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Tu Q, Xia F, Meng Y, Wang C, Zhang H, Yao H, Fu Y, Guo P, Chen W, Zhou X, Zhou L, Gan L, Wang J, Han G, Qiu C. The siEGFR nanoplexes for the enhanced brain glioma treatment: Endoplasmic reticulum biomimetic strategy to induce homing effect and non-degradable intracellular transport. Biomed Pharmacother 2024; 179:117413. [PMID: 39260325 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2024.117413] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2024] [Revised: 08/29/2024] [Accepted: 09/04/2024] [Indexed: 09/13/2024] Open
Abstract
The epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) plays a pivotal role in tumor progression and is an essential therapeutic target for treating malignant gliomas. Small interfering RNA (siRNA) has the potential to selectively degrade EGFR mRNA, yet its clinical utilization is impeded by various challenges, such as inefficient targeting and limited escape from lysosomes. Our research introduces polyethylene glycol (PEG) and endoplasmic reticulum membrane-coated siEGFR nanoplexes (PEhCv/siEGFR NPs) as an innovative approach to brain glioma therapy by overcoming several obstacles: 1) Tumor-derived endoplasmic reticulum membrane modifications provide a homing effect, facilitating targeted accumulation and cellular uptake; 2) Endoplasmic reticulum membrane proteins mediate a non-degradable "endosome-Golgi-endoplasmic reticulum" transport pathway, circumventing lysosomal degradation. These nanoplexes demonstrated significantly enhanced siEGFR gene silencing in both in vitro and in vivo U87 glioma models. The findings of this study pave the way for the advanced design and effective application of nucleic acid-based therapeutic nanocarriers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qingchao Tu
- State Key Laboratory for Quality Ensurance and Sustainable Use of Dao-di Herbs, Artemisinin Research Center, and Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing 100700, China; State Key Laboratory of Antiviral Drugs, School of Pharmacy, Henan University, Kaifeng 475004, China
| | - Fei Xia
- State Key Laboratory for Quality Ensurance and Sustainable Use of Dao-di Herbs, Artemisinin Research Center, and Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing 100700, China
| | - Yuqing Meng
- State Key Laboratory for Quality Ensurance and Sustainable Use of Dao-di Herbs, Artemisinin Research Center, and Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing 100700, China
| | - Chen Wang
- State Key Laboratory for Quality Ensurance and Sustainable Use of Dao-di Herbs, Artemisinin Research Center, and Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing 100700, China
| | - Hao Zhang
- State Key Laboratory for Quality Ensurance and Sustainable Use of Dao-di Herbs, Artemisinin Research Center, and Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing 100700, China
| | - Hailu Yao
- State Key Laboratory for Quality Ensurance and Sustainable Use of Dao-di Herbs, Artemisinin Research Center, and Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing 100700, China
| | - Yuanfeng Fu
- State Key Laboratory for Quality Ensurance and Sustainable Use of Dao-di Herbs, Artemisinin Research Center, and Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing 100700, China
| | - Pengbo Guo
- State Key Laboratory for Quality Ensurance and Sustainable Use of Dao-di Herbs, Artemisinin Research Center, and Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing 100700, China
| | - Weiqi Chen
- State Key Laboratory for Quality Ensurance and Sustainable Use of Dao-di Herbs, Artemisinin Research Center, and Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing 100700, China
| | - Xinyu Zhou
- State Key Laboratory for Quality Ensurance and Sustainable Use of Dao-di Herbs, Artemisinin Research Center, and Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing 100700, China
| | - Li Zhou
- State Key Laboratory for Quality Ensurance and Sustainable Use of Dao-di Herbs, Artemisinin Research Center, and Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing 100700, China
| | - Licheng Gan
- State Key Laboratory for Quality Ensurance and Sustainable Use of Dao-di Herbs, Artemisinin Research Center, and Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing 100700, China
| | - Jigang Wang
- State Key Laboratory for Quality Ensurance and Sustainable Use of Dao-di Herbs, Artemisinin Research Center, and Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing 100700, China; State Key Laboratory of Antiviral Drugs, School of Pharmacy, Henan University, Kaifeng 475004, China; Department of Nephrology,Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, Shenzhen ClinicalResearch Center for Geriatric, Shenzhen People's Hospital (The Second ClinicalMedical College, Jinan University, The First Affiliated Hospital, SouthernUniversity of Science and Technology), Shenzhen 518020, China.
| | - Guang Han
- State Key Laboratory of Antiviral Drugs, School of Pharmacy, Henan University, Kaifeng 475004, China.
| | - Chong Qiu
- State Key Laboratory for Quality Ensurance and Sustainable Use of Dao-di Herbs, Artemisinin Research Center, and Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing 100700, China.
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2
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Desai N, Rana D, Salave S, Benival D, Khunt D, Prajapati BG. Achieving Endo/Lysosomal Escape Using Smart Nanosystems for Efficient Cellular Delivery. Molecules 2024; 29:3131. [PMID: 38999083 PMCID: PMC11243486 DOI: 10.3390/molecules29133131] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2024] [Revised: 06/27/2024] [Accepted: 06/28/2024] [Indexed: 07/14/2024] Open
Abstract
The delivery of therapeutic agents faces significant hurdles posed by the endo-lysosomal pathway, a bottleneck that hampers clinical effectiveness. This comprehensive review addresses the urgent need to enhance cellular delivery mechanisms to overcome these obstacles. It focuses on the potential of smart nanomaterials, delving into their unique characteristics and mechanisms in detail. Special attention is given to their ability to strategically evade endosomal entrapment, thereby enhancing therapeutic efficacy. The manuscript thoroughly examines assays crucial for understanding endosomal escape and cellular uptake dynamics. By analyzing various assessment methods, we offer nuanced insights into these investigative approaches' multifaceted aspects. We meticulously analyze the use of smart nanocarriers, exploring diverse mechanisms such as pore formation, proton sponge effects, membrane destabilization, photochemical disruption, and the strategic use of endosomal escape agents. Each mechanism's effectiveness and potential application in mitigating endosomal entrapment are scrutinized. This paper provides a critical overview of the current landscape, emphasizing the need for advanced delivery systems to navigate the complexities of cellular uptake. Importantly, it underscores the transformative role of smart nanomaterials in revolutionizing cellular delivery strategies, leading to a paradigm shift towards improved therapeutic outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nimeet Desai
- Indian Institute of Technology Hyderabad, Kandi 502285, Telangana, India;
| | - Dhwani Rana
- National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPER), Ahmedabad 382355, Gujarat, India; (D.R.); (S.S.); (D.B.)
| | - Sagar Salave
- National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPER), Ahmedabad 382355, Gujarat, India; (D.R.); (S.S.); (D.B.)
| | - Derajram Benival
- National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPER), Ahmedabad 382355, Gujarat, India; (D.R.); (S.S.); (D.B.)
| | - Dignesh Khunt
- School of Pharmacy, Gujarat Technological University, Gandhinagar 382027, Gujarat, India
| | - Bhupendra G. Prajapati
- Shree S. K. Patel College of Pharmaceutical Education and Research, Ganpat University, Kherva 384012, Gujarat, India
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Silpakorn University, Nakhon Pathom 73000, Thailand
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3
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Guo J, Xu S, Majeed U, Ye J, Zhang H, Xue W, Luo Y. Size-Related Pathway Flux Analysis of Ultrasmall Iron Oxide Nanoparticles in Macrophage Cell RAW264.7 for Safety Evaluation. ACS OMEGA 2024; 9:3480-3490. [PMID: 38284085 PMCID: PMC10809237 DOI: 10.1021/acsomega.3c07081] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2023] [Revised: 12/20/2023] [Accepted: 12/25/2023] [Indexed: 01/30/2024]
Abstract
The endocytosis, intracellular transport, and exocytosis of different-sized nanoparticles were reported to greatly affect their efficacy and biosafety. The quantitation of endocytosis and exocytosis as well as subcellular distribution of nanoparticles might be an effective approach based on transport pathway flux analysis. Thus, the key parameters that could present the effects of three different-sized ultrasmall iron oxide nanoparticles (USIONPs) were systematically investigated in RAW264.7 cells. The endocytosis and exocytosis of USIONPs were related to their sizes; 15.4 nm of S2 could be quickly and more internalized and excreted in comparison to S1 (7.8 nm) and S3 (30.7 nm). In RAW264.7 cells, USIONPs were observed in endosomes, lysosomes, the Golgi apparatus, and autophagosomes via a transmission electron microscope. Based on flux analysis of intracellular transport pathways of USIONPs, it was found that 43% of S1, 40% of S2, and 44% of S3 were individually transported extracellularly through the Golgi apparatus-involved middle-fast pathway, while 24% of S1, 23% of S2, and 26% of S3 were transported through the fast recycling endosomal pathway, and the residues were transported through the slower speed lysosomal pathway. USIONPs might be transported via size-related endocytosis and exocytosis pathways. The pathway flux could be calculated on the basis of disturbance analysis of special transporters as well as their coding genes. Because there were rate differences among these transport pathways, this pathway flux could anticipate the intracellular remaining time and distribution of different-sized nanoparticles, the function exertion, and side effects of nanomaterials. The size of the nanomaterials could be optimized for improving functions and safety.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiaqing Guo
- School
of Chemical Engineering, Northwest University, Xi’an 710069, China
| | - Shixin Xu
- School
of Chemical Engineering, Northwest University, Xi’an 710069, China
| | - Usman Majeed
- College
of Food Science and Technology, Northwest
University, Xi’an 710069, China
| | - Jianming Ye
- College
of Food Science and Technology, Northwest
University, Xi’an 710069, China
| | - Huaxin Zhang
- School
of Chemical Engineering, Northwest University, Xi’an 710069, China
| | - Weiming Xue
- School
of Chemical Engineering, Northwest University, Xi’an 710069, China
| | - Yane Luo
- College
of Food Science and Technology, Northwest
University, Xi’an 710069, China
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Liu J, Liu YY, Li CS, Cao A, Wang H. Exocytosis of Nanoparticles: A Comprehensive Review. NANOMATERIALS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2023; 13:2215. [PMID: 37570533 PMCID: PMC10421347 DOI: 10.3390/nano13152215] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2023] [Revised: 07/24/2023] [Accepted: 07/26/2023] [Indexed: 08/13/2023]
Abstract
Both biomedical applications and safety assessments of manufactured nanomaterials require a thorough understanding of the interaction between nanomaterials and cells, including how nanomaterials enter cells, transport within cells, and leave cells. However, compared to the extensively studied uptake and trafficking of nanoparticles (NPs) in cells, less attention has been paid to the exocytosis of NPs. Yet exocytosis is an indispensable process of regulating the content of NPs in cells, which in turn influences, even decides, the toxicity of NPs to cells. A comprehensive understanding of the mechanisms and influencing factors of the exocytosis of NPs is not only essential for the safety assessment of NPs but also helpful for guiding the design of safe and highly effective NP-based materials for various purposes. Herein, we review the current status and progress of studies on the exocytosis of NPs. Firstly, we introduce experimental procedures and considerations. Then, exocytosis mechanisms/pathways are summarized with a detailed introduction of the main pathways (lysosomal and endoplasmic reticulum/Golgi pathway) and the role of microtubules; the patterns of exocytosis kinetics are presented and discussed. Subsequently, the influencing factors (initial content and location of intracellular NPs, physiochemical properties of NPs, cell type, and extracellular conditions) are fully discussed. Although there are inconsistent results, some rules are obtained, like smaller and charged NPs are more easily excreted. Finally, the challenges and future directions in the field have been discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Haifang Wang
- Institute of Nanochemistry and Nanobiology, Shanghai University, Shanghai 200444, China
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5
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Keller T, Trinks N, Brand J, Trippmacher S, Stahlhut P, Albrecht K, Papastavrou G, Koepsell H, Sauer M, Groll J. Design of Nanohydrogels for Targeted Intracellular Drug Transport to the Trans-Golgi Network. Adv Healthc Mater 2023; 12:e2201794. [PMID: 36739269 PMCID: PMC11469190 DOI: 10.1002/adhm.202201794] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2022] [Revised: 01/27/2023] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Nanohydrogels combine advantages of hydrogels and nanoparticles. In particular, they represent promising drug delivery systems. Nanogel synthesis by oxidative condensation of polyglycidol prepolymers, that are modified with thiol groups, results in crosslinking by disulfide bonds. Hereby, biomolecules like the antidiabetic peptide RS1-reg, derived from the regulatory protein RS1 of the Na+ -D-glucose cotransporter SGLT1, can be covalently bound by cysteine residues to the nanogel in a hydrophilic, stabilizing environment. After oral uptake, the acid-stable nanogels protect their loading during gastric passage from proteolytic degradation. Under alkaline conditions in small intestine the nanohydrogels become mucoadhesive, pass the intestinal mucosa and are taken up into small intestinal enterocytes by endocytosis. Using Caco-2 cells as a model for small intestinal enterocytes, by confocal laser scanning microscopy and structured illumination microscopy, the colocalization of fluorescent-labeled RS1-reg with markers of endosomes, lysosomes, and trans-Golgi-network after uptake with polyglycidol-based nanogels formed by precipitation polymerization is demonstrated. This indicates that RS1-reg follows the endosomal pathway. In the following, the design of bespoken nanohydrogels for specific targeting of RS1-reg to its site of action at the trans-Golgi network is described that might also represent a way of targeted transport for other drugs to their targets at the Golgi apparatus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thorsten Keller
- Department for Functional Materials in Medicine and Dentistry, Institute of Functional Materials and BiofabricationUniversity of WürzburgPleicherwall 297070WürzburgGermany
| | - Nora Trinks
- Department of Biotechnology and BiophysicsUniversity of WürzburgAm Hubland97074WürzburgGermany
| | - Jessica Brand
- Department for Functional Materials in Medicine and Dentistry, Institute of Functional Materials and BiofabricationUniversity of WürzburgPleicherwall 297070WürzburgGermany
| | - Steffen Trippmacher
- Physical Chemistry IIUniversity of BayreuthUniversitätsstr. 3095440BayreuthGermany
| | - Philipp Stahlhut
- Department for Functional Materials in Medicine and Dentistry, Institute of Functional Materials and BiofabricationUniversity of WürzburgPleicherwall 297070WürzburgGermany
| | - Krystyna Albrecht
- Department for Functional Materials in Medicine and Dentistry, Institute of Functional Materials and BiofabricationUniversity of WürzburgPleicherwall 297070WürzburgGermany
| | - Georg Papastavrou
- Physical Chemistry IIUniversity of BayreuthUniversitätsstr. 3095440BayreuthGermany
| | - Hermann Koepsell
- Institute of Anatomy and Cell BiologyUniversity of WürzburgKoellikerstraße 697070WürzburgGermany
| | - Markus Sauer
- Department of Biotechnology and BiophysicsUniversity of WürzburgAm Hubland97074WürzburgGermany
| | - Jürgen Groll
- Department for Functional Materials in Medicine and Dentistry, Institute of Functional Materials and BiofabricationUniversity of WürzburgPleicherwall 297070WürzburgGermany
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Winkeljann B, Keul DC, Merkel OM. Engineering poly- and micelleplexes for nucleic acid delivery - A reflection on their endosomal escape. J Control Release 2023; 353:518-534. [PMID: 36496051 PMCID: PMC9900387 DOI: 10.1016/j.jconrel.2022.12.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2022] [Revised: 12/02/2022] [Accepted: 12/03/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
For the longest time, the field of nucleic acid delivery has remained skeptical whether or not polycationic drug carrier systems would ever make it into clinical practice. Yet, with the disclosure of patents on polyethyleneimine-based RNA carriers through leading companies in the field of nucleic acid therapeutics such as BioNTech SE and the progress in clinical studies beyond phase I trials, this aloofness seems to regress. As one of the most striking characteristics of polymer-based vectors, the extraordinary tunability can be both a blessing and a curse. Yet, knowing about the adjustment screws and how they impact the performance of the drug carrier provides the formulation scientist committed to its development with a head start. Here, we equip the reader with a toolbox - a toolbox that should advise and support the developer to conceptualize a cutting-edge poly- or micelleplex system for the delivery of therapeutic nucleic acids; to be specific, to engineer the vector towards maximum endosomal escape performance at minimum toxicity. Therefore, after briefly sketching the boundary conditions of polymeric vector design, we will dive into the topic of endosomal trafficking. We will not only discuss the most recent knowledge of the endo-lysosomal compartment but further depict different hypotheses and mechanisms that facilitate the endosomal escape of polyplex systems. Finally, we will combine the different facets introduced in the previous chapters with the fundamental building blocks of polymer vector design and evaluate the advantages and drawbacks. Throughout the article, a particular focus will be placed on cellular peculiarities, not only as an additional barrier, but also to give inspiration to how such cell-specific traits might be capitalized on.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin Winkeljann
- Department of Pharmacy, Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich, Butenandtstrasse 5-13, Haus B, 81377 Munich, Germany,Center for NanoScience (CeNS), Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich, 80799 Munich, Germany
| | - David C. Keul
- Department of Pharmacy, Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich, Butenandtstrasse 5-13, Haus B, 81377 Munich, Germany
| | - Olivia M. Merkel
- Department of Pharmacy, Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich, Butenandtstrasse 5-13, Haus B, 81377 Munich, Germany,Center for NanoScience (CeNS), Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich, 80799 Munich, Germany,Corresponding author at: Department of Pharmacy, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität Munich, Butenandtstrasse 5-13, Haus B, 81377 München, Germany
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Luo HC, Mai KJ, Liu E, Chen H, Xie YJ, Zheng YX, Lin R, Zhang LM, Zhang Y. Efficiency and Safety of Dextran-PAMAM/siMMP-9 Complexes for Decreasing Matrix Metalloproteinase-9 Expression and Promoting Wound Healing in Diabetic Rats. Bioconjug Chem 2022; 33:2398-2410. [PMID: 36374571 DOI: 10.1021/acs.bioconjchem.2c00487] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Difficult healing of diabetic foot ulcers is associated with overexpression of matrix metalloproteinase 9 (MMP-9) in the local wound. Therefore, strategies aimed at downregulation of MMP-9 levels in ulcer sites may promote tissue regeneration and accelerate healing of diabetic foot ulcers (DFU). To fulfill this aim, we exploited dextran conjugated with poly(amidoamine) (Dextran-PAMAM) as a gene carrier to deliver MMP-9 targeted siRNA (siMMP-9). The prepared complexes could be efficiently endocytosed with low cytotoxicity to HaCat cells. Dextran-PAMAM could efficiently deliver siMMP-9 and significantly inhibit MMP-9 expression in vitro. Diabetic rats wound models showed that topical application of the Dextran-PAMAM/siMMP-9 complex effectively knocked down MMP-9 expression in skin wound tissue, thus accelerating wound healing. Taken together, this study demonstrates that the Dextran-PAMAM/siMMP-9 complex possesses high potential for wound healing and could serve as a promising regenerative platform for improving DFU healing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heng-Cong Luo
- Department of Endocrinology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou510150, China
| | - Kai-Jin Mai
- DSAPM Lab and PCFM Lab, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou510275, China.,National-Certified Enterprise Technology Center, Kingfa Science and Technology Co., LTD., Guangzhou510663, China
| | - En Liu
- Department of Endocrinology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou510150, China
| | - Hui Chen
- Department of Endocrinology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou510150, China
| | - Yi-Juan Xie
- Department of Endocrinology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou510150, China
| | - Yong-Xiong Zheng
- Department of Endocrinology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou510150, China
| | - Rong Lin
- Department of Endocrinology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou510150, China
| | - Li-Ming Zhang
- DSAPM Lab and PCFM Lab, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou510275, China
| | - Ying Zhang
- Department of Endocrinology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou510150, China
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Shi Y, Luo Z, You J. Subcellular delivery of lipid nanoparticles to endoplasmic reticulum and mitochondria. WILEY INTERDISCIPLINARY REVIEWS. NANOMEDICINE AND NANOBIOTECHNOLOGY 2022; 14:e1803. [PMID: 35441489 DOI: 10.1002/wnan.1803] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2022] [Revised: 03/23/2022] [Accepted: 03/27/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Primarily responsible for the biogenesis and metabolism of biomolecules, endoplasmic reticulum (ER) and mitochondria are gradually becoming the targets of therapeutic modulation, whose physiological activities and pathological manifestations determine the functional capacity and even the survival of cells. Drug delivery systems with specific physicochemical properties (passive targeting), or modified by small molecular compounds, polypeptides, and biomembranes demonstrating tropism for ER and mitochondria (active targeting) are able to reduce the nonselective accumulation of drugs, enhancing efficacy while reducing side effects. Lipid nanoparticles feature high biocompatibility, diverse cargo loading, and flexible structure modification, which are frequently used for subcellular organelle-targeted delivery of therapeutics. However, there is still a lack of systematic understanding of lipid nanoparticle-based ER and mitochondria targeting. Herein, we review the pathological significance of drug selectively delivered to the ER and mitochondria. We also summarize the molecular basis and application prospects of lipid nanoparticle-based ER and mitochondria targeting strategies, which may provide guidance for the prevention and treatment of associated diseases and disorders. This article is categorized under: Therapeutic Approaches and Drug Discovery > Nanomedicine for Oncologic Disease Biology-Inspired Nanomaterials > Lipid-Based Structures Nanotechnology Approaches to Biology > Nanoscale Systems in Biology Diagnostic Tools > In Vivo Nanodiagnostics and Imaging.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yingying Shi
- College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Zhenyu Luo
- College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Jian You
- College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
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9
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Rao VB, Zhu J. Bacteriophage T4 as a nanovehicle for delivery of genes and therapeutics into human cells. Curr Opin Virol 2022; 55:101255. [PMID: 35952598 DOI: 10.1016/j.coviro.2022.101255] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2022] [Accepted: 07/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
The ability to deliver therapeutic genes and biomolecules into a human cell and restore a defective function has been the holy grail of medicine. Adeno-associated viruses and lentiviruses have been extensively used as delivery vehicles, but their capacity is limited to one (or two) gene(s). Bacteriophages are emerging as novel vehicles for gene therapy. The large 120 × 86-nm T4 capsid allows engineering of both its surface and its interior to incorporate combinations of DNAs, RNAs, proteins, and their complexes. In vitro assembly using purified components allows customization for various applications and for individualized therapies. Its large capacity, cell-targeting capability, safety, and inexpensive manufacturing could open unprecedented new possibilities for gene, cancer, and stem cell therapies. However, efficient entry into primary human cells and intracellular trafficking are significant barriers that must be overcome by gene engineering and evolution in order to translate phage-delivery technology from bench to bedside.
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Affiliation(s)
- Venigalla B Rao
- Bacteriophage Medical Research Center, Department of Biology, The Catholic University of America, Washington, DC 20064, USA.
| | - Jingen Zhu
- Bacteriophage Medical Research Center, Department of Biology, The Catholic University of America, Washington, DC 20064, USA
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Liu CH, Shih PY, Lin CH, Chen YJ, Wu WC, Wang CC. Tetraethylenepentamine-Coated β Cyclodextrin Nanoparticles for Dual DNA and siRNA Delivery. Pharmaceutics 2022; 14:pharmaceutics14050921. [PMID: 35631507 PMCID: PMC9145619 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics14050921] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2022] [Revised: 04/15/2022] [Accepted: 04/20/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Nucleic acid reagents, including plasmid-encoded genes and small interfering RNA (siRNA), are promising tools for validating gene function and for the development of therapeutic agents. Native β-cyclodextrins (BCDs) have limited efficiency in gene delivery due to their instable complexes with nucleic acid. We hypothesized that cationic BCD nanoparticles could be an efficient carrier for both DNA and siRNA. Tetraethylenepentamine-coated β-cyclodextrin (TEPA-BCD) nanoparticles were synthesized, characterized, and evaluated for targeted cell delivery of plasmid DNA and siRNA. The cationic TEPA coating provided ideal zeta potential and effective nucleic acid binding ability. When transfecting plasmid encoding green fluorescent protein (GFP) by TEPA-BCD, excellent GFP expression could be achieved in multiple cell lines. In addition, siRNA transfected by TEPA-BCD suppressed target GFP gene expression. We showed that TEPA-BCD internalization was mediated by energy-dependent endocytosis via both clathrin-dependent and caveolin-dependent endocytic pathways. TEPA-BCD nanoparticles provide an effective means of nucleic acid delivery and can act as potential carriers in future pharmaceutical application.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chi-Hsien Liu
- Department of Chemical and Materials Engineering, Chang Gung University, 259, Wen-Hwa First Road, Kwei-Shan, Taoyuan 33302, Taiwan; (C.-H.L.); (Y.-J.C.)
- Research Center for Chinese Herbal Medicine and Research Center for Food and Cosmetic Safety, College of Human Ecology, Chang Gung University of Science and Technology, 261, Wen-Hwa First Road, Taoyuan 33302, Taiwan
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Ming Chi University of Technology, 84, Gung-Juan Road, New Taipei City 24301, Taiwan
- Department of Ophthalmology, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Linkou, 5, Fu-Hsing Street, Taoyuan 33305, Taiwan;
- Correspondence: (C.-H.L.); (C.-C.W.)
| | - Pei-Yin Shih
- Graduate Institute of Biochemical and Biomedical Engineering, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan 33302, Taiwan;
| | - Cheng-Han Lin
- Department of Chemical and Materials Engineering, Chang Gung University, 259, Wen-Hwa First Road, Kwei-Shan, Taoyuan 33302, Taiwan; (C.-H.L.); (Y.-J.C.)
| | - Yi-Jun Chen
- Department of Chemical and Materials Engineering, Chang Gung University, 259, Wen-Hwa First Road, Kwei-Shan, Taoyuan 33302, Taiwan; (C.-H.L.); (Y.-J.C.)
| | - Wei-Chi Wu
- Department of Ophthalmology, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Linkou, 5, Fu-Hsing Street, Taoyuan 33305, Taiwan;
- College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan 33302, Taiwan
| | - Chun-Chao Wang
- Institute of Molecular Medicine & Department of Medical Science, National Tsing Hua University, 101, Kuang-Fu Road, Hsinchu 30013, Taiwan
- Correspondence: (C.-H.L.); (C.-C.W.)
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11
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Van de Vyver T, De Smedt SC, Raemdonck K. Modulating intracellular pathways to improve non-viral delivery of RNA therapeutics. Adv Drug Deliv Rev 2022; 181:114041. [PMID: 34763002 DOI: 10.1016/j.addr.2021.114041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2021] [Revised: 10/12/2021] [Accepted: 11/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
RNA therapeutics (e.g. siRNA, oligonucleotides, mRNA, etc.) show great potential for the treatment of a myriad of diseases. However, to reach their site of action in the cytosol or nucleus of target cells, multiple intra- and extracellular barriers have to be surmounted. Several non-viral delivery systems, such as nanoparticles and conjugates, have been successfully developed to meet this requirement. Unfortunately, despite these clear advances, state-of-the-art delivery agents still suffer from relatively low intracellular delivery efficiencies. Notably, our current understanding of the intracellular delivery process is largely oversimplified. Gaining mechanistic insight into how RNA formulations are processed by cells will fuel rational design of the next generation of delivery carriers. In addition, identifying which intracellular pathways contribute to productive RNA delivery could provide opportunities to boost the delivery performance of existing nanoformulations. In this review, we discuss both established as well as emerging techniques that can be used to assess the impact of different intracellular barriers on RNA transfection performance. Next, we highlight how several modulators, including small molecules but also genetic perturbation technologies, can boost RNA delivery by intervening at differing stages of the intracellular delivery process, such as cellular uptake, intracellular trafficking, endosomal escape, autophagy and exocytosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thijs Van de Vyver
- Ghent Research Group on Nanomedicines, Laboratory of General Biochemistry and Physical Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ghent University, Ottergemsesteenweg 460, 9000 Ghent, Belgium.
| | - Stefaan C De Smedt
- Ghent Research Group on Nanomedicines, Laboratory of General Biochemistry and Physical Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ghent University, Ottergemsesteenweg 460, 9000 Ghent, Belgium.
| | - Koen Raemdonck
- Ghent Research Group on Nanomedicines, Laboratory of General Biochemistry and Physical Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ghent University, Ottergemsesteenweg 460, 9000 Ghent, Belgium.
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12
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Chen SY, Xu XX, Li X, Yi NB, Li SZ, Xiang XC, Cheng DB, Sun T. Recent advances in the intracellular delivery of macromolecule therapeutics. Biomater Sci 2022; 10:6642-6655. [DOI: 10.1039/d2bm01348g] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
This review summarizes the uptake pathway of intracellular delivery vehicles for macromolecule therapeutics, and provides in-depth discussions and prospects about intracellular delivery of macromolecule therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Si-Yi Chen
- School of Chemistry, Chemical Engineering & Life Science, Wuhan University of Technology, No. 122 Luoshi Road, Wuhan, 430070, PR China
| | - Xiao-Xue Xu
- School of Chemistry, Chemical Engineering & Life Science, Wuhan University of Technology, No. 122 Luoshi Road, Wuhan, 430070, PR China
| | - Xin Li
- School of Chemistry, Chemical Engineering & Life Science, Wuhan University of Technology, No. 122 Luoshi Road, Wuhan, 430070, PR China
| | - Ning-Bo Yi
- School of Chemistry, Chemical Engineering & Life Science, Wuhan University of Technology, No. 122 Luoshi Road, Wuhan, 430070, PR China
| | - Shi-Zhuo Li
- School of Chemistry, Chemical Engineering & Life Science, Wuhan University of Technology, No. 122 Luoshi Road, Wuhan, 430070, PR China
| | - Xing-Cheng Xiang
- School of Chemistry, Chemical Engineering & Life Science, Wuhan University of Technology, No. 122 Luoshi Road, Wuhan, 430070, PR China
| | - Dong-Bing Cheng
- School of Chemistry, Chemical Engineering & Life Science, Wuhan University of Technology, No. 122 Luoshi Road, Wuhan, 430070, PR China
| | - Taolei Sun
- School of Chemistry, Chemical Engineering & Life Science, Wuhan University of Technology, No. 122 Luoshi Road, Wuhan, 430070, PR China
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13
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Hu C, Gu F, Gong C, Xia Q, Gao Y, Gao S. Co-delivery of the autophagy inhibitor si-Beclin1 and the doxorubicin nano-delivery system for advanced prostate cancer treatment. J Biomater Appl 2021; 36:1317-1331. [PMID: 34856824 DOI: 10.1177/08853282211060252] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Resistance to apoptosis is a key mechanism underlying how cancer cells evade tumor therapy. Autophagy can prevent anticancer drug-induced apoptosis and promote tumor resistance. The purpose of this study was to improve the sensitivity and efficacy of chemotherapeutic drugs through the inhibition of autophagy. Hydrophobic doxorubicin-hydrazone-caproyl-maleimide (DOX-EMCH) and autophagy-inhibiting si-Beclin1 were simultaneously delivered via the amphiphilic peptide micelle system (Co-PMs) using poly(L-arginine)-poly(L-histidine)-DOX-EMCH as the copolymer building unit. The constructed micelle system promoted the escape of si-Beclin1 from endosomes and the release of DOX into the nucleus. The Co-PMs exhibited 2.7-fold higher cytotoxicity and proapoptotic ability in PC3 cells than DOX treatment alone, demonstrating that si-Beclin1 could inhibit the autophagic activity of prostate cancer (PCa) cells by targeting the type III PI3K pathway and enhance the sensitivity of the cells to the chemotherapeutic drug DOX. In addition, the peptide micelles successfully passively targeted DOX and si-Beclin1 to the tumor tissue. Compared with DOX or si-Beclin1 treatment alone, the Co-PMs showed a 3.4-fold greater tumor inhibitory potential in vivo, indicative of a significant antiproliferative effect. Our results suggested that the Co-PMs developed in this study have the potential to combine autophagy inhibition and chemotherapy in cancer treatment, especially for PCa.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chuling Hu
- Jiaxing Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital, Jiaxing, China
| | - Fenfen Gu
- 91603Xinhua Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | | | | | - Yuan Gao
- 12478Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Shen Gao
- 12520Changhai Hospital, Shanghai, China
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14
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Escaping the endosome: assessing cellular trafficking mechanisms of non-viral vehicles. J Control Release 2021; 335:465-480. [PMID: 34077782 DOI: 10.1016/j.jconrel.2021.05.038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2021] [Revised: 05/26/2021] [Accepted: 05/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Non-viral vehicles hold therapeutic promise in advancing the delivery of a variety of cargos in vitro and in vivo, including small molecule drugs, biologics, and especially nucleic acids. However, their efficacy at the cellular level is limited by several delivery barriers, with endolysosomal degradation being most significant. The entrapment of vehicles and their cargo in the acidified endosome prevents access to the cytosol, nucleus, and other subcellular compartments. Understanding the factors that contribute to uptake and intracellular trafficking, especially endosomal entrapment and release, is key to overcoming delivery obstacles within cells. In this review, we summarize and compare experimental techniques for assessing the extent of endosomal escape of a variety of non-viral vehicles and describe proposed escape mechanisms for different classes of lipid-, polymer-, and peptide-based delivery agents. Based on this evaluation, we present forward-looking strategies utilizing information gained from mechanistic studies to inform the rational design of efficient delivery vehicles.
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15
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Rajagopal P, Jayandharan GR, Krishnan UM. Evaluation of the Anticancer Activity of pH-Sensitive Polyketal Nanoparticles for Acute Myeloid Leukemia. Mol Pharm 2021; 18:2015-2031. [PMID: 33780253 DOI: 10.1021/acs.molpharmaceut.0c01243] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Polyketals are a class of acid-responsive polymers that have been relatively less explored for drug delivery applications compared to polyesters. The degradation of these polymers is accelerated in an acidic medium and does not result in acidic byproducts. Their biocompatibility depends on the diol used for the synthesis. The present work aims to synthesize, characterize, and fabricate nanospheres of an aliphatic polyketal for delivery of the nucleotide analogue cytarabine toward the treatment of acute myeloid leukemia (AML). The internalization mechanism of the nanospheres was probed, and its implication on the nuclear localization and escape from the endo-lysosomal compartments were studied. The drug-loaded polyketal nanoparticles reduced the cell viability to a greater extent compared with the free drug. The effect of the drug-loaded polyketal nanoparticles on the differential gene expression of leukemic cells was investigated for the first time to understand their therapeutic implications. It was found that treatment with drug-loaded polyketal nanoparticles downregulated AML-specific genes involved in cell proliferation and recurrence compared to the free drug. The protein expression studies were performed for selected genes obtained from gene expression analysis. Biodistribution studies showed that the poly(cyclohexane-1,4-diyl acetone dimethylene ketal) (PCADK) nanoparticles exhibit prolonged circulation time. Overall, our results suggest that polyketal-based delivery of cytarabine represents a more effective alternative strategy for AML therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pratheppa Rajagopal
- Centre for Nanotechnology & Advanced Biomaterials, SASTRA Deemed University Thanjavur 613401, India.,School of Chemical and Biotechnology, SASTRA Deemed University, Thanjavur 613401, India
| | - Giridhara R Jayandharan
- Department of Biological Sciences and Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Technology, Kanpur 208016, Uttar Pradesh, India.,The Mehta Family Centre for Engineering In Medicine, Indian Institute of Technology, Kanpur 208016, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Uma Maheswari Krishnan
- Centre for Nanotechnology & Advanced Biomaterials, SASTRA Deemed University Thanjavur 613401, India.,School of Chemical and Biotechnology, SASTRA Deemed University, Thanjavur 613401, India.,School of Arts, Science & Humanities, SASTRA Deemed University, Thanjavur 613401, India
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16
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Xing L, Zheng Y, Yu Y, Wu R, Liu X, Zhou R, Huang Y. Complying with the physiological functions of Golgi apparatus for secretory exocytosis facilitated oral absorption of protein drugs. J Mater Chem B 2021; 9:1707-1718. [PMID: 33496710 DOI: 10.1039/d0tb02848g] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
Intestinal epithelial cells are the primary biological barriers for orally administrated nano-formulations and the delivered protein drugs. Thereinto, besides the cellular uptake, intracellular trafficking pathway and the related exocytosis are of great importance to the trans-epithelial transport of drug-loaded NPs. Herein, inspired by the physiological functions of Golgi apparatus for secreting proteins out of cells, Golgi localization-related amino acid l-cysteine (Cys) was modified on the surface of NPs to see whether and how this modification could guide the Golgi pathway-related transport and facilitate the exocytosis of drug-loaded NPs. Meanwhile, cell-penetrating peptide octa-arginine (R8) was co-modified to increase the cellular uptake. The proportion of R8 and Cys modification was explored to get the best effect of endocytosis and exocytosis of NPs. As a result, 25%R8 + 75%Cys NPs with most Cys modification showed efficient transcytosis with the highest transcytosis/endocytosis ratio (0.87). Interestingly, exocytosis mechanism studies indicated that they trafficked through the Golgi secretory pathway and bypassed lysosomes due to Cys modification. The detailed Golgi position mechanism studies further suggested that the thiol group from Cys was important for mediating Golgi transport. In particular, competitive inhibition studies demonstrated that Cys-modified NPs were more conducive to their exocytosis after being transported through the Golgi secretory pathway. We proved that cargos transported via Golgi apparatus tended to be trafficked out of the cells and avoid degradation, which contributed to the transcytosis of 25%R8 + 75%Cys NPs in vitro. Inspiringly, compared with unmodified NPs, 25%R8 + 75%Cys NPs also exhibited promoted intestinal penetration and oral absorption in vivo. Oral delivery of insulin-loaded 25%R8 + 75%Cys NPs showed stronger hypoglycemic effects in diabetic rats. In summary, this work provides a strategy for complying with the physiological functions of Golgi apparatus for secreting to facilitate the exocytosis of NPs, thus further improving the oral absorption of loaded protein drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liyun Xing
- Key Laboratory of Drug-Targeting and Drug Delivery System of the Education Ministry and Sichuan Province, Sichuan Engineering Laboratory for Plant-Sourced Drug and Sichuan Research Center for Drug Precision Industrial Technology, West China School of Pharmacy, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China.
| | - Yaxian Zheng
- Key Laboratory of Drug-Targeting and Drug Delivery System of the Education Ministry and Sichuan Province, Sichuan Engineering Laboratory for Plant-Sourced Drug and Sichuan Research Center for Drug Precision Industrial Technology, West China School of Pharmacy, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China.
| | - Yinglan Yu
- Key Laboratory of Drug-Targeting and Drug Delivery System of the Education Ministry and Sichuan Province, Sichuan Engineering Laboratory for Plant-Sourced Drug and Sichuan Research Center for Drug Precision Industrial Technology, West China School of Pharmacy, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China.
| | - Ruinan Wu
- Key Laboratory of Drug-Targeting and Drug Delivery System of the Education Ministry and Sichuan Province, Sichuan Engineering Laboratory for Plant-Sourced Drug and Sichuan Research Center for Drug Precision Industrial Technology, West China School of Pharmacy, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China.
| | - Xi Liu
- Key Laboratory of Drug-Targeting and Drug Delivery System of the Education Ministry and Sichuan Province, Sichuan Engineering Laboratory for Plant-Sourced Drug and Sichuan Research Center for Drug Precision Industrial Technology, West China School of Pharmacy, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China.
| | - Rui Zhou
- Key Laboratory of Drug-Targeting and Drug Delivery System of the Education Ministry and Sichuan Province, Sichuan Engineering Laboratory for Plant-Sourced Drug and Sichuan Research Center for Drug Precision Industrial Technology, West China School of Pharmacy, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China.
| | - Yuan Huang
- Key Laboratory of Drug-Targeting and Drug Delivery System of the Education Ministry and Sichuan Province, Sichuan Engineering Laboratory for Plant-Sourced Drug and Sichuan Research Center for Drug Precision Industrial Technology, West China School of Pharmacy, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China.
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17
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Qin B, Yuan X, Jiang M, Yin H, Luo Z, Zhang J, Zhu C, Li X, Shi Y, Luo L, Du Y, You J. Targeting DNA to the endoplasmic reticulum efficiently enhances gene delivery and therapy. NANOSCALE 2020; 12:18249-18262. [PMID: 32857088 DOI: 10.1039/d0nr03156a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
Gene therapy mediated by non-viral carriers is gaining an increasing popularity due to its high biosafety and the convenience of production on a large scale, yet inefficient gene delivery is a limiting obstacle. Few gene vectors can avoid the endosome-lysosome route, and as a result, their DNA payloads are easily decomposed during transfection. Herein, a peptide (pardaxin, PAR)-modified cationic liposome (PAR-Lipo) targeting the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) was developed for improving the gene delivery efficiency. Interestingly, compared to non-PAR-modified cationic liposomes (Non-Lipos) and Lipofectamine 2000 (Lipo 2000, a commercial genetic vector), PAR-Lipos showed remarkably higher gene delivery efficiency in vitro and better antitumor efficacy in vivo. It was demonstrated that PAR-Lipos could be accumulated into the ER via a non-lysosome intracellular route after cellular internalization, which induced the retention of the DNA payload in the ER close to the nucleus, while Non-Lipos, like most conventional cationic carriers, mainly presented lysosomal retention after their endocytosis. The unique intracellular transport behavior of PAR-Lipos can enhance the protection of the DNA payload, prolong their residence time in the cell, and promote their entry into the nucleus relying on the intimate relationship between the ER and nuclear membrane, which is the explanation for the enhanced gene-therapy effect mediated by PAR-Lipos. Our research may provide alternative means of efficiently delivering genes in cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bing Qin
- College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, 866 Yuhangtang Road, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310058, P. R. China.
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18
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Simion V, Henriet E, Juric V, Aquino R, Loussouarn C, Laurent Y, Martin F, Midoux P, Garcion E, Pichon C, Baril P. Intracellular trafficking and functional monitoring of miRNA delivery in glioblastoma using lipopolyplexes and the miRNA-ON RILES reporter system. J Control Release 2020; 327:429-443. [PMID: 32853728 DOI: 10.1016/j.jconrel.2020.08.028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2020] [Revised: 07/11/2020] [Accepted: 08/18/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
MicroRNA (miRNA) oligonucleotides therapeutics are potent and attractive drugs for cancer treatment, but the kinetics of their intracellular trafficking, RISC processing and interaction with their mRNA targets in the cells are still not well understood. Moreover, the absence of efficient carriers impairs their translation into the clinic. Here, we compare the kinetics of miRNA-133a activity after transfection of U87MG glioblastoma cells with either a home-made lipopolyplexes (LPRi) or with the RNAiMax transfection reagent. For this purpose, we combined miRNA intracellular trafficking studies by confocal microscopy with our previously described RILES miRNA-ON reporter system subcloned here in a lentivirus expression vector (LentiRILES) for longitudinal analysis of miRNA activity in transfected cells. Using the LentiRILES system, we report significant differences in terms of miRNA delivery kinetics performed by these two transfection regents. We decipher the mechanisms of miRNA delivery by LPRi and investigate the main steps of miRNA internalization and cytosolic processing. We demonstrate that LPRi preferentially uses caveolae-mediated endocytosis as the main internalization pathway, releases miRNA into the cytosol after the first 3 h of incubation, and addresses the cytosolic miRNAs to P-bodies, while a fraction of miRNAs are exported to the extracellular space through exosomes which were found fully capable to re-transfect the cells. We implanted the LentiRILES cells in the brain of mice and infused the tumours with LPRi.miRNA using the convection-enhanced delivery method. Bioluminescence imaging of the live mice revealed efficient delivery of miRNAs in glioblastoma tumours, attesting successful miRNA uptake, internalization and RISC activation in vivo. Overall, our study provides a comprehensive overview of miRNA intracellular trafficking and processing in a glioblastoma context and highlights the potential use of LPRi for miRNA-based therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Viorel Simion
- Centre de Biophysique Moléculaire, CNRS UPR4301, Université d'Orléans, France.
| | - Elodie Henriet
- Centre de Biophysique Moléculaire, CNRS UPR4301, Université d'Orléans, France
| | - Viktorija Juric
- Centre de Biophysique Moléculaire, CNRS UPR4301, Université d'Orléans, France
| | - Ruth Aquino
- Centre de Biophysique Moléculaire, CNRS UPR4301, Université d'Orléans, France
| | - Claire Loussouarn
- CRCINA, INSERM, Université de Nantes, Université d'Angers, Angers, France
| | - Yoan Laurent
- Centre de Biophysique Moléculaire, CNRS UPR4301, Université d'Orléans, France
| | - Francisco Martin
- GENYO, Pfizer/University of Granada/Andalusian Regional Government, Granada, Spain
| | - Patrick Midoux
- Centre de Biophysique Moléculaire, CNRS UPR4301, Université d'Orléans, France
| | - Emmanuel Garcion
- CRCINA, INSERM, Université de Nantes, Université d'Angers, Angers, France
| | - Chantal Pichon
- Centre de Biophysique Moléculaire, CNRS UPR4301, Université d'Orléans, France
| | - Patrick Baril
- Centre de Biophysique Moléculaire, CNRS UPR4301, Université d'Orléans, France.
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19
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Routkevitch D, Sudhakar D, Conge M, Varanasi M, Tzeng SY, Wilson DR, Green JJ. Efficiency of Cytosolic Delivery with Poly(β-amino ester) Nanoparticles is Dependent on the Effective p Ka of the Polymer. ACS Biomater Sci Eng 2020; 6:3411-3421. [PMID: 33463158 DOI: 10.1021/acsbiomaterials.0c00271] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
The mechanism by which cationic polymers containing titratable amines mediate effective endosomal escape and cytosolic delivery of nucleic acids is not well understood despite the decades of research devoted to these materials. Here, we utilize multiple assays investigating the endosomal escape step associated with plasmid delivery by polyethylenimine (PEI) and poly(β-amino esters) (PBAEs) to improve the understanding of how these cationic polymers enable gene delivery. To probe the role of these materials in facilitating endosomal escape, we utilized vesicle membrane leakage and extracellular pH modulation assays to demonstrate the influence of polymer buffering capacity and effective pKa on the delivery of the plasmid DNA. Our results demonstrate that transfection with PBAEs is highly sensitive to the effective pKa of the overall polymer, which has broad implications for transfection. In more acidic environments, PBAE-mediated transfection was inhibited, while PEI was relatively unaffected. In neutral to basic environments, PBAEs have high buffering capacities that led to dramatically improved transfection efficacy. The cellular uptake of polymeric nanoparticles overall was unchanged as a function of pH, indicating that microenvironmental acidity was important for downstream intracellular delivery efficiency. Overall, this study motivates the use of polymer chemical characteristics, such as effective pKa values, to more efficiently evaluate new polymeric materials for enhanced intracellular delivery characteristics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Denis Routkevitch
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland 21231, United States.,Translational Tissue Engineering Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland 21231, United States.,Institute for Nanobiotechnology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland 21231, United States
| | - Deepti Sudhakar
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland 21231, United States.,Translational Tissue Engineering Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland 21231, United States.,Institute for Nanobiotechnology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland 21231, United States
| | - Marranne Conge
- Translational Tissue Engineering Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland 21231, United States.,Institute for Nanobiotechnology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland 21231, United States
| | - Mahita Varanasi
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland 21231, United States.,Translational Tissue Engineering Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland 21231, United States.,Institute for Nanobiotechnology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland 21231, United States
| | - Stephany Y Tzeng
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland 21231, United States.,Translational Tissue Engineering Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland 21231, United States.,Institute for Nanobiotechnology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland 21231, United States
| | - David R Wilson
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland 21231, United States.,Translational Tissue Engineering Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland 21231, United States.,Institute for Nanobiotechnology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland 21231, United States
| | - Jordan J Green
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland 21231, United States.,Translational Tissue Engineering Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland 21231, United States.,Institute for Nanobiotechnology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland 21231, United States.,Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland 21231, United States.,Department of Ophthalmology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland 21231, United States.,Department of Neurosurgery, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland 21231, United States.,Department of Oncology and the Bloomberg-Kimmel Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland 21231, United States
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20
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Ingle NP, Hexum JK, Reineke TM. Polyplexes Are Endocytosed by and Trafficked within Filopodia. Biomacromolecules 2020; 21:1379-1392. [PMID: 32118406 DOI: 10.1021/acs.biomac.9b01610] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
The improvement of nonviral gene therapies relies to a large extent on understanding many fundamental physical and biological properties of these systems. This includes interactions of synthetic delivery systems with the cell and mechanisms of trafficking delivery vehicles, which remain poorly understood on both the extra- and intracellular levels. In this study, the mechanisms of cellular internalization and trafficking of polymer-based nanoparticle complexes consisting of polycations and nucleic acids, termed polyplexes, have been observed in detail at the cellular level. For the first time evidence has been obtained that filopodia, actin projections that radiate out from the surface of cells, serve as a route for the direct endocytosis of polyplexes. Confocal microscopy images demonstrated that filopodia on HeLa cells detect external polyplexes and extend into the extracellular milieu to internalize these particles. Polyplexes are observed to be internalized into membrane-bound vesicles (i.e., clathrin-coated pits and caveolae) directly within filopodial projections and are subsequently transported along actin to the main cell body for potential delivery of the nucleic acids to the nucleus. The kinetics and speed of polyplex trafficking have also been measured. The polyplex-loaded vesicles were also discovered to traffic between two cells within filopodial bridges. These findings provide novel insight into the early events of cellular contact with polyplexes through filopodial-based interactions in addition to endocytic vesicle trafficking-an important fundamental discovery to enable advancement of nonviral gene editing, nucleic acid therapies, and biomedical materials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nilesh P Ingle
- Department of Chemistry, University of Minnesota, 207 Pleasant Street SE, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55455, United States
| | - Joseph K Hexum
- Department of Chemistry, University of Minnesota, 207 Pleasant Street SE, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55455, United States
| | - Theresa M Reineke
- Department of Chemistry, University of Minnesota, 207 Pleasant Street SE, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55455, United States
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21
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Zhou J, Shao Z, Liu J, Duan Q, Wang X, Li J, Yang H. From Endocytosis to Nonendocytosis: The Emerging Era of Gene Delivery. ACS APPLIED BIO MATERIALS 2020; 3:2686-2701. [DOI: 10.1021/acsabm.9b01131] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Jie Zhou
- MOE Key Laboratory for Analytical Science of Food Safety and Biology, Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Analysis and Detection Technology for Food Safety, State Key Laboratory of Photocatalysis on Energy and Environment, College of Chemistry, Fuzhou University, Fuzhou 350116, People’s Republic of China
- Institute of Molecular Medicine, Renji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, People’s Republic of China
| | - Zhentao Shao
- Institute of Molecular Medicine, Renji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, People’s Republic of China
| | - Jia Liu
- Institute of Molecular Medicine, Renji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, People’s Republic of China
| | - Qiao Duan
- Institute of Molecular Medicine, Renji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, People’s Republic of China
| | - Xiang Wang
- Institute of Molecular Medicine, Renji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, People’s Republic of China
| | - Juan Li
- MOE Key Laboratory for Analytical Science of Food Safety and Biology, Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Analysis and Detection Technology for Food Safety, State Key Laboratory of Photocatalysis on Energy and Environment, College of Chemistry, Fuzhou University, Fuzhou 350116, People’s Republic of China
- Institute of Molecular Medicine, Renji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, People’s Republic of China
| | - Huanghao Yang
- MOE Key Laboratory for Analytical Science of Food Safety and Biology, Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Analysis and Detection Technology for Food Safety, State Key Laboratory of Photocatalysis on Energy and Environment, College of Chemistry, Fuzhou University, Fuzhou 350116, People’s Republic of China
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22
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Kumari M, Liu CH, Wu WC. Oligochitosan modified albumin as plasmid DNA delivery vector: Endocytic trafficking, polyplex fate, in vivo compatibility. Int J Biol Macromol 2020; 142:492-502. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2019.09.121] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2019] [Revised: 09/15/2019] [Accepted: 09/16/2019] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
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23
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Abstract
The integration of drugs into nanocarriers favorably altered their pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetics compared to free drugs, and increased their therapeutic index. However, selective cellular internalization in diseased tissues rather than normal tissues still presents a formidable challenge. In this chapter I will cover solutions involving environment-responsive cell-penetrating peptides (CPPs). I will discuss properties of CPPs as universal cellular uptake enhancers, and the modifications imparted to CPP-modified nanocarriers to confine CPP activation to diseased tissues.
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Qiu C, Han HH, Sun J, Zhang HT, Wei W, Cui SH, Chen X, Wang JC, Zhang Q. Regulating intracellular fate of siRNA by endoplasmic reticulum membrane-decorated hybrid nanoplexes. Nat Commun 2019; 10:2702. [PMID: 31221991 PMCID: PMC6586638 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-019-10562-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2018] [Accepted: 05/17/2019] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Most cationic vectors are difficult to avoid the fate of small interfering RNA (siRNA) degradation following the endosome-lysosome pathway during siRNA transfection. In this study, the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) membrane isolated from cancer cells was used to fabricate an integrative hybrid nanoplexes (EhCv/siRNA NPs) for improving siRNA transfection. Compared to the undecorated Cv/siEGFR NPs, the ER membrane-decorated EhCv/siRNA NPs exhibits a significantly higher gene silencing effect of siRNA in vitro and a better antitumor activity in nude mice bearing MCF-7 human breast tumor in vivo. Further mechanistic studies demonstrate that functional proteins on the ER membrane plays important roles on improving cellular uptake and altering intracellular trafficking pathway of siRNA. It is worth to believe that the ER membrane decoration on nanoplexes can effectively transport siRNA through the endosome-Golgi-ER pathway to evade lysosomal degradation and enhance the silencing effects of siRNA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chong Qiu
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Molecular Pharmaceutics and New Drug Delivery Systems, State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Peking University, 100191, Beijing, China
| | - Hu-Hu Han
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Molecular Pharmaceutics and New Drug Delivery Systems, State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Peking University, 100191, Beijing, China
| | - Jing Sun
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Molecular Pharmaceutics and New Drug Delivery Systems, State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Peking University, 100191, Beijing, China
| | - Hai-Tao Zhang
- Xiangya School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Central South University, 410013, Changsha, China
| | - Wei Wei
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Molecular Pharmaceutics and New Drug Delivery Systems, State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Peking University, 100191, Beijing, China
| | - Shi-He Cui
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Molecular Pharmaceutics and New Drug Delivery Systems, State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Peking University, 100191, Beijing, China
| | - Xin Chen
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Molecular Pharmaceutics and New Drug Delivery Systems, State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Peking University, 100191, Beijing, China
| | - Jian-Cheng Wang
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Molecular Pharmaceutics and New Drug Delivery Systems, State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Peking University, 100191, Beijing, China.
| | - Qiang Zhang
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Molecular Pharmaceutics and New Drug Delivery Systems, State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Peking University, 100191, Beijing, China
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Patel S, Kim J, Herrera M, Mukherjee A, Kabanov AV, Sahay G. Brief update on endocytosis of nanomedicines. Adv Drug Deliv Rev 2019; 144:90-111. [PMID: 31419450 PMCID: PMC6986687 DOI: 10.1016/j.addr.2019.08.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 227] [Impact Index Per Article: 45.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2019] [Revised: 08/06/2019] [Accepted: 08/10/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
The complexity of nanoscale interactions between biomaterials and cells has limited the realization of the ultimate vision of nanotechnology in diagnostics and therapeutics. As such, significant effort has been devoted to advancing our understanding of the biophysical interactions of the myriad nanoparticles. Endocytosis of nanomedicine has drawn tremendous interest in the last decade. Here, we highlight the ever-present barriers to efficient intracellular delivery of nanoparticles as well as the current advances and strategies deployed to breach these barriers. We also introduce new barriers that have been largely overlooked such as the glycocalyx and macromolecular crowding. Additionally, we draw attention to the potential complications arising from the disruption of the newly discovered functions of the lysosomes. Novel strategies of exploiting the inherent intracellular defects in disease states to enhance delivery and the use of exosomes for bioanalytics and drug delivery are explored. Furthermore, we discuss the advances in imaging techniques like electron microscopy, super resolution fluorescence microscopy, and single particle tracking which have been instrumental in our growing understanding of intracellular pathways and nanoparticle trafficking. Finally, we advocate for the push towards more intravital analysis of nanoparticle transport phenomena using the multitude of techniques available to us. Unraveling the underlying mechanisms governing the cellular barriers to delivery and biological interactions of nanoparticles will guide the innovations capable of breaching these barriers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Siddharth Patel
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Oregon State University, Robertson Life Science Building, 2730 SW Moody Avenue, Portland, OR 97201, USA
| | - Jeonghwan Kim
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Oregon State University, Robertson Life Science Building, 2730 SW Moody Avenue, Portland, OR 97201, USA
| | - Marco Herrera
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Oregon State University, Robertson Life Science Building, 2730 SW Moody Avenue, Portland, OR 97201, USA
| | - Anindit Mukherjee
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Oregon State University, Robertson Life Science Building, 2730 SW Moody Avenue, Portland, OR 97201, USA
| | - Alexander V Kabanov
- Center for Nanotechnology in Drug Delivery and Division of Pharmacoengineering and Molecular Pharmaceutics, Eshelman School of Pharmacy, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA; Laboratory of Chemical Design of Bionanomaterials, Faculty of Chemistry, M.V. Lomonosov Moscow State University, Moscow 119992, Russia.
| | - Gaurav Sahay
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Oregon State University, Robertson Life Science Building, 2730 SW Moody Avenue, Portland, OR 97201, USA; Department of Biomedical Engineering, Oregon Health and Science University, Robertson Life Science Building, 2730 SW Moody Avenue, Portland, OR 97201, USA.
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Han H, Yang J, Chen W, Li Q, Yang Y, Li Q. A comprehensive review on histone-mediated transfection for gene therapy. Biotechnol Adv 2018; 37:132-144. [PMID: 30472306 DOI: 10.1016/j.biotechadv.2018.11.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2018] [Revised: 11/02/2018] [Accepted: 11/20/2018] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
Histone has been considered to be an effective carrier in non-viral gene delivery due to its unique properties such as efficient DNA binding ability, direct translocation to cytoplasm and favorable nuclear localization ability. Meanwhile, the rapid development of genetic engineering techniques could facilitate the construction of multifunctional fusion proteins based on histone molecules to further improve the transfection efficiency. Remarkably, histone has been demonstrated to achieve gene transfection in a synergistic manner with cationic polymers, affording to a significant improvement of transfection efficiency. In the review, we highlighted the recent developments and future trends in gene delivery mediated by histones or histone-based fusion proteins/peptides. This review also discussed the mechanism of histone-mediated gene transfection and provided an outlook for future therapeutic opportunities in the viewpoint of transfection efficacy and biosafety.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haobo Han
- Key Laboratory for Molecular Enzymology and Engineering of Ministry of Education, School of Life Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun 130012, China
| | - Jiebing Yang
- Key Laboratory for Molecular Enzymology and Engineering of Ministry of Education, School of Life Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun 130012, China
| | - Wenqi Chen
- Key Laboratory for Molecular Enzymology and Engineering of Ministry of Education, School of Life Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun 130012, China
| | - Qing Li
- Key Laboratory for Molecular Enzymology and Engineering of Ministry of Education, School of Life Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun 130012, China
| | - Yan Yang
- Key Laboratory for Molecular Enzymology and Engineering of Ministry of Education, School of Life Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun 130012, China.
| | - Quanshun Li
- Key Laboratory for Molecular Enzymology and Engineering of Ministry of Education, School of Life Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun 130012, China.
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Abstract
The diverse amino acid chemistries and secondary structures in peptides provide 'minimalist' mimics of motifs in proteins and offer many ideal properties for targeted delivery approaches. Several non-viral vectors (polymers and lipids) have been studied for their potential applications in gene delivery. However, non-specific uptake, lack of targeting, inability to escape endosomes, and inefficient nuclear delivery limit their application. Peptide-assisted trafficking of non-viral vectors can potentially overcome these biological barriers to improve gene delivery through targeted uptake using key cell-surface receptors (e.g., integrins, growth factor receptors, and G-protein coupled receptors); membrane disruption for endosomal escape; and nuclear importation. Furthermore, the capacity of peptides to regulate spatio-temporal control over gene delivery opens multi-faceted avenues for effective gene delivery in a variety of complex applications. Rigorous on-going in vitro and in vivo studies utilizing peptides for targeted and microenvironment-sensitive gene delivery could promote their widespread clinical usage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raj Kumar Thapa
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of Delaware, Newark, DE 19716
| | - Millicent O. Sullivan
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of Delaware, Newark, DE 19716
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Ghelfi E, Grondin Y, Millet EJ, Bartos A, Bortoni M, Oliveira Gomes Dos Santos C, Trevino-Villarreal HJ, Sepulveda R, Rogers R. In vitro gentamicin exposure alters caveolae protein profile in cochlear spiral ligament pericytes. Proteome Sci 2018; 16:7. [PMID: 29760588 PMCID: PMC5938607 DOI: 10.1186/s12953-018-0132-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2017] [Accepted: 02/04/2018] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The aminoglycoside antibiotic gentamicin is an ototoxic drug and has been used experimentally to investigate cochlear damage induced by noise.We have investigated the changes in the protein profile associated with caveolae in gentamicin treated and untreated spiral ligament (SL) pericytes, specialized cells in the blood labyrinth barrier of the inner ear microvasculature. Pericytes from various microvascular beds express caveolae, protein and cholesterol rich microdomains, which can undergo endocytosis and transcytosis to transport small molecules in and out the cells. A different protein profile in transport-specialized caveolae may induce pathological changes affecting the integrity of the blood labyrinth barrier and ultimately contributing to hearing loss. Method Caveolae isolation from treated and untreated cells is achieved through ultracentrifugation of the lysates in discontinuous gradients. Mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) analysis identifies the proteins in the two groups. Proteins segregating with caveolae isolated from untreated SL pericytes are then compared to caveolae isolated from SL pericytes treated with the gentamicin for 24 h. Data are analyzed using bioinformatic tools. Results The caveolae proteome in gentamicin treated cells shows that 40% of total proteins are uniquely associated with caveolae during the treatment, and 15% of the proteins normally associated with caveolae in untreated cell are suppressed. Bioinformatic analysis of the data shows a decreased expression of proteins involved in genetic information processing, and an increase in proteins involved in metabolism, vesicular transport and signal transduction in gentamicin treated cells. Several Rab GTPases proteins, ubiquitous transporters, uniquely segregate with caveolae and are significantly enriched in gentamicin treated cells. Conclusion We report that gentamicin exposure modifies protein profile of caveolae from SL pericytes. We identified a pool of proteins which are uniquely segregating with caveolae during the treatment, mainly participating in metabolic and biosynthetic pathways, in transport pathways and in genetic information processing. Finally, we show for the first time proteins associated with caveolae SL pericytes linked to nonsyndromic hearing loss.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisa Ghelfi
- 1Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Department of Environmental Health, MIPS Program, Boston, MA USA
| | - Yohann Grondin
- 1Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Department of Environmental Health, MIPS Program, Boston, MA USA
| | - Emil J Millet
- 1Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Department of Environmental Health, MIPS Program, Boston, MA USA
| | - Adam Bartos
- 1Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Department of Environmental Health, MIPS Program, Boston, MA USA
| | - Magda Bortoni
- 1Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Department of Environmental Health, MIPS Program, Boston, MA USA
| | - Clara Oliveira Gomes Dos Santos
- 1Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Department of Environmental Health, MIPS Program, Boston, MA USA.,2Universidade de Sao Paulo, Faculdade de Medicina, Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | | | - Rosalinda Sepulveda
- 1Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Department of Environmental Health, MIPS Program, Boston, MA USA.,4Universidad Autónoma de Nuevo León, Facultad de Medicina, Monterrey, Mexico
| | - Rick Rogers
- 1Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Department of Environmental Health, MIPS Program, Boston, MA USA
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Munsell EV, Kurpad DS, Freeman TA, Sullivan MO. Histone-targeted gene transfer of bone morphogenetic protein-2 enhances mesenchymal stem cell chondrogenic differentiation. Acta Biomater 2018; 71:156-167. [PMID: 29481871 PMCID: PMC5899933 DOI: 10.1016/j.actbio.2018.02.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2017] [Revised: 02/13/2018] [Accepted: 02/20/2018] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
Skeletal tissue regeneration following traumatic injury involves a complex cascade of growth factor signals that direct the differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) within the fracture. The necessity for controlled and localized expression of these factors has highlighted the role gene therapy may play as a promising treatment option for bone repair. However, the design of nanocarrier systems that negotiate efficient intracellular trafficking and nuclear delivery represents a significant challenge. Recent investigations have highlighted the roles histone tail sequences play in directing nuclear delivery and activating DNA transcription. We previously established the ability to recapitulate these natural histone tail activities within non-viral nanocarriers, improving gene transfer and expression by enabling effective navigation to the nucleus via retrograde vesicular trafficking. Herein, we demonstrate that histone-targeting leads to ∼4-fold enhancements in osteogenic bone morphogenetic protein-2 (BMP-2) expression by MSCs over 6 days, as compared with standard polymeric transfection reagents. This improved expression augmented chondrogenesis, an essential first step in fracture healing. Importantly, significant enhancements of cartilage-specific protein expression were triggered by histone-targeted gene transfer, as compared with the response to treatment with equivalent amounts of recombinant BMP-2 protein. In fact, an ∼100-fold increase in recombinant BMP-2 was required to achieve similar levels of chondrogenic gene and protein expression. The enhancements in differentiation achieved using histone-targeting were in part enabled by an increase in transcription factor expression, which functioned to drive MSC chondrogenesis. These novel findings demonstrate the utility of histone-targeted gene transfer strategies to enable substantial reductions in BMP-2 dosing for bone regenerative applications. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE This contribution addresses significant limitations in non-viral gene transfer for bone regenerative applications by exploiting a novel histone-targeting approach for cell-triggered delivery that induces osteogenic BMP-2 expression coincident with the initiation of bone repair. During repair, proliferating MSCs respond to a complex series of growth factor signals that direct their differentiation along cellular lineages essential to mature bone formation. Although these MSCs are ideal targets for enhanced transfection during cellular mitosis, few non-viral delivery approaches exist to enable maximization of this effect. Accordingly, this contribution seeks to utilize our histone-targeted nanocarrier design strategy to stimulate BMP-2 gene transfer in dividing MSCs. This gene-based approach leads to significantly augmented MSC chondrogenesis, an essential first step in bone tissue repair.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erik V Munsell
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of Delaware, 150 Academy Street, Newark, DE 19716, United States.
| | - Deepa S Kurpad
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Sidney Kimmel Medical College, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA 19107, United States.
| | - Theresa A Freeman
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Sidney Kimmel Medical College, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA 19107, United States.
| | - Millicent O Sullivan
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of Delaware, 150 Academy Street, Newark, DE 19716, United States.
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Kretzmann JA, Evans CW, Norret M, Blancafort P, Swaminathan Iyer K. Non-viral Methodology for Efficient Co-transfection. Methods Mol Biol 2018. [PMID: 29524139 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-4939-7774-1_13] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
The potential impact of CRISPR/Cas9, TALE, and zinc finger technology is immense, both with respect to their use as tools for understanding the roles and functions of the genomic elements and epigenome modifications in an endogenous context and as new methods for treatment of diseases. Application of such technologies has drawn attention, however, to the prevailing lack of effective delivery methods. Promising viral and non-viral methods both currently fall short when the efficient delivery of large plasmids or multiple plasmids is required. Therefore, the use of TALE and CRISPR platforms has been severely limited in applications where selection methods to increase the relative proportion of treated cells are not applicable, and it represents a significant bottleneck in the further application of these tools as therapeutics.The protocol presented here describes the synthesis of a dendronized polymer as a highly efficient and nontoxic transfection agent. Furthermore, the optimization of the polymer as a co-transfection reagent for large and multiple plasmids in cell lines is described, in addition to general considerations for co-transfection experiments. Usage of this method has allowed for significantly improved large plasmid co-transfection efficiency over Lipofectamine 2000 in multiple cell lines, allowing an improved delivery of CRISPR/dCas9 and TALE systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica A Kretzmann
- School of Molecular Sciences, The University of Western Australia, Crawley, WA, Australia
- Cancer Epigenetics Group, Harry Perkins Institute of Medical Research, Nedlands, WA, Australia
| | - Cameron W Evans
- School of Molecular Sciences, The University of Western Australia, Crawley, WA, Australia
| | - Marck Norret
- School of Molecular Sciences, The University of Western Australia, Crawley, WA, Australia
| | - Pilar Blancafort
- Cancer Epigenetics Group, Harry Perkins Institute of Medical Research, Nedlands, WA, Australia.
- School of Human Sciences, The University of Western Australia, Perth, WA, Australia.
| | - K Swaminathan Iyer
- School of Molecular Sciences, The University of Western Australia, Crawley, WA, Australia.
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A Triple-Fluorophore-Labeled Nucleic Acid pH Nanosensor to Investigate Non-viral Gene Delivery. Mol Ther 2017; 25:1697-1709. [PMID: 28479046 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymthe.2017.04.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2016] [Revised: 04/06/2017] [Accepted: 04/06/2017] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
There is a need for new tools to better quantify intracellular delivery barriers in high-throughput and high-content ways. Here, we synthesized a triple-fluorophore-labeled nucleic acid pH nanosensor for measuring intracellular pH of exogenous DNA at specific time points in a high-throughput manner by flow cytometry following non-viral transfection. By including two pH-sensitive fluorophores and one pH-insensitive fluorophore in the nanosensor, detection of pH was possible over the full physiological range. We further assessed possible correlation between intracellular pH of delivered DNA, cellular uptake of DNA, and DNA reporter gene expression at 24 hr post-transfection for poly-L-lysine and branched polyethylenimine polyplex nanoparticles. While successful transfection was shown to clearly depend on median cellular pH of delivered DNA at the cell population level, surprisingly, on an individual cell basis, there was no significant correlation between intracellular pH and transfection efficacy. To our knowledge, this is the first reported instance of high-throughput single-cell analysis between cellular uptake of DNA, intracellular pH of delivered DNA, and gene expression of the delivered DNA. Using the nanosensor, we demonstrate that the ability of polymeric nanoparticles to avoid an acidic environment is necessary, but not sufficient, for successful transfection.
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Greco CT, Muir VG, Epps TH, Sullivan MO. Efficient tuning of siRNA dose response by combining mixed polymer nanocarriers with simple kinetic modeling. Acta Biomater 2017; 50:407-416. [PMID: 28063990 PMCID: PMC5317101 DOI: 10.1016/j.actbio.2017.01.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2016] [Revised: 12/01/2016] [Accepted: 01/03/2017] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Two of the most prominent challenges that limit the clinical success of siRNA therapies are a lack of control over cargo release from the delivery vehicle and an incomplete understanding of the link between gene silencing dynamics and siRNA dosing. Herein, we address these challenges through the formulation of siRNA polyplexes containing light-responsive polymer mixtures, whose varied compositions and triggered release behavior provide enhanced gene silencing and controlled dose responses that can be predicted by simple kinetic models. Through the straightforward mixing of two block copolymers, the level of gene knockdown was easily optimized to achieve the maximum level of GAPDH protein silencing in NIH/3T3 cells (~70%) using a single siRNA dose. The kinetic model was used to describe the dynamic changes in mRNA and protein concentrations in response to siRNA treatment. These predictions enabled the application of a second dose of siRNA to maximally suppress gene expression over multiple days, leading to a further 50% reduction in protein levels relative to those measured following a single dose. Furthermore, polyplexes remained dormant in cells until exposed to the photo-stimulus, demonstrating the complete control over siRNA activity as well as the stability of the nanocarriers. Thus, this work demonstrates that pairing advances in biomaterials design with simple kinetic modeling provides new insight into gene silencing dynamics and presents a powerful strategy to control gene expression through siRNA delivery. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE Our manuscript describes two noteworthy impacts: (1) we designed mixed polymer formulations to enhance gene silencing, and (2) we simultaneously developed a simple kinetic model for determining optimal siRNA dose responses to maintain silencing over several days. These advances address critical challenges in siRNA delivery and provide new opportunities in therapeutics development. The structure-function relationships prevalent in these formulations were established to enable tuning and forecasting of nanocarrier efficiency a priori, leading to siRNA dosing regimens able to maximally suppress gene expression. Our advances are significant because the mixed polymer formulations provide a straightforward and scalable approach to tailor siRNA delivery regimens. Moreover, the implementation of accurate dosing frameworks addresses a major knowledge gap that has hindered clinical implementation of siRNA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chad T Greco
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of Delaware, Newark, DE 19716, USA
| | - Victoria G Muir
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of Delaware, Newark, DE 19716, USA
| | - Thomas H Epps
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of Delaware, Newark, DE 19716, USA; Department of Materials Science and Engineering, University of Delaware, Newark, DE 19716, USA.
| | - Millicent O Sullivan
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of Delaware, Newark, DE 19716, USA.
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Munsell EV, Ross NL, Sullivan MO. Journey to the Center of the Cell: Current Nanocarrier Design Strategies Targeting Biopharmaceuticals to the Cytoplasm and Nucleus. Curr Pharm Des 2016; 22:1227-44. [PMID: 26675220 DOI: 10.2174/1381612822666151216151420] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2015] [Accepted: 12/15/2015] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
New biopharmaceutical molecules, potentially able to provide more personalized and effective treatments, are being identified through the advent of advanced synthetic biology strategies, sophisticated chemical synthesis approaches, and new analytical methods to assess biological potency. However, translation of many of these structures has been significantly limited due to the need for more efficient strategies to deliver macromolecular therapeutics to desirable intracellular sites of action. Engineered nanocarriers that encapsulate peptides, proteins, or nucleic acids are generally internalized into target cells via one of several endocytic pathways. These nanostructures, entrapped within endosomes, must navigate the intracellular milieu to orchestrate delivery to the intended destination, typically the cytoplasm or nucleus. For therapeutics active in the cytoplasm, endosomal escape continues to represent a limiting step to effective treatment, since a majority of nanocarriers trapped within endosomes are ultimately marked for enzymatic degradation in lysosomes. Therapeutics active in the nucleus have the added challenges of reaching and penetrating the nuclear envelope, and nuclear delivery remains a preeminent challenge preventing clinical translation of gene therapy applications. Herein, we review cutting-edge peptide- and polymer-based design strategies with the potential to enable significant improvements in biopharmaceutical efficacy through improved intracellular targeting. These strategies often mimic the activities of pathogens, which have developed innate and highly effective mechanisms to penetrate plasma membranes and enter the nucleus of host cells. Understanding these mechanisms has enabled advances in synthetic peptide and polymer design that may ultimately improve intracellular trafficking and bioavailability, leading to increased access to new classes of biotherapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Millicent O Sullivan
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of Delaware, 150 Academy Street, Newark, DE 19716, Delaware.
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Ross NL, Sullivan MO. Overexpression of caveolin-1 in inflammatory breast cancer cells enables IBC-specific gene delivery and prodrug conversion using histone-targeted polyplexes. Biotechnol Bioeng 2016; 113:2686-2697. [PMID: 27241022 PMCID: PMC5268818 DOI: 10.1002/bit.26022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2016] [Revised: 04/18/2016] [Accepted: 05/27/2016] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Gene therapy platforms offer a variety of potentially effective solutions for development of targeted agents that can be exploited for cancer treatment. The physicochemical properties of nanocarriers can be tuned to enhance their localization in tumors, and cell specificity can also be increased by appropriate selection of gene targets. A relatively underexploited approach to enhance therapeutic selectivity in cancer tissues is the use of nanocarriers whose nuclear targeting and uptake are triggered by the altered expression of specific endomembrane trafficking proteins in cancer cells. Previously, we showed that histone 3 (H3) peptide-targeted DNA polyplexes traffic to the nucleus efficiently through caveolar endocytosis followed by transfer through the Golgi and endoplasmic reticulum (ER). We hypothesized that these polyplexes would exhibit enhanced activity in inflammatory breast cancer (IBC) cells, which overexpress caveolin-1 as part of their invasive phenotype, and we also posited that this targeting effect could be exploited to facilitate IBC-specific transfection and prodrug conversion in the presence of normal breast epithelial cells. Using cellular transfection experiments, function-blocking assays, and confocal imaging in both IBC SUM149 cell monocultures and IBC SUM149 co-cultures with MCF10A normal breast epithelial cells, we found that our H3-targeted polyplexes selectively transfected IBC SUM149 cells at a 4-fold higher level than normal breast epithelial cells. This selectivity and increased transfection were caused by a 2.2-fold overexpression of caveolin-1 in IBC SUM149 cells, which led to increased polyplex trafficking to the nucleus through the Golgi and ER. We also saw similar enhancements in cell selectivity and transfection when cells were transfected with a suicide gene/prodrug combination, as the increased expression of the suicide gene in IBC SUM149 cells led to a 55% decrease in viability in IBC SUM149 cells as compared to a 25% decrease in MCF10A cells. These findings demonstrate that differences in the expression of the endocytic membrane protein caveolin-1 can be exploited for cell-selective gene delivery, and ultimately, these gene-based targeting approaches may be useful in potential treatments for aggressive cancer types. Biotechnol. Bioeng. 2016;113: 2686-2697. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nikki L Ross
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of Delaware, 150 Academy St., Newark, Delaware 19716
| | - Millicent O Sullivan
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of Delaware, 150 Academy St., Newark, Delaware 19716.
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Ni R, Zhou J, Hossain N, Chau Y. Virus-inspired nucleic acid delivery system: Linking virus and viral mimicry. Adv Drug Deliv Rev 2016; 106:3-26. [PMID: 27473931 DOI: 10.1016/j.addr.2016.07.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2016] [Revised: 07/02/2016] [Accepted: 07/20/2016] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Targeted delivery of nucleic acids into disease sites of human body has been attempted for decades, but both viral and non-viral vectors are yet to meet our expectations. Safety concerns and low delivery efficiency are the main limitations of viral and non-viral vectors, respectively. The structure of viruses is both ordered and dynamic, and is believed to be the key for effective transfection. Detailed understanding of the physical properties of viruses, their interaction with cellular components, and responses towards cellular environments leading to transfection would inspire the development of safe and effective non-viral vectors. To this goal, this review systematically summarizes distinctive features of viruses that are implied for efficient nucleic acid delivery but not yet fully explored in current non-viral vectors. The assembly and disassembly of viral structures, presentation of viral ligands, and the subcellular targeting of viruses are emphasized. Moreover, we describe the current development of cationic material-based viral mimicry (CVM) and structural viral mimicry (SVM) in these aspects. In light of the discrepancy, we identify future opportunities for rational design of viral mimics for the efficient delivery of DNA and RNA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rong Ni
- Division of Biomedical Engineering, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Clear Water Bay, Kowloon, Hong Kong, China; Institute for Advanced Study, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Clear Water Bay, Kowloon, Hong Kong, China
| | - Junli Zhou
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Clear Water Bay, Kowloon, Hong Kong, China
| | - Naushad Hossain
- Division of Biomedical Engineering, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Clear Water Bay, Kowloon, Hong Kong, China
| | - Ying Chau
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Clear Water Bay, Kowloon, Hong Kong, China; Division of Biomedical Engineering, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Clear Water Bay, Kowloon, Hong Kong, China.
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Ross NL, Sullivan MO. Importin-4 Regulates Gene Delivery by Enhancing Nuclear Retention and Chromatin Deposition by Polyplexes. Mol Pharm 2015; 12:4488-97. [PMID: 26465823 PMCID: PMC4733562 DOI: 10.1021/acs.molpharmaceut.5b00645] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
For successful gene delivery, plasmid DNA must be able to access the nucleus in order to be transcribed. Numerous studies have shown that gene delivery occurs more readily in dividing cells, which is attributed to increased nuclear access when the nuclear envelope disassembles during mitosis; however, nonviral carriers continue to have low transfection efficiencies and require large quantities of DNA per cell to achieve reasonable gene transfer, even in dividing cells. Therefore, we hypothesized that using histone-derived nuclear localization sequences (NLS)s to target polyplexes might enhance nuclear delivery by facilitating interactions with histone effectors that mediate nuclear partitioning and retention during mitosis. We discovered a novel interaction between polyplexes linked to histone 3 (H3) N-terminal tail peptides and the histone nuclear import protein importin-4, as evidenced by strong spatial colocalization as well as significantly decreased transfection when importin-4 expression was reduced. A fraction of the histone-targeted polyplexes was also found to colocalize with the retrotranslocon of the endoplasmic reticulum, Sec61. Super resolution microscopy demonstrated a high level of polyplex binding to chromatin postmitosis, and there also was a significant decrease in the amount of chromatin binding following importin-4 knockdown. These results provide evidence that natural histone effectors mediate both nuclear entry and deposition on chromatin by histone-targeted polyplexes, and a translocation event from the endoplasmic reticulum into the cytosol may occur before mitosis to enable the polyplexes to interact with these essential cytoplasmic proteins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nikki L Ross
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of Delaware , 150 Academy Street, Newark, Delaware 19716, United States
| | - Millicent O Sullivan
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of Delaware , 150 Academy Street, Newark, Delaware 19716, United States
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Foster AA, Ross NL, Sullivan MO. Fluorescent dye incorporation causes weakened gene association and intracellular aggregate formation in nonviral carriers. J Gene Med 2015; 17:69-79. [PMID: 25731756 DOI: 10.1002/jgm.2824] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2014] [Revised: 02/14/2015] [Accepted: 02/26/2015] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The successful application of nonviral gene transfer technologies requires both improved understanding and control with respect to intracellular trafficking and release. However, the intracellular space is highly complex and hence well-defined, stable structures are necessary to probe the stages of the delivery pathway. Fluorescent labeling is a regularly used approach to monitor nonviral delivery and release, yet few studies investigate the effects of label incorporation on the structure and activity of gene-containing vehicles. METHODS In the present study, the impacts of label incorporation on the assembly and gene transfer capacity of DNA polyplexes were determined through the utilization of a model DNA-polyethylenimine (PEI) delivery system. PEI was fluorescently labeled with the Oregon Green® dye prior to polyplex formation and delivery to CHO-K1 cells. RESULTS The present study provides evidence showing that routine labeling strategies for polyplexes weakened DNA binding affinity, produced large quantities of extracellular structures and significantly increased intracellular polyplex aggregation. Additionally, cellular internalization studies showed that increased labeling fractions led to reductions in polyplex uptake as a result of weakened complexation. CONCLUSIONS These results not only provide insight into the assembly of these structures, but also help to identify labeling strategies sufficient to preserve activity at the same time as enabling detailed studies of trafficking and disassembly.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abbygail A Foster
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of Delaware, Newark, DE, USA
| | - Nikki L Ross
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of Delaware, Newark, DE, USA
| | - Millicent O Sullivan
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of Delaware, Newark, DE, USA
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