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Pinyon JL, von Jonquieres G, Crawford EN, Abed AA, Power JM, Klugmann M, Browne CJ, Housley DM, Wise AK, Fallon JB, Shepherd RK, Lin JY, McMahon C, McAlpine D, Birman CS, Lai W, Enke YL, Carter PM, Patrick JF, Gay RD, Marie C, Scherman D, Lovell NH, Housley GD. Gene Electrotransfer via Conductivity-Clamped Electric Field Focusing Pivots Sensori-Motor DNA Therapeutics: "A Spoonful of Sugar Helps the Medicine Go Down". ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2024:e2401392. [PMID: 38874431 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202401392] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2024] [Revised: 05/20/2024] [Indexed: 06/15/2024]
Abstract
Viral vectors and lipofection-based gene therapies have dispersion-dependent transduction/transfection profiles that thwart precise targeting. The study describes the development of focused close-field gene electrotransfer (GET) technology, refining spatial control of gene expression. Integration of fluidics for precise delivery of "naked" plasmid deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) in sucrose carrier within the focused electric field enables negative biasing of near-field conductivity ("conductivity-clamping"-CC), increasing the efficiency of plasma membrane molecular translocation. This enables titratable gene delivery with unprecedently low charge transfer. The clinic-ready bionics-derived CC-GET device achieved neurotrophin-encoding miniplasmid DNA delivery to the cochlea to promote auditory nerve regeneration; validated in deafened guinea pig and cat models, leading to improved central auditory tuning with bionics-based hearing. The performance of CC-GET is evaluated in the brain, an organ problematic for pulsed electric field-based plasmid DNA delivery, due to high required currents causing Joule-heating and damaging electroporation. Here CC-GET enables safe precision targeting of gene expression. In the guinea pig, reporter expression is enabled in physiologically critical brainstem regions, and in the striatum (globus pallidus region) delivery of a red-shifted channelrhodopsin and a genetically-encoded Ca2+ sensor, achieved photoactivated neuromodulation relevant to the treatment of Parkinson's Disease and other focal brain disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeremy L Pinyon
- Translational Neuroscience Facility, Department of Physiology, School of Biomedical Sciences, Graduate School of Biomedical Engineering, Tyree Institute for Health Engineering (IHealthE), UNSW, Sydney, NSW, 2052, Australia
- Charles Perkins Centre, School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, 2006, Australia
| | - Georg von Jonquieres
- Translational Neuroscience Facility, Department of Physiology, School of Biomedical Sciences, Graduate School of Biomedical Engineering, Tyree Institute for Health Engineering (IHealthE), UNSW, Sydney, NSW, 2052, Australia
| | - Edward N Crawford
- Translational Neuroscience Facility, Department of Physiology, School of Biomedical Sciences, Graduate School of Biomedical Engineering, Tyree Institute for Health Engineering (IHealthE), UNSW, Sydney, NSW, 2052, Australia
| | - Amr Al Abed
- Translational Neuroscience Facility, Department of Physiology, School of Biomedical Sciences, Graduate School of Biomedical Engineering, Tyree Institute for Health Engineering (IHealthE), UNSW, Sydney, NSW, 2052, Australia
| | - John M Power
- Translational Neuroscience Facility, Department of Physiology, School of Biomedical Sciences, Graduate School of Biomedical Engineering, Tyree Institute for Health Engineering (IHealthE), UNSW, Sydney, NSW, 2052, Australia
| | - Matthias Klugmann
- Translational Neuroscience Facility, Department of Physiology, School of Biomedical Sciences, Graduate School of Biomedical Engineering, Tyree Institute for Health Engineering (IHealthE), UNSW, Sydney, NSW, 2052, Australia
| | - Cherylea J Browne
- Translational Neuroscience Facility, Department of Physiology, School of Biomedical Sciences, Graduate School of Biomedical Engineering, Tyree Institute for Health Engineering (IHealthE), UNSW, Sydney, NSW, 2052, Australia
- Medical Sciences, School of Science, Western Sydney University, Sydney, NSW, 2560, Australia
| | - David M Housley
- Translational Neuroscience Facility, Department of Physiology, School of Biomedical Sciences, Graduate School of Biomedical Engineering, Tyree Institute for Health Engineering (IHealthE), UNSW, Sydney, NSW, 2052, Australia
| | - Andrew K Wise
- Bionics Institute, 384-388 Albert Street, East Melbourne, VIC, 3002, Australia
- Medical Bionics, Department of Otolaryngology, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, 3002, Australia
| | - James B Fallon
- Bionics Institute, 384-388 Albert Street, East Melbourne, VIC, 3002, Australia
- Medical Bionics, Department of Otolaryngology, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, 3002, Australia
| | - Robert K Shepherd
- Bionics Institute, 384-388 Albert Street, East Melbourne, VIC, 3002, Australia
- Medical Bionics, Department of Otolaryngology, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, 3002, Australia
| | - John Y Lin
- Tasmanian School of Medicine, University of Tasmania, Hobart, TAS, 7001, Australia
| | - Catherine McMahon
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, The Hearing Hub, Macquarie University, Sydney, 2109, Australia
| | - David McAlpine
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, The Hearing Hub, Macquarie University, Sydney, 2109, Australia
| | - Catherine S Birman
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, The Hearing Hub, Macquarie University, Sydney, 2109, Australia
- Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, 2006, Australia
- Department of Otolaryngology, Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, Camperdown, NSW, 2050, Australia
- NextSense, Royal Institute of Deaf and Blind Children, Gladesville, NSW, 2111, Australia
| | - Waikong Lai
- NextSense, Royal Institute of Deaf and Blind Children, Gladesville, NSW, 2111, Australia
| | - Ya Lang Enke
- Cochlear Limited, Macquarie University, University Avenue, Macquarie Park, NSW, 2109, Australia
| | - Paul M Carter
- Cochlear Limited, Macquarie University, University Avenue, Macquarie Park, NSW, 2109, Australia
| | - James F Patrick
- Cochlear Limited, Macquarie University, University Avenue, Macquarie Park, NSW, 2109, Australia
| | - Robert D Gay
- Cochlear Limited, Macquarie University, University Avenue, Macquarie Park, NSW, 2109, Australia
| | - Corinne Marie
- CNRS, Inserm, UTCBS, Université Paris Cité, Paris, F-75006, France
- Chimie ParisTech, Université PSL, Paris, 75005, France
| | - Daniel Scherman
- CNRS, Inserm, UTCBS, Université Paris Cité, Paris, F-75006, France
- Fondation Maladies Rares, 96 rue Didot, Paris, 75014, France
| | - Nigel H Lovell
- Translational Neuroscience Facility, Department of Physiology, School of Biomedical Sciences, Graduate School of Biomedical Engineering, Tyree Institute for Health Engineering (IHealthE), UNSW, Sydney, NSW, 2052, Australia
| | - Gary D Housley
- Translational Neuroscience Facility, Department of Physiology, School of Biomedical Sciences, Graduate School of Biomedical Engineering, Tyree Institute for Health Engineering (IHealthE), UNSW, Sydney, NSW, 2052, Australia
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2
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Muralidharan A, Boukany PE. Electrotransfer for nucleic acid and protein delivery. Trends Biotechnol 2024; 42:780-798. [PMID: 38102019 DOI: 10.1016/j.tibtech.2023.11.009] [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: 10/19/2023] [Revised: 11/15/2023] [Accepted: 11/15/2023] [Indexed: 12/17/2023]
Abstract
Electrotransfer of nucleic acids and proteins has become crucial in biotechnology for gene augmentation and genome editing. This review explores the applications of electrotransfer in both ex vivo and in vivo scenarios, emphasizing biomedical uses. We provide insights into completed clinical trials and successful instances of nucleic acid and protein electrotransfer into therapeutically relevant cells such as immune cells and stem and progenitor cells. In addition, we delve into emerging areas of electrotransfer where nanotechnology and deep learning techniques overcome the limitations of traditional electroporation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aswin Muralidharan
- Department of Bionanoscience, Delft University of Technology, van der Maasweg 9, 2629 HZ Delft, The Netherlands; Kavli Institute of Nanoscience, Delft University of Technology, van der Maasweg 9, 2629 HZ Delft, The Netherlands.
| | - Pouyan E Boukany
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Delft University of Technology, van der Maasweg 9, 2629 HZ Delft, The Netherlands.
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Szlasa W, Sauer N, Baczyńska D, Ziętek M, Haczkiewicz-Leśniak K, Karpiński P, Fleszar M, Fortuna P, Kulus MJ, Piotrowska A, Kmiecik A, Barańska A, Michel O, Novickij V, Tarek M, Kasperkiewicz P, Dzięgiel P, Podhorska-Okołów M, Saczko J, Kulbacka J. Pulsed electric field induces exocytosis and overexpression of MAGE antigens in melanoma. Sci Rep 2024; 14:12546. [PMID: 38822068 PMCID: PMC11143327 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-63181-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2023] [Accepted: 05/27/2024] [Indexed: 06/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Nanosecond pulsed electric field (nsPEF) has emerged as a promising approach for inducing cell death in melanoma, either as a standalone treatment or in combination with chemotherapeutics. However, to date, there has been a shortage of studies exploring the impact of nsPEF on the expression of cancer-specific molecules. In this investigation, we sought to assess the effects of nsPEF on melanoma-specific MAGE (Melanoma Antigen Gene Protein Family) expression. To achieve this, melanoma cells were exposed to nsPEF with parameters set at 8 kV/cm, 200 ns duration, 100 pulses, and a frequency of 10 kHz. We also aimed to comprehensively describe the consequences of this electric field on melanoma cells' invasion and proliferation potential. Our findings reveal that following exposure to nsPEF, melanoma cells release microvesicles containing MAGE antigens, leading to a simultaneous increase in the expression and mRNA content of membrane-associated antigens such as MAGE-A1. Notably, we observed an unexpected increase in the expression of PD-1 as well. While we did not observe significant differences in the cells' proliferation or invasion potential, a remarkable alteration in the cells' metabolomic and lipidomic profiles towards a less aggressive phenotype was evident. Furthermore, we validated these results using ex vivo tissue cultures and 3D melanoma culture models. Our study demonstrates that nsPEF can elevate the expression of membrane-associated proteins, including melanoma-specific antigens. The mechanism underlying the overexpression of MAGE antigens involves the initial release of microvesicles containing MAGE antigens, followed by a gradual increase in mRNA levels, ultimately resulting in elevated expression of MAGE antigens post-experiment. These findings shed light on a novel method for modulating cancer cells to overexpress cancer-specific molecules, thereby potentially enhancing their sensitivity to targeted anticancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wojciech Szlasa
- Medical University Hospital, Borowska 213, 50-556, Wrocław, Poland.
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Wroclaw Medical University, Wroclaw, Poland.
| | - Natalia Sauer
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Wroclaw Medical University, Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Dagmara Baczyńska
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Wroclaw Medical University, Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Marcin Ziętek
- Department of Surgical Oncology, Wroclaw Comprehensive Cancer Center, Wroclaw, Poland
| | | | - Paweł Karpiński
- Department of Genetics, Wroclaw Medical University, Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Mariusz Fleszar
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, Wroclaw Medical University, Wroclaw, Poland
- Omics Research Center, Wroclaw Medical University, Wrocław, Poland
| | - Paulina Fortuna
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, Wroclaw Medical University, Wroclaw, Poland
- Omics Research Center, Wroclaw Medical University, Wrocław, Poland
| | - Michał J Kulus
- Division of Ultrastructural Research, Faculty of Medicine, Wroclaw Medical University, 50-368, Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Aleksandra Piotrowska
- Division of Histology and Embryology, Department of Human Morphology and Embryology, Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Alicja Kmiecik
- Division of Histology and Embryology, Department of Human Morphology and Embryology, Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Agnieszka Barańska
- Division of Histology and Embryology, Department of Human Morphology and Embryology, Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Olga Michel
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Wroclaw Medical University, Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Vitalij Novickij
- Faculty of Electronics, Vilnius Gediminas Technical University, 03227, Vilnius, Lithuania
- Department of Immunology, State Research Institute Centre for Innovative Medicine, Santariškių 5, 08410, Vilnius, Lithuania
| | - Mounir Tarek
- Université de Lorraine, CNRS, LPCT, 54000, Nancy, France
| | - Paulina Kasperkiewicz
- Department of Chemical Biology and Bioimaging, Faculty of Chemistry, Wroclaw University of Science and Technology, Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Piotr Dzięgiel
- Division of Histology and Embryology, Department of Human Morphology and Embryology, Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Marzenna Podhorska-Okołów
- Division of Ultrastructural Research, Faculty of Medicine, Wroclaw Medical University, 50-368, Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Jolanta Saczko
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Wroclaw Medical University, Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Julita Kulbacka
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Wroclaw Medical University, Wroclaw, Poland
- Department of Immunology, State Research Institute Centre for Innovative Medicine, Santariškių 5, 08410, Vilnius, Lithuania
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Berdecka D, De Smedt SC, De Vos WH, Braeckmans K. Non-viral delivery of RNA for therapeutic T cell engineering. Adv Drug Deliv Rev 2024; 208:115215. [PMID: 38401848 DOI: 10.1016/j.addr.2024.115215] [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: 11/21/2023] [Revised: 02/07/2024] [Accepted: 02/14/2024] [Indexed: 02/26/2024]
Abstract
Adoptive T cell transfer has shown great success in treating blood cancers, resulting in a growing number of FDA-approved therapies using chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-engineered T cells. However, the effectiveness of this treatment for solid tumors is still not satisfactory, emphasizing the need for improved T cell engineering strategies and combination approaches. Currently, CAR T cells are mainly manufactured using gammaretroviral and lentiviral vectors due to their high transduction efficiency. However, there are concerns about their safety, the high cost of producing them in compliance with current Good Manufacturing Practices (cGMP), regulatory obstacles, and limited cargo capacity, which limit the broader use of engineered T cell therapies. To overcome these limitations, researchers have explored non-viral approaches, such as membrane permeabilization and carrier-mediated methods, as more versatile and sustainable alternatives for next-generation T cell engineering. Non-viral delivery methods can be designed to transport a wide range of molecules, including RNA, which allows for more controlled and safe modulation of T cell phenotype and function. In this review, we provide an overview of non-viral RNA delivery in adoptive T cell therapy. We first define the different types of RNA therapeutics, highlighting recent advancements in manufacturing for their therapeutic use. We then discuss the challenges associated with achieving effective RNA delivery in T cells. Next, we provide an overview of current and emerging technologies for delivering RNA into T cells. Finally, we discuss ongoing preclinical and clinical studies involving RNA-modified T cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dominika Berdecka
- Laboratory of General Biochemistry and Physical Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ghent University, Ottergemsesteenweg 460, 9000 Ghent, Belgium; Laboratory of Cell Biology and Histology, Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Antwerp, Universiteitsplein 1, 2610 Wilrijk, Belgium
| | - Stefaan C De Smedt
- Laboratory of General Biochemistry and Physical Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ghent University, Ottergemsesteenweg 460, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Winnok H De Vos
- Laboratory of Cell Biology and Histology, Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Antwerp, Universiteitsplein 1, 2610 Wilrijk, Belgium
| | - Kevin Braeckmans
- Laboratory of General Biochemistry and Physical Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ghent University, Ottergemsesteenweg 460, 9000 Ghent, Belgium.
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Yao Y, Holdcraft RW, Hagness SC, Booske JH. Electric pulse exposure reduces AAV8 dosage required to transduce HepG2 cells. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0298866. [PMID: 38687720 PMCID: PMC11060518 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0298866] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2023] [Accepted: 02/01/2024] [Indexed: 05/02/2024] Open
Abstract
We demonstrate that applying electric field pulses to hepatocytes, in vitro, in the presence of enhanced green fluorescent protein (EGFP)-expressing adeno-associated virus (AAV8) vectors reduces the viral dosage required for a given transduction level by more than 50-fold, compared to hepatocytes exposed to AAV8-EGFP vectors without electric field pulse exposure. We conducted 48 experimental observations across 8 exposure conditions in standard well plates. The electric pulse exposures involved single 80-ms pulses with 375 V/cm field intensity. Our study suggests that electric pulse exposure results in enhanced EGFP expression in cells, indicative of increased transduction efficiency. The enhanced transduction observed in our study, if translated successfully to an in vivo setting, would be a promising indication of potential reduction in the required dose of AAV vectors. Understanding the effects of electric field pulses on AAV transduction in vitro is an important preliminary step.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yizhou Yao
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, United States of America
| | - Robert W. Holdcraft
- Translational Core Laboratory, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, Ohio, United States of America
| | - Susan C. Hagness
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, United States of America
| | - John H. Booske
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, United States of America
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Wang C, Chang CC, Chi JT, Yuan F. Sucrose Treatment Enhances the Electrotransfer of DNA by Activating Phospholipase A2. Pharmaceutics 2024; 16:475. [PMID: 38675136 PMCID: PMC11054232 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics16040475] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2024] [Revised: 03/08/2024] [Accepted: 03/25/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Our previous study discovered that sucrose and other non-reducing sugars (e.g., trehalose and raffinose) could be used to improve the electrotransfer (ET) of molecular cargo, including DNA, mRNA, and ribonucleoprotein in various cell lines and primary human cells in vitro and in vivo. To understand the molecular mechanisms of this improvement, we used RNA sequencing technology to analyze changes in the cell transcriptome after sucrose treatment. The results from our analysis demonstrated that the sucrose treatment upregulated phospholipase A2 and V-ATPase gene families, which could potentially influence the acidity of intracellular vesicles through augmenting vesicle fusion and the influx of proton, respectively. To determine how this upregulation affects ET efficiency, we treated cells with pharmaceutical inhibitors of phospholipase A2 and V-ATPase. The data demonstrated that the treatment with the phospholipase A2 inhibitor could reverse the ET improvement elicited by the sucrose treatment. The V-ATPase inhibitor treatment either had little influence or further enhanced the effect of the sucrose treatment on the ET efficiency. These observations provide a molecular explanation for our previous findings, demonstrating that the sucrose treatment primarily enhanced the ET efficiency by promoting vesicle trafficking and fusion through the activation of phospholipase A2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chunxi Wang
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Duke University, Durham, NC 27708, USA
| | - Chun-Chi Chang
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Duke University, Durham, NC 27708, USA
| | - Jen-Tsan Chi
- Department of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC 27710, USA
| | - Fan Yuan
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Duke University, Durham, NC 27708, USA
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Algarra M, Gonzalez-Muñoz E. Efficient and scalable gene delivery method with easily generated cationic carbon dots. Biol Proced Online 2024; 26:6. [PMID: 38459492 PMCID: PMC10921679 DOI: 10.1186/s12575-024-00232-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2023] [Accepted: 02/28/2024] [Indexed: 03/10/2024] Open
Abstract
Gene delivery is a complex process with several challenges when attempting to incorporate genetic material efficiently and safely into target cells. Some of the key challenges include not only efficient cellular uptake and endosomal escape to ensure that the genetic material can exert its effect but also minimizing the toxicity of the delivery system, which is vital for safe gene delivery. Of importance, if gene delivery systems are intended for biomedical applications or clinical use, they must be scalable and easy and affordable to manufacture to meet the demand. Here, we show an efficient gene delivery method using a combination of carbon dots coated by PEI through electrostatic binding to easily generate cationic carbon dots. We show a biofunctional approach to generate optimal cationic carbon dots (CCDs) that can be scaled up to meet specific transfection demands. CCDs improve cell viability and increase transfection efficiency four times over the standard of PEI polyplexes. Generated CCDs enabled the challenging transfection protocol to produce retroviral vectors via cell cotransfection of three different plasmids into packing cells, showing not only high efficiency but also functionality of the gene delivery, tested as the capacity to produce infective retroviral particles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manuel Algarra
- INAMAT2-Institute for Advanced Materials and Mathematics, Department of Science, Public University of Navarra, 31006, Pamplona, Spain
| | - Elena Gonzalez-Muñoz
- Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Málaga y Plataforma en Nanomedicina (IBIMA plataforma BIONAND) C/ Severo Ochoa, 35, Málaga, Spain.
- Departamento de Biología Celular Genética y Fisiología, Universidad de Málaga, 29071, Málaga, Spain.
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Puvvula PK, Martinez-Medina L, Cinar M, Feng L, Pisarev A, Johnson A, Bernal-Mizrachi L. A retrotransposon-derived DNA zip code internalizes myeloma cells through Clathrin-Rab5a-mediated endocytosis. Front Oncol 2024; 14:1288724. [PMID: 38463228 PMCID: PMC10920344 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2024.1288724] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2023] [Accepted: 01/29/2024] [Indexed: 03/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction We have demonstrated that transposons derived from ctDNA can be transferred between cancer cells. The present research aimed to investigate the cellular uptake and intracellular trafficking of Multiple Myeloma-zip code (MM-ZC), a cell-specific zip code, in myeloma cell lines. We demonstrated that MM-ZC uptake by myeloma cells was concentration-, time- and cell-type-dependent. Methods Flow cytometry and confocal microscopy methods were used to identify the level of internalization of the zip codes in MM cells. To screen for the mechanism of internalization, we used multiple inhibitors of endocytosis. These experiments were followed by biotin pulldown and confocal microscopy for validation. Single interference RNA (siRNA) targeting some of the proteins involved in endocytosis was used to validate the role of this pathway in ZC cell internalization. Results Endocytosis inhibitors identified that Monensin and Chlorpromazine hydrochloride significantly reduced MM-ZC internalization. These findings suggested that Clathrin-mediated endocytosis and endosomal maturation play a crucial role in the cellular uptake of MM-ZC. Biotin pulldown and confocal microscopic studies revealed the involvement of proteins such as Clathrin, Rab5a, Syntaxin-6, and RCAS1 in facilitating the internalization of MM-ZC. Knockdown of Rab5a and Clathrin proteins reduced cellular uptake of MM-ZC and conclusively demonstrated the involvement of Clathrin-Rab5a pathways in MM-ZC endocytosis. Furthermore, both Rab5a and Clathrin reciprocally affected their association with MM-ZC when we depleted their proteins by siRNAs. Additionally, the loss of Rab5a decreased the Syntaxin-6 association with MMZC but not vice versa. Conversely, MM-ZC treatment enhanced the association between Clathrin and Rab5a. Conclusion Overall, the current study provides valuable insights into the cellular uptake and intracellular trafficking of MM-ZC in myeloma cells. Identifying these mechanisms and molecular players involved in MM-ZC uptake contributes to a better understanding of the delivery and potential applications of cell-specific Zip-Codes in gene delivery and drug targeting in cancer research.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Munevver Cinar
- Department of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University, Atlanta, GA, United States
| | - Lei Feng
- Kodikaz Therapeutic Solutions, New York, NY, United States
| | - Andrey Pisarev
- Kodikaz Therapeutic Solutions, New York, NY, United States
| | | | - Leon Bernal-Mizrachi
- Department of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University, Atlanta, GA, United States
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Komel T, Bosnjak M, Sersa G, Cemazar M. Expression of GFP and DsRed fluorescent proteins after gene electrotransfer of tumour cells in vitro. Bioelectrochemistry 2023; 153:108490. [PMID: 37356264 DOI: 10.1016/j.bioelechem.2023.108490] [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: 02/22/2023] [Revised: 06/15/2023] [Accepted: 06/17/2023] [Indexed: 06/27/2023]
Abstract
Fluorescent reporter genes are widely used to study the transfection of various types of primary cells and cell lines. The aim of our research was to investigate the expression dynamics of GFP and DsRed reporter genes individually and combined after gene electrotransfer of plasmids with two different electroporation protocols in B16F10 and CT26 cells in vitro. The cytotoxicity after gene electrotransfer of both plasmids was first determined. Second, the intensity of fluorescence and the percentage of cells transfected with both plasmids individually and in combination were monitored in real time. The results show that the percentage of viability after gene electrotransfer of plasmids using the EP2 pulses was significantly higher compared to the EP1 pulses. In contrast, the percentage of transfected cells and fluorescence intensity were higher after gene electrotransfer with the EP1 pulse protocol. Moreover, the percentage of transfected cells was higher and started earlier in the B16F10 cell line than in the CT26 cell line. However, fluorescence intensity was higher in CT26 cells. Co-expression of fluorescent proteins was achieved only in a small number of cells. In conclusion, this study elucidated some of the dynamics of reporter gene expression in cancer cell lines after gene electrotransfer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tilen Komel
- Institute of Oncology Ljubljana, Department of Experimental Oncology, Zaloska 2, SI-1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia; University of Ljubljana, Faculty of Medicine, Vrazov trg 2, SI-1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Masa Bosnjak
- Institute of Oncology Ljubljana, Department of Experimental Oncology, Zaloska 2, SI-1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Gregor Sersa
- Institute of Oncology Ljubljana, Department of Experimental Oncology, Zaloska 2, SI-1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia; University of Ljubljana, Faculty of Health Sciences, Zdravstvena pot 5, SI - 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Maja Cemazar
- Institute of Oncology Ljubljana, Department of Experimental Oncology, Zaloska 2, SI-1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia; University of Primorska, Faculty of Health Sciences, Polje 42, SI - 6310 Izola, Slovenia.
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Wang Y, Chang CC, Yuan F. Copy number of naked DNA delivered into nucleus of mammalian cells by electrotransfection. Bioelectrochemistry 2023; 153:108491. [PMID: 37356265 PMCID: PMC10527462 DOI: 10.1016/j.bioelechem.2023.108491] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2023] [Revised: 06/15/2023] [Accepted: 06/17/2023] [Indexed: 06/27/2023]
Abstract
Electrotransfection is a non-viral method for delivery of nucleic acids into cells. In our previous study, we have determined the minimal copy number of plasmid DNA (pDNA) per cell required for transgene expression post electrotransfection, and developed a statistical framework to predict the pDNA copy number in the nucleus. To experimentally verify the prediction, the current study was designed to quantify the average copy number of pDNA per nucleus post electrotransfection. To achieve it, we developed a novel approach to effectively obtain isolated nuclei with minimal contamination by extranuclear pDNA. This sample preparation method enabled us to accurately measure intranuclear pDNA using quantitative real-time PCR. The data showed that the copy number of pDNA per nucleus was dependent on the period of cell culture post pulsing and the pDNA dose for electrotransfection. Additionally, the data were used to improve the statistical framework for understanding kinetics of pDNA transport in cells, and predicting how the kinetics depended on different factors. It is expected that the framework and the methodology developed in the current study will be useful for evaluating factors that may affect kinetics and mechanisms of pDNA transport in cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yifei Wang
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Duke University, Durham, NC 27708, USA
| | - Chun-Chi Chang
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Duke University, Durham, NC 27708, USA
| | - Fan Yuan
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Duke University, Durham, NC 27708, USA.
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11
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Potočnik T, Maček Lebar A, Kos Š, Reberšek M, Pirc E, Serša G, Miklavčič D. Effect of Experimental Electrical and Biological Parameters on Gene Transfer by Electroporation: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Pharmaceutics 2022; 14:pharmaceutics14122700. [PMID: 36559197 PMCID: PMC9786189 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics14122700] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2022] [Revised: 11/28/2022] [Accepted: 11/30/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The exact mechanisms of nucleic acid (NA) delivery with gene electrotransfer (GET) are still unknown, which represents a limitation for its broader use. Further, not knowing the effects that different experimental electrical and biological parameters have on GET additionally hinders GET optimization, resulting in the majority of research being performed using a trial-and-error approach. To explore the current state of knowledge, we conducted a systematic literature review of GET papers in in vitro conditions and performed meta-analyses of the reported GET efficiency. For now, there is no universal GET strategy that would be appropriate for all experimental aims. Apart from the availability of the required electroporation device and electrodes, the choice of an optimal GET approach depends on parameters such as the electroporation medium; type and origin of cells; and the size, concentration, promoter, and type of the NA to be transfected. Equally important are appropriate controls and the measurement or evaluation of the output pulses to allow a fair and unbiased evaluation of the experimental results. Since many experimental electrical and biological parameters can affect GET, it is important that all used parameters are adequately reported to enable the comparison of results, as well as potentially faster and more efficient experiment planning and optimization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tjaša Potočnik
- Faculty of Electrical Engineering, University of Ljubljana, Tržaška 25, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Alenka Maček Lebar
- Faculty of Electrical Engineering, University of Ljubljana, Tržaška 25, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Špela Kos
- Department of Experimental Oncology, Institute of Oncology Ljubljana, Zaloška cesta 2, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Matej Reberšek
- Faculty of Electrical Engineering, University of Ljubljana, Tržaška 25, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Eva Pirc
- Faculty of Electrical Engineering, University of Ljubljana, Tržaška 25, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Gregor Serša
- Department of Experimental Oncology, Institute of Oncology Ljubljana, Zaloška cesta 2, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Damijan Miklavčič
- Faculty of Electrical Engineering, University of Ljubljana, Tržaška 25, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
- Correspondence:
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12
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Sales Conniff A, Tur J, Kohena K, Zhang M, Gibbons J, Heller LC. Transcriptomic Analysis of the Acute Skeletal Muscle Effects after Intramuscular DNA Electroporation Reveals Inflammatory Signaling. Vaccines (Basel) 2022; 10:vaccines10122037. [PMID: 36560447 PMCID: PMC9786673 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines10122037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2022] [Revised: 11/23/2022] [Accepted: 11/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Skeletal muscle is a promising tissue for therapeutic gene delivery because it is highly vascularized, accessible, and capable of synthesizing protein for therapies or vaccines. The application of electric pulses (electroporation) enhances plasmid DNA delivery and expression by increasing membrane permeability. Four hours after plasmid electroporation, we evaluated acute gene and protein expression changes in mouse skeletal muscle to identify regulated genes and genetic pathways. RNA sequencing followed by functional annotation was used to evaluate differentially expressed mRNAs. Our data highlighted immune signaling pathways that may influence the effectiveness of DNA electroporation. Cytokine and chemokine protein levels in muscle lysates revealed the upregulation of a subset of inflammatory proteins and confirmed the RNA sequencing analysis. Several regulated DNA-specific pattern recognition receptor mRNAs were also detected. Identifying unique molecular changes in the muscle will facilitate a better understanding of the underlying molecular mechanisms and the development of safety biomarkers and novel strategies to improve skeletal muscle targeted gene therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amanda Sales Conniff
- Department of Medical Engineering, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL 33612, USA
| | - Jared Tur
- Department of Medical Engineering, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL 33612, USA
| | - Kristopher Kohena
- Department of Medical Engineering, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL 33612, USA
| | - Min Zhang
- USF Genomics Core, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL 33612, USA
| | - Justin Gibbons
- USF Omics Hub, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL 33612, USA
| | - Loree C. Heller
- Department of Medical Engineering, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL 33612, USA
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +1-813-974-4637
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13
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Aleksanyan M, Faizi HA, Kirmpaki MA, Vlahovska PM, Riske KA, Dimova R. Assessing membrane material properties from the response of giant unilamellar vesicles to electric fields. ADVANCES IN PHYSICS: X 2022; 8:2125342. [PMID: 36211231 PMCID: PMC9536468 DOI: 10.1080/23746149.2022.2125342] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2022] [Accepted: 09/12/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Knowledge of the material properties of membranes is crucial to understanding cell viability and physiology. A number of methods have been developed to probe membranes in vitro, utilizing the response of minimal biomimetic membrane models to an external perturbation. In this review, we focus on techniques employing giant unilamellar vesicles (GUVs), model membrane systems, often referred to as minimal artificial cells because of the potential they offer to mimick certain cellular features. When exposed to electric fields, GUV deformation, dynamic response and poration can be used to deduce properties such as bending rigidity, pore edge tension, membrane capacitance, surface shear viscosity, excess area and membrane stability. We present a succinct overview of these techniques, which require only simple instrumentation, available in many labs, as well as reasonably facile experimental implementation and analysis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mina Aleksanyan
- Department of Colloid Chemistry, Max Planck Institute of Colloids and Interfaces, 14476 Potsdam, Germany
- Institute for Chemistry and Biochemistry, Free University of Berlin, 14195 Berlin, Germany
| | - Hammad A. Faizi
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL, USA
| | - Maria-Anna Kirmpaki
- Department of Colloid Chemistry, Max Planck Institute of Colloids and Interfaces, 14476 Potsdam, Germany
| | - Petia M. Vlahovska
- Engineering Sciences and Applied Mathematics, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL, USA
| | - Karin A. Riske
- Departamento de Biofísica, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, São Paulo, 04039-032 Brazil
| | - Rumiana Dimova
- Department of Colloid Chemistry, Max Planck Institute of Colloids and Interfaces, 14476 Potsdam, Germany
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14
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Bae SJ, Im DJ. Safe and efficient RNA and DNA introduction into cells using digital electroporation system. Bioelectrochemistry 2022; 148:108268. [PMID: 36155386 DOI: 10.1016/j.bioelechem.2022.108268] [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: 07/12/2022] [Revised: 08/20/2022] [Accepted: 09/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
We systematically compared the delivery and expression efficiencies according to cell types (plant and animal cells) and genetic materials (RNA and DNA) to deliver RNA using a digital electroporation system. Despite the significantly lower RNA delivery in Chlamydomoans reinhartii than DNA delivery due to RNA secondary structure and cell wall, the expression/delivery ratio of RNA was significantly higher than that of DNA (up to 90%), confirming the generally known fact that RNA is more favorable for expression than DNA. On the other hand, in K562 cells, the difference in RNA and DNA delivery efficiency was negligible. Therefore, structural differences between DNA and RNA affect delivery efficiency differently depending on the cell type. RNA delivery efficiency of K562 cells was high, but expression efficiency was much lower than that of microalgae. According to the proposed strategy, compatibility between K562 cells and the nucleic acids used in this study is presumed to be one of the reasons for this low expression efficiency. Gene regulation by delivering small interfering RNA (siRNA) was demonstrated in K562 cells, confirming the feasibility of the digital electroporation system for RNA interference (RNAi) research as a safe and efficient delivery system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seo Jun Bae
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Pukyong National University, (48513) 45, Yongso-ro, Nam-Gu, Busan, South Korea
| | - Do Jin Im
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Pukyong National University, (48513) 45, Yongso-ro, Nam-Gu, Busan, South Korea.
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15
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Kranjc M, Dermol-Černe J, Potočnik T, Novickij V, Miklavčič D. High-Intensity Pulsed Electromagnetic Field-Mediated Gene Electrotransfection In Vitro. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23179543. [PMID: 36076938 PMCID: PMC9455820 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23179543] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2022] [Revised: 08/18/2022] [Accepted: 08/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
A high-intensity pulsed electromagnetic field (HI-PEMF) is a non-invasive and non-contact delivery method and may, as such, have an advantage over gene electrotransfer mediated by conventional electroporation using contact electrodes. Due to the limited number of in vitro studies in the field of gene electrotransfection by HI-PEMF, we designed experiments to investigate and demonstrate the feasibility of such a technique for the non-viral delivery of genetic material into cells in vitro. We first showed that HI-PEMF causes DNA adsorption to the membrane, a generally accepted prerequisite step for successful gene electrotransfection. We also showed that HI-PEMF can induce gene electrotransfection as the application of HI-PEMF increased the percentage of GFP-positive cells for two different combinations of pDNA size and concentration. Furthermore, by measuring the uptake of larger molecules, i.e., fluorescently labelled dextrans of three different sizes, we showed endocytosis to be a possible mechanism for introducing large molecules into cells by HI-PEMF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matej Kranjc
- Faculty of Electrical Engineering, University of Ljubljana, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Janja Dermol-Černe
- Faculty of Electrical Engineering, University of Ljubljana, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Tjaša Potočnik
- Faculty of Electrical Engineering, University of Ljubljana, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Vitalij Novickij
- Faculty of Electronics, Vilnius Gediminas Technical University, 03227 Vilnius, Lithuania
| | - Damijan Miklavčič
- Faculty of Electrical Engineering, University of Ljubljana, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
- Correspondence:
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16
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Abstract
Electroporation (EP) is a commonly used strategy to increase cell permeability for intracellular cargo delivery or irreversible cell membrane disruption using electric fields. In recent years, EP performance has been improved by shrinking electrodes and device structures to the microscale. Integration with microfluidics has led to the design of devices performing static EP, where cells are fixed in a defined region, or continuous EP, where cells constantly pass through the device. Each device type performs superior to conventional, macroscale EP devices while providing additional advantages in precision manipulation (static EP) and increased throughput (continuous EP). Microscale EP is gentle on cells and has enabled more sensitive assaying of cells with novel applications. In this Review, we present the physical principles of microscale EP devices and examine design trends in recent years. In addition, we discuss the use of reversible and irreversible EP in the development of therapeutics and analysis of intracellular contents, among other noteworthy applications. This Review aims to inform and encourage scientists and engineers to expand the use of efficient and versatile microscale EP technologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sung-Eun Choi
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, 3400 North Charles Street, Baltimore, Maryland 21218, United States
| | - Harrison Khoo
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, 3400 North Charles Street, Baltimore, Maryland 21218, United States
| | - Soojung Claire Hur
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, 3400 North Charles Street, Baltimore, Maryland 21218, United States
- Institute for NanoBioTechnology, Johns Hopkins University, 3400 North Charles Street, Baltimore, Maryland 21218, United States
- Department of Oncology, Johns Hopkins University, 3400 North Charles Street, Baltimore, Maryland 21218, United States
- Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University, 401 North Broadway, Baltimore, Maryland 21231, United States
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17
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Seisel Q, Lakumpa I, Josse E, Vivès E, Varilh J, Taulan-Cadars M, Boisguérin P. Highway to Cell: Selection of the Best Cell-Penetrating Peptide to Internalize the CFTR-Stabilizing iCAL36 Peptide. Pharmaceutics 2022; 14:pharmaceutics14040808. [PMID: 35456644 PMCID: PMC9032934 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics14040808] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2022] [Revised: 03/28/2022] [Accepted: 03/31/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Therapeutic peptides have regained interest as they can address unmet medical needs and can be an excellent complement to pharmaceutic small molecules and other macromolecular therapeutics. Over the past decades, correctors and potentiators of the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR), a chloride ion channel causing cystic fibrosis (CF) when mutated, were developed to reduce the symptoms of the patients. In this context, we have previously designed a CFTR-stabilizing iCAL36 peptide able to further increase the CFTR amount in epithelial cells, thereby resulting in a higher CFTR activity. In the present study, optimization of the peptidyl inhibitor was performed by coupling five different cell-penetrating peptides (CPP), which are Tat, dTat, TatRI (retro-inverso), MPG, and Penetratin. Screening of the internalization properties of these CPP-iCAL36 peptides under different conditions (with or without serum or endocytosis inhibitors, etc.) was performed to select TatRI as the optimal CPP for iCAL36 delivery. More importantly, using this TatRI-iCAL36 peptide, we were able to reveal for the first time an additive increase in the CFTR amount in the presence of VX-445/VX-809 compared to VX-445/VX-809 treatment alone. This finding is a significant contribution to the development of CFTR-stabilizing peptides in addition to currently used treatments (small-molecule correctors or potentiators) for CF patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Quentin Seisel
- CRBM, University of Montpellier, CNRS UMR 5237, 34000 Montpellier, France
| | - Israpong Lakumpa
- CRBM, University of Montpellier, CNRS UMR 5237, 34000 Montpellier, France
| | - Emilie Josse
- PhyMedExp, Bâtiment Crastes de Paulet, University of Montpellier, INSERM U1046, CNRS UMR 9214, 34000 Montpellier, France
| | - Eric Vivès
- PhyMedExp, Bâtiment Crastes de Paulet, University of Montpellier, INSERM U1046, CNRS UMR 9214, 34000 Montpellier, France
| | - Jessica Varilh
- PhyMedExp, Institut Universitaire de Recherche Clinique, University of Montpellier, INSERM U1046, CNRS UMR 9214, 34000 Montpellier, France
| | - Magali Taulan-Cadars
- PhyMedExp, Institut Universitaire de Recherche Clinique, University of Montpellier, INSERM U1046, CNRS UMR 9214, 34000 Montpellier, France
| | - Prisca Boisguérin
- PhyMedExp, Bâtiment Crastes de Paulet, University of Montpellier, INSERM U1046, CNRS UMR 9214, 34000 Montpellier, France
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18
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Sachdev S, Potočnik T, Rems L, Miklavčič D. Revisiting the role of pulsed electric fields in overcoming the barriers to in vivo gene electrotransfer. Bioelectrochemistry 2022; 144:107994. [PMID: 34930678 DOI: 10.1016/j.bioelechem.2021.107994] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2021] [Revised: 10/15/2021] [Accepted: 11/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Gene therapies are revolutionizing medicine by providing a way to cure hitherto incurable diseases. The scientific and technological advances have enabled the first gene therapies to become clinically approved. In addition, with the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, we are witnessing record speeds in the development and distribution of gene-based vaccines. For gene therapy to take effect, the therapeutic nucleic acids (RNA or DNA) need to overcome several barriers before they can execute their function of producing a protein or silencing a defective or overexpressing gene. This includes the barriers of the interstitium, the cell membrane, the cytoplasmic barriers and (in case of DNA) the nuclear envelope. Gene electrotransfer (GET), i.e., transfection by means of pulsed electric fields, is a non-viral technique that can overcome these barriers in a safe and effective manner. GET has reached the clinical stage of investigations where it is currently being evaluated for its therapeutic benefits across a wide variety of indications. In this review, we formalize our current understanding of GET from a biophysical perspective and critically discuss the mechanisms by which electric field can aid in overcoming the barriers. We also identify the gaps in knowledge that are hindering optimization of GET in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shaurya Sachdev
- University of Ljubljana, Faculty of Electrical Engineering, Tržaška cesta 25, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Tjaša Potočnik
- University of Ljubljana, Faculty of Electrical Engineering, Tržaška cesta 25, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Lea Rems
- University of Ljubljana, Faculty of Electrical Engineering, Tržaška cesta 25, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Damijan Miklavčič
- University of Ljubljana, Faculty of Electrical Engineering, Tržaška cesta 25, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia.
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19
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Watanabe Y, Nihonyanagi H, Numano R, Shibata T, Takashima K, Kurita H. Influence of Electroporation Medium on Delivery of Cell-Impermeable Small Molecules by Electrical Short-Circuiting via an Aqueous Droplet in Dielectric Oil: A Comparison of Different Fluorescent Tracers. SENSORS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2022; 22:s22072494. [PMID: 35408109 PMCID: PMC9003051 DOI: 10.3390/s22072494] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2022] [Revised: 03/18/2022] [Accepted: 03/22/2022] [Indexed: 05/23/2023]
Abstract
Membrane permeabilization stimulated by high-voltage electric pulses has been used to deliver cell-impermeable exogenous molecules. The electric field effect on the cells depends on various experimental parameters, such as electric field strength, the number of electric pulses, and the electroporation medium. In this study, we show the influence of the electroporation medium on membrane permeabilization stimulated by electrical short-circuiting via an aqueous droplet in dielectric oil, a novel methodology developed by our previous investigations. We investigated the membrane permeabilization by three methods, influx of calcium ions, uptake of nucleic acid-binding fluorophores (YO-PRO-1), and calcein leakage. We demonstrated that the external medium conductivity had a significant impact on the cells in all described experiments. The short-circuiting using a low-conductivity electroporation medium enhanced the formation of both transient and irreversible membrane pores. We also found that clathrin-mediated endocytosis contributed to YO-PRO-1 uptake when a cell culture medium was used as an electroporation medium.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuki Watanabe
- Department of Applied Chemistry and Life Science, Toyohashi University of Technology, Toyohashi 441-8580, Aichi, Japan; (Y.W.); (H.N.); (R.N.); (K.T.)
| | - Hirohito Nihonyanagi
- Department of Applied Chemistry and Life Science, Toyohashi University of Technology, Toyohashi 441-8580, Aichi, Japan; (Y.W.); (H.N.); (R.N.); (K.T.)
| | - Rika Numano
- Department of Applied Chemistry and Life Science, Toyohashi University of Technology, Toyohashi 441-8580, Aichi, Japan; (Y.W.); (H.N.); (R.N.); (K.T.)
- The Electronics-Inspired Interdisciplinary Research Institute (EIIRIS), Toyohashi University of Technology, Toyohashi 441-8580, Aichi, Japan
| | - Takayuki Shibata
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Toyohashi University of Technology, Toyohashi 441-8580, Aichi, Japan;
| | - Kazunori Takashima
- Department of Applied Chemistry and Life Science, Toyohashi University of Technology, Toyohashi 441-8580, Aichi, Japan; (Y.W.); (H.N.); (R.N.); (K.T.)
| | - Hirofumi Kurita
- Department of Applied Chemistry and Life Science, Toyohashi University of Technology, Toyohashi 441-8580, Aichi, Japan; (Y.W.); (H.N.); (R.N.); (K.T.)
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20
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Tesse A, André FM, Ragot T. Aluminum particles generated during millisecond electric pulse application enhance adenovirus-mediated gene transfer in L929 cells. Sci Rep 2021; 11:17725. [PMID: 34489497 PMCID: PMC8421418 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-96781-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2021] [Accepted: 08/04/2021] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Gene electrotransfer is an attractive method of non-viral gene delivery. However, the mechanism of DNA penetration across the plasma membrane is widely discussed. To explore this process for even larger structures, like viruses, we applied various combinations of short/long and high/low-amplitude electric pulses to L929 cells, mixed with a human adenovirus vector expressing GFP. We observed a transgene expression increase, both in the number of GFP-converted cells and GFP levels, when we added a low-voltage/millisecond-pulse treatment to the adenovirus/cell mixture. This increase, reflecting enhanced virus penetration, was proportional to the applied electric field amplitude and pulse number, but was not associated with membrane permeabilization, nor to direct cell modifications. We demonstrated that this effect is mainly due to adenovirus particle interactions with aggregated aluminum particles released from energized electrodes. Indeed, after centrifugation of the pulsed viral suspension and later on addition to cells, the activity was found mainly associated with the aluminum aggregates concentrated in the lower fraction and was proportional to generated quantities. Overall, this work focused on the use of electrotransfer to facilitate the adenovirus entry into cell, demonstrating that modifications of the penetrating agent can be more important than modifications of the target cell for transfer efficacy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angela Tesse
- Université de Nantes, CNRS, INSERM, l'institut du thorax, 8 quai Moncousu, F-44000, Nantes, France
| | - Franck M André
- CNRS, Institut Gustave Roussy, Université Paris-Saclay, Aspects métaboliques et systémiques de l'oncogenèse pour de nouvelles approches thérapeutiques, UMR 9018, 114 rue Edouard Vaillant, F-94805, Villejuif, France
| | - Thierry Ragot
- CNRS, Institut Gustave Roussy, Université Paris-Saclay, Aspects métaboliques et systémiques de l'oncogenèse pour de nouvelles approches thérapeutiques, UMR 9018, 114 rue Edouard Vaillant, F-94805, Villejuif, France.
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21
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Yadegari-Dehkordi S, Firoozabadi SM, Forouzandeh Moghadam M, Shankayi Z. Role of Endocytosis Pathways in Electropermeablization of MCF7 Cells Using Low Voltage and High Frequency Electrochemotherapy. CELL JOURNAL 2021; 23:445-450. [PMID: 34455720 PMCID: PMC8405087 DOI: 10.22074/cellj.2021.7203] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2019] [Accepted: 03/16/2020] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Objective The cell membrane is a major barrier for delivery of hydrophilic drugs and molecules into the cells. Although
low voltage and high frequency electric fields (LVHF) are proposed to overcome the cell membrane barrier, the
mechanism of membrane permeabilization is unclear. The aim of study is to investigate endocytosis pathways as a
possible mechanism for enhancing uptake of bleomycin by LVHF. Materials and Methods In this experimental study, MCF-7 cells were exposed to bleomycin or to electric fields with
various strengths (10-80 V/cm), frequency of 5 kHz, 4000 electric pulse and 100 µs duration in the presence and
absence of three endocytosis inhibitors-chlorpromazine (Cpz), amiloride (Amilo) and genistein (Geni). We determined
the efficiency of these chemotherapeutic agents in each group.
Results LVHF, depending on the intensity, induced different endocytosis pathways. Electric field strengths of 10 and
20 V/cm stimulated the macropinocytosis route. Clathrin-mediated endocytosis was observed at electric field intensities
of 10, 30, 60 and 70 V/cm, whereas induction of caveolae-mediated endocytosis was observed only at the lowest
electric field intensity (10 V/cm).
Conclusion The results of this study imply that LVHF can induce different endocytosis pathways in MCF-7 cells, which
leads to an increase in bleomycin uptake.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sajedeh Yadegari-Dehkordi
- Department of Medical Physics, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran
| | | | - Mehdi Forouzandeh Moghadam
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Zeinab Shankayi
- Department of Medical Physics, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran
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22
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Graceffa V. Physical and mechanical cues affecting biomaterial-mediated plasmid DNA delivery: insights into non-viral delivery systems. J Genet Eng Biotechnol 2021; 19:90. [PMID: 34142237 PMCID: PMC8211807 DOI: 10.1186/s43141-021-00194-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2021] [Accepted: 06/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Whilst traditional strategies to increase transfection efficiency of non-viral systems aimed at modifying the vector or the polyplexes/lipoplexes, biomaterial-mediated gene delivery has recently sparked increased interest. This review aims at discussing biomaterial properties and unravelling underlying mechanisms of action, for biomaterial-mediated gene delivery. DNA internalisation and cytoplasmic transport are initially discussed. DNA immobilisation, encapsulation and surface-mediated gene delivery (SMD), the role of extracellular matrix (ECM) and topographical cues, biomaterial stiffness and mechanical stimulation are finally outlined. MAIN TEXT Endocytic pathways and mechanisms to escape the lysosomal network are highly variable. They depend on cell and DNA complex types but can be diverted using appropriate biomaterials. 3D scaffolds are generally fabricated via DNA immobilisation or encapsulation. Degradation rate and interaction with the vector affect temporal patterns of DNA release and transgene expression. In SMD, DNA is instead coated on 2D surfaces. SMD allows the incorporation of topographical cues, which, by inducing cytoskeletal re-arrangements, modulate DNA endocytosis. Incorporation of ECM mimetics allows cell type-specific transfection, whereas in spite of discordances in terms of optimal loading regimens, it is recognised that mechanical loading facilitates gene transfection. Finally, stiffer 2D substrates enhance DNA internalisation, whereas in 3D scaffolds, the role of stiffness is still dubious. CONCLUSION Although it is recognised that biomaterials allow the creation of tailored non-viral gene delivery systems, there still are many outstanding questions. A better characterisation of endocytic pathways would allow the diversion of cell adhesion processes and cytoskeletal dynamics, in order to increase cellular transfection. Further research on optimal biomaterial mechanical properties, cell ligand density and loading regimens is limited by the fact that such parameters influence a plethora of other different processes (e.g. cellular adhesion, spreading, migration, infiltration, and proliferation, DNA diffusion and release) which may in turn modulate gene delivery. Only a better understanding of these processes may allow the creation of novel robust engineered systems, potentially opening up a whole new area of biomaterial-guided gene delivery for non-viral systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valeria Graceffa
- Cellular Health and Toxicology Research Group (CHAT), Institute of Technology Sligo, Ash Ln, Bellanode, Sligo, Ireland.
- Department of Life Sciences, Institute of Technology Sligo, Ash Ln, Bellanode, Sligo, Ireland.
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Potočnik T, Miklavčič D, Maček Lebar A. Gene transfer by electroporation with high frequency bipolar pulses in vitro. Bioelectrochemistry 2021; 140:107803. [PMID: 33975183 DOI: 10.1016/j.bioelechem.2021.107803] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2020] [Revised: 03/16/2021] [Accepted: 03/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
High-frequency bipolar pulses (HF-BP) have been demonstrated to be efficient for membrane permeabilization and irreversible electroporation. Since membrane permeabilization has been achieved using HF-BP pulses we hypothesized that with these pulses we can also achieve successful gene electrotransfer (GET). Three variations of bursts of 2 µs bipolar pulses with 2 µs interphase delay were applied in HF-BP protocols. We compared transfection efficiency of monopolar micro and millisecond pulses and HF-BP protocols at various plasmid DNA (pDNA) concentrations on CHO - K1 cells. GET efficiency increased with increasing pDNA concentration. Overall GET obtained by HF-BP pulse protocols was comparable to overall GET obtained by longer monopolar pulse protocols. Our results, however, suggest that although we were able to achieve similar percent of transfected cells, the number of pDNA copies that were successfully transferred into cells seemed to be higher when longer monopolar pulses were used. Interestingly, we did not observe any direct correlation between fluorescence intensity of pDNA aggregates formed on cell membrane and transfection efficiency. The results of our study confirmed that we can achieve successful GET with bipolar microsecond i. e. HF-BP pulses, although at the expense of higher pDNA concentrations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tjaša Potočnik
- University of Ljubljana, Faculty of Electrical Engineering, Tržaška 25, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Damijan Miklavčič
- University of Ljubljana, Faculty of Electrical Engineering, Tržaška 25, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Alenka Maček Lebar
- University of Ljubljana, Faculty of Electrical Engineering, Tržaška 25, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia.
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Savarin M, Kamensek U, Znidar K, Todorovic V, Sersa G, Cemazar M. Evaluation of a Novel Plasmid for Simultaneous Gene Electrotransfer-Mediated Silencing of CD105 and CD146 in Combination with Irradiation. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22063069. [PMID: 33802812 PMCID: PMC8002395 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22063069] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2021] [Revised: 03/12/2021] [Accepted: 03/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Targeting tumor vasculature through specific endothelial cell markers represents a promising approach for cancer treatment. Here our aim was to construct an antibiotic resistance gene-free plasmid encoding shRNAs to simultaneously target two endothelial cell markers, CD105 and CD146, and to test its functionality and therapeutic potential in vitro when delivered by gene electrotransfer (GET) and combined with irradiation (IR). Functionality of the plasmid was evaluated by determining the silencing of the targeted genes using qRT-PCR. Antiproliferative and antiangiogenic effects were determined by the cytotoxicity assay tube formation assay and wound healing assay in murine endothelial cells 2H-11. The functionality of the plasmid construct was also evaluated in malignant melanoma tumor cell line B16F10. Additionally, potential activation of immune response was measured by induction of DNA sensor STING and proinflammatory cytokines by qRT-PCR in endothelial cells 2H-11. We demonstrated that the plasmid construction was successful and can efficiently silence the expression of the two targeted genes. As a consequence of silencing, reduced migration rate and angiogenic potential was confirmed in 2H-11 endothelial cells. Furthermore, induction of DNA sensor STING and proinflammatory cytokines were determined, which could add to the therapeutic effectiveness when used in vivo. To conclude, we successfully constructed a novel plasmid DNA with two shRNAs, which holds a great promise for further in vivo testing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Monika Savarin
- Department of Experimental Oncology, Institute of Oncology Ljubljana, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia; (U.K.); (K.Z.); (V.T.); (G.S.)
- Correspondence: (M.S.); (M.C.)
| | - Urska Kamensek
- Department of Experimental Oncology, Institute of Oncology Ljubljana, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia; (U.K.); (K.Z.); (V.T.); (G.S.)
- Biotechnical Faculty, University of Ljubljana, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Katarina Znidar
- Department of Experimental Oncology, Institute of Oncology Ljubljana, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia; (U.K.); (K.Z.); (V.T.); (G.S.)
| | - Vesna Todorovic
- Department of Experimental Oncology, Institute of Oncology Ljubljana, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia; (U.K.); (K.Z.); (V.T.); (G.S.)
| | - Gregor Sersa
- Department of Experimental Oncology, Institute of Oncology Ljubljana, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia; (U.K.); (K.Z.); (V.T.); (G.S.)
- Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Ljubljana, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Maja Cemazar
- Department of Experimental Oncology, Institute of Oncology Ljubljana, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia; (U.K.); (K.Z.); (V.T.); (G.S.)
- Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Primorska, 6310 Izola, Slovenia
- Correspondence: (M.S.); (M.C.)
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25
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Egorova KS, Posvyatenko AV, Larin SS, Ananikov V. Ionic liquids: prospects for nucleic acid handling and delivery. Nucleic Acids Res 2021; 49:1201-1234. [PMID: 33476366 PMCID: PMC7897475 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkaa1280] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2020] [Revised: 12/18/2020] [Accepted: 01/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Operations with nucleic acids are among the main means of studying the mechanisms of gene function and developing novel methods of molecular medicine and gene therapy. These endeavours usually imply the necessity of nucleic acid storage and delivery into eukaryotic cells. In spite of diversity of the existing dedicated techniques, all of them have their limitations. Thus, a recent notion of using ionic liquids in manipulations of nucleic acids has been attracting significant attention lately. Due to their unique physicochemical properties, in particular, their micro-structuring impact and tunability, ionic liquids are currently applied as solvents and stabilizing media in chemical synthesis, electrochemistry, biotechnology, and other areas. Here, we review the current knowledge on interactions between nucleic acids and ionic liquids and discuss potential advantages of applying the latter in delivery of the former into eukaryotic cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ksenia S Egorova
- N.D. Zelinsky Institute of Organic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, Leninsky prospect 47, Moscow 119991, Russia
| | - Alexandra V Posvyatenko
- N.D. Zelinsky Institute of Organic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, Leninsky prospect 47, Moscow 119991, Russia
- Molecular Immunology Laboratory, Dmitry Rogachev National Medical Research Center of Pediatric Hematology, Oncology and Immunology, Samory Mashela St 1, Moscow 117997, Russia
| | - Sergey S Larin
- Molecular Immunology Laboratory, Dmitry Rogachev National Medical Research Center of Pediatric Hematology, Oncology and Immunology, Samory Mashela St 1, Moscow 117997, Russia
| | - Valentine P Ananikov
- N.D. Zelinsky Institute of Organic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, Leninsky prospect 47, Moscow 119991, Russia
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26
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Wang L, Chang CC, Sylvers J, Yuan F. A statistical framework for determination of minimal plasmid copy number required for transgene expression in mammalian cells. Bioelectrochemistry 2020; 138:107731. [PMID: 33434786 DOI: 10.1016/j.bioelechem.2020.107731] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2020] [Revised: 12/11/2020] [Accepted: 12/14/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Plasmid DNA (pDNA) has been widely used for non-viral gene delivery. After pDNA molecules enter a mammalian cell, they may be trapped in subcellular structures or degraded by nucleases. Only a fraction of them can function as templates for transcription in the nucleus. Thus, an important question is, what is the minimal amount of pDNA molecules that need to be delivered into a cell for transgene expression? At present, it is technically a challenge to experimentally answer the question. To this end, we developed a statistical framework to establish the relationship between two experimentally quantifiable factors - average copy number of pDNA per cell among a group of cells after transfection and percent of the cells with transgene expression. The framework was applied to the analysis of electrotransfection under different experimental conditions in vitro. We experimentally varied the average copy number per cell and the electrotransfection efficiency through changes in extracellular pDNA dose, electric field strength, and pulse number. The experimental data could be explained or predicted quantitatively by the statistical framework. Based on the data and the framework, we could predict that the minimal number of pDNA molecules in the nucleus for transgene expression was on the order of 10. Although the prediction was dependent on the cell and experimental conditions used in the study, the framework may be generally applied to analysis of non-viral gene delivery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liangli Wang
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Duke University, Durham, NC 27708, USA
| | - Chun-Chi Chang
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Duke University, Durham, NC 27708, USA
| | - Justin Sylvers
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Duke University, Durham, NC 27708, USA
| | - Fan Yuan
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Duke University, Durham, NC 27708, USA.
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27
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Tivig I, Moisescu MG, Savopol T. Changes in the packing of bilayer lipids triggered by electroporation: real-time measurements on cells in suspension. Bioelectrochemistry 2020; 138:107689. [PMID: 33296789 DOI: 10.1016/j.bioelechem.2020.107689] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2020] [Revised: 10/16/2020] [Accepted: 10/20/2020] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
Electropermeabilization of the cell membrane is a technique used to facilitate penetration of impermeant molecules into cells. Although there are studies regarding the mechanism of processes occurring after electropermeabilization, the relationship between electropermeabilization and associated phenomena (e.g. generation of reactive oxygen species, endocytosis, lipid peroxidation, etc.) is yet to be elucidated. This work aimed to get information on the changes in the packing of the bilayer lipids and their peroxidation induced by application of electroporation pulses. We used a specially designed system of electrodes which allowed performing electropermeabilization of cells in suspension simultaneously with time-dependent measurements of fluorescence and temperature. The kinetics of membrane packing and production of reactive oxygen species were studied using various conductivity buffers (0.01, 0.04 and 0.14 S/m) and different number of 1 kV/cm bipolar pulses (1-50). Two categories of effects were observed: a thermal effect, consisting in an increased bilayer disorder (a deeper penetration of water into the hydrophobic core), and a nonthermal effect, leading to a higher degree of lipids packing, the latter being attributed to a peroxidation process. An analysis of the permeabilization conditions in which one of these two processes predominates was performed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ioan Tivig
- Biophysics and Cellular Biotechnology Dept., University of Medicine and Pharmacy Carol Davila, 8 Eroii Sanitari Blvd., Sector 5, 050474 Bucharest, Romania; Excellence Center for Research in Biophysics and Cellular Biotechnology, University of Medicine and Pharmacy Carol Davila, 8 Eroii Sanitari Blvd., Sector 5, 050474 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Mihaela G Moisescu
- Biophysics and Cellular Biotechnology Dept., University of Medicine and Pharmacy Carol Davila, 8 Eroii Sanitari Blvd., Sector 5, 050474 Bucharest, Romania; Excellence Center for Research in Biophysics and Cellular Biotechnology, University of Medicine and Pharmacy Carol Davila, 8 Eroii Sanitari Blvd., Sector 5, 050474 Bucharest, Romania.
| | - Tudor Savopol
- Biophysics and Cellular Biotechnology Dept., University of Medicine and Pharmacy Carol Davila, 8 Eroii Sanitari Blvd., Sector 5, 050474 Bucharest, Romania; Excellence Center for Research in Biophysics and Cellular Biotechnology, University of Medicine and Pharmacy Carol Davila, 8 Eroii Sanitari Blvd., Sector 5, 050474 Bucharest, Romania
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Jérôme V, Synatschke CV, Freitag R. Transient Destabilization of Biological Membranes Contributes to the Superior Performance of Star-Shaped PDMAEMA in Delivering pDNA. ACS OMEGA 2020; 5:26640-26654. [PMID: 33110991 PMCID: PMC7581230 DOI: 10.1021/acsomega.0c03367] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2020] [Accepted: 09/17/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Nonviral DNA vectors are promising alternatives to viral ones. Their use in DNA medicine is limited by an inability to transfect, for example, nondividing or suspension cells. In recent years, star-shaped synthetic polycationic vectors, so called "Nanostars", have shown some promise in this regard, at least when compared to the "gold standard" in nonviral vectors, namely, linear poly(ethyleneimine) (l-PEI). It has been hypothesized that an ability to transiently destabilize cellular membranes is partially responsible for the phenomenon. This hypothesis is investigated here, taking human leukemia suspension cells (Jurkat cells) as an example. Contrary to l-PEI, the Nanostars promote the cellular uptake of small, normally membrane-impermeant molecules (trypan blue and propidium iodide) as well as that of fluorescent polystyrene beads (average diameter 100 nm). Since Nanostars, but not l-PEI, are apparently able to deliver DNA to nuclei of nondividing cells, nuclear uptake is, in addition, investigated with isolated cell nuclei. Our results provide evidence that Nanostars are more efficient than l-PEI in increasing the nuclear membrane association/permeability, allowing accumulation of their cargo on/in the nucleus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valérie Jérôme
- Process Biotechnology, University of Bayreuth, 95440 Bayreuth, Germany
| | | | - Ruth Freitag
- Process Biotechnology, University of Bayreuth, 95440 Bayreuth, Germany
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29
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Kiełbik A, Szlasa W, Saczko J, Kulbacka J. Electroporation-Based Treatments in Urology. Cancers (Basel) 2020; 12:E2208. [PMID: 32784598 PMCID: PMC7465806 DOI: 10.3390/cancers12082208] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2020] [Revised: 08/03/2020] [Accepted: 08/05/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The observation that an application of a pulsed electric field (PEF) resulted in an increased permeability of the cell membrane has led to the discovery of the phenomenon called electroporation (EP). Depending on the parameters of the electric current and cell features, electroporation can be either reversible or irreversible. The irreversible electroporation (IRE) found its use in urology as a non-thermal ablative method of prostate and renal cancer. As its mechanism is based on the permeabilization of cell membrane phospholipids, IRE (as well as other treatments based on EP) provides selectivity sparing extracellular proteins and matrix. Reversible EP enables the transfer of genes, drugs, and small exogenous proteins. In clinical practice, reversible EP can locally increase the uptake of cytotoxic drugs such as cisplatin and bleomycin. This approach is known as electrochemotherapy (ECT). Few in vivo and in vitro trials of ECT have been performed on urological cancers. EP provides the possibility of transmission of genes across the cell membrane. As the protocols of gene electrotransfer (GET) over the last few years have improved, EP has become a well-known technique for non-viral cell transfection. GET involves DNA transfection directly to the cancer or the host skin and muscle tissue. Among urological cancers, the GET of several plasmids encoding prostate cancer antigens has been investigated in clinical trials. This review brings into discussion the underlying mechanism of EP and an overview of the latest progress and development perspectives of EP-based treatments in urology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aleksander Kiełbik
- Faculty of Medicine, Wroclaw Medical University, 50-367 Wroclaw, Poland; (A.K.); (W.S.)
| | - Wojciech Szlasa
- Faculty of Medicine, Wroclaw Medical University, 50-367 Wroclaw, Poland; (A.K.); (W.S.)
| | - Jolanta Saczko
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Wroclaw Medical University, 50-556 Wroclaw, Poland;
| | - Julita Kulbacka
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Wroclaw Medical University, 50-556 Wroclaw, Poland;
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30
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Mao M, Chang CC, Pickar-Oliver A, Cervia LD, Wang L, Ji J, Liton PB, Gersbach CA, Yuan F. Redirecting Vesicular Transport to Improve Nonviral Delivery of Molecular Cargo. ADVANCED BIOSYSTEMS 2020; 4:e2000059. [PMID: 33179869 PMCID: PMC7747957 DOI: 10.1002/adbi.202000059] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2020] [Revised: 06/06/2020] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Cell engineering relies heavily on viral vectors for the delivery of molecular cargo into cells due to their superior efficiency compared to nonviral ones. However, viruses are immunogenic and expensive to manufacture, and have limited delivery capacity. Nonviral delivery approaches avoid these limitations but are currently inefficient for clinical applications. This work demonstrates that the efficiency of nonviral delivery of plasmid DNA, mRNA, Sleeping Beauty transposon, and ribonucleoprotein can be significantly enhanced through pretreatment of cells with the nondegradable sugars (NDS), such as sucrose, trehalose, and raffinose. The enhancement is mediated by the incorporation of the NDS into cell membranes, causing enlargement of lysosomes and formation of large (>500 nm) amphisome-like bodies (ALBs). The changes in subcellular structures redirect transport of cargo to ALBs rather than to lysosomes, reducing cargo degradation in cells. The data indicate that pretreatment of cells with NDS is a promising approach to improve nonviral cargo delivery in biomedical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mao Mao
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Duke University, Durham, NC, 27708, USA
| | - Chun-Chi Chang
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Duke University, Durham, NC, 27708, USA
| | - Adrian Pickar-Oliver
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Duke University, Durham, NC, 27708, USA
- Center for Advanced Genomic Technologies, Duke University, Durham, NC, 27708, USA
| | - Lisa D Cervia
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Duke University, Durham, NC, 27708, USA
| | - Liangli Wang
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Duke University, Durham, NC, 27708, USA
| | - Jing Ji
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Duke University, Durham, NC, 27708, USA
| | - Paloma B Liton
- Department of Ophthalmology, Duke University, Durham, NC, 27708, USA
| | - Charles A Gersbach
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Duke University, Durham, NC, 27708, USA
- Center for Advanced Genomic Technologies, Duke University, Durham, NC, 27708, USA
- Department of Surgery, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, 27708, USA
| | - Fan Yuan
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Duke University, Durham, NC, 27708, USA
- Department of Ophthalmology, Duke University, Durham, NC, 27708, USA
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Induction of a local muscular dystrophy using electroporation in vivo: an easy tool for screening therapeutics. Sci Rep 2020; 10:11301. [PMID: 32647247 PMCID: PMC7347864 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-68135-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2020] [Accepted: 06/09/2020] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Intramuscular injection and electroporation of naked plasmid DNA (IMEP) has emerged as a potential alternative to viral vector injection for transgene expression into skeletal muscles. In this study, IMEP was used to express the DUX4 gene into mouse tibialis anterior muscle. DUX4 is normally expressed in germ cells and early embryo, and silenced in adult muscle cells where its pathological reactivation leads to Facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy. DUX4 encodes a potent transcription factor causing a large deregulation cascade. Its high toxicity but sporadic expression constitutes major issues for testing emerging therapeutics. The IMEP method appeared as a convenient technique to locally express DUX4 in mouse muscles. Histological analyses revealed well delineated muscle lesions 1-week after DUX4 IMEP. We have therefore developed a convenient outcome measure by quantification of the damaged muscle area using color thresholding. This method was used to characterize lesion distribution and to assess plasmid recirculation and dose–response. DUX4 expression and activity were confirmed at the mRNA and protein levels and through a quantification of target gene expression. Finally, this study gives a proof of concept of IMEP model usefulness for the rapid screening of therapeutic strategies, as demonstrated using antisense oligonucleotides against DUX4 mRNA.
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Wang Y, Chang CC, Wang L, Yuan F. Enhancing Cell Viability and Efficiency of Plasmid DNA Electrotransfer Through Reducing Plasma Membrane Permeabilization. Bioelectricity 2020; 2:251-257. [PMID: 33344914 DOI: 10.1089/bioe.2020.0007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Pulsed electric field has been widely used to facilitate molecular cargo transfer into cells. However, the cell viability is often decreased when trying to increase the electrotransfer efficiency. We hypothesize that the decrease is due to electropermeabilization of cell membrane that disrupts homeostasis of intracellular microenvironment. Thus, a reduction in the membrane permeabilization may increase the cell viability. Materials and Methods Different compounds were supplemented into the pulsing buffer prior to electrotransfer for reduction of cell membrane damage. Extent of the damage was quantified by leakiness of the membrane to a fluorescent dye, calcein, preloaded into cells. At 24 hours post electrotransfer, cell viability and electrotransfer efficiency were quantified with flow cytometry. Results The cell viability could be substantially increased by supplementation of either type B gelatin or bovine serum albumin (BSA), without compromising the electrotransfer efficiency. The supplementation also decreased the amount of calcein leaking out of the cells, suggesting that the improvement in cell viability was due to the reduction in electrotransfer-induced membrane damage. Conclusion Data from the study demonstrate that type B gelatin and BSA can be used as inexpensive supplements for improving cell viability in electrotransfer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanhua Wang
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | - Chun-Chi Chang
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | - Liangli Wang
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | - Fan Yuan
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina, USA
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Zhang H, Rombouts K, Raes L, Xiong R, De Smedt SC, Braeckmans K, Remaut K. Fluorescence-Based Quantification of Messenger RNA and Plasmid DNA Decay Kinetics in Extracellular Biological Fluids and Cell Extracts. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2020; 4:e2000057. [PMID: 32402121 DOI: 10.1002/adbi.202000057] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2020] [Accepted: 02/26/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Extracellular and intracellular degradation of nucleic acids remains an issue in non-viral gene therapy. Understanding biodegradation is critical for the rational design of gene therapeutics in order to maintain stability and functionality at the target site. However, there are only limited methods available that allow determining the stability of genetic materials in biological environments. In this context, the decay kinetics of fluorescently labeled plasmid DNA (pDNA) and messenger RNA (mRNA) in undiluted biological samples (i.e., human serum, human ascites, bovine vitreous) and cell extracts is studied using fluorescence correlation spectroscopy (FCS) and single particle tracking (SPT). It is demonstrated that FCS is suitable to follow mRNA degradation, while SPT is better suited to investigate pDNA integrity. The half-life of mRNA and pDNA is ≈1-2 min and 1-4 h in biological samples, respectively. The resistance against biodegradation drastically improves by complexation with lipid-based carriers. Taken together, FCS and SPT are able to quantify the integrity of mRNA and pDNA, respectively, as a function of time, both in the extracellular biological fluids and cell extracts. This in turn allows to focus on the important but less understood issue of nucleic acids degradation in more detail and to rationally optimize gene delivery system as therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heyang Zhang
- Laboratory of General Biochemistry and Physical Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, 9000, Belgium
| | - Koen Rombouts
- Laboratory of General Biochemistry and Physical Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, 9000, Belgium
| | - Laurens Raes
- Laboratory of General Biochemistry and Physical Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, 9000, Belgium
| | - Ranhua Xiong
- Laboratory of General Biochemistry and Physical Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, 9000, Belgium
| | - Stefaan C De Smedt
- Laboratory of General Biochemistry and Physical Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, 9000, Belgium
| | - Kevin Braeckmans
- Laboratory of General Biochemistry and Physical Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, 9000, Belgium
| | - Katrien Remaut
- Laboratory of General Biochemistry and Physical Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, 9000, Belgium
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Deshayes S, Konate K, Dussot M, Chavey B, Vaissière A, Van TNN, Aldrian G, Padari K, Pooga M, Vivès E, Boisguérin P. Deciphering the internalization mechanism of WRAP:siRNA nanoparticles. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA-BIOMEMBRANES 2020; 1862:183252. [PMID: 32135145 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbamem.2020.183252] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2019] [Revised: 01/17/2020] [Accepted: 02/27/2020] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Gene silencing mediated by double-stranded small interfering RNA (siRNA) has been widely investigated as a potential therapeutic approach for a variety of diseases and, indeed, the first therapeutic siRNA was approved by the FDA in 2018. As an alternative to the traditional delivery systems for nucleic acids, peptide-based nanoparticles (PBNs) have been applied successfully for siRNA delivery. Recently, we have developed amphipathic cell-penetrating peptides (CPPs), called WRAP allowing a rapid and efficient siRNA delivery into several cell lines at low doses (20 to 50 nM). In this study, using a highly specific gene silencing system, we aimed to elucidate the cellular uptake mechanism of WRAP:siRNA nanoparticles by combining biophysical, biological, confocal and electron microscopy approaches. We demonstrated that WRAP:siRNA complexes remain fully active in the presence of chemical inhibitors of different endosomal pathways suggesting a direct cell membrane translocation mechanism. Leakage studies on lipid vesicles indicated membrane destabilization properties of the nanoparticles and this was supported by the measurement of WRAP:siRNA internalization in dynamin triple-KO cells. However, we also observed some evidences for an endocytosis-dependent cellular internalization. Indeed, nanoparticles co-localized with transferrin, siRNA silencing was inhibited by the scavenger receptor A inhibitor Poly I and nanoparticles encapsulated in vesicles were observed by electron microscopy in U87 cells. In conclusion, we demonstrate here that the efficiency of WRAP:siRNA nanoparticles is mainly based on the use of multiple internalization mechanisms including direct translocation as well as endocytosis-dependent pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sébastien Deshayes
- Centre de Recherche de Biologie cellulaire de Montpellier, CNRS UMR 5237, 1919 Route de Mende, 34293, Montpellier Cedex 5, France
| | - Karidia Konate
- Centre de Recherche de Biologie cellulaire de Montpellier, CNRS UMR 5237, 1919 Route de Mende, 34293, Montpellier Cedex 5, France
| | - Marion Dussot
- Centre de Recherche de Biologie cellulaire de Montpellier, CNRS UMR 5237, 1919 Route de Mende, 34293, Montpellier Cedex 5, France
| | - Bérengère Chavey
- Centre de Recherche de Biologie cellulaire de Montpellier, CNRS UMR 5237, 1919 Route de Mende, 34293, Montpellier Cedex 5, France; Sys2Diag, UMR 9005-CNRS/ALCEDIAG, 1682 Rue de la Valsière, 34184, Montpellier, CEDEX 4, France
| | - Anaïs Vaissière
- Centre de Recherche de Biologie cellulaire de Montpellier, CNRS UMR 5237, 1919 Route de Mende, 34293, Montpellier Cedex 5, France
| | - Thi Nhu Ngoc Van
- Sys2Diag, UMR 9005-CNRS/ALCEDIAG, 1682 Rue de la Valsière, 34184, Montpellier, CEDEX 4, France
| | - Gudrun Aldrian
- Sys2Diag, UMR 9005-CNRS/ALCEDIAG, 1682 Rue de la Valsière, 34184, Montpellier, CEDEX 4, France
| | - Kärt Padari
- Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of Tartu, Riia 23, 51010 Tartu, Estonia
| | - Margus Pooga
- Institute of Technology, University of Tartu, Nooruse 1, 50411 Tartu, Estonia
| | - Eric Vivès
- Centre de Recherche de Biologie cellulaire de Montpellier, CNRS UMR 5237, 1919 Route de Mende, 34293, Montpellier Cedex 5, France
| | - Prisca Boisguérin
- Centre de Recherche de Biologie cellulaire de Montpellier, CNRS UMR 5237, 1919 Route de Mende, 34293, Montpellier Cedex 5, France.
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Sachdev S, Feijoo Moreira S, Keehnen Y, Rems L, Kreutzer MT, Boukany PE. DNA-membrane complex formation during electroporation is DNA size-dependent. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA-BIOMEMBRANES 2020; 1862:183089. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bbamem.2019.183089] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2019] [Revised: 09/11/2019] [Accepted: 10/22/2019] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
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36
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Forjanic T, Markelc B, Marcan M, Bellard E, Couillaud F, Golzio M, Miklavci D. Electroporation-Induced Stress Response and Its Effect on Gene Electrotransfer Efficacy: In Vivo Imaging and Numerical Modeling. IEEE Trans Biomed Eng 2019; 66:2671-2683. [DOI: 10.1109/tbme.2019.2894659] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
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37
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Pinyon JL, von Jonquieres G, Crawford EN, Duxbury M, Al Abed A, Lovell NH, Klugmann M, Wise AK, Fallon JB, Shepherd RK, Birman CS, Lai W, McAlpine D, McMahon C, Carter PM, Enke YL, Patrick JF, Schilder AG, Marie C, Scherman D, Housley GD. Neurotrophin gene augmentation by electrotransfer to improve cochlear implant hearing outcomes. Hear Res 2019; 380:137-149. [DOI: 10.1016/j.heares.2019.06.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2019] [Revised: 06/07/2019] [Accepted: 06/12/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
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38
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Doll F, Keckeis P, Scheel P, Cölfen H. Visualizing Cholesterol Uptake by Self-Assembling Rhodamine B-Labeled Polymer Inside Living Cells via FLIM-FRET Microscopy. Macromol Biosci 2019; 20:e1900081. [PMID: 31222918 DOI: 10.1002/mabi.201900081] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2019] [Revised: 06/04/2019] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
Atherosclerosis is a widespread and hazardous disease characterized by the formation of arterial plaques mostly composed of fat, cholesterol, and calcium ions. The direct solubilization of cholesterol represents a promising, atheroprotective strategy to subside lipid blood levels and reverse atherosclerosis. This study deals with the in-depth analysis of polymer-mediated cholesterol dissolution inside living human cells. To this end, a recently described multifunctional block-polymer is labeled with Rhodamine B (RhoB) to investigate its interaction with cells via fluorescence microscopy. This gives insight into the cellular internalization process of the polymer, which appears to be clathrin- and caveolae/raft-dependent endocytosis. In cell single particle tracking reveals an active transport of RhoB polymer including structures. Förster resonance energy transfer (FRET) measurements of cells treated with a fluorophore-tagged cholesterol derivative and the RhoB polymer indicates the uptake of cholesterol by the polymeric particles. Hence, these results present a first step toward possible applications of cholesterol-absorbing polymers for treating atherosclerosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Franziska Doll
- Physical Chemistry, Department of Chemistry, University of Konstanz, Universitätsstraße 10, 78457, Konstanz, Germany
| | - Philipp Keckeis
- Physical Chemistry, Department of Chemistry, University of Konstanz, Universitätsstraße 10, 78457, Konstanz, Germany
| | - Patricia Scheel
- Physical Chemistry, Department of Chemistry, University of Konstanz, Universitätsstraße 10, 78457, Konstanz, Germany
| | - Helmut Cölfen
- Physical Chemistry, Department of Chemistry, University of Konstanz, Universitätsstraße 10, 78457, Konstanz, Germany
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39
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Ocular gene therapies in clinical practice: viral vectors and nonviral alternatives. Drug Discov Today 2019; 24:1685-1693. [PMID: 31173914 DOI: 10.1016/j.drudis.2019.05.038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2018] [Revised: 02/17/2019] [Accepted: 05/31/2019] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Ocular gene therapy has entered into clinical practice. Although viral vectors are currently the best option to replace and/or correct genes, the optimal method to deliver these treatments to the retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) cells and/or photoreceptor cells remains to be improved to increase transduction efficacy and reduce iatrogenic risks. Beyond viral-mediated gene replacement therapies, nonviral gene delivery approaches offer the promise of sustained fine-tuned expression of secreted therapeutic proteins that can be adapted to the evolving stage of the disease course and can address more common nongenetic retinal diseases, such as age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Here, we review current gene therapy strategies for ocular diseases, with a focus on clinical stage products.
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Kotnik T, Rems L, Tarek M, Miklavčič D. Membrane Electroporation and Electropermeabilization: Mechanisms and Models. Annu Rev Biophys 2019; 48:63-91. [PMID: 30786231 DOI: 10.1146/annurev-biophys-052118-115451] [Citation(s) in RCA: 315] [Impact Index Per Article: 63.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Exposure of biological cells to high-voltage, short-duration electric pulses causes a transient increase in their plasma membrane permeability, allowing transmembrane transport of otherwise impermeant molecules. In recent years, large steps were made in the understanding of underlying events. Formation of aqueous pores in the lipid bilayer is now a widely recognized mechanism, but evidence is growing that changes to individual membrane lipids and proteins also contribute, substantiating the need for terminological distinction between electroporation and electropermeabilization. We first revisit experimental evidence for electrically induced membrane permeability, its correlation with transmembrane voltage, and continuum models of electropermeabilization that disregard the molecular-level structure and events. We then present insights from molecular-level modeling, particularly atomistic simulations that enhance understanding of pore formation, and evidence of chemical modifications of membrane lipids and functional modulation of membrane proteins affecting membrane permeability. Finally, we discuss the remaining challenges to our full understanding of electroporation and electropermeabilization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tadej Kotnik
- Faculty of Electrical Engineering, University of Ljubljana, SI-1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia; ,
| | - Lea Rems
- Science for Life Laboratory, Department of Applied Physics, KTH Royal Institute of Technology, 17165 Solna, Sweden;
| | - Mounir Tarek
- Université de Lorraine, CNRS, LPCT, F-54000 Nancy, France;
| | - Damijan Miklavčič
- Faculty of Electrical Engineering, University of Ljubljana, SI-1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia; ,
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41
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Pinyon JL, Klugmann M, Lovell NH, Housley GD. Dual-Plasmid Bionic Array-Directed Gene Electrotransfer in HEK293 Cells and Cochlear Mesenchymal Cells Probes Transgene Expression and Cell Fate. Hum Gene Ther 2019; 30:211-224. [DOI: 10.1089/hum.2018.062] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/23/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Jeremy L. Pinyon
- Translational Neuroscience Facility and Department of Physiology, School of Medical Sciences, and UNSW Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Matthias Klugmann
- Translational Neuroscience Facility and Department of Physiology, School of Medical Sciences, and UNSW Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Nigel H. Lovell
- Graduate School of Biomedical Engineering, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Gary D. Housley
- Translational Neuroscience Facility and Department of Physiology, School of Medical Sciences, and UNSW Sydney, Sydney, Australia
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42
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Wang L, Miller SE, Yuan F. Ultrastructural Analysis of Vesicular Transport in Electrotransfection. MICROSCOPY AND MICROANALYSIS : THE OFFICIAL JOURNAL OF MICROSCOPY SOCIETY OF AMERICA, MICROBEAM ANALYSIS SOCIETY, MICROSCOPICAL SOCIETY OF CANADA 2018; 24:553-563. [PMID: 30334512 PMCID: PMC6196718 DOI: 10.1017/s143192761801509x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
Emerging evidence from various studies indicates that plasmid DNA (pDNA) is internalized by cells through an endocytosis-like process when it is used for electrotransfection. To provide morphological evidence of the process, we investigated ultrastructures in cells that were associated with the electrotransfected pDNA, using immunoelectron microscopy. The results demonstrate that four endocytic pathways are involved in the uptake of the pDNA, including caveolae- and clathrin-mediated endocytosis, macropinocytosis, and the clathrin-independent carrier/glycosylphosphatidylinositol-anchored protein-enriched early endosomal compartment (CLIC/GEEC) pathway. Among them, macropinocytosis is the most common pathway utilized by cells having various pDNA uptake capacities, and the CLIC/GEEC pathway is observed primarily in human umbilical vein endothelial cells. Quantitatively, the endocytic pathways are more active in easy-to-transfect cells than in hard-to-transfect ones. Taken together, our data provide ultrastructural evidence showing that endocytosis plays an important role in cellular uptake and intracellular transport of electrotransfected pDNA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liangli Wang
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina 27708, USA
| | - Sara E. Miller
- Department of Pathology, Duke University Medical School, Durham, North Carolina 27710, USA
| | - Fan Yuan
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina 27708, USA
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Abstract
Electrotransfection (ET) is a nonviral method for delivery of various types of molecules into cells both in vitro and in vivo. Close to 90 clinical trials that involve the use of ET have been performed, and approximately half of them are related to cancer treatment. Particularly, ET is an attractive technique for cancer immunogene therapy because treatment of cells with electric pulses alone can induce immune responses to solid tumors, and the responses can be further enhanced by ET of plasmid DNA (pDNA) encoding therapeutic genes. Compared to other gene delivery methods, ET has several unique advantages. It is relatively inexpensive, flexible, and safe in clinical applications, and introduces only naked pDNA into cells without the use of additional chemicals or viruses. However, the efficiency of ET is still low, partly because biological mechanisms of ET in cells remain elusive. In previous studies, it was believed that pDNA entered the cells through transient pores created by electric pulses. As a result, the technique is commonly referred to as electroporation. However, recent discoveries have suggested that endocytosis plays an important role in cellular uptake and intracellular transport of electrotransfected pDNA. This review will discuss current progresses in the study of biological mechanisms underlying ET and future directions of research in this area. Understanding the mechanisms of pDNA transport in cells is critical for the development of new strategies for improving the efficiency of gene delivery in tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisa D Cervia
- Department of Biomedical Engineering , Duke University , Durham , North Carolina 27708 , United States
| | - Fan Yuan
- Department of Biomedical Engineering , Duke University , Durham , North Carolina 27708 , United States
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44
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Stewart MP, Langer R, Jensen KF. Intracellular Delivery by Membrane Disruption: Mechanisms, Strategies, and Concepts. Chem Rev 2018; 118:7409-7531. [PMID: 30052023 PMCID: PMC6763210 DOI: 10.1021/acs.chemrev.7b00678] [Citation(s) in RCA: 382] [Impact Index Per Article: 63.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Intracellular delivery is a key step in biological research and has enabled decades of biomedical discoveries. It is also becoming increasingly important in industrial and medical applications ranging from biomanufacture to cell-based therapies. Here, we review techniques for membrane disruption-based intracellular delivery from 1911 until the present. These methods achieve rapid, direct, and universal delivery of almost any cargo molecule or material that can be dispersed in solution. We start by covering the motivations for intracellular delivery and the challenges associated with the different cargo types-small molecules, proteins/peptides, nucleic acids, synthetic nanomaterials, and large cargo. The review then presents a broad comparison of delivery strategies followed by an analysis of membrane disruption mechanisms and the biology of the cell response. We cover mechanical, electrical, thermal, optical, and chemical strategies of membrane disruption with a particular emphasis on their applications and challenges to implementation. Throughout, we highlight specific mechanisms of membrane disruption and suggest areas in need of further experimentation. We hope the concepts discussed in our review inspire scientists and engineers with further ideas to improve intracellular delivery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martin P. Stewart
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Massachusetts Institute
of Technology, Cambridge, USA
- The Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research,
Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, USA
| | - Robert Langer
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Massachusetts Institute
of Technology, Cambridge, USA
- The Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research,
Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, USA
| | - Klavs F. Jensen
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Massachusetts Institute
of Technology, Cambridge, USA
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45
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Tumor cell death after electrotransfer of plasmid DNA is associated with cytosolic DNA sensor upregulation. Oncotarget 2018; 9:18665-18681. [PMID: 29721152 PMCID: PMC5922346 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.24816] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/26/2017] [Accepted: 02/27/2018] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Cytosolic DNA sensors are a subgroup of pattern recognition receptors (PRRs) and are activated by the abnormal presence of the DNA in the cytosol. Their activation leads to the upregulation of pro-inflammatory cytokines and chemokines and can also induce cell death. The presence of cytosolic DNA sensors and inflammatory cytokines in TS/A murine mammary adenocarcinoma and WEHI 164 fibrosarcoma cells was demonstrated using real time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), western blotting and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). After electrotransfer of plasmid DNA (pDNA) using two pulse protocols, the upregulation of DNA-depended activator of interferon regulatory factor or Z-DNA binding protein 1 (DAI/ZBP1), DEAD (Asp-Glu-Ala-Asp) box polypeptide 60 (DDX60) and interferon-inducible protein 204 (p204) mRNAs was observed in both tumor cell lines, but their expression was pulse protocol dependent. A decrease in cell survival was also observed; it was cell type, DNA concentration and pulse protocol dependent. Furthermore, the different protocols of electrotransfer led to different cell death outcomes, necrosis and apoptosis, as indicated by an annexin V and 7AAD assays. The obtained data provide new insights on the presence of cytosolic DNA sensors in tumor cells and the activation of different types of cells death after electrotransfer of pDNA. These observations have important implications on the planning of gene therapy or DNA vaccination protocols.
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46
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Zhou L, Wang H, Li Y. Stimuli-Responsive Nanomedicines for Overcoming Cancer Multidrug Resistance. Theranostics 2018; 8:1059-1074. [PMID: 29463999 PMCID: PMC5817110 DOI: 10.7150/thno.22679] [Citation(s) in RCA: 158] [Impact Index Per Article: 26.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2017] [Accepted: 11/01/2017] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Chemotherapy is still a main option for cancer therapy, but its efficacy is often unsatisfying due to multidrug resistance (MDR). The tumor microenvironment is considered a dominant factor causing MDR. Stimuli-responsive nanomedicines exhibit many superiorities for reversal of MDR. As smart systems, stimuli-responsive nanomedicines are desirable for achieving site-specific accumulation and triggered drug release in response to slight changes in physicochemical properties in pathological conditions or to exogenous stimuli. In this review, we highlight the current progress of various nanomedicines with different stimuli-responsive capabilities for overcoming MDR. The materials, design, construction as well as efficacy in overcoming MDR of these nanomedicines are discussed. Eventually, we look forward to forthcoming intelligent nanoparticle systems with new mechanisms to deliver drugs for practical applications in conquering cancer MDR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lei Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Drug Research & Center of Pharmaceutics, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201203, China
- China State Institute of Pharmaceutical Industry, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Hao Wang
- China State Institute of Pharmaceutical Industry, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Yaping Li
- State Key Laboratory of Drug Research & Center of Pharmaceutics, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201203, China
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47
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Perrier DL, Rems L, Boukany PE. Lipid vesicles in pulsed electric fields: Fundamental principles of the membrane response and its biomedical applications. Adv Colloid Interface Sci 2017; 249:248-271. [PMID: 28499600 DOI: 10.1016/j.cis.2017.04.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2017] [Revised: 04/24/2017] [Accepted: 04/25/2017] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
The present review focuses on the effects of pulsed electric fields on lipid vesicles ranging from giant unilamellar vesicles (GUVs) to small unilamellar vesicles (SUVs), from both fundamental and applicative perspectives. Lipid vesicles are the most popular model membrane systems for studying biophysical and biological processes in living cells. Furthermore, as vesicles are made from biocompatible and biodegradable materials, they provide a strategy to create safe and functionalized drug delivery systems in health-care applications. Exposure of lipid vesicles to pulsed electric fields is a common physical method to transiently increase the permeability of the lipid membrane. This method, termed electroporation, has shown many advantages for delivering exogenous molecules including drugs and genetic material into vesicles and living cells. In addition, electroporation can be applied to induce fusion between vesicles and/or cells. First, we discuss in detail how research on cell-size GUVs as model cell systems has provided novel insight into the basic mechanisms of cell electroporation and associated phenomena. Afterwards, we continue with a thorough overview how electroporation and electrofusion have been used as versatile methods to manipulate vesicles of all sizes in different biomedical applications. We conclude by summarizing the open questions in the field of electroporation and possible future directions for vesicles in the biomedical field.
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48
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Physical Methods for Drug and Gene Delivery Through the Cell Plasma Membrane. ADVANCES IN ANATOMY EMBRYOLOGY AND CELL BIOLOGY 2017; 227:73-92. [DOI: 10.1007/978-3-319-56895-9_5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
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49
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Wang TY, Libardo MDJ, Angeles-Boza AM, Pellois JP. Membrane Oxidation in Cell Delivery and Cell Killing Applications. ACS Chem Biol 2017; 12:1170-1182. [PMID: 28355059 DOI: 10.1021/acschembio.7b00237] [Citation(s) in RCA: 77] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Cell delivery or cell killing processes often involve the crossing or disruption of cellular membranes. We review how, by modifying the composition and properties of membranes, membrane oxidation can be exploited to enhance the delivery of macromolecular cargoes into live human cells. We also describe how membrane oxidation can be utilized to achieve efficient killing of bacteria by antimicrobial peptides. Finally, we present recent evidence highlighting how membrane oxidation is intimately engaged in natural biological processes such as antigen delivery in dendritic cells and in the killing of bacteria by antimicrobial peptides. Overall, the insights that have been recently gained in this area should facilitate the development of more effective delivery technologies and antimicrobial therapeutic approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ting-Yi Wang
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas 77843, United States
| | - M. Daben J. Libardo
- Department
of Chemistry, University of Connecticut, Storrs, Connecticut 06269, United States
| | - Alfredo M. Angeles-Boza
- Department
of Chemistry, University of Connecticut, Storrs, Connecticut 06269, United States
| | - Jean-Philippe Pellois
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas 77843, United States
- Department of Chemistry, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas 77843, United States
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50
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Mao M, Wang L, Chang CC, Rothenberg KE, Huang J, Wang Y, Hoffman BD, Liton PB, Yuan F. Involvement of a Rac1-Dependent Macropinocytosis Pathway in Plasmid DNA Delivery by Electrotransfection. Mol Ther 2017; 25:803-815. [PMID: 28129959 PMCID: PMC5363188 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymthe.2016.12.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2016] [Revised: 12/05/2016] [Accepted: 12/07/2016] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Electrotransfection is a widely used method for delivering genes into cells with electric pulses. Although different hypotheses have been proposed, the mechanism of electrotransfection remains controversial. Previous studies have indicated that uptake and intracellular trafficking of plasmid DNA (pDNA) are mediated by endocytic pathways, but it is still unclear which pathways are directly involved in the delivery. To this end, the present study investigated the dependence of electrotransfection on macropinocytosis. Data from the study demonstrated that electric pulses induced cell membrane ruffling and actin cytoskeleton remodeling. Using fluorescently labeled pDNA and a macropinocytosis marker (i.e., dextran), the study showed that electrotransfected pDNA co-localized with dextran in intracellular vesicles. Furthermore, electrotransfection efficiency could be decreased significantly by reducing temperature or treatment of cells with a pharmacological inhibitor of Rac1 and could be altered by changing Rac1 activity. Taken together, the findings suggested that electrotransfection of pDNA involved Rac1-dependent macropinocytosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mao Mao
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Duke University, Durham, NC 27708, USA
| | - Liangli Wang
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Duke University, Durham, NC 27708, USA
| | - Chun-Chi Chang
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Duke University, Durham, NC 27708, USA
| | | | - Jianyong Huang
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Duke University, Durham, NC 27708, USA
| | - Yingxiao Wang
- Department of Bioengineering, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Brenton D Hoffman
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Duke University, Durham, NC 27708, USA
| | - Paloma B Liton
- Department of Ophthalmology, Duke University, Durham, NC 27708, USA
| | - Fan Yuan
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Duke University, Durham, NC 27708, USA; Department of Ophthalmology, Duke University, Durham, NC 27708, USA.
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