1
|
The sodium iodide symporter (NIS) as theranostic gene: potential role in pre-clinical therapy of extra-thyroidal malignancies. Clin Transl Imaging 2023. [DOI: 10.1007/s40336-023-00540-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
|
2
|
Kitzberger C, Spellerberg R, Morath V, Schwenk N, Schmohl KA, Schug C, Urnauer S, Tutter M, Eiber M, Schilling F, Weber WA, Ziegler S, Bartenstein P, Wagner E, Nelson PJ, Spitzweg C. The sodium iodide symporter (NIS) as theranostic gene: its emerging role in new imaging modalities and non-viral gene therapy. EJNMMI Res 2022; 12:25. [PMID: 35503582 PMCID: PMC9065223 DOI: 10.1186/s13550-022-00888-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2021] [Accepted: 03/11/2022] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Cloning of the sodium iodide symporter (NIS) in 1996 has provided an opportunity to use NIS as a powerful theranostic transgene. Novel gene therapy strategies rely on image-guided selective NIS gene transfer in non-thyroidal tumors followed by application of therapeutic radionuclides. This review highlights the remarkable progress during the last two decades in the development of the NIS gene therapy concept using selective non-viral gene delivery vehicles including synthetic polyplexes and genetically engineered mesenchymal stem cells. In addition, NIS is a sensitive reporter gene and can be monitored by high resolution PET imaging using the radiotracers sodium [124I]iodide ([124I]NaI) or [18F]tetrafluoroborate ([18F]TFB). We performed a small preclinical PET imaging study comparing sodium [124I]iodide and in-house synthesized [18F]TFB in an orthotopic NIS-expressing glioblastoma model. The results demonstrated an improved image quality using [18F]TFB. Building upon these results, we will be able to expand the NIS gene therapy approach using non-viral gene delivery vehicles to target orthotopic tumor models with low volume disease, such as glioblastoma. Trial registration not applicable.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Carolin Kitzberger
- Department of Internal Medicine IV, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Marchioninistrasse 15, 81377, Munich, Germany
| | - Rebekka Spellerberg
- Department of Internal Medicine IV, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Marchioninistrasse 15, 81377, Munich, Germany
| | - Volker Morath
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, School of Medicine, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Nathalie Schwenk
- Department of Internal Medicine IV, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Marchioninistrasse 15, 81377, Munich, Germany
| | - Kathrin A Schmohl
- Department of Internal Medicine IV, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Marchioninistrasse 15, 81377, Munich, Germany
| | - Christina Schug
- Department of Internal Medicine IV, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Marchioninistrasse 15, 81377, Munich, Germany
| | - Sarah Urnauer
- Department of Internal Medicine IV, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Marchioninistrasse 15, 81377, Munich, Germany
| | - Mariella Tutter
- Department of Internal Medicine IV, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Marchioninistrasse 15, 81377, Munich, Germany
| | - Matthias Eiber
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, School of Medicine, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Franz Schilling
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, School of Medicine, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Wolfgang A Weber
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, School of Medicine, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Sibylle Ziegler
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Peter Bartenstein
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Ernst Wagner
- Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Department of Pharmacy, Centre for System-Based Drug Research and Centre for Nanoscience, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Peter J Nelson
- Department of Internal Medicine IV, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Marchioninistrasse 15, 81377, Munich, Germany
| | - Christine Spitzweg
- Department of Internal Medicine IV, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Marchioninistrasse 15, 81377, Munich, Germany. .,Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes, Metabolism and Nutrition, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Vetter VC, Wagner E. Targeting nucleic acid-based therapeutics to tumors: Challenges and strategies for polyplexes. J Control Release 2022; 346:110-135. [PMID: 35436520 DOI: 10.1016/j.jconrel.2022.04.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2022] [Revised: 04/07/2022] [Accepted: 04/10/2022] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
The current medical reality of cancer gene therapy is reflected by more than ten approved products on the global market, including oncolytic and other viral vectors and CAR T-cells as ex vivo gene-modified cell therapeutics. The development of synthetic antitumoral nucleic acid therapeutics has been proceeding at a lower but steady pace, fueled by a plethora of alternative nucleic acid platforms (from various antisense oligonucleotides, siRNA, microRNA, lncRNA, sgRNA, to larger mRNA and DNA) and several classes of physical and chemical delivery technologies. This review summarizes the challenges and strategies for tumor-targeted nucleic acid delivery. Focusing primarily on polyplexes (polycation complexes) as nanocarriers, delivery options across multiple barriers into tumor cells are illustrated.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Victoria C Vetter
- Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Center for System-based Drug Research, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität, Munich 81377, Germany
| | - Ernst Wagner
- Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Center for System-based Drug Research, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität, Munich 81377, Germany; Center for NanoScience (CeNS), Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität, Munich 81377, Germany.
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Spellerberg R, Benli-Hoppe T, Kitzberger C, Berger S, Schmohl KA, Schwenk N, Yen HY, Zach C, Schilling F, Weber WA, Kälin RE, Glass R, Nelson PJ, Wagner E, Spitzweg C. Selective sodium iodide symporter ( NIS) genetherapy of glioblastoma mediatedby EGFR-targeted lipopolyplexes. Mol Ther Oncolytics 2021; 23:432-446. [PMID: 34853814 PMCID: PMC8604759 DOI: 10.1016/j.omto.2021.10.011] [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: 05/29/2021] [Revised: 10/11/2021] [Accepted: 10/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Lipo-oligomers, post-functionalized with ligands to enhance targeting, represent promising new vehicles for the tumor-specific delivery of therapeutic genes such as the sodium iodide symporter (NIS). Due to its iodide trapping activity, NIS is a powerful theranostic tool for diagnostic imaging and the application of therapeutic radionuclides. 124I PET imaging allows non-invasive monitoring of the in vivo biodistribution of functional NIS expression, and application of 131I enables cytoreduction. In our experimental design, we used epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR)-targeted polyplexes (GE11) initially characterized in vitro using 125I uptake assays. Mice bearing an orthotopic glioblastoma were treated subsequently with mono-dibenzocyclooctyne (DBCO)-PEG24-GE11/NIS or bisDBCO-PEG24-GE11/NIS, and 24-48 h later, 124I uptake was assessed by positron emission tomography (PET) imaging. The best-performing polyplex in the imaging studies was then selected for 131I therapy studies. The in vitro studies showed EGFR-dependent and NIS-specific transfection efficiency of the polyplexes. The injection of monoDBCO-PEG24-GE11/NIS polyplexes 48 h before 124I application was characterized to be the optimal regime in the imaging studies and was therefore used for an 131I therapy study, showing a significant decrease in tumor growth and a significant extension of survival in the therapy group. These studies demonstrate the potential of EGFR-targeted polyplex-mediated NIS gene therapy as a new strategy for the therapy of glioblastoma.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rebekka Spellerberg
- Department of Internal Medicine IV, University Hospital, LMU Munich, 81377 Munich, Germany
| | - Teoman Benli-Hoppe
- Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Department of Pharmacy, LMU Munich, 81377 Munich, Germany
| | - Carolin Kitzberger
- Department of Internal Medicine IV, University Hospital, LMU Munich, 81377 Munich, Germany
| | - Simone Berger
- Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Department of Pharmacy, LMU Munich, 81377 Munich, Germany
| | - Kathrin A Schmohl
- Department of Internal Medicine IV, University Hospital, LMU Munich, 81377 Munich, Germany
| | - Nathalie Schwenk
- Department of Internal Medicine IV, University Hospital, LMU Munich, 81377 Munich, Germany
| | - Hsi-Yu Yen
- Institute of Pathology, School of Medicine, Technical University of Munich, 81675 Munich, Germany
| | - Christian Zach
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, University Hospital, LMU Munich, 81377 Munich, Germany
| | - Franz Schilling
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, School of Medicine, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technical University Munich, 81675 Munich, Germany
| | - Wolfgang A Weber
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, School of Medicine, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technical University Munich, 81675 Munich, Germany
| | - Roland E Kälin
- Neurosurgical Research, Department of Neurosurgery, University Hospital, LMU Munich, 81377 Munich, Germany.,Walter Brendel Center of Experimental Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, LMU Munich, 81377 Munich, Germany
| | - Rainer Glass
- Neurosurgical Research, Department of Neurosurgery, University Hospital, LMU Munich, 81377 Munich, Germany.,Walter Brendel Center of Experimental Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, LMU Munich, 81377 Munich, Germany.,German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), partner site 80336 Munich and German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Peter J Nelson
- Department of Internal Medicine IV, University Hospital, LMU Munich, 81377 Munich, Germany
| | - Ernst Wagner
- Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Department of Pharmacy, LMU Munich, 81377 Munich, Germany
| | - Christine Spitzweg
- Department of Internal Medicine IV, University Hospital, LMU Munich, 81377 Munich, Germany.,Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes, Metabolism and Nutrition, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN 55905, USA
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Freitag F, Wagner E. Optimizing synthetic nucleic acid and protein nanocarriers: The chemical evolution approach. Adv Drug Deliv Rev 2021; 168:30-54. [PMID: 32246984 DOI: 10.1016/j.addr.2020.03.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2019] [Revised: 02/10/2020] [Accepted: 03/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Optimizing synthetic nanocarriers is like searching for a needle in a haystack. How to find the most suitable carrier for intracellular delivery of a specified macromolecular nanoagent for a given disease target location? Here, we review different synthetic 'chemical evolution' strategies that have been pursued. Libraries of nanocarriers have been generated either by unbiased combinatorial chemistry or by variation and novel combination of known functional delivery elements. As in natural evolution, definition of nanocarriers as sequences, as barcode or design principle, may fuel chemical evolution. Screening in appropriate test system may not only provide delivery candidates, but also a refined understanding of cellular delivery including novel, unpredictable mechanisms. Combined with rational design and computational algorithms, candidates can be further optimized in subsequent evolution cycles into nanocarriers with improved safety and efficacy. Optimization of nanocarriers differs for various cargos, as illustrated for plasmid DNA, siRNA, mRNA, proteins, or genome-editing nucleases.
Collapse
|
6
|
Luo J, Schmaus J, Cui M, Hörterer E, Wilk U, Höhn M, Däther M, Berger S, Benli-Hoppe T, Peng L, Wagner E. Hyaluronate siRNA nanoparticles with positive charge display rapid attachment to tumor endothelium and penetration into tumors. J Control Release 2020; 329:919-933. [PMID: 33069742 DOI: 10.1016/j.jconrel.2020.10.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2020] [Revised: 10/09/2020] [Accepted: 10/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
A cationizable sequence-defined lipo-oligoaminoamide (lipo-OAA) conferring stable assembly of siRNA into ~200 nm sized complexes contains an N-terminal azidolysine for covalent coating of formed nanoparticles with dibenzocyclooctyne-amine (DBCO)-modified hyaluronic acid (HA). Depending on the applied equivalents of DBCO-HA, stable nanoparticles with either cationic or anionic surface charge can be formed. The unmodified and two types of covalent HA-modified siRNA nanoparticles differ in their biological characteristics. Both types of HA coated siRNA complexes show an enhanced cellular uptake over uncoated complexes and facilitate efficient gene silencing, but differ in intracellular uptake pathways and distribution. Upon intravenous administration in mice, beyond our expectation and in contrast to the in vitro findings, only the cationic HA nanoparticles but neither the non-coated cationic nor the anionic HA complexes were able to target subcutaneous Huh 7 tumors and exert potent (78%) gene silencing. The favorable and very fast accumulation of cationic HA nanoparticles was confirmed in another subcutaneous tumor model. As evidenced by 3D nanoparticle distribution within Huh 7 tumors evaluated at early time points of 5 min and 45 min, only the cationic HA-based nanoparticles rapidly attach to the tumor endothelium and subsequently penetrate into tumor, in contrast to the analogous anionic HA coated or the cationic non-coated formulation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jie Luo
- Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Center for System-based Drug Research Center for NanoScience (CeNS), Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität, Munich 81377, Germany
| | - Johannes Schmaus
- Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Center for System-based Drug Research Center for NanoScience (CeNS), Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität, Munich 81377, Germany
| | - Mochen Cui
- Faculty of Medicine, Munich Medical Research School (MMRS), Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität, Munich 80336, Germany
| | - Elisa Hörterer
- Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Center for System-based Drug Research Center for NanoScience (CeNS), Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität, Munich 81377, Germany
| | - Ulrich Wilk
- Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Center for System-based Drug Research Center for NanoScience (CeNS), Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität, Munich 81377, Germany
| | - Miriam Höhn
- Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Center for System-based Drug Research Center for NanoScience (CeNS), Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität, Munich 81377, Germany
| | - Maike Däther
- Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Center for System-based Drug Research Center for NanoScience (CeNS), Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität, Munich 81377, Germany
| | - Simone Berger
- Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Center for System-based Drug Research Center for NanoScience (CeNS), Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität, Munich 81377, Germany
| | - Teoman Benli-Hoppe
- Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Center for System-based Drug Research Center for NanoScience (CeNS), Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität, Munich 81377, Germany
| | - Lun Peng
- Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Center for System-based Drug Research Center for NanoScience (CeNS), Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität, Munich 81377, Germany
| | - Ernst Wagner
- Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Center for System-based Drug Research Center for NanoScience (CeNS), Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität, Munich 81377, Germany.
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
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.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Ernst Wagner
- Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Center for System-based Drug Research, Center for NanoScience (CeNS), Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität, D-81377 Munich, Germany;
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Tutter M, Schug C, Schmohl KA, Urnauer S, Schwenk N, Petrini M, Lokerse WJM, Zach C, Ziegler S, Bartenstein P, Weber WA, Wagner E, Lindner LH, Nelson PJ, Spitzweg C. Effective control of tumor growth through spatial and temporal control of theranostic sodium iodide symporter ( NIS) gene expression using a heat-inducible gene promoter in engineered mesenchymal stem cells. Am J Cancer Res 2020; 10:4490-4506. [PMID: 32292510 PMCID: PMC7150485 DOI: 10.7150/thno.41489] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2019] [Accepted: 02/11/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Purpose: The tumor homing characteristics of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) make them attractive vehicles for the tumor-specific delivery of therapeutic agents, such as the sodium iodide symporter (NIS). NIS is a theranostic protein that allows non-invasive monitoring of the in vivo biodistribution of functional NIS expression by radioiodine imaging as well as the therapeutic application of 131I. To gain local and temporal control of transgene expression, and thereby improve tumor selectivity, we engineered MSCs to express the NIS gene under control of a heat-inducible HSP70B promoter (HSP70B-NIS-MSCs). Experimental Design: NIS induction in heat-treated HSP70B-NIS-MSCs was verified by 125I uptake assay, RT-PCR, Western blot and immunofluorescence staining. HSP70B-NIS-MSCs were then injected i.v. into mice carrying subcutaneous hepatocellular carcinoma HuH7 xenografts, and hyperthermia (1 h at 41°C) was locally applied to the tumor. 0 - 72 h later radioiodine uptake was assessed by 123I-scintigraphy. The most effective uptake regime was then selected for 131I therapy. Results: The HSP70B promoter showed low basal activity in vitro and was significantly induced in response to heat. In vivo, the highest tumoral iodine accumulation was seen 12 h after application of hyperthermia. HSP70B-NIS-MSC-mediated 131I therapy combined with hyperthermia resulted in a significantly reduced tumor growth with prolonged survival as compared to control groups. Conclusions: The heat-inducible HSP70B promoter allows hyperthermia-induced spatial and temporal control of MSC-mediated theranostic NIS gene radiotherapy with efficient tumor-selective and temperature-dependent accumulation of radioiodine in heat-treated tumors.
Collapse
|
9
|
Peng L, Wagner E. Polymeric Carriers for Nucleic Acid Delivery: Current Designs and Future Directions. Biomacromolecules 2019; 20:3613-3626. [DOI: 10.1021/acs.biomac.9b00999] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
|
10
|
Schug C, Kitzberger C, Sievert W, Spellerberg R, Tutter M, Schmohl KA, Eberlein B, Biedermann T, Steiger K, Zach C, Schwaiger M, Multhoff G, Wagner E, Nelson PJ, Spitzweg C. Radiation-Induced Amplification of TGFB1-Induced Mesenchymal Stem Cell-Mediated Sodium Iodide Symporter ( NIS) Gene 131I Therapy. Clin Cancer Res 2019; 25:5997-6008. [PMID: 31196853 DOI: 10.1158/1078-0432.ccr-18-4092] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2018] [Revised: 04/10/2019] [Accepted: 06/10/2019] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE The innate tumor homing potential of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) has been used for a targeted delivery of the theranostic sodium iodide symporter (NIS) transgene into solid tumors. We have previously shown that external beam radiotherapy (EBRT) results in the enhanced recruitment of NIS-expressing MSCs into human hepatocellular carcinoma (HuH7). In parallel, the tumor-associated cytokine TGFB1 becomes strongly upregulated in HuH7 tumors in response to EBRT. EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN We therefore evaluated the effects of combining focused EBRT (5 Gy) with MSC-mediated systemic delivery of the theranostic NIS transgene under control of a synthetic TGFB1-inducible SMAD-responsive promoter (SMAD-NIS-MSCs) using 123I-scintigraphy followed by 131I therapy in CD1 nu/nu mice harboring subcutaneous human hepatocellular carcinoma (HuH7). RESULTS Following tumor irradiation and SMAD-NIS-MSC application, tumoral iodide uptake monitored in vivo by 123I-scintigraphy was enhanced as compared with nonirradiated tumors. Combination of EBRT and SMAD-NIS-MSC-mediated 131I therapy resulted in a significantly improved delay in tumor growth and prolonged survival in therapy mice as compared with the combined therapy using CMV-NIS-MSCs or to control groups receiving EBRT or saline only, or EBRT together with SMAD-NIS-MSCs and saline applications. CONCLUSIONS MSC-based NIS-mediated 131I therapy after EBRT treatment dramatically enhanced therapeutic efficacy when a TGFB1-inducible SMAD-responsive promoter was used to drive NIS expression in adoptively applied MSCs. The remarkable therapeutic effect seen is thought to be linked in large part to the enhanced TGFB1 produced in this context, which leads to a highly selective and focused amplification of MSC-based NIS expression within the tumor milieu.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Christina Schug
- Medizinische Klinik und Poliklinik IV-Campus Grosshadern, University Hospital of Munich, Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Carolin Kitzberger
- Medizinische Klinik und Poliklinik IV-Campus Grosshadern, University Hospital of Munich, Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Wolfgang Sievert
- Center for Translational Cancer Research (TranslaTUM), Klinikum rechts der Isar der Technischen Universität München, Radiation Immuno-Oncology group, Munich, Germany
| | - Rebekka Spellerberg
- Medizinische Klinik und Poliklinik IV-Campus Grosshadern, University Hospital of Munich, Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Mariella Tutter
- Medizinische Klinik und Poliklinik IV-Campus Grosshadern, University Hospital of Munich, Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Kathrin A Schmohl
- Medizinische Klinik und Poliklinik IV-Campus Grosshadern, University Hospital of Munich, Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Bernadette Eberlein
- Department of Dermatology and Allergy Biederstein, Klinikum rechts der Isar der Technischen Universität München, Munich, Germany
| | - Tilo Biedermann
- Department of Dermatology and Allergy Biederstein, Klinikum rechts der Isar der Technischen Universität München, Munich, Germany
| | - Katja Steiger
- Department of Pathology, Klinikum rechts der Isar der Technischen Universität München, Munich, Germany
| | - Christian Zach
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, University Hospital of Munich, Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Markus Schwaiger
- Klinikum rechts der Isar der Technischen Universität München, Munich, Germany
| | - Gabriele Multhoff
- Center for Translational Cancer Research (TranslaTUM), Klinikum rechts der Isar der Technischen Universität München, Radiation Immuno-Oncology group, Munich, Germany
| | - Ernst Wagner
- Department of Pharmacy, Center of Drug Research, Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Peter J Nelson
- Medizinische Klinik und Poliklinik IV, University Hospital of Munich, Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Christine Spitzweg
- Medizinische Klinik und Poliklinik IV-Campus Grosshadern, University Hospital of Munich, Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich, Munich, Germany.
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Urnauer S, Schmohl KA, Tutter M, Schug C, Schwenk N, Morys S, Ziegler S, Bartenstein P, Clevert DA, Wagner E, Spitzweg C. Dual-targeted NIS polyplexes-a theranostic strategy toward tumors with heterogeneous receptor expression. Gene Ther 2019; 26:93-108. [PMID: 30683895 DOI: 10.1038/s41434-019-0059-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2018] [Revised: 12/20/2018] [Accepted: 12/26/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Tumor heterogeneity, within and between tumors, may have severe implications for tumor therapy, especially for targeted gene therapy, where single-targeted approaches often result in limited efficacy and therapy resistance. Polymer-formulated nonviral vectors provide a potent delivery platform for cancer therapy. To improve applicability for future clinical use in a broad range of patients and cancer types, a dual-targeting approach was performed. Synthetic LPEI-PEG2kDa-based polymer backbones were coupled to two tumor-specific peptide ligands GE11 (EGFR-targeting) and cMBP (cMET-targeting). The dual-targeting approach was used to deliver the theranostic sodium iodide symporter (NIS) gene to hepatocellular cancer. NIS as auspicious theranostic gene allows noninvasive imaging of functional NIS gene expression and effective anticancer radioiodide therapy. Enhanced tumor-specific transduction efficiency of dual-targeted polyplexes compared to single-targeted polyplexes was demonstrated in vitro using tumor cell lines with different EGFR and cMET expression and in vivo by 124I-PET-imaging. Therapeutic efficacy of the bispecific concept was mirrored by significantly reduced tumor growth and perfusion, which was associated with prolonged animal survival. In conclusion, the dual-targeting approach highlights the benefits of a bifunctional strategy for a future clinical translation of the bioimaging-based NIS-mediated radiotherapy allowing efficient targeting of heterogeneic tumors with variable receptor expression levels.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Urnauer
- Department of Internal Medicine IV, University Hospital of Munich, LMU Munich, Germany
| | - Kathrin A Schmohl
- Department of Internal Medicine IV, University Hospital of Munich, LMU Munich, Germany
| | - Mariella Tutter
- Department of Internal Medicine IV, University Hospital of Munich, LMU Munich, Germany
| | - Christina Schug
- Department of Internal Medicine IV, University Hospital of Munich, LMU Munich, Germany
| | - Nathalie Schwenk
- Department of Internal Medicine IV, University Hospital of Munich, LMU Munich, Germany
| | - Stephan Morys
- Department of Pharmacy, Center of Drug Research, Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, LMU Munich, Germany
| | - Sibylle Ziegler
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, University Hospital of Munich, LMU Munich, Germany
| | - Peter Bartenstein
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, University Hospital of Munich, LMU Munich, Germany
| | - Dirk-André Clevert
- Department of Clinical Radiology, University Hospital of Munich, LMU Munich, Germany
| | - Ernst Wagner
- Department of Pharmacy, Center of Drug Research, Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, LMU Munich, Germany
| | - Christine Spitzweg
- Department of Internal Medicine IV, University Hospital of Munich, LMU Munich, Germany.
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Abstract
Sequence-defined polymer: A promising gateway for the next generation polymeric materials and vast opportunities for new synthetic strategies, functional diversity and its material and biomedical applications.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Mintu Porel
- Discipline of Chemistry
- Indian Institute of Technology Palakkad
- India
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Schug C, Urnauer S, Jaeckel C, Schmohl KA, Tutter M, Steiger K, Schwenk N, Schwaiger M, Wagner E, Nelson PJ, Spitzweg C. TGFB1-driven mesenchymal stem cell-mediated NIS gene transfer. Endocr Relat Cancer 2019; 26:89-101. [PMID: 30121623 DOI: 10.1530/erc-18-0173] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2018] [Accepted: 08/13/2018] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Based on their excellent tumor-homing capacity, genetically engineered mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are under investigation as tumor-selective gene delivery vehicles. Transgenic expression of the sodium iodide symporter (NIS) in genetically engineered MSCs allows noninvasive tracking of MSC homing by imaging of functional NIS expression as well as therapeutic application of 131I. The use of tumor stroma-activated promoters can improve tumor-specific MSC-mediated transgene delivery. The essential role of transforming growth factor B1 (TGFB1) and the SMAD downstream target in the signaling between tumor and the surrounding stroma makes the biology of this pathway a potential option to better control NIS expression within the tumor milieu. Bone marrow-derived MSCs were stably transfected with a NIS-expressing plasmid driven by a synthetic SMAD-responsive promoter (SMAD-NIS-MSCs). Radioiodide uptake assays revealed a 4.9-fold increase in NIS-mediated perchlorate-sensitive iodide uptake in SMAD-NIS-MSCs after TGFB1 stimulation compared to unstimulated cells demonstrating the successful establishment of MSCs, which induce NIS expression in response to activation of TGFB1 signaling using a SMAD-responsive promoter. 123I-scintigraphy revealed significant tumor-specific radioiodide accumulation and thus NIS expression after systemic application of SMAD-NIS-MSCs into mice harboring subcutaneous tumors derived from the human hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) cell line HuH7, which express TGFB1. 131I therapy in SMAD-NIS-MSCs-treated mice demonstrated a significant delay in tumor growth and prolonged survival. Making use of the tumoral TGFB1 signaling network in the context of MSC-mediated NIS gene delivery is a promising approach to foster tumor stroma-selectivity of NIS transgene expression and tailor NIS-based gene therapy to TGFB1-rich tumor environments.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Christina Schug
- Department of Internal Medicine IV, University Hospital of Munich, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Sarah Urnauer
- Department of Internal Medicine IV, University Hospital of Munich, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Carsten Jaeckel
- Clinical Biochemistry Group, Department of Internal Medicine IV, University Hospital of Munich, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Kathrin A Schmohl
- Department of Internal Medicine IV, University Hospital of Munich, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Mariella Tutter
- Department of Internal Medicine IV, University Hospital of Munich, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Katja Steiger
- Institute of Pathology, Klinikum Rechts der Isar der Technischen Universitaet Muenchen, Munich, Germany
| | - Nathalie Schwenk
- Department of Internal Medicine IV, University Hospital of Munich, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Markus Schwaiger
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Klinikum Rechts der Isar der Technischen Universitaet Muenchen, Munich, Germany
| | - Ernst Wagner
- Department of Pharmacy, Center of Drug Research, Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Peter J Nelson
- Clinical Biochemistry Group, Department of Internal Medicine IV, University Hospital of Munich, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Christine Spitzweg
- Department of Internal Medicine IV, University Hospital of Munich, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Schug C, Gupta A, Urnauer S, Steiger K, Cheung PFY, Neander C, Savvatakis K, Schmohl KA, Trajkovic-Arsic M, Schwenk N, Schwaiger M, Nelson PJ, Siveke JT, Spitzweg C. A Novel Approach for Image-Guided 131I Therapy of Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma Using Mesenchymal Stem Cell-Mediated NIS Gene Delivery. Mol Cancer Res 2018; 17:310-320. [PMID: 30224540 DOI: 10.1158/1541-7786.mcr-18-0185] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2018] [Revised: 05/28/2018] [Accepted: 08/22/2018] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
The sodium iodide symporter (SLC5A5/NIS) as theranostic gene would allow for non-invasive imaging of functional NIS expression and therapeutic radioiodine application. Genetically engineered mesenchymal stem cells (MSC), based on their tumor-homing abilities, show great promise as tumor-selective NIS gene delivery vehicles for non-thyroidal tumors. As a next step towards clinical application, tumor specificity and efficacy of MSCs were investigated in an advanced genetically engineered mouse model of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). Syngeneic murine MSCs were stably transfected with a NIS-expressing plasmid driven by the CMV-promoter (NIS-MSC). In vivo 123I-scintigraphy and 124I-PET revealed significant perchlorate-sensitive NIS-mediated radioiodide accumulation in PDAC after systemic injection of NIS-MSCs. Active MSC recruitment into the tumor stroma was confirmed using NIS immunohistochemistry (IHC). A therapeutic strategy, consisting of three cycles of systemic MSC-mediated NIS delivery, followed by 131I application, resulted in a significant delay and reduction in tumor growth as compared to controls. Furthermore, IHC analysis of α-SMA and Ki67 revealed differences in the amount and behavior of activated fibroblasts in tumors of mice injected with NIS-MSCs as compared with saline-treated mice. Taken together, MSCs as NIS gene delivery vehicles in this advanced endogenous PDAC mouse model demonstrated high stromal targeting of NIS by selective recruitment of NIS-MSCs after systemic application resulting in an impressive 131I therapeutic effect. IMPLICATIONS: These data expand the prospect of MSC-mediated radioiodine imaging-guided therapy of pancreatic cancer using the sodium iodide symporter as a theranostic gene in a clinical setting.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Christina Schug
- Department of Internal Medicine IV, University Hospital of Munich, Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Aayush Gupta
- Department of Internal Medicine II, Klinikum rechts der Isar der Technischen Universität München, Munich, Germany
| | - Sarah Urnauer
- Department of Internal Medicine IV, University Hospital of Munich, Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Katja Steiger
- Institute of Pathology, Klinikum rechts der Isar der Technischen Universität München, Munich, Germany
| | - Phyllis Fung-Yi Cheung
- Division of Solid Tumor Translational Oncology, West German Cancer Center, University Hospital Essen, Essen, Germany.,German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), partner site Essen and German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Christian Neander
- Division of Solid Tumor Translational Oncology, West German Cancer Center, University Hospital Essen, Essen, Germany.,German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), partner site Essen and German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Konstantinos Savvatakis
- Division of Solid Tumor Translational Oncology, West German Cancer Center, University Hospital Essen, Essen, Germany.,German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), partner site Essen and German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Kathrin A Schmohl
- Department of Internal Medicine IV, University Hospital of Munich, Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Marija Trajkovic-Arsic
- Division of Solid Tumor Translational Oncology, West German Cancer Center, University Hospital Essen, Essen, Germany.,German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), partner site Essen and German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Nathalie Schwenk
- Department of Internal Medicine IV, University Hospital of Munich, Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Markus Schwaiger
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Klinikum rechts der Isar der Technischen Universität München, Munich, Germany
| | - Peter J Nelson
- Clinical Biochemistry Group, Department of Internal Medicine IV, University Hospital of Munich, Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Jens T Siveke
- Department of Internal Medicine II, Klinikum rechts der Isar der Technischen Universität München, Munich, Germany.,Division of Solid Tumor Translational Oncology, West German Cancer Center, University Hospital Essen, Essen, Germany.,German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), partner site Essen and German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Christine Spitzweg
- Department of Internal Medicine IV, University Hospital of Munich, Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich, Munich, Germany.
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Schug C, Sievert W, Urnauer S, Müller AM, Schmohl KA, Wechselberger A, Schwenk N, Lauber K, Schwaiger M, Multhoff G, Wagner E, Nelson PJ, Spitzweg C. External Beam Radiation Therapy Enhances Mesenchymal Stem Cell-Mediated Sodium-Iodide Symporter Gene Delivery. Hum Gene Ther 2018; 29:1287-1300. [PMID: 29724129 DOI: 10.1089/hum.2018.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The tumor-homing properties of mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) have led to their development as delivery vehicles for the targeted delivery of therapeutic genes such as the sodium-iodide symporter (NIS) to solid tumors. External beam radiation therapy may represent an ideal setting for the application of engineered MSC-based gene therapy, as tumor irradiation may enhance MSC recruitment into irradiated tumors through the increased production of select factors linked to MSC migration. In the present study, the irradiation of human liver cancer cells (HuH7; 1-10 Gy) showed a strong dose-dependent increase in steady-state mRNA levels of CXCL8, CXCL12, FGF2, PDGFB, TGFB1, THBS1, and VEGF (0-48 h), which was verified for most factors at the protein level (after 48 h). Radiation effects on directed MSC migration were tested in vitro using a live cell tracking migration assay and supernatants from control and irradiated HuH7 cells. A robust increase in mean forward migration index, mean center of mass, and mean directionality of MSCs toward supernatants was seen from irradiated as compared to non-irradiated tumor cells. Transferability of this effect to other tumor sources was demonstrated using the human breast adenocarcinoma cell line (MDA-MB-231), which showed a similar behavior to radiation as seen with HuH7 cells in quantitative polymerase chain reaction and migration assay. To evaluate this in a more physiologic in vivo setting, subcutaneously growing HuH7 xenograft tumors were irradiated with 0, 2, or 5 Gy followed by CMV-NIS-MSC application 24 h later. Tumoral iodide uptake was monitored using 123I-scintigraphy. The results showed increased tumor-specific dose-dependent accumulation of radioiodide in irradiated tumors. The results demonstrate that external beam radiation therapy enhances the migratory capacity of MSCs and may thus increase the therapeutic efficacy of MSC-mediated NIS radionuclide therapy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Christina Schug
- 1 Department of Internal Medicine IV, University Hospital of Munich , LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Wolfgang Sievert
- 2 Department of Radiation Oncology, Technische Universitaet Muenchen , Munich, Germany
| | - Sarah Urnauer
- 1 Department of Internal Medicine IV, University Hospital of Munich , LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Andrea M Müller
- 1 Department of Internal Medicine IV, University Hospital of Munich , LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Kathrin A Schmohl
- 1 Department of Internal Medicine IV, University Hospital of Munich , LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Alexandra Wechselberger
- 3 Clinical Biochemistry Group, Department of Internal Medicine IV, University Hospital of Munich , LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Nathalie Schwenk
- 1 Department of Internal Medicine IV, University Hospital of Munich , LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Kirsten Lauber
- 4 Department of Radiation Oncology, University Hospital of Munich , LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Markus Schwaiger
- 5 Department of Nuclear Medicine, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technische Universitaet Muenchen , Munich, Germany
| | - Gabriele Multhoff
- 2 Department of Radiation Oncology, Technische Universitaet Muenchen , Munich, Germany
| | - Ernst Wagner
- 6 Department of Pharmacy, Center of Drug Research, Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Peter J Nelson
- 3 Clinical Biochemistry Group, Department of Internal Medicine IV, University Hospital of Munich , LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Christine Spitzweg
- 1 Department of Internal Medicine IV, University Hospital of Munich , LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Ranneh A, Takemoto H, Sakuma S, Awaad A, Nomoto T, Mochida Y, Matsui M, Tomoda K, Naito M, Nishiyama N. An Ethylenediamine‐based Switch to Render the Polyzwitterion Cationic at Tumorous pH for Effective Tumor Accumulation of Coated Nanomaterials. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2018. [DOI: 10.1002/ange.201801641] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Abdul‐Hackam Ranneh
- Laboratory for Chemistry and Life Science, Institute of Innovative Research Tokyo Institute of Technology R1-11, 4259, Nagatsuta, Midori-ku Yokohama Kanagawa 226-8503 Japan
| | - Hiroyasu Takemoto
- Laboratory for Chemistry and Life Science, Institute of Innovative Research Tokyo Institute of Technology R1-11, 4259, Nagatsuta, Midori-ku Yokohama Kanagawa 226-8503 Japan
| | - Shunya Sakuma
- Laboratory for Chemistry and Life Science, Institute of Innovative Research Tokyo Institute of Technology R1-11, 4259, Nagatsuta, Midori-ku Yokohama Kanagawa 226-8503 Japan
| | - Aziz Awaad
- Laboratory for Chemistry and Life Science, Institute of Innovative Research Tokyo Institute of Technology R1-11, 4259, Nagatsuta, Midori-ku Yokohama Kanagawa 226-8503 Japan
- Department of Zoology Faculty of Science Sohag University The University Street Naser City Sohag 82524 Egypt
| | - Takahiro Nomoto
- Laboratory for Chemistry and Life Science, Institute of Innovative Research Tokyo Institute of Technology R1-11, 4259, Nagatsuta, Midori-ku Yokohama Kanagawa 226-8503 Japan
| | - Yuki Mochida
- Innovation Center of NanoMedicine (iCONM) Kawasaki Institute of Industrial Promotion 3-25-14 Tonomachi Kawasaki-ku Kawasaki 212-0821 Japan
| | - Makoto Matsui
- Laboratory for Chemistry and Life Science, Institute of Innovative Research Tokyo Institute of Technology R1-11, 4259, Nagatsuta, Midori-ku Yokohama Kanagawa 226-8503 Japan
| | - Keishiro Tomoda
- Laboratory for Chemistry and Life Science, Institute of Innovative Research Tokyo Institute of Technology R1-11, 4259, Nagatsuta, Midori-ku Yokohama Kanagawa 226-8503 Japan
| | - Mitsuru Naito
- Center for Disease Biology and Integrative Medicine Graduate School of Medicine The University of Tokyo 7-3-1 Hongo Bunkyo-ku Tokyo 113-0033 Japan
| | - Nobuhiro Nishiyama
- Laboratory for Chemistry and Life Science, Institute of Innovative Research Tokyo Institute of Technology R1-11, 4259, Nagatsuta, Midori-ku Yokohama Kanagawa 226-8503 Japan
- Innovation Center of NanoMedicine (iCONM) Kawasaki Institute of Industrial Promotion 3-25-14 Tonomachi Kawasaki-ku Kawasaki 212-0821 Japan
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Ranneh AH, Takemoto H, Sakuma S, Awaad A, Nomoto T, Mochida Y, Matsui M, Tomoda K, Naito M, Nishiyama N. An Ethylenediamine-based Switch to Render the Polyzwitterion Cationic at Tumorous pH for Effective Tumor Accumulation of Coated Nanomaterials. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2018; 57:5057-5061. [PMID: 29512262 DOI: 10.1002/anie.201801641] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2018] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Polyzwitterions are employed as coating polymers for biomaterials to induce an antifouling property on the surface. Fine-tuning the betaine structure switches the antifouling property to be interactive with anionic tissue constituents in response to a tumorous pH gradient. The ethylenediamine moiety in the carboxybetaine enabled stepwise protonation and initiated the di-protonation process around tumorous pH (6.5). The net charge of the developed polyzwitterion (PGlu(DET-Car)) was thus neutral at pH 7.4 for antifouling, but was cationic at pH 6.5 for interaction with anionic constituents. Quantum dots coated with PGlu(DET-Car) exhibited comparable stealth and enhanced tumor accumulation relative to the PEG system. The present study provides a novel design of smart switchable polyzwitterion based on a precise control of the net charge.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Abdul-Hackam Ranneh
- Laboratory for Chemistry and Life Science, Institute of Innovative Research, Tokyo Institute of Technology, R1-11, 4259, Nagatsuta, Midori-ku, Yokohama, Kanagawa, 226-8503, Japan
| | - Hiroyasu Takemoto
- Laboratory for Chemistry and Life Science, Institute of Innovative Research, Tokyo Institute of Technology, R1-11, 4259, Nagatsuta, Midori-ku, Yokohama, Kanagawa, 226-8503, Japan
| | - Shunya Sakuma
- Laboratory for Chemistry and Life Science, Institute of Innovative Research, Tokyo Institute of Technology, R1-11, 4259, Nagatsuta, Midori-ku, Yokohama, Kanagawa, 226-8503, Japan
| | - Aziz Awaad
- Laboratory for Chemistry and Life Science, Institute of Innovative Research, Tokyo Institute of Technology, R1-11, 4259, Nagatsuta, Midori-ku, Yokohama, Kanagawa, 226-8503, Japan.,Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, Sohag University, The University Street, Naser City, Sohag, 82524, Egypt
| | - Takahiro Nomoto
- Laboratory for Chemistry and Life Science, Institute of Innovative Research, Tokyo Institute of Technology, R1-11, 4259, Nagatsuta, Midori-ku, Yokohama, Kanagawa, 226-8503, Japan
| | - Yuki Mochida
- Innovation Center of NanoMedicine (iCONM), Kawasaki Institute of Industrial Promotion, 3-25-14 Tonomachi, Kawasaki-ku, Kawasaki, 212-0821, Japan
| | - Makoto Matsui
- Laboratory for Chemistry and Life Science, Institute of Innovative Research, Tokyo Institute of Technology, R1-11, 4259, Nagatsuta, Midori-ku, Yokohama, Kanagawa, 226-8503, Japan
| | - Keishiro Tomoda
- Laboratory for Chemistry and Life Science, Institute of Innovative Research, Tokyo Institute of Technology, R1-11, 4259, Nagatsuta, Midori-ku, Yokohama, Kanagawa, 226-8503, Japan
| | - Mitsuru Naito
- Center for Disease Biology and Integrative Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-0033, Japan
| | - Nobuhiro Nishiyama
- Laboratory for Chemistry and Life Science, Institute of Innovative Research, Tokyo Institute of Technology, R1-11, 4259, Nagatsuta, Midori-ku, Yokohama, Kanagawa, 226-8503, Japan.,Innovation Center of NanoMedicine (iCONM), Kawasaki Institute of Industrial Promotion, 3-25-14 Tonomachi, Kawasaki-ku, Kawasaki, 212-0821, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Urnauer S, Klutz K, Grünwald GK, Morys S, Schwenk N, Zach C, Gildehaus FJ, Rödl W, Ogris M, Wagner E, Spitzweg C. Systemic tumor-targeted sodium iodide symporter (NIS) gene therapy of hepatocellular carcinoma mediated by B6 peptide polyplexes. J Gene Med 2018; 19. [PMID: 28423213 DOI: 10.1002/jgm.2957] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2016] [Revised: 04/03/2017] [Accepted: 04/16/2017] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Nonviral polymer-based gene transfer represents an adaptable system for tumor-targeted gene therapy because various design strategies of shuttle systems, together with the mechanistic concept of active tumor targeting, lead to improved gene delivery vectors resulting in higher tumor specificity, efficacy and safety. METHODS Using the sodium iodide symporter (NIS) as a theranostic gene, nonviral gene delivery vehicles based on linear polyethylenimine (LPEI), polyethylene glycol (PEG) and coupled to the synthetic peptide B6 (LPEI-PEG-B6), which specifically binds to tumor cells, were investigated in a hepatocellular carcinoma xenograft model for tumor selectivity and transduction efficiency. RESULTS In vitro incubation of three different tumor cell lines with LPEI-PEG-B6/NIS resulted in significant increase in iodide uptake activity compared to untargeted and empty vectors. After establishment of subcutaneous HuH7 tumors, NIS-conjugated nanoparticles were injected intravenously followed by analysis of radioiodide biodistribution using 123 I-scintigraphy showing significant perchlorate-sensitive iodide accumulation in tumors of LPEI-PEG-B6/NIS-treated mice (8.0 ± 1.5% ID/g 123 I; biological half-life of 4 h). After four cycles of repetitive polyplex/131 I applications, a significant delay of tumor growth was observed, which was associated with markedly improved survival in the therapy group. CONCLUSIONS These results clearly demonstrate that systemic in vivo NIS gene transfer using nanoparticle vectors coupled to B6 tumor targeting ligand is capable of inducing tumor-specific radioiodide uptake. This promising gene therapy approach opens the exciting prospect of NIS-mediated radionuclide therapy in metastatic cancer, together with the possibility of combining several targeting ligands to enhance selective therapeutic efficacy in a broad field of cancer types with various receptor expression profiles.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Urnauer
- Department of Internal Medicine IV, University Hospital of Munich, LMU Munich, Germany
| | - Kathrin Klutz
- Department of Internal Medicine IV, University Hospital of Munich, LMU Munich, Germany
| | - Geoffrey K Grünwald
- Department of Internal Medicine IV, University Hospital of Munich, LMU Munich, Germany
| | - Stephan Morys
- Department of Pharmacy, Center of Drug Research, Pharmaceutical Biotechnology and Center for Nanoscience (CeNS), LMU Munich, Germany
| | - Nathalie Schwenk
- Department of Internal Medicine IV, University Hospital of Munich, LMU Munich, Germany
| | - Christian Zach
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, University Hospital of Munich, LMU Munich, Germany
| | | | - Wolfgang Rödl
- Department of Pharmacy, Center of Drug Research, Pharmaceutical Biotechnology and Center for Nanoscience (CeNS), LMU Munich, Germany
| | - Manfred Ogris
- Department of Pharmacy, Center of Drug Research, Pharmaceutical Biotechnology and Center for Nanoscience (CeNS), LMU Munich, Germany.,Division of Clinical Pharmacy and Diagnostics, University of Vienna, Austria
| | - Ernst Wagner
- Department of Pharmacy, Center of Drug Research, Pharmaceutical Biotechnology and Center for Nanoscience (CeNS), LMU Munich, Germany
| | - Christine Spitzweg
- Department of Internal Medicine IV, University Hospital of Munich, LMU Munich, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Schmohl KA, Dolp P, Schug C, Knoop K, Klutz K, Schwenk N, Bartenstein P, Nelson PJ, Ogris M, Wagner E, Spitzweg C. Reintroducing the Sodium-Iodide Symporter to Anaplastic Thyroid Carcinoma. Thyroid 2017; 27:1534-1543. [PMID: 29032724 DOI: 10.1089/thy.2017.0290] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Anaplastic thyroid carcinoma (ATC), the most aggressive form of thyroid cancer, is unresponsive to radioiodine therapy. The current study aimed to extend the diagnostic and therapeutic application of radioiodine beyond the treatment of differentiated thyroid cancer by targeting the functional sodium-iodide symporter (NIS) to ATC. METHODS The study employed nanoparticle vectors (polyplexes) based on linear polyethylenimine (LPEI), shielded by polyethylene glycol (PEG) and coupled to the synthetic peptide GE11 as an epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR)-specific ligand in order to target a NIS-expressing plasmid (LPEI-PEG-GE11/NIS) to EGFR overexpressing human thyroid carcinoma cell lines. Using ATC xenograft mouse models, transfection efficiency by 123I scintigraphy and potential for systemic radioiodine therapy after systemic polyplex application were evaluated. RESULTS In vitro iodide uptake studies in SW1736 and Hth74 ATC cells, and, for comparison, in more differentiated follicular (FTC-133) and papillary (BCPAP) thyroid carcinoma cells demonstrated high transfection efficiency and EGFR-specificity of LPEI-PEG-GE11/NIS that correlated well with EGFR expression levels. After systemic polyplex injection, in vivo 123I gamma camera imaging revealed significant tumor-specific accumulation of radioiodine in an SW1736 and an Hth74 xenograft mouse model. Radioiodine accumulation was found to be higher in SW1736 tumors, reflecting in vitro results, EGFR expression levels, and results from ex vivo analysis of NIS staining. Administration of 131I in LPEI-PEG-GE11/NIS-treated SW1736 xenograft mice resulted in significantly reduced tumor growth associated with prolonged survival compared to control animals. CONCLUSIONS The data open the exciting prospect of NIS-mediated radionuclide imaging and therapy of ATC after non-viral reintroduction of the NIS gene. The high tumor specificity after systemic application makes the strategy an attractive alternative for the treatment of highly metastatic ATC.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kathrin A Schmohl
- 1 Department of Internal Medicine IV, University Hospital of Munich , LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Patrick Dolp
- 1 Department of Internal Medicine IV, University Hospital of Munich , LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Christina Schug
- 1 Department of Internal Medicine IV, University Hospital of Munich , LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Kerstin Knoop
- 1 Department of Internal Medicine IV, University Hospital of Munich , LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Kathrin Klutz
- 1 Department of Internal Medicine IV, University Hospital of Munich , LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Nathalie Schwenk
- 1 Department of Internal Medicine IV, University Hospital of Munich , LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Peter Bartenstein
- 2 Department of Nuclear Medicine, University Hospital of Munich , LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Peter J Nelson
- 1 Department of Internal Medicine IV, University Hospital of Munich , LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Manfred Ogris
- 3 Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Laboratory of MacroMolecular Cancer Therapeutics (MMCT), University of Vienna , Vienna, Austria
| | - Ernst Wagner
- 4 Department of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Department of Pharmacy, Center for System-Based Drug Research and Center for Nanoscience , LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Christine Spitzweg
- 1 Department of Internal Medicine IV, University Hospital of Munich , LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Krhac Levacic A, Morys S, Wagner E. Solid-phase supported design of carriers for therapeutic nucleic acid delivery. Biosci Rep 2017; 37:BSR20160617. [PMID: 28963371 PMCID: PMC5662914 DOI: 10.1042/bsr20160617] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2017] [Revised: 09/26/2017] [Accepted: 09/27/2017] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Nucleic acid molecules are important therapeutic agents in the field of antisense oligonucleotide, RNA interference, and gene therapies. Since nucleic acids are not able to cross cell membranes and enter efficiently into cells on their own, the development of efficient, safe, and precise delivery systems is the crucial challenge for development of nucleic acid therapeutics. For the delivery of nucleic acids to their intracellular site of action, either the cytosol or the nucleus, several extracellular and intracellular barriers have to be overcome. Multifunctional carriers may handle the different special requirements of each barrier. The complexity of such macromolecules however poses a new hurdle in medical translation, which is the chemical production in reproducible and well-defined form. Solid-phase assisted synthesis (SPS) presents a solution for this challenge. The current review provides an overview on the design and SPS of precise sequence-defined synthetic carriers for nucleic acid cargos.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ana Krhac Levacic
- Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Center for System-Based Drug Research, and Center for NanoScience (CeNS), Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Butenandtstrasse 5-13, D-81377 Munich, Germany
| | - Stephan Morys
- Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Center for System-Based Drug Research, and Center for NanoScience (CeNS), Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Butenandtstrasse 5-13, D-81377 Munich, Germany
| | - Ernst Wagner
- Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Center for System-Based Drug Research, and Center for NanoScience (CeNS), Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Butenandtstrasse 5-13, D-81377 Munich, Germany
- Nanosystems Initiative Munich, Schellingstrasse 4, D-80799 Munich, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Levacic AK, Morys S, Kempter S, Lächelt U, Wagner E. Minicircle Versus Plasmid DNA Delivery by Receptor-Targeted Polyplexes. Hum Gene Ther 2017; 28:862-874. [DOI: 10.1089/hum.2017.123] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Ana Krhac Levacic
- Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Center for System-based Drug Research, and Center for NanoScience (CeNS), Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Munich, Germany
| | - Stephan Morys
- Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Center for System-based Drug Research, and Center for NanoScience (CeNS), Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Munich, Germany
| | - Susanne Kempter
- Department of Physics, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Munich, Germany
| | - Ulrich Lächelt
- Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Center for System-based Drug Research, and Center for NanoScience (CeNS), Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Munich, Germany
- Nanosystems Initiative Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Ernst Wagner
- Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Center for System-based Drug Research, and Center for NanoScience (CeNS), Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Munich, Germany
- Nanosystems Initiative Munich, Munich, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Urnauer S, Müller AM, Schug C, Schmohl KA, Tutter M, Schwenk N, Rödl W, Morys S, Ingrisch M, Bertram J, Bartenstein P, Clevert DA, Wagner E, Spitzweg C. EGFR-targeted nonviral NIS gene transfer for bioimaging and therapy of disseminated colon cancer metastases. Oncotarget 2017; 8:92195-92208. [PMID: 29190908 PMCID: PMC5696174 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.21028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2017] [Accepted: 08/04/2017] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Liver metastases present a serious problem in the therapy of advanced colorectal cancer (CRC), as more than 20% of patients have distant metastases at the time of diagnosis with less than 5% being cured. Consequently, new therapeutic approaches are of major need together with high-resolution imaging methods that allow highly specific detection of small metastases. The unique combination of reporter and therapy gene function of the sodium iodide symporter (NIS) may represent a promising theranostic strategy for CRC liver metastases allowing non-invasive imaging of functional NIS expression and therapeutic application of 131I. For targeted NIS gene transfer polymers containing linear polyethylenimine (LPEI), polyethylene glycol (PEG) and the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR)-specific ligand GE11 were complexed with human NIS DNA (LPEI-PEG-GE11/NIS). Tumor specificity and transduction efficiency were examined in high EGFR-expressing LS174T metastases by non-invasive imaging using 18F-tetrafluoroborate (18F-TFB) as novel NIS PET tracer. Mice that were injected with LPEI-PEG-GE11/NIS 48 h before 18F-TFB application showed high tumoral levels (4.8±0.6% of injected dose) of NIS-mediated radionuclide uptake in comparison to low levels detected in mice that received untargeted control polyplexes. Three cycles of intravenous injection of EGFR-targeted NIS polyplexes followed by therapeutic application of 55.5 MBq 131I resulted in marked delay in metastases spread, which was associated with improved animal survival. In conclusion, these preclinical data confirm the enormous potential of EGFR-targeted synthetic polymers for systemic NIS gene delivery in an advanced multifocal CRC liver metastases model and open the exciting prospect of NIS-mediated radionuclide therapy in metastatic disease.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Urnauer
- Department of Internal Medicine IV, University Hospital of Munich, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Andrea M Müller
- Department of Internal Medicine IV, University Hospital of Munich, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Christina Schug
- Department of Internal Medicine IV, University Hospital of Munich, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Kathrin A Schmohl
- Department of Internal Medicine IV, University Hospital of Munich, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Mariella Tutter
- Department of Internal Medicine IV, University Hospital of Munich, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Nathalie Schwenk
- Department of Internal Medicine IV, University Hospital of Munich, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Wolfgang Rödl
- Department of Pharmacy, Center of Drug Research, Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Stephan Morys
- Department of Pharmacy, Center of Drug Research, Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Michael Ingrisch
- Department of Clinical Radiology, University Hospital of Munich, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Jens Bertram
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Radiopharmacy, Klinikum rechts der Isar der Technischen Universität München, Munich, Germany
| | - Peter Bartenstein
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, University Hospital of Munich, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Dirk-André Clevert
- Department of Clinical Radiology, University Hospital of Munich, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Ernst Wagner
- Department of Pharmacy, Center of Drug Research, Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Christine Spitzweg
- Department of Internal Medicine IV, University Hospital of Munich, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Morys S, Urnauer S, Spitzweg C, Wagner E. EGFR Targeting and Shielding of pDNA Lipopolyplexes via Bivalent Attachment of a Sequence-Defined PEG Agent. Macromol Biosci 2017; 18. [PMID: 28877405 DOI: 10.1002/mabi.201700203] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2017] [Revised: 07/18/2017] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
For successful nonviral gene delivery, cationic polymers are promising DNA carrier, which need to comprise several functionalities. The current work focuses on the postincorporation of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) targeted PEGylation agents onto lipopolyplexes for pDNA delivery. T-shaped lipo-oligomers are previously found to be effective sequence-defined carriers for pDNA and siRNA. Here, the bis-oleoyl-oligoaminoethanamide 454 containing tyrosine trimer-cysteine ends is applied for complex formation with pDNA coding for luciferase or sodium iodide symporter (NIS). In a second step, the lipopolyplexes are modified via disulfide formation with sequence-defined monovalent or bivalent PEGylation agents containing one or two 3-nitro-2-pyridinesulfenyl (NPys)-activated cysteines, respectively. For targeting, the polyethylene glycol (PEG) agents comprise the EGFR targeting peptide GE11. In comparison of all transfection complexes, 454 lipopolyplexes modified with the bidentate PEG-GE11 agent show the best, EGFR-dependent uptake as well as luciferase and NIS gene expression into receptor-positive tumor cells.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Stephan Morys
- Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Center for System-Based Drug Research and Center for Nanoscience (CeNS), LMU Munich, 81377, Munich, Germany
| | - Sarah Urnauer
- Department of Internal Medicine IV, University Hospital of Munich, LMU Munich, 81377, Munich, Germany
| | - Christine Spitzweg
- Department of Internal Medicine IV, University Hospital of Munich, LMU Munich, 81377, Munich, Germany
| | - Ernst Wagner
- Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Center for System-Based Drug Research and Center for Nanoscience (CeNS), LMU Munich, 81377, Munich, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
Nanomaterial-Enabled Cancer Therapy. Mol Ther 2017; 25:1501-1513. [PMID: 28532763 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymthe.2017.04.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 87] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2016] [Revised: 04/19/2017] [Accepted: 04/27/2017] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
While cancer remains the major cause of death worldwide, nanomaterial (NM)-based diagnosis and treatment modalities are showing remarkable potential to better tackle clinical oncology by effectively targeting therapeutic agents to tumors. NMs can selectively accumulate in solid tumors, and they can improve the bioavailability and reduce the toxicity of encapsulated cytotoxic agents. Additional noteworthy functions of NMs in cancer treatment include the delivery of contrast agents to image tumor sites, delivery of genetic materials for gene therapy, and co-delivery of multiple agents to achieve combination therapy or simultaneous diagnostic and therapeutic outcomes. Although several NM therapeutics have been successfully translated to clinical applications, the gap between the bench and the bedside remains ominously wide. Tumor heterogeneity and the disparity between pre-clinical and clinical studies have been identified as two of the major translational challenges of NM-based cancer therapies. Herein, we review a handful of recent research studies on the use of NMs in cancer therapy and imaging, with a limited discussion on the consequences of tumor heterogeneity and pre-clinical studies on translational research of NM-based delivery systems and propositions in the literature to overcome these challenges.
Collapse
|
25
|
Schmohl KA, Gupta A, Grünwald GK, Trajkovic-Arsic M, Klutz K, Braren R, Schwaiger M, Nelson PJ, Ogris M, Wagner E, Siveke JT, Spitzweg C. Imaging and targeted therapy of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma using the theranostic sodium iodide symporter (NIS) gene. Oncotarget 2017; 8:33393-33404. [PMID: 28380420 PMCID: PMC5464876 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.16499] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2016] [Accepted: 02/27/2017] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The theranostic sodium iodide symporter (NIS) gene allows detailed molecular imaging of transgene expression and application of therapeutic radionuclides. As a crucial step towards clinical application, we investigated tumor specificity and transfection efficiency of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR)-targeted polyplexes as systemic NIS gene delivery vehicles in an advanced genetically engineered mouse model of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) that closely reflects human disease. PDAC was induced in mice by pancreas-specific activation of constitutively active KrasG12D and deletion of Trp53. We used tumor-targeted polyplexes (LPEI-PEG-GE11/NIS) based on linear polyethylenimine, shielded by polyethylene glycol and coupled with the EGFR-specific peptide ligand GE11, to target a NIS-expressing plasmid to high EGFR-expressing PDAC. In vitro iodide uptake studies in cell explants from murine EGFR-positive and EGFR-ablated PDAC lesions demonstrated high transfection efficiency and EGFR-specificity of LPEI-PEG-GE11/NIS. In vivo 123I gamma camera imaging and three-dimensional high-resolution 124I PET showed significant tumor-specific accumulation of radioiodide after systemic LPEI-PEG-GE11/NIS injection. Administration of 131I in LPEI-PEG-GE11/NIS-treated mice resulted in significantly reduced tumor growth compared to controls as determined by magnetic resonance imaging, though survival was not significantly prolonged. This study opens the exciting prospect of NIS-mediated radionuclide imaging and therapy of PDAC after systemic non-viral NIS gene delivery.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kathrin A. Schmohl
- Department of Internal Medicine II and IV, University Hospital of Munich, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Aayush Gupta
- Department of Internal Medicine II, Klinikum rechts der Isar der Technischen Universität München, Munich, Germany
| | - Geoffrey K. Grünwald
- Department of Internal Medicine II and IV, University Hospital of Munich, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Marija Trajkovic-Arsic
- Division of Solid Tumor Translational Oncology, West German Cancer Center, University Hospital Essen, Essen, Germany
- German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Partner Site Essen and German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Kathrin Klutz
- Department of Internal Medicine II and IV, University Hospital of Munich, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Rickmer Braren
- Department of Radiology, Klinikum rechts der Isar der Technischen Universität München, Munich, Germany
| | - Markus Schwaiger
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Klinikum rechts der Isar der Technischen Universität München, Munich, Germany
| | - Peter J. Nelson
- Clinical Biochemistry Group, Department of Internal Medicine IV, University Hospital of Munich, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Manfred Ogris
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Laboratory of MacroMolecular Cancer Therapeutics (MMCT), University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Ernst Wagner
- Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Department of Pharmacy, Center for System-Based Drug Research and Center for Nanoscience, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Jens T. Siveke
- Department of Internal Medicine II, Klinikum rechts der Isar der Technischen Universität München, Munich, Germany
- Division of Solid Tumor Translational Oncology, West German Cancer Center, University Hospital Essen, Essen, Germany
- German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Partner Site Essen and German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Christine Spitzweg
- Department of Internal Medicine II and IV, University Hospital of Munich, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
26
|
Influence of Defined Hydrophilic Blocks within Oligoaminoamide Copolymers: Compaction versus Shielding of pDNA Nanoparticles. Polymers (Basel) 2017; 9:polym9040142. [PMID: 30970822 PMCID: PMC6432433 DOI: 10.3390/polym9040142] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2017] [Revised: 04/07/2017] [Accepted: 04/11/2017] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Cationic polymers are promising components of the versatile platform of non-viral nucleic acid (NA) delivery agents. For a successful gene delivery system, these NA vehicles need to comprise several functionalities. This work focuses on the modification of oligoaminoamide carriers with hydrophilic oligomer blocks mediating nanoparticle shielding potential, which is necessary to prevent aggregation or dissociation of NA polyplexes in vitro, and hinder opsonization with blood components in vivo. Herein, the shielding agent polyethylene glycol (PEG) in three defined lengths (12, 24, or 48 oxyethylene repeats) is compared with two peptidic shielding blocks composed of four or eight repeats of sequential proline-alanine-serine (PAS). With both types of shielding agents, we found opposing effects of the length of hydrophilic segments on shielding and compaction of formed plasmid DNA (pDNA) nanoparticles. Two-arm oligoaminoamides with 37 cationizable nitrogens linked to 12 oxyethylene units or four PAS repeats resulted in very compact 40⁻50 nm pDNA nanoparticles, whereas longer shielding molecules destabilize the investigated polyplexes. Thus, the balance between sufficiently shielded but still compact and stable particles can be considered a critical optimization parameter for non-viral nucleic acid vehicles based on hydrophilic-cationic block oligomers.
Collapse
|
27
|
Nano-biomimetic carriers are implicated in mechanistic evaluation of intracellular gene delivery. Sci Rep 2017; 7:41507. [PMID: 28128339 PMCID: PMC5269746 DOI: 10.1038/srep41507] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2016] [Accepted: 12/20/2016] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Several tissue specific non-viral carriers have been developed for gene delivery purposes. However, the inability to escape endosomes, undermines the efficacy of these carriers. Researchers inspired by HIV and influenza virus, have randomly used Gp41 and H5WYG fusogenic peptides in several gene delivery systems without any rational preference. Here for the first time, we have genetically engineered two Nano-biomimetic carriers composed of either HWYG (HNH) or Gp41 (GNH) that precisely provide identical conditions for the study and evaluation of these fusogenic peptides. The luciferase assay demonstrated a two-fold higher transfection efficiency of HNH compared to GNH. These nanocarriers also displayed equivalent properties in terms of DNA binding ability and DNA protection against serum nucleases and formed similar nanoparticles in terms of surface charge and size. Interestingly, hemolysis and cellular analysis demonstrated both of nanoparticles internalized into cells in similar rate and escaped from endosome with different efficiency. Furthermore, the structural analysis revealed the mechanisms responsible for the superior endosomal escaping capability of H5WYG. In conclusion, this study describes the rationale for using H5WYG peptide to deliver nucleic acids and suggests that using nano-biomimetic carriers to screen different endosomal release peptides, improves gene delivery significantly.
Collapse
|