1
|
Ji P, Li Y, Wang Z, Jia S, Jiang X, Chen H, Wang Q. Advances in precision gene editing for liver fibrosis: From technology to therapeutic applications. Biomed Pharmacother 2024; 177:117003. [PMID: 38908207 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2024.117003] [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: 04/30/2024] [Revised: 06/14/2024] [Accepted: 06/17/2024] [Indexed: 06/24/2024] Open
Abstract
This review presents a comprehensive exploration of gene editing technologies and their potential applications in the treatment of liver fibrosis, a condition often leading to serious complications such as liver cancer. Through an in-depth review of current literature and critical analysis, the study delves into the intricate signaling pathways underlying liver fibrosis development and examines the promising role of gene editing in alleviating this disease burden. Gene editing technologies offer precise, efficient, and reproducible tools for manipulating genetic material, holding significant promise for basic research and clinical practice. The manuscript highlights the challenges and potential risks associated with gene editing technology. By synthesizing existing knowledge and exploring future perspectives, this study aims to provide valuable insights into the potential of precision gene editing to combat liver fibrosis and its associated complications, ultimately contributing to advances in liver fibrosis research and therapy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Peng Ji
- College of Pharmacy and Chemistry & Chemical Engineering, Taizhou University, Taizhou 225300, PR China; Liangzhu Laboratory, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310000, PR China
| | - Yan Li
- Department of International Medicine, The Second Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian 116000, PR China
| | - Zihan Wang
- College of Pharmacy and Chemistry & Chemical Engineering, Taizhou University, Taizhou 225300, PR China
| | - Siyu Jia
- College of Pharmacy and Chemistry & Chemical Engineering, Taizhou University, Taizhou 225300, PR China
| | - Xinyi Jiang
- College of Pharmacy and Chemistry & Chemical Engineering, Taizhou University, Taizhou 225300, PR China
| | - Hui Chen
- College of Pharmacy and Chemistry & Chemical Engineering, Taizhou University, Taizhou 225300, PR China
| | - Qun Wang
- College of Pharmacy and Chemistry & Chemical Engineering, Taizhou University, Taizhou 225300, PR China.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Li B, Li Q, Qi Z, Li Z, Yan X, Chen Y, Xu X, Pan Q, Chen Y, Huang F, Ping Y. Supramolecular Genome Editing: Targeted Delivery and Endogenous Activation of CRISPR/Cas9 by Dynamic Host-Guest Recognition. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2024; 63:e202316323. [PMID: 38317057 DOI: 10.1002/anie.202316323] [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: 11/01/2023] [Revised: 02/04/2024] [Accepted: 02/05/2024] [Indexed: 02/07/2024]
Abstract
We synthesize supramolecular poly(disulfide) (CPS) containing covalently attached cucurbit[7]uril (CB[7]), which is exploited not only as a carrier to deliver plasmid DNA encoding destabilized Cas9 (dsCas9), but also as a host to include trimethoprim (TMP) by CB[7] moieties through the supramolecular complexation to form TMP@CPS/dsCas9. Once the plasmid is transfected into tumor cells by CPS, the presence of polyamines can competitively trigger the decomplexation of TMP@CPS, thereby displacing and releasing TMP from CB[7] to stabilize dsCas9 that can target and edit the genomic locus of PLK1 to inhibit the growth of tumor cells. Following the systemic administration of TMP@CPS/dsCas9 decorated with hyaluronic acid (HA), tumor-specific editing of PLK1 is detected due to the elevated polyamines in tumor microenvironment, greatly minimizing off-target editing in healthy tissues and non-targeted organs. As the metabolism of polyamines is dysregulated in a wide range of disorders, this study offers a supramolecular approach to precisely control CRISPR/Cas9 functions under particular pathological contexts.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Bowen Li
- College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, P. R. China
- Liangzhu Laboratory, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 311121, P. R. China
| | - Qing Li
- Stoddart Institute of Molecular Science, Department of Chemistry, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, P. R. China
- Zhejiang-Israel Joint Laboratory of Self-Assembling Functional Materials, ZJU-Hangzhou Global Scientific and Technological Innovation Center, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 311215, P. R. China
| | - Zidan Qi
- College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, P. R. China
| | - Zhiyao Li
- College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, P. R. China
| | - Xiaojie Yan
- College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, P. R. China
| | - Yuan Chen
- College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, P. R. China
| | - Xiaojie Xu
- College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, P. R. China
- Liangzhu Laboratory, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 311121, P. R. China
| | - Qi Pan
- College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, P. R. China
| | - Yuxuan Chen
- College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, P. R. China
| | - Feihe Huang
- Stoddart Institute of Molecular Science, Department of Chemistry, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, P. R. China
- Zhejiang-Israel Joint Laboratory of Self-Assembling Functional Materials, ZJU-Hangzhou Global Scientific and Technological Innovation Center, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 311215, P. R. China
| | - Yuan Ping
- College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, P. R. China
- Liangzhu Laboratory, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 311121, P. R. China
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Song N, Fan X, Guo X, Tang J, Li H, Tao R, Li F, Li J, Yang D, Yao C, Liu P. A DNA/Upconversion Nanoparticle Complex Enables Controlled Co-Delivery of CRISPR-Cas9 and Photodynamic Agents for Synergistic Cancer Therapy. ADVANCED MATERIALS (DEERFIELD BEACH, FLA.) 2024; 36:e2309534. [PMID: 38199243 DOI: 10.1002/adma.202309534] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2023] [Revised: 11/27/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2024]
Abstract
Photodynamic therapy (PDT) depends on the light-irradiated exciting of photosensitizer (PS) to generate reactive oxygen species (ROS), which faces challenges and limitations in hypoxia and antioxidant response of cancer cells, and limited tissue-penetration of light. Herein, a multifunctional DNA/upconversion nanoparticles (UCNPs) complex is developed which enables controlled co-delivery of CRISPR-Cas9, hemin, and protoporphyrin (PP) for synergistic PDT. An ultralong single-stranded DNA (ssDNA) is prepared via rolling circle amplification (RCA), which contains recognition sequences of single guide RNA (sgRNA) for loading Cas9 ribonucleoprotein (RNP), G-quadruplex sequences for loading hemin and PP, and linker sequences for combining UCNP. Cas9 RNP cleaves the antioxidant regulator nuclear factor E2-related factor 2 (Nrf2), improving the sensitivity of cancer cells to ROS, and enhancing the synergistic PDT effect. The G-quadruplex/hemin DNAzyme mimicks horseradish peroxidase (HRP) to catalyze the endogenous H2O2 to O2, overcoming hypoxia condition in tumors. The introduced UCNP converts NIR irradiation with deep tissue penetration to light with shorter wavelength, exciting PP to transform the abundant O2 to 1O2. The integration of gene editing and PDT allows substantial accumulation of 1O2 in cancer cells for enhanced cell apoptosis, and this synergistic PDT has shown remarkable therapeutic efficacy in a breast cancer mouse model.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nachuan Song
- Frontiers Science Center for Synthetic Biology, Key Laboratory of Systems Bioengineering (MOE), School of Chemical Engineering and Technology, Tianjin University, Tianjin, 300350, P. R. China
- State Key Laboratory of Systems Medicine for Cancer, Shanghai Cancer Institute, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200032, P. R. China
- Department of Chemistry, State Key Laboratory of Molecular Engineering of Polymers, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Molecular Catalysis and Innovative Materials, College of Chemistry and Materials, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200438, P. R. China
| | - Xiaoting Fan
- Frontiers Science Center for Synthetic Biology, Key Laboratory of Systems Bioengineering (MOE), School of Chemical Engineering and Technology, Tianjin University, Tianjin, 300350, P. R. China
| | - Xiaocui Guo
- CAS Key Laboratory for Biomedical Effects of Nanomaterials & Nanosafety, CAS Center for Excellence in Nanoscience, National Center for Nanoscience and Technology, Beijing, 100190, P. R. China
| | - Jianpu Tang
- Frontiers Science Center for Synthetic Biology, Key Laboratory of Systems Bioengineering (MOE), School of Chemical Engineering and Technology, Tianjin University, Tianjin, 300350, P. R. China
- Department of Chemistry, State Key Laboratory of Molecular Engineering of Polymers, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Molecular Catalysis and Innovative Materials, College of Chemistry and Materials, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200438, P. R. China
| | - Hongjin Li
- Frontiers Science Center for Synthetic Biology, Key Laboratory of Systems Bioengineering (MOE), School of Chemical Engineering and Technology, Tianjin University, Tianjin, 300350, P. R. China
| | - Ruoyu Tao
- Frontiers Science Center for Synthetic Biology, Key Laboratory of Systems Bioengineering (MOE), School of Chemical Engineering and Technology, Tianjin University, Tianjin, 300350, P. R. China
| | - Fengqin Li
- State Key Laboratory of Systems Medicine for Cancer, Shanghai Cancer Institute, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200032, P. R. China
| | - Junru Li
- State Key Laboratory of Systems Medicine for Cancer, Shanghai Cancer Institute, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200032, P. R. China
| | - Dayong Yang
- Frontiers Science Center for Synthetic Biology, Key Laboratory of Systems Bioengineering (MOE), School of Chemical Engineering and Technology, Tianjin University, Tianjin, 300350, P. R. China
- Department of Chemistry, State Key Laboratory of Molecular Engineering of Polymers, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Molecular Catalysis and Innovative Materials, College of Chemistry and Materials, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200438, P. R. China
| | - Chi Yao
- Frontiers Science Center for Synthetic Biology, Key Laboratory of Systems Bioengineering (MOE), School of Chemical Engineering and Technology, Tianjin University, Tianjin, 300350, P. R. China
| | - Peifeng Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Systems Medicine for Cancer, Shanghai Cancer Institute, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200032, P. R. China
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Lin Y, Guan X, Su J, Chen S, Fu X, Xu X, Deng X, Chang J, Qin A, Shen A, Zhang L. Cell Membrane-Camouflaged Nanoparticles Mediated Nucleic Acids Delivery. Int J Nanomedicine 2023; 18:8001-8021. [PMID: 38164266 PMCID: PMC10758188 DOI: 10.2147/ijn.s433737] [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: 08/03/2023] [Accepted: 12/16/2023] [Indexed: 01/03/2024] Open
Abstract
Nucleic acids have emerged as promising therapeutic agents for many diseases because of their potential in modulating gene expression. However, the delivery of nucleic acids remains a significant challenge in gene therapy. Although viral vectors have shown high transfection efficiency, concerns regarding teratogenicity or carcinogenicity have been raised. Non-viral vehicles, including cationic polymers, liposomes, and inorganic materials possess advantages in terms of safety, ease of preparation, and low cost. Nevertheless, they also face limitations related to immunogenicity, quick clearance in vivo, and lack of targeting specificity. On the other hand, bioinspired strategies have shown increasing potential in the field of drug delivery, yet there is a lack of comprehensive reviews summarizing the rapid development of bioinspired nanoparticles based on the cell membrane camouflage to construct the nucleic acids vehicles. Herein, we enumerated the current difficulties in nucleic acid delivery with various non-viral vehicles and provided an overview of bioinspired strategies for nucleic acid delivery.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yinshan Lin
- Pharmacy Department & Panyu Institute of Infectious Diseases, Guangzhou Panyu Central Hospital, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 511400, People’s Republic of China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Molecular Target & Clinical Pharmacology, the NMPA and State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences and the Fifth Affiliated Hospital, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 511436, People’s Republic of China
| | - Xiaoling Guan
- Pharmacy Department & Panyu Institute of Infectious Diseases, Guangzhou Panyu Central Hospital, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 511400, People’s Republic of China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Molecular Target & Clinical Pharmacology, the NMPA and State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences and the Fifth Affiliated Hospital, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 511436, People’s Republic of China
| | - Jianfen Su
- Pharmacy Department & Panyu Institute of Infectious Diseases, Guangzhou Panyu Central Hospital, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 511400, People’s Republic of China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Molecular Target & Clinical Pharmacology, the NMPA and State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences and the Fifth Affiliated Hospital, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 511436, People’s Republic of China
| | - Sheng Chen
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Molecular Target & Clinical Pharmacology, the NMPA and State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences and the Fifth Affiliated Hospital, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 511436, People’s Republic of China
| | - Xihua Fu
- Pharmacy Department & Panyu Institute of Infectious Diseases, Guangzhou Panyu Central Hospital, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 511400, People’s Republic of China
| | - Xiaowei Xu
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Molecular Target & Clinical Pharmacology, the NMPA and State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences and the Fifth Affiliated Hospital, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 511436, People’s Republic of China
| | - Xiaohua Deng
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Molecular Target & Clinical Pharmacology, the NMPA and State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences and the Fifth Affiliated Hospital, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 511436, People’s Republic of China
| | - Jishuo Chang
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Molecular Target & Clinical Pharmacology, the NMPA and State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences and the Fifth Affiliated Hospital, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 511436, People’s Republic of China
| | - Aiping Qin
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Molecular Target & Clinical Pharmacology, the NMPA and State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences and the Fifth Affiliated Hospital, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 511436, People’s Republic of China
| | - Ao Shen
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Molecular Target & Clinical Pharmacology, the NMPA and State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences and the Fifth Affiliated Hospital, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 511436, People’s Republic of China
| | - Lingmin Zhang
- Pharmacy Department & Panyu Institute of Infectious Diseases, Guangzhou Panyu Central Hospital, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 511400, People’s Republic of China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Molecular Target & Clinical Pharmacology, the NMPA and State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences and the Fifth Affiliated Hospital, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 511436, People’s Republic of China
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Gu W, An J, Li Y, Yang Y, Wang S, Shan H, Li S, Li H, Liu G, Li K, Yin Y, Mu J, Chen X. Tuning the Organ Tropism of Polymersome for Spleen-Selective Nanovaccine Delivery to Boost Cancer Immunotherapy. ADVANCED MATERIALS (DEERFIELD BEACH, FLA.) 2023; 35:e2301686. [PMID: 37165781 DOI: 10.1002/adma.202301686] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2023] [Revised: 05/08/2023] [Indexed: 05/12/2023]
Abstract
The past few decades have witnessed explosive development in drug delivery systems. However, in vivo delivery suffers from non-specific distribution in non-targeted organs or tissues, which may cause undesired side effects and even genotoxicity. Here, a general strategy that enables tuning the tropism of polymersomes for liver- and spleen-selective delivery is reported. By using a library screening approach, spleen-targeted polymersome PH9-Aln-8020 and liver-targeted polymersome PA9-ZP3-5050 are identified accordingly. Meanwhile, the second near-infrared (NIR-II) fluorescence imaging allows for in vivo dynamic evaluation of their spatial and temporal accumulation in specific tissues. O ur findings indicate that both polymer composition and protein corona on the surface are essential to determine the in vivo fate of polymersomes and tendency for specific organs. Importantly, PH9-Aln-8020 is employed as a systemic nanocarrier to co-deliver the antigen and adjuvant, which remarkably boost splenic immune responses in acute myeloid leukemia, melanoma, and melanoma lung metastasis mouse models. This study may open a new frontier for polymersomes in organ-selective delivery and other biomedical applications.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Wenxing Gu
- Institute of Precision Medicine, Peking University Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, 518036, P. R. China
- Departments of Diagnostic Radiology, Surgery, Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Biomedical Engineering, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, College of Design and Engineering, National University of Singapore, Singapore, 119074, Singapore
- Nanomedicine Translational Research Program, NUS Center for Nanomedicine, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, 117597, Singapore
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Smart Healthcare Engineering, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Advanced Biomaterials, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, 518055, P. R. China
| | - Jingnan An
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Institute of Blood and Marrow Transplantation of Soochow University, Collaborative Innovation Center of Hematology, Soochow University, Suzhou, 215123, P. R. China
| | - Yaxi Li
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Smart Healthcare Engineering, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Advanced Biomaterials, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, 518055, P. R. China
| | - Yajie Yang
- Institute of Precision Medicine, Peking University Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, 518036, P. R. China
| | - Shumin Wang
- Institute of Precision Medicine, Peking University Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, 518036, P. R. China
| | - Hui Shan
- Institute of Precision Medicine, Peking University Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, 518036, P. R. China
| | - Shenhua Li
- Institute of Precision Medicine, Peking University Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, 518036, P. R. China
| | - Hui Li
- Institute of Precision Medicine, Peking University Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, 518036, P. R. China
- Departments of Diagnostic Radiology, Surgery, Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Biomedical Engineering, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, College of Design and Engineering, National University of Singapore, Singapore, 119074, Singapore
- Nanomedicine Translational Research Program, NUS Center for Nanomedicine, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, 117597, Singapore
| | - Guoyong Liu
- Institute of Precision Medicine, Peking University Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, 518036, P. R. China
| | - Kai Li
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Smart Healthcare Engineering, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Advanced Biomaterials, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, 518055, P. R. China
| | - Yuxin Yin
- Institute of Precision Medicine, Peking University Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, 518036, P. R. China
| | - Jing Mu
- Institute of Precision Medicine, Peking University Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, 518036, P. R. China
| | - Xiaoyuan Chen
- Departments of Diagnostic Radiology, Surgery, Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Biomedical Engineering, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, College of Design and Engineering, National University of Singapore, Singapore, 119074, Singapore
- Nanomedicine Translational Research Program, NUS Center for Nanomedicine, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, 117597, Singapore
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Chen Y, Ping Y. Development of CRISPR/Cas Delivery Systems for In Vivo Precision Genome Editing. Acc Chem Res 2023; 56:2185-2196. [PMID: 37525893 DOI: 10.1021/acs.accounts.3c00279] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/02/2023]
Abstract
ConspectusClustered, regularly interspaced, short palindromic repeat (CRISPR)/associated protein 9 (CRISPR/Cas9) is emerging as a powerful genome-editing tool, enabling precise and targeted modifications of virtually any genomic sequence in living cells. These technologies have potential therapeutic applications for cancers, metabolic diseases, and genetic disorders. However, several major challenges hinder the full realization of their potential. Specifically, CRISPR-Cas9 gene editors, whether delivered as plasmid DNA, mRNA/sgRNA, or ribonucleoprotein (RNP), exhibit poor membrane permeability, restricting their access to the intracellular genome, where the editing occurs. Additionally, these editors lack tissue or organ specificity, raising concerns about off-target editing at the tissue level that causes unwanted genotoxicity. Though a range of delivery carriers has been developed to deliver Cas9 editors, their effectiveness is often limited by a number of barriers at both the extracellular and intracellular levels. Moreover, the prolonged activity of Cas9 increases the risk of off-target editing at the genomic level. Therefore, it is crucial to develop efficient delivery vectors, along with molecular switches to safely regulate Cas9 activity.In this Account, we summarize our recent achievements in developing different types of materials that can efficiently deliver the plasmid DNA encoding Cas9 protein and single-guide RNA (sgRNA), or Cas9 RNP into cells to highlight the design considerations of carriers for safe and efficient delivery in vitro and in vivo. After elucidating the chemical and physical factors that are responsible for encapsulating and delivering these biomacromolecules, we further elucidate how we design the biodegradable polymeric carriers using dynamic disulfide chemistry, emphasize their safe and efficient delivery features for genome-editing biomacromolecules, and also introduce the integration of the intracellular delivery of genome-editing biomacromolecules with microneedle-based transdermal delivery to promote therapeutic genome editing for inflammatory skin disorders. Finally, we review how we exploit optical, chemical, and genetic switches to control the Cas9 activity in conjunction with targeted delivery to address the spatiotemporal specificity of gene editing in vivo and demonstrate their precision therapy against cancer and colitis treatment as proof-of-concept examples. In the final part, we will summarize the progress we have made and propose the future directions that may impact the field based on our own research outcomes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yuxuan Chen
- College of Pharmaceutical Science, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Yuan Ping
- College of Pharmaceutical Science, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Zhang R, Nie T, Wang L, He D, Kang Y, Zhang C, Wu J. Facile synthesis of poly(disulfide)s through one-step oxidation polymerization for redox-responsive drug delivery. Biomater Sci 2023. [PMID: 37144301 DOI: 10.1039/d3bm00461a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/06/2023]
Abstract
Poly(disulfide)s-based systems with repetitive disulfide bonds in their backbones are emerging as promising tumor microenvironment responsive platforms for drug delivery. However, complicated synthesis and purification processes have restricted their further application. Herein, we developed redox-responsive poly(disulfide)s (PBDBM) by one-step oxidation polymerization of a commercially available monomer, 1,4-butanediol bis(thioglycolate) (BDBM). PBDBM can self-assemble with 1,2-distearoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphoethanolamine-poly(ethylene glycol)3400 (DSPE-PEG3.4k) by the nanoprecipitation method and be formulated into PBDBM NPs (sub 100 nm). It can also be loaded with docetaxel (DTX), a first-line chemotherapy agent for breast cancer, to form DTX@PBDBM NPs with a loading capacity of 6.13%. DTX@PBDBM NPs with favorable size stability and redox-responsive capability exhibit superior antitumor activity in vitro. In addition, owing to the different glutathione (GSH) levels in normal and tumor cells, PBDBM NPs with disulfide bonds could synergistically increase intracellular ROS levels, further inducing apoptosis and cell cycle arrest in the G2/M phase. Moreover, in vivo studies revealed that PBDBM NPs could accumulate in tumors, suppress 4T1 tumor growth, and significantly attenuate the systemic toxicity of DTX. Thus, a novel redox-responsive poly(disulfide)s nanocarrier was successfully and facilely developed for cancer drug delivery and effective breast cancer therapy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ruhe Zhang
- School of Biomedical Engineering, Shenzhen Campus of Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen 518107, China.
| | - Tianqi Nie
- Guangzhou Twelfth People's Hospital, Guangzhou 510620, China
| | - Liying Wang
- Department of Hematology, The Seventh Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, 518107, China
| | - Danni He
- Department of Medical Ultrasonics, The Seventh Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen 518107, China
| | - Yang Kang
- Scientific Research Center, The Seventh Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen 518107, China.
| | - Chao Zhang
- School of Biomedical Engineering, Shenzhen Campus of Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen 518107, China.
| | - Jun Wu
- Bioscience and Biomedical Engineering Thrust, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (Guangzhou), Nansha, Guangzhou, 511400, China.
- Division of Life Science, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Hong Kong SAR, China
| |
Collapse
|