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Hosseini K, Fallahi J, Razban V, Sirat RZ, Varasteh M, Tarhriz V. Overview of clinical, molecular, and therapeutic features of Niemann-Pick disease (types A, B, and C): Focus on therapeutic approaches. Cell Biochem Funct 2024; 42:e4028. [PMID: 38715125 DOI: 10.1002/cbf.4028] [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: 01/20/2024] [Revised: 04/16/2024] [Accepted: 04/25/2024] [Indexed: 06/30/2024]
Abstract
Niemann-Pick disease (NPD) is another type of metabolic disorder that is classified as lysosomal storage diseases (LSDs). The main cause of the disease is mutation in the SMPD1 (type A and B) or NPC1 or NPC2 (type C) genes, which lead to the accumulation of lipid substrates in the lysosomes of the liver, brain, spleen, lung, and bone marrow cells. This is followed by multiple cell damage, dysfunction of lysosomes, and finally dysfunction of body organs. So far, about 346, 575, and 30 mutations have been reported in SMPD1, NPC1, and NPC2 genes, respectively. Depending on the type of mutation and the clinical symptoms of the disease, the treatment will be different. The general aim of the current study is to review the clinical and molecular characteristics of patients with NPD and study various treatment methods for this disease with a focus on gene therapy approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kamran Hosseini
- Student Research Committee, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Advanced Medical Sciences and Technologies, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Jafar Fallahi
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Advanced Medical Sciences and Technologies, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Vahid Razban
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Advanced Medical Sciences and Technologies, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
- Stem Cells Technology Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | | | | | - Vahideh Tarhriz
- Cardiovascular Center of Excellence, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, New Orleans, Louisiana, USA
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2
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Meenakshi Sundaram DN, Bahadur K C R, Fu W, Uludağ H. An optimized polymeric delivery system for piggyBac transposition. Biotechnol Bioeng 2024; 121:1503-1517. [PMID: 38372658 DOI: 10.1002/bit.28665] [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: 09/30/2023] [Revised: 12/14/2023] [Accepted: 01/17/2024] [Indexed: 02/20/2024]
Abstract
The piggyBac transposon/transposase system has been explored for long-term, stable gene expression to execute genomic integration of therapeutic genes, thus emerging as a strong alternative to viral transduction. Most studies with piggyBac transposition have employed physical methods for successful delivery of the necessary components of the piggyBac system into the cells. Very few studies have explored polymeric gene delivery systems. In this short communication, we report an effective delivery system based on low molecular polyethylenimine polymer with lipid substitution (PEI-L) capable of delivering three components, (i) a piggyBac transposon plasmid DNA carrying a gene encoding green fluorescence protein (PB-GFP), (ii) a piggyBac transposase plasmid DNA or mRNA, and (iii) a 2 kDa polyacrylic acid as additive for transfection enhancement, all in a single complex. We demonstrate an optimized formulation for stable GFP expression in two model cell lines, MDA-MB-231 and SUM149 recorded till day 108 (3.5 months) and day 43 (1.4 months), respectively, following a single treatment with very low cell number as starting material. Moreover, the stability of the transgene (GFP) expression mediated by piggyBac/PEI-L transposition was retained following three consecutive cryopreservation cycles. The success of this study highlights the feasibility and potential of employing a polymeric delivery system to obtain piggyBac-based stable expression of therapeutic genes.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Remant Bahadur K C
- Department of Chemical and Materials Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Wei Fu
- Institute of Pediatric Translational Medicine, Shanghai Children's Medical Center, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Hasan Uludağ
- Department of Chemical and Materials Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
- Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
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3
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Körbelin J, Arrulo A, Schwaninger M. Gene therapy targeting the blood-brain barrier. VITAMINS AND HORMONES 2024; 126:191-217. [PMID: 39029973 DOI: 10.1016/bs.vh.2024.03.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/21/2024]
Abstract
Endothelial cells are the building blocks of vessels in the central nervous system (CNS) and form the blood-brain barrier (BBB). An intact BBB limits permeation of large hydrophilic molecules into the CNS. Thus, the healthy BBB is a major obstacle for the treatment of CNS disorders with antibodies, recombinant proteins or viral vectors. Several strategies have been devised to overcome the barrier. A key principle often consists in attaching the therapeutic compound to a ligand of receptors expressed on the BBB, for example, the transferrin receptor (TfR). The fusion molecule will bind to TfR on the luminal side of brain endothelial cells, pass the endothelial layer by transcytosis and be delivered to the brain parenchyma. However, attempts to endow therapeutic compounds with the ability to cross the BBB can be difficult to implement. An alternative and possibly more straight-forward approach is to produce therapeutic proteins in the endothelial cells that form the barrier. These cells are accessible from blood circulation and have a large interface with the brain parenchyma. They may be an ideal production site for therapeutic protein and afford direct supply to the CNS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jakob Körbelin
- Department of Oncology, Hematology and Bone Marrow Transplantation, UKE Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Adriana Arrulo
- Institute for Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology, Center of Brain, Behavior and Metabolism, University of Lübeck, Lübeck, Germany
| | - Markus Schwaninger
- Institute for Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology, Center of Brain, Behavior and Metabolism, University of Lübeck, Lübeck, Germany; DZHK (German Research Centre for Cardiovascular Research), Hamburg-Lübeck-Kiel, Germany.
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4
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Ahmad I, Fatemi SN, Ghaheri M, Rezvani A, Khezri DA, Natami M, Yasamineh S, Gholizadeh O, Bahmanyar Z. An overview of the role of Niemann-pick C1 (NPC1) in viral infections and inhibition of viral infections through NPC1 inhibitor. Cell Commun Signal 2023; 21:352. [PMID: 38098077 PMCID: PMC10722723 DOI: 10.1186/s12964-023-01376-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2023] [Accepted: 11/01/2023] [Indexed: 12/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Viruses communicate with their hosts through interactions with proteins, lipids, and carbohydrate moieties on the plasma membrane (PM), often resulting in viral absorption via receptor-mediated endocytosis. Many viruses cannot multiply unless the host's cholesterol level remains steady. The large endo/lysosomal membrane protein (MP) Niemann-Pick C1 (NPC1), which is involved in cellular cholesterol transport, is a crucial intracellular receptor for viral infection. NPC1 is a ubiquitous housekeeping protein essential for the controlled cholesterol efflux from lysosomes. Its human absence results in Niemann-Pick type C disease, a deadly lysosomal storage disorder. NPC1 is a crucial viral receptor and an essential host component for filovirus entrance, infection, and pathogenesis. For filovirus entrance, NPC1's cellular function is unnecessary. Furthermore, blocking NPC1 limits the entry and replication of the African swine fever virus by disrupting cholesterol homeostasis. Cell entrance of quasi-enveloped variants of hepatitis A virus and hepatitis E virus has also been linked to NPC1. By controlling cholesterol levels, NPC1 is also necessary for the effective release of reovirus cores into the cytoplasm. Drugs that limit NPC1's activity are effective against several viruses, including SARS-CoV and Type I Feline Coronavirus (F-CoV). These findings reveal NPC1 as a potential therapeutic target for treating viral illnesses and demonstrate its significance for several viral infections. This article provides a synopsis of NPC1's function in viral infections and a review of NPC1 inhibitors that may be used to counteract viral infections. Video Abstract.
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Affiliation(s)
- Irfan Ahmad
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Sciences, College of Applied Medical Sciences, King Khalid University, Abha, Saudi Arabia
| | | | - Mohammad Ghaheri
- Student Research Committee, Alborz University of Medical Sciences, Karaj, Iran
| | - Ali Rezvani
- Anesthesiology Department, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, USA
| | - Dorsa Azizi Khezri
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mohammad Natami
- Department of Urology, Shahid Mohammadi Hospital, Hormozgan University of Medical Sciences, Bandar Abbas, Iran
| | | | | | - Zahra Bahmanyar
- School of Pharmacy, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran.
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Mwema A, Muccioli GG, des Rieux A. Innovative drug delivery strategies to the CNS for the treatment of multiple sclerosis. J Control Release 2023; 364:435-457. [PMID: 37926243 DOI: 10.1016/j.jconrel.2023.10.052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2023] [Revised: 10/05/2023] [Accepted: 10/31/2023] [Indexed: 11/07/2023]
Abstract
Disorders of the central nervous system (CNS), such as multiple sclerosis (MS) represent a great emotional, financial and social burden. Despite intense efforts, great unmet medical needs remain in that field. MS is an autoimmune, chronic inflammatory demyelinating disease with no curative treatment up to date. The current therapies mostly act in the periphery and seek to modulate aberrant immune responses as well as slow down the progression of the disease. Some of these therapies are associated with adverse effects related partly to their administration route and show some limitations due to their rapid clearance and inability to reach the CNS. The scientific community have recently focused their research on developing MS therapies targeting different processes within the CNS. However, delivery of therapeutics to the CNS is mainly limited by the presence of the blood-brain barrier (BBB). Therefore, there is a pressing need to develop new drug delivery strategies that ensure CNS availability to capitalize on identified therapeutic targets. Several approaches have been developed to overcome or bypass the BBB and increase delivery of therapeutics to the CNS. Among these strategies, the use of alternative routes of administration, such as the nose-to-brain (N2B) pathway, offers a promising non-invasive option in the scope of MS, as it would allow a direct transport of the drugs from the nasal cavity to the brain. Moreover, the combination of bioactive molecules within nanocarriers bring forth new opportunities for MS therapies, allowing and/or increasing their transport to the CNS. Here we will review and discuss these alternative administration routes as well as the nanocarrier approaches useful to deliver drugs for MS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ariane Mwema
- Université catholique de Louvain, UCLouvain, Louvain Drug Research Institute, Advanced Drug Delivery and Biomaterials, Avenue E. Mounier 73, 1200 Brussels, Belgium; Université catholique de Louvain, UCLouvain, Louvain Drug Research Institute, Bioanalysis and Pharmacology of Bioactive Lipids, Avenue E. Mounier 72, 1200 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Giulio G Muccioli
- Université catholique de Louvain, UCLouvain, Louvain Drug Research Institute, Bioanalysis and Pharmacology of Bioactive Lipids, Avenue E. Mounier 72, 1200 Brussels, Belgium.
| | - Anne des Rieux
- Université catholique de Louvain, UCLouvain, Louvain Drug Research Institute, Advanced Drug Delivery and Biomaterials, Avenue E. Mounier 73, 1200 Brussels, Belgium.
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Bao Y, Lu W. Targeting cerebral diseases with enhanced delivery of therapeutic proteins across the blood-brain barrier. Expert Opin Drug Deliv 2023; 20:1681-1698. [PMID: 36945117 DOI: 10.1080/17425247.2023.2193390] [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: 01/14/2023] [Accepted: 03/16/2023] [Indexed: 03/23/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Cerebral diseases have been threatening public physical and psychological health in the recent years. With the existence of the blood-brain barrier (BBB), it is particularly hard for therapeutic proteins like peptides, enzymes, antibodies, etc. to enter the central nervous system (CNS) and function in diagnosis and treatment in cerebral diseases. Fortunately, the past decade has witnessed some emerging strategies of delivering macromolecular therapeutic proteins across the BBB. AREAS COVERED Based on the structure, functions, and substances transport mechanisms, various enhanced delivery strategies of therapeutic proteins were reviewed, categorized by molecule-mediated delivery strategies, carrier-mediated delivery strategies, and other delivery strategies. EXPERT OPINION As for molecule-mediated delivery strategies, development of genetic engineering technology, optimization of protein expression and purification techniques, and mature of quality control systems all help to realize large-scale production of recombinant antibodies, making it possible to apply to the clinical practice. In terms of carrier-mediated delivery strategies and others, although nano-carriers/adeno-associated virus (AAV) are also promising candidates for delivering therapeutic proteins or genes across the BBB, some issues still remain to be further investigated, including safety concerns related to applied materials, large-scale production costs, quality control standards, combination therapies with auxiliary delivery strategies like focused ultrasound, etc.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanning Bao
- Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmacy, Fudan University & Key Laboratory of Smart Drug Delivery (Fudan University), Ministry of Education, Shanghai, China
| | - Weiyue Lu
- Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmacy, Fudan University & Key Laboratory of Smart Drug Delivery (Fudan University), Ministry of Education, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Engineering Technology Research Center for Pharmaceutical Intelligent Equipment, and Shanghai Frontiers Science Center for Druggability of Cardiovascular non-coding RNA, Institute for Frontier Medical Technology, Shanghai University of Engineering Science, Shanghai, China
- Department of Research and Development, Shanghai Tayzen PharmLab Co., Ltd. Lingang of Shanghai, China
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Wallen M, Aqil F, Spencer W, Gupta RC. Exosomes as an Emerging Plasmid Delivery Vehicle for Gene Therapy. Pharmaceutics 2023; 15:1832. [PMID: 37514019 PMCID: PMC10384126 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics15071832] [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: 05/18/2023] [Revised: 06/09/2023] [Accepted: 06/15/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Despite its introduction more than three decades ago, gene therapy has fallen short of its expected potential for the treatment of a broad spectrum of diseases and continues to lack widespread clinical use. The fundamental limitation in clinical translatability of this therapeutic modality has always been an effective delivery system that circumvents degradation of the therapeutic nucleic acids, ensuring they reach the intended disease target. Plasmid DNA (pDNA) for the purpose of introducing exogenous genes presents an additional challenge due to its size and potential immunogenicity. Current pDNA methods include naked pDNA accompanied by electroporation or ultrasound, liposomes, other nanoparticles, and cell-penetrating peptides, to name a few. While the topic of numerous reviews, each of these methods has its own unique set of limitations, side effects, and efficacy concerns. In this review, we highlight emerging uses of exosomes for the delivery of pDNA for gene therapy. We specifically focus on bovine milk and colostrum-derived exosomes as a nano-delivery "platform". Milk/colostrum represents an abundant, scalable, and cost-effective natural source of exosomes that can be loaded with nucleic acids for targeted delivery to a variety of tissue types in the body. These nanoparticles can be functionalized and loaded with pDNA for the exogenous expression of genes to target a wide variety of disease phenotypes, overcoming many of the limitations of current gene therapy delivery techniques.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Farrukh Aqil
- Brown Cancer Center, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY 40202, USA
- Department of Medicine, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY 40202, USA
| | | | - Ramesh C Gupta
- 3P Biotechnologies, Inc., Louisville, KY 40202, USA
- Brown Cancer Center, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY 40202, USA
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY 40202, USA
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Pardridge WM. Brain gene therapy with Trojan horse lipid nanoparticles. Trends Mol Med 2023; 29:343-353. [PMID: 36907687 PMCID: PMC10005896 DOI: 10.1016/j.molmed.2023.02.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2022] [Revised: 02/16/2023] [Accepted: 02/20/2023] [Indexed: 03/13/2023]
Abstract
The COVID-19 mRNA vaccine was developed by the scalable manufacture of lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) that encapsulate mRNA within the lipid. There are many potential applications for this large nucleic acid delivery technology, including the delivery of plasmid DNA for gene therapy. However, gene therapy for the brain requires LNP delivery across the blood-brain barrier (BBB). It is proposed that LNPs could be reformulated for brain delivery by conjugation of receptor-specific monoclonal antibodies (MAbs) to the LNP surface. The MAb acts as a molecular Trojan horse to trigger receptor-mediated transcytosis (RMT) of the LNP across the BBB and subsequent localization to the nucleus for transcription of the therapeutic gene. Trojan horse LNPs could enable new approaches to gene therapy of the brain.
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Pfrieger FW. The Niemann-Pick type diseases – A synopsis of inborn errors in sphingolipid and cholesterol metabolism. Prog Lipid Res 2023; 90:101225. [PMID: 37003582 DOI: 10.1016/j.plipres.2023.101225] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2023] [Revised: 03/27/2023] [Accepted: 03/27/2023] [Indexed: 04/03/2023]
Abstract
Disturbances of lipid homeostasis in cells provoke human diseases. The elucidation of the underlying mechanisms and the development of efficient therapies represent formidable challenges for biomedical research. Exemplary cases are two rare, autosomal recessive, and ultimately fatal lysosomal diseases historically named "Niemann-Pick" honoring the physicians, whose pioneering observations led to their discovery. Acid sphingomyelinase deficiency (ASMD) and Niemann-Pick type C disease (NPCD) are caused by specific variants of the sphingomyelin phosphodiesterase 1 (SMPD1) and NPC intracellular cholesterol transporter 1 (NPC1) or NPC intracellular cholesterol transporter 2 (NPC2) genes that perturb homeostasis of two key membrane components, sphingomyelin and cholesterol, respectively. Patients with severe forms of these diseases present visceral and neurologic symptoms and succumb to premature death. This synopsis traces the tortuous discovery of the Niemann-Pick diseases, highlights important advances with respect to genetic culprits and cellular mechanisms, and exposes efforts to improve diagnosis and to explore new therapeutic approaches.
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Kido J, Sugawara K, Nakamura K. Gene therapy for lysosomal storage diseases: Current clinical trial prospects. Front Genet 2023; 14:1064924. [PMID: 36713078 PMCID: PMC9880060 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2023.1064924] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2022] [Accepted: 01/05/2023] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Lysosomal storage diseases (LSDs) are a group of metabolic inborn errors caused by defective enzymes in the lysosome, resulting in the accumulation of undegraded substrates. LSDs are progressive diseases that exhibit variable rates of progression depending on the disease and the patient. The availability of effective treatment options, including substrate reduction therapy, pharmacological chaperone therapy, enzyme replacement therapy, and bone marrow transplantation, has increased survival time and improved the quality of life in many patients with LSDs. However, these therapies are not sufficiently effective, especially against central nerve system abnormalities and corresponding neurological and psychiatric symptoms because of the blood-brain barrier that prevents the entry of drugs into the brain or limiting features of specific treatments. Gene therapy is a promising tool for the treatment of neurological pathologies associated with LSDs. Here, we review the current state of gene therapy for several LSDs for which clinical trials have been conducted or are planned. Several clinical trials using gene therapy for LSDs are underway as phase 1/2 studies; no adverse events have not been reported in most of these studies. The administration of viral vectors has achieved good therapeutic outcomes in animal models of LSDs, and subsequent human clinical trials are expected to promote the practical application of gene therapy for LSDs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jun Kido
- Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Life Sciences, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto, Japan,Department of Pediatrics, Kumamoto University Hospital, Kumamoto, Japan,*Correspondence: Jun Kido,
| | - Keishin Sugawara
- Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Life Sciences, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto, Japan
| | - Kimitoshi Nakamura
- Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Life Sciences, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto, Japan,Department of Pediatrics, Kumamoto University Hospital, Kumamoto, Japan
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Organ Weights in NPC1 Mutant Mice Partly Normalized by Various Pharmacological Treatment Approaches. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 24:ijms24010573. [PMID: 36614015 PMCID: PMC9820376 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24010573] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2022] [Revised: 12/14/2022] [Accepted: 12/22/2022] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Niemann-Pick Type C1 (NPC1, MIM 257220) is a rare, progressive, lethal, inherited autosomal-recessive endolysosomal storage disease caused by mutations in the NPC1 leading to intracellular lipid storage. We analyzed mostly not jet known alterations of the weights of 14 different organs in the BALB/cNctr-Npc1m1N/-J Jackson Npc1 mice in female and male Npc1+/+ and Npc1-/- mice under various treatment strategies. Mice were treated with (i) no therapy, (ii) vehicle injection, (iii) a combination of miglustat, allopregnanolone, and 2-hydroxypropyl-ß-cyclodextrin (HPßCD), (iv) miglustat, and (v) HPßCD alone starting at P7 and repeated weekly throughout life. The 12 respective male and female wild-type mice groups were evaluated in parallel. In total, 351 mice (176 Npc1+/+, 175 Npc1-/-) were dissected at P65. In both sexes, the body weights of None and Sham Npc1-/- mice were lower than those of respective Npc1+/+ mice. The influence of the Npc1 mutation and/or sex on the weights of various organs, however, differed considerably. In males, Npc1+/+ and Npc1-/- mice had comparable absolute weights of lungs, spleen, and adrenal glands. In Npc1-/- mice, smaller weights of hearts, livers, kidneys, testes, vesicular, and scent glands were found. In female Npc1-/- mice, ovaries, and uteri were significantly smaller. In Npc1-/- mice, relative organ weights, i.e., normalized with body weights, were sex-specifically altered to different extents by the different therapies. The combination of miglustat, allopregnanolone, and the sterol chelator HPßCD partly normalized the weights of more organs than miglustat or HPßCD mono-therapies.
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Tomsen-Melero J, Merlo-Mas J, Carreño A, Sala S, Córdoba A, Veciana J, González-Mira E, Ventosa N. Liposomal formulations for treating lysosomal storage disorders. Adv Drug Deliv Rev 2022; 190:114531. [PMID: 36089182 DOI: 10.1016/j.addr.2022.114531] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2021] [Revised: 05/13/2022] [Accepted: 09/04/2022] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
Lysosomal storage disorders (LSD) are a group of rare life-threatening diseases caused by a lysosomal dysfunction, usually due to the lack of a single enzyme required for the metabolism of macromolecules, which leads to a lysosomal accumulation of specific substrates, resulting in severe disease manifestations and early death. There is currently no definitive cure for LSD, and despite the approval of certain therapies, their effectiveness is limited. Therefore, an appropriate nanocarrier could help improve the efficacy of some of these therapies. Liposomes show excellent properties as drug carriers, because they can entrap active therapeutic compounds offering protection, biocompatibility, and selectivity. Here, we discuss the potential of liposomes for LSD treatment and conduct a detailed analysis of promising liposomal formulations still in the preclinical development stage from various perspectives, including treatment strategy, manufacturing, characterization, and future directions for implementing liposomal formulations for LSD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Judit Tomsen-Melero
- Institut de Ciència de Materials de Barcelona, ICMAB-CSIC, Campus UAB, 08193 Bellaterra, Spain; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red - Bioingeniería, Biomateriales y Nanomedicina (CIBER-BBN), Spain
| | | | - Aida Carreño
- Institut de Ciència de Materials de Barcelona, ICMAB-CSIC, Campus UAB, 08193 Bellaterra, Spain; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red - Bioingeniería, Biomateriales y Nanomedicina (CIBER-BBN), Spain
| | - Santi Sala
- Nanomol Technologies SL, 08193 Cerdanyola del Vallès, Spain
| | - Alba Córdoba
- Nanomol Technologies SL, 08193 Cerdanyola del Vallès, Spain
| | - Jaume Veciana
- Institut de Ciència de Materials de Barcelona, ICMAB-CSIC, Campus UAB, 08193 Bellaterra, Spain; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red - Bioingeniería, Biomateriales y Nanomedicina (CIBER-BBN), Spain
| | - Elisabet González-Mira
- Institut de Ciència de Materials de Barcelona, ICMAB-CSIC, Campus UAB, 08193 Bellaterra, Spain; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red - Bioingeniería, Biomateriales y Nanomedicina (CIBER-BBN), Spain.
| | - Nora Ventosa
- Institut de Ciència de Materials de Barcelona, ICMAB-CSIC, Campus UAB, 08193 Bellaterra, Spain; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red - Bioingeniería, Biomateriales y Nanomedicina (CIBER-BBN), Spain.
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13
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Pardridge WM. A Historical Review of Brain Drug Delivery. Pharmaceutics 2022; 14:1283. [PMID: 35745855 PMCID: PMC9229021 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics14061283] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 31.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2022] [Revised: 06/01/2022] [Accepted: 06/07/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The history of brain drug delivery is reviewed beginning with the first demonstration, in 1914, that a drug for syphilis, salvarsan, did not enter the brain, due to the presence of a blood-brain barrier (BBB). Owing to restricted transport across the BBB, FDA-approved drugs for the CNS have been generally limited to lipid-soluble small molecules. Drugs that do not cross the BBB can be re-engineered for transport on endogenous BBB carrier-mediated transport and receptor-mediated transport systems, which were identified during the 1970s-1980s. By the 1990s, a multitude of brain drug delivery technologies emerged, including trans-cranial delivery, CSF delivery, BBB disruption, lipid carriers, prodrugs, stem cells, exosomes, nanoparticles, gene therapy, and biologics. The advantages and limitations of each of these brain drug delivery technologies are critically reviewed.
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Affiliation(s)
- William M Pardridge
- Department of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
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14
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Gara E, Ong SG, Winkler J, Zlabinger K, Lukovic D, Merkely B, Emmert MY, Wolint P, Hoerstrup SP, Gyöngyösi M, Wu JC, Pavo N. Cell-Based HIF1α Gene Therapy Reduces Myocardial Scar and Enhances Angiopoietic Proteome, Transcriptomic and miRNA Expression in Experimental Chronic Left Ventricular Dysfunction. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2022; 10:767985. [PMID: 35646882 PMCID: PMC9133350 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2022.767985] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2021] [Accepted: 04/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Recent preclinical investigations and clinical trials with stem cells mostly studied bone-marrow-derived mononuclear cells (BM-MNCs), which so far failed to meet clinically significant functional study endpoints. BM-MNCs containing small proportions of stem cells provide little regenerative potential, while mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) promise effective therapy via paracrine impact. Genetic engineering for rationally enhancing paracrine effects of implanted stem cells is an attractive option for further development of therapeutic cardiac repair strategies. Non-viral, efficient transfection methods promise improved clinical translation, longevity and a high level of gene delivery. Hypoxia-induced factor 1α is responsible for pro-angiogenic, anti-apoptotic and anti-remodeling mechanisms. Here we aimed to apply a cellular gene therapy model in chronic ischemic heart failure in pigs. A non-viral circular minicircle DNA vector (MiCi) was used for in vitro transfection of porcine MSCs (pMSC) with HIF1α (pMSC-MiCi-HIF-1α). pMSCs-MiCi-HIF-1α were injected endomyocardially into the border zone of an anterior myocardial infarction one month post-reperfused-infarct. Cell injection was guided via 3D-guided NOGA electro-magnetic catheter delivery system. pMSC-MiCi-HIF-1α delivery improved cardiac output and reduced myocardial scar size. Abundances of pro-angiogenic proteins were analyzed 12, 24 h and 1 month after the delivery of the regenerative substances. In a protein array, the significantly increased angiogenesis proteins were Activin A, Angiopoietin, Artemin, Endothelin-1, MCP-1; and remodeling factors ADAMTS1, FGFs, TGFb1, MMPs, and Serpins. In a qPCR analysis, increased levels of angiopeptin, CXCL12, HIF-1α and miR-132 were found 24 h after cell-based gene delivery, compared to those in untreated animals with infarction and in control animals. Expression of angiopeptin increased already 12 h after treatment, and miR-1 expression was reduced at that time point. In total, pMSC overexpressing HIF-1α showed beneficial effects for treatment of ischemic injury, mediated by stimulation of angiogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Edit Gara
- Heart and Vascular Centre, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Internal Medicine II, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Sang-Ging Ong
- Stanford Cardiovascular Institute, Stanford, CA, United States
| | - Johannes Winkler
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Internal Medicine II, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Katrin Zlabinger
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Internal Medicine II, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Dominika Lukovic
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Internal Medicine II, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Bela Merkely
- Heart and Vascular Centre, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Maximilian Y. Emmert
- Institute for Regenerative Medicine (IREM), University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
- Department of Cardiothoracic and Vascular Surgery, German Heart Center Berlin, Berlin, Germany
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Petra Wolint
- Institute for Regenerative Medicine (IREM), University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Simon P. Hoerstrup
- Institute for Regenerative Medicine (IREM), University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Mariann Gyöngyösi
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Internal Medicine II, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Joseph C. Wu
- Stanford Cardiovascular Institute, Stanford, CA, United States
| | - Noemi Pavo
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Internal Medicine II, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
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15
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Bajracharya R, Caruso AC, Vella LJ, Nisbet RM. Current and Emerging Strategies for Enhancing Antibody Delivery to the Brain. Pharmaceutics 2021; 13:2014. [PMID: 34959296 PMCID: PMC8709416 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics13122014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2021] [Revised: 11/19/2021] [Accepted: 11/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
For the treatment of neurological diseases, achieving sufficient exposure to the brain parenchyma is a critical determinant of drug efficacy. The blood-brain barrier (BBB) functions to tightly control the passage of substances between the bloodstream and the central nervous system, and as such poses a major obstacle that must be overcome for therapeutics to enter the brain. Monoclonal antibodies have emerged as one of the best-selling treatment modalities available in the pharmaceutical market owing to their high target specificity. However, it has been estimated that only 0.1% of peripherally administered antibodies can cross the BBB, contributing to the low success rate of immunotherapy seen in clinical trials for the treatment of neurological diseases. The development of new strategies for antibody delivery across the BBB is thereby crucial to improve immunotherapeutic efficacy. Here, we discuss the current strategies that have been employed to enhance antibody delivery across the BBB. These include (i) focused ultrasound in combination with microbubbles, (ii) engineered bi-specific antibodies, and (iii) nanoparticles. Furthermore, we discuss emerging strategies such as extracellular vesicles with BBB-crossing properties and vectored antibody genes capable of being encapsulated within a BBB delivery vehicle.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rinie Bajracharya
- Clem Jones Centre for Aging Dementia Research, Queensland Brain Institute, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, Brisbane, QLD 4072, Australia;
| | - Alayna C. Caruso
- The Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, Parkville, VIC 3052, Australia; (A.C.C.); (L.J.V.)
| | - Laura J. Vella
- The Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, Parkville, VIC 3052, Australia; (A.C.C.); (L.J.V.)
- Department of Surgery, The Royal Melbourne Hospital, Australia University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3052, Australia
| | - Rebecca M. Nisbet
- The Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, Parkville, VIC 3052, Australia; (A.C.C.); (L.J.V.)
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16
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Nanotechnology-Based Strategies to Overcome Current Barriers in Gene Delivery. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22168537. [PMID: 34445243 PMCID: PMC8395193 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22168537] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2021] [Revised: 07/29/2021] [Accepted: 08/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Nanomaterials are currently being developed for the specific cell/tissue/organ delivery of genetic material. Nanomaterials are considered as non-viral vectors for gene therapy use. However, there are several requirements for developing a device small enough to become an efficient gene-delivery tool. Considering that the non-viral vectors tested so far show very low efficiency of gene delivery, there is a need to develop nanotechnology-based strategies to overcome current barriers in gene delivery. Selected nanostructures can incorporate several genetic materials, such as plasmid DNA, mRNA, and siRNA. In the field of nanotechnologies, there are still some limitations yet to be resolved for their use as gene delivery systems, such as potential toxicity and low transfection efficiency. Undeniably, novel properties at the nanoscale are essential to overcome these limitations. In this paper, we will explore the latest advances in nanotechnology in the gene delivery field.
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17
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AlSawaftah N, Pitt WG, Husseini GA. Dual-Targeting and Stimuli-Triggered Liposomal Drug Delivery in Cancer Treatment. ACS Pharmacol Transl Sci 2021; 4:1028-1049. [PMID: 34151199 PMCID: PMC8205246 DOI: 10.1021/acsptsci.1c00066] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
The delivery of chemotherapeutics to solid tumors using smart drug delivery systems (SDDSs) takes advantage of the unique physiology of tumors (i.e., disordered structure, leaky vasculature, abnormal extracellular matrix (ECM), and limited lymphatic drainage) to deliver anticancer drugs with reduced systemic side effects. Liposomes are the most promising of such SDDSs and have been well investigated for cancer therapy. To improve the specificity, bioavailability, and anticancer efficacy of liposomes at the diseased sites, other strategies such as targeting ligands and stimulus-sensitive liposomes have been developed. This review highlights relevant surface functionalization techniques and stimuli-mediated drug release for enhanced delivery of anticancer agents at tumor sites, with a special focus on dual functionalization and design of multistimuli responsive liposomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nour AlSawaftah
- Department
of Chemical Engineering, American University
of Sharjah, Sharjah, UAE
| | - William G. Pitt
- Chemical
Engineering Department, Brigham Young University, Provo, Utah 84602, United States
| | - Ghaleb A. Husseini
- Department
of Chemical Engineering, American University
of Sharjah, Sharjah, UAE
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18
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Understanding and Treating Niemann-Pick Type C Disease: Models Matter. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21238979. [PMID: 33256121 PMCID: PMC7730076 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21238979] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2020] [Revised: 11/20/2020] [Accepted: 11/23/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Biomedical research aims to understand the molecular mechanisms causing human diseases and to develop curative therapies. So far, these goals have been achieved for a small fraction of diseases, limiting factors being the availability, validity, and use of experimental models. Niemann–Pick type C (NPC) is a prime example for a disease that lacks a curative therapy despite substantial breakthroughs. This rare, fatal, and autosomal-recessive disorder is caused by defects in NPC1 or NPC2. These ubiquitously expressed proteins help cholesterol exit from the endosomal–lysosomal system. The dysfunction of either causes an aberrant accumulation of lipids with patients presenting a large range of disease onset, neurovisceral symptoms, and life span. Here, we note general aspects of experimental models, we describe the line-up used for NPC-related research and therapy development, and we provide an outlook on future topics.
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19
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Pardridge WM. Brain Delivery of Nanomedicines: Trojan Horse Liposomes for Plasmid DNA Gene Therapy of the Brain. FRONTIERS IN MEDICAL TECHNOLOGY 2020; 2:602236. [PMID: 35047884 PMCID: PMC8757841 DOI: 10.3389/fmedt.2020.602236] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2020] [Accepted: 10/06/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Non-viral gene therapy of the brain is enabled by the development of plasmid DNA brain delivery technology, which requires the engineering and manufacturing of nanomedicines that cross the blood-brain barrier (BBB). The development of such nanomedicines is a multi-faceted problem that requires progress at multiple levels. First, the type of nanocontainer, e.g., nanoparticle or liposome, which encapsulates the plasmid DNA, must be developed. Second, the type of molecular Trojan horse, e.g., peptide or receptor-specific monoclonal antibody (MAb), must be selected for incorporation on the surface of the nanomedicine, as this Trojan horse engages specific receptors expressed on the BBB, and the brain cell membrane, to trigger transport of the nanomedicine from blood into brain cells beyond the BBB. Third, the plasmid DNA must be engineered without bacterial elements, such as antibiotic resistance genes, to enable administration to humans; the plasmid DNA must also be engineered with tissue-specific gene promoters upstream of the therapeutic gene, to insure gene expression in the target organ with minimal off-target expression. Fourth, upstream manufacturing of the nanomedicine must be developed and scalable so as to meet market demand for the target disease, e.g., annual long-term treatment of 1,000 patients with an orphan disease, short term treatment of 10,000 patients with malignant glioma, or 100,000 patients with new onset Parkinson's disease. Fifth, downstream manufacturing problems, such as nanomedicine lyophilization, must be solved to ensure the nanomedicine has a commercially viable shelf-life for treatment of CNS disease in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- William M Pardridge
- Department of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, United States
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