1
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Egberink RO, van Asbeck AH, Boswinkel M, Muradjan G, Dieker J, Brock R. Deciphering Structural Determinants Distinguishing Active from Inactive Cell-Penetrating Peptides for Cytosolic mRNA Delivery. Bioconjug Chem 2023; 34:1822-1834. [PMID: 37733627 PMCID: PMC10587869 DOI: 10.1021/acs.bioconjchem.3c00346] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2023] [Revised: 09/07/2023] [Indexed: 09/23/2023]
Abstract
The formation of noncovalent complexes by mixing of positively charged polymers with negatively charged oligonucleotides (ONs) is a widely explored concept in nanomedicine to achieve cellular delivery of ONs. Uptake of ON complexes occurs through endocytosis, which then requires release of ON from endosomes. As one type of polymer, cell-penetrating peptides (CPPs) are being used which are peptides of about 8-30 amino acids in length. However, only a few CPPs yield effective cytosolic ON delivery and activity. Several strategies have been devised to increase cellular uptake and enhance endosomal release, among which an increase of osmotic pressure through the so-called proton sponge effect, disruption of membrane integrity through membrane activity, and disulfide-mediated polymerization. Here, we address the relevance of these concepts for mRNA delivery by incorporating structural features into the human lactoferrin-derived CPP, which shows uptake but not delivery. The incorporation of histidines was explored to address osmotic pressure and structural motifs of the delivery-active CPP PepFect14 (PF14) to address membrane disturbance, and finally, the impact of polymerization was explored. Whereas oligomerization increased the stability of polyplexes against heparin-induced decomplexation, neither this approach nor the incorporation of histidine residues to promote a proton-sponge effect yielded activity. Also, the replacement of arginine residues with lysine or ornithine residues, as in PF14, was without effect, even though all polyplexes showed cellular uptake. Ultimately, sufficient activity could only be achieved by transferring amphipathic sequence motifs from PF14 into the hLF context with some benefit of oligomerization demonstrating overarching principles of delivery for CPPs, lipid nanoparticles, and other types of delivery polymers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rik Oude Egberink
- Department
of Medical BioSciences, Research Institute for Medical Innovation, Radboud University Medical Center, 6525 GA Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Alexander H. van Asbeck
- Department
of Medical BioSciences, Research Institute for Medical Innovation, Radboud University Medical Center, 6525 GA Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Milou Boswinkel
- Department
of Medical BioSciences, Research Institute for Medical Innovation, Radboud University Medical Center, 6525 GA Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Grigor Muradjan
- Department
of Medical BioSciences, Research Institute for Medical Innovation, Radboud University Medical Center, 6525 GA Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Jürgen Dieker
- Department
of Medical BioSciences, Research Institute for Medical Innovation, Radboud University Medical Center, 6525 GA Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Roland Brock
- Department
of Medical BioSciences, Research Institute for Medical Innovation, Radboud University Medical Center, 6525 GA Nijmegen, The Netherlands
- Department
of Medical Biochemistry, College of Medicine and Medical Sciences, Arabian Gulf University, Manama 329, Bahrain
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2
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Szewczyk-Roszczenko OK, Roszczenko P, Shmakova A, Finiuk N, Holota S, Lesyk R, Bielawska A, Vassetzky Y, Bielawski K. The Chemical Inhibitors of Endocytosis: From Mechanisms to Potential Clinical Applications. Cells 2023; 12:2312. [PMID: 37759535 PMCID: PMC10527932 DOI: 10.3390/cells12182312] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2023] [Accepted: 09/07/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Endocytosis is one of the major ways cells communicate with their environment. This process is frequently hijacked by pathogens. Endocytosis also participates in the oncogenic transformation. Here, we review the approaches to inhibit endocytosis, discuss chemical inhibitors of this process, and discuss potential clinical applications of the endocytosis inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Piotr Roszczenko
- Department of Biotechnology, Medical University of Bialystok, Kilinskiego 1, 15-089 Bialystok, Poland; (P.R.); (A.B.)
| | - Anna Shmakova
- CNRS, UMR 9018, Institut Gustave Roussy, Université Paris-Saclay, 94800 Villejuif, France;
| | - Nataliya Finiuk
- Department of Regulation of Cell Proliferation and Apoptosis, Institute of Cell Biology of National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine, Drahomanov 14/16, 79005 Lviv, Ukraine;
| | - Serhii Holota
- Department of Pharmaceutical, Organic and Bioorganic Chemistry, Danylo Halytsky Lviv National Medical University, Pekarska 69, 79010 Lviv, Ukraine; (S.H.); (R.L.)
| | - Roman Lesyk
- Department of Pharmaceutical, Organic and Bioorganic Chemistry, Danylo Halytsky Lviv National Medical University, Pekarska 69, 79010 Lviv, Ukraine; (S.H.); (R.L.)
| | - Anna Bielawska
- Department of Biotechnology, Medical University of Bialystok, Kilinskiego 1, 15-089 Bialystok, Poland; (P.R.); (A.B.)
| | - Yegor Vassetzky
- CNRS, UMR 9018, Institut Gustave Roussy, Université Paris-Saclay, 94800 Villejuif, France;
| | - Krzysztof Bielawski
- Department of Synthesis and Technology of Drugs, Medical University of Bialystok, Kilinskiego 1, 15-089 Bialystok, Poland;
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3
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Periyasamy K, Maloverjan M, Biswas A, Remm A, Pook M, Rebane A, Pooga M. PepFect14 mediates the delivery of mRNA into human primary keratinocytes and in vivo. Front Pharmacol 2023; 14:1219761. [PMID: 37521463 PMCID: PMC10374019 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2023.1219761] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2023] [Accepted: 07/03/2023] [Indexed: 08/01/2023] Open
Abstract
mRNA-based vaccines and candidate therapeutics have great potential in various medical fields. For the delivery of mRNA into target cells and tissues, lipid formulations are often employed. However, this approach could cause the activation of immune responses, making it unsuitable for the treatment of inflammatory conditions. Therefore, alternative delivery systems are highly demanded. In this study, we evaluated the transport efficiency and characteristics of cell-penetrating peptide PepFect14 (PF14) and mRNA nanoparticles in the presence of different additives. Our results show that all PF14-mRNA formulations entered cultured cells, while calcium chloride enhanced the transport and production of the encoded protein in HeLa and HaCaT cell lines, and polysorbate 80 did so in primary human keratinocytes. All formulations had similar physical properties and did not remarkably affect cell viability. By selectively blocking endocytosis pathways, we show that PF14-mRNA nanoparticles primarily entered HeLa cells via macropinocytosis and HaCaT cells via both macropinocytosis and clathrin-mediated endocytosis, while none of the blockers significantly affected the delivery into primary keratinocytes. Finally, subcutaneous injection of PF14-mRNA nanoparticles before inducing mouse irritant contact dermatitis resulted in the expression of a reporter protein without provoking harmful immune responses in the skin. Together, our findings suggest that PF14-mRNA nanoparticles have the potential for developing mRNA-based therapeutics for treating inflammatory skin conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kapilraj Periyasamy
- Institute of Biomedicine and Translational Medicine, University of Tartu, Tartu, Estonia
| | | | - Abhijit Biswas
- Institute of Technology, University of Tartu, Tartu, Estonia
| | - Anu Remm
- Institute of Biomedicine and Translational Medicine, University of Tartu, Tartu, Estonia
| | - Martin Pook
- Institute of Biomedicine and Translational Medicine, University of Tartu, Tartu, Estonia
| | - Ana Rebane
- Institute of Biomedicine and Translational Medicine, University of Tartu, Tartu, Estonia
| | - Margus Pooga
- Institute of Technology, University of Tartu, Tartu, Estonia
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4
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Noble JE, Vila-Gómez P, Rey S, Dondi C, Briones A, Aggarwal P, Hoose A, Baran M, Ryadnov MG. Folding-Mediated DNA Delivery by α-Helical Amphipathic Peptides. ACS Biomater Sci Eng 2023; 9:2584-2595. [PMID: 37014978 DOI: 10.1021/acsbiomaterials.3c00221] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/06/2023]
Abstract
The renaissance gene therapy experiences these days requires specialist biomaterials and a systemic understanding of major factors influencing their ability to deliver genetic material. Peptide transfection systems represent a major class of such biomaterials. Several peptidic reagents have been commercialized to date. However, a comparative assessment of peptide sequences alone without auxiliary support or excipients against a common determinant for their ability to complex and deliver DNA has been lacking. This study cross-compares commercial and experimental transfection reagents from the same family of helical amphiphiles. Factors defining the efficacy of DNA delivery including cell uptake and gene expression are assessed along with cytotoxicity and DNA complexation. The results show that despite differences in sequence composition, length, and origin, peptide reagents of the same structural family exhibit similar characteristics and limitations with common variability trends. The cross-comparison revealed that functional DNA delivery is independent of the peptide sequence used but is mediated by the ability of the reagents to co-fold with DNA. Peptide folding proved to be the common determinant for DNA complexation and delivery by peptidic transfection reagents.
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Affiliation(s)
- James E Noble
- National Physical Laboratory, Hampton Road, Teddington TW11 0LW, U.K
| | - Paula Vila-Gómez
- National Physical Laboratory, Hampton Road, Teddington TW11 0LW, U.K
- Department of Brain Sciences, Imperial College London, London W12 0TR, U.K
| | - Stephanie Rey
- National Physical Laboratory, Hampton Road, Teddington TW11 0LW, U.K
| | - Camilla Dondi
- National Physical Laboratory, Hampton Road, Teddington TW11 0LW, U.K
| | - Andrea Briones
- National Physical Laboratory, Hampton Road, Teddington TW11 0LW, U.K
| | - Purnank Aggarwal
- National Physical Laboratory, Hampton Road, Teddington TW11 0LW, U.K
| | - Alex Hoose
- National Physical Laboratory, Hampton Road, Teddington TW11 0LW, U.K
| | - Maryana Baran
- National Physical Laboratory, Hampton Road, Teddington TW11 0LW, U.K
| | - Maxim G Ryadnov
- National Physical Laboratory, Hampton Road, Teddington TW11 0LW, U.K
- Department of Physics, King's College London, London WC2R 2LS, U.K
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5
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Sharma AR, Lee YH, Bat-Ulzii A, Bhattacharya M, Chakraborty C, Lee SS. Recent advances of metal-based nanoparticles in nucleic acid delivery for therapeutic applications. J Nanobiotechnology 2022; 20:501. [PMID: 36434667 PMCID: PMC9700905 DOI: 10.1186/s12951-022-01650-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2022] [Accepted: 09/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Recent efforts in designing nanomaterials to deliver potential therapeutics to the targeted site are overwhelming and palpable. Engineering nanomaterials to deliver biological molecules to exert desirable physiological changes, with minimized side effects and optimal dose, has revolutionized the next-generation therapy for several diseases. The rapid progress of nucleic acids as biopharmaceutics is going to alter the traditional pharmaceutics practices in modern medicine. However, enzymatic instability, large size, dense negative charge (hydrophilic for cell uptake), and unintentional adverse biological responses-such as prolongation of the blood coagulation and immune system activation-hamper the potential use of nucleic acids for therapeutic purposes. Moreover, the safe delivery of nucleic acids into the clinical setting is an uphill task, and several efforts are being put forward to deliver them to targeted cells. Advances in Metal-based NanoParticles (MNPs) are drawing attention due to the unique properties offered by them for drug delivery, such as large surface-area-to-volume ratio for surface modification, increased therapeutic index of drugs through site-specific delivery, increased stability, enhanced half-life of the drug in circulation, and efficient biodistribution to the desired targeted site. Here, the potential of nanoparticles delivery systems for the delivery of nucleic acids, specially MNPs, and their ability and advantages over other nano delivery systems are reviewed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ashish Ranjan Sharma
- grid.464534.40000 0004 0647 1735Institute for Skeletal Aging and Orthopedic Surgery, Hallym University-Chuncheon Sacred Heart Hospital, Chuncheon-si, 24252 Gangwon-do Republic of Korea
| | - Yeon-Hee Lee
- grid.464534.40000 0004 0647 1735Institute for Skeletal Aging and Orthopedic Surgery, Hallym University-Chuncheon Sacred Heart Hospital, Chuncheon-si, 24252 Gangwon-do Republic of Korea
| | - Altanzul Bat-Ulzii
- grid.464534.40000 0004 0647 1735Institute for Skeletal Aging and Orthopedic Surgery, Hallym University-Chuncheon Sacred Heart Hospital, Chuncheon-si, 24252 Gangwon-do Republic of Korea
| | - Manojit Bhattacharya
- grid.444315.30000 0000 9013 5080Department of Zoology, Fakir Mohan University, Vyasa Vihar, Balasore, Odisha 756020 India
| | - Chiranjib Chakraborty
- grid.502979.00000 0004 6087 8632Department of Biotechnology, School of Life Science and Biotechnology, Adamas University, Ba-rasat-Barrackpore Rd, Kolkata, West Bengal 700126 India
| | - Sang-Soo Lee
- grid.464534.40000 0004 0647 1735Institute for Skeletal Aging and Orthopedic Surgery, Hallym University-Chuncheon Sacred Heart Hospital, Chuncheon-si, 24252 Gangwon-do Republic of Korea
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6
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Predicting Transiently Expressed Protein Yields: Comparison of Transfection Methods in CHO and HEK293. Pharmaceutics 2022; 14:pharmaceutics14091949. [PMID: 36145697 PMCID: PMC9505259 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics14091949] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2022] [Revised: 09/08/2022] [Accepted: 09/12/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Therapeutic proteins are currently at the apex of innovation in pharmaceutical medicine. However, their industrial production is technically challenging and improved methods for transient transfection of mammalian cell cultures are necessary. We aimed to find a fast, microliter-scale transfection assay that allows the prediction of protein expression in the transient production settings. We used an array of lipid, polymeric and cell-penetrating peptide transfection reagents, and compared their performance in various high throughput transfection assays to their performance in protein (antibody) expression in professional protein-producer cell lines. First, we show that some of the most frequently used microliter-scale transfection efficacy assays fail to predict performance in the protein production in milliliter and liter scale settings. We found that CHO suspension culture post-transfection EGFP(+) population and SEAP quantitation correlate with large-scale protein production, whereas the adhesion culture assays and transfection of pLuc are non-predictive. Second, we demonstrated that cell-penetrating peptide-based transfection achieves significantly higher protein yields compared to PEI and lipoplex methods in both CHO and HEK293 producer cell lines. In this work we demonstrate a CPP-based transient protein expression approach that significantly outperformed the current industry standard workhorse method of PEI.
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7
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Neugebauer M, Grundmann CE, Lehnert M, von Stetten F, Früh SM, Süss R. Analyzing siRNA Concentration, Complexation and Stability in Cationic Dendriplexes by Stem-Loop Reverse Transcription-qPCR. Pharmaceutics 2022; 14:pharmaceutics14071348. [PMID: 35890243 PMCID: PMC9320460 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics14071348] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2022] [Revised: 06/15/2022] [Accepted: 06/20/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
RNA interference (RNAi) is a powerful therapeutic approach for messenger RNA (mRNA) level regulation in human cells. RNAi can be triggered by small interfering RNAs (siRNAs) which are delivered by non-viral carriers, e.g., dendriplexes. siRNA quantification inside carriers is essential in drug delivery system development. However, current siRNA measuring methods either are not very sensitive, only semi-quantitative or not specific towards intact target siRNA sequences. We present a novel reverse transcription real-time PCR (RT-qPCR)-based application for siRNA quantification in drug formulations. It enables specific and highly sensitive quantification of released, uncomplexed target siRNA and thus also indirect assessment of siRNA stability and concentration inside dendriplexes. We show that comparison with a dilution series allows for siRNA quantification, exclusively measuring intact target sequences. The limit of detection (LOD) was 4.2 pM (±0.2 pM) and the limit of quantification (LOQ) 77.8 pM (±13.4 pM) for uncomplexed siRNA. LOD and LOQ of dendriplex samples were 31.6 pM (±0 pM) and 44.4 pM (±9.0 pM), respectively. Unspecific non-target siRNA sequences did not decrease quantification accuracy when present in samples. As an example of use, we assessed siRNA complexation inside dendriplexes with varying nitrogen-to-phosphate ratios. Further, protection of siRNA inside dendriplexes from RNase A degradation was quantitatively compared to degradation of uncomplexed siRNA. This novel application for quantification of siRNA in drug delivery systems is an important tool for the development of new siRNA-based drugs and quality checks including drug stability measurements.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maximilian Neugebauer
- Hahn-Schickard, Georges-Koehler-Allee 103, 79110 Freiburg, Germany; (M.L.); (F.v.S.); (S.M.F.)
- Laboratory for MEMS Applications, IMTEK—Department of Microsystems Engineering, University of Freiburg, Georges-Koehler-Allee 103, 79110 Freiburg, Germany
- Correspondence:
| | - Clara E. Grundmann
- Department of Pharmaceutical Technology and Biopharmacy, Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Freiburg, Sonnenstr. 5, 79104 Freiburg, Germany; (C.E.G.); (R.S.)
| | - Michael Lehnert
- Hahn-Schickard, Georges-Koehler-Allee 103, 79110 Freiburg, Germany; (M.L.); (F.v.S.); (S.M.F.)
| | - Felix von Stetten
- Hahn-Schickard, Georges-Koehler-Allee 103, 79110 Freiburg, Germany; (M.L.); (F.v.S.); (S.M.F.)
- Laboratory for MEMS Applications, IMTEK—Department of Microsystems Engineering, University of Freiburg, Georges-Koehler-Allee 103, 79110 Freiburg, Germany
| | - Susanna M. Früh
- Hahn-Schickard, Georges-Koehler-Allee 103, 79110 Freiburg, Germany; (M.L.); (F.v.S.); (S.M.F.)
- Laboratory for MEMS Applications, IMTEK—Department of Microsystems Engineering, University of Freiburg, Georges-Koehler-Allee 103, 79110 Freiburg, Germany
| | - Regine Süss
- Department of Pharmaceutical Technology and Biopharmacy, Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Freiburg, Sonnenstr. 5, 79104 Freiburg, Germany; (C.E.G.); (R.S.)
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8
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Transfection of Heat Shock Protein 70 kDa (HSP70). Int J Pept Res Ther 2022. [DOI: 10.1007/s10989-022-10416-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
AbstractHeat shock protein 70 kDa (HSP70) is a major protein family in the cell protections against stress-induced denaturation and aggregation and in the folding of nascent proteins. It is a highly conserved protein that can be found in most organisms and is strongly connected to several intracellular pathways such as protein folding and refolding, protein degradation and regulation, and protection against intense stress. Cellular delivery of HSP70 would be of high impact for clarification of its role in these cellular processes.PepFect14 is a cell-penetrating peptide known to be able to mediate the transfection of various oligonucleotides to multiple cell lines with a higher efficacy than most commercially available transfection agents and without inducing significant toxic effects.In this study we demonstrated that PepFect14 was able to form a complex with HSP70 and to deliver it inside cells in the same fashion with oligonucleotide delivery. The delivered HSP70 showed an effect in the cell regulation indicating that the protein was biologically available in the cytoplasm and the interactions with PepFect14 did not impeach its active sites once the plasma barrier crossed.This study reports the first successful delivery of HSP70 to our knowledge and the first protein transfection mediated by PepFect14. It opens new fields of research for both PepFect14 as a delivery agent and HSP70 as a therapeutic agent; with potential in peptide aggregation caused diseases such as Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s diseases.
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9
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Szabó I, Yousef M, Soltész D, Bató C, Mező G, Bánóczi Z. Redesigning of Cell-Penetrating Peptides to Improve Their Efficacy as a Drug Delivery System. Pharmaceutics 2022; 14:pharmaceutics14050907. [PMID: 35631493 PMCID: PMC9146218 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics14050907] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2022] [Revised: 04/11/2022] [Accepted: 04/13/2022] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Cell-penetrating peptides (CPP) are promising tools for the transport of a broad range of compounds into cells. Since the discovery of the first members of this peptide family, many other peptides have been identified; nowadays, dozens of these peptides are known. These peptides sometimes have very different chemical–physical properties, but they have similar drawbacks; e.g., non-specific internalization, fast elimination from the body, intracellular/vesicular entrapment. Although our knowledge regarding the mechanism and structure–activity relationship of internalization is growing, the prediction and design of the cell-penetrating properties are challenging. In this review, we focus on the different modifications of well-known CPPs to avoid their drawbacks, as well as how these modifications may increase their internalization and/or change the mechanism of penetration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ildikó Szabó
- MTA-ELTE Research Group of Peptide Chemistry, Eötvös Loránd Research Network (ELKH), Eötvös Loránd University, 1117 Budapest, Hungary;
- Correspondence: (I.S.); (Z.B.)
| | - Mo’ath Yousef
- Department of Organic Chemistry, Institute of Chemistry, Eötvös Loránd University, 1117 Budapest, Hungary; (M.Y.); (D.S.); (C.B.)
| | - Dóra Soltész
- Department of Organic Chemistry, Institute of Chemistry, Eötvös Loránd University, 1117 Budapest, Hungary; (M.Y.); (D.S.); (C.B.)
| | - Csaba Bató
- Department of Organic Chemistry, Institute of Chemistry, Eötvös Loránd University, 1117 Budapest, Hungary; (M.Y.); (D.S.); (C.B.)
| | - Gábor Mező
- MTA-ELTE Research Group of Peptide Chemistry, Eötvös Loránd Research Network (ELKH), Eötvös Loránd University, 1117 Budapest, Hungary;
- Department of Organic Chemistry, Institute of Chemistry, Eötvös Loránd University, 1117 Budapest, Hungary; (M.Y.); (D.S.); (C.B.)
| | - Zoltán Bánóczi
- Department of Organic Chemistry, Institute of Chemistry, Eötvös Loránd University, 1117 Budapest, Hungary; (M.Y.); (D.S.); (C.B.)
- Correspondence: (I.S.); (Z.B.)
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10
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Wang J, Chen G, Liu N, Han X, Zhao F, Zhang L, Chen P. Strategies for improving the safety and RNAi efficacy of noncovalent peptide/siRNA nanocomplexes. Adv Colloid Interface Sci 2022; 302:102638. [PMID: 35299136 DOI: 10.1016/j.cis.2022.102638] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2021] [Revised: 03/04/2022] [Accepted: 03/04/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
In the past decades, the striking development of cationic polypeptides and cell-penetrating peptides (CPPs) tailored for small interfering RNA (siRNA) delivery has been fuelled by the conception of nuclear acid therapy and precision medicine. Owing to their amino acid compositions, inherent secondary structures as well as diverse geometrical shapes, peptides or peptide-containing polymers exhibit good biodegradability, high flexibility, and bio-functional diversity as nonviral siRNA vectors. Also, a variety of noncovalent nanocomplexes could be built via self-assembling and electrostatic interactions between cationic peptides and siRNAs. Although the peptide/siRNA nanocomplex-based RNAi therapies, STP705 and MIR-19, are under clinical trials, a guideline addressing the current bottlenecks of peptide/siRNA nanocomplex delivery is in high demand for future research and development. In this review, we present strategies for improving the safety and RNAi efficacy of noncovalent peptide/siRNA nanocomplexes in the treatment of genetic disorders. Through thorough analysis of those RNAi formulations using different delivery strategies, we seek to shed light on the rationale of peptide design and modification in constructing robust siRNA delivery systems, including targeted and co-delivery systems. Based on this, we provide a timely and comprehensive understanding of how to engineer biocompatible and efficient peptide-based siRNA vectors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jun Wang
- Department of Chemical Engineering and Waterloo Institute for Nanotechnology, University of Waterloo, 200 University Avenue West, Waterloo, Ontario N2L 3G1, Canada
| | - Guang Chen
- Department of Chemical Engineering and Waterloo Institute for Nanotechnology, University of Waterloo, 200 University Avenue West, Waterloo, Ontario N2L 3G1, Canada; Key Laboratory of Chemical Additives for China National Light Industry, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Shaanxi University of Science and Technology, Xi'an 710021, China.
| | - Nan Liu
- Advanced Materials Institute, Qilu University of Technology, Shandong Academy of Sciences, Jinan 250014, China
| | - Xiaoxia Han
- Department of Chemical Engineering and Waterloo Institute for Nanotechnology, University of Waterloo, 200 University Avenue West, Waterloo, Ontario N2L 3G1, Canada
| | - Feng Zhao
- Department of Chemical Engineering and Waterloo Institute for Nanotechnology, University of Waterloo, 200 University Avenue West, Waterloo, Ontario N2L 3G1, Canada
| | - Lei Zhang
- Department of Chemical Engineering and Waterloo Institute for Nanotechnology, University of Waterloo, 200 University Avenue West, Waterloo, Ontario N2L 3G1, Canada
| | - P Chen
- Department of Chemical Engineering and Waterloo Institute for Nanotechnology, University of Waterloo, 200 University Avenue West, Waterloo, Ontario N2L 3G1, Canada; Advanced Materials Institute, Qilu University of Technology, Shandong Academy of Sciences, Jinan 250014, China.
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11
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Maloverjan M, Padari K, Abroi A, Rebane A, Pooga M. Divalent Metal Ions Boost Effect of Nucleic Acids Delivered by Cell-Penetrating Peptides. Cells 2022; 11:cells11040756. [PMID: 35203400 PMCID: PMC8870069 DOI: 10.3390/cells11040756] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2022] [Revised: 02/11/2022] [Accepted: 02/19/2022] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Abstract
Cell-penetrating peptides (CPPs) are promising tools for the transfection of various substances, including nucleic acids, into cells. The aim of the current work was to search for novel safe and effective approaches for enhancing transfection efficiency of nanoparticles formed from CPP and splice-correcting oligonucleotide (SCO) without increasing the concentration of peptide. We analyzed the effect of inclusion of calcium and magnesium ions into nanoparticles on CPP-mediated transfection in cell culture. We also studied the mechanism of such transfection as well as its efficiency, applicability in case of different cell lines, nucleic acid types and peptides, and possible limitations. We discovered a strong positive effect of these ions on transfection efficiency of SCO, that translated to enhanced synthesis of functional reporter protein. We observed significant changes in intracellular distribution and trafficking of nanoparticles formed by the addition of the ions, without increasing cytotoxicity. We propose a novel strategy for preparing CPP-oligonucleotide nanoparticles with enhanced efficiency and, thus, higher therapeutic potential. Our discovery may be translated to primary cell cultures and, possibly, in vivo studies, with the aim of increasing CPP-mediated transfection efficiency and the likelihood of using CPPs in clinics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Maloverjan
- Institute of Technology, University of Tartu, 1 Nooruse Street, 50411 Tartu, Estonia; (M.M.); (A.A.)
| | - Kärt Padari
- Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of Tartu, 23b Riia Street, 51010 Tartu, Estonia;
| | - Aare Abroi
- Institute of Technology, University of Tartu, 1 Nooruse Street, 50411 Tartu, Estonia; (M.M.); (A.A.)
| | - Ana Rebane
- Institute of Biomedicine and Translational Medicine, University of Tartu, 14b Ravila Street, 50411 Tartu, Estonia;
| | - Margus Pooga
- Institute of Technology, University of Tartu, 1 Nooruse Street, 50411 Tartu, Estonia; (M.M.); (A.A.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +372-737-4836
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12
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Zorko M, Jones S, Langel Ü. Cell-penetrating peptides in protein mimicry and cancer therapeutics. Adv Drug Deliv Rev 2022; 180:114044. [PMID: 34774552 DOI: 10.1016/j.addr.2021.114044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2021] [Revised: 10/29/2021] [Accepted: 11/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Extensive research has been undertaken in the pursuit of anticancer therapeutics. Many anticancer drugs require specificity of delivery to cancer cells, whilst sparing healthy tissue. Cell-penetrating peptides (CPPs), now well established as facilitators of intracellular delivery, have in recent years advanced to incorporate target specificity and thus possess great potential for the targeted delivery of anticancer cargoes. Though none have yet been approved for clinical use, this novel technology has already entered clinical trials. In this review we present CPPs, discuss their classification, mechanisms of cargo internalization and highlight strategies for conjugation to anticancer moieties including their incorporation into therapeutic proteins. As the mainstay of this review, strategies to build specificity into tumor targeting CPP constructs through exploitation of the tumor microenvironment and the use of tumor homing peptides are discussed, whilst acknowledging the extensive contribution made by CPP constructs to target specific protein-protein interactions integral to intracellular signaling pathways associated with tumor cell survival and progression. Finally, antibody/antigen CPP conjugates and their potential roles in cancer immunotherapy and diagnostics are considered. In summary, this review aims to harness the potential of CPP-aided drug delivery for future cancer therapies and diagnostics whilst highlighting some of the most recent achievements in selective delivery of anticancer drugs, including cytostatic drugs, to a range of tumor cells both in vitro and in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matjaž Zorko
- University of Ljubljana, Medical Faculty, Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, Vrazov trg 2, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Sarah Jones
- University of Wolverhampton, School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Science & Engineering, Wulfruna Street, Wolverhampton WV1 1LY, UK.
| | - Ülo Langel
- University of Stockholm, Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Svante Arrhenius väg 16, 106 91 Stockholm, Sweden; Institute of Technology, University of Tartu, Nooruse 1, Tartu, Estonia 50411, Estonia.
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13
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Abstract
In this introductory chapter, we first define cell-penetrating peptides (CPPs), give short overview of CPP history and discuss several aspects of CPP classification. Next section is devoted to the mechanism of CPP penetration into the cells, where direct and endocytic internalization of CPP is explained. Kinetics of internalization is discussed more extensively, since this topic is not discussed in other chapters of this book. At the end of this section some features of the thermodynamics of CPP interaction with the membrane is also presented. Finally, we present different cargoes that can be transferred into the cells by CPPs and briefly discuss the effect of cargo on the rate and efficiency of penetration into the cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matjaž Zorko
- Medical Faculty, Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia.
| | - Ülo Langel
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, University of Stockholm, Stockholm, Sweden.,Institute of Technology, University of Tartu, Tartu, Estonia
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14
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Geng J, Xia X, Teng L, Wang L, Chen L, Guo X, Belingon B, Li J, Feng X, Li X, Shang W, Wan Y, Wang H. Emerging landscape of cell-penetrating peptide-mediated nucleic acid delivery and their utility in imaging, gene-editing, and RNA-sequencing. J Control Release 2022; 341:166-183. [PMID: 34822907 DOI: 10.1016/j.jconrel.2021.11.032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2021] [Revised: 11/17/2021] [Accepted: 11/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
The safety issues like immunogenicity and unacceptable cancer risk of viral vectors for DNA/mRNA vaccine delivery necessitate the development of non-viral vectors with no toxicity. Among the non-viral strategies, cell-penetrating peptides (CPPs) have been a topic of interest recently because of their ability to cross plasma membranes and facilitate nucleic acids delivery both in vivo and in vitro. In addition to the application in the field of gene vaccine and gene therapy, CPPs based nucleic acids delivery have been proved by its potential application like gene editing, RNA-sequencing, and imaging. Here, we focus on summarizing the recent applications and progress of CPPs-mediated nucleic acids delivery and discuss the current problems and solutions in this field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jingping Geng
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Medical School, China Three Gorges University, Yichang 443002, China; Hubei Key Laboratory of Tumor Microenvironment and Immunotherapy, China Three Gorges University, Yichang 443002, China
| | - Xuan Xia
- Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, Medical School, China Three Gorges University, Yichang 443002, China
| | - Lin Teng
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, The First Clinical Medical College of China Three Gorges University, Yichang 443002, China
| | - Lidan Wang
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Medical School, China Three Gorges University, Yichang 443002, China; Hubei Key Laboratory of Tumor Microenvironment and Immunotherapy, China Three Gorges University, Yichang 443002, China
| | - Linlin Chen
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Medical School, China Three Gorges University, Yichang 443002, China; Hubei Key Laboratory of Tumor Microenvironment and Immunotherapy, China Three Gorges University, Yichang 443002, China; Affiliated Ren He Hospital of China Three Gorges University, Yichang 443002, China
| | - Xiangli Guo
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Medical School, China Three Gorges University, Yichang 443002, China; Hubei Key Laboratory of Tumor Microenvironment and Immunotherapy, China Three Gorges University, Yichang 443002, China
| | - Bonn Belingon
- Institute of Cell Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21210, USA
| | - Jason Li
- Department of Biology, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21210, USA
| | - Xuemei Feng
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Medical School, China Three Gorges University, Yichang 443002, China; Hubei Key Laboratory of Tumor Microenvironment and Immunotherapy, China Three Gorges University, Yichang 443002, China
| | - Xianghui Li
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Medical School, China Three Gorges University, Yichang 443002, China; Hubei Key Laboratory of Tumor Microenvironment and Immunotherapy, China Three Gorges University, Yichang 443002, China
| | - Wendou Shang
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Medical School, China Three Gorges University, Yichang 443002, China; Hubei Key Laboratory of Tumor Microenvironment and Immunotherapy, China Three Gorges University, Yichang 443002, China
| | - Yingying Wan
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Medical School, China Three Gorges University, Yichang 443002, China; Hubei Key Laboratory of Tumor Microenvironment and Immunotherapy, China Three Gorges University, Yichang 443002, China
| | - Hu Wang
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Medical School, China Three Gorges University, Yichang 443002, China.
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15
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PepFect14 Signaling and Transfection. Methods Mol Biol 2021. [PMID: 34766293 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-1752-6_15] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/23/2023]
Abstract
PepFect14 is a cell-penetrating peptide (CPP) derived from stearylated transportan-10 (strearil-TP10) with which it shares the stearic acid residue on C' terminus and the amino acid sequence except for lysines that in PepFect14 are substituted with ornithines. Being non-proteinogenic amino acids, ornithines make PepFect14 less sensitive to serum proteases and due to its positive charges the CPP can form complexes with negatively charged cargos, such as splice correcting oligonucleotides (SCOs), plasmid DNA (pDNA), and proteins. It has been reported that PepFect14/SCO complexes enter the cells mainly through endocytosis, in particular: macopinocitosys and caveolae-mediated endocytosis through the interaction with two receptors of the scavenger receptors class A family (SCARAs). PepFect14 and its complexes trigger the chaperone-mediated autophagy response involving the heat shock protein family (HSP70) whose inhibition leads to an increase of PepFect14 transfection efficacy. Exploiting the interaction between HSP70 and PepFect14 and their ability to form nanoparticle. HSP70 has been delivered in Bomirsky Hamster Melanoma cells (BHM) using PepFect14 of which a protocol is described at the end of this chapter.
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16
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El Boujnouni N, van Asbeck AH, Dieker J, Wansink DG, Brock R. Imaging of CPP Delivery Mechanisms of Oligonucleotides. Methods Mol Biol 2021; 2383:197-210. [PMID: 34766291 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-1752-6_13] [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] [Indexed: 04/06/2023]
Abstract
Cationic cell-penetrating peptides spontaneously associate with negatively charged oligonucleotides to form submicron nanoparticles, so-called polyplexes. Contact with cells leads to endosomal uptake of these nanoparticles. Oligonucleotide activity critically depends on endosomal release and finally dissociation of polyplexes. Fluorescence provides a highly powerful means to follow the spatial dynamics of oligonucleotide uptake, trafficking and decomplexation, in particular when combined with markers of subcellular compartments that enable a quantitative analysis of colocalization and thereby mapping of trafficking routes. In this chapter, we describe protocols for a highly defined formation of polyplexes. We then point out the use of fluorescent fusion proteins to identify subcellular trafficking compartments and image analysis protocols to obtain quantitative information on trafficking routes and endosomal release.
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Affiliation(s)
- Najoua El Boujnouni
- Department of Biochemistry, Radboud Institute for Molecular Life Sciences (RIMLS), Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
- Department of Cell Biology, Radboud Institute for Molecular Life Sciences (RIMLS), Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Alexander H van Asbeck
- Department of Biochemistry, Radboud Institute for Molecular Life Sciences (RIMLS), Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Jürgen Dieker
- Department of Biochemistry, Radboud Institute for Molecular Life Sciences (RIMLS), Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Derick G Wansink
- Department of Cell Biology, Radboud Institute for Molecular Life Sciences (RIMLS), Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Roland Brock
- Department of Biochemistry, Radboud Institute for Molecular Life Sciences (RIMLS), Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands.
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, College of Medicine and Medical Sciences, Arabian Gulf University, Manama, Bahrain.
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17
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Use of PepFect14 and siRNA for Targeted Gene Silencing in Human Embryonic Stem Cells. Methods Mol Biol 2021. [PMID: 34766315 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-1752-6_37] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register]
Abstract
The unique properties of human embryonic stem (hES) cells render them invaluable for many scientific and clinical endeavors. Wider application of hES cells requires a comprehensive understanding of their biology that can be dissected using RNA interference-based gene silencing. However, commonly used transfection methods to deliver nucleic acids into a cell often lead to differentiation of hES cells. For that reason, effective transfection technique with minimal side effects is essential for studying and employing hES cells. Here, we describe a CPP-based method for targeted gene silencing in hES cells using siRNA complexed with PepFect 14 (PF14). This approach results in effective downregulation of mRNA and protein levels of a target gene without adverse effects on cell viability and pluripotency.
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18
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Tarvirdipour S, Skowicki M, Schoenenberger CA, Palivan CG. Peptide-Assisted Nucleic Acid Delivery Systems on the Rise. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:9092. [PMID: 34445799 PMCID: PMC8396486 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22169092] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2021] [Revised: 08/13/2021] [Accepted: 08/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Concerns associated with nanocarriers' therapeutic efficacy and side effects have led to the development of strategies to advance them into targeted and responsive delivery systems. Owing to their bioactivity and biocompatibility, peptides play a key role in these strategies and, thus, have been extensively studied in nanomedicine. Peptide-based nanocarriers, in particular, have burgeoned with advances in purely peptidic structures and in combinations of peptides, both native and modified, with polymers, lipids, and inorganic nanoparticles. In this review, we summarize advances on peptides promoting gene delivery systems. The efficacy of nucleic acid therapies largely depends on cell internalization and the delivery to subcellular organelles. Hence, the review focuses on nanocarriers where peptides are pivotal in ferrying nucleic acids to their site of action, with a special emphasis on peptides that assist anionic, water-soluble nucleic acids in crossing the membrane barriers they encounter on their way to efficient function. In a second part, we address how peptides advance nanoassembly delivery tools, such that they navigate delivery barriers and release their nucleic acid cargo at specific sites in a controlled fashion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shabnam Tarvirdipour
- Department of Chemistry, University of Basel, Mattenstrasse 24a, 4058 Basel, Switzerland; (S.T.); (M.S.)
- Department of Biosystem Science and Engineering, ETH Zurich, Mattenstrasse 26, 4058 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Michal Skowicki
- Department of Chemistry, University of Basel, Mattenstrasse 24a, 4058 Basel, Switzerland; (S.T.); (M.S.)
- NCCR-Molecular Systems Engineering, BPR1095, Mattenstrasse 24a, 4058 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Cora-Ann Schoenenberger
- Department of Chemistry, University of Basel, Mattenstrasse 24a, 4058 Basel, Switzerland; (S.T.); (M.S.)
- NCCR-Molecular Systems Engineering, BPR1095, Mattenstrasse 24a, 4058 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Cornelia G. Palivan
- Department of Chemistry, University of Basel, Mattenstrasse 24a, 4058 Basel, Switzerland; (S.T.); (M.S.)
- NCCR-Molecular Systems Engineering, BPR1095, Mattenstrasse 24a, 4058 Basel, Switzerland
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19
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Novel Orthogonally Hydrocarbon-Modified Cell-Penetrating Peptide Nanoparticles Mediate Efficient Delivery of Splice-Switching Antisense Oligonucleotides In Vitro and In Vivo. Biomedicines 2021; 9:biomedicines9081046. [PMID: 34440250 PMCID: PMC8392223 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines9081046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2021] [Revised: 08/09/2021] [Accepted: 08/11/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Splice-switching therapy with splice-switching oligonucleotides (SSOs) has recently proven to be a clinically applicable strategy for the treatment of several mis-splice disorders. Despite this, wider application of SSOs is severely limited by the inherently poor bioavailability of SSO-based therapeutic compounds. Cell-penetrating peptides (CPPs) are a class of drug delivery systems (DDSs) that have recently gained considerable attention for improving the uptake of various oligonucleotide (ON)-based compounds, including SSOs. One strategy that has been successfully applied to develop effective CPP vectors is the introduction of various lipid modifications into the peptide. Here, we repurpose hydrocarbon-modified amino acids used in peptide stapling for the orthogonal introduction of hydrophobic modifications into the CPP structure during peptide synthesis. Our data show that α,α-disubstituted alkenyl-alanines can be successfully utilized to introduce hydrophobic modifications into CPPs to improve their ability to formulate SSOs into nanoparticles (NPs), and to mediate high delivery efficacy and tolerability both in vitro and in vivo. Conclusively, our results offer a new flexible approach for the sequence-specific introduction of hydrophobicity into the structure of CPPs and for improving their delivery properties.
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20
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Konate K, Josse E, Tasic M, Redjatti K, Aldrian G, Deshayes S, Boisguérin P, Vivès E. WRAP-based nanoparticles for siRNA delivery: a SAR study and a comparison with lipid-based transfection reagents. J Nanobiotechnology 2021; 19:236. [PMID: 34380479 PMCID: PMC8359084 DOI: 10.1186/s12951-021-00972-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2021] [Accepted: 07/25/2021] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Recently, we designed novel amphipathic cell-penetrating peptides, called WRAP, able to transfer efficiently siRNA molecules into cells. In order to gain more information about the relationship between amino acid composition, nanoparticle formation and cellular internalization of these peptides composed of only three amino acids (leucine, arginine and tryptophan), we performed a structure–activity relationship (SAR) study. First, we compared our WRAP1 and WRAP5 peptides with the C6M1 peptide also composed of the same three amino acids and showing similar behaviors in siRNA transfection. Afterwards, to further define the main determinants in the WRAP activity, we synthesized 13 new WRAP analogues harboring different modifications like the number and location of leucine and arginine residues, the relative location of tryptophan residues, as well as the role of the α-helix formation upon proline insertions within the native WRAP sequence. After having compared the ability of these peptides to form peptide-based nanoparticles (PBNs) using different biophysical methods and to induce a targeted gene silencing in cells, we established the main sequential requirements of the amino acid composition of the WRAP peptide. In addition, upon measuring the WRAP-based siRNA transfection ability into cells compared to several non-peptide transfection agents available on the markets, we confirmed that WRAP peptides induced an equivalent level of targeted gene silencing but in most of the cases with lower cell toxicity as clearly shown in clonogenic assays. ![]()
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Affiliation(s)
- Karidia Konate
- PhyMedExp - Université de Montpellier, INSERM U1046, CNRS UMR 9214, CHU Arnaud de Villeneuve, 371 av. doyen Giraud, 34295, Montpellier Cedex 5, France
| | - Emilie Josse
- PhyMedExp - Université de Montpellier, INSERM U1046, CNRS UMR 9214, CHU Arnaud de Villeneuve, 371 av. doyen Giraud, 34295, Montpellier Cedex 5, France
| | - Milana Tasic
- PhyMedExp - Université de Montpellier, INSERM U1046, CNRS UMR 9214, CHU Arnaud de Villeneuve, 371 av. doyen Giraud, 34295, Montpellier Cedex 5, France
| | - Karima Redjatti
- PhyMedExp - Université de Montpellier, INSERM U1046, CNRS UMR 9214, CHU Arnaud de Villeneuve, 371 av. doyen Giraud, 34295, Montpellier Cedex 5, France
| | - Gudrun Aldrian
- Sys2Diag, UMR 9005-CNRS/ALCEDIAG, 1682 Rue de la Valsière, 34184, Montpellier CEDEX 4, France
| | - Sébastien Deshayes
- PhyMedExp - Université de Montpellier, INSERM U1046, CNRS UMR 9214, CHU Arnaud de Villeneuve, 371 av. doyen Giraud, 34295, Montpellier Cedex 5, France
| | - Prisca Boisguérin
- PhyMedExp - Université de Montpellier, INSERM U1046, CNRS UMR 9214, CHU Arnaud de Villeneuve, 371 av. doyen Giraud, 34295, Montpellier Cedex 5, France
| | - Eric Vivès
- PhyMedExp - Université de Montpellier, INSERM U1046, CNRS UMR 9214, CHU Arnaud de Villeneuve, 371 av. doyen Giraud, 34295, Montpellier Cedex 5, France.
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21
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van Asbeck AH, Dieker J, Oude Egberink R, van den Berg L, van der Vlag J, Brock R. Protein Expression Correlates Linearly with mRNA Dose over Up to Five Orders of Magnitude In Vitro and In Vivo. Biomedicines 2021; 9:biomedicines9050511. [PMID: 34063094 PMCID: PMC8148180 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines9050511] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2021] [Revised: 04/17/2021] [Accepted: 04/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Messenger RNA is rapidly gaining significance as a therapeutic modality. Here, we address the dependence of dose-response functions on the type of delivery vehicle, cell line, and incubation time. Knowledge of these characteristics is crucial for the application of mRNA. As delivery vehicles, a lipid-based formulation and the cell-penetrating peptide Pepfect14 (PF14) were employed. As cell lines, we included a glomerular endothelial cell line (mGEnC) as a model for differentiated cells, HeLa cells, and SKOV-3 ovarian carcinoma cells. Uptake and expression were detected by flow cytometry, using a Cy5-labelled mRNA coding for enhanced green fluorescent protein (EGFP). There was a linear correlation of dose, uptake, and expression, and this correlation was maintained for over up to 72 h. Through application of a multistep kinetic model, we show that differences in expression levels can already be explained by the number of mRNAs packaged per delivery vehicle. Using luciferase as a reporter protein, linearity of expression was observed over 5 orders of magnitude in vitro and 3 orders of magnitude in vivo. Overall, the results demonstrate that mRNA provides excellent quantitative control over protein expression, also over extended periods of time.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander H. van Asbeck
- Department of Biochemistry, Radboud Institute for Molecular Life Sciences (RIMLS), Radboud University Medical Center, 6525 GA Nijmegen, The Netherlands; (A.H.v.A.); (J.D.); (R.O.E.); (L.v.d.B.)
| | - Jürgen Dieker
- Department of Biochemistry, Radboud Institute for Molecular Life Sciences (RIMLS), Radboud University Medical Center, 6525 GA Nijmegen, The Netherlands; (A.H.v.A.); (J.D.); (R.O.E.); (L.v.d.B.)
| | - Rik Oude Egberink
- Department of Biochemistry, Radboud Institute for Molecular Life Sciences (RIMLS), Radboud University Medical Center, 6525 GA Nijmegen, The Netherlands; (A.H.v.A.); (J.D.); (R.O.E.); (L.v.d.B.)
| | - Lennard van den Berg
- Department of Biochemistry, Radboud Institute for Molecular Life Sciences (RIMLS), Radboud University Medical Center, 6525 GA Nijmegen, The Netherlands; (A.H.v.A.); (J.D.); (R.O.E.); (L.v.d.B.)
| | - Johan van der Vlag
- Department of Nephrology, Radboud Institute for Molecular Life Sciences (RIMLS), Radboud University Medical Center, 6525 GA Nijmegen, The Netherlands;
| | - Roland Brock
- Department of Biochemistry, Radboud Institute for Molecular Life Sciences (RIMLS), Radboud University Medical Center, 6525 GA Nijmegen, The Netherlands; (A.H.v.A.); (J.D.); (R.O.E.); (L.v.d.B.)
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, College of Medicine and Medical Science, Arabian Gulf University, Manama 293, Kingdom of Bahrain
- Correspondence:
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22
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Wang Y, Wagner E. Non-Viral Targeted Nucleic Acid Delivery: Apply Sequences for Optimization. Pharmaceutics 2020; 12:E888. [PMID: 32961908 PMCID: PMC7559072 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics12090888] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2020] [Revised: 09/09/2020] [Accepted: 09/15/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
In nature, genomes have been optimized by the evolution of their nucleic acid sequences. The design of peptide-like carriers as synthetic sequences provides a strategy for optimizing multifunctional targeted nucleic acid delivery in an iterative process. The optimization of sequence-defined nanocarriers differs for different nucleic acid cargos as well as their specific applications. Supramolecular self-assembly enriched the development of a virus-inspired non-viral nucleic acid delivery system. Incorporation of DNA barcodes presents a complementary approach of applying sequences for nanocarrier optimization. This strategy may greatly help to identify nucleic acid carriers that can overcome pharmacological barriers and facilitate targeted delivery in vivo. Barcode sequences enable simultaneous evaluation of multiple nucleic acid nanocarriers in a single test organism for in vivo biodistribution as well as in vivo bioactivity.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Ernst Wagner
- Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Center for System-based Drug Research, Center for NanoScience (CeNS), Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität, D-81377 Munich, Germany;
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23
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Ashrafizadeh M, Hushmandi K, Rahmani Moghadam E, Zarrin V, Hosseinzadeh Kashani S, Bokaie S, Najafi M, Tavakol S, Mohammadinejad R, Nabavi N, Hsieh CL, Zarepour A, Zare EN, Zarrabi A, Makvandi P. Progress in Delivery of siRNA-Based Therapeutics Employing Nano-Vehicles for Treatment of Prostate Cancer. Bioengineering (Basel) 2020; 7:E91. [PMID: 32784981 PMCID: PMC7552721 DOI: 10.3390/bioengineering7030091] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2020] [Revised: 07/31/2020] [Accepted: 08/06/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Prostate cancer (PCa) accounts for a high number of deaths in males with no available curative treatments. Patients with PCa are commonly diagnosed in advanced stages due to the lack of symptoms in the early stages. Recently, the research focus was directed toward gene editing in cancer therapy. Small interfering RNA (siRNA) intervention is considered as a powerful tool for gene silencing (knockdown), enabling the suppression of oncogene factors in cancer. This strategy is applied to the treatment of various cancers including PCa. The siRNA can inhibit proliferation and invasion of PCa cells and is able to promote the anti-tumor activity of chemotherapeutic agents. However, the off-target effects of siRNA therapy remarkably reduce its efficacy in PCa therapy. To date, various carriers were designed to improve the delivery of siRNA and, among them, nanoparticles are of importance. Nanoparticles enable the targeted delivery of siRNAs and enhance their potential in the downregulation of target genes of interest. Additionally, nanoparticles can provide a platform for the co-delivery of siRNAs and anti-tumor drugs, resulting in decreased growth and migration of PCa cells. The efficacy, specificity, and delivery of siRNAs are comprehensively discussed in this review to direct further studies toward using siRNAs and their nanoscale-delivery systems in PCa therapy and perhaps other cancer types.
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Affiliation(s)
- Milad Ashrafizadeh
- Department of Basic Science, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Tabriz, Tabriz 5166616471, Iran;
| | - Kiavash Hushmandi
- Department of Food Hygiene and Quality Control, Division of Epidemiology & Zoonoses, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Tehran, Tehran 1419963114, Iran; (K.H.); (S.B.)
| | - Ebrahim Rahmani Moghadam
- Department of Anatomical Sciences, School of Medicine, Student Research Committee, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz 7134814336, Iran;
| | - Vahideh Zarrin
- Laboratory for Stem Cell Research, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz 7134814336, Iran;
| | | | - Saied Bokaie
- Department of Food Hygiene and Quality Control, Division of Epidemiology & Zoonoses, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Tehran, Tehran 1419963114, Iran; (K.H.); (S.B.)
| | - Masoud Najafi
- Radiology and Nuclear Medicine Department, School of Paramedical Sciences, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah 6715847141, Iran;
| | - Shima Tavakol
- Cellular and Molecular Research Center, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran 1449614525, Iran;
| | - Reza Mohammadinejad
- Pharmaceutics Research Center, Institute of Neuropharmacology, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kermaan 55425147, Iran;
| | - Noushin Nabavi
- Research Services, University of Victoria, Victoria, BC V8W 2Y2, Canada;
| | - Chia-Ling Hsieh
- Ph.D. Program for Translational Medicine, College of Medical Science and Technology, Taipei Medical University, Taipei City 110, Taiwan;
| | - Atefeh Zarepour
- Department of Biotechnology, Faculty of Biological Science and Technology, University of Isfahan, Isfahan 8174673441, Iran;
| | | | - Ali Zarrabi
- Sabanci University Nanotechnology Research and Application Center (SUNUM), Tuzla, Istanbul 34956, Turkey
- Center of Excellence for Functional Surfaces and Interfaces (EFSUN), Faculty of Engineering and Natural Sciences, Sabanci University, Tuzla, Istanbul 34956, Turkey
| | - Pooyan Makvandi
- Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Centre for Micro-BioRobotics, viale Rinaldo Piaggio 34, 56025 Pontedera, Pisa, Italy
- Chemistry Department, Faculty of Science, Shahid Chamran University of Ahvaz, Ahvaz 61537-53843, Iran
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Padari K, Porosk L, Arukuusk P, Pooga M. Characterization of Peptide-Oligonucleotide Complexes Using Electron Microscopy, Dynamic Light Scattering, and Protease Resistance Assay. Methods Mol Biol 2020; 2036:127-139. [PMID: 31410794 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-4939-9670-4_7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Cationic peptides designed for cellular delivery of nucleic acid molecules form noncovalent nanocomplexes with negatively charged oligonucleotides (ON). The electrostatically associated complexes are further compacted by hydrophobic interactions yielding nanoparticles (NP) of homogeneous shape and size that are efficiently taken up by cells. The shape and size of NP often correlate with the biological activity of delivered ON inside cells; and the stability and accessibility of NP in biological fluids govern its circulation in organism and the cellular uptake. Therefore, here we provide protocols for characterizing the shape and size and surface charge of peptide/ON NP by negative staining transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and dynamic light scattering (DLS) respectively, and analysis of NP stability against proteolytic degradation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kärt Padari
- Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of Tartu, Tartu, Estonia
| | - Ly Porosk
- Institute of Technology, University of Tartu, Tartu, Estonia
| | - Piret Arukuusk
- Institute of Technology, University of Tartu, Tartu, Estonia
| | - Margus Pooga
- Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of Tartu, Tartu, Estonia. .,Institute of Technology, University of Tartu, Tartu, Estonia.
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25
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Deshayes S, Konate K, Dussot M, Chavey B, Vaissière A, Van TNN, Aldrian G, Padari K, Pooga M, Vivès E, Boisguérin P. Deciphering the internalization mechanism of WRAP:siRNA nanoparticles. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA-BIOMEMBRANES 2020; 1862:183252. [PMID: 32135145 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbamem.2020.183252] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2019] [Revised: 01/17/2020] [Accepted: 02/27/2020] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Gene silencing mediated by double-stranded small interfering RNA (siRNA) has been widely investigated as a potential therapeutic approach for a variety of diseases and, indeed, the first therapeutic siRNA was approved by the FDA in 2018. As an alternative to the traditional delivery systems for nucleic acids, peptide-based nanoparticles (PBNs) have been applied successfully for siRNA delivery. Recently, we have developed amphipathic cell-penetrating peptides (CPPs), called WRAP allowing a rapid and efficient siRNA delivery into several cell lines at low doses (20 to 50 nM). In this study, using a highly specific gene silencing system, we aimed to elucidate the cellular uptake mechanism of WRAP:siRNA nanoparticles by combining biophysical, biological, confocal and electron microscopy approaches. We demonstrated that WRAP:siRNA complexes remain fully active in the presence of chemical inhibitors of different endosomal pathways suggesting a direct cell membrane translocation mechanism. Leakage studies on lipid vesicles indicated membrane destabilization properties of the nanoparticles and this was supported by the measurement of WRAP:siRNA internalization in dynamin triple-KO cells. However, we also observed some evidences for an endocytosis-dependent cellular internalization. Indeed, nanoparticles co-localized with transferrin, siRNA silencing was inhibited by the scavenger receptor A inhibitor Poly I and nanoparticles encapsulated in vesicles were observed by electron microscopy in U87 cells. In conclusion, we demonstrate here that the efficiency of WRAP:siRNA nanoparticles is mainly based on the use of multiple internalization mechanisms including direct translocation as well as endocytosis-dependent pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sébastien Deshayes
- Centre de Recherche de Biologie cellulaire de Montpellier, CNRS UMR 5237, 1919 Route de Mende, 34293, Montpellier Cedex 5, France
| | - Karidia Konate
- Centre de Recherche de Biologie cellulaire de Montpellier, CNRS UMR 5237, 1919 Route de Mende, 34293, Montpellier Cedex 5, France
| | - Marion Dussot
- Centre de Recherche de Biologie cellulaire de Montpellier, CNRS UMR 5237, 1919 Route de Mende, 34293, Montpellier Cedex 5, France
| | - Bérengère Chavey
- Centre de Recherche de Biologie cellulaire de Montpellier, CNRS UMR 5237, 1919 Route de Mende, 34293, Montpellier Cedex 5, France; Sys2Diag, UMR 9005-CNRS/ALCEDIAG, 1682 Rue de la Valsière, 34184, Montpellier, CEDEX 4, France
| | - Anaïs Vaissière
- Centre de Recherche de Biologie cellulaire de Montpellier, CNRS UMR 5237, 1919 Route de Mende, 34293, Montpellier Cedex 5, France
| | - Thi Nhu Ngoc Van
- Sys2Diag, UMR 9005-CNRS/ALCEDIAG, 1682 Rue de la Valsière, 34184, Montpellier, CEDEX 4, France
| | - Gudrun Aldrian
- Sys2Diag, UMR 9005-CNRS/ALCEDIAG, 1682 Rue de la Valsière, 34184, Montpellier, CEDEX 4, France
| | - Kärt Padari
- Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of Tartu, Riia 23, 51010 Tartu, Estonia
| | - Margus Pooga
- Institute of Technology, University of Tartu, Nooruse 1, 50411 Tartu, Estonia
| | - Eric Vivès
- Centre de Recherche de Biologie cellulaire de Montpellier, CNRS UMR 5237, 1919 Route de Mende, 34293, Montpellier Cedex 5, France
| | - Prisca Boisguérin
- Centre de Recherche de Biologie cellulaire de Montpellier, CNRS UMR 5237, 1919 Route de Mende, 34293, Montpellier Cedex 5, France.
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26
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Borsari C, Trader DJ, Tait A, Costi MP. Designing Chimeric Molecules for Drug Discovery by Leveraging Chemical Biology. J Med Chem 2020; 63:1908-1928. [PMID: 32023055 PMCID: PMC7997565 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.9b01456] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
After the first seed concept introduced in the 18th century, different disciplines have attributed different names to dual-functional molecules depending on their application, including bioconjugates, bifunctional compounds, multitargeting molecules, chimeras, hybrids, engineered compounds. However, these engineered constructs share a general structure: a first component that targets a specific cell and a second component that exerts the pharmacological activity. A stable or cleavable linker connects the two modules of a chimera. Herein, we discuss the recent advances in the rapidly expanding field of chimeric molecules leveraging chemical biology concepts. This Perspective is focused on bifunctional compounds in which one component is a lead compound or a drug. In detail, we discuss chemical features of chimeric molecules and their use for targeted delivery and for target engagement studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chiara Borsari
- Department of Biomedicine, University of Basel, Mattenstrasse 28, 4058 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Darci J Trader
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Purdue University, 610 Purdue Mall, West Lafayette, Indiana 47907, United States
| | - Annalisa Tait
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Via Campi 103, 41125 Modena, Italy
| | - Maria P Costi
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Via Campi 103, 41125 Modena, Italy
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27
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Gestin M, Helmfors H, Falato L, Lorenzon N, Michalakis FI, Langel Ü. Effect of small molecule signaling in PepFect14 transfection. PLoS One 2020; 15:e0228189. [PMID: 31999754 PMCID: PMC6992163 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0228189] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2019] [Accepted: 01/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Cell-penetrating peptides can be used to deliver oligonucleotide-based cargoes into cells. Previous studies have shown that the use of small molecule drugs could be an efficient method to increase the efficacy of delivery of oligonucleotides by cell-penetrating peptides either as targeting agents that can be used in formulation with the cell-penetrating peptide and its cargo or as cell signaling modulators that facilitates the cellular uptake of the treatment. This study presents two aims. The first aim is the identification of small molecule drugs that would induce a synergic effect on the transfection of splice correcting oligonucleotides assisted by PepFect14. The second aim is to identify the mechanisms behind the effect of small molecule drugs modulation of cell-penetrating peptide assisted transfection of oligonucleotides. Through an optimized, high-throughput luciferase assay for short oligonucleotide delivery using cell-penetrating peptides, and the simultaneous addition of a small molecule drug library, we show that three small molecule drugs (MPEP, VU0357121 and Ciproxifan) induced an increase in the transfection efficacy of PepFect14 in complex with a short single-stranded oligonucleotide in HeLa pLuc705 cells. These three drugs are described in the literature to be highly specific for their respective target receptors. However, none of those receptors are expressed in our cell line, indicating a yet non-described pathway of action for these small molecules. We show that the indicated small molecules, without interfering with the particles formed by PepFect14 and the oligonucleotide, interfere via still unidentified interactions in cell signaling, leading to an up-regulation of endocytosis and a higher efficacy in the delivery of short splice correcting oligonucleotides in complex with PepFect14.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maxime Gestin
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Stockholm University, Stockholm, Sweden
- * E-mail:
| | - Henrik Helmfors
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Stockholm University, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Luca Falato
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Stockholm University, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Nicola Lorenzon
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Stockholm University, Stockholm, Sweden
| | | | - Ülo Langel
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Stockholm University, Stockholm, Sweden
- Laboratory of Molecular Biotechnology, Institute of Technology, University of Tartu, Nooruse, Tartu, Estonia
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28
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Ruseska I, Zimmer A. Internalization mechanisms of cell-penetrating peptides. BEILSTEIN JOURNAL OF NANOTECHNOLOGY 2020; 11:101-123. [PMID: 31976201 PMCID: PMC6964662 DOI: 10.3762/bjnano.11.10] [Citation(s) in RCA: 213] [Impact Index Per Article: 53.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2019] [Accepted: 12/18/2019] [Indexed: 05/19/2023]
Abstract
In today's modern era of medicine, macromolecular compounds such as proteins, peptides and nucleic acids are dethroning small molecules as leading therapeutics. Given their immense potential, they are highly sought after. However, their application is limited mostly due to their poor in vivo stability, limited cellular uptake and insufficient target specificity. Cell-penetrating peptides (CPPs) represent a major breakthrough for the transport of macromolecules. They have been shown to successfully deliver proteins, peptides, siRNAs and pDNA in different cell types. In general, CPPs are basic peptides with a positive charge at physiological pH. They are able to translocate membranes and gain entry to the cell interior. Nevertheless, the mechanism they use to enter cells still remains an unsolved piece of the puzzle. Endocytosis and direct penetration have been suggested as the two major mechanisms used for internalization, however, it is not all black and white in the nanoworld. Studies have shown that several CPPs are able to induce and shift between different uptake mechanisms depending on their concentration, cargo or the cell line used. This review will focus on the major internalization pathways CPPs exploit, their characteristics and regulation, as well as some of the factors that influence the cellular uptake mechanism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ivana Ruseska
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Department of Pharmaceutical Technology and Biopharmacy, University of Graz, 8010 Graz, Austria
| | - Andreas Zimmer
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Department of Pharmaceutical Technology and Biopharmacy, University of Graz, 8010 Graz, Austria
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29
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Kokotidou C, Jonnalagadda SVR, Orr AA, Vrentzos G, Kretsovali A, Tamamis P, Mitraki A. Designer Amyloid Cell-Penetrating Peptides for Potential Use as Gene Transfer Vehicles. Biomolecules 2019; 10:E7. [PMID: 31861408 PMCID: PMC7023140 DOI: 10.3390/biom10010007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2019] [Revised: 12/15/2019] [Accepted: 12/16/2019] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Cell-penetrating peptides are used extensively to deliver molecules into cells due to their unique characteristics such as rapid internalization, charge, and non-cytotoxicity. Amyloid fibril biomaterials were reported as gene transfer or retroviral infection enhancers; no cell internalization of the peptides themselves is reported so far. In this study, we focus on two rationally and computationally designed peptides comprised of β-sheet cores derived from naturally occurring protein sequences and designed positively charged and aromatic residues exposed at key residue positions. The β-sheet cores bestow the designed peptides with the ability to self-assemble into amyloid fibrils. The introduction of positively charged and aromatic residues additionally promotes DNA condensation and cell internalization by the self-assembled material formed by the designed peptides. Our results demonstrate that these designer peptide fibrils can efficiently enter mammalian cells while carrying packaged luciferase-encoding plasmid DNA, and they can act as a protein expression enhancer. Interestingly, the peptides additionally exhibited strong antimicrobial activity against the enterobacterium Escherichia coli.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chrysoula Kokotidou
- Department of Materials Science and Technology, University of Crete, 70013 Heraklion, Grete, Greece;
- Institute of Electronic Structure and Laser (IESL) FORTH, 70013 Heraklion, Crete, Greece
| | - Sai Vamshi R. Jonnalagadda
- Artie McFerrin Department of Chemical Engineering, Texas A&M University College Station, TX 77843-3251, USA; (S.V.R.J.); (A.A.O.)
| | - Asuka A. Orr
- Artie McFerrin Department of Chemical Engineering, Texas A&M University College Station, TX 77843-3251, USA; (S.V.R.J.); (A.A.O.)
| | - George Vrentzos
- Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology (IMBB) FORTH, 70013 Heraklion, Crete, Greece; (G.V.); (A.K.)
| | - Androniki Kretsovali
- Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology (IMBB) FORTH, 70013 Heraklion, Crete, Greece; (G.V.); (A.K.)
| | - Phanourios Tamamis
- Artie McFerrin Department of Chemical Engineering, Texas A&M University College Station, TX 77843-3251, USA; (S.V.R.J.); (A.A.O.)
| | - Anna Mitraki
- Department of Materials Science and Technology, University of Crete, 70013 Heraklion, Grete, Greece;
- Institute of Electronic Structure and Laser (IESL) FORTH, 70013 Heraklion, Crete, Greece
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30
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Kardani K, Milani A, H Shabani S, Bolhassani A. Cell penetrating peptides: the potent multi-cargo intracellular carriers. Expert Opin Drug Deliv 2019; 16:1227-1258. [PMID: 31583914 DOI: 10.1080/17425247.2019.1676720] [Citation(s) in RCA: 111] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Introduction: Cell penetrating peptides (CPPs) known as protein translocation domains (PTD), membrane translocating sequences (MTS), or Trojan peptides (TP) are able to cross biological membranes without clear toxicity using different mechanisms, and facilitate the intracellular delivery of a variety of bioactive cargos. CPPs could overcome some limitations of drug delivery and combat resistant strains against a broad range of diseases. Despite delivery of different therapeutic molecules by CPPs, they lack cell specificity and have a short duration of action. These limitations led to design of combined cargo delivery systems and subsequently improvement of their clinical applications. Areas covered: This review covers all our studies and other researchers in different aspects of CPPs such as classification, uptake mechanisms, and biomedical applications. Expert opinion: Due to low cytotoxicity of CPPs as compared to other carriers and final degradation to amino acids, they are suitable for preclinical and clinical studies. Generally, the efficiency of CPPs was suitable to penetrate the cell membrane and deliver different cargos to specific intracellular sites. However, no CPP-based therapeutic approach has approved by FDA, yet; because there are some disadvantages for CPPs including short half-life in blood, and nonspecific CPP-mediated delivery to normal tissue. Thus, some methods were used to develop the functions of CPPs in vitro and in vivo including the augmentation of cell specificity by activatable CPPs, specific transport into cell organelles by insertion of corresponding localization sequences, incorporation of CPPs into multifunctional dendrimeric or liposomal nanocarriers to improve selectivity and efficiency especially in tumor cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kimia Kardani
- Department of Hepatitis and AIDS, Pasteur Institute of Iran , Tehran , Iran
| | - Alireza Milani
- Department of Hepatitis and AIDS, Pasteur Institute of Iran , Tehran , Iran
| | - Samaneh H Shabani
- Department of Hepatitis and AIDS, Pasteur Institute of Iran , Tehran , Iran
| | - Azam Bolhassani
- Department of Hepatitis and AIDS, Pasteur Institute of Iran , Tehran , Iran
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31
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Dowaidar M, Nasser Abdelhamid H, Hällbrink M, Langel Ü, Zou X. Chitosan enhances gene delivery of oligonucleotide complexes with magnetic nanoparticles-cell-penetrating peptide. J Biomater Appl 2019; 33:392-401. [PMID: 30223733 DOI: 10.1177/0885328218796623] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Gene-based therapies, including the delivery of oligonucleotides, offer promising methods for the treatment of cancer cells. However, they have various limitations including low efficiency. Herein, cell-penetrating peptides (CPPs)-conjugated chitosan-modified iron oxide magnetic nanoparticles (CPPs-CTS@MNPs) with high biocompatibility as well as high efficiency were tested for the delivery of oligonucleotides such as plasmid pGL3, splice correction oligonucleotides, and small-interfering RNA. A biocompatible nanocomposite, in which CTS@MNPs was incorporated in non-covalent complex with CPPs-oligonucleotide, is developed. Modifying the surface of magnetic nanoparticles with cationic chitosan-modified iron oxide improved the performance of magnetic nanoparticles-CPPs for oligonucleotide delivery. CPPs-CTS@MNPs complexes enhance oligonucleotide transfection compared to CPPs@MNPs or CPPs. The hydrophilic character of CTS@MNPs improves complexation with plasmid pGL3, splice correction oligonucleotides, and small-interfering RNA payload, which consequently resulted in not only strengthening the colloidal stability of the constructed complex but also improving their biocompatibility. Transfection using PF14-splice correction oligonucleotides-CTS@MNPs showed sixfold increase of the transfection compared to splice correction oligonucleotides-PF14 that showed higher transfection than the commercially available lipid-based vector Lipofectamine™ 2000. Nanoscaled CPPs-CTS@MNPs comprise a new family of biomaterials that can circumvent some of the limitations of CPPs or magnetic nanoparticles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Moataz Dowaidar
- 1 Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Stockholm University
| | - Hani Nasser Abdelhamid
- 2 Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Assuit University Assuit, Egypt.,3 Department of Materials and Environmental Chemistry, Stockholm University, Stockholm, Sweden
| | | | - Ülo Langel
- 1 Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Stockholm University
| | - Xiaodong Zou
- 3 Department of Materials and Environmental Chemistry, Stockholm University, Stockholm, Sweden
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32
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van der Bent ML, Paulino da Silva Filho O, Willemse M, Hällbrink M, Wansink DG, Brock R. The nuclear concentration required for antisense oligonucleotide activity in myotonic dystrophy cells. FASEB J 2019; 33:11314-11325. [PMID: 31311315 DOI: 10.1096/fj.201900263r] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Antisense oligonucleotides (ASOs) are a promising class of therapeutics that are starting to emerge in the clinic. Determination of intracellular concentrations required for biologic effects and identification of effective delivery vehicles are crucial for understanding the mode of action and required dosing. Here, we investigated which nuclear oligonucleotide concentration is needed for a therapeutic effect for a triplet repeat-targeting ASO in a muscle cell model of myotonic dystrophy type 1 (DM1). For cellular delivery, ASOs were complexed into nanoparticles using the cationic cell-penetrating peptides nona-arginine and PepFect14 (PF14). Although both peptides facilitated uptake, only PF14 led to a dose-dependent correction of disease-typical abnormal splicing. In line with this observation, time-lapse confocal microscopy demonstrated that only PF14 mediated translocation of the ASOs to the nucleus, which is the main site of action. Through fluorescence lifetime imaging, we could distinguish intact oligonucleotide from free fluorophore, showing that PF14 also shielded the ASOs from degradation. Finally, we employed a combination of live-cell fluorescence correlation spectroscopy and immunofluorescence microscopy and demonstrated that intranuclear blocking-type oligonucleotide concentrations in the upper nanomolar range were required to dissolve nuclear muscleblind-like protein 1 foci, a hallmark of DM1. Our findings have important implications for the clinical use of ASOs in DM1 and provide a basis for further research on other types of ASOs.-Van der Bent, M. L., Paulino da Silva Filho, O., Willemse, M., Hällbrink, M., Wansink, D. G., Brock, R. The nuclear concentration required for antisense oligonucleotide activity in myotonic dystrophy cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Leontien van der Bent
- Department of Cell Biology, Radboud Institute for Molecular Life Sciences (RIMLS), Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands.,Department of Biochemistry, Radboud Institute for Molecular Life Sciences (RIMLS), Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Omar Paulino da Silva Filho
- Department of Biochemistry, Radboud Institute for Molecular Life Sciences (RIMLS), Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands.,Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES) Foundation, Ministry of Education of Brazil, Brasilia, Brazil
| | - Marieke Willemse
- Department of Cell Biology, Radboud Institute for Molecular Life Sciences (RIMLS), Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Mattias Hällbrink
- Department of Neurochemistry, Stockholm University, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Derick G Wansink
- Department of Cell Biology, Radboud Institute for Molecular Life Sciences (RIMLS), Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Roland Brock
- Department of Biochemistry, Radboud Institute for Molecular Life Sciences (RIMLS), Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
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33
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Peptide-mediated delivery of therapeutic mRNA in ovarian cancer. Eur J Pharm Biopharm 2019; 141:180-190. [PMID: 31103743 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejpb.2019.05.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2019] [Revised: 05/13/2019] [Accepted: 05/15/2019] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Ovarian cancer is the most lethal gynecological malignancy in the developed world. In spite of intensive research, the mortality has hardly decreased over the past twenty years. This necessitates the exploration of novel therapeutic modalities. Transient protein expression through delivery of mRNA is emerging as a highly promising option. In contrast to gene therapy there is no risk of integration into the genome. Here, we explore the expression of mRNA in models of ovarian cancer of increasing complexity. The cell-penetrating peptide (CPP) PepFect 14 (PF14) was used to formulate CPP-mRNA nanoparticles. Efficient expression of a reporter protein was achieved in two-dimensional tissue cultures and in three-dimensional cancer cell spheroids. PF14 nanoparticles greatly outperformed a lipid-based transfection agent in vivo, leading to expression in various cell types of tumor associated tissue. Protein expression was restricted to the peritoneal cavity. Messenger RNA expression across different cell types was confirmed in primary ovarian cancer explants. As ovarian cancer is confined to the peritoneal cavity in most cases, the results create the basis for applications in which the tumor microenvironment is transiently modified through protein expression.
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34
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Begum AA, Toth I, Moyle PM. Gastrin-releasing peptide receptor-targeted hybrid peptide/phospholipid pDNA/siRNA delivery systems. Nanomedicine (Lond) 2019; 14:1153-1171. [PMID: 31050581 DOI: 10.2217/nnm-2018-0380] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Aim: To develop a peptide/phospholipid hybrid system for gastrin-releasing peptide receptor (GRPR)-targeted delivery of pDNA or siRNA. Materials & methods: A multifunctional GRPR-targeted peptide R9-K(GALA)-BBN(6-14) was combined with a phospholipid oligonucleotide delivery system (1:1 1,2-dioleoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphoethanolamine and 1,2-dioleoyl-3-trimethylammonium-propane) and evaluated for pDNA and siRNA delivery in terms of complex size, toxicity, receptor-targeted delivery and gene expression or knockdown efficiency. Results: By combining peptide and phospholipid delivery systems, synergistic improvements in gene expression and knockdown were observed when compared with either system alone. The optimized formulation demonstrated high levels of EGFP expression and EGFP knockdown, GRPR-targeted delivery, enhanced endosomal release and minimal toxicity. Conclusion: The peptide/phospholipid hybrid system provides efficient GRPR-targeted DNA/siRNA delivery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anjuman A Begum
- School of Chemistry & Molecular Biosciences (SCMB), The University of Queensland, St Lucia 4072, Australia.,School of Pharmacy, The University of Queensland, Woolloongabba 4102, Australia
| | - Istvan Toth
- School of Chemistry & Molecular Biosciences (SCMB), The University of Queensland, St Lucia 4072, Australia.,School of Pharmacy, The University of Queensland, Woolloongabba 4102, Australia.,Institute for Molecular Bioscience (IMB), The University of Queensland, St Lucia 4072, Australia
| | - Peter M Moyle
- School of Pharmacy, The University of Queensland, Woolloongabba 4102, Australia
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35
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Ervin EH, Pook M, Teino I, Kasuk V, Trei A, Pooga M, Maimets T. Targeted gene silencing in human embryonic stem cells using cell-penetrating peptide PepFect 14. Stem Cell Res Ther 2019; 10:43. [PMID: 30678718 PMCID: PMC6345057 DOI: 10.1186/s13287-019-1144-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2018] [Revised: 12/29/2018] [Accepted: 01/10/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Human embryonic stem (hES) cells serve as an invaluable tool for research and future medicine, but their transfection often leads to unwanted side effects as the method itself may induce differentiation. On the other hand, RNA interference (RNAi)-based targeted gene silencing is a quick, cost-effective, and easy-to-perform method to address questions regarding the function of genes, especially when hypomorphic knockdowns are needed. Therefore, effective transfection method with minimal side effects is essential for applying RNAi to hES cells. Here, we report a highly promising approach for targeted gene silencing in hES cells with siRNA complexed with cell-penetrating peptide PepFect 14 (PF14). This strategy provides researchers with efficient tool for unraveling the functions of genes or addressing the differentiation of pluripotent stem cells. Methods We present a method for delivery of siRNA into hES cells with cell-penetrating peptide PF14. Accordingly, hES cells were transfected in ROCK inhibitor containing medium for 24 h right after EDTA passaging as small cell clumps. Fluorescently labeled siRNA and siRNAs targeting OCT4 or beta-2-microglobulin (B2M) mRNA sequences were used to evaluate the efficiency of transfection and silencing. Analyses were performed at various time points by flow cytometry, RT-qPCR, and immunofluorescence microscopy. Results Effective downregulation of OCT4 in 70% of treated hES cells at protein level was achieved, along with 90% reduction at mRNA level in bulk population of cells. The applicability of this low-cost and easy-to-perform method was confirmed by inducing silencing of another target not associated with hES cell pluripotency (B2M). Furthermore, we discovered that downregulation of OCT4 induces neuroectodermal differentiation accompanied by reduced expression of B2M during early stage of this lineage. Conclusions The results demonstrate PF14 as a promising tool for studying gene function and regulatory networks in hES cells by using RNAi. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s13287-019-1144-x) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Egle-Helene Ervin
- Department of Cell Biology, Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of Tartu, Riia 23, 51010, Tartu, Estonia
| | - Martin Pook
- Department of Cell Biology, Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of Tartu, Riia 23, 51010, Tartu, Estonia
| | - Indrek Teino
- Department of Cell Biology, Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of Tartu, Riia 23, 51010, Tartu, Estonia
| | - Valmar Kasuk
- Department of Cell Biology, Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of Tartu, Riia 23, 51010, Tartu, Estonia
| | - Annika Trei
- Department of Cell Biology, Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of Tartu, Riia 23, 51010, Tartu, Estonia
| | - Margus Pooga
- Department of Cell Biology, Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of Tartu, Riia 23, 51010, Tartu, Estonia.,Laboratory of Molecular Biotechnology, Institute of Technology, University of Tartu, Nooruse 1, 50411, Tartu, Estonia
| | - Toivo Maimets
- Department of Cell Biology, Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of Tartu, Riia 23, 51010, Tartu, Estonia.
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36
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Singh T, Murthy ASN, Yang HJ, Im J. Versatility of cell-penetrating peptides for intracellular delivery of siRNA. Drug Deliv 2018; 25:1996-2006. [PMID: 30799658 PMCID: PMC6319457 DOI: 10.1080/10717544.2018.1543366] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2018] [Revised: 10/22/2018] [Accepted: 10/29/2018] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
The plasma membrane is a large barrier to systemic drug delivery into cells, and it limits the efficacy of drug cargo. This issue has been overcome using cell-penetrating peptides (CPPs). CPPs are short peptides (6-30 amino acid residues) that are potentially capable of intracellular penetration to deliver drug molecules. CPPs broadened biomedical applications and provide a means to deliver a range of biologically active molecules, such as small molecules, proteins, imaging agents, and pharmaceutical nanocarriers, across the plasma membrane with high efficacy and low toxicity. This review is focused on the versatility of CPPs and advanced approaches for siRNA delivery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tejinder Singh
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Soonchunhyang University, Asan, Republic of Korea
| | - Akula S. N. Murthy
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Soonchunhyang University, Asan, Republic of Korea
| | - Hye-Jin Yang
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Soonchunhyang University, Asan, Republic of Korea
| | - Jungkyun Im
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Soonchunhyang University, Asan, Republic of Korea
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37
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Srimanee A, Arvanitidou M, Kim K, Hällbrink M, Langel Ü. Cell-penetrating peptides for siRNA delivery to glioblastomas. Peptides 2018; 104:62-69. [PMID: 29684592 DOI: 10.1016/j.peptides.2018.04.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2018] [Revised: 03/30/2018] [Accepted: 04/18/2018] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Delivery of small interfering RNA (siRNA) to suppress glioblastoma growth is a hurdle due to the critical obstacles of the blood-brain barrier and the siRNA properties of such as high negative charges and instability in serum. Therefore, the passage of siRNA to targeted cells is limited. Several siRNA carriers have been constructed using cell-penetrating peptides (CPPs) since the CPPs have shown a high potential for oligonucleotide delivery into the cells. In this study, two CPPs, PepFect 14 (PF14) and the amphipathic peptide PepFect 28 (PF28), were modified with targeting peptides by covalent conjugation and non-covalent complex formation to improve glioma-targeted specificity and gene-silencing efficiency. In conclusion, we have established an efficient non-covalently complexed carrier (PF14:TG1) for siRNA delivery to human glioblastoma cells (U87), showing a significant two-fold increase in gene-silencing efficiency compared to the parent peptide PF14 and also improved specificity to U87 cells compared to non-glioma targeted cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Artita Srimanee
- Department of Neurochemistry, The Arrhenius Laboratories for Natural Sciences, Stockholm University, SE-106 91, Stockholm, Sweden.
| | - Maria Arvanitidou
- Department of Neurochemistry, The Arrhenius Laboratories for Natural Sciences, Stockholm University, SE-106 91, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Kumjee Kim
- Department of Neurochemistry, The Arrhenius Laboratories for Natural Sciences, Stockholm University, SE-106 91, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Mattias Hällbrink
- Department of Neurochemistry, The Arrhenius Laboratories for Natural Sciences, Stockholm University, SE-106 91, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Ülo Langel
- Department of Neurochemistry, The Arrhenius Laboratories for Natural Sciences, Stockholm University, SE-106 91, Stockholm, Sweden; Institute of Technology, University of Tartu, Nooruse 1, 50411, Tartu, Estonia.
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38
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Cell-Penetrating Peptides to Enhance Delivery of Oligonucleotide-Based Therapeutics. Biomedicines 2018; 6:biomedicines6020051. [PMID: 29734750 PMCID: PMC6027240 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines6020051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 102] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2018] [Revised: 04/21/2018] [Accepted: 05/03/2018] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
The promise of nucleic acid based oligonucleotides as effective genetic therapies has been held back by their low bioavailability and poor cellular uptake to target tissues upon systemic administration. One such strategy to improve upon delivery is the use of short cell-penetrating peptides (CPPs) that can be either directly attached to their cargo through covalent linkages or through the formation of noncovalent nanoparticle complexes that can facilitate cellular uptake. In this review, we will highlight recent proof-of-principle studies that have utilized both of these strategies to improve nucleic acid delivery and discuss the prospects for translation of this approach for clinical application.
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39
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Borrelli A, Tornesello AL, Tornesello ML, Buonaguro FM. Cell Penetrating Peptides as Molecular Carriers for Anti-Cancer Agents. Molecules 2018; 23:molecules23020295. [PMID: 29385037 PMCID: PMC6017757 DOI: 10.3390/molecules23020295] [Citation(s) in RCA: 169] [Impact Index Per Article: 28.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2017] [Revised: 01/23/2018] [Accepted: 01/27/2018] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Cell membranes with their selective permeability play important functions in the tight control of molecular exchanges between the cytosol and the extracellular environment as the intracellular membranes do within the internal compartments. For this reason the plasma membranes often represent a challenging obstacle to the intracellular delivery of many anti-cancer molecules. The active transport of drugs through such barrier often requires specific carriers able to cross the lipid bilayer. Cell penetrating peptides (CPPs) are generally 5–30 amino acids long which, for their ability to cross cell membranes, are widely used to deliver proteins, plasmid DNA, RNA, oligonucleotides, liposomes and anti-cancer drugs inside the cells. In this review, we describe the several types of CPPs, the chemical modifications to improve their cellular uptake, the different mechanisms to cross cell membranes and their biological properties upon conjugation with specific molecules. Special emphasis has been given to those with promising application in cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonella Borrelli
- Molecular Biology and Viral Oncology Unit, Istituto Nazionale Tumori IRCCS Fondazione Pascale, 80131 Naples, Italy.
| | - Anna Lucia Tornesello
- Molecular Biology and Viral Oncology Unit, Istituto Nazionale Tumori IRCCS Fondazione Pascale, 80131 Naples, Italy.
| | - Maria Lina Tornesello
- Molecular Biology and Viral Oncology Unit, Istituto Nazionale Tumori IRCCS Fondazione Pascale, 80131 Naples, Italy.
| | - Franco M Buonaguro
- Molecular Biology and Viral Oncology Unit, Istituto Nazionale Tumori IRCCS Fondazione Pascale, 80131 Naples, Italy.
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40
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Kurrikoff K, Veiman KL, Künnapuu K, Peets EM, Lehto T, Pärnaste L, Arukuusk P, Langel Ü. Effective in vivo gene delivery with reduced toxicity, achieved by charge and fatty acid -modified cell penetrating peptide. Sci Rep 2017; 7:17056. [PMID: 29213085 PMCID: PMC5719086 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-017-17316-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2017] [Accepted: 11/22/2017] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Non-viral gene delivery systems have gained considerable attention as a promising alternative to viral delivery to treat diseases associated with aberrant gene expression. However, regardless of extensive research, only a little is known about the parameters that underline in vivo use of the nanoparticle-based delivery vectors. The modest efficacy and low safety of non-viral delivery are the two central issues that need to be addressed. We have previously characterized an efficient cell penetrating peptide, PF14, for in vivo applications. In the current work, we first develop an optimized formulation of PF14/pDNA nanocomplexes, which allows removal of the side-effects without compromising the bioefficacy in vivo. Secondly, based on the physicochemical complex formation studies and biological efficacy assessments, we develop a series of PF14 modifications with altered charge and fatty acid content. We show that with an optimal combination of overall charge and hydrophobicity in the peptide backbone, in vivo gene delivery can be augmented. Further combined with the safe formulation, systemic gene delivery lacking any side effects can be achieved.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kaido Kurrikoff
- Institute of Technology, University of Tartu, Nooruse 1, 50411, Tartu, Estonia. .,Institute of Technology, University of Tartu, Tartu, 50411, Estonia.
| | - Kadi-Liis Veiman
- Institute of Technology, University of Tartu, Nooruse 1, 50411, Tartu, Estonia
| | - Kadri Künnapuu
- Institute of Technology, University of Tartu, Nooruse 1, 50411, Tartu, Estonia
| | - Elin Madli Peets
- Institute of Technology, University of Tartu, Nooruse 1, 50411, Tartu, Estonia
| | - Tõnis Lehto
- Department of Neurochemistry, The Arrhenius Laboratories for Natural Sciences, Stockholm University, SE-10691, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Ly Pärnaste
- Institute of Technology, University of Tartu, Nooruse 1, 50411, Tartu, Estonia
| | - Piret Arukuusk
- Institute of Technology, University of Tartu, Nooruse 1, 50411, Tartu, Estonia
| | - Ülo Langel
- Institute of Technology, University of Tartu, Nooruse 1, 50411, Tartu, Estonia.,Department of Neurochemistry, The Arrhenius Laboratories for Natural Sciences, Stockholm University, SE-10691, Stockholm, Sweden
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41
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Dowaidar M, Gestin M, Cerrato CP, Jafferali MH, Margus H, Kivistik PA, Ezzat K, Hallberg E, Pooga M, Hällbrink M, Langel Ü. Role of autophagy in cell-penetrating peptide transfection model. Sci Rep 2017; 7:12635. [PMID: 28974718 PMCID: PMC5626743 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-017-12747-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2017] [Accepted: 09/15/2017] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Cell-penetrating peptides (CPPs) uptake mechanism is still in need of more clarification to have a better understanding of their action in the mediation of oligonucleotide transfection. In this study, the effect on early events (1 h treatment) in transfection by PepFect14 (PF14), with or without oligonucleotide cargo on gene expression, in HeLa cells, have been investigated. The RNA expression profile was characterized by RNA sequencing and confirmed by qPCR analysis. The gene regulations were then related to the biological processes by the study of signaling pathways that showed the induction of autophagy-related genes in early transfection. A ligand library interfering with the detected intracellular pathways showed concentration-dependent effects on the transfection efficiency of splice correction oligonucleotide complexed with PepFect14, proving that the autophagy process is induced upon the uptake of complexes. Finally, the autophagy induction and colocalization with autophagosomes have been confirmed by confocal microscopy and transmission electron microscopy. We conclude that autophagy, an inherent cellular response process, is triggered by the cellular uptake of CPP-based transfection system. This finding opens novel possibilities to use autophagy modifiers in future gene therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Moataz Dowaidar
- Department of Neurochemistry, The Arrhenius Laboratories for Natural Sciences, Stockholm University, Svante Arrhenius väg 16B, SE-10691, Stockholm, Sweden.
| | - Maxime Gestin
- Department of Neurochemistry, The Arrhenius Laboratories for Natural Sciences, Stockholm University, Svante Arrhenius väg 16B, SE-10691, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Carmine Pasquale Cerrato
- Department of Neurochemistry, The Arrhenius Laboratories for Natural Sciences, Stockholm University, Svante Arrhenius väg 16B, SE-10691, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Mohammed Hakim Jafferali
- Department of Neurochemistry, The Arrhenius Laboratories for Natural Sciences, Stockholm University, Svante Arrhenius väg 16B, SE-10691, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Helerin Margus
- Department of Developmental Biology, Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of Tartu, 23 Riia Street, 51010, Tartu, Estonia
| | | | - Kariem Ezzat
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Huddinge, Sweden
| | - Einar Hallberg
- Department of Neurochemistry, The Arrhenius Laboratories for Natural Sciences, Stockholm University, Svante Arrhenius väg 16B, SE-10691, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Margus Pooga
- Department of Developmental Biology, Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of Tartu, 23 Riia Street, 51010, Tartu, Estonia
- Laboratory of Molecular Biotechnology, Institute of Technology, University of Tartu, Nooruse, 50411, Tartu, Estonia
| | - Mattias Hällbrink
- Department of Neurochemistry, The Arrhenius Laboratories for Natural Sciences, Stockholm University, Svante Arrhenius väg 16B, SE-10691, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Ülo Langel
- Department of Neurochemistry, The Arrhenius Laboratories for Natural Sciences, Stockholm University, Svante Arrhenius väg 16B, SE-10691, Stockholm, Sweden.
- Laboratory of Molecular Biotechnology, Institute of Technology, University of Tartu, Nooruse, 50411, Tartu, Estonia.
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42
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Lehto T, Vasconcelos L, Margus H, Figueroa R, Pooga M, Hällbrink M, Langel Ü. Saturated Fatty Acid Analogues of Cell-Penetrating Peptide PepFect14: Role of Fatty Acid Modification in Complexation and Delivery of Splice-Correcting Oligonucleotides. Bioconjug Chem 2017; 28:782-792. [PMID: 28209057 DOI: 10.1021/acs.bioconjchem.6b00680] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Modifying cell-penetrating peptides (CPPs) with fatty acids has long been used to improve peptide-mediated nucleic acid delivery. In this study we have revisited this phenomenon with a systematic approach where we developed a structure-activity relationship to describe the role of the acyl chain length in the transfection process. For that we took a well-studied CPP, PepFect14, as the basis and varied its N-terminal acyl chain length from 2 to 22 carbons. To evaluate the delivery efficiency, the peptides were noncovalently complexed with a splice-correcting oligonucleotide (SCO) and tested in HeLa pLuc705 reporter cell line. Our results demonstrate that biological splice-correction activity emerges from acyl chain of 12 carbons and increases linearly with each additional carbon. To assess the underlying factors regarding how the transfection efficacy of these complexes is dependent on hydrophobicity, we used an array of different methods. For the functionally active peptides (C12-22) there was no apparent difference in their physicochemical properties, including complex formation efficiency, hydrodynamic size, and zeta potential. Moreover, membrane activity studies with peptides and their complexes with SCOs confirmed that the toxicity of the complexes at higher molar ratios is mainly caused by the free fraction of the peptide which is not incorporated into the peptide/oligonucleotide complexes. Finally, we show that the increase in splice-correcting activity correlates with the ability of the complexes to associate with the cells. Collectively these studies lay the ground work for how to design highly efficient CPPs and how to optimize their oligonucleotide complexes for lowest toxicity without losing efficiency.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tõnis Lehto
- Department of Neurochemistry, The Svante Arrhenius Laboratories for Natural Sciences, Stockholm University , Svante Arrhenius väg 16B, 10691 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Luis Vasconcelos
- Department of Neurochemistry, The Svante Arrhenius Laboratories for Natural Sciences, Stockholm University , Svante Arrhenius väg 16B, 10691 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Helerin Margus
- Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of Tartu , Riia 23a, 51010 Tartu, Estonia
| | - Ricardo Figueroa
- Department of Neurochemistry, The Svante Arrhenius Laboratories for Natural Sciences, Stockholm University , Svante Arrhenius väg 16B, 10691 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Margus Pooga
- Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of Tartu , Riia 23a, 51010 Tartu, Estonia
| | - Mattias Hällbrink
- Department of Neurochemistry, The Svante Arrhenius Laboratories for Natural Sciences, Stockholm University , Svante Arrhenius väg 16B, 10691 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Ülo Langel
- Department of Neurochemistry, The Svante Arrhenius Laboratories for Natural Sciences, Stockholm University , Svante Arrhenius väg 16B, 10691 Stockholm, Sweden.,Institute of Technology, University of Tartu , Nooruse 1, 50411 Tartu, Estonia
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43
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Guidotti G, Brambilla L, Rossi D. Cell-Penetrating Peptides: From Basic Research to Clinics. Trends Pharmacol Sci 2017; 38:406-424. [PMID: 28209404 DOI: 10.1016/j.tips.2017.01.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 718] [Impact Index Per Article: 102.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2016] [Revised: 01/04/2017] [Accepted: 01/06/2017] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
The presence of cell and tissue barriers together with the low biomembrane permeability of various therapeutics often hampers systemic drug distribution; thus, most of the available molecules are of limited therapeutic value. Opportunities to increase medicament concentrations in areas that are difficult to access now exist with the advent of cell-penetrating peptides (CPPs), which can transport into the cell a wide variety of biologically active conjugates (cargoes). Numerous preclinical evaluations with CPP-derived therapeutics have provided promising results in various disease models that, in some cases, prompted clinical trials. The outcome of these investigations has thus opened new perspectives for CPP application in the development of unprecedented human therapies that are well tolerated and directed to intracellular targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giulia Guidotti
- Laboratory for Research on Neurodegenerative Disorders, IRCCS Maugeri Clinical and Scientific Institutes SpA SB, Via Maugeri 10, 27100 Pavia, Italy
| | - Liliana Brambilla
- Laboratory for Research on Neurodegenerative Disorders, IRCCS Maugeri Clinical and Scientific Institutes SpA SB, Via Maugeri 10, 27100 Pavia, Italy
| | - Daniela Rossi
- Laboratory for Research on Neurodegenerative Disorders, IRCCS Maugeri Clinical and Scientific Institutes SpA SB, Via Maugeri 10, 27100 Pavia, Italy.
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44
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Juks C, Lorents A, Arukuusk P, Langel Ü, Pooga M. Cell‐penetrating peptides recruit type A scavenger receptors to the plasma membrane for cellular delivery of nucleic acids. FASEB J 2016; 31:975-988. [DOI: 10.1096/fj.201600811r] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2016] [Accepted: 11/14/2016] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Carmen Juks
- Institute of Molecular and Cell BiologyUniversity of Tartu Tartu Estonia
| | - Annely Lorents
- Institute of Molecular and Cell BiologyUniversity of Tartu Tartu Estonia
| | - Piret Arukuusk
- Laboratory of Molecular BiotechnologyInstitute of TechnologyUniversity of Tartu Tartu Estonia
| | - Ülo Langel
- Laboratory of Molecular BiotechnologyInstitute of TechnologyUniversity of Tartu Tartu Estonia
- Department of NeurochemistryStockholm University Stockholm Sweden
| | - Margus Pooga
- Institute of Molecular and Cell BiologyUniversity of Tartu Tartu Estonia
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45
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Lehto T, Ezzat K, Wood MJA, El Andaloussi S. Peptides for nucleic acid delivery. Adv Drug Deliv Rev 2016; 106:172-182. [PMID: 27349594 DOI: 10.1016/j.addr.2016.06.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 144] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2016] [Revised: 06/08/2016] [Accepted: 06/15/2016] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Nucleic acids and their synthetic oligonucleotide (ON) analogs are a group of gene therapeutic compounds which hold enormous clinical potential. Despite their undoubted potential, clinical translation of these molecules, however, has been largely held back by their limited bioavailability in the target tissues/cells. To overcome this, many different drug delivery systems have been devised. Among others, short delivery peptides, called cell-penetrating peptides (CPPs), have been demonstrated to allow for efficient delivery of nucleic acids and their ON analogs, in both cell culture and animal models. In this review, we provide brief overview of the latest advances in nucleic acid delivery with CPPs, covering the two main vectorization strategies, covalent conjugation and nanoparticle formation-based approach. In conclusion, CPP-based drug delivery systems have the capacity to overcome the hurdle of delivery and thus have the potential to facilitate the clinical translation of nucleic acid-based therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Taavi Lehto
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm SE-171 77, Sweden; Institute of Technology, University of Tartu, Nooruse 1, 50411 Tartu, Estonia.
| | - Kariem Ezzat
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm SE-171 77, Sweden
| | - Matthew J A Wood
- Department of Physiology, Anatomy, and Genetics, University of Oxford, OX13QX Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Samir El Andaloussi
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm SE-171 77, Sweden; Department of Physiology, Anatomy, and Genetics, University of Oxford, OX13QX Oxford, United Kingdom
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46
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Urgard E, Lorents A, Klaas M, Padari K, Viil J, Runnel T, Langel K, Kingo K, Tkaczyk E, Langel Ü, Maimets T, Jaks V, Pooga M, Rebane A. Pre-administration of PepFect6-microRNA-146a nanocomplexes inhibits inflammatory responses in keratinocytes and in a mouse model of irritant contact dermatitis. J Control Release 2016; 235:195-204. [PMID: 27269729 DOI: 10.1016/j.jconrel.2016.06.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2016] [Accepted: 06/02/2016] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
The skin is a difficult to access tissue for efficient delivery of large and/or charged macromolecules, including therapeutic DNA and RNA oligonucleotides. Cell-penetrating peptide PepFect6 (PF6) has been shown to be suitable transport vehicle for siRNAs in cell culture and systemically in vivo in mice. MiR-146a is known as anti-inflammatory miRNA that inhibits multiple factors from the nuclear factor (NF)-κB pathway in various cell types, including keratinocytes. In this study, PF6 was shown to form unimodal nanocomplexes with miR-146a mimic that entered into human primary keratinocytes, where miR-146a inhibited the expression of its direct targets from the NF-κB pathway and the genes known to be activated by NF-κB, C-C motif ligand (CCL)5 and interleukin (IL)-8. The transfection of miR-146a mimic with PF6 was more efficient in sub-confluent keratinocyte cultures, affected keratinocyte proliferation less and had similar effect on cell viability when compared with a lipid based agent. Subcutaneous pre-administration of PF6-miR-146a nanocomplexes attenuated ear-swelling and reduced the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines and chemokines IL-6, CCL11, CCL24 and C-X-C motif ligand 1 (CXCL1) in a mouse model of irritant contact dermatitis. Our data demonstrates that PF6-miR-146a nanoparticles might have potential in the development of therapeutics to target inflammatory skin diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Egon Urgard
- Institute of Biomedicine and Translational Medicine, University of Tartu, Estonia; Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of Tartu, Estonia
| | - Annely Lorents
- Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of Tartu, Estonia
| | - Mariliis Klaas
- Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of Tartu, Estonia
| | - Kärt Padari
- Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of Tartu, Estonia
| | - Janeli Viil
- Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of Tartu, Estonia
| | - Toomas Runnel
- Institute of Biomedicine and Translational Medicine, University of Tartu, Estonia; Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of Tartu, Estonia
| | - Kent Langel
- Institute of Technology, University of Tartu, Estonia
| | - Külli Kingo
- Department of Dermatology and Venereology, University of Tartu, Tartu, Estonia; Dermatology Clinic, Tartu University Hospital, Tartu, Estonia
| | - Eric Tkaczyk
- Institute of Biomedicine and Translational Medicine, University of Tartu, Estonia; Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, United States
| | - Ülo Langel
- Institute of Technology, University of Tartu, Estonia; Department of Neurochemistry, Stockholm University, Sweden
| | - Toivo Maimets
- Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of Tartu, Estonia
| | - Viljar Jaks
- Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of Tartu, Estonia; Department of Bioscience, Karolinska Institute, Sweden
| | - Margus Pooga
- Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of Tartu, Estonia
| | - Ana Rebane
- Institute of Biomedicine and Translational Medicine, University of Tartu, Estonia.
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47
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Cerrato CP, Künnapuu K, Langel Ü. Cell-penetrating peptides with intracellular organelle targeting. Expert Opin Drug Deliv 2016; 14:245-255. [PMID: 27426871 DOI: 10.1080/17425247.2016.1213237] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION One of the major limiting steps in order to have an effective drug is the passage through one or more cell membranes to reach its site of action. To reach the action-site, the specific macromolecules are required to be delivered specifically to the cell compartment/organelle in their (pre)active form. Areas covered: In this review, we will discuss cell-penetrating peptides (CPPs) developed in the last decade to transport small RNA/DNA, plasmids, antibodies, and nanoparticles into specific sites of the cell. The article describes CPPs in complex with cargo molecules that target specific intracellular organelles and their potential for pharmacological or clinical use. Expert opinion: Organelle targeting is the ultimate goal to ensure selective delivery to the site of action in the cells. CPP technologies represent an important strategy to address drug delivery to specific intracellular compartments by covalent conjugation to targeting sequences, potentially enabling strategies to combat genomic diseases as well as infections, cancer, neurodegenerative and hereditary diseases. They have proven to be successful in delivering various therapeutic agents into cells however, further in vivo experiments and clinical trials are required to demonstrate the efficacy of this technology.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Kadri Künnapuu
- b Laboratory of Molecular Biotechnology, Institute of Technology , University of Tartu , Tartu , Estonia
| | - Ülo Langel
- a Department of Neurochemistry , Stockholm University , Stockholm , Sweden.,b Laboratory of Molecular Biotechnology, Institute of Technology , University of Tartu , Tartu , Estonia
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48
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Abstract
Nucleic acids can be utilized in gene therapy to restore, alter, or silence gene functions. In order to reveal the biological activity nucleic acids have to reach their intracellular targets by passing through the plasma membrane, which is impermeable for these large and negatively charged molecules. Cell-penetrating peptides (CPPs) condense nucleic acids into nanoparticles using non-covalent complexation strategy and mediate their delivery into the cell, whereas the physicochemical parameters of the nanoparticles determine the interactions with the membranes, uptake mechanism, and subsequent intracellular fate. The nanoparticles are mostly internalized by endocytosis that leads to the entrapment of them in endosomal vesicles. Therefore design of new CPPs that are applicable for non-covalent complex formation strategy and harness endosomolytic properties is highly vital. Here we demonstrate that PepFects and NickFects are efficient vectors for the intracellular delivery of various nucleic acids.This chapter describes how to form CPP/pDNA nanoparticles, evaluate stable nanoparticles formation, and assess gene delivery efficacy.
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49
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50
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Margus H, Arukuusk P, Langel Ü, Pooga M. Characteristics of Cell-Penetrating Peptide/Nucleic Acid Nanoparticles. Mol Pharm 2015; 13:172-9. [PMID: 26561739 DOI: 10.1021/acs.molpharmaceut.5b00598] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Nucleic acids are highly promising candidates for the treatment of various genetic diseases. However, due to the large size and negative charge, nucleic acids are not efficiently taken up by cells, and thus, their clinical potential remains limited so far. Therefore, various delivery vehicles have been designed to assist the cellular uptake of nucleic acids. Among these, cell-penetrating peptides (CPPs) have gained increasing popularity as efficient and nontoxic delivery vectors. CPPs can be coupled to nucleic acids either by covalent or noncovalent association. Noncovalent coupling, which is based on the formation of nanoparticle-like nanocomplexes (NP), has received much attention in recent years, and the number of studies employing the strategy is explosively increasing due to the high therapeutic potential. However, the properties of CPP/nucleic acid NPs have not been characterized in sufficient detail yet. We performed a comprehensive analysis of the size and morphology of nucleic acid nanoparticles with novel transfection peptides, PepFects (PFs) and NickFects (NFs), using negative staining transmission electron microscopy (TEM). In addition, we examined whether the attachment of fluorescence or (nano)gold label to nucleic acid affects the nanocomplex formation or its morphology. We demonstrated that transportan-10-based new generation CPPs from PF and NF families condense nucleic acids to NPs of homogeneous size and shape. The size and shape of assembled nanoparticles depend on the type of the complexed nucleic acid and the sequence of the used peptide, whereas the label on the nucleic acid does not influence the gross characteristics of formed NPs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Helerin Margus
- Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of Tartu , Tartu 51010, Estonia
| | - Piret Arukuusk
- Institute of Technology, University of Tartu , Tartu 50411, Estonia
| | - Ülo Langel
- Institute of Technology, University of Tartu , Tartu 50411, Estonia.,Department of Neurochemistry, Stockholm University , S-10691 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Margus Pooga
- Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of Tartu , Tartu 51010, Estonia
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