencesZhejiang UniversityHangzhou310058P. R. China
| | - Yichao Lu
- College of Pharmaceutical SciencesZhejiang UniversityHangzhou310058P. R. China
| | - Bing Qin
- College of Pharmaceutical SciencesZhejiang UniversityHangzhou310058P. R. China
| | - Junlei Zhang
- College of Pharmaceutical SciencesZhejiang UniversityHangzhou310058P. R. China
| | - Yingying Shi
- College of Pharmaceutical SciencesZhejiang UniversityHangzhou310058P. R. China
| | - Chunqi Zhu
- College of Pharmaceutical SciencesZhejiang UniversityHangzhou310058P. R. China
| | - Jie Yang
- College of Pharmaceutical SciencesZhejiang UniversityHangzhou310058P. R. China
| | - Xiang Li
- College of Pharmaceutical SciencesZhejiang UniversityHangzhou310058P. R. China
| | - Mengshi Jiang
- College of Pharmaceutical SciencesZhejiang UniversityHangzhou310058P. R. China
| | - Zhenyu Luo
- College of Pharmaceutical SciencesZhejiang UniversityHangzhou310058P. R. China
| | - Xinyu Shan
- College of Pharmaceutical SciencesZhejiang UniversityHangzhou310058P. R. China
| | - Dawei Chen
- College of Pharmaceutical SciencesZhejiang UniversityHangzhou310058P. R. China
- School of PharmacyShenyang Pharmaceutical UniversityShenyang110016P. R. China
| | - Jian You
- College of Pharmaceutical SciencesZhejiang UniversityHangzhou310058P. R. China
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23
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Ayyadevara VSSA, Roh KH. Calcium enhances polyplex-mediated transfection efficiency of plasmid DNA in Jurkat cells. Drug Deliv 2020; 27:805-815. [PMID: 32489110 PMCID: PMC8216448 DOI: 10.1080/10717544.2020.1770371] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Jurkat, an immortalized cell line derived from human leukemic T lymphocytes, has been employed as an excellent surrogate model of human primary T-cells for the advancement of T-cell biology and their applications in medicine. However, presumably due to its T-cell origin, Jurkat cells are very difficult to transfect. Thus, for the genetic modification of Jurkat cells, expensive and time-consuming viral vectors are normally required. Despite many previous efforts, non-viral vectors have not yet overcome the hurdles of low transfection efficiency and/or high toxicity in transfection of Jurkat cells. Here, we report that a simple addition of calcium ions (Ca2+) into culture media at optimal concentrations can enhance the efficiency of the polyplex-mediated transfection using poly(ethylene imine) (PEI) by up to 12-fold when compared to the polyplex-only control. We show that calcium enhances the association between polyplex and Jurkat, which is at least partially responsible for the increase in transmembrane delivery of polyplex and consequential enhancement in expression of transgene. Other cations, Mg2+ or Na+ did not show similar enhancement. Interestingly, addition of Ca2+ was rather detrimental for the transfection of lipoplex on Jurkat cells. Observation of significant enhancement in the transfection of non-viral vectors with a simple and physiologically relevant reagent like Ca2+ in the engineering of hard-to-transfect cells such as Jurkat warrants further investigation on similar strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Kyung-Ho Roh
- Biotechnology Science and Engineering, University of Alabama in Huntsville, Huntsville, AL, USA.,Department of Chemical and Materials Engineering, University of Alabama in Huntsville, Huntsville, AL, USA
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24
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Routkevitch D, Sudhakar D, Conge M, Varanasi M, Tzeng SY, Wilson DR, Green JJ. Efficiency of Cytosolic Delivery with Poly(β-amino ester) Nanoparticles is Dependent on the Effective p Ka of the Polymer. ACS Biomater Sci Eng 2020; 6:3411-3421. [PMID: 33463158 DOI: 10.1021/acsbiomaterials.0c00271] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
The mechanism by which cationic polymers containing titratable amines mediate effective endosomal escape and cytosolic delivery of nucleic acids is not well understood despite the decades of research devoted to these materials. Here, we utilize multiple assays investigating the endosomal escape step associated with plasmid delivery by polyethylenimine (PEI) and poly(β-amino esters) (PBAEs) to improve the understanding of how these cationic polymers enable gene delivery. To probe the role of these materials in facilitating endosomal escape, we utilized vesicle membrane leakage and extracellular pH modulation assays to demonstrate the influence of polymer buffering capacity and effective pKa on the delivery of the plasmid DNA. Our results demonstrate that transfection with PBAEs is highly sensitive to the effective pKa of the overall polymer, which has broad implications for transfection. In more acidic environments, PBAE-mediated transfection was inhibited, while PEI was relatively unaffected. In neutral to basic environments, PBAEs have high buffering capacities that led to dramatically improved transfection efficacy. The cellular uptake of polymeric nanoparticles overall was unchanged as a function of pH, indicating that microenvironmental acidity was important for downstream intracellular delivery efficiency. Overall, this study motivates the use of polymer chemical characteristics, such as effective pKa values, to more efficiently evaluate new polymeric materials for enhanced intracellular delivery characteristics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Denis Routkevitch
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland 21231, United States.,Translational Tissue Engineering Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland 21231, United States.,Institute for Nanobiotechnology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland 21231, United States
| | - Deepti Sudhakar
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland 21231, United States.,Translational Tissue Engineering Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland 21231, United States.,Institute for Nanobiotechnology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland 21231, United States
| | - Marranne Conge
- Translational Tissue Engineering Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland 21231, United States.,Institute for Nanobiotechnology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland 21231, United States
| | - Mahita Varanasi
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland 21231, United States.,Translational Tissue Engineering Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland 21231, United States.,Institute for Nanobiotechnology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland 21231, United States
| | - Stephany Y Tzeng
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland 21231, United States.,Translational Tissue Engineering Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland 21231, United States.,Institute for Nanobiotechnology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland 21231, United States
| | - David R Wilson
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland 21231, United States.,Translational Tissue Engineering Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland 21231, United States.,Institute for Nanobiotechnology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland 21231, United States
| | - Jordan J Green
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland 21231, United States.,Translational Tissue Engineering Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland 21231, United States.,Institute for Nanobiotechnology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland 21231, United States.,Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland 21231, United States.,Department of Ophthalmology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland 21231, United States.,Department of Neurosurgery, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland 21231, United States.,Department of Oncology and the Bloomberg-Kimmel Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland 21231, United States
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25
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Zhang HT, Yu M, Niu YJ, Liu WZ, Pang WH, Ding J, Wang JC. Polyarginine-Mediated siRNA Delivery: A Mechanistic Study of Intracellular Trafficking of PCL-R15/siRNA Nanoplexes. Mol Pharm 2020; 17:1685-1696. [PMID: 32191042 DOI: 10.1021/acs.molpharmaceut.0c00120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
As a cell-penetrating peptide, polyarginine is widely used in drug delivery systems based on its membrane permeation ability. Previously, we developed the mPEG-PLA-b-polyarginine(R15) triblock copolymer, which exhibited a high siRNA delivery efficiency both in vitro and in vivo. As a continued effort, here the amphiphilic diblock polymer PCL-R15 was synthesized as a simplified model to further elucidate the structure-activity relationship of arginine-based amphiphilic polymers as siRNA delivery systems, and the cellular trafficking mechanisms of the PCL-R15/siRNA nanoplexes were investigated to understand the interaction patterns between the nanoplexes and cells. Compared to the R15/siRNA complexes, the introduction of PCL moiety was found to result in the stronger interactions with cells and the enhanced transfection efficiency after the formation of condensed nanoplexes. Caveolae-mediated endocytosis and clathrin-mediated endocytosis were major routes for the internalization of PCL-R15/siRNA nanoplexes. The intracellular release of siRNA from nanoplexes was confirmed by fluorescence resonance energy transfer assay. It was also noticed that the internalized PCL-R15/siRNA nanoplexes were transported through digestive routes and trapped in lysosomes, which may be the bottleneck for efficient siRNA delivery of PCL-R15/siRNA nanoplexes. This study investigated the relationship between the polymer structure of PCL-R15 and the cellular interaction patterns, which may render implications on the rational design of polyarginine-based siRNA delivery systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hai-Tao Zhang
- Xiangya School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Central South University, 172 Tongzipo Road, Changsha, Hunan 410013, P. R. China.,Beijing Key Laboratory of Molecular Pharmaceutics and New Drug Delivery Systems, State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Peking University, XueYuan Rd 38, Haidian Dist, Beijing 100191, P. R. China.,Hunan Province Cooperative Innovation Center for Molecular Target New Drug Study, Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory of Tumor Microenvironment Responsive Drug Research, University of South China, 28 Western Changshen Road, Hengyang, Hunan 421001, P. R. China
| | - Minzhi Yu
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Molecular Pharmaceutics and New Drug Delivery Systems, State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Peking University, XueYuan Rd 38, Haidian Dist, Beijing 100191, P. R. China
| | - Yu-Jie Niu
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Molecular Pharmaceutics and New Drug Delivery Systems, State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Peking University, XueYuan Rd 38, Haidian Dist, Beijing 100191, P. R. China
| | - Wei-Zhong Liu
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Molecular Pharmaceutics and New Drug Delivery Systems, State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Peking University, XueYuan Rd 38, Haidian Dist, Beijing 100191, P. R. China
| | - Wen-Hao Pang
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Molecular Pharmaceutics and New Drug Delivery Systems, State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Peking University, XueYuan Rd 38, Haidian Dist, Beijing 100191, P. R. China
| | - Jinsong Ding
- Xiangya School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Central South University, 172 Tongzipo Road, Changsha, Hunan 410013, P. R. China
| | - Jian-Cheng Wang
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Molecular Pharmaceutics and New Drug Delivery Systems, State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Peking University, XueYuan Rd 38, Haidian Dist, Beijing 100191, P. R. China
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26
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Ingle NP, Hexum JK, Reineke TM. Polyplexes Are Endocytosed by and Trafficked within Filopodia. Biomacromolecules 2020; 21:1379-1392. [PMID: 32118406 DOI: 10.1021/acs.biomac.9b01610] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
The improvement of nonviral gene therapies relies to a large extent on understanding many fundamental physical and biological properties of these systems. This includes interactions of synthetic delivery systems with the cell and mechanisms of trafficking delivery vehicles, which remain poorly understood on both the extra- and intracellular levels. In this study, the mechanisms of cellular internalization and trafficking of polymer-based nanoparticle complexes consisting of polycations and nucleic acids, termed polyplexes, have been observed in detail at the cellular level. For the first time evidence has been obtained that filopodia, actin projections that radiate out from the surface of cells, serve as a route for the direct endocytosis of polyplexes. Confocal microscopy images demonstrated that filopodia on HeLa cells detect external polyplexes and extend into the extracellular milieu to internalize these particles. Polyplexes are observed to be internalized into membrane-bound vesicles (i.e., clathrin-coated pits and caveolae) directly within filopodial projections and are subsequently transported along actin to the main cell body for potential delivery of the nucleic acids to the nucleus. The kinetics and speed of polyplex trafficking have also been measured. The polyplex-loaded vesicles were also discovered to traffic between two cells within filopodial bridges. These findings provide novel insight into the early events of cellular contact with polyplexes through filopodial-based interactions in addition to endocytic vesicle trafficking-an important fundamental discovery to enable advancement of nonviral gene editing, nucleic acid therapies, and biomedical materials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nilesh P Ingle
- Department of Chemistry, University of Minnesota, 207 Pleasant Street SE, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55455, United States
| | - Joseph K Hexum
- Department of Chemistry, University of Minnesota, 207 Pleasant Street SE, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55455, United States
| | - Theresa M Reineke
- Department of Chemistry, University of Minnesota, 207 Pleasant Street SE, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55455, United States
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27
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Hwang J, Sullivan MO, Kiick KL. Targeted Drug Delivery via the Use of ECM-Mimetic Materials. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2020; 8:69. [PMID: 32133350 PMCID: PMC7040483 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2020.00069] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2019] [Accepted: 01/27/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
The use of drug delivery vehicles to improve the efficacy of drugs and to target their action at effective concentrations over desired periods of time has been an active topic of research and clinical investigation for decades. Both synthetic and natural drug delivery materials have facilitated locally controlled as well as targeted drug delivery. Extracellular matrix (ECM) molecules have generated widespread interest as drug delivery materials owing to the various biological functions of ECM. Hydrogels created using ECM molecules can provide not only biochemical and structural support to cells, but also spatial and temporal control over the release of therapeutic agents, including small molecules, biomacromolecules, and cells. In addition, the modification of drug delivery carriers with ECM fragments used as cell-binding ligands has facilitated cell-targeted delivery and improved the therapeutic efficiency of drugs through interaction with highly expressed cellular receptors for ECM. The combination of ECM-derived hydrogels and ECM-derived ligand approaches shows synergistic effects, leading to a great promise for the delivery of intracellular drugs, which require specific endocytic pathways for maximal effectiveness. In this review, we provide an overview of cellular receptors that interact with ECM molecules and discuss examples of selected ECM components that have been applied for drug delivery in both local and systemic platforms. Finally, we highlight the potential impacts of utilizing the interaction between ECM components and cellular receptors for intracellular delivery, particularly in tissue regeneration applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeongmin Hwang
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Delaware, Newark, DE, United States
| | - Millicent O. Sullivan
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Delaware, Newark, DE, United States
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of Delaware, Newark, DE, United States
| | - Kristi L. Kiick
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, University of Delaware, Newark, DE, United States
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28
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Gomes Dos Reis L, Lee WH, Svolos M, Moir LM, Jaber R, Engel A, Windhab N, Young PM, Traini D. Delivery of pDNA to lung epithelial cells using PLGA nanoparticles formulated with a cell-penetrating peptide: understanding the intracellular fate. Drug Dev Ind Pharm 2020; 46:427-442. [PMID: 32070151 DOI: 10.1080/03639045.2020.1724134] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
The combination of nanoparticles (NPs) and cell-penetrating peptide (CPP) represents a new opportunity to develop plasmid DNA (pDNA) delivery systems with desirable properties for lung delivery. In this study, poly(lactide-co-glycolide) (PLGA) NPs containing pDNA were formulated with and without CPP using a double-emulsion technique. NPs were characterized in regards of size, surface charge, release profile, pDNA encapsulation efficiency and pDNA integrity. Cellular uptake, intracellular trafficking, uptake mechanism and pDNA expression were assessed in both A549 and Beas-2B cells. Manufactured PLGA-NPs efficiently encapsulated pDNA with approximately 50% released in the first 24 h of incubation. Addition of CPP was essential to promote NP internalization in both cell lines, with 83.85 ± 1.2% and 96.76 ± 1.7% of Beas-2B and A549 cells, respectively, with internalized NP-DNA-CPP after 3 h of incubation. Internalization appears to occur mainly via clathrin-mediated endocytosis, with other pathways also being used by the different cell lines. An endosomal-escape mechanism seems to happen in both cell lines, and eGFP expression was observed in Beas-2B after 96 h of incubation. In summary, the NP-DNA-CPP delivery system efficiently encapsulated and protected pDNA structure and is being investigated as a promising tool for gene delivery to the lungs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Larissa Gomes Dos Reis
- Department of Respiratory Technology, Faculty of Medicine and Health, Woolcock Institute of Medical Research and Discipline of Pharmacology, The University of Sydney, Glebe, NSW, Australia
| | - Wing-Hin Lee
- Department of Respiratory Technology, Faculty of Medicine and Health, Woolcock Institute of Medical Research and Discipline of Pharmacology, The University of Sydney, Glebe, NSW, Australia
| | - Maree Svolos
- Department of Respiratory Technology, Faculty of Medicine and Health, Woolcock Institute of Medical Research and Discipline of Pharmacology, The University of Sydney, Glebe, NSW, Australia
| | - Lyn M Moir
- Department of Respiratory Technology, Faculty of Medicine and Health, Woolcock Institute of Medical Research and Discipline of Pharmacology, The University of Sydney, Glebe, NSW, Australia
| | - Rima Jaber
- Evonik Industries AG, Darmstadt, Germany
| | | | | | - Paul M Young
- Department of Respiratory Technology, Faculty of Medicine and Health, Woolcock Institute of Medical Research and Discipline of Pharmacology, The University of Sydney, Glebe, NSW, Australia
| | - Daniela Traini
- Department of Respiratory Technology, Faculty of Medicine and Health, Woolcock Institute of Medical Research and Discipline of Pharmacology, The University of Sydney, Glebe, NSW, Australia
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29
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Ma XX, Xu JL, Jia YY, Zhang YX, Wang W, Li C, He W, Zhou SY, Zhang BL. Enhance transgene responses through improving cellular uptake and intracellular trafficking by bio-inspired non-viral vectors. J Nanobiotechnology 2020; 18:26. [PMID: 32005170 PMCID: PMC6995230 DOI: 10.1186/s12951-020-0582-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2019] [Accepted: 01/18/2020] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Gene therapy remains a significant challenge due to lots of barriers limiting the genetic manipulation technologies. As for non-viral delivery vectors, they often suffer insufficient performance due to inadequate cellular uptake and gene degradation in endosome or lysosome. The importance of overcoming these conserved intracellular barriers is increasing as the delivery of genetic cargo. Results A surface-functionalized non-viral vector involving the biomimetic mannitol moiety is initiated, which can control the cellular uptake and promote the caveolae-mediated pathway and intracellular trafficking, thus avoiding acidic and enzymatic lysosomal degradation of loaded gene internalized by clathrin-mediated pathway. Different degrees of mannitol moiety are anchored onto the surface of the nanoparticles to form bio-inspired non-viral vectors and CaP-MA-40 exhibits remarkably high stability, negligible toxicity, and significantly enhanced transgene expression both in vitro and in vivo. Conclusions This strategy highlights a paradigmatic approach to construct vectors that need precise intracellular delivery for innovative applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xi-Xi Ma
- Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmacy, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, 710032, China.,Key Laboratory of Pharmacology of the State Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, 710032, China
| | - Jing-Liang Xu
- Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmacy, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, 710032, China.,Key Laboratory of Pharmacology of the State Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, 710032, China
| | - Yi-Yang Jia
- Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmacy, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, 710032, China.,Key Laboratory of Pharmacology of the State Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, 710032, China
| | - Ya-Xuan Zhang
- Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmacy, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, 710032, China.,Key Laboratory of Pharmacology of the State Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, 710032, China
| | - Wei Wang
- Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmacy, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, 710032, China.,Key Laboratory of Pharmacology of the State Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, 710032, China
| | - Chen Li
- Key Laboratory of Pharmacology of the State Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, 710032, China
| | - Wei He
- Department of Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, 710032, China.
| | - Si-Yuan Zhou
- Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmacy, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, 710032, China.,Key Laboratory of Pharmacology of the State Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, 710032, China
| | - Bang-Le Zhang
- Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmacy, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, 710032, China. .,Key Laboratory of Pharmacology of the State Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, 710032, China.
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30
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Zhou J, Shao Z, Liu J, Duan Q, Wang X, Li J, Yang H. From Endocytosis to Nonendocytosis: The Emerging Era of Gene Delivery. ACS APPLIED BIO MATERIALS 2020; 3:2686-2701. [DOI: 10.1021/acsabm.9b01131] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Jie Zhou
- MOE Key Laboratory for Analytical Science of Food Safety and Biology, Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Analysis and Detection Technology for Food Safety, State Key Laboratory of Photocatalysis on Energy and Environment, College of Chemistry, Fuzhou University, Fuzhou 350116, People’s Republic of China
- Institute of Molecular Medicine, Renji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, People’s Republic of China
| | - Zhentao Shao
- Institute of Molecular Medicine, Renji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, People’s Republic of China
| | - Jia Liu
- Institute of Molecular Medicine, Renji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, People’s Republic of China
| | - Qiao Duan
- Institute of Molecular Medicine, Renji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, People’s Republic of China
| | - Xiang Wang
- Institute of Molecular Medicine, Renji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, People’s Republic of China
| | - Juan Li
- MOE Key Laboratory for Analytical Science of Food Safety and Biology, Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Analysis and Detection Technology for Food Safety, State Key Laboratory of Photocatalysis on Energy and Environment, College of Chemistry, Fuzhou University, Fuzhou 350116, People’s Republic of China
- Institute of Molecular Medicine, Renji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, People’s Republic of China
| | - Huanghao Yang
- MOE Key Laboratory for Analytical Science of Food Safety and Biology, Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Analysis and Detection Technology for Food Safety, State Key Laboratory of Photocatalysis on Energy and Environment, College of Chemistry, Fuzhou University, Fuzhou 350116, People’s Republic of China
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31
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Riera R, Feiner-Gracia N, Fornaguera C, Cascante A, Borrós S, Albertazzi L. Tracking the DNA complexation state of pBAE polyplexes in cells with super resolution microscopy. NANOSCALE 2019; 11:17869-17877. [PMID: 31552987 DOI: 10.1039/c9nr02858g] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/20/2023]
Abstract
The future of gene therapy relies on the development of efficient and safe delivery vectors. Poly(β-amino ester)s are promising cationic polymers capable of condensing oligonucleotides into nanoparticles - polyplexes - and deliver them into the cell nucleus, where the gene material would be expressed. The complexation state during the crossing of biological barriers is crucial: polymers should tightly complex DNA before internalization and then release to allow free DNA to reach the nucleus. However, measuring the complexation state in cells is challenging due to the nanometric size of polyplexes and the difficulties to study the two components (polymer and DNA) independently. Here we propose a method to visualize and quantify the two components of a polyplex inside cells, with nanometre scale resolution, using two-colour direct stochastic reconstruction super-resolution microscopy (dSTORM). With our approach, we tracked the complexation state of pBAE polyplexes from cell binding to DNA release and nuclear entry revealing time evolution and the final fate of DNA and pBAE polymers in mammalian cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roger Riera
- Nanoscopy for Nanomedicine, Institute for Bioengineering of Catalonia, Barcelona, Spain.
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Qiu C, Han HH, Sun J, Zhang HT, Wei W, Cui SH, Chen X, Wang JC, Zhang Q. Regulating intracellular fate of siRNA by endoplasmic reticulum membrane-decorated hybrid nanoplexes. Nat Commun 2019; 10:2702. [PMID: 31221991 PMCID: PMC6586638 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-019-10562-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2018] [Accepted: 05/17/2019] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Most cationic vectors are difficult to avoid the fate of small interfering RNA (siRNA) degradation following the endosome-lysosome pathway during siRNA transfection. In this study, the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) membrane isolated from cancer cells was used to fabricate an integrative hybrid nanoplexes (EhCv/siRNA NPs) for improving siRNA transfection. Compared to the undecorated Cv/siEGFR NPs, the ER membrane-decorated EhCv/siRNA NPs exhibits a significantly higher gene silencing effect of siRNA in vitro and a better antitumor activity in nude mice bearing MCF-7 human breast tumor in vivo. Further mechanistic studies demonstrate that functional proteins on the ER membrane plays important roles on improving cellular uptake and altering intracellular trafficking pathway of siRNA. It is worth to believe that the ER membrane decoration on nanoplexes can effectively transport siRNA through the endosome-Golgi-ER pathway to evade lysosomal degradation and enhance the silencing effects of siRNA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chong Qiu
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Molecular Pharmaceutics and New Drug Delivery Systems, State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Peking University, 100191, Beijing, China
| | - Hu-Hu Han
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Molecular Pharmaceutics and New Drug Delivery Systems, State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Peking University, 100191, Beijing, China
| | - Jing Sun
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Molecular Pharmaceutics and New Drug Delivery Systems, State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Peking University, 100191, Beijing, China
| | - Hai-Tao Zhang
- Xiangya School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Central South University, 410013, Changsha, China
| | - Wei Wei
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Molecular Pharmaceutics and New Drug Delivery Systems, State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Peking University, 100191, Beijing, China
| | - Shi-He Cui
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Molecular Pharmaceutics and New Drug Delivery Systems, State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Peking University, 100191, Beijing, China
| | - Xin Chen
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Molecular Pharmaceutics and New Drug Delivery Systems, State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Peking University, 100191, Beijing, China
| | - Jian-Cheng Wang
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Molecular Pharmaceutics and New Drug Delivery Systems, State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Peking University, 100191, Beijing, China.
| | - Qiang Zhang
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Molecular Pharmaceutics and New Drug Delivery Systems, State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Peking University, 100191, Beijing, China
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Bitoque DB, Rosa da Costa AM, Silva GA. Insights on the intracellular trafficking of PDMAEMA gene therapy vectors. MATERIALS SCIENCE & ENGINEERING. C, MATERIALS FOR BIOLOGICAL APPLICATIONS 2018; 93:277-288. [PMID: 30274059 DOI: 10.1016/j.msec.2018.07.071] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2018] [Revised: 07/24/2018] [Accepted: 07/24/2018] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
It is known that an efficient gene therapy vector must overcome several steps to be able to express the gene of interest: (I) enter the cell by crossing the cell membrane; (II) escape the endo-lysosomal degradation pathway; (III) release the genetic material; (IV) traffic through the cytoplasm and enter the nucleus; and last (V), enable gene expression to synthetize the protein of interest. In recent years, we and others have demonstrated the potential of poly(2‑(N,N'‑dimethylamino)ethylmethacrylate) (PDMAEMA) as a gene therapy vehicle. Further optimization of gene transfer efficiency requires the understanding of the intracellular pathway of PDMAEMA. Therefore the goal of this study was to determine the cellular entry and intracellular trafficking mechanisms of our PDMAEMA vectors and determine the gene transfer bottleneck. For this, we have produced rhodamine-labeled PDMAEMA polyplexes that were used to transfect retinal cells and the cellular localization determined by co-localization with cellular markers. Our vectors quickly and efficiently cross the cell membrane, and escape the endo-lysosomal system by 24 h. We have observed the PDMAEMA vectors to concentrate around the nucleus, and the DNA load to be released in the first 24 h after transfection. These results allow us to conclude that although the endo-lysosomal system is an important obstacle, PDMAEMA gene vectors can overcome it. The nuclear membrane, however, constitutes the bottleneck to PDMAEMA gene transfer ability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diogo B Bitoque
- ProRegeM PhD Program, NOVA Medical School
- Faculdade de Ciências Médicas, Universidade NOVA de Lisboa, Campo Mártires da Pátria 130, 1169-056 Lisboa, Portugal; Algarve Chemistry Research Centre (CIQA), University of Algarve, 8005-139 Faro, Portugal; CEDOC - Chronic Diseases Research Centre, NOVA Medical School, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Campo Mártires da Pátria 130, 1169-056 Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Ana M Rosa da Costa
- Department of Chemistry and Pharmacy, University of Algarve, Faro, Portugal; Algarve Chemistry Research Centre (CIQA), University of Algarve, 8005-139 Faro, Portugal
| | - Gabriela A Silva
- CEDOC - Chronic Diseases Research Centre, NOVA Medical School, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Campo Mártires da Pátria 130, 1169-056 Lisboa, Portugal.
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Christensen MD, Nitiyanandan R, Meraji S, Daer R, Godeshala S, Goklany S, Haynes K, Rege K. An inhibitor screen identifies histone-modifying enzymes as mediators of polymer-mediated transgene expression from plasmid DNA. J Control Release 2018; 286:210-223. [PMID: 29964136 DOI: 10.1016/j.jconrel.2018.06.030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2018] [Revised: 06/21/2018] [Accepted: 06/25/2018] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
Abstract
Effective transgene expression in mammalian cells relies on successful delivery, cytoplasmic trafficking, and nuclear translocation of the delivered vector, but delivery is impeded by several formidable physicochemical barriers on the surface of and within the target cell. Although methods to overcome cellular exclusion and endosomal entrapment have been studied extensively, strategies to overcome inefficient nuclear entry and subsequent intranuclear barriers to effective transient gene expression have only been sparsely explored. In particular, the role of nuclear packaging of DNA with histone proteins, which governs endogenous gene expression, has not been extensively elucidated in the case of exogenously delivered plasmids. In this work, a parallel screen of small molecule inhibitors of chromatin-modifying enzymes resulted in the identification of class I/II HDACs, sirtuins, LSD1, HATs, and the methyltransferases EZH2 and MLL as targets whose inhibition led to the enhancement of transgene expression following polymer-mediated delivery of plasmid DNA. Quantitative PCR studies revealed that HDAC inhibition enhances the amount of plasmid DNA delivered to the nucleus in UMUC3 human bladder cancer cells. Native chromatin immunoprecipitation (N-ChIP)-qPCR experiments in CHO-K1 cells indicated that plasmids indeed interact with intracellular core Histone H3, and inhibitors of HDAC and LSD1 proteins are able to modulate this interaction. Pair-wise treatments of effective inhibitors led to synergistic enhancement of transgene expression to varying extents in both cell types. Our results demonstrate that the ability to modulate enzymes that play a role in epigenetic processes can enhance the efficacy of non-viral gene delivery, resulting in significant implications for gene therapy and industrial biotechnology.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - René Daer
- Biological Design, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, USA
| | | | - Sheba Goklany
- Chemical Engineering, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, USA
| | - Karmella Haynes
- Biomedical Engineering, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, USA
| | - Kaushal Rege
- Chemical Engineering, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, USA.
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Munsell EV, Kurpad DS, Freeman TA, Sullivan MO. Histone-targeted gene transfer of bone morphogenetic protein-2 enhances mesenchymal stem cell chondrogenic differentiation. Acta Biomater 2018; 71:156-167. [PMID: 29481871 PMCID: PMC5899933 DOI: 10.1016/j.actbio.2018.02.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2017] [Revised: 02/13/2018] [Accepted: 02/20/2018] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
Skeletal tissue regeneration following traumatic injury involves a complex cascade of growth factor signals that direct the differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) within the fracture. The necessity for controlled and localized expression of these factors has highlighted the role gene therapy may play as a promising treatment option for bone repair. However, the design of nanocarrier systems that negotiate efficient intracellular trafficking and nuclear delivery represents a significant challenge. Recent investigations have highlighted the roles histone tail sequences play in directing nuclear delivery and activating DNA transcription. We previously established the ability to recapitulate these natural histone tail activities within non-viral nanocarriers, improving gene transfer and expression by enabling effective navigation to the nucleus via retrograde vesicular trafficking. Herein, we demonstrate that histone-targeting leads to ∼4-fold enhancements in osteogenic bone morphogenetic protein-2 (BMP-2) expression by MSCs over 6 days, as compared with standard polymeric transfection reagents. This improved expression augmented chondrogenesis, an essential first step in fracture healing. Importantly, significant enhancements of cartilage-specific protein expression were triggered by histone-targeted gene transfer, as compared with the response to treatment with equivalent amounts of recombinant BMP-2 protein. In fact, an ∼100-fold increase in recombinant BMP-2 was required to achieve similar levels of chondrogenic gene and protein expression. The enhancements in differentiation achieved using histone-targeting were in part enabled by an increase in transcription factor expression, which functioned to drive MSC chondrogenesis. These novel findings demonstrate the utility of histone-targeted gene transfer strategies to enable substantial reductions in BMP-2 dosing for bone regenerative applications. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE This contribution addresses significant limitations in non-viral gene transfer for bone regenerative applications by exploiting a novel histone-targeting approach for cell-triggered delivery that induces osteogenic BMP-2 expression coincident with the initiation of bone repair. During repair, proliferating MSCs respond to a complex series of growth factor signals that direct their differentiation along cellular lineages essential to mature bone formation. Although these MSCs are ideal targets for enhanced transfection during cellular mitosis, few non-viral delivery approaches exist to enable maximization of this effect. Accordingly, this contribution seeks to utilize our histone-targeted nanocarrier design strategy to stimulate BMP-2 gene transfer in dividing MSCs. This gene-based approach leads to significantly augmented MSC chondrogenesis, an essential first step in bone tissue repair.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erik V Munsell
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of Delaware, 150 Academy Street, Newark, DE 19716, United States.
| | - Deepa S Kurpad
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Sidney Kimmel Medical College, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA 19107, United States.
| | - Theresa A Freeman
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Sidney Kimmel Medical College, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA 19107, United States.
| | - Millicent O Sullivan
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of Delaware, 150 Academy Street, Newark, DE 19716, United States.
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Ma XX, Gao H, Zhang YX, Jia YY, Li C, Zhou SY, Zhang BL. Construction and evaluation of BSA-CaP nanomaterials with enhanced transgene performance via biocorona-inspired caveolae-mediated endocytosis. NANOTECHNOLOGY 2018; 29:085101. [PMID: 29256442 DOI: 10.1088/1361-6528/aaa2b2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Non-viral nanovectors have attracted much attention owing to their ability to condense genetic materials and their ease of modification. However, their poor stability, low biocompatibility and gene degradation in endosomes or lysosomes has significantly hampered their application in vivo and in the clinic. In an attempt to overcome these difficulties a series of bovine serum albumin (BSA)-calcium phosphate (CaP) nanoparticles were constructed. The CaP condenses with DNA to form nanocomplexes coated with a biomimetic corona of BSA. Such complexes may retain the inherent endocytosis profile of BSA, with improved biocompatibility. In particular the transgene performance may be enhanced by stimulating the cellular uptake pathway via caveolae-mediated endocytosis. Two methods were employed to construct and optimize the formulation of BSA-CaP nanomaterials. The optimized BSA-CaP-50-M2 nanoparticles prepared by our second method exhibited good stability, negligible cytotoxicity and enhanced transgene performance with long-term expression for 72 h in vivo even with a single dose. Determination of the cellular uptake pathway and Western blot revealed that cellular uptake of the designed BSA-CaP-50-M2 nanoparticles was mainly via caveolae-mediated endocytosis in a non-degradative pathway in which the biomimetic uptake profile of BSA was retained.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xi-Xi Ma
- Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmacy, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, 710032, People's Republic of China
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Bus T, Traeger A, Schubert US. The great escape: how cationic polyplexes overcome the endosomal barrier. J Mater Chem B 2018; 6:6904-6918. [DOI: 10.1039/c8tb00967h] [Citation(s) in RCA: 182] [Impact Index Per Article: 30.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Endo-lysosomal escape strategies of cationic polymer-mediated gene delivery at a glance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tanja Bus
- Laboratory of Organic Chemistry and Macromolecular Chemistry (IOMC)
- Friedrich Schiller University Jena
- 07743 Jena
- Germany
- Jena Center for Soft Matter (JCSM)
| | - Anja Traeger
- Laboratory of Organic Chemistry and Macromolecular Chemistry (IOMC)
- Friedrich Schiller University Jena
- 07743 Jena
- Germany
- Jena Center for Soft Matter (JCSM)
| | - Ulrich S. Schubert
- Laboratory of Organic Chemistry and Macromolecular Chemistry (IOMC)
- Friedrich Schiller University Jena
- 07743 Jena
- Germany
- Jena Center for Soft Matter (JCSM)
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38
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Khalil AS, Yu X, Xie AW, Fontana G, Umhoefer JM, Johnson HJ, Hookway TA, McDevitt TC, Murphy WL. Functionalization of microparticles with mineral coatings enhances non-viral transfection of primary human cells. Sci Rep 2017; 7:14211. [PMID: 29079806 PMCID: PMC5660152 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-017-14153-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2017] [Accepted: 10/02/2017] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Gene delivery to primary human cells is a technology of critical interest to both life science research and therapeutic applications. However, poor efficiencies in gene transfer and undesirable safety profiles remain key limitations in advancing this technology. Here, we describe a materials-based approach whereby application of a bioresorbable mineral coating improves microparticle-based transfection of plasmid DNA lipoplexes in several primary human cell types. In the presence of these mineral-coated microparticles (MCMs), we observed up to 4-fold increases in transfection efficiency with simultaneous reductions in cytotoxicity. We identified mechanisms by which MCMs improve transfection, as well as coating compositions that improve transfection in three-dimensional cell constructs. The approach afforded efficient transfection in primary human fibroblasts as well as mesenchymal and embryonic stem cells for both two- and three-dimensional transfection strategies. This MCM-based transfection is an advancement in gene delivery technology, as it represents a non-viral approach that enables highly efficient, localized transfection and allows for transfection of three-dimensional cell constructs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew S Khalil
- Department of Biomedical Engineering-University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Xiaohua Yu
- Department of Orthopedics and Rehabilitation-University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Angela W Xie
- Department of Biomedical Engineering-University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Gianluca Fontana
- Department of Biomedical Engineering-University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Jennifer M Umhoefer
- Department of Biomedical Engineering-University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Hunter J Johnson
- Department of Biomedical Engineering-University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Tracy A Hookway
- Department of Bioengineering & Therapeutic Sciences-University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Roddenberry Center for Stem Cell Biology & Medicine-Gladstone Institutes, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Todd C McDevitt
- Department of Bioengineering & Therapeutic Sciences-University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Roddenberry Center for Stem Cell Biology & Medicine-Gladstone Institutes, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - William L Murphy
- Department of Biomedical Engineering-University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA.
- Department of Orthopedics and Rehabilitation-University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA.
- The Materials Science Program-University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA.
- The Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine Center-University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA.
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Levacic AK, Morys S, Kempter S, Lächelt U, Wagner E. Minicircle Versus Plasmid DNA Delivery by Receptor-Targeted Polyplexes. Hum Gene Ther 2017; 28:862-874. [DOI: 10.1089/hum.2017.123] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Ana Krhac Levacic
- Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Center for System-based Drug Research, and Center for NanoScience (CeNS), Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Munich, Germany
| | - Stephan Morys
- Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Center for System-based Drug Research, and Center for NanoScience (CeNS), Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Munich, Germany
| | - Susanne Kempter
- Department of Physics, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Munich, Germany
| | - Ulrich Lächelt
- Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Center for System-based Drug Research, and Center for NanoScience (CeNS), Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Munich, Germany
- Nanosystems Initiative Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Ernst Wagner
- Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Center for System-based Drug Research, and Center for NanoScience (CeNS), Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Munich, Germany
- Nanosystems Initiative Munich, Munich, Germany
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40
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Kim SW, Lee YK, Kim SH, Park JY, Lee DU, Choi J, Hong JH, Kim S, Khang D. Covalent, Non-Covalent, Encapsulated Nanodrug Regulate the Fate of Intra- and Extracellular Trafficking: Impact on Cancer and Normal Cells. Sci Rep 2017; 7:6454. [PMID: 28743942 PMCID: PMC5526881 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-017-06796-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2017] [Accepted: 06/28/2017] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Drugs need to be designed to access the designated intracellular organelle compartments in order to maximize anticancer efficacy. This study identified that covalently conjugated, non-covalent polyethylene glycol coated and encapsulated nanodrugs selectively influence drug uptake, the intracellular and extracellular trafficking of cancer cells. The types of nano conjugation modulated intracellular dynamics associated with differential impact on anti-cancer efficacy, but also induced differential cytotoxicity on cancer versus normal cells. In conclusion, this study demonstrated the importance of selecting the appropriate type of nano-conjugation for delivering organelle specific, active chemotherapeutic agents through controlled intracellular trafficking.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sang-Woo Kim
- Lee Gil Ya Cancer and Diabetes Institute, Gachon University, Incheon, 21999, South Korea
| | - Yeon Kyung Lee
- Lee Gil Ya Cancer and Diabetes Institute, Gachon University, Incheon, 21999, South Korea
| | - Sang-Hyun Kim
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Kyungpook National University, Daegu, 41566, South Korea
| | - Jun-Young Park
- Lee Gil Ya Cancer and Diabetes Institute, Gachon University, Incheon, 21999, South Korea
| | - Dong Un Lee
- Lee Gil Ya Cancer and Diabetes Institute, Gachon University, Incheon, 21999, South Korea
| | - Jungil Choi
- Gyeongnam Department of Environment Toxicology and Chemistry, Korea Institutes of Toxicology, Jinju, 52834, South Korea
| | - Jeong Hee Hong
- Lee Gil Ya Cancer and Diabetes Institute, Gachon University, Incheon, 21999, South Korea.,Department of Physiology, College of Medicine, Gachon University, Incheon, 21999, South Korea
| | - Sanghyo Kim
- Department of Bionanotechnology, Gachon University, Seongnam, 13120, South Korea.
| | - Dongwoo Khang
- Lee Gil Ya Cancer and Diabetes Institute, Gachon University, Incheon, 21999, South Korea. .,Department of Physiology, College of Medicine, Gachon University, Incheon, 21999, South Korea.
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A Triple-Fluorophore-Labeled Nucleic Acid pH Nanosensor to Investigate Non-viral Gene Delivery. Mol Ther 2017; 25:1697-1709. [PMID: 28479046 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymthe.2017.04.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2016] [Revised: 04/06/2017] [Accepted: 04/06/2017] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
There is a need for new tools to better quantify intracellular delivery barriers in high-throughput and high-content ways. Here, we synthesized a triple-fluorophore-labeled nucleic acid pH nanosensor for measuring intracellular pH of exogenous DNA at specific time points in a high-throughput manner by flow cytometry following non-viral transfection. By including two pH-sensitive fluorophores and one pH-insensitive fluorophore in the nanosensor, detection of pH was possible over the full physiological range. We further assessed possible correlation between intracellular pH of delivered DNA, cellular uptake of DNA, and DNA reporter gene expression at 24 hr post-transfection for poly-L-lysine and branched polyethylenimine polyplex nanoparticles. While successful transfection was shown to clearly depend on median cellular pH of delivered DNA at the cell population level, surprisingly, on an individual cell basis, there was no significant correlation between intracellular pH and transfection efficacy. To our knowledge, this is the first reported instance of high-throughput single-cell analysis between cellular uptake of DNA, intracellular pH of delivered DNA, and gene expression of the delivered DNA. Using the nanosensor, we demonstrate that the ability of polymeric nanoparticles to avoid an acidic environment is necessary, but not sufficient, for successful transfection.
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Battistella C, Klok HA. Controlling and Monitoring Intracellular Delivery of Anticancer Polymer Nanomedicines. Macromol Biosci 2017; 17. [DOI: 10.1002/mabi.201700022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2017] [Revised: 03/03/2017] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Claudia Battistella
- École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL); Institut des Matériaux et Institut des Sciences et Ingénierie Chimiques; Laboratoire des Polymères; Bâtiment MXD; Station 12 CH-1015 Lausanne Switzerland
| | - Harm-Anton Klok
- École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL); Institut des Matériaux et Institut des Sciences et Ingénierie Chimiques; Laboratoire des Polymères; Bâtiment MXD; Station 12 CH-1015 Lausanne Switzerland
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Abstract
Physiological characteristics of diseases bring about both challenges and opportunities for targeted drug delivery. Various drug delivery platforms have been devised ranging from macro- to micro- and further into the nanoscopic scale in the past decades. Recently, the favorable physicochemical properties of nanomaterials, including long circulation, robust tissue and cell penetration attract broad interest, leading to extensive studies for therapeutic benefits. Accumulated knowledge about the physiological barriers that affect the in vivo fate of nanomedicine has led to more rational guidelines for tailoring the nanocarriers, such as size, shape, charge, and surface ligands. Meanwhile, progresses in material chemistry and molecular pharmaceutics generate a panel of physiological stimuli-responsive modules that are equipped into the formulations to prepare “smart” drug delivery systems. The capability of harnessing physiological traits of diseased tissues to control the accumulation of or drug release from nanomedicine has further improved the controlled drug release profiles with a precise manner. Successful clinical translation of a few nano-formulations has excited the collaborative efforts from the research community, pharmaceutical industry, and the public towards a promising future of smart drug delivery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wujin Sun
- Joint Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina; Division of Molecular Pharmaceutics and Center for Nanotechnology in Drug Delivery, Eshelman School of Pharmacy, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina; and Department of Medicine, University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
| | - Quanyin Hu
- Joint Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina; Division of Molecular Pharmaceutics and Center for Nanotechnology in Drug Delivery, Eshelman School of Pharmacy, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina; and Department of Medicine, University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
| | - Wenyan Ji
- Joint Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina; Division of Molecular Pharmaceutics and Center for Nanotechnology in Drug Delivery, Eshelman School of Pharmacy, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina; and Department of Medicine, University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
| | - Grace Wright
- Joint Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina; Division of Molecular Pharmaceutics and Center for Nanotechnology in Drug Delivery, Eshelman School of Pharmacy, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina; and Department of Medicine, University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
| | - Zhen Gu
- Joint Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina; Division of Molecular Pharmaceutics and Center for Nanotechnology in Drug Delivery, Eshelman School of Pharmacy, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina; and Department of Medicine, University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
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Ross NL, Sullivan MO. Overexpression of caveolin-1 in inflammatory breast cancer cells enables IBC-specific gene delivery and prodrug conversion using histone-targeted polyplexes. Biotechnol Bioeng 2016; 113:2686-2697. [PMID: 27241022 PMCID: PMC5268818 DOI: 10.1002/bit.26022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2016] [Revised: 04/18/2016] [Accepted: 05/27/2016] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Gene therapy platforms offer a variety of potentially effective solutions for development of targeted agents that can be exploited for cancer treatment. The physicochemical properties of nanocarriers can be tuned to enhance their localization in tumors, and cell specificity can also be increased by appropriate selection of gene targets. A relatively underexploited approach to enhance therapeutic selectivity in cancer tissues is the use of nanocarriers whose nuclear targeting and uptake are triggered by the altered expression of specific endomembrane trafficking proteins in cancer cells. Previously, we showed that histone 3 (H3) peptide-targeted DNA polyplexes traffic to the nucleus efficiently through caveolar endocytosis followed by transfer through the Golgi and endoplasmic reticulum (ER). We hypothesized that these polyplexes would exhibit enhanced activity in inflammatory breast cancer (IBC) cells, which overexpress caveolin-1 as part of their invasive phenotype, and we also posited that this targeting effect could be exploited to facilitate IBC-specific transfection and prodrug conversion in the presence of normal breast epithelial cells. Using cellular transfection experiments, function-blocking assays, and confocal imaging in both IBC SUM149 cell monocultures and IBC SUM149 co-cultures with MCF10A normal breast epithelial cells, we found that our H3-targeted polyplexes selectively transfected IBC SUM149 cells at a 4-fold higher level than normal breast epithelial cells. This selectivity and increased transfection were caused by a 2.2-fold overexpression of caveolin-1 in IBC SUM149 cells, which led to increased polyplex trafficking to the nucleus through the Golgi and ER. We also saw similar enhancements in cell selectivity and transfection when cells were transfected with a suicide gene/prodrug combination, as the increased expression of the suicide gene in IBC SUM149 cells led to a 55% decrease in viability in IBC SUM149 cells as compared to a 25% decrease in MCF10A cells. These findings demonstrate that differences in the expression of the endocytic membrane protein caveolin-1 can be exploited for cell-selective gene delivery, and ultimately, these gene-based targeting approaches may be useful in potential treatments for aggressive cancer types. Biotechnol. Bioeng. 2016;113: 2686-2697. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nikki L Ross
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of Delaware, 150 Academy St., Newark, Delaware 19716
| | - Millicent O Sullivan
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of Delaware, 150 Academy St., Newark, Delaware 19716.
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Endocytic Transport of Polyplex and Lipoplex siRNA Vectors in HeLa Cells. Pharm Res 2016; 33:2999-3011. [DOI: 10.1007/s11095-016-2022-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2016] [Accepted: 08/12/2016] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
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Vaidyanathan S, Orr BG, Banaszak Holl MM. Role of Cell Membrane-Vector Interactions in Successful Gene Delivery. Acc Chem Res 2016; 49:1486-93. [PMID: 27459207 DOI: 10.1021/acs.accounts.6b00200] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
Cationic polymers have been investigated as nonviral vectors for gene delivery due to their favorable safety profile when compared to viral vectors. However, nonviral vectors are limited by poor efficacy in inducing gene expression. The physicochemical properties of cationic polymers enabling successful gene expression have been investigated in order to improve expression efficiency and safety. Studies over the past several years have focused on five possible rate-limiting processes to explain the differences in gene expression: (1) endosomal release, (2) transport within specific intracellular pathways, (3) protection of DNA from nucleases, (4) transport into the nucleus, and (5) DNA release from vectors. However, determining the relative importance of these processes and the vector properties necessary for optimization remain a challenge to the field. In this Account, we describe over a decade of studies focused on understanding the interaction of cationic polymer and cationic polymer/oligonucleotide (polyplex) interactions with model lipid membranes, cell membranes, and cells in culture. In particular, we have been interested in how the interaction between cationic polymers and the membrane influences the intracellular transport of intact DNA to the nucleus. Recent advances in microfluidic patch clamp techniques enabled us to quantify polyplex cell membrane interactions at the cellular level with precise control over material concentrations and exposure times. In attempting to relate these findings to subsequent intracellular transport of DNA and expression of protein, we needed to develop an approach that could distinguish DNA that was intact and potentially functional for gene expression from the much larger pool of degraded, nonfunctional DNA within the cell. We addressed this need by developing a FRET oligonucleotide molecular beacon (OMB) to monitor intact DNA transport. The research highlighted in this Account builds to the conclusion that polyplex transported DNA is released from endosomes by free cationic polymer intercalated into the endosomal membrane. This cationic polymer initially interacts with the cell plasma membrane and appears to reach the endosome by lipid cycling mechanisms. The fraction of cells displaying release of intact DNA from endosomes quantitatively predicts the fraction of cells displaying gene expression for both linear poly(ethylenimine) (L-PEI; an effective vector) and generation five poly(amidoamine) dendrimer (G5 PAMAM; an ineffective vector). Moreover, intact OMB delivered with G5 PAMAM, which normally is confined to endosomes, was released by the subsequent addition of L-PEI with a corresponding 10-fold increase in transgene expression. These observations are consistent with experiments demonstrating that cationic polymer/membrane partition coefficients, not polyplex/membrane partition coefficients, predict successful gene expression. Interestingly, a similar partitioning of cationic polymers into the mitochondrial membranes has been proposed to explain the cytotoxicity of these materials. Thus, the proposed model indicates the same physicochemical property (partitioning into lipid bilayers) is linked to release from endosomes, giving protein expression, and to cytotoxicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sriram Vaidyanathan
- Departments of Biomedical Engineering, ‡Chemistry, and §Physics, ∥Program in Applied Physics and ⊥Macromolecular
Science and Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, United States
| | - Bradford G. Orr
- Departments of Biomedical Engineering, ‡Chemistry, and §Physics, ∥Program in Applied Physics and ⊥Macromolecular
Science and Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, United States
| | - Mark M. Banaszak Holl
- Departments of Biomedical Engineering, ‡Chemistry, and §Physics, ∥Program in Applied Physics and ⊥Macromolecular
Science and Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, United States
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47
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Voronina N, Lemcke H, Wiekhorst F, Kühn JP, Rimmbach C, Steinhoff G, David R. Non-viral magnetic engineering of endothelial cells with microRNA and plasmid-DNA-An optimized targeting approach. NANOMEDICINE-NANOTECHNOLOGY BIOLOGY AND MEDICINE 2016; 12:2353-2364. [PMID: 27389150 DOI: 10.1016/j.nano.2016.06.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2016] [Revised: 05/27/2016] [Accepted: 06/23/2016] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Genetic modulation of angiogenesis is a powerful tool for the treatment of multiple disorders. Here, we describe a strategy to produce modified endothelial cells, which can be efficiently magnetically guided. First, we defined optimal transfection conditions with both plasmid and microRNA, using a polyethyleneimine/magnetic nanoparticle-based vector (PEI/MNP), previously designed in our group. Further, two approaches were assessed in vitro: direct vector guidance and magnetic targeting of transfected cells. Due to its higher efficiency, including simulated dynamic conditions, production of miR/PEI/MNP-modified magnetically responsive cells was selected for further detailed investigation. In particular, we have studied internalization of transfection complexes, functional capacities and intercellular communication of engineered cells and delivery of therapeutic miR. Moreover, we demonstrated that 104 miRNA/PEI/MNP-modified magnetically responsive cells loaded with 0.37pg iron/cell are detectable with MRI. Taken together, our in vitro findings show that PEI/MNP is highly promising as a multifunctional tool for magnetically guided angiogenesis regulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natalia Voronina
- Reference and Translation Center for Cardiac Stem Cell Therapy (RTC), Department of Cardiac Surgery, University of Rostock, Rostock, Germany.
| | - Heiko Lemcke
- Reference and Translation Center for Cardiac Stem Cell Therapy (RTC), Department of Cardiac Surgery, University of Rostock, Rostock, Germany.
| | | | - Jens-Peter Kühn
- Department of Radiology and Neuroradiology, Ernst-Moritz-Arndt-University Greifswald, Greifswald, Germany;.
| | - Christian Rimmbach
- Reference and Translation Center for Cardiac Stem Cell Therapy (RTC), Department of Cardiac Surgery, University of Rostock, Rostock, Germany
| | - Gustav Steinhoff
- Reference and Translation Center for Cardiac Stem Cell Therapy (RTC), Department of Cardiac Surgery, University of Rostock, Rostock, Germany.
| | - Robert David
- Reference and Translation Center for Cardiac Stem Cell Therapy (RTC), Department of Cardiac Surgery, University of Rostock, Rostock, Germany.
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Vaidyanathan S, Chen J, Orr BG, Banaszak Holl MM. Cationic Polymer Intercalation into the Lipid Membrane Enables Intact Polyplex DNA Escape from Endosomes for Gene Delivery. Mol Pharm 2016; 13:1967-78. [PMID: 27111496 DOI: 10.1021/acs.molpharmaceut.6b00139] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Developing improved cationic polymer-DNA polyplexes for gene delivery requires improved understanding of DNA transport from endosomes into the nucleus. Using a FRET-capable oligonucleotide molecular beacon (OMB), we monitored the transport of intact DNA to cell organelles. We observed that for effective (jetPEI) and ineffective (G5 PAMAM) vectors, the fraction of cells displaying intact OMB in the cytosol (jetPEI ≫ G5 PAMAM) quantitatively predicted the fraction expressing transgene (jetPEI ≫ G5 PAMAM). Intact OMB delivered with PAMAM and confined to endosomes could be released to the cytosol by the subsequent addition of L-PEI, with a corresponding 10-fold increase in transgene expression. These results suggest that future vector development should optimize vectors for intercalation into, and destabilization of, the endosomal membrane. Finally, the study highlights a two-step strategy in which the pDNA is loaded in cells using one vector and endosomal release is mediated by a second agent.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sriram Vaidyanathan
- Departments of †Biomedical Engineering and ‡Chemistry and Programs in §Applied Physics and ⊥Macromolecular Science and Engineering, University of Michigan , Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, United States
| | - Junjie Chen
- Departments of †Biomedical Engineering and ‡Chemistry and Programs in §Applied Physics and ⊥Macromolecular Science and Engineering, University of Michigan , Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, United States
| | - Bradford G Orr
- Departments of †Biomedical Engineering and ‡Chemistry and Programs in §Applied Physics and ⊥Macromolecular Science and Engineering, University of Michigan , Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, United States
| | - Mark M Banaszak Holl
- Departments of †Biomedical Engineering and ‡Chemistry and Programs in §Applied Physics and ⊥Macromolecular Science and Engineering, University of Michigan , Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, United States
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49
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Yu M, Jie X, Xu L, Chen C, Shen W, Cao Y, Lian G, Qi R. Recent Advances in Dendrimer Research for Cardiovascular Diseases. Biomacromolecules 2015; 16:2588-98. [DOI: 10.1021/acs.biomac.5b00979] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Maomao Yu
- Peking
University Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing 100191, China
| | - Xu Jie
- School
of Pharmacy, Shihezi University, Shihezi 832000, China
| | - Lu Xu
- Peking
University Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing 100191, China
| | - Cong Chen
- Peking
University Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing 100191, China
| | - Wanli Shen
- School
of Pharmacy, Shihezi University, Shihezi 832000, China
| | - Yini Cao
- Peking
University Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing 100191, China
| | - Guan Lian
- School
of Pharmacy, Shihezi University, Shihezi 832000, China
| | - Rong Qi
- Peking
University Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing 100191, China
- School
of Pharmacy, Shihezi University, Shihezi 832000, China
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Sarett SM, Kilchrist KV, Miteva M, Duvall CL. Conjugation of palmitic acid improves potency and longevity of siRNA delivered via endosomolytic polymer nanoparticles. J Biomed Mater Res A 2015; 103:3107-16. [PMID: 25641816 PMCID: PMC4520743 DOI: 10.1002/jbm.a.35413] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2014] [Revised: 01/20/2015] [Accepted: 01/21/2015] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Clinical translation of siRNA therapeutics has been limited by the inability to effectively overcome the rigorous delivery barriers associated with intracellular-acting biologics. Here, to address both potency and longevity of siRNA gene silencing, pH-responsive micellar nanoparticle (NP) carriers loaded with siRNA conjugated to palmitic acid (siRNA-PA) were investigated as a combined approach to improve siRNA endosomal escape and stability. Conjugation to hydrophobic PA improved NP loading efficiency relative to unmodified siRNA, enabling complete packaging of siRNA-PA at a lower polymer:siRNA ratio. PA conjugation also increased intracellular uptake of the nucleic acid cargo by 35-fold and produced a 3.1-fold increase in intracellular half-life. The higher uptake and improved retention of siRNA-PA NPs correlated to a 2- and 11-fold decrease in gene silencing IC50 in comparison to siRNA NPs in fibroblasts and mesenchymal stem cells, respectively, for both the model gene luciferase and the therapeutically relevant gene prolyl hydroxylase domain protein 2 (PHD2) . PA conjugation also significantly increased longevity of silencing activity following a single treatment in fibroblasts. Thus, conjugation of PA to siRNA paired with endosomolytic NPs is a promising approach to enhance the functional efficacy of siRNA in tissue regenerative and other applications.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Martina Miteva
- Vanderbilt University Department of Biomedical Engineering
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