1
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Monnery BD. Polycation-Mediated Transfection: Mechanisms of Internalization and Intracellular Trafficking. Biomacromolecules 2021; 22:4060-4083. [PMID: 34498457 DOI: 10.1021/acs.biomac.1c00697] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Polyplex-mediated gene transfection is now in its' fourth decade of serious research, but the promise of polyplex-mediated gene therapy has yet to fully materialize. Only approximately one in a million applied plasmids actually expresses. A large part of this is due to an incomplete understanding of the mechanism of polyplex transfection. There is an assumption that internalization must follow a canonical mechanism of receptor mediated endocytosis. Herein, we present arguments that untargeted (and most targeted) polyplexes do not utilize these routes. By incorporating knowledge of syndecan-polyplex interactions, we can show that syndecans are the "target" for polyplexes. Further, it is known that free polycations (which disrupt cell-membranes by acid-catalyzed hydrolysis of phospholipid esters) are necessary for (untargeted) endocytosis. This can be incorporated into the model to produce a novel mechanism of endocytosis, which fits the observed phenomenology. After membrane translocation, polyplex containing vesicles reach the endosome after diffusing through the actin mesh below the cell membrane. From there, they are acidified and trafficked toward the lysosome. Some polyplexes are capable of escaping the endosome and unpacking, while others are not. Herein, it is argued that for some polycations, as acidification proceeds the polyplexes excluding free polycations, which disrupt the endosomal membrane by acid-catalyzed hydrolysis, allowing the polyplex to escape. The polyplex's internal charge ratio is now insufficient for stability and it releases plasmids which diffuse to the nucleus. A small proportion of these plasmids diffuse through the nuclear pore complex (NPC), with aggregation being the major cause of loss. Those plasmids that have diffused through the NPC will also aggregate, and this appears to be the reason such a small proportion of nuclear plasmids express mRNA. Thus, the structural features which promote unpacking in the endosome and allow for endosomal escape can be determined, and better polycations can be designed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bryn D Monnery
- Department of Organic and (Bio)Polymer Chemistry, Hasselt University, Building F, Agoralaan 1, B-3590 Diepenbeek, Belgium
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2
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Zhang X, Hong K, Sun Q, Zhu Y, Du J. Bioreducible, arginine-rich polydisulfide-based siRNA nanocomplexes with excellent tumor penetration for efficient gene silencing. Biomater Sci 2021; 9:5275-5292. [PMID: 34180478 DOI: 10.1039/d1bm00643f] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
RNA interference (RNAi) technology has great potential in cancer therapy, e.g., small interfering RNA (siRNA) can be exploited to silence specific oncogenes related to tumor growth and progression. However, it is critical to achieve high transfection efficiency while reducing cytotoxicity. In this paper, we report an siRNA delivery strategy targeting the oncogene KRAS based on arginine-modified poly(disulfide amine)/siRNA nanocomplexes. The poly(disulfide amine) is synthesized via aza-Michael polyaddition followed by the introduction of arginine groups onto its backbone to afford poly((N,N'-bis(acryloyl)cystamine-co-ethylenediamine)-g-Nω-p-tosyl-l-arginine) (PBR) polycations. Thus multiple interactions including electrostatic interaction, hydrogen bonding and a hydrophobic effect are introduced simultaneously between PBR and siRNA or cell membranes to improve transfection efficiency. By optimizing the grafting density of arginine groups, PBR/siRNA nanocomplexes achieve high cellular uptake efficiency, successful endosomal/lysosomal escape, and rapid biodegradation in the presence of high GSH concentration in the cytoplasm, and finally release siRNA to activate the RNAi mechanism. Additionally, compared to commercially available PEI 25K, PBR/siRNA nanocomplexes possess a significantly increased gene silencing effect on human pancreatic cancer cells (PANC-1) with decreased cytotoxicity and enhanced tumor penetration ability in PANC-1 multicellular spheroids in vitro. Overall, with both GSH-responsiveness and excellent tumor penetration, this safe and efficient poly(disulfide amine)-based siRNA delivery system is expected to provide a new strategy for gene therapy of pancreatic cancer and other stromal-rich tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinyue Zhang
- Department of Orthopedics, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, Tongji University, 301 Middle Yanchang Road, Shanghai 200072, China. and Department of Polymeric Materials, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Tongji University, 4800 Caoan Road, Shanghai 201804, China
| | - Kai Hong
- Department of Polymeric Materials, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Tongji University, 4800 Caoan Road, Shanghai 201804, China
| | - Qingmei Sun
- Department of Polymeric Materials, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Tongji University, 4800 Caoan Road, Shanghai 201804, China
| | - Yunqing Zhu
- Department of Orthopedics, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, Tongji University, 301 Middle Yanchang Road, Shanghai 200072, China. and Department of Polymeric Materials, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Tongji University, 4800 Caoan Road, Shanghai 201804, China
| | - Jianzhong Du
- Department of Orthopedics, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, Tongji University, 301 Middle Yanchang Road, Shanghai 200072, China. and Department of Polymeric Materials, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Tongji University, 4800 Caoan Road, Shanghai 201804, China
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3
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Kumar R, Santa Chalarca CF, Bockman MR, Bruggen CV, Grimme CJ, Dalal RJ, Hanson MG, Hexum JK, Reineke TM. Polymeric Delivery of Therapeutic Nucleic Acids. Chem Rev 2021; 121:11527-11652. [PMID: 33939409 DOI: 10.1021/acs.chemrev.0c00997] [Citation(s) in RCA: 152] [Impact Index Per Article: 50.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
The advent of genome editing has transformed the therapeutic landscape for several debilitating diseases, and the clinical outlook for gene therapeutics has never been more promising. The therapeutic potential of nucleic acids has been limited by a reliance on engineered viral vectors for delivery. Chemically defined polymers can remediate technological, regulatory, and clinical challenges associated with viral modes of gene delivery. Because of their scalability, versatility, and exquisite tunability, polymers are ideal biomaterial platforms for delivering nucleic acid payloads efficiently while minimizing immune response and cellular toxicity. While polymeric gene delivery has progressed significantly in the past four decades, clinical translation of polymeric vehicles faces several formidable challenges. The aim of our Account is to illustrate diverse concepts in designing polymeric vectors towards meeting therapeutic goals of in vivo and ex vivo gene therapy. Here, we highlight several classes of polymers employed in gene delivery and summarize the recent work on understanding the contributions of chemical and architectural design parameters. We touch upon characterization methods used to visualize and understand events transpiring at the interfaces between polymer, nucleic acids, and the physiological environment. We conclude that interdisciplinary approaches and methodologies motivated by fundamental questions are key to designing high-performing polymeric vehicles for gene therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ramya Kumar
- Department of Chemistry, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55455, United States
| | | | - Matthew R Bockman
- Department of Chemistry, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55455, United States
| | - Craig Van Bruggen
- Department of Chemistry, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55455, United States
| | - Christian J Grimme
- Department of Chemical Engineering and Materials Science, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55455, United States
| | - Rishad J Dalal
- Department of Chemistry, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55455, United States
| | - Mckenna G Hanson
- Department of Chemistry, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55455, United States
| | - Joseph K Hexum
- Department of Chemistry, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55455, United States
| | - Theresa M Reineke
- Department of Chemistry, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55455, United States
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4
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Egorova KS, Posvyatenko AV, Larin SS, Ananikov V. Ionic liquids: prospects for nucleic acid handling and delivery. Nucleic Acids Res 2021; 49:1201-1234. [PMID: 33476366 PMCID: PMC7897475 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkaa1280] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2020] [Revised: 12/18/2020] [Accepted: 01/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Operations with nucleic acids are among the main means of studying the mechanisms of gene function and developing novel methods of molecular medicine and gene therapy. These endeavours usually imply the necessity of nucleic acid storage and delivery into eukaryotic cells. In spite of diversity of the existing dedicated techniques, all of them have their limitations. Thus, a recent notion of using ionic liquids in manipulations of nucleic acids has been attracting significant attention lately. Due to their unique physicochemical properties, in particular, their micro-structuring impact and tunability, ionic liquids are currently applied as solvents and stabilizing media in chemical synthesis, electrochemistry, biotechnology, and other areas. Here, we review the current knowledge on interactions between nucleic acids and ionic liquids and discuss potential advantages of applying the latter in delivery of the former into eukaryotic cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ksenia S Egorova
- N.D. Zelinsky Institute of Organic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, Leninsky prospect 47, Moscow 119991, Russia
| | - Alexandra V Posvyatenko
- N.D. Zelinsky Institute of Organic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, Leninsky prospect 47, Moscow 119991, Russia
- Molecular Immunology Laboratory, Dmitry Rogachev National Medical Research Center of Pediatric Hematology, Oncology and Immunology, Samory Mashela St 1, Moscow 117997, Russia
| | - Sergey S Larin
- Molecular Immunology Laboratory, Dmitry Rogachev National Medical Research Center of Pediatric Hematology, Oncology and Immunology, Samory Mashela St 1, Moscow 117997, Russia
| | - Valentine P Ananikov
- N.D. Zelinsky Institute of Organic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, Leninsky prospect 47, Moscow 119991, Russia
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5
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Gao Y, Jia L, Wang Q, Hu H, Zhao X, Chen D, Qiao M. pH/Redox Dual-Responsive Polyplex with Effective Endosomal Escape for Codelivery of siRNA and Doxorubicin against Drug-Resistant Cancer Cells. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2019; 11:16296-16310. [PMID: 30997984 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.9b02016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 75] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
The enhanced endo-lysosomal sequestration still remains a big challenge in overcoming multidrug resistance (MDR). Herein, a dual-responsive polyplex with effective endo-lysosomal escape based on methoxypoly(ethylene glycol)-polylactide-polyhistidine-ss-oligoethylenimine (mPEG- b-PLA-PHis-ssOEI) was developed for codelivering MDR1 siRNA and doxorubicin (DOX). The polyplex showed good encapsulation of DOX and siRNA as well as triggered payload release in response to pH/redox stimuli because of the PHis protonation and the disulfide bond cleavage. The polyplex at an N/P ratio of 7 demonstrated a much higher payload delivery efficiency, MDR1 gene silence efficiency, cytotoxicity against MCF-7/ADR cell, and stronger MCF-7/ADR tumor growth inhibition than the polyplexes at higher N/P ratios. This was attributed to the stronger electrostatic attraction between siRNA and OEIs at higher N/P ratios that suppressed the release of MDR1 siRNA and OEIs, which played a dominant role in overcoming payload endo-lysosomal sequestration by the OEI-induced membrane permeabilization effect. Consequently, the polyplex with effective endo-lysosomal escape provides a rational approach for codelivery of siRNAs and chemotherapy agents for MDR reversal.
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MESH Headings
- ATP Binding Cassette Transporter, Subfamily B, Member 1/antagonists & inhibitors
- ATP Binding Cassette Transporter, Subfamily B, Member 1/chemistry
- ATP Binding Cassette Transporter, Subfamily B, Member 1/pharmacology
- Cell Line, Tumor
- Cell Proliferation/drug effects
- Doxorubicin/administration & dosage
- Doxorubicin/chemistry
- Drug Carriers/administration & dosage
- Drug Resistance, Neoplasm/drug effects
- Endosomes/chemistry
- Humans
- Hydrogen-Ion Concentration
- Lipids/chemistry
- MCF-7 Cells
- Nanoparticles/administration & dosage
- Nanoparticles/chemistry
- Neoplasms/drug therapy
- Neoplasms/pathology
- Polyesters/chemistry
- Polyethylene Glycols/chemistry
- RNA, Small Interfering/chemistry
- RNA, Small Interfering/genetics
- RNA, Small Interfering/pharmacology
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Li Jia
- Department of Pharmacy , Heze Medical College , Heze 274000 , P. R. China
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6
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Ulkoski D, Scholz C. Impact of Cationic Charge Density and PEGylated Poly(Amino Acid) Tercopolymer Architecture on Their Use as Gene Delivery Vehicles. Part 2: DNA Protection, Stability, Cytotoxicity, and Transfection Efficiency. Macromol Biosci 2018; 18:e1800109. [DOI: 10.1002/mabi.201800109] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2018] [Revised: 05/02/2018] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- David Ulkoski
- Department of Chemistry; University of Alabama in Huntsville; Department of Chemistry; University of Alabama in Huntsville; 301 Sparkman Drive Huntsville AL 35899 USA
| | - Carmen Scholz
- Department of Chemistry; University of Alabama in Huntsville; Department of Chemistry; University of Alabama in Huntsville; 301 Sparkman Drive Huntsville AL 35899 USA
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7
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Chen G, Wang K, Wang Y, Wu P, Sun M, Oupický D. Fluorination Enhances Serum Stability of Bioreducible Poly(amido amine) Polyplexes and Enables Efficient Intravenous siRNA Delivery. Adv Healthc Mater 2018; 7. [PMID: 29280311 DOI: 10.1002/adhm.201700978] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2017] [Revised: 11/04/2017] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
The use of small interfering RNA (siRNA) in cancer treatment has been limited by the lack of effective systemic delivery methods. Although synthetic polycations have been widely explored in siRNA delivery, polycation/siRNA polyplexes often suffer from insufficient stability in vivo. Here, rationally designed siRNA delivery systems that meet the requirements for systemic siRNA delivery to distant tumors are reported. The hypothesis that modular design of delivery systems based on poly(amido amine)s that combine fluorination for systemic stability with bioreducibility for easy intracellular siRNA release, and PEGylation for improved safety and colloidal stability will overcome problems with contradicting siRNA delivery demands is tested. PEGylated, fluorinated, and bioreducible copolymers (PEG-PCD-F) with different degree of fluorination are thus synthesized. The fluorinated copolymers readily formed polyplexes with siRNA and achieved greatly improved gene silencing efficacy in multiple cell lines in vitro when compared with nonfluorinated controls. The results show fluorination-induced enhancement of stability, cellular uptake, and endosomal escape of the polyplexes, while exhibiting efficient siRNA release in reducing intracellular environment. PEG-PCD-F polyplexes with siRNA against Bcl2 inhibit breast tumor growth following systemic intravenous administration. The results provide strong evidence of successful combination of bioreducibility with fluorination and PEGylation to achieve systemic siRNA polyplex delivery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gang Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines; Department of Pharmaceutics; China Pharmaceutical University; Nanjing 210009 China
| | - Kaikai Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines; Department of Pharmaceutics; China Pharmaceutical University; Nanjing 210009 China
| | - Yixin Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines; Department of Pharmaceutics; China Pharmaceutical University; Nanjing 210009 China
| | - Pengkai Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines; Department of Pharmaceutics; China Pharmaceutical University; Nanjing 210009 China
| | - Minjie Sun
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines; Department of Pharmaceutics; China Pharmaceutical University; Nanjing 210009 China
| | - David Oupický
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines; Department of Pharmaceutics; China Pharmaceutical University; Nanjing 210009 China
- Center for Drug Delivery and Nanomedicine; Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences; University of Nebraska Medical Center; Omaha NE 68198 USA
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8
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Bus T, Traeger A, Schubert US. The great escape: how cationic polyplexes overcome the endosomal barrier. J Mater Chem B 2018; 6:6904-6918. [DOI: 10.1039/c8tb00967h] [Citation(s) in RCA: 182] [Impact Index Per Article: 30.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Endo-lysosomal escape strategies of cationic polymer-mediated gene delivery at a glance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tanja Bus
- Laboratory of Organic Chemistry and Macromolecular Chemistry (IOMC)
- Friedrich Schiller University Jena
- 07743 Jena
- Germany
- Jena Center for Soft Matter (JCSM)
| | - Anja Traeger
- Laboratory of Organic Chemistry and Macromolecular Chemistry (IOMC)
- Friedrich Schiller University Jena
- 07743 Jena
- Germany
- Jena Center for Soft Matter (JCSM)
| | - Ulrich S. Schubert
- Laboratory of Organic Chemistry and Macromolecular Chemistry (IOMC)
- Friedrich Schiller University Jena
- 07743 Jena
- Germany
- Jena Center for Soft Matter (JCSM)
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9
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Nanoparticle-macrophage interactions: A balance between clearance and cell-specific targeting. Bioorg Med Chem 2017; 25:4487-4496. [PMID: 28705434 DOI: 10.1016/j.bmc.2017.06.040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2016] [Revised: 06/16/2017] [Accepted: 06/25/2017] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
The surface properties of nanoparticles (NPs) are a major factor that influences how these nanomaterials interact with biological systems. Interactions between NPs and macrophages of the reticuloendothelial system (RES) can reduce the efficacy of NP diagnostics and therapeutics. Traditionally, to limit NP clearance by the RES system, the NP surface is neutralized with molecules like poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) which are known to resist protein adsorption and RES clearance. Unfortunately, PEG modification is not without drawbacks including difficulties with the synthesis and associations with immune reactions. To overcome some of these obstacles, we neutralized the NP surface by acetylation and compared this modification to PEGylation for RES clearance and tumor-specific targeting. We found that acetylation was comparable to PEGylation in reducing RES clearance. Additionally, we found that dendrimer acetylation did not impact folic acid (FA)-mediated targeting of tumor cells whereas PEG surface modification reduced the targeting ability of the NP. These results clarify the impact of different NP surface modifications on RES clearance and cell-specific targeting and provide insights into the design of more effective NPs.
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10
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Heller P, Zhou J, Weber B, Hobernik D, Bros M, Schmid F, Barz M. The Influence of Block Ionomer Microstructure on Polyplex Properties: Can Simulations Help to Understand Differences in Transfection Efficiency? SMALL (WEINHEIM AN DER BERGSTRASSE, GERMANY) 2017; 13:1603694. [PMID: 28234427 DOI: 10.1002/smll.201603694] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2016] [Revised: 01/04/2017] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
Gene therapies enable therapeutic interventions at gene transcription and translation level, providing enormous potential to improve standards of care for multiple diseases. Nonviral transfection agents and in particular polyplexes based on block ionomers are-besides viral vectors and cationic lipid formulations-among the most promising systems for this purpose. Block ionomers combine a hydrophilic noncharged block, e.g., polyethylene glycol (PEG), with a hydrophilic cationic block. For efficient transfection, however, endosomolytic moieties, e.g., imidazoles, are additionally required to facilitate endosomal escape, which raises the general question how to distribute these functionalities within the block copolymer. Combining molecular dynamics simulation with physicochemical and biological characterization, this work aims to provide a first rational for the influence of block ionomer microstructure on polyplex properties, e.g., size, shape, and transfection efficiency. Our findings underline that a triblock microstructure is most efficient in compacting pDNA, which reduces polyplex size, enhances stability against degradation by DNase I, and thus provides better transfection performance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Philipp Heller
- Graduate School Materials Science in Mainz, Johannes Gutenberg University, Staudingerweg 9, 55128, Mainz, Germany
- Institute of Organic Chemistry, Johannes Gutenberg University, Duesbergweg 10-14, 55099, Mainz, Germany
| | - Jiajia Zhou
- School of Chemistry and Environment, Center of Soft Matter Physics and Its Applications, Beihang University, Xueyuan Road 37, Beijing, 100191, China
| | - Benjamin Weber
- Institute of Organic Chemistry, Johannes Gutenberg University, Duesbergweg 10-14, 55099, Mainz, Germany
| | - Dominika Hobernik
- Department of Dermatology, Johannes Gutenberg University Medical Center, Langenbeckstr. 1, 55131, Mainz, Germany
| | - Matthias Bros
- Department of Dermatology, Johannes Gutenberg University Medical Center, Langenbeckstr. 1, 55131, Mainz, Germany
| | - Friederike Schmid
- Institute of Physics, Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, Staudingerweg 9, 55099, Mainz, Germany
| | - Matthias Barz
- Institute of Organic Chemistry, Johannes Gutenberg University, Duesbergweg 10-14, 55099, Mainz, Germany
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11
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Vaidyanathan S, Orr BG, Banaszak Holl MM. Role of Cell Membrane-Vector Interactions in Successful Gene Delivery. Acc Chem Res 2016; 49:1486-93. [PMID: 27459207 DOI: 10.1021/acs.accounts.6b00200] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
Cationic polymers have been investigated as nonviral vectors for gene delivery due to their favorable safety profile when compared to viral vectors. However, nonviral vectors are limited by poor efficacy in inducing gene expression. The physicochemical properties of cationic polymers enabling successful gene expression have been investigated in order to improve expression efficiency and safety. Studies over the past several years have focused on five possible rate-limiting processes to explain the differences in gene expression: (1) endosomal release, (2) transport within specific intracellular pathways, (3) protection of DNA from nucleases, (4) transport into the nucleus, and (5) DNA release from vectors. However, determining the relative importance of these processes and the vector properties necessary for optimization remain a challenge to the field. In this Account, we describe over a decade of studies focused on understanding the interaction of cationic polymer and cationic polymer/oligonucleotide (polyplex) interactions with model lipid membranes, cell membranes, and cells in culture. In particular, we have been interested in how the interaction between cationic polymers and the membrane influences the intracellular transport of intact DNA to the nucleus. Recent advances in microfluidic patch clamp techniques enabled us to quantify polyplex cell membrane interactions at the cellular level with precise control over material concentrations and exposure times. In attempting to relate these findings to subsequent intracellular transport of DNA and expression of protein, we needed to develop an approach that could distinguish DNA that was intact and potentially functional for gene expression from the much larger pool of degraded, nonfunctional DNA within the cell. We addressed this need by developing a FRET oligonucleotide molecular beacon (OMB) to monitor intact DNA transport. The research highlighted in this Account builds to the conclusion that polyplex transported DNA is released from endosomes by free cationic polymer intercalated into the endosomal membrane. This cationic polymer initially interacts with the cell plasma membrane and appears to reach the endosome by lipid cycling mechanisms. The fraction of cells displaying release of intact DNA from endosomes quantitatively predicts the fraction of cells displaying gene expression for both linear poly(ethylenimine) (L-PEI; an effective vector) and generation five poly(amidoamine) dendrimer (G5 PAMAM; an ineffective vector). Moreover, intact OMB delivered with G5 PAMAM, which normally is confined to endosomes, was released by the subsequent addition of L-PEI with a corresponding 10-fold increase in transgene expression. These observations are consistent with experiments demonstrating that cationic polymer/membrane partition coefficients, not polyplex/membrane partition coefficients, predict successful gene expression. Interestingly, a similar partitioning of cationic polymers into the mitochondrial membranes has been proposed to explain the cytotoxicity of these materials. Thus, the proposed model indicates the same physicochemical property (partitioning into lipid bilayers) is linked to release from endosomes, giving protein expression, and to cytotoxicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sriram Vaidyanathan
- Departments of Biomedical Engineering, ‡Chemistry, and §Physics, ∥Program in Applied Physics and ⊥Macromolecular
Science and Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, United States
| | - Bradford G. Orr
- Departments of Biomedical Engineering, ‡Chemistry, and §Physics, ∥Program in Applied Physics and ⊥Macromolecular
Science and Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, United States
| | - Mark M. Banaszak Holl
- Departments of Biomedical Engineering, ‡Chemistry, and §Physics, ∥Program in Applied Physics and ⊥Macromolecular
Science and Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, United States
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12
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Lee YJ, Moon SU, Park MG, Jung WY, Park YK, Song SK, Ryu JG, Lee YS, Heo HJ, Gu HN, Cho SJ, Ali BA, Al-Khedhairy AA, Lee I, Kim S. Multiplex bioimaging of piRNA molecular pathway-regulated theragnostic effects in a single breast cancer cell using a piRNA molecular beacon. Biomaterials 2016; 101:143-55. [PMID: 27289065 DOI: 10.1016/j.biomaterials.2016.05.052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2016] [Revised: 05/18/2016] [Accepted: 05/24/2016] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Recently, PIWI-interacting small non-coding RNAs (piRNAs) have emerged as novel cancer biomarkers candidate because of their high expression level in various cancer types and role in the control of tumor suppressor genes. In this study, a novel breast cancer theragnostics probe based on a single system targeting the piRNA-36026 (piR-36026) molecular pathway was developed using a piR-36026 molecular beacon (MB). The piR-36026 MB successfully visualized endogenous piR-36026 biogenesis, which is highly expressed in MCF7 cells (a human breast cancer cell line), and simultaneously inhibited piR-36026-mediated cancer progression in vitro and in vivo. We discovered two tumor suppressor proteins, SERPINA1 and LRAT, that were directly regulated as endogenous piR-36026 target genes in MCF7 cells. Furthermore, multiplex bioimaging of a single MCF7 cell following treatment with piR-36026 MB clearly visualized the direct molecular interaction of piRNA-36026 with SERPINA1 or LRAT and subsequent molecular therapeutic responses including caspase-3 and PI in the nucleus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Youn Jung Lee
- Institute for Bio-Medical Convergence, College of Medicine, Catholic Kwandong University, Gangneung-si, Gangwon-do, 270-701, Republic of Korea
| | - Sung Ung Moon
- Institute for Bio-Medical Convergence, College of Medicine, Catholic Kwandong University, Gangneung-si, Gangwon-do, 270-701, Republic of Korea
| | - Min Geun Park
- Department of Surgery, Catholic Kwandong University International St. Mary's Hospital, Incheon Metropolitan City, 404-834, Republic of Korea
| | - Woon Yong Jung
- Department of Pathology, Catholic Kwandong University International St. Mary's Hospital, Incheon Metropolitan City, 404-834, Republic of Korea
| | - Yong Keun Park
- Department of Surgery, Catholic Kwandong University International St. Mary's Hospital, Incheon Metropolitan City, 404-834, Republic of Korea
| | - Sung Kyu Song
- Department of Surgery, Catholic Kwandong University International St. Mary's Hospital, Incheon Metropolitan City, 404-834, Republic of Korea
| | - Je Gyu Ryu
- Department of Surgery, Catholic Kwandong University International St. Mary's Hospital, Incheon Metropolitan City, 404-834, Republic of Korea
| | - Yong Seung Lee
- Institute for Bio-Medical Convergence, College of Medicine, Catholic Kwandong University, Gangneung-si, Gangwon-do, 270-701, Republic of Korea
| | - Hye Jung Heo
- Institute for Bio-Medical Convergence, College of Medicine, Catholic Kwandong University, Gangneung-si, Gangwon-do, 270-701, Republic of Korea
| | - Ha Na Gu
- Institute for Bio-Medical Convergence, College of Medicine, Catholic Kwandong University, Gangneung-si, Gangwon-do, 270-701, Republic of Korea
| | - Su Jeong Cho
- Institute for Bio-Medical Convergence, College of Medicine, Catholic Kwandong University, Gangneung-si, Gangwon-do, 270-701, Republic of Korea
| | - Bahy A Ali
- Al-Jeraisy DNA Research Chair, Department of Zoology, College of Science, King Saud University, Riyadh, 11451, Saudi Arabia; Department of Nucleic Acids Research, Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology Research Institute, City for Scientific Research and Technological Applications, Alexandria, Egypt
| | - Abdulaziz A Al-Khedhairy
- Al-Jeraisy DNA Research Chair, Department of Zoology, College of Science, King Saud University, Riyadh, 11451, Saudi Arabia
| | - Ilkyun Lee
- Department of Surgery, Catholic Kwandong University International St. Mary's Hospital, Incheon Metropolitan City, 404-834, Republic of Korea.
| | - Soonhag Kim
- Institute for Bio-Medical Convergence, College of Medicine, Catholic Kwandong University, Gangneung-si, Gangwon-do, 270-701, Republic of Korea; Catholic Kwandong University International St. Mary's Hospital, Incheon Metropolitan City, 404-834, Republic of Korea.
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Vaidyanathan S, Chen J, Orr BG, Banaszak Holl MM. Cationic Polymer Intercalation into the Lipid Membrane Enables Intact Polyplex DNA Escape from Endosomes for Gene Delivery. Mol Pharm 2016; 13:1967-78. [PMID: 27111496 DOI: 10.1021/acs.molpharmaceut.6b00139] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Developing improved cationic polymer-DNA polyplexes for gene delivery requires improved understanding of DNA transport from endosomes into the nucleus. Using a FRET-capable oligonucleotide molecular beacon (OMB), we monitored the transport of intact DNA to cell organelles. We observed that for effective (jetPEI) and ineffective (G5 PAMAM) vectors, the fraction of cells displaying intact OMB in the cytosol (jetPEI ≫ G5 PAMAM) quantitatively predicted the fraction expressing transgene (jetPEI ≫ G5 PAMAM). Intact OMB delivered with PAMAM and confined to endosomes could be released to the cytosol by the subsequent addition of L-PEI, with a corresponding 10-fold increase in transgene expression. These results suggest that future vector development should optimize vectors for intercalation into, and destabilization of, the endosomal membrane. Finally, the study highlights a two-step strategy in which the pDNA is loaded in cells using one vector and endosomal release is mediated by a second agent.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sriram Vaidyanathan
- Departments of †Biomedical Engineering and ‡Chemistry and Programs in §Applied Physics and ⊥Macromolecular Science and Engineering, University of Michigan , Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, United States
| | - Junjie Chen
- Departments of †Biomedical Engineering and ‡Chemistry and Programs in §Applied Physics and ⊥Macromolecular Science and Engineering, University of Michigan , Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, United States
| | - Bradford G Orr
- Departments of †Biomedical Engineering and ‡Chemistry and Programs in §Applied Physics and ⊥Macromolecular Science and Engineering, University of Michigan , Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, United States
| | - Mark M Banaszak Holl
- Departments of †Biomedical Engineering and ‡Chemistry and Programs in §Applied Physics and ⊥Macromolecular Science and Engineering, University of Michigan , Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, United States
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14
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Vaidyanathan S, Anderson KB, Merzel RL, Jacobovitz B, Kaushik MP, Kelly CN, van Dongen MA, Dougherty CA, Orr BG, Banaszak Holl MM. Quantitative Measurement of Cationic Polymer Vector and Polymer-pDNA Polyplex Intercalation into the Cell Plasma Membrane. ACS NANO 2015; 9:6097-6109. [PMID: 25952271 PMCID: PMC4771022 DOI: 10.1021/acsnano.5b01263] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/29/2023]
Abstract
Cationic gene delivery agents (vectors) are important for delivering nucleotides, but are also responsible for cytotoxicity. Cationic polymers (L-PEI, jetPEI, and G5 PAMAM) at 1× to 100× the concentrations required for translational activity (protein expression) induced the same increase in plasma membrane current of HEK 293A cells (30-50 nA) as measured by whole cell patch-clamp. This indicates saturation of the cell membrane by the cationic polymers. The increased currents induced by the polymers are not reversible for over 15 min. Irreversibility on this time scale is consistent with a polymer-supported pore or carpet model and indicates that the cell is unable to clear the polymer from the membrane. For polyplexes, although the charge concentration was the same (at N/P ratio of 10:1), G5 PAMAM and jetPEI polyplexes induced a much larger current increase (40-50 nA) than L-PEI polyplexes (<20 nA). Both free cationic lipid and lipid polyplexes induced a lower increase in current than cationic polymers (<20 nA). To quantify the membrane bound material, partition constants were measured for both free vectors and polyplexes into the HEK 293A cell membrane using a dye influx assay. The partition constants of free vectors increased with charge density of the vectors. Polyplex partition constants did not show such a trend. The long lasting cell plasma permeability induced by exposure to the polymer vectors or the polyplexes provides a plausible mechanism for the toxicity and inflammatory response induced by exposure to these materials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sriram Vaidyanathan
- †Departments of Biomedical Engineering, ‡Chemistry, and §Physics, and ∥the Programs in Applied Physics and ⊥Biophysics, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, United States
| | - Kevin B Anderson
- †Departments of Biomedical Engineering, ‡Chemistry, and §Physics, and ∥the Programs in Applied Physics and ⊥Biophysics, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, United States
| | - Rachel L Merzel
- †Departments of Biomedical Engineering, ‡Chemistry, and §Physics, and ∥the Programs in Applied Physics and ⊥Biophysics, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, United States
| | - Binyamin Jacobovitz
- †Departments of Biomedical Engineering, ‡Chemistry, and §Physics, and ∥the Programs in Applied Physics and ⊥Biophysics, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, United States
| | - Milan P Kaushik
- †Departments of Biomedical Engineering, ‡Chemistry, and §Physics, and ∥the Programs in Applied Physics and ⊥Biophysics, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, United States
| | - Christina N Kelly
- †Departments of Biomedical Engineering, ‡Chemistry, and §Physics, and ∥the Programs in Applied Physics and ⊥Biophysics, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, United States
| | - Mallory A van Dongen
- †Departments of Biomedical Engineering, ‡Chemistry, and §Physics, and ∥the Programs in Applied Physics and ⊥Biophysics, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, United States
| | - Casey A Dougherty
- †Departments of Biomedical Engineering, ‡Chemistry, and §Physics, and ∥the Programs in Applied Physics and ⊥Biophysics, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, United States
| | - Bradford G Orr
- †Departments of Biomedical Engineering, ‡Chemistry, and §Physics, and ∥the Programs in Applied Physics and ⊥Biophysics, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, United States
| | - Mark M Banaszak Holl
- †Departments of Biomedical Engineering, ‡Chemistry, and §Physics, and ∥the Programs in Applied Physics and ⊥Biophysics, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, United States
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15
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Yang J, Zhang Q, Chang H, Cheng Y. Surface-Engineered Dendrimers in Gene Delivery. Chem Rev 2015; 115:5274-300. [DOI: 10.1021/cr500542t] [Citation(s) in RCA: 307] [Impact Index Per Article: 34.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Jiepin Yang
- Shanghai
Key Laboratory of
Regulatory Biology, School of Life Sciences, East China Normal University, Shanghai 200241, P. R. China
| | - Qiang Zhang
- Shanghai
Key Laboratory of
Regulatory Biology, School of Life Sciences, East China Normal University, Shanghai 200241, P. R. China
| | - Hong Chang
- Shanghai
Key Laboratory of
Regulatory Biology, School of Life Sciences, East China Normal University, Shanghai 200241, P. R. China
| | - Yiyun Cheng
- Shanghai
Key Laboratory of
Regulatory Biology, School of Life Sciences, East China Normal University, Shanghai 200241, P. R. China
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16
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Dougherty CA, Vaidyanathan S, Orr BG, Banaszak Holl MM. Fluorophore:dendrimer ratio impacts cellular uptake and intracellular fluorescence lifetime. Bioconjug Chem 2015; 26:304-15. [PMID: 25625297 DOI: 10.1021/bc5005735] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
G5-NH2-TAMRAn (n = 1-4, 5+, and 1.5(avg)) were prepared with n = 1-4 as a precise dye:dendrimer ratio, 5+ as a mixture of dendrimers with 5 or more dye per dendrimer, and 1.5(avg) as a Poisson distribution of dye:dendrimer ratios with a mean of 1.5 dye per dendrimer. The absorption intensity increased sublinearly with n whereas the fluorescence emission and lifetime decreased with an increasing number of dyes per dendrimer. Flow cytometry was employed to quantify uptake into HEK293A cells. Dendrimers with 2-4 dyes were found to have greater uptake than dendrimer with a single dye. Fluorescence lifetime imaging microscopy (FLIM) showed that the different dye:dendrimer ratio alone was sufficient to change the fluorescence lifetime of the material observed inside cells. We also observed that the lifetime of G5-NH2-TAMRA5+ increased when present in the cell as compared to solution. However, cells treated with G5-NH2-TAMRA1.5(avg) did not exhibit the high lifetime components present in G5-NH2-TAMRA1 and G5-NH2-TAMRA5+. In general, the effects of the dye:dendrimer ratio on fluorescence lifetime were of similar magnitude to environmentally induced lifetime shifts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Casey A Dougherty
- Department of Chemistry, ‡Department of Biomedical Engineering, and §Department of Physics, University of Michigan , Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, United States
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17
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Shao N, Wang H, He B, Wang Y, Xiao J, Wang Y, Zhang Q, Li Y, Cheng Y. Hydrogen-bonding dramatically modulates the gene transfection efficacy of surface-engineered dendrimers. Biomater Sci 2015. [DOI: 10.1039/c4bm00335g] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
The hydrogen-bond modulation strategy represents a promising tool in the design of highly efficient and less cytotoxic gene materials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Naimin Shao
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Regulatory Biology
- School of Life Sciences
- East China Normal University
- Shanghai 200241
- P.R. China
| | - Hui Wang
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Regulatory Biology
- School of Life Sciences
- East China Normal University
- Shanghai 200241
- P.R. China
| | - Bingwei He
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Regulatory Biology
- School of Life Sciences
- East China Normal University
- Shanghai 200241
- P.R. China
| | - Yu Wang
- The Second Military Medical University
- Changzheng Hospital
- Department of Orthopedic Oncology
- Shanghai
- P. R. China
| | - Jianru Xiao
- The Second Military Medical University
- Changzheng Hospital
- Department of Orthopedic Oncology
- Shanghai
- P. R. China
| | - Yitong Wang
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Regulatory Biology
- School of Life Sciences
- East China Normal University
- Shanghai 200241
- P.R. China
| | - Qiang Zhang
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Regulatory Biology
- School of Life Sciences
- East China Normal University
- Shanghai 200241
- P.R. China
| | - Yujia Li
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Regulatory Biology
- School of Life Sciences
- East China Normal University
- Shanghai 200241
- P.R. China
| | - Yiyun Cheng
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Regulatory Biology
- School of Life Sciences
- East China Normal University
- Shanghai 200241
- P.R. China
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18
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Rattan R, Bielinska AU, Banaszak Holl MM. Quantification of cytosolic plasmid DNA degradation using high-throughput sequencing: implications for gene delivery. J Gene Med 2015; 16:75-83. [PMID: 24700644 DOI: 10.1002/jgm.2761] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2013] [Revised: 03/06/2014] [Accepted: 03/31/2014] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Although cytosolic DNA degradation plays an important role in decreasing transgene expression, the plasmid degradation pattern remains largely unexplored. METHODS Illumina dye sequencing was employed to provide degradation site information for S1 and cytosolic nucleases. S1 nuclease provided a positive control for a comparison between the agarose gel method and sequencing approaches. RESULTS The poly(A) region between the β-lactamase gene and the cytomegalovirus (CMV) promoter was identified as the most likely cut site for polyplex-treated cytosol. The second most likely site, at the 5' end of the β-lactamase gene, was identified by gel electrophoresis and sequencing. Additional sites were detected in the OriC region, the SV40/poly(A) region, the luciferase gene and the CMV promoter. Sequence analysis of plasmid treated with cytosol from control cells showed the greatest cut activity in the OriC region, the β-lactamase gene and the poly(A) region following the luciferase gene. Additional regions of cut activity include the SV40 promoter and the β-lactamase poly(A) termination sequence. Both cytosolic nucleases and the S1 nuclease showed substantial activity at the bacterial origin of replication (OriC). CONCLUSIONS High-throughput plasmid sequencing revealed regions of the luciferase plasmid DNA sequence that are sensitive to cytosolic nuclease degradation. This provides new targets for improving plasmid and/or polymer design to optimize the likelihood of protein expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rahul Rattan
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA; Michigan Nanotechnology Institute for Medicine and Biological Sciences, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
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19
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Shen W, van Dongen MA, Han Y, Yu M, Li Y, Liu G, Banaszak Holl MM, Qi R. The role of caveolin-1 and syndecan-4 in the internalization of PEGylated PAMAM dendrimer polyplexes into myoblast and hepatic cells. Eur J Pharm Biopharm 2014; 88:658-63. [PMID: 25083608 PMCID: PMC4250345 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejpb.2014.07.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2014] [Revised: 07/17/2014] [Accepted: 07/22/2014] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
To improve gene delivery efficiency of PEGylated poly(amidoamine) dendrimers in livers and muscles, the roles of syndecan-4 receptor and caveolin-1 protein in the endocytosis of PEGylated generation 5 (G5-PEG) or 7 (G7-PEG) dendrimers and plasmid DNA polyplexes were explored in C2C12 and HepG2 cells. Expression levels of syndecan-4 for both cell lines were downregulated by transfection of the cells with syndecan-4 specific siRNA. Caveolin-1 was upregulated by infecting the cells with adenovirus vector expressed caveolin-1 (Ad-CAV-1). The impact of syndecan-4 and caveolin-1 on endocytosis of G5-PEG/DNA or G7-PEG/DNA polyplexes was then measured by flow cytometry. Our results demonstrate that downregulation of syndecan-4 and upregulation of caveolin-1 significantly improved internalization of PEG-PAMAM dendrimer polyplexes in HepG2 cells; however, in C2C12 cells, downregulation of syndecan-4 decreased the internalization of the polyplexes while upregulation of caveolin-1 had no effect on internalization. Gene expression results for G5-PEG/pGFP on the two cell lines exhibited the same trends for syndecan-4 and caveolin-1 as was observed for endocytosis of the polyplexes. This study gives a clue how to take strategies by up- or down-regulation of the expressions of syndecan-4 and caveolin-1 to improve in vivo gene delivery efficiency of the PEG-PAMAM dendrimers in clinical transgenic therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenwen Shen
- Peking University Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing, China; Key Laboratory of Molecular Cardiovascular Sciences, Ministry of Education, China
| | | | - Yingchun Han
- Peking University Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing, China; Key Laboratory of Molecular Cardiovascular Sciences, Ministry of Education, China
| | - Maomao Yu
- Peking University Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing, China; Key Laboratory of Molecular Cardiovascular Sciences, Ministry of Education, China
| | - Yanzhi Li
- Peking University Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing, China; Key Laboratory of Molecular Cardiovascular Sciences, Ministry of Education, China
| | - George Liu
- Peking University Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing, China; Key Laboratory of Molecular Cardiovascular Sciences, Ministry of Education, China
| | | | - Rong Qi
- Peking University Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing, China; Key Laboratory of Molecular Cardiovascular Sciences, Ministry of Education, China.
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20
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Chang H, Wang H, Shao N, Wang M, Wang X, Cheng Y. Surface-engineered dendrimers with a diaminododecane core achieve efficient gene transfection and low cytotoxicity. Bioconjug Chem 2014; 25:342-50. [PMID: 24410081 DOI: 10.1021/bc400496u] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Cationic dendrimers are widely used as gene vectors; however, these materials are usually associated with unsatisfied transfection efficiency and biocompatibility. In this study, we used an aliphatic hydrocarbon-cored polyamidoamine (PAMAM) dendrimer as an alternative to traditional cationic PAMAM dendrimers in the design of efficient gene vectors. Diaminododecane-cored generation 4 (C12G4) PAMAM dendrimer showed dramatically higher efficacy in luciferase and EGFP gene transfection than diaminoethane-cored generation 4 (C2G4) and diaminohexane-cored generation 4 (C6G4) PAMAM dendrimers. The viability of cells incubated with C12G4 at transfection concentrations is above 90%. The significantly improved gene transfection efficacy of C12G4 is attributed to the hydrophobic core of C12G4 which increases the cellular uptake of dendrimer/DNA polyplexes. Further modification of C12G4 with functional ligands such as arginine, 2,4-diamino-1,3,5-triazine, and fluorine compounds significantly increase its transfection efficiency on several cell lines. These results suggest that diaminododecane-cored dendrimers can be developed as a versatile scaffold in the design of efficient gene vectors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hong Chang
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Regulatory Biology, School of Life Sciences, East China Normal University , Shanghai, 200241, P.R. China
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21
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Wang X, Shao N, Zhang Q, Cheng Y. Mitochondrial targeting dendrimer allows efficient and safe gene delivery. J Mater Chem B 2014; 2:2546-2553. [DOI: 10.1039/c3tb21348j] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
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