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Ward C, Beharry A, Tennakoon R, Rozik P, Wilhelm SDP, Heinemann IU, O'Donoghue P. Mechanisms and Delivery of tRNA Therapeutics. Chem Rev 2024. [PMID: 38801719 DOI: 10.1021/acs.chemrev.4c00142] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/29/2024]
Abstract
Transfer ribonucleic acid (tRNA) therapeutics will provide personalized and mutation specific medicines to treat human genetic diseases for which no cures currently exist. The tRNAs are a family of adaptor molecules that interpret the nucleic acid sequences in our genes into the amino acid sequences of proteins that dictate cell function. Humans encode more than 600 tRNA genes. Interestingly, even healthy individuals contain some mutant tRNAs that make mistakes. Missense suppressor tRNAs insert the wrong amino acid in proteins, and nonsense suppressor tRNAs read through premature stop signals to generate full length proteins. Mutations that underlie many human diseases, including neurodegenerative diseases, cancers, and diverse rare genetic disorders, result from missense or nonsense mutations. Thus, specific tRNA variants can be strategically deployed as therapeutic agents to correct genetic defects. We review the mechanisms of tRNA therapeutic activity, the nature of the therapeutic window for nonsense and missense suppression as well as wild-type tRNA supplementation. We discuss the challenges and promises of delivering tRNAs as synthetic RNAs or as gene therapies. Together, tRNA medicines will provide novel treatments for common and rare genetic diseases in humans.
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2
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Wang Z, Zhang X, Han M, Jiao X, Zhou J, Wang X, Su R, Wang Y, Qi W. An ultra pH-responsive peptide nanocarrier for cancer gene therapy. J Mater Chem B 2023; 11:8974-8984. [PMID: 37700728 DOI: 10.1039/d3tb01311a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/14/2023]
Abstract
The tumor microenvironment is a very complex and dynamic ecosystem. Although a variety of pH-responsive peptides have been reported to deliver nucleic acid drugs for cancer treatment, these responses typically only target the acidic microenvironment of the tumor or the lysosome, and the carrier suffers from issues such as low transfection efficiency and poor lysosomal escape within the cell. To address this problem, we have developed an ultra pH-responsive peptide nanocarrier that can efficiently deliver siRNA, pDNA, and mRNA into cancer cells by performing progressive dynamic assembly in response to pH changes in the acidic tumor microenvironment (pH 6.5-6.8) and the acidic intracellular lysosomal environment (pH 5.0-6.0). The maximum transfection efficiency was 87.1% for pDNA and 74.9% for mRNA, which is higher than that of peptide-based nanocarrier reported to date. In addition, the targeting sequence on the surface allows the peptide@siRNA complex to efficiently enter cancer cells, causing 96% of cancer cell mortality. The carrier has high biocompatibility and low cytotoxicity, making it highly promising for application in immunotherapy and gene therapy of tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zixuan Wang
- School of Chemical Engineering and Technology, State Key Laboratory of Chemical Engineering, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300072, P. R. China.
| | - Xuelin Zhang
- School of Chemical Engineering and Technology, State Key Laboratory of Chemical Engineering, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300072, P. R. China.
| | - Mingshan Han
- School of Chemical Engineering and Technology, State Key Laboratory of Chemical Engineering, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300072, P. R. China.
| | - Xinhao Jiao
- School of Chemical Engineering and Technology, State Key Laboratory of Chemical Engineering, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300072, P. R. China.
| | - Jialin Zhou
- School of Chemical Engineering and Technology, State Key Laboratory of Chemical Engineering, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300072, P. R. China.
| | - Xinyao Wang
- School of Chemical Engineering and Technology, State Key Laboratory of Chemical Engineering, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300072, P. R. China.
| | - Rongxin Su
- School of Chemical Engineering and Technology, State Key Laboratory of Chemical Engineering, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300072, P. R. China.
- Collaborative Innovation Center of Chemical Science and Engineering (Tianjin), Tianjin 300072, P. R. China
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Membrane Science and Desalination Technology, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300072, P. R. China
| | - Yuefei Wang
- School of Chemical Engineering and Technology, State Key Laboratory of Chemical Engineering, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300072, P. R. China.
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Membrane Science and Desalination Technology, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300072, P. R. China
- Beyonpep Biotechnology Limited, Tianjin 300110, P. R. China
| | - Wei Qi
- School of Chemical Engineering and Technology, State Key Laboratory of Chemical Engineering, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300072, P. R. China.
- Collaborative Innovation Center of Chemical Science and Engineering (Tianjin), Tianjin 300072, P. R. China
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Membrane Science and Desalination Technology, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300072, P. R. China
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Wickline SA, Hou KK, Pan H. Peptide-Based Nanoparticles for Systemic Extrahepatic Delivery of Therapeutic Nucleotides. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24119455. [PMID: 37298407 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24119455] [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: 03/31/2023] [Revised: 05/18/2023] [Accepted: 05/19/2023] [Indexed: 06/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Peptide-based nanoparticles (PBN) for nucleotide complexation and targeting of extrahepatic diseases are gaining recognition as potent pharmaceutical vehicles for fine-tuned control of protein production (up- and/or down-regulation) and for gene delivery. Herein, we review the principles and mechanisms underpinning self-assembled formation of PBN, cellular uptake, endosomal release, and delivery to extrahepatic disease sites after systemic administration. Selected examples of PBN that have demonstrated recent proof of concept in disease models in vivo are summarized to offer the reader a comparative view of the field and the possibilities for clinical application.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samuel A Wickline
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Medical Engineering, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL 33602, USA
| | - Kirk K Hou
- Department of Ophthalmology, Stein and Doheny Eye Institutes, University of California, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Hua Pan
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO 63130, USA
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4
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The Development of Cell-Penetrating Peptides for Efficient and Selective In Vivo Expression of mRNA in Spleen Tissue. Pharmaceutics 2023; 15:pharmaceutics15030952. [PMID: 36986813 PMCID: PMC10055000 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics15030952] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2023] [Revised: 03/03/2023] [Accepted: 03/13/2023] [Indexed: 03/17/2023] Open
Abstract
mRNA-based therapeutics are presently one of the nucleic acid-based therapeutics with a high potential for extraordinary success as preventive vaccines. Current applications with mRNA therapeutics rely on lipid nanoparticle (LNP) mediated delivery of nucleic acids. In order to achieve the transition from preventive to therapeutic vaccines, there is a challenge of delivering the mRNA into non-hepatic tissues, especially into lymphoid tissues such as the spleen and lymph nodes. In this work, we characterize new cell-penetrating peptides NF424 and NF436 that exhibit preferential delivery of mRNA into the spleen after a single i.v. injection, without the use of any active targeting mechanisms. We show that between the spleen, liver, and the lungs, >95% of mRNA expression arises in the spleen tissue and the majority of expression occurs in the dendritic cells. The cell-penetrating peptides NF424 and NF436 represent promising candidates for cancer immunotherapeutic applications with tumor antigens.
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Härk HH, Porosk L, de Mello LR, Arukuusk P, da Silva ER, Kurrikoff K. Modification of the Linker Amino Acid in the Cell-Penetrating Peptide NickFect55 Leads to Enhanced pDNA Transfection for In Vivo Applications. Pharmaceutics 2023; 15:pharmaceutics15030883. [PMID: 36986744 PMCID: PMC10051810 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics15030883] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2023] [Revised: 03/03/2023] [Accepted: 03/07/2023] [Indexed: 03/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Despite numerous efforts over the last three decades, nucleic acid-based therapeutics still lack delivery platforms in the clinical stage. Cell-penetrating peptides (CPPs) may offer solutions as potential delivery vectors. We have previously shown that designing a “kinked” structure in the peptide backbone resulted in a CPP with efficient in vitro transfection properties. Further optimization of the charge distribution in the C-terminal part of the peptide led to potent in vivo activity with the resultant CPP NickFect55 (NF55). Currently, the impact of the linker amino acid was further investigated in the CPP NF55, with the aim to discover potential transfection reagents for in vivo application. Taking into account the expression of the delivered reporter in the lung tissue of mice, and the cell transfection in the human lung adenocarcinoma cell line, the new peptides NF55-Dap and NF55-Dab* have a high potential for delivering nucleic acid-based therapeutics to treat lung associated diseases, such as adenocarcinoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heleri H. Härk
- Institute of Technology, University of Tartu, Nooruse 1, 50411 Tartu, Estonia; (L.P.); (P.A.); (K.K.)
- Correspondence:
| | - Ly Porosk
- Institute of Technology, University of Tartu, Nooruse 1, 50411 Tartu, Estonia; (L.P.); (P.A.); (K.K.)
| | - Lucas R. de Mello
- Departamento de Biofisica, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, São Paulo 04023-062, Brazil; (L.R.d.M.); (E.R.d.S.)
| | - Piret Arukuusk
- Institute of Technology, University of Tartu, Nooruse 1, 50411 Tartu, Estonia; (L.P.); (P.A.); (K.K.)
| | - Emerson R. da Silva
- Departamento de Biofisica, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, São Paulo 04023-062, Brazil; (L.R.d.M.); (E.R.d.S.)
| | - Kaido Kurrikoff
- Institute of Technology, University of Tartu, Nooruse 1, 50411 Tartu, Estonia; (L.P.); (P.A.); (K.K.)
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Choosing an Optimal Solvent Is Crucial for Obtaining Cell-Penetrating Peptide Nanoparticles with Desired Properties and High Activity in Nucleic Acid Delivery. Pharmaceutics 2023; 15:pharmaceutics15020396. [PMID: 36839718 PMCID: PMC9963036 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics15020396] [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: 01/02/2023] [Revised: 01/16/2023] [Accepted: 01/19/2023] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Cell-penetrating peptides (CPPs) are highly promising transfection agents that can deliver various compounds into living cells, including nucleic acids (NAs). Positively charged CPPs can form non-covalent complexes with negatively charged NAs, enabling simple and time-efficient nanoparticle preparation. However, as CPPs have substantially different chemical and physical properties, their complexation with the cargo and characteristics of the resulting nanoparticles largely depends on the properties of the surrounding environment, i.e., solution. Here, we show that the solvent used for the initial dissolving of a CPP determines the properties of the resulting CPP particles formed in an aqueous solution, including the activity and toxicity of the CPP-NA complexes. Using different biophysical methods such as dynamic light scattering (DLS), atomic force microscopy (AFM), transmission and scanning electron microscopy (TEM and SEM), we show that PepFect14 (PF14), a cationic amphipathic CPP, forms spherical particles of uniform size when dissolved in organic solvents, such as ethanol and DMSO. Water-dissolved PF14, however, tends to form micelles and non-uniform aggregates. When dissolved in organic solvents, PF14 retains its α-helical conformation and biological activity in cell culture conditions without any increase in cytotoxicity. Altogether, our results indicate that by using a solvent that matches the chemical nature of the CPP, the properties of the peptide-cargo particles can be tuned in the desired way. This can be of critical importance for in vivo applications, where CPP particles that are too large, non-uniform, or prone to aggregation may induce severe consequences.
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Das R, Kanjilal P, Medeiros J, Thayumanavan S. What's Next after Lipid Nanoparticles? A Perspective on Enablers of Nucleic Acid Therapeutics. Bioconjug Chem 2022; 33:1996-2007. [PMID: 35377622 PMCID: PMC9530067 DOI: 10.1021/acs.bioconjchem.2c00058] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Recent success of mRNA-based COVID-19 vaccines have bolstered the strength of nucleic acids as a therapeutic platform. The number of new clinical trial candidates is skyrocketing with the potential to address many unmet clinical needs. Despite advancements in other aspects, the systemic delivery of nucleic acids to target sites remains a major challenge. Thus, nucleic acid based therapy has yet to reach its full potential. In this review, we shed light on a select few prospective technologies that exhibit substantial potential over traditional nanocarrier designs for nucleic acid delivery. We critically analyze these systems with specific attention to the possibilities for clinical translation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ritam Das
- Department of Chemistry, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, Massachusetts 01003, United States
- The Center for Bioactive Delivery-Institute for Applied Life Sciences, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, Massachusetts 01003, United States
| | - Pintu Kanjilal
- Department of Chemistry, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, Massachusetts 01003, United States
- The Center for Bioactive Delivery-Institute for Applied Life Sciences, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, Massachusetts 01003, United States
| | - Jewel Medeiros
- Department of Chemistry, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, Massachusetts 01003, United States
- The Center for Bioactive Delivery-Institute for Applied Life Sciences, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, Massachusetts 01003, United States
| | - S Thayumanavan
- Department of Chemistry, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, Massachusetts 01003, United States
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, Massachusetts 01003, United States
- Molecular and Cellular Biology Program, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, Massachusetts 01003, United States
- The Center for Bioactive Delivery-Institute for Applied Life Sciences, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, Massachusetts 01003, United States
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8
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Porosk L, Langel Ü. Approaches for evaluation of novel CPP-based cargo delivery systems. Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:1056467. [PMID: 36339538 PMCID: PMC9634181 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.1056467] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2022] [Accepted: 10/10/2022] [Indexed: 08/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Cell penetrating peptides (CPPs) can be broadly defined as relatively short synthetic, protein derived or chimeric peptides. Their most remarkable property is their ability to cross cell barriers and facilitate the translocation of cargo, such as drugs, nucleic acids, peptides, small molecules, dyes, and many others across the plasma membrane. Over the years there have been several approaches used, adapted, and developed for the evaluation of CPP efficacies as delivery systems, with the fluorophore attachment as the most widely used approach. It has become progressively evident, that the evaluation method, in order to lead to successful outcome, should concede with the specialties of the delivery. For characterization and assessment of CPP-cargo a combination of research tools of chemistry, physics, molecular biology, engineering, and other fields have been applied. In this review, we summarize the diverse, in silico, in vitro and in vivo approaches used for evaluation and characterization of CPP-based cargo delivery systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ly Porosk
- Laboratory of Drug Delivery, Institute of Technology, Faculty of Science and Technology, University of Tartu, Tartu, Estonia
| | - Ülo Langel
- Laboratory of Drug Delivery, Institute of Technology, Faculty of Science and Technology, University of Tartu, Tartu, Estonia
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Stockholm University, Stockholm, Sweden
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9
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Shalaby KE, Aouida M, Gupta V, Abdesselem H, El-Agnaf OMA. Development of non-viral vectors for neuronal-targeted delivery of CRISPR-Cas9 RNA-proteins as a therapeutic strategy for neurological disorders. Biomater Sci 2022; 10:4959-4977. [PMID: 35880637 DOI: 10.1039/d2bm00368f] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
The aging population contributes to an increase in the prevalence of neurodegenerative diseases, such as Parkinson's disease (PD). Due to the progressive nature of these diseases and an incomplete understanding of their pathophysiology, current drugs are inefficient, with a limited efficacy and major side effects. In this study, CRISPR-Cas9 RNA-proteins (RNP) composed of a Cas9 nuclease and single-guide RNA were delivered with a non-viral targeted delivery system to rescue the PD-associated phenotype in neuronal cells. Here, we fused the cell-penetrating amphipathic peptide, PepFect14 (PF14), with a short fragment of the rabies virus glycoprotein (C2) previously shown to have an affinity towards nicotinic acetylcholine receptors expressed on neuronal cells and on the blood-brain barrier. The resultant peptide, C2-PF14, was used to complex with and deliver RNPs to neuronal cells. We observed that RNP/C2-PF14 complexes formed nanosized, monodispersed, and nontoxic nanoparticles that led to a specific delivery into neuronal cells. α-Synuclein (α-syn) plays a major role in the pathology of PD and is considered to be a target for therapy. We demonstrated that CRISPR/Cas9 RNP delivered by C2-PF14 achieved α-syn gene (SNCA) editing in neuronal cells as determined by T7EI assay and western blotting. Furthermore, RNP/C2-PF14 relieved PD-associated toxicity in neuronal cells in vitro. This is a proof-of-concept towards simple and safe targeted genome-editing for treating PD and other neurological disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karim E Shalaby
- Biological and Biomedical Sciences Division, College of Health & Life Sciences, Hamad Bin Khalifa University, Doha, Qatar. .,Neurological Disorder Research Center, Qatar Biomedical Research Institute (QBRI), Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU), Qatar Foundation, Doha, Qatar
| | - Mustapha Aouida
- Biological and Biomedical Sciences Division, College of Health & Life Sciences, Hamad Bin Khalifa University, Doha, Qatar.
| | - Vijay Gupta
- Neurological Disorder Research Center, Qatar Biomedical Research Institute (QBRI), Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU), Qatar Foundation, Doha, Qatar
| | - Houari Abdesselem
- Neurological Disorder Research Center, Qatar Biomedical Research Institute (QBRI), Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU), Qatar Foundation, Doha, Qatar
| | - Omar M A El-Agnaf
- Biological and Biomedical Sciences Division, College of Health & Life Sciences, Hamad Bin Khalifa University, Doha, Qatar. .,Neurological Disorder Research Center, Qatar Biomedical Research Institute (QBRI), Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU), Qatar Foundation, Doha, Qatar
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10
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Feng R, Chang ACY, Ni R, Li JCY, Chau Y. mRNA Delivery and Storage by Co-Assembling Nanostructures with Designer Oligopeptides. ACS APPLIED BIO MATERIALS 2022; 5:3476-3486. [PMID: 35729172 DOI: 10.1021/acsabm.2c00397] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Broadening the applicable tools for mRNA delivery provides more flexibility in research and those proven effective and safe can potentially be translated for clinical use. We report here a 27-amino acid peptide sequence mimicking the viral capsid protein, termed pepMAX, capable of co-assembling with mRNA into 100-150 nm nanostructures for efficient transfection of multiple cell lines. The mRNA loading and N/P ratio have been systematically optimized for each cell line. In HeLa, HEK293, and SKNMC, the transfection attained (>80%) is comparable with that of commercially available vectors Lipofectamine MessengerMAXTM (LipoMMAX). Confocal microscopy reveals that pepMAX efficiently delivers mRNA into the cytosol and induces efficient protein production. The pepMAX/mRNA co-assemblies retain their transfection efficiency after storage up to one week at room temperature in lyophilized form.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruilu Feng
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Clear Water Bay, Kowloon, Hong Kong 999077, China
| | - Atta Cheuk Yan Chang
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Clear Water Bay, Kowloon, Hong Kong 999077, China
| | - Rong Ni
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Clear Water Bay, Kowloon, Hong Kong 999077, China
| | - Jacky Cheuk Yin Li
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Clear Water Bay, Kowloon, Hong Kong 999077, China
| | - Ying Chau
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Clear Water Bay, Kowloon, Hong Kong 999077, China
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González-Cruz AO, Hernández-Juárez J, Ramírez-Cabrera MA, Balderas-Rentería I, Arredondo-Espinoza E. Peptide-based drug-delivery systems: A new hope for improving cancer therapy. J Drug Deliv Sci Technol 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jddst.2022.103362] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
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Luna Velez MV, Paulino da Silva Filho O, Verhaegh GW, van Hooij O, El Boujnouni N, Brock R, Schalken JA. Delivery of antisense oligonucleotides for splice-correction of androgen receptor pre-mRNA in castration-resistant prostate cancer models using cell-penetrating peptides. Prostate 2022; 82:657-665. [PMID: 35098567 PMCID: PMC9303360 DOI: 10.1002/pros.24309] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2019] [Revised: 07/19/2021] [Accepted: 01/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cell-penetrating peptides (CPPs) are a promising approach for delivering antisense oligonucleotides (AONs) as they form nanosized complexes through noncovalent interactions that show efficient cellular uptake. Previously, we have designed an AON system to correct splicing of the androgen receptor (AR) pre-mRNA, thereby preventing the generation of the splice variant AR-V7 mRNA. AON-mediated knockdown of AR-V7 resulted in inhibition of androgen-independent cell proliferation. In this study, we evaluated the CPP-mediated delivery of this AON into castration-resistant prostate cancer cell line models 22Rv1, DuCaP (dura mater cancer of the prostate), and VCaP (vertebral cancer of the prostate). METHODS Nanoparticles (polyplexes) of AONs and CPPs were formed through rapid mixing. The impact of the peptide carrier, the formulation parameters, and cell incubation conditions on cellular uptake of fluorescently labeled AONs were assessed through flow cytometry. The cytotoxic activity of these formulations was measured using the CellTiter-Glo cell viability assay. The effectivity of CPP-mediated delivery of the splice-correcting AON-intronic splicing enhancer (ISE) targeting the ISE in the castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC)-derived 22Rv1, DuCaP, and VCaP cells was determined by measuring levels of AR-V7 mRNA normalized to those of the human heterochromatin protein 1 binding protein 3 (HP1BP3). Western blot analysis was used to confirm AR-V7 downregulation at a protein level. The cellular distribution of fluorescently labeled AON delivered by a CPP or a transfection reagent was determined through confocal laser scanning microscopy. RESULTS The amphipathic and stearylated CPP PepFect 14 (PF14) showed higher uptake efficiency than arginine-rich CPPs. Through adjustment of formulation parameters, concentration and incubation time, an optimal balance between carrier-associated toxicity and delivery efficiency was found with a formulation consisting of an amino/phosphate ratio of 3, 0.35 μM AON concentration and 30 min incubation time of the cells with polyplexes. Cellular delivery of AON-ISE directed against AR pre-mRNA achieved significant downregulation of AR-V7 by 50%, 37%, and 59% for 22Rv1, DuCaP, and VCaP cells, respectively, and reduced androgen-independent cell proliferation of DuCaP and VCaP cells. CONCLUSIONS This proof-of-principle study constitutes the basis for further development of CPP-mediated delivery of AONs for targeted therapy in prostate cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria V. Luna Velez
- Department of Urology, Radboud Institute for Molecular Life SciencesRadboud University Medical CenterNijmegenthe Netherlands
| | - Omar Paulino da Silva Filho
- Department of Biochemistry, Radboud Institute for Molecular Life SciencesRadboud University Medical CenterNijmegenthe Netherlands
- CAPES FoundationMinistry of Education of BrazilBrasíliaBrazil
| | - Gerald W. Verhaegh
- Department of Urology, Radboud Institute for Molecular Life SciencesRadboud University Medical CenterNijmegenthe Netherlands
| | - Onno van Hooij
- Department of Urology, Radboud Institute for Molecular Life SciencesRadboud University Medical CenterNijmegenthe Netherlands
| | - Najoua El Boujnouni
- Department of Biochemistry, Radboud Institute for Molecular Life SciencesRadboud University Medical CenterNijmegenthe Netherlands
| | - Roland Brock
- Department of Biochemistry, Radboud Institute for Molecular Life SciencesRadboud University Medical CenterNijmegenthe Netherlands
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, College of Medicine and Medical SciencesArabian Gulf UniversityKingdom of Bahrain
| | - Jack A. Schalken
- Department of Urology, Radboud Institute for Molecular Life SciencesRadboud University Medical CenterNijmegenthe Netherlands
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Pnueli L, Melamed P. Epigenetic repression of gonadotropin gene expression via a GnRH-mediated DNA delivery system. Gene Ther 2022; 29:294-303. [PMID: 35301447 DOI: 10.1038/s41434-022-00325-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2021] [Revised: 02/08/2022] [Accepted: 02/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
The reproductive axis is activated by gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH), which stimulates the pituitary gonadotropes to secrete hormones that drive gonadal function and steroidogenesis. Thus repression of this axis, which is conserved across mammals and sexes, can reduce steroid levels and/or prevent reproduction. Steroid-dependent pathologies, including various cancers, are commonly treated with GnRH super-analogs which have long-term side-effects, while humane solutions for controlling reproduction in domestic and wild animal populations are lacking. GnRH-conjugated toxins are undergoing clinical trials for GnRHR-expressing cancer cells, and have been examined for gonadotrope ablation in animals, but showed low and/or transient effects and administration of toxins has many potential complications. Here we exploit GnRH targeting to gonadotropes to deliver DNA encoding an effector that induces gonadotropin gene repressive epigenetic modifications which are perpetuated over time. Several layers of specificity are endowed through targeting to GnRHR-expressing cells and due to local cleavage of the peptide packaging the DNA; the DNA-encoded effector is expressed and directed to the target genes by the DNA binding domain of a highly specific transcription factor. This design has multiple advantages over existing methods of shutting down the reproductive axis, and its modular design should allow adaptation for broad applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lilach Pnueli
- Faculty of Biology, Technion-Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa, 32000, Israel
| | - Philippa Melamed
- Faculty of Biology, Technion-Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa, 32000, Israel.
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14
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Maloverjan M, Padari K, Abroi A, Rebane A, Pooga M. Divalent Metal Ions Boost Effect of Nucleic Acids Delivered by Cell-Penetrating Peptides. Cells 2022; 11:cells11040756. [PMID: 35203400 PMCID: PMC8870069 DOI: 10.3390/cells11040756] [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: 01/04/2022] [Revised: 02/11/2022] [Accepted: 02/19/2022] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Abstract
Cell-penetrating peptides (CPPs) are promising tools for the transfection of various substances, including nucleic acids, into cells. The aim of the current work was to search for novel safe and effective approaches for enhancing transfection efficiency of nanoparticles formed from CPP and splice-correcting oligonucleotide (SCO) without increasing the concentration of peptide. We analyzed the effect of inclusion of calcium and magnesium ions into nanoparticles on CPP-mediated transfection in cell culture. We also studied the mechanism of such transfection as well as its efficiency, applicability in case of different cell lines, nucleic acid types and peptides, and possible limitations. We discovered a strong positive effect of these ions on transfection efficiency of SCO, that translated to enhanced synthesis of functional reporter protein. We observed significant changes in intracellular distribution and trafficking of nanoparticles formed by the addition of the ions, without increasing cytotoxicity. We propose a novel strategy for preparing CPP-oligonucleotide nanoparticles with enhanced efficiency and, thus, higher therapeutic potential. Our discovery may be translated to primary cell cultures and, possibly, in vivo studies, with the aim of increasing CPP-mediated transfection efficiency and the likelihood of using CPPs in clinics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Maloverjan
- Institute of Technology, University of Tartu, 1 Nooruse Street, 50411 Tartu, Estonia; (M.M.); (A.A.)
| | - Kärt Padari
- Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of Tartu, 23b Riia Street, 51010 Tartu, Estonia;
| | - Aare Abroi
- Institute of Technology, University of Tartu, 1 Nooruse Street, 50411 Tartu, Estonia; (M.M.); (A.A.)
| | - Ana Rebane
- Institute of Biomedicine and Translational Medicine, University of Tartu, 14b Ravila Street, 50411 Tartu, Estonia;
| | - Margus Pooga
- Institute of Technology, University of Tartu, 1 Nooruse Street, 50411 Tartu, Estonia; (M.M.); (A.A.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +372-737-4836
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15
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Hadianamrei R, Zhao X. Current state of the art in peptide-based gene delivery. J Control Release 2022; 343:600-619. [PMID: 35157938 DOI: 10.1016/j.jconrel.2022.02.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2021] [Revised: 02/07/2022] [Accepted: 02/08/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
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16
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Utilization of Cell-Penetrating Peptides for In Vivo Delivery of Bioactive Cargo: The Effect of Nanoparticle Formulation. Methods Mol Biol 2021. [PMID: 34766294 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-1752-6_16] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register]
Abstract
The efficacy of nanoparticle drugs necessitates the high bioactivity of constituents, but the distribution of the nanoparticles in organisms is mostly determined by their physical properties. Therefore, generation of stable particles with strictly defined characteristics is highly essential. Here we describe a formulation protocol of stable and homogenous CPP/pDNA nanoparticles for in vivo applications.
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17
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Tarvirdipour S, Skowicki M, Schoenenberger CA, Palivan CG. Peptide-Assisted Nucleic Acid Delivery Systems on the Rise. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:9092. [PMID: 34445799 PMCID: PMC8396486 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22169092] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2021] [Revised: 08/13/2021] [Accepted: 08/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Concerns associated with nanocarriers' therapeutic efficacy and side effects have led to the development of strategies to advance them into targeted and responsive delivery systems. Owing to their bioactivity and biocompatibility, peptides play a key role in these strategies and, thus, have been extensively studied in nanomedicine. Peptide-based nanocarriers, in particular, have burgeoned with advances in purely peptidic structures and in combinations of peptides, both native and modified, with polymers, lipids, and inorganic nanoparticles. In this review, we summarize advances on peptides promoting gene delivery systems. The efficacy of nucleic acid therapies largely depends on cell internalization and the delivery to subcellular organelles. Hence, the review focuses on nanocarriers where peptides are pivotal in ferrying nucleic acids to their site of action, with a special emphasis on peptides that assist anionic, water-soluble nucleic acids in crossing the membrane barriers they encounter on their way to efficient function. In a second part, we address how peptides advance nanoassembly delivery tools, such that they navigate delivery barriers and release their nucleic acid cargo at specific sites in a controlled fashion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shabnam Tarvirdipour
- Department of Chemistry, University of Basel, Mattenstrasse 24a, 4058 Basel, Switzerland; (S.T.); (M.S.)
- Department of Biosystem Science and Engineering, ETH Zurich, Mattenstrasse 26, 4058 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Michal Skowicki
- Department of Chemistry, University of Basel, Mattenstrasse 24a, 4058 Basel, Switzerland; (S.T.); (M.S.)
- NCCR-Molecular Systems Engineering, BPR1095, Mattenstrasse 24a, 4058 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Cora-Ann Schoenenberger
- Department of Chemistry, University of Basel, Mattenstrasse 24a, 4058 Basel, Switzerland; (S.T.); (M.S.)
- NCCR-Molecular Systems Engineering, BPR1095, Mattenstrasse 24a, 4058 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Cornelia G. Palivan
- Department of Chemistry, University of Basel, Mattenstrasse 24a, 4058 Basel, Switzerland; (S.T.); (M.S.)
- NCCR-Molecular Systems Engineering, BPR1095, Mattenstrasse 24a, 4058 Basel, Switzerland
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18
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Internalisation and Biological Activity of Nucleic Acids Delivering Cell-Penetrating Peptide Nanoparticles Is Controlled by the Biomolecular Corona. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2021; 14:ph14070667. [PMID: 34358093 PMCID: PMC8308718 DOI: 10.3390/ph14070667] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2021] [Revised: 07/06/2021] [Accepted: 07/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Nucleic acid molecules can be transferred into cells to alter gene expression and, thus, alleviate certain pathological conditions. Cell-penetrating peptides (CPPs) are vectors that can be used for transfecting nucleic acids as well as many other compounds. CPPs associate nucleic acids non-covalently, forming stable nanoparticles and providing efficient transfection of cells in vitro. However, in vivo, expected efficiency is achieved only in rare cases. One of the reasons for this discrepancy is the formation of protein corona around nanoparticles, once they are exposed to a biological environment, e.g., blood stream. In this study, we compared protein corona of CPP-nucleic acid nanoparticles formed in the presence of bovine, murine and human serum. We used Western blot and mass-spectrometry to identify the major constituents of protein corona forming around nanoparticles, showing that proteins involved in transport, haemostasis and complement system are its major components. We investigated physical features of nanoparticles and measured their biological efficiency in splice-correction assay. We showed that protein corona constituents might alter the fate of nanoparticles in vivo, e.g., by subjecting them to phagocytosis. We demonstrated that composition of protein corona of nanoparticles is species-specific that leads to dissimilar transfection efficiency and should be considered while developing delivery systems for nucleic acids.
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19
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Liaw J, Hsieh WH, Chiou SH, Huang YS, Chang SF. Assessment of the Oral Delivery of a Myelin Basic Protein Gene Promoter with Antiapoptotic bcl-x L (pMBP-bcl-x L) DNA by Cyclic Peptide Nanotubes with Two Aspect Ratios and Its Biodistribution in the Brain and Spinal Cord. Mol Pharm 2021; 18:2556-2573. [PMID: 34110176 DOI: 10.1021/acs.molpharmaceut.1c00057] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Cyclo-(D-Trp-Tyr) peptide nanotubes (PNTs) were reported to be potential carriers for oral gene delivery in our previous study; however, the effect of the aspect ratio (AR) of these PNTs on gene delivery in vivo could affect penetration or interception in biological environments. The aim of this study was to assess the feasibility of cyclo-(D-Trp-Tyr) PNTs with two ARs as carriers for oral pMBP-bcl-xL-hRluc delivery to the spinal cord to treat spinal cord injury (SCI). We evaluated the biodistribution of oligodendrocyte (OLG)-specific myelin basic protein gene promoter-driven antiapoptotic DNA (pMBP-bcl-xL) to the brain and spinal cord delivered with cyclo-(D-Trp-Tyr) PNTs with large (L) and small (S) PNTs with two ARs. After complex formation, the length, width, and AR of the L-PNTs/DNA were 77.86 ± 3.30, 6.51 ± 0.28, and 13.75 ± 7.29 μm, respectively, and the length and width of the S-PNTs/DNA were 1.17 ± 0.52 and 0.17 ± 0.05 μm, respectively, giving an AR of 7.12 ± 3.17 as detected by scanning electron microscopy. Each of these three parameters exhibited significant differences (p < 0.05) between L-PNTs/DNA and S-PNTs/DNA. However, there were no significant differences (p > 0.05) between the L-PNTs and S-PNTs for either their DNA encapsulation efficiency (29.72 ± 14.19 and 34.31 ± 16.78%, respectively) or loading efficiency (5.15 ± 2.58 and 5.95 ± 2.91%). The results of the in vitro analysis showed that the S-PNT/DNA complexes had a significantly higher DNA release rate and DNA permeation in the duodenum than the L-PNT/DNA complexes. Using Cy5 and TM-rhodamine to individually and chemically conjugate the PNTs with plasmid DNA, we observed, using laser confocal microscopy, that the PNTs and DNA colocalized in complexes. We further confirmed the complexation between DNA and the PNTs using fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET). Data from an in vivo imaging system (IVIS) showed that there was no significant difference (p > 0.05) in PNT distribution between L-PNTs/DNA and S-PNTs/DNA within 4 h. However, the S-PNT/DNA group had a significantly higher DNA distribution (p < 0.05) in several organs, including the ilium, heart, lungs, spleen, kidneys, testes, brain, and spinal cord. Finally, we determined the bcl-xL protein expression levels in the brain and spinal cord regions for the L-PNT/DNA and S-PNT/DNA complex formulations. These results suggested that either L-PNTs or S-PNTs may be used as potential carriers for oral gene delivery to treat SCI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiahorng Liaw
- School of Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 110, Taiwan
| | - Wei-Hsien Hsieh
- Department of Biotechnology and Pharmaceutical Technology, Yuanpei University of Medical Technology, Hsinchu 300, Taiwan
| | - Shih-Hsun Chiou
- School of Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 110, Taiwan
| | - Yu-Shan Huang
- School of Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 110, Taiwan
| | - Shwu-Fen Chang
- Graduate Institute of Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 111, Taiwan
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20
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Dutta K, Das R, Medeiros J, Kanjilal P, Thayumanavan S. Charge-Conversion Strategies for Nucleic Acid Delivery. ADVANCED FUNCTIONAL MATERIALS 2021; 31:2011103. [PMID: 35832306 PMCID: PMC9275120 DOI: 10.1002/adfm.202011103] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/24/2020] [Indexed: 05/05/2023]
Abstract
Nucleic acids are now considered as one of the most potent therapeutic modalities, as their roles go beyond storing genetic information and chemical energy or as signal transducer. Attenuation or expression of desired genes through nucleic acids have profound implications in gene therapy, gene editing and even in vaccine development for immunomodulation. Although nucleic acid therapeutics bring in overwhelming possibilities towards the development of molecular medicines, there are significant loopholes in designing and effective translation of these drugs into the clinic. One of the major pitfalls lies in the traditional design concepts for nucleic acid drug carriers, viz. cationic charge induced cytotoxicity in delivery pathway. Targeting this bottleneck, several pioneering research efforts have been devoted to design innovative carriers through charge-conversion approaches, whereby built-in functionalities convert from cationic to neutral or anionic, or even from anionic to cationic enabling the carrier to overcome several critical barriers for therapeutics delivery, such as serum deactivation, instability in circulation, low transfection and poor endosomal escape. This review will critically analyze various molecular designs of charge-converting nanocarriers in a classified approach for the successful delivery of nucleic acids. Accompanied by the narrative on recent clinical nucleic acid candidates, the review concludes with a discussion on the pitfalls and scope of these interesting approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kingshuk Dutta
- Department of Chemistry, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, Massachusetts 01003, United States
- Corteva Agriscience, 9330 Zionsville Road, Indianapolis 46268, United States
| | - Ritam Das
- Department of Chemistry, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, Massachusetts 01003, United States
- The Center for Bioactive Delivery- Institute for Applied Life Sciences, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, Massachusetts 01003, United States
| | - Jewel Medeiros
- Department of Chemistry, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, Massachusetts 01003, United States
- The Center for Bioactive Delivery- Institute for Applied Life Sciences, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, Massachusetts 01003, United States
| | - Pintu Kanjilal
- Department of Chemistry, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, Massachusetts 01003, United States
- The Center for Bioactive Delivery- Institute for Applied Life Sciences, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, Massachusetts 01003, United States
| | - S. Thayumanavan
- Department of Chemistry, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, Massachusetts 01003, United States
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, Massachusetts 01003, United States
- Molecular and Cellular Biology Program, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, Massachusetts 01003, United States
- The Center for Bioactive Delivery- Institute for Applied Life Sciences, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, Massachusetts 01003, United States
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21
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Peptide-Based Nanoparticles for Therapeutic Nucleic Acid Delivery. Biomedicines 2021; 9:biomedicines9050583. [PMID: 34065544 PMCID: PMC8161338 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines9050583] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2021] [Revised: 05/06/2021] [Accepted: 05/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Gene therapy offers the possibility to skip, repair, or silence faulty genes or to stimulate the immune system to fight against disease by delivering therapeutic nucleic acids (NAs) to a patient. Compared to other drugs or protein treatments, NA-based therapies have the advantage of being a more universal approach to designing therapies because of the versatility of NA design. NAs (siRNA, pDNA, or mRNA) have great potential for therapeutic applications for an immense number of indications. However, the delivery of these exogenous NAs is still challenging and requires a specific delivery system. In this context, beside other non-viral vectors, cell-penetrating peptides (CPPs) gain more and more interest as delivery systems by forming a variety of nanocomplexes depending on the formulation conditions and the properties of the used CPPs/NAs. In this review, we attempt to cover the most important biophysical and biological aspects of non-viral peptide-based nanoparticles (PBNs) for therapeutic nucleic acid formulations as a delivery system. The most relevant peptides or peptide families forming PBNs in the presence of NAs described since 2015 will be presented. All these PBNs able to deliver NAs in vitro and in vivo have common features, which are characterized by defined formulation conditions in order to obtain PBNs from 60 nm to 150 nm with a homogeneous dispersity (PdI lower than 0.3) and a positive charge between +10 mV and +40 mV.
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22
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van Asbeck AH, Dieker J, Oude Egberink R, van den Berg L, van der Vlag J, Brock R. Protein Expression Correlates Linearly with mRNA Dose over Up to Five Orders of Magnitude In Vitro and In Vivo. Biomedicines 2021; 9:biomedicines9050511. [PMID: 34063094 PMCID: PMC8148180 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines9050511] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2021] [Revised: 04/17/2021] [Accepted: 04/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Messenger RNA is rapidly gaining significance as a therapeutic modality. Here, we address the dependence of dose-response functions on the type of delivery vehicle, cell line, and incubation time. Knowledge of these characteristics is crucial for the application of mRNA. As delivery vehicles, a lipid-based formulation and the cell-penetrating peptide Pepfect14 (PF14) were employed. As cell lines, we included a glomerular endothelial cell line (mGEnC) as a model for differentiated cells, HeLa cells, and SKOV-3 ovarian carcinoma cells. Uptake and expression were detected by flow cytometry, using a Cy5-labelled mRNA coding for enhanced green fluorescent protein (EGFP). There was a linear correlation of dose, uptake, and expression, and this correlation was maintained for over up to 72 h. Through application of a multistep kinetic model, we show that differences in expression levels can already be explained by the number of mRNAs packaged per delivery vehicle. Using luciferase as a reporter protein, linearity of expression was observed over 5 orders of magnitude in vitro and 3 orders of magnitude in vivo. Overall, the results demonstrate that mRNA provides excellent quantitative control over protein expression, also over extended periods of time.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander H. van Asbeck
- Department of Biochemistry, Radboud Institute for Molecular Life Sciences (RIMLS), Radboud University Medical Center, 6525 GA Nijmegen, The Netherlands; (A.H.v.A.); (J.D.); (R.O.E.); (L.v.d.B.)
| | - Jürgen Dieker
- Department of Biochemistry, Radboud Institute for Molecular Life Sciences (RIMLS), Radboud University Medical Center, 6525 GA Nijmegen, The Netherlands; (A.H.v.A.); (J.D.); (R.O.E.); (L.v.d.B.)
| | - Rik Oude Egberink
- Department of Biochemistry, Radboud Institute for Molecular Life Sciences (RIMLS), Radboud University Medical Center, 6525 GA Nijmegen, The Netherlands; (A.H.v.A.); (J.D.); (R.O.E.); (L.v.d.B.)
| | - Lennard van den Berg
- Department of Biochemistry, Radboud Institute for Molecular Life Sciences (RIMLS), Radboud University Medical Center, 6525 GA Nijmegen, The Netherlands; (A.H.v.A.); (J.D.); (R.O.E.); (L.v.d.B.)
| | - Johan van der Vlag
- Department of Nephrology, Radboud Institute for Molecular Life Sciences (RIMLS), Radboud University Medical Center, 6525 GA Nijmegen, The Netherlands;
| | - Roland Brock
- Department of Biochemistry, Radboud Institute for Molecular Life Sciences (RIMLS), Radboud University Medical Center, 6525 GA Nijmegen, The Netherlands; (A.H.v.A.); (J.D.); (R.O.E.); (L.v.d.B.)
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, College of Medicine and Medical Science, Arabian Gulf University, Manama 293, Kingdom of Bahrain
- Correspondence:
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23
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Tai J, Lee K, Kim TH. Current Perspective on Nasal Delivery Systems for Chronic Rhinosinusitis. Pharmaceutics 2021; 13:246. [PMID: 33578812 PMCID: PMC7916625 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics13020246] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2021] [Revised: 02/02/2021] [Accepted: 02/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Chronic rhinosinusitis is an upper respiratory disease during which topical drug treatment via the nasal cavity is the most actively utilized therapeutic strategy. In addition to steroids, antibiotics, and antifungal agents, which are widely used in clinical practice, research on novel topical agents to improve the bacterial biofilm or mucociliary clearance remains ongoing. Moreover, owing to the complex structure of the nasal cavity, the effects of nasal drug delivery vary depending on factors related to delivery fluid dynamics, including device, volume, and compounds. In this article, we review methods and compounds that have been applied to chronic rhinosinusitis management and introduce recent advances and future perspectives in nasal drug delivery for upper respiratory diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Tae Hoon Kim
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery, College of Medicine, Korea University, Seoul 02841, Korea; (J.T.); (K.L.)
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24
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Kim GC, Cheon DH, Lee Y. Challenge to overcome current limitations of cell-penetrating peptides. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA-PROTEINS AND PROTEOMICS 2021; 1869:140604. [PMID: 33453413 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbapap.2021.140604] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2020] [Revised: 12/21/2020] [Accepted: 01/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
The penetration of biological membranes is a prime obstacle for the delivery of pharmaceutical drugs. Cell-penetrating peptide (CPP) is an efficient vehicle that can deliver various cargos across the biological membranes. Since the discovery, CPPs have been rigorously studied to unveil the underlying penetrating mechanism as well as to exploit CPPs for various biomedical applications. This review will focus on the various strategies to overcome current limitations regarding stability, selectivity, and efficacy of CPPs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gyu Chan Kim
- Department of Chemistry, Seoul National University, Seoul 151-742, Republic of Korea
| | - Dae Hee Cheon
- Department of Chemistry, Seoul National University, Seoul 151-742, Republic of Korea
| | - Yan Lee
- Department of Chemistry, Seoul National University, Seoul 151-742, Republic of Korea.
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25
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Porosk L, Gaidutšik I, Langel Ü. Approaches for the discovery of new cell-penetrating peptides. Expert Opin Drug Discov 2020; 16:553-565. [PMID: 33874824 DOI: 10.1080/17460441.2021.1851187] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/09/2023]
Abstract
Introduction: The capability of cell-penetrating peptides (CPP), also known as protein transduction domains (PTD), to enter into cells possibly with an attached cargo, makes their application as delivery vectors or as direct therapeutics compelling. They are generally biocompatible, nontoxic, and easy to synthesize and modify. Three decades after the discovery of the first CPPs, ~2,000 CPP sequences have been identified, and many more predicted. Nevertheless, the field has a strong commitment to authenticate new, more efficient, and specific CPPs.Areas covered: Although a scattering of CPPs have been found by chance, various systematic approaches have been developed and refined over the years to directly aid the identification and depiction of new peptide-based delivery vectors or therapeutics. Here, the authors give an overview of CPPs, and review various approaches of discovering new ones. An emphasis is placed on in silico methods, as these have advanced rapidly in recent years.Expert opinion: Although there are many known CPPs, there is a need to find more efficient and specific CPPs. Several approaches are used to identify such sequences. The success of these approaches depends on the advancement of others and the successful prediction of CPP sequences relies on experimental data.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ly Porosk
- Institute of Technology, University of Tartu, Tartu, Estonia
| | - Ilja Gaidutšik
- Institute of Technology, University of Tartu, Tartu, Estonia
| | - Ülo Langel
- Department Biochemistry and Biophysics, Stockholm University, Stockholm, Sweden
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26
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Khan MM, Filipczak N, Torchilin VP. Cell penetrating peptides: A versatile vector for co-delivery of drug and genes in cancer. J Control Release 2020; 330:1220-1228. [PMID: 33248708 DOI: 10.1016/j.jconrel.2020.11.028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 78] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2020] [Revised: 11/09/2020] [Accepted: 11/15/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Biological barriers hamper the efficient delivery of drugs and genes to targeted sites. Cell penetrating peptides (CPP) have the ability to rapidly internalize across biological membranes. CPP have been effective for delivery of various chemotherapeutic agents used to combat cancer. CPP can enhance delivery of drugs to a targeted site when combined with tumor targeting peptides. CPP can be linked with various cargos like nanoparticles, micelles and liposomes to deliver drugs and genes to the cancer cell. Here, we focus on CPP mediated delivery of drugs to the tumor sites, delivery of genes (siRNA,pDNA) and co-delivery of drugs and genes to combat drug resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muhammad Muzamil Khan
- Center for Pharmaceutical Biotechnology and Nanomedicines, Northeastern University, Boston, MA 02115, USA; Department of Pharmacy, The Islamia University of Bahawalpur, Pakistan.
| | - Nina Filipczak
- Center for Pharmaceutical Biotechnology and Nanomedicines, Northeastern University, Boston, MA 02115, USA; Departments of Lipids and Liposomes, Faculty of Biotechnology, University of Wroclaw, 50-383 Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Vladimir P Torchilin
- Center for Pharmaceutical Biotechnology and Nanomedicines, Northeastern University, Boston, MA 02115, USA; Department of Oncology, Radiotherapy and Plastic Surgery I.M. Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University (Sechenov University), Moscow, Russia.
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27
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Kurrikoff K, Vunk B, Langel Ü. Status update in the use of cell-penetrating peptides for the delivery of macromolecular therapeutics. Expert Opin Biol Ther 2020; 21:361-370. [PMID: 32938243 DOI: 10.1080/14712598.2021.1823368] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION In this review, recent developments and applications with cell-penetrating peptides (CPP) are discussed. CPPs are widely used tools for the delivery of various macromolecular therapeutics, such as proteins and nucleic acids. AREAS COVERED The current review focuses on recent important advances and reports that demonstrate high clinical and translational potential. Most important clinical developments have occurred with the CPP-drug conjugate approaches that target various protein-protein interactions, and these have been highlighted subsequently. Most of the applications are targeting cancer, but recently, noteworthy advances have taken place in the field of antisense oligonucleotides and muscular dystrophies, lung targeting, and trans-BBB targeting. EXPERT OPINION Successful applications and clinical development with the drug conjugate approaches are discussed. On the other hand, the reasons of why the nanoparticle approaches are not as far in development are analyzed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kaido Kurrikoff
- University of Tartu, Institute of Technology, Tartu, Estonia
| | - Birgit Vunk
- University of Tartu, Institute of Technology, Tartu, Estonia
| | - Ülo Langel
- University of Tartu, Institute of Technology, Tartu, Estonia.,Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Stockholm University, Stockholm, Sweden
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28
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NickFect type of cell-penetrating peptides present enhanced efficiency for microRNA-146a delivery into dendritic cells and during skin inflammation. Biomaterials 2020; 262:120316. [PMID: 32896817 DOI: 10.1016/j.biomaterials.2020.120316] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2020] [Revised: 08/06/2020] [Accepted: 08/10/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are post-transcriptional gene expression regulators with potential therapeutic applications. miR-146a is a negative regulator of inflammatory processes in both tissue-resident and specialized immune cells and may therefore have therapeutic effect in inflammatory skin diseases. PepFect (PF) and NickFect (NF) type of cell-penetrating peptides (CPPs) have previously been shown to deliver miRNA mimics and/or siRNAs into cell cultures and in vivo. Here, we first demonstrate that selected PF- and NF-type of CPPs support delivery of fluorescent labelled miRNA mimics into keratinocytes (KCs) and dendritic cells (DCs). Second, we show that both PF- and NF-miR-146a nanocomplexes were equally effective in KCs, while NFs were more efficient in DCs as assessed by downregulation of miR-146a-influenced genes. None of miRNA nanocomplexes with the tested CPPs influenced the viability of KCs and DCs nor caused activation of DCs according to CD86 and CD83 markers. Transmission electron microscopy analysis with Nanogold-labelled miR-146a mimics and assessment of endocytic trafficking pathways revealed endocytosis as an active route of delivery in both KCs and DCs for all tested CPPs. However, consistent with the higher efficiency, NF-delivered miR-146a was detected more often outside endosomes in DCs. Finally, pre-injection of NF71:miR-146a nanocomplexes was confirmed to suppress inflammatory responses in a mouse model of irritant contact dermatitis as shown by reduced ear swelling response and downregulation of pro-inflammatory cytokines, including IL-6, IL-1β, IL-33 and TNF-α. In conclusion, NF71 efficiently delivers miRNA mimics into KCs as well as DCs, and therefore may have advantage in therapeutic delivery of miRNAs in case of inflammatory skin diseases.
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Gestin M, Helmfors H, Falato L, Lorenzon N, Michalakis FI, Langel Ü. Effect of small molecule signaling in PepFect14 transfection. PLoS One 2020; 15:e0228189. [PMID: 31999754 PMCID: PMC6992163 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0228189] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2019] [Accepted: 01/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Cell-penetrating peptides can be used to deliver oligonucleotide-based cargoes into cells. Previous studies have shown that the use of small molecule drugs could be an efficient method to increase the efficacy of delivery of oligonucleotides by cell-penetrating peptides either as targeting agents that can be used in formulation with the cell-penetrating peptide and its cargo or as cell signaling modulators that facilitates the cellular uptake of the treatment. This study presents two aims. The first aim is the identification of small molecule drugs that would induce a synergic effect on the transfection of splice correcting oligonucleotides assisted by PepFect14. The second aim is to identify the mechanisms behind the effect of small molecule drugs modulation of cell-penetrating peptide assisted transfection of oligonucleotides. Through an optimized, high-throughput luciferase assay for short oligonucleotide delivery using cell-penetrating peptides, and the simultaneous addition of a small molecule drug library, we show that three small molecule drugs (MPEP, VU0357121 and Ciproxifan) induced an increase in the transfection efficacy of PepFect14 in complex with a short single-stranded oligonucleotide in HeLa pLuc705 cells. These three drugs are described in the literature to be highly specific for their respective target receptors. However, none of those receptors are expressed in our cell line, indicating a yet non-described pathway of action for these small molecules. We show that the indicated small molecules, without interfering with the particles formed by PepFect14 and the oligonucleotide, interfere via still unidentified interactions in cell signaling, leading to an up-regulation of endocytosis and a higher efficacy in the delivery of short splice correcting oligonucleotides in complex with PepFect14.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maxime Gestin
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Stockholm University, Stockholm, Sweden
- * E-mail:
| | - Henrik Helmfors
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Stockholm University, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Luca Falato
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Stockholm University, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Nicola Lorenzon
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Stockholm University, Stockholm, Sweden
| | | | - Ülo Langel
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Stockholm University, Stockholm, Sweden
- Laboratory of Molecular Biotechnology, Institute of Technology, University of Tartu, Nooruse, Tartu, Estonia
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Kurrikoff K, Freimann K, Veiman KL, Peets EM, Piirsoo A, Langel Ü. Effective lung-targeted RNAi in mice with peptide-based delivery of nucleic acid. Sci Rep 2019; 9:19926. [PMID: 31882941 PMCID: PMC6934651 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-56455-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2019] [Accepted: 11/29/2019] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
We have previously developed efficient peptide-based nucleic acid delivery vectors PF14 and NF55, where we have shown that these vectors preferentially transfect lung tissue upon systemic administration with the nucleic acid. In the current work, we have explored the utilization and potential of these vectors for the lung-targeted gene therapy. Accordingly, we assessed the efficacy of these peptides in (i) two different lung disease models - acute lung inflammation and asthma in mice and (ii) using two different nucleic acid cargos - siRNA and pDNA encoding shRNA. Using RNAi against cytokine TNFα, we showed efficient anti-inflammatory effects in both disease models and observed decreased disease symptoms. Our results highlight the potential of our transfection vectors for lung gene therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kaido Kurrikoff
- Institute of Technology, University of Tartu, Nooruse 1, 50411, Tartu, Estonia.
| | - Krista Freimann
- Institute of Technology, University of Tartu, Nooruse 1, 50411, Tartu, Estonia
| | - Kadi-Liis Veiman
- Institute of Technology, University of Tartu, Nooruse 1, 50411, Tartu, Estonia
| | - Elin Madli Peets
- Institute of Technology, University of Tartu, Nooruse 1, 50411, Tartu, Estonia
| | - Andres Piirsoo
- Institute of Technology, University of Tartu, Nooruse 1, 50411, Tartu, Estonia
| | - Ülo Langel
- Institute of Technology, University of Tartu, Nooruse 1, 50411, Tartu, Estonia
- Department Biochemistry and Biophysics, Stockholm University, S. Arrheniusv 16B, SE-106 91, Stockholm, Sweden
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Kim Y, Hwang S, Khalmuratova R, Kang S, Lee M, Song Y, Park JW, Yu J, Shin HW, Lee Y. α-Helical cell-penetrating peptide-mediated nasal delivery of resveratrol for inhibition of epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition. J Control Release 2019; 317:181-194. [PMID: 31785303 DOI: 10.1016/j.jconrel.2019.11.034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2019] [Revised: 11/21/2019] [Accepted: 11/26/2019] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
In the present study, we examined the potential of cell-penetrating peptide (CPP)-based intranasal drug delivery for the treatment of localized nasal diseases. Many charged or non-hydrophobic drugs have difficulty penetrating into the nasal epithelium due to intrinsic membrane impermeability and rapid mucociliary clearance in the nasal cavity. To treat chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (CRSwNP), one of the most common localized nasal diseases, we conjugated resveratrol (RSV) to an amphiphilic α-helical leucine (L)- and lysine (K)-rich CPP (LK) and intranasally delivered it to the interior of nasal epithelial cells for inhibiting epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) caused by hypoxia-inducible factor 1α. The RSV-LK conjugate could penetrate into the nasal epithelium and efficiently inhibit EMT, nasal polyp formation, epithelial disruption, and related inflammation in an eosinophilic CRSwNP mouse model, at 10-fold lower doses and with 3-fold less frequent administration than free RSV. Due to the rapid penetration into the nasal epithelium and the therapeutic effect of the RSV-LK conjugate at much lower doses than free RSV, this CPP-based delivery system, with the ability to overcome the tight nasal epithelial barrier, may provide a new strategy for the treatment of localized nasal diseases without the systemic side effects of cargo drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yumin Kim
- Department of Chemistry, College of Natural Sciences, Seoul National University, Seoul 08826, Republic of Korea
| | - Soyoung Hwang
- Obstructive Upper airway Research (OUaR) Laboratory, Department of Pharmacology, College of Medicine, Seoul National University, Seoul 03080, Republic of Korea; Department of Biomedical Sciences, Seoul National University Graduate School, Seoul 03080, Republic of Korea
| | - Roza Khalmuratova
- Obstructive Upper airway Research (OUaR) Laboratory, Department of Pharmacology, College of Medicine, Seoul National University, Seoul 03080, Republic of Korea
| | - Sunah Kang
- Department of Chemistry, College of Natural Sciences, Seoul National University, Seoul 08826, Republic of Korea
| | - Mingyu Lee
- Obstructive Upper airway Research (OUaR) Laboratory, Department of Pharmacology, College of Medicine, Seoul National University, Seoul 03080, Republic of Korea; Department of Biomedical Sciences, Seoul National University Graduate School, Seoul 03080, Republic of Korea
| | - Youngjun Song
- Department of Chemistry, College of Natural Sciences, Seoul National University, Seoul 08826, Republic of Korea
| | - Jong-Wan Park
- Obstructive Upper airway Research (OUaR) Laboratory, Department of Pharmacology, College of Medicine, Seoul National University, Seoul 03080, Republic of Korea; Department of Biomedical Sciences, Seoul National University Graduate School, Seoul 03080, Republic of Korea; Ischemic/Hypoxic Disease Institute, College of Medicine, Seoul National University, Seoul 03080, Republic of Korea; Cancer Research Institute, College of Medicine, Seoul National University, Seoul 03080, Republic of Korea
| | - Jaehoon Yu
- Department of Chemistry and Education, College of Education, Seoul National University, Seoul 08826, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyun-Woo Shin
- Obstructive Upper airway Research (OUaR) Laboratory, Department of Pharmacology, College of Medicine, Seoul National University, Seoul 03080, Republic of Korea; Department of Biomedical Sciences, Seoul National University Graduate School, Seoul 03080, Republic of Korea; Ischemic/Hypoxic Disease Institute, College of Medicine, Seoul National University, Seoul 03080, Republic of Korea; Cancer Research Institute, College of Medicine, Seoul National University, Seoul 03080, Republic of Korea; Department of Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul 03080, Republic of Korea.
| | - Yan Lee
- Department of Chemistry, College of Natural Sciences, Seoul National University, Seoul 08826, Republic of Korea.
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Zhang P, Jian C, Jian S, Zhang Q, Sun X, Nie L, Liu B, Li F, Li J, Liu M, Liang S, Zeng Y, Liu Z. Position Effect of Fatty Acid Modification on the Cytotoxicity and Antimetastasis Potential of the Cytotoxic Peptide Lycosin-I. J Med Chem 2019; 62:11108-11118. [DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.9b01126] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
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Affiliation(s)
- Kaido Kurrikoff
- University of Tartu, Institute of Technology, Tartu, Estonia
| | - Ülo Langel
- University of Tartu, Institute of Technology, Tartu, Estonia
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Stockholm University, Stockholm, Sweden
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Peptide-mediated delivery of therapeutic mRNA in ovarian cancer. Eur J Pharm Biopharm 2019; 141:180-190. [PMID: 31103743 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejpb.2019.05.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2019] [Revised: 05/13/2019] [Accepted: 05/15/2019] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Ovarian cancer is the most lethal gynecological malignancy in the developed world. In spite of intensive research, the mortality has hardly decreased over the past twenty years. This necessitates the exploration of novel therapeutic modalities. Transient protein expression through delivery of mRNA is emerging as a highly promising option. In contrast to gene therapy there is no risk of integration into the genome. Here, we explore the expression of mRNA in models of ovarian cancer of increasing complexity. The cell-penetrating peptide (CPP) PepFect 14 (PF14) was used to formulate CPP-mRNA nanoparticles. Efficient expression of a reporter protein was achieved in two-dimensional tissue cultures and in three-dimensional cancer cell spheroids. PF14 nanoparticles greatly outperformed a lipid-based transfection agent in vivo, leading to expression in various cell types of tumor associated tissue. Protein expression was restricted to the peritoneal cavity. Messenger RNA expression across different cell types was confirmed in primary ovarian cancer explants. As ovarian cancer is confined to the peritoneal cavity in most cases, the results create the basis for applications in which the tumor microenvironment is transiently modified through protein expression.
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