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Novel peptide (RATH) mediated delivery of peptide nucleic acids for antiviral interventions. Appl Microbiol Biotechnol 2021; 105:6669-6677. [PMID: 34427763 DOI: 10.1007/s00253-021-11502-9] [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] [Received: 05/10/2021] [Revised: 07/20/2021] [Accepted: 08/05/2021] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
The peptide nucleic acid (PNA) is a chimeric molecule with the nucleobases connected by peptide bonds. This chimeric nature gives the PNA certain therapeutic advantages over natural antisense nucleic acid molecules. The PNA probes are known for its better and stronger complementation with target nucleic acids. However, cellular delivery of PNA is a major hurdle due to the charge-neutral nature of the PNA. For cellular delivery of PNA, peptide-PNA conjugates are used. This approach may face some practical limitation in terms of PNA antisense activity. In this study, we propose a novel RATH-2 peptide-based non-covalent PNA delivery mechanism. We observed RATH-2 shows a favorable molecular interaction with PNA at 16:1 (peptide:PNA) molar ratio resulting in co-centric nanoparticle formation. With this combination, we could achieve as high as 93% cellular delivery of the PNA. The proposed non-covalent RATH:PNA delivery model showed endocytic entrapment free delivery of PNA. The study further demonstrated the therapeutic application of PNA with in vitro antiviral intervention model. Using RATH-2 non-covalent PNA delivery system, we could inhibit 69.5% viral load. The present study demonstrates a cell-penetrating peptide:PNA interaction can lead to nanoparticle formations that facilitated cellular delivery of PNA.Key points• A novel cell-penetrating peptide (RATH-2) was identified for non-covalent delivery of PNA.• RATH-2 and PNA formed co-centric nanoparticles at appropriate molar combination.• PNA delivered through the RATH-2 inhibited the viral gene expression and reduced the viral load.
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2
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Volpi S, Cancelli U, Neri M, Corradini R. Multifunctional Delivery Systems for Peptide Nucleic Acids. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2020; 14:14. [PMID: 33375595 PMCID: PMC7823687 DOI: 10.3390/ph14010014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2020] [Revised: 12/21/2020] [Accepted: 12/23/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The number of applications of peptide nucleic acids (PNAs)-oligonucleotide analogs with a polyamide backbone-is continuously increasing in both in vitro and cellular systems and, parallel to this, delivery systems able to bring PNAs to their targets have been developed. This review is intended to give to the readers an overview on the available carriers for these oligonucleotide mimics, with a particular emphasis on newly developed multi-component- and multifunctional vehicles which boosted PNA research in recent years. The following approaches will be discussed: (a) conjugation with carrier molecules and peptides; (b) liposome formulations; (c) polymer nanoparticles; (d) inorganic porous nanoparticles; (e) carbon based nanocarriers; and (f) self-assembled and supramolecular systems. New therapeutic strategies enabled by the combination of PNA and proper delivery systems are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Roberto Corradini
- Department of Chemistry, Life Sciences and Environmental Sustainability, University of Parma, 43124 Parma, Italy; (S.V.); (U.C.); (M.N.)
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3
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Abstract
Light-activated ("caged") oligonucleotides provide a strategy for modulating the activity of antisense oligos, siRNA, miRNA, aptamers, DNAzymes, and mRNA-capturing probes with high spatiotemporal resolution. However, the near-UV and visible wavelengths that promote these bond-breaking reactions poorly penetrate living tissue, which limits some biological applications. To address this issue, we describe the first example of a protease-activated oligonucleotide probe, capable of reporting on caspase-3 during cellular apoptosis. The 2'-F RNA-peptide substrate-peptide nucleic acid (PNA) hairpin structure was generated in 30% yield in a single bioconjugation step.
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Affiliation(s)
- Linlin Yang
- Department of Chemistry, University of Pennsylvania, 231 South 34 Street, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104-6323, United States
| | - James H Eberwine
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Pennsylvania, 38 John Morgan Building, 3620 Hamilton Walk, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104-6084, United States
| | - Ivan J Dmochowski
- Department of Chemistry, University of Pennsylvania, 231 South 34 Street, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104-6323, United States
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4
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Chamiolo J, Fang GM, Hövelmann F, Friedrich D, Knoll A, Loewer A, Seitz O. Comparing Agent-Based Delivery of DNA and PNA Forced Intercalation (FIT) Probes for Multicolor mRNA Imaging. Chembiochem 2018; 20:595-604. [PMID: 30326174 PMCID: PMC6470956 DOI: 10.1002/cbic.201800526] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2018] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Fluorogenic oligonucleotide probes allow mRNA imaging in living cells. A key challenge is the cellular delivery of probes. Most delivery agents, such as cell‐penetrating peptides (CPPs) and pore‐forming proteins, require interactions with the membrane. Charges play an important role. To explore the influence of charge on fluorogenic properties and delivery efficiency, we compared peptide nucleic acid (PNA)‐ with DNA‐based forced intercalation (FIT) probes. Perhaps counterintuitively, fluorescence signaling by charged DNA FIT probes proved tolerant to CPP conjugation, whereas CPP–FIT PNA conjugates were affected. Live‐cell imaging was performed with a genetically engineered HEK293 cell line to allow the inducible expression of a specific mRNA target. Blob‐like features and high background were recurring nuisances of the tested CPP and lipid conjugates. By contrast, delivery by streptolysin‐O provided high enhancements of the fluorescence of the FIT probe upon target induction. Notably, DNA‐based FIT probes were brighter and more responsive than PNA‐based FIT probes. Optimized conditions enabled live‐cell multicolor imaging of three different mRNA target sequences.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jasmine Chamiolo
- Department of Chemistry, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Brook-Taylor-Strasse 2, 12849, Berlin, Germany
| | - Ge-Min Fang
- Department of Chemistry, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Brook-Taylor-Strasse 2, 12849, Berlin, Germany.,Institute of Physical Science and Information Technology, Anhui University, Hefei, Anhui, 230601, P.R. China
| | - Felix Hövelmann
- Department of Chemistry, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Brook-Taylor-Strasse 2, 12849, Berlin, Germany
| | - Dhana Friedrich
- Max Delbrück Centrum für Molekulare Medizin, Robert Rössle Strasse 10, 13125, Berlin, Germany.,Department of Biology, Technische Universität Darmstadt, Schnittspahnstrasse 13, 64287, Darmstadt, Germany
| | - Andrea Knoll
- Department of Chemistry, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Brook-Taylor-Strasse 2, 12849, Berlin, Germany
| | - Alexander Loewer
- Max Delbrück Centrum für Molekulare Medizin, Robert Rössle Strasse 10, 13125, Berlin, Germany.,Department of Biology, Technische Universität Darmstadt, Schnittspahnstrasse 13, 64287, Darmstadt, Germany
| | - Oliver Seitz
- Department of Chemistry, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Brook-Taylor-Strasse 2, 12849, Berlin, Germany
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5
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Peptide-based targeted therapeutics: Focus on cancer treatment. J Control Release 2018; 292:141-162. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jconrel.2018.11.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 78] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2018] [Revised: 11/03/2018] [Accepted: 11/03/2018] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
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6
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Li X, Huang J, Holden MA, Chen M. Peptide-Mediated Membrane Transport of Macromolecular Cargo Driven by Membrane Asymmetry. Anal Chem 2017; 89:12369-12374. [DOI: 10.1021/acs.analchem.7b03421] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Xin Li
- Department of Chemistry, University of Massachusetts Amherst, Amherst, Massachusetts 01003, United States
| | - Jing Huang
- Department of Chemistry, University of Massachusetts Amherst, Amherst, Massachusetts 01003, United States
| | - Matthew A. Holden
- Department of Chemistry, University of Massachusetts Amherst, Amherst, Massachusetts 01003, United States
| | - Min Chen
- Department of Chemistry, University of Massachusetts Amherst, Amherst, Massachusetts 01003, United States
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Peng L, Wang L, Yang YF, Zou MM, He WY, Wang Y, Wang Q, Vasseur L, You MS. Transcriptome profiling of the Plutella xylostella (Lepidoptera: Plutellidae) ovary reveals genes involved in oogenesis. Gene 2017; 637:90-99. [PMID: 28916376 DOI: 10.1016/j.gene.2017.09.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2016] [Revised: 07/21/2017] [Accepted: 09/08/2017] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND As a specialized organ, the insect ovary performs valuable functions by ensuring fecundity and population survival. Oogenesis is the complex physiological process resulting in the production of mature eggs, which are involved in epigenetic programming, germ cell behavior, cell cycle regulation, etc. Identification of the genes involved in ovary development and oogenesis is critical to better understand the reproductive biology and screening for the potential molecular targets in Plutella xylostella, a worldwide destructive pest of economically major crops. RESULTS Based on transcriptome sequencing, a total of 7.88Gb clean nucleotides was obtained, with 19,934 genes and 1861 new transcripts being identified. Expression profiling indicated that 61.7% of the genes were expressed (FPKM≥1) in the P. xylostella ovary. GO annotation showed that the pathways of multicellular organism reproduction and multicellular organism reproduction process, as well as gamete generation and chorion were significantly enriched. Processes that were most likely relevant to reproduction included the spliceosome, ubiquitin mediated proteolysis, endocytosis, PI3K-Akt signaling pathway, insulin signaling pathway, cAMP signaling pathway, and focal adhesion were identified in the top 20 'highly represented' KEGG pathways. Functional genes involved in oogenesis were further analyzed and validated by qRT-PCR to show their potential predominant roles in P. xylostella reproduction. CONCLUSIONS Our newly developed P. xylostella ovary transcriptome provides an overview of the gene expression profiling in this specialized tissue and the functional gene network closely related to the ovary development and oogenesis. This is the first genome-wide transcriptome dataset of P. xylostella ovary that includes a subset of functionally activated genes. This global approach will be the basis for further studies on molecular mechanisms of P. xylostella reproduction aimed at screening potential molecular targets for integrated pest management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lu Peng
- State Key Laboratory of Ecological Pest Control for Fujian-Taiwan Crops and College of Life Science, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, China; Institute of Applied Ecology, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, China; Fujian-Taiwan Joint Innovation Centre for Ecological Control of Crop Pests, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, China; Key Laboratory of Integrated Pest Management for Fujian-Taiwan Crops, Ministry of Agriculture, Fuzhou 350002, China; Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Insect Ecology, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, China
| | - Lei Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Ecological Pest Control for Fujian-Taiwan Crops and College of Life Science, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, China; Institute of Applied Ecology, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, China; Fujian-Taiwan Joint Innovation Centre for Ecological Control of Crop Pests, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, China; Key Laboratory of Integrated Pest Management for Fujian-Taiwan Crops, Ministry of Agriculture, Fuzhou 350002, China; Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Insect Ecology, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, China
| | - Yi-Fan Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Ecological Pest Control for Fujian-Taiwan Crops and College of Life Science, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, China; Institute of Applied Ecology, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, China; Fujian-Taiwan Joint Innovation Centre for Ecological Control of Crop Pests, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, China; Key Laboratory of Integrated Pest Management for Fujian-Taiwan Crops, Ministry of Agriculture, Fuzhou 350002, China; Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Insect Ecology, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, China
| | - Ming-Min Zou
- State Key Laboratory of Ecological Pest Control for Fujian-Taiwan Crops and College of Life Science, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, China; Institute of Applied Ecology, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, China; Fujian-Taiwan Joint Innovation Centre for Ecological Control of Crop Pests, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, China; Key Laboratory of Integrated Pest Management for Fujian-Taiwan Crops, Ministry of Agriculture, Fuzhou 350002, China; Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Insect Ecology, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, China
| | - Wei-Yi He
- State Key Laboratory of Ecological Pest Control for Fujian-Taiwan Crops and College of Life Science, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, China; Institute of Applied Ecology, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, China; Fujian-Taiwan Joint Innovation Centre for Ecological Control of Crop Pests, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, China; Key Laboratory of Integrated Pest Management for Fujian-Taiwan Crops, Ministry of Agriculture, Fuzhou 350002, China; Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Insect Ecology, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, China
| | - Yue Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Ecological Pest Control for Fujian-Taiwan Crops and College of Life Science, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, China; Institute of Applied Ecology, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, China; Fujian-Taiwan Joint Innovation Centre for Ecological Control of Crop Pests, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, China; Key Laboratory of Integrated Pest Management for Fujian-Taiwan Crops, Ministry of Agriculture, Fuzhou 350002, China; Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Insect Ecology, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, China
| | - Qing Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Ecological Pest Control for Fujian-Taiwan Crops and College of Life Science, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, China; Institute of Applied Ecology, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, China; Fujian-Taiwan Joint Innovation Centre for Ecological Control of Crop Pests, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, China; Key Laboratory of Integrated Pest Management for Fujian-Taiwan Crops, Ministry of Agriculture, Fuzhou 350002, China; Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Insect Ecology, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, China
| | - Liette Vasseur
- State Key Laboratory of Ecological Pest Control for Fujian-Taiwan Crops and College of Life Science, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, China; Institute of Applied Ecology, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, China; Fujian-Taiwan Joint Innovation Centre for Ecological Control of Crop Pests, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, China; Key Laboratory of Integrated Pest Management for Fujian-Taiwan Crops, Ministry of Agriculture, Fuzhou 350002, China; Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Insect Ecology, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, China; Department of Biological Sciences, Brock University, St. Catharines, Ontario L2S 3A1, Canada
| | - Min-Sheng You
- State Key Laboratory of Ecological Pest Control for Fujian-Taiwan Crops and College of Life Science, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, China; Institute of Applied Ecology, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, China; Fujian-Taiwan Joint Innovation Centre for Ecological Control of Crop Pests, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, China; Key Laboratory of Integrated Pest Management for Fujian-Taiwan Crops, Ministry of Agriculture, Fuzhou 350002, China; Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Insect Ecology, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, China.
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8
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Slivac I, Guay D, Mangion M, Champeil J, Gaillet B. Non-viral nucleic acid delivery methods. Expert Opin Biol Ther 2016; 17:105-118. [PMID: 27740858 DOI: 10.1080/14712598.2017.1248941] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Delivery of nucleic acid-based molecules in human cells is a highly studied approach for the treatment of several disorders including monogenic diseases and cancers. Non-viral vectors for DNA and RNA transfer, although in general less efficient than virus-based systems, are particularly well adapted mostly due to the absence of biosafety concerns. Non-viral methods could be classified in two main groups: physical and vector-assisted delivery systems. Both groups comprise several different methods, none of them universally applicable. The choice of the optimal method depends on the predefined objectives and the features of targeted micro-environment. Areas covered: In this review, the authors discuss non-viral techniques and present recent therapeutic achievements in ex vivo and in vivo nucleic acid delivery by most commonly used techniques while emphasizing the role of 'biological particles', namely peptide transduction domains, virus like particles, gesicles and exosomes. Expert opinion: The number of available non-viral transfection techniques used for human therapy increased rapidly, followed by still moderate success in efficacy. The prospects are to be found in design of multifunctional hybrid systems that reflect the viral efficiency. In this respect, biological particles are very promising.
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Affiliation(s)
- Igor Slivac
- a Faculty of Food Technology and Biotechnology , University of Zagreb , Zagreb , Croatia
| | - David Guay
- b Feldan Therapeutics, Rideau , Quebec , Canada
| | - Mathias Mangion
- c Chemical engineering Department , Université Laval , Québec , Canada
| | - Juliette Champeil
- c Chemical engineering Department , Université Laval , Québec , Canada
| | - Bruno Gaillet
- c Chemical engineering Department , Université Laval , Québec , Canada
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9
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Sharma C, Awasthi SK. Versatility of peptide nucleic acids (PNAs): role in chemical biology, drug discovery, and origins of life. Chem Biol Drug Des 2016; 89:16-37. [PMID: 27490868 DOI: 10.1111/cbdd.12833] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2016] [Revised: 06/03/2016] [Accepted: 07/28/2016] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
This review briefly discussed nomenclature, synthesis, chemistry, and biophysical properties of a plethora of PNA derivatives reported since the discovery of aegPNA. Different synthetic methods and structural analogs of PNA synthesized till date were also discussed. An insight was gained into various chemical, physical, and biological properties of PNA which make it preferable over all other classes of modified nucleic acid analogs. Thereafter, various approaches with special attention to the practical constraints, characteristics, and inherent drawbacks leading to the delay in the development of PNA as gene therapeutic drug were outlined. An explicit account of the successful application of PNA in different areas of research such as antisense and antigene strategies, diagnostics, molecular probes, and so forth was described along with the current status of PNA as gene therapeutic drug. Further, the plausibility of the existence of PNA and its role in primordial chemistry, that is, origin of life was explored in an endeavor to comprehend the mystery and open up its deepest secrets ever engaging and challenging the human intellect. We finally concluded it with a discussion on the future prospects of PNA technology in the field of therapeutics, diagnostics, and origin of life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chiranjeev Sharma
- Chemical Biology Laboratory, Department of Chemistry, University of Delhi, Delhi, India
| | - Satish Kumar Awasthi
- Chemical Biology Laboratory, Department of Chemistry, University of Delhi, Delhi, India
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10
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Roberts TC, Ezzat K, El Andaloussi S, Weinberg MS. Synthetic SiRNA Delivery: Progress and Prospects. Methods Mol Biol 2016; 1364:291-310. [PMID: 26472459 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-4939-3112-5_23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
Small interfering RNA (siRNA) is a powerful tool for modulating gene expression by RNA interference (RNAi). Duplex RNA oligonucleotides induce cleavage of homologous target transcripts, thereby enabling posttranscriptional silencing of potentially any gene. As such, siRNAs may have utility as novel pharmaceuticals for a wide range of diseases. However, a lack of "drug-likeness," physiological barriers, and potential toxicities have meant that systemic delivery of SiRNAs in vivo remains a major challenge. Here we discuss various strategies that have been employed to solve the problem of SiRNA delivery. These include chemical modification of the SiRNA, direct conjugation to bioactive moieties, and nanoparticle formulations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas C Roberts
- Department of Molecular and Experimental Medicine, The Scripps Research Institute, 10550 N. Torrey Pines Road, La Jolla, CA, 92037, USA
- Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Genetics, University of Oxford, South Parks Road, Oxford, OX1 3QX, UK
- Development, Aging and Regeneration Program, Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute, 10901 N. Torrey Pines Road, La Jolla, CA, 92037, USA
| | - Kariem Ezzat
- Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Genetics, University of Oxford, South Parks Road, Oxford, OX1 3QX, UK
| | - Samir El Andaloussi
- Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Genetics, University of Oxford, South Parks Road, Oxford, OX1 3QX, UK
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Huddinge, Sweden
| | - Marc S Weinberg
- Department of Molecular and Experimental Medicine, The Scripps Research Institute, 10550 N. Torrey Pines Road, La Jolla, CA, 92037, USA.
- Antiviral Gene Therapy Research Unit, Department of Molecular Medicine and Haematology, University of the Witwatersrand Medical School, Johannesburg, WITS 2050, South Africa.
- HIV Pathogenesis Research Unit, Department of Molecular Medicine and Haematology, University of the Witwatersrand Medical School, Johannesburg, WITS 2050, South Africa.
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11
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Margus H, Arukuusk P, Langel Ü, Pooga M. Characteristics of Cell-Penetrating Peptide/Nucleic Acid Nanoparticles. Mol Pharm 2015; 13:172-9. [PMID: 26561739 DOI: 10.1021/acs.molpharmaceut.5b00598] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Nucleic acids are highly promising candidates for the treatment of various genetic diseases. However, due to the large size and negative charge, nucleic acids are not efficiently taken up by cells, and thus, their clinical potential remains limited so far. Therefore, various delivery vehicles have been designed to assist the cellular uptake of nucleic acids. Among these, cell-penetrating peptides (CPPs) have gained increasing popularity as efficient and nontoxic delivery vectors. CPPs can be coupled to nucleic acids either by covalent or noncovalent association. Noncovalent coupling, which is based on the formation of nanoparticle-like nanocomplexes (NP), has received much attention in recent years, and the number of studies employing the strategy is explosively increasing due to the high therapeutic potential. However, the properties of CPP/nucleic acid NPs have not been characterized in sufficient detail yet. We performed a comprehensive analysis of the size and morphology of nucleic acid nanoparticles with novel transfection peptides, PepFects (PFs) and NickFects (NFs), using negative staining transmission electron microscopy (TEM). In addition, we examined whether the attachment of fluorescence or (nano)gold label to nucleic acid affects the nanocomplex formation or its morphology. We demonstrated that transportan-10-based new generation CPPs from PF and NF families condense nucleic acids to NPs of homogeneous size and shape. The size and shape of assembled nanoparticles depend on the type of the complexed nucleic acid and the sequence of the used peptide, whereas the label on the nucleic acid does not influence the gross characteristics of formed NPs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Helerin Margus
- Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of Tartu , Tartu 51010, Estonia
| | - Piret Arukuusk
- Institute of Technology, University of Tartu , Tartu 50411, Estonia
| | - Ülo Langel
- Institute of Technology, University of Tartu , Tartu 50411, Estonia.,Department of Neurochemistry, Stockholm University , S-10691 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Margus Pooga
- Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of Tartu , Tartu 51010, Estonia
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12
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Zhang XX, Eden HS, Chen X. Peptides in cancer nanomedicine: drug carriers, targeting ligands and protease substrates. J Control Release 2012; 159:2-13. [PMID: 22056916 PMCID: PMC3288222 DOI: 10.1016/j.jconrel.2011.10.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 157] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2011] [Accepted: 10/18/2011] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
Peptides are attracting increasing attention as therapeutic agents, as the technologies for peptide development and manufacture continue to mature. Concurrently, with booming research in nanotechnology for biomedical applications, peptides have been studied as an important class of components in nanomedicine, and they have been used either alone or in combination with nanomaterials of every reported composition. Peptides possess many advantages, such as smallness, ease of synthesis and modification, and good biocompatibility. Their functions in cancer nanomedicine, discussed in this review, include serving as drug carriers, as targeting ligands, and as protease-responsive substrates for drug delivery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiao-Xiang Zhang
- Intramural Research Program, National Institute of Biomedical Imaging and Bioengineering, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
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13
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Margus H, Padari K, Pooga M. Cell-penetrating peptides as versatile vehicles for oligonucleotide delivery. Mol Ther 2012; 20:525-33. [PMID: 22233581 DOI: 10.1038/mt.2011.284] [Citation(s) in RCA: 166] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Short regulatory oligonucleotides (ONs) have a great therapeutic potential for the modulation of gene expression due to their high specificity and low toxicity. The major obstacles for in vivo clinical applications of ONs are the poor permeability of plasma membrane to nucleic acids and the sensitivity of ONs to enzymatic degradation. Hence, various delivery vehicles have been developed to ensure the transduction of ONs into cells. Among these, the cell-penetrating peptides (CPPs) have gained quickly broadening popularity as promising nonviral transmembrane delivery vectors. For coupling of nucleic acids to CPPs, two distinct strategies may be applied-covalent and noncovalent. The majority of earlier studies have used covalent coupling of CPPs to ONs. However, the number of studies demonstrating very high therapeutic potential of noncovalent complexes of ONs with novel CPP-based delivery vehicles is explosively increasing. In this review, the recent developments in the application of CPP-mediated oligonucleotide delivery by noncovalent strategy will be discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Helerin Margus
- Department of Developmental Biology, Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of Tartu, Tartu, Estonia
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14
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Efimov VA, Aralov AV, Chakhmakhcheva OG. [DNA mimics on the base of pyrrolidine and hydroxyproline]. RUSSIAN JOURNAL OF BIOORGANIC CHEMISTRY 2011; 36:725-46. [PMID: 21317938 DOI: 10.1134/s1068162010060014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
In order to improve physicochemical and biological properties of natural oligonucleotides in particular increasing their affinity for nucleic acids, the selectivity of action and biological sustainability, several types of DNA mimics were designed. The survey collected data on the synthesis and properties of the DNA mimics - peptide-nucleic acids analogues, which are derivatives of pyrrolidine and hydroxyproline. We examine some physicochemical and biological properties of negatively charged mimics of this type, containing phosphonate residues, and possessing a high affinity for DNA and RNA, selective binding with nucleic acids and stability in various biological systems. Examples of the use of these mimics as tools for molecular biological research, particularly in functional genomics are given. The prospects for their use in diagnostics and medicine are discussed.
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15
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Grigorov B, Bocquin A, Gabus C, Avilov S, Mély Y, Agopian A, Divita G, Gottikh M, Witvrouw M, Darlix JL. Identification of a methylated oligoribonucleotide as a potent inhibitor of HIV-1 reverse transcription complex. Nucleic Acids Res 2011; 39:5586-96. [PMID: 21447560 PMCID: PMC3141241 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkr117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Upon HIV-1 infection of a target cell, the viral reverse transcriptase (RT) copies the genomic RNA to synthesize the viral DNA. The genomic RNA is within the incoming HIV-1 core where it is coated by molecules of nucleocapsid (NC) protein that chaperones the reverse transcription process. Indeed, the RT chaperoning properties of NC extend from the initiation of cDNA synthesis to completion of the viral DNA. New and effective drugs against HIV-1 continue to be required, which prompted us to search for compounds aimed at inhibiting NC protein. Here, we report that the NC chaperoning activity is extensively inhibited in vitro by small methylated oligoribonucleotides (mODN). These mODNs were delivered intracellularly using a cell-penetrating-peptide and found to impede HIV-1 replication in primary human cells at nanomolar concentrations. Extensive analysis showed that viral cDNA synthesis was severely impaired by mODNs. Partially resistant viruses with mutations in NC and RT emerged after months of passaging in cell culture. A HIV-1 molecular clone (NL4.3) bearing these mutations was found to replicate at high concentrations of mODN, albeit with a reduced fitness. Small, methylated ODNs such as mODN-11 appear to be a new type of highly potent inhibitor of HIV-1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Boyan Grigorov
- Laboretro, INSERM #758, ENS Lyon, 46 allée d'Italie, 69364 Lyon, Laboratoire de Biophotonique et Pharmacologie, UMR 7213 CNRS, Université de Strasboug, Illkirch, France
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16
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Chen YA, Kuo HC, Chen YM, Huang SY, Liu YR, Lin SC, Yang HL, Chen TY. A gene delivery system based on the N-terminal domain of human topoisomerase I. Biomaterials 2011; 32:4174-84. [PMID: 21406310 DOI: 10.1016/j.biomaterials.2011.02.041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2011] [Accepted: 02/19/2011] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
The N-terminal 200 amino acid residues of topoisomerase I (TopoN) is highly positive in charge and has DNA binding activity, without DNA sequence and topological specificity. Here, a fusion protein (6 x His-PTD-TopoN) containing a hexahistidine (6 x His) tag, a membrane penetration domain and TopoN (amino acid 3-200) was designed and developed. The protein can bind to different sizes (3.0-8.0 kb) and forms (circular and linear) of DNA and translocates the bound DNA to the nucleus. The protein also showed low cytotoxicity to GF-1 grouper fish fin cells that were previously very sensitive and difficult to transfect in vitro. Maintaining the hexahistidine tag increased the protein's transfection efficiency in COS7 African green monkey kidney cells and simplified the purification process. The plasmid pEGFP-N1 was delivered into COS7 cells by the protein in ATP- and temperature-dependent manners. The results indicate that the binding ability of TopoN is very useful for DNA delivery and the carrier protein can be expressed in Escherichia coli without removal of the hexahistidine tag.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi-An Chen
- Laboratory of Molecular Genetics, Institute of Biotechnology, College of Bioscience and Biotechnology, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan 70101, Taiwan
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17
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Lehto T, Ezzat K, Langel U. Peptide nanoparticles for oligonucleotide delivery. PROGRESS IN MOLECULAR BIOLOGY AND TRANSLATIONAL SCIENCE 2011; 104:397-426. [PMID: 22093225 DOI: 10.1016/b978-0-12-416020-0.00010-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
In the past two decades, different methods have emerged for intervention with gene expression, which can be generally referred to as gene therapy. Oligonucleotides (ONs) and their analogs form the basis of the molecules that can be used to modulate gene expression. Unfortunately, due to their physicochemical properties, these molecules require assistance in their intracellular delivery. Cell-penetrating peptides (CPPs) are one class of nonviral delivery vectors that, because of their remarkable translocation properties, have been intensely utilized for the delivery of ON-based molecules, both in vitro and in vivo. This chapter concentrates on the applications of CPPs that directly form nanoparticles with different ONs and facilitate their intracellular delivery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Taavi Lehto
- Laboratory of Molecular Biotechnology, Institute of Technology, University of Tartu, Tartu, Estonia
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Kurzawa L, Pellerano M, Morris MC. PEP and CADY-mediated delivery of fluorescent peptides and proteins into living cells. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA-BIOMEMBRANES 2010; 1798:2274-85. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bbamem.2010.02.027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2010] [Revised: 02/19/2010] [Accepted: 02/19/2010] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
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Morris MC. Fluorescent biosensors of intracellular targets from genetically encoded reporters to modular polypeptide probes. Cell Biochem Biophys 2010; 56:19-37. [PMID: 19921468 DOI: 10.1007/s12013-009-9070-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
With the escalation of drug discovery programmes, it has become essential to visualize and monitor biological activities in healthy and pathological cells, with high spatial and temporal resolution. To this aim, the development of probes and sensors, which can report on the levels and activities of specific intracellular targets, has become essential. Together with the discovery of the Green Fluorescent Protein (GFP), and the development of GFP-based reporters, recent advances in the synthesis of small molecule fluorescent probes, and the explosion of fluorescence-based imaging technologies, the biosensor field has witnessed a dramatic expansion of fluorescence-based reporters which can be applied to complex biological samples, living cells and tissues to probe protein/protein interactions, conformational changes and posttranslational modifications. Here, we review recent developments in the field of fluorescent biosensor technology. We describe different varieties and categories of fluorescent biosensors together with an overview of the technologies commonly employed to image biosensors in cellulo and in vivo. We discuss issues and strategies related to the choice of synthetic fluorescent probes, labelling, quenching, caging and intracellular delivery of biosensors. Finally, we provide examples of some well-characterized genetically encoded FRET reporter systems, peptide and protein biosensors and describe biosensor applications in a wide variety of fields.
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Affiliation(s)
- May C Morris
- Interactions and Molecular Mechanisms regulating Cell Cycle Progression, Université de Montpellier, CRBM-CNRS UMR5237, 1919 Route de Mende, IFR122, 34293, Montpellier, France.
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Trabulo S, Cardoso AL, Mano M, De Lima MCP. Cell-Penetrating Peptides-Mechanisms of Cellular Uptake and Generation of Delivery Systems. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2010; 3:961-993. [PMID: 27713284 PMCID: PMC4034016 DOI: 10.3390/ph3040961] [Citation(s) in RCA: 201] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2009] [Revised: 02/20/2010] [Accepted: 03/29/2010] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
The successful clinical application of nucleic acid-based therapeutic strategies has been limited by the poor delivery efficiency achieved by existing vectors. The development of alternative delivery systems for improved biological activity is, therefore, mandatory. Since the seminal observations two decades ago that the Tat protein, and derived peptides, can translocate across biological membranes, cell-penetrating peptides (CPPs) have been considered one of the most promising tools to improve non-invasive cellular delivery of therapeutic molecules. Despite extensive research on the use of CPPs for this purpose, the exact mechanisms underlying their cellular uptake and that of peptide conjugates remain controversial. Over the last years, our research group has been focused on the S413-PV cell-penetrating peptide, a prototype of this class of peptides that results from the combination of 13-amino-acid cell penetrating sequence derived from the Dermaseptin S4 peptide with the SV40 large T antigen nuclear localization signal. By performing an extensive biophysical and biochemical characterization of this peptide and its analogs, we have gained important insights into the mechanisms governing the interaction of CPPs with cells and their translocation across biological membranes. More recently, we have started to explore this peptide for the intracellular delivery of nucleic acids (plasmid DNA, siRNA and oligonucleotides). In this review we discuss the current knowledge of the mechanisms responsible for the cellular uptake of cell-penetrating peptides, including the S413-PV peptide, and the potential of peptide-based formulations to mediate nucleic acid delivery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Trabulo
- Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology of Coimbra, Department of Zoology, University of Coimbra, Portugal
- Department of Life Sciences, Faculty of Science and Technology, University of Coimbra, Apartado 3126, 3001-401 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Ana Luísa Cardoso
- Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology of Coimbra, Department of Zoology, University of Coimbra, Portugal
- Department of Life Sciences, Faculty of Science and Technology, University of Coimbra, Apartado 3126, 3001-401 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Miguel Mano
- Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology of Coimbra, Department of Zoology, University of Coimbra, Portugal
- Department of Life Sciences, Faculty of Science and Technology, University of Coimbra, Apartado 3126, 3001-401 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Maria C Pedroso De Lima
- Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology of Coimbra, Department of Zoology, University of Coimbra, Portugal.
- Department of Life Sciences, Faculty of Science and Technology, University of Coimbra, Apartado 3126, 3001-401 Coimbra, Portugal.
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21
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Mishra R, Su W, Pohmann R, Pfeuffer J, Sauer MG, Ugurbil K, Engelmann J. Cell-penetrating peptides and peptide nucleic acid-coupled MRI contrast agents: evaluation of cellular delivery and target binding. Bioconjug Chem 2009; 20:1860-8. [PMID: 19788302 DOI: 10.1021/bc9000454] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Molecular imaging of cells and cellular processes can be achieved by tagging intracellular targets such as receptors, enzymes, or mRNA. Seeking to visualize the presence of specific mRNAs by magnetic resonance (MR) imaging, we coupled peptide nucleic acids (PNA) with gadolinium-based MR contrast agents using cell-penetrating peptides for intracellular delivery. Antisense to mRNA of DsRed2 protein was used as proof of principle. The conjugates were produced by continuous solid-phase synthesis followed by chelation with gadolinium. Their cellular uptake was confirmed by fluorescence microscopy and spectroscopy as well as by MR imaging of labeled cells. The cell-penetrating peptide D-Tat(57-49) was selected over two other derivatives of HIV-1 Tat peptide, based on its superior intracellular delivery of the gadolinium-based contrast agents. Further improved delivery of conjugates was achieved upon coupling peptide nucleic acids (antisense to mRNA of DsRed2 protein and nonsense with no natural counterpart). Significant enhancement in MR contrast was obtained in cells labeled with concentrations as low as 2.5 μM of these agents. Specific binding of the targeting PNA containing conjugate to its complementary oligonucleotide sequence was proven by in vitro cell-free assay. In contrast, a lack of specific enrichment was observed in transgenic cells containing the target due to nonspecific vesicular entrapment of contrast agents. Preliminary biodistribution studies showed conjugate-related fluorescence in several organs, especially the liver and bladder, indicating high mobility of the agent in spite of its high molecular weight. No conjugate related toxicity was observed. These results are encouraging, as they warrant further molecular optimization and consecutive specificity studies in vivo of this new generation of contrast agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ritu Mishra
- High-Field Magnetic Resonance Center, Max Planck Institute for Biological Cybernetics, Spemannstrasse 41, Tübingen, Germany
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22
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Heitz F, Morris MC, Divita G. Twenty years of cell-penetrating peptides: from molecular mechanisms to therapeutics. Br J Pharmacol 2009; 157:195-206. [PMID: 19309362 PMCID: PMC2697800 DOI: 10.1111/j.1476-5381.2009.00057.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 657] [Impact Index Per Article: 43.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The recent discovery of new potent therapeutic molecules that do not reach the clinic due to poor delivery and low bioavailability have made of delivery a key stone in therapeutic development. Several technologies have been designed to improve cellular uptake of therapeutic molecules, including cell-penetrating peptides (CPPs). CPPs were first discovered based on the potency of several proteins to enter cells. Numerous CPPs have been described so far, which can be grouped into two major classes, the first requiring chemical linkage with the drug for cellular internalization and the second involving formation of stable, non-covalent complexes with drugs. Nowadays, CPPs constitute very promising tools for non-invasive cellular import of cargo and have been successfully applied for in vitro and in vivo delivery of therapeutic molecules varying from small chemical molecule, nucleic acids, proteins, peptides, liposomes and particles. This review will focus on the structure/function and cellular uptake mechanism of CPPs in the general context of drug delivery. We will also highlight the application of peptide carriers for the delivery of therapeutic molecules and provide an update of their clinical evaluation. This article is part of a themed section on Vector Design and Drug Delivery. For a list of all articles in this section see the end of this paper, or visit: http://www3.interscience.wiley.com/journal/121548564/issueyear?year=2009
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Affiliation(s)
- Frederic Heitz
- Centre de Recherches de Biochimie Macromoléculaire, UMR 5237, CNRS, UM-1, UM-2, CRBM-Department of Molecular Biophysics and Therapeutics, 1919 Route de Mende, Montpellier, France
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Yang Z, Sahay G, Sriadibhatla S, Kabanov AV. Amphiphilic block copolymers enhance cellular uptake and nuclear entry of polyplex-delivered DNA. Bioconjug Chem 2008; 19:1987-94. [PMID: 18729495 DOI: 10.1021/bc800144a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 84] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
This work for the first time demonstrates that synthetic polymers enhance uptake and nuclear import of plasmid DNA (pDNA) through the activation of cellular trafficking machinery. Nonionic block copolymers of poly(ethylene oxide) and poly(propylene oxide), Pluronics, are widely used as excipients in pharmaceutics. We previously demonstrated that Pluronics increase the phosphorylation of IkappaB and subsequent NFkappaB nuclear localization as well as upregulate numerous NFkappaB-related genes. In this study, we show that Pluronics enhance gene transfer by pDNA/polycation complexes ("polyplexes") in a promoter-dependent fashion. Addition of Pluronic P123 or P85 to polyethyleneimine-based polyplexes had little effect on polyplex particle size but significantly enhanced pDNA cellular uptake, nuclear translocation, and gene expression in several cell lines. When added to polyplex-transfected cells after transfection, Pluronics enhanced nuclear import of pDNA containing NFkappaB binding sites, but have no effect on import of pDNA without these sites. Altogether, our studies suggest that Pluronics rapidly activate NFkappaB, which binds cytosolic pDNA that possesses promoters containing NFkappaB binding sites and consequently increase nuclear import of pDNA through NFkappaB nuclear translocation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhihui Yang
- Center for Drug Delivery and Nanomedicine and Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska 68198-5830, USA
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24
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Kim ES, Kang M, Park HW, Kim MH. Membrane transducing activity of recombinant Hoxc8 protein and its possible application as a gene delivery vector. Exp Mol Med 2008; 40:151-60. [PMID: 18446053 DOI: 10.3858/emm.2008.40.2.151] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
In order to examine whether the Hoxc8 protein can deliver nucleic acid into mammalian cells, we designed several Hoxc8-derived recombinant proteins to be synthesized as glutathione S-transferase (GST) fused forms in E. coli (GST-Hoxc8(1-242), containing a full length of Hoxc8; GST-Hoxc8(152-242), possessing a deletion of the acidic N-terminus of Hoxc8; GST-Hoxc8(149-208), which contained the homeodomain only). After labeling these proteins with Oregon 488, we examined their membrane transduction ability under the fluorescence microscope and verified that all three proteins showed similar transduction efficiency. The ability of the proteins to form in vitro protein-DNA complexes was analyzed on agarose gel; both GST-Hoxc8(1-242) and GST-Hoxc8(149-208) formed complexes. In contrast, the GST-Hoxc8(152-242) protein did not form a complex. The GST-Hoxc8(149-208) protein formed a complex with DNA at a mass ratio of 1ú1 (DNAúprotein), and GST-Hoxc8(1-242) formed a complex at a mass ratio of 1ú5. When the DNA (pDsRed1-C1) and protein complexes were added to culture media containing mammalian cells, the cells uptook the complexes, which was indicated by red fluorescence expression under the fluorescent microscope. These results indicate that recombinant Hoxc8 derivatives that harbor a homeodomain are able to traverse the mammalian cellular membrane. DNA that is bound to the recombinant derivatives can be carried across the membrane as well. This process could be applied in the development of a useful delivery vector for gene therapy in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eun Shin Kim
- Department of Anatomy, Embryology Laboratory, Brain Korea 21 Project for Medical Science, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul 120-752, Korea.
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25
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Long-term stable expression of antisense cDNA of cyclin B1 profoundly inhibits the proliferation of tumor cells and suppresses tumorigenicity in implanted mice. Chin Med J (Engl) 2008. [DOI: 10.1097/00029330-200808010-00018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
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26
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Veldhoen S, Laufer SD, Restle T. Recent developments in peptide-based nucleic acid delivery. Int J Mol Sci 2008; 9:1276-1320. [PMID: 19325804 PMCID: PMC2635728 DOI: 10.3390/ijms9071276] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2008] [Revised: 06/04/2008] [Accepted: 07/14/2008] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite the fact that non-viral nucleic acid delivery systems are generally considered to be less efficient than viral vectors, they have gained much interest in recent years due to their superior safety profile compared to their viral counterpart. Among these synthetic vectors are cationic polymers, branched dendrimers, cationic liposomes and cell-penetrating peptides (CPPs). The latter represent an assortment of fairly unrelated sequences essentially characterised by a high content of basic amino acids and a length of 10–30 residues. CPPs are capable of mediating the cellular uptake of hydrophilic macromolecules like peptides and nucleic acids (e.g. siRNAs, aptamers and antisense-oligonucleotides), which are internalised by cells at a very low rate when applied alone. Up to now, numerous sequences have been reported to show cell-penetrating properties and many of them have been used to successfully transport a variety of different cargos into mammalian cells. In recent years, it has become apparent that endocytosis is a major route of internalisation even though the mechanisms underlying the cellular translocation of CPPs are poorly understood and still subject to controversial discussions. In this review, we will summarise the latest developments in peptide-based cellular delivery of nucleic acid cargos. We will discuss different mechanisms of entry, the intracellular fate of the cargo, correlation studies of uptake versus biological activity of the cargo as well as technical problems and pitfalls.
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Key Words
- CLSM, confocal laser scanning microscopy
- CPP, cell-penetrating peptide
- EIPA, ethylisopropylamiloride
- FCS, fetal calf serum
- GFP, green fluorescent protein
- HEPES, 4-(2-hydroxyethyl)-1-piperazineethanesulfonic acid
- HIV, human immunodeficiency virus
- IFN, interferon
- IL, interleukin
- LF, Lipofectamine™
- LF2000, Lipofectamine™ 2000
- MAP, model amphipathic peptide
- MEND, multifunctional envelope-type nano device
- NLS, nuclear localisation sequence
- OMe, O-methyl
- PAMAM, polyamidoamine
- PEG, polyethylene glycol
- PEI, polyethyleneimine
- PMO, phosphorodiamidate morpholino oligomer
- PNA, peptide nucleic acid
- PTD, protein transduction domains
- RNAi, RNA interference
- SAP, Sweet Arrow Peptide
- STR-R8, stearyl-R8
- TAR, transactivator responsive region
- TFO, triplex forming oligonucleotide
- TLR9, toll-like receptor 9
- TNF, tumour necrosis factor
- TP10, transportan 10
- bPrPp, bovine prion protein derived peptide
- cell-penetrating peptides
- endocytosis
- hCT, human calcitonin
- mPrPp, murine prion protein derived peptide
- miRNA, microRNA
- nucleic acid delivery
- nucleic acid drugs
- siRNA, small inhibitory RNA
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Affiliation(s)
- Sandra Veldhoen
- Department of Metabolomics, ISAS - Institute for Analytical Sciences, Bunsen-Kirchhoff-Str. 11, 44139 Dortmund, Germany
- Author to whom correspondence should be addressed; E-mail:
| | - Sandra D. Laufer
- Institut für Molekulare Medizin, Universitätsklinikum Schleswig-Holstein, Universität zu Lübeck, Ratzeburger Allee 160, 23538 Lübeck, Germany
| | - Tobias Restle
- Institut für Molekulare Medizin, Universitätsklinikum Schleswig-Holstein, Universität zu Lübeck, Ratzeburger Allee 160, 23538 Lübeck, Germany
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Fabani MM, Ivanova GD, Gait MJ. Peptide–Peptide Nucleic Acid Conjugates for Modulation of Gene Expression. THERAPEUTIC OLIGONUCLEOTIDES 2008. [DOI: 10.1039/9781847558275-00080] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Martin M. Fabani
- Medical Research Council Laboratory of Molecular Biology Hills Road Cambridge CB2 0QH UK
| | - Gabriela D. Ivanova
- Medical Research Council Laboratory of Molecular Biology Hills Road Cambridge CB2 0QH UK
| | - Michael J. Gait
- Medical Research Council Laboratory of Molecular Biology Hills Road Cambridge CB2 0QH UK
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Abstract
The recent discovery of new potent therapeutic molecules which do not reach the clinic due to poor delivery and low bioavailability have made the delivery of molecules a keystone in therapeutic development. Several technologies have been designed to improve cellular uptake of therapeutic molecules, including CPPs (cell-penetrating peptides), which represent a new and innovative concept to bypass the problem of bioavailability of drugs. CPPs constitute very promising tools and have been successfully applied for in vivo. Two CPP strategies have been described to date; the first one requires chemical linkage between the drug and the carrier for cellular drug internalization, and the second is based on the formation of stable complexes with drugs, depending on their chemical nature. The Pep and MPG families are short amphipathic peptides, which form stable nanoparticles with proteins and nucleic acids respectively. MPG- and Pep-based nanoparticles enter cells independently of the endosomal pathway and efficiently deliver cargoes, in a fully biologically active form, into a large variety of cell lines, as well as in animal models. This review focuses on the structure-function relationship of non-covalent MPG and Pep-1 strategies, and their requirement for cellular uptake of biomolecules and applications in cultured cells and animal models.
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Deshayes S, Morris M, Heitz F, Divita G. Delivery of proteins and nucleic acids using a non-covalent peptide-based strategy. Adv Drug Deliv Rev 2008; 60:537-47. [PMID: 18037526 DOI: 10.1016/j.addr.2007.09.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 132] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2007] [Accepted: 09/26/2007] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
The recent discovery of new potent therapeutic molecules which do not reach the clinic due to poor delivery and low bioavailability have made of delivery a key stone in therapeutic development. Several technologies have been designed to improve cellular uptake of therapeutic molecules, including cell-penetrating peptides (CPPs), which have been successfully applied for in vivo delivery of biomolecules and constitute very promising tools. Distinct families of CPPs have been described; some require chemical linkage between the drug and the carrier for cellular drug internalization while others like Pep-and MPG-families, form stable complexes with drugs depending on their chemical nature. Pep and MPG are short amphipathic peptides, which form stable nanoparticles with proteins and nucleic acids respectively. MPG and Pep based nanoparticles enter cells independently of the endosomal pathway and efficiently deliver cargoes in a fully biologically active form into a large variety of cell lines as well as in animal models. This review will focus on the mechanisms of non-covalent MPG and Pep-1 strategies and their applications in cultured cells and animal models.
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Breunig M, Bauer S, Goepferich A. Polymers and nanoparticles: Intelligent tools for intracellular targeting? Eur J Pharm Biopharm 2008; 68:112-28. [PMID: 17804211 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejpb.2007.06.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 165] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2007] [Revised: 05/31/2007] [Accepted: 06/06/2007] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
In recent years, a new generation of drugs has entered the pharmaceutical market. Some are more potent, but some are also more toxic and thus, therapeutical efficacy may be hindered, and severe side effects may be observed, unless they are delivered to their assigned place of effect. Those targets are not only certain cell types, moreover, in cancer therapy for example, some drugs even have to be targeted to a specific cell organelle. Those targets in eukaryotic cells include among others endo- and lysosomes, mitochondria, the so-called power plants of the cells, and the biggest compartment with almost all the genetic information, the nucleus. In this review, we describe how the drugs can be directed to specific subcellular organelles and focus especially on synthetic polymers and nanoparticles as their carriers. Furthermore, we portray the progress that has been accomplished in recent years in the field of designing the carriers for efficient delivery into these target structures. Yet, we do not fail to mention the obstacles that still exist and are preventing polymeric and nanoparticular drug carrier systems from their broad application in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Breunig
- Department of Pharmaceutical Technology, University of Regensburg, Universitaetstrasse 31, Regensburg, Germany
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31
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Järver P, Langel K, El-Andaloussi S, Langel U. Applications of cell-penetrating peptides in regulation of gene expression. Biochem Soc Trans 2007; 35:770-4. [PMID: 17635145 DOI: 10.1042/bst0350770] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
CPPs (cell-penetrating peptides) can be defined as short peptides that are able to efficiently penetrate cellular lipid bilayers. Because of this remarkable feature, they are excellent candidates regarding alterations in gene expression. CPPs have been utilized in in vivo and in vitro experiments as delivery vectors for different bioactive cargoes. This review focuses on the experiments performed in recent years where CPPs have been used as vectors for multiple effectors of gene expression such as oligonucleotides for antisense, siRNA (small interfering RNA) and decoy dsDNA (double-stranded DNA) applications, and as transfection agents for plasmid delivery.
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Affiliation(s)
- P Järver
- Laboratory of Molecular Biotechnology, Institute of Technology, Tartu University, Tartu, Estonia
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32
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Muñoz-Morris MA, Heitz F, Divita G, Morris MC. The peptide carrier Pep-1 forms biologically efficient nanoparticle complexes. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2007; 355:877-82. [PMID: 17331466 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2007.02.046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2006] [Revised: 02/05/2007] [Accepted: 02/05/2007] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Cell-penetrating peptides (CPPs) constitute a family of peptides whose unique characteristic is their ability to insert into and cross biological membranes. Cell-penetrating peptide carriers of the Pep family are amphipathic peptides which have been shown to deliver peptides and proteins into a wide variety of cells through formation of non-covalent complexes with their cargo. In this study, we have investigated the morphological features of different Pep-1/cargo complexes by scanning electron microscopy and light scattering measurements. We provide first-time evidence that biologically efficient complexes of Pep-1/p27Kip tumour suppressor physically exist in the form of discrete nanoparticles. Moreover, we have characterized the relationship between the Pep-1/cargo ratio, the size and homogeneity of the nanoparticles formed, and their efficiency in delivering the cargo into cells, and report that particle size and homogeneity is both directly dependent on the ratio of Pep-1/cargo formulations, and responsible for their biological efficiency.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria A Muñoz-Morris
- Centro Nacional de Investigaciones Metalurgicas-CSIC, Avda Gregorio del Amo 8, 28040 Madrid, Spain
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Morris MC, Gros E, Aldrian-Herrada G, Choob M, Archdeacon J, Heitz F, Divita G. A non-covalent peptide-based carrier for in vivo delivery of DNA mimics. Nucleic Acids Res 2007; 35:e49. [PMID: 17341467 PMCID: PMC1874649 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkm053] [Citation(s) in RCA: 94] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The dramatic acceleration in identification of new nucleic-acid-based therapeutic molecules has provided new perspectives in pharmaceutical research. However, their development is limited by their poor cellular uptake and inefficient trafficking. Here we describe a short amphipathic peptide, Pep-3, that combines a tryptophan/phenylalanine domain with a lysine/arginine-rich hydrophilic motif. Pep-3 forms stable nano-size complexes with peptide-nucleic acid analogues and promotes their efficient delivery into a wide variety of cell lines, including primary and suspension lines, without any associated cytotoxicity. We demonstrate that Pep-3-mediated delivery of antisense-cyclin B1-charged-PNA blocks tumour growth in vivo upon intratumoral and intravenous injection. Moreover, we show that PEGylation of Pep-3 significantly improves complex stability in vivo and consequently the efficiency of antisense cyclin B1 administered intravenously. Given the biological characteristics of these vectors, we believe that peptide-based delivery technologies hold a true promise for therapeutic applications of DNA mimics.
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Affiliation(s)
- May C. Morris
- Centre de Recherches en Biochimie Macromoléculaire, Department of Molecular Biophysics and Therapeutics, FRE-2593 CNRS, 1919 Route de Mende, 34293 Montpellier, France and Active Motif, Carlsbad, California, USA
| | - Edwige Gros
- Centre de Recherches en Biochimie Macromoléculaire, Department of Molecular Biophysics and Therapeutics, FRE-2593 CNRS, 1919 Route de Mende, 34293 Montpellier, France and Active Motif, Carlsbad, California, USA
| | - Gudrun Aldrian-Herrada
- Centre de Recherches en Biochimie Macromoléculaire, Department of Molecular Biophysics and Therapeutics, FRE-2593 CNRS, 1919 Route de Mende, 34293 Montpellier, France and Active Motif, Carlsbad, California, USA
| | - Michael Choob
- Centre de Recherches en Biochimie Macromoléculaire, Department of Molecular Biophysics and Therapeutics, FRE-2593 CNRS, 1919 Route de Mende, 34293 Montpellier, France and Active Motif, Carlsbad, California, USA
| | - John Archdeacon
- Centre de Recherches en Biochimie Macromoléculaire, Department of Molecular Biophysics and Therapeutics, FRE-2593 CNRS, 1919 Route de Mende, 34293 Montpellier, France and Active Motif, Carlsbad, California, USA
| | - Frederic Heitz
- Centre de Recherches en Biochimie Macromoléculaire, Department of Molecular Biophysics and Therapeutics, FRE-2593 CNRS, 1919 Route de Mende, 34293 Montpellier, France and Active Motif, Carlsbad, California, USA
| | - Gilles Divita
- Centre de Recherches en Biochimie Macromoléculaire, Department of Molecular Biophysics and Therapeutics, FRE-2593 CNRS, 1919 Route de Mende, 34293 Montpellier, France and Active Motif, Carlsbad, California, USA
- *To whom correspondence should be addressed. +33 04 67 61 33 92+33 04 67 52 15 59
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Abstract
Control of gene expression using RNA interference (RNAi) technology constitutes a method of choice for investigating gene function in mammalian cells. However, like most oligonucleotide-based strategies, the major limitation of interfering RNA is their poor cellular uptake due to low permeability of the cell membrane to nucleic acids. Several strategies have been developed to improve delivery of oligonucleotides both in cultured cells and in vivo. So far, there is no universal method for their delivery, as they all present several limitations. Peptide-based strategies have been demonstrated to improve the cellular uptake of nucleic acids both in cultured cell and in vivo. This chapter describes a new peptide-based gene delivery system, MPG, which forms stable noncovalent complexes with oligonucleotides and promotes their delivery into a large panel of cell lines without the need for prior chemical covalent coupling. Protocols are described for both adherent and suspension cell lines.
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Deshayes S, Plénat T, Charnet P, Divita G, Molle G, Heitz F. Formation of transmembrane ionic channels of primary amphipathic cell-penetrating peptides. Consequences on the mechanism of cell penetration. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA-BIOMEMBRANES 2006; 1758:1846-51. [PMID: 17011511 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbamem.2006.08.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2006] [Revised: 07/06/2006] [Accepted: 08/11/2006] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
The ability of three primary amphipathic Cell-Penetrating Peptides (CPPs) CH3-CO-GALFLGFLGAAGSTMGAWSQPKKKRKV-NH-CH2-CH2-SH, CH3-CO-GALFLAFLAAALS LMGLWSQPKKKRKV-NH-CH2-CH2-SH, and CH3-CO-KETWWETWWTEWSQPKKKRKV-NH-CH2-CH2-SH called Pbeta, Palpha and Pep-1, respectively, to promote pore formation is examined both in Xenopus oocytes and artificial planar lipid bilayers. A good correlation between pore formation and their structural properties, especially their conformational versatility, was established. This work shows that the cell-penetrating peptides Pbeta and Pep-1 are able to induce formation of transmembrane pores in artificial bilayers and that these pores are most likely at the basis of their ability to facilitate intracellular delivery of therapeutics. In addition, their behaviour provides some information concerning the positioning of the peptides with respect to the membrane and confirms the role of the membrane potential in the translocation process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sébastien Deshayes
- CRBM-CNRS, FRE 2593 1919, Route de Mende 34293 Montpellier Cedex, France
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Efimov VA, Birikh KR, Staroverov DB, Lukyanov SA, Tereshina MB, Zaraisky AG, Chakhmakhcheva OG. Hydroxyproline-based DNA mimics provide an efficient gene silencing in vitro and in vivo. Nucleic Acids Res 2006; 34:2247-57. [PMID: 16670431 PMCID: PMC1456331 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkl249] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
To be effective, antisense molecules should be stable in biological fluids, non-toxic, form stable and specific duplexes with target RNAs and readily penetrate through cell membranes without non-specific effects on cell function. We report herein that negatively charged DNA mimics representing chiral analogues of peptide nucleic acids with a constrained trans-4-hydroxy-N-acetylpyrrolidine-2-phosphonate backbone (pHypNAs) meet these criteria. To demonstrate this, we compared silencing potency of these compounds with that of previously evaluated as efficient gene knockdown molecules hetero-oligomers consisting of alternating phosphono-PNA monomers and PNA-like monomers based on trans-4-hydroxy-L-proline (HypNA-pPNAs). Antisense potential of pHypNA mimics was confirmed in a cell-free translation assay with firefly luciferase as well as in a living cell assay with green fluorescent protein. In both cases, the pHypNA antisense oligomers provided a specific knockdown of a target protein production. Confocal microscopy showed that pHypNAs, when transfected into living cells, demonstrated efficient cellular uptake with distribution in the cytosol and nucleus. Also, the high potency of pHypNAs for down-regulation of Ras-like GTPase Ras-dva in Xenopus embryos was demonstrated in comparison with phosphorodiamidate morpholino oligomers. Therefore, our data suggest that pHypNAs are novel antisense agents with potential widespread in vitro and in vivo applications in basic research involving live cells and intact organisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vladimir A Efimov
- Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry RAS, Moscow 117997, Russia.
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Efimov VA, Chakhmakhcheva OG, Wickstrom E. Synthesis and application of negatively charged PNA analogues. NUCLEOSIDES NUCLEOTIDES & NUCLEIC ACIDS 2006; 24:1853-74. [PMID: 16438053 DOI: 10.1080/15257770500268830] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
Negatively charged DNA mimics containing phosphonate analogoues of peptide nucleic acids were designed, and their physicochemical and biological properties were evaluated in the comparison with natural oligonucleotides, classical peptide nucleic acids, and morpholino phosphorodiamidate oligonucleotide analogues. The results obtained revealed a high potential of phosphonate-containing PNA derivatives for a number of biological applications, such as diagnostic, nucleic acids analysis, and inhibition of gene expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vladimir A Efimov
- Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Moscow, Russia.
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Gros E, Deshayes S, Morris MC, Aldrian-Herrada G, Depollier J, Heitz F, Divita G. A non-covalent peptide-based strategy for protein and peptide nucleic acid transduction. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA-BIOMEMBRANES 2006; 1758:384-93. [PMID: 16545342 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbamem.2006.02.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 139] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2005] [Revised: 01/20/2006] [Accepted: 02/07/2006] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
The development of therapeutic peptides and proteins is limited by the poor permeability and the selectivity of the cell membrane. The discovery of protein transduction domains has given a new hope for administration of large proteins and peptides in vivo. We have developed a non-covalent strategy for protein transduction based on an amphipathic peptide, Pep-1, that consists of a hydrophobic domain and a hydrophilic lysine-rich domain. Pep-1 efficiently delivers a variety of fully biologically active peptides and proteins into cells, without the need for prior chemical cross-linking or chemical modifications. The mechanism through which Pep-1 delivers active macromolecules does not involve the endosomal pathway and the dissociation of the Pep-1/macromolecule particle occurs immediately after it crosses the cell membrane. Pep-1 has been successfully applied to the screening of therapeutic peptides in vivo and presents several advantages: stability in physiological buffer, lack of toxicity and of sensitivity to serum. In conclusion, Pep-1 technology could contribute significantly to the development of fundamental and therapeutic applications and be an alternative to covalent protein transduction domain-based technologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Edwige Gros
- Centre de Recherches de Biochimie Macromoléculaire, CRBM-CNRS, Department of Molecular Biophysics and Therapeutic, 1919 Route de Mende, 34293 Montpellier, France
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Deshayes S, Morris MC, Divita G, Heitz F. Interactions of amphipathic CPPs with model membranes. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA-BIOMEMBRANES 2006; 1758:328-35. [PMID: 16277976 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbamem.2005.10.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2005] [Revised: 10/07/2005] [Accepted: 10/07/2005] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
We have investigated the interactions between two carrier peptides and model membrane systems as well as the conformational consequences of these interactions. Studies performed with lipid monolayers at the air-water interface have enabled identification of the nature of the lipid-peptide interactions and characterization of the influence of phospholipids on the ability of these peptides to penetrate into lipidic media. Penetration experiments reveal that both peptides interact strongly with phospholipids. Conformational investigations indicate that the lipid-peptide interaction govern the conformational state of the peptides. Based on the ability of both peptides to promote ion permeabilization of both natural and artificial membranes, we propose a model illustrating the translocation process. For MPG, it is based on the formation of a beta-barrel pore-like structure, while for Pep-1, it is based on association of helices.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sébastien Deshayes
- CRBM-CNRS, FRE 2593, 1919, Route de Mende, F-34293 Montpellier cedex, France
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Deshayes S, Morris MC, Divita G, Heitz F. Interactions of amphipathic carrier peptides with membrane components in relation with their ability to deliver therapeutics. J Pept Sci 2006; 12:758-65. [PMID: 17131287 DOI: 10.1002/psc.810] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
Abstract
To identify rules for the design of efficient CPPs that can deliver therapeutic agents such as nucleic acids (DNAs, siRNAs) or proteins and PNAs into subcellular compartments, we compared the properties of several primary and secondary amphipathic CPPs. Studies performed with lipid monolayers at the air-water interface have enabled identification of the nature of the lipid-peptide interactions and characterization of the influence of phospholipids on the ability of these peptides to penetrate into lipidic media. Penetration and compression experiments reveal that both peptides interact strongly with phospholipids, and observations on Langmuir-Blodgett transfers indicate that they can modify the lipid organization. Conformational investigations indicate that the lipid-peptide interactions govern the conformational state(s) of the peptides. On the basis of the ability of both peptides to promote ion permeation through both natural and artificial membranes, models illustrating the translocation processes have been proposed. One is based on the formation of a beta-barrel pore-like structure while another is based on the association of helices.
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Efimov VA, Chakhmakhcheva OG. Hydroxyproline-Based DNA Mimics: A Review on Synthesis and Properties. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2006. [DOI: 10.1135/cccc20060929] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
With the aim to improve physicochemical and biological properties of natural oligonucleotides, many types of DNA analogues and mimics are designed on the basis of hydroxyproline and its derivatives, and their properties are evaluated. Among them, two types of DNA mimics representing hetero-oligomers constructed from alternating monomers of phosphono peptide nucleic acids and monomers on the base of trans-1-acetyl-4-hydroxy-L-proline (HypNA-pPNAs) and oligomers constructed from monomers containing (2S,4R)-1-acetyl-4-hydroxypyrrolidine-2-phosphonic acid backbone (pHypNAs) are of particular interest. In a set of in vitro and in vivo assays, it was shown that HypNA-pPNAs and pHypNAs demonstrated a high potential for the use in nucleic acid based diagnostics, isolation of nucleic acids and antisense experiments. A review with 53 references.
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Abstract
Until recently, the attention of most researchers has focused on the first and last steps of gene transfer, namely delivery to the cell and transcription, in order to optimise transfection and gene therapy. However, over the past few years, researchers have realised that the intracellular trafficking of plasmids is more than just a "black box" and is actually one of the major barriers to effective gene delivery. After entering the cytoplasm, following direct delivery or endocytosis, plasmids or other vectors must travel relatively long distances through the mesh of cytoskeletal networks before reaching the nuclear envelope. Once at the nuclear envelope, the DNA must either wait until cell division, or be specifically transported through the nuclear pore complex, in order to reach the nucleoplasm where it can be transcribed. This review focuses on recent developments in the understanding of these intracellular trafficking events as they relate to gene delivery. Hopefully, by continuing to unravel the mechanisms by which plasmids and other gene delivery vectors move throughout the cell, and by understanding the cell biology of gene transfer, superior methods of transfection and gene therapy can be developed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rui Zhou
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Northwestern University, 240 E. Huron Avenue, McGaw 2336, Chicago IL 60611, USA
| | - R Christopher Geiger
- Department of Microbiology-Immunology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, 240 E. Huron Avenue, McGaw 2336, Chicago IL 60611, USA
| | - David A Dean
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Northwestern University, 240 E. Huron Avenue, McGaw 2336, Chicago IL 60611, USA
- Author for correspondence. Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, 240 E. Huron Avenue, McGaw 2336, Chicago, IL 60611, USA, Tel: +1 312 503 3121; Fax: +1 312 908 4650;
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Fischer R, Fotin-Mleczek M, Hufnagel H, Brock R. Break on through to the Other Side-Biophysics and Cell Biology Shed Light on Cell-Penetrating Peptides. Chembiochem 2005; 6:2126-42. [PMID: 16254940 DOI: 10.1002/cbic.200500044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 212] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
Cell-penetrating peptides (CPPs) have become widely used vectors for the cellular import of molecules in basic and applied biomedical research. Despite the broad acceptance of these molecules as molecular carriers, the details of the mode of cellular internalization and membrane permeation remain elusive. Within the last two years endocytosis has been demonstrated to be a route of uptake shared by several CPPs. These findings had a significant impact on CPP research. State-of-the-art cell biology is now required to advance the understanding of the intracellular fate of the CPP and cargo molecules. Owing to their presumed ability to cross lipid bilayers, CPPs also represent highly interesting objects of biophysical research. Numerous studies have investigated structure-activity relationships of CPPs with respect to their ability to bind to a lipid bilayer or to cross this barrier. Endocytosis route only relocates the membrane permeation from the cell surface to endocytic compartments. Therefore, biophysical experiments are key to a mechanistic molecular understanding of the cellular uptake of CPPs. However, biophysical investigations have to consider the molecular environment encountered by a peptide inside and outside a cell. In this contribution we will review biophysical and cell-biology data obtained for several prominent CPPs. Furthermore, we will summarize recent findings on the cell-penetrating characteristics of antimicrobial peptides and the antimicrobial properties of CPPs. Peptides of both groups have overlapping characteristics. Therefore, both fields may greatly benefit from each other. The review will conclude with a perspective of how biophysics and cell biology may synergize even more efficiently in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rainer Fischer
- Institute for Cell Biology, University of Tübingen, Auf der Morgenstelle 15, 72076 Tübingen,, Germany
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Abstract
Nonviral gene delivery is limited to a large extent by multiple extracellular and intracellular barriers. One of the major barriers, especially in nondividing cells, is the nuclear envelope. Once in the cytoplasm, plasmids must make their way into the nucleus in order to be expressed. Numerous studies have demonstrated that transfections work best in dividing populations of cells in which the nuclear envelope disassembles during mitosis, thus largely eliminating the barrier. However, since many of the cells that are targets for gene therapy do not actively undergo cell division during the gene transfer process, the mechanisms of nuclear transport of plasmids in nondividing cells are of critical importance. In this review, we summarize recent studies designed to elucidate the mechanisms of plasmid nuclear import in nondividing cells and discuss approaches to either exploit or circumvent these processes to increase the efficiency of gene transfer and therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- D A Dean
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
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Juliano RL, Dixit VR, Kang H, Kim TY, Miyamoto Y, Xu D. Epigenetic manipulation of gene expression: a toolkit for cell biologists. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2005; 169:847-57. [PMID: 15967809 PMCID: PMC2171643 DOI: 10.1083/jcb.200501053] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
Cell biologists have been afforded extraordinary new opportunities for experimentation by the emergence of powerful technologies that allow the selective manipulation of gene expression. Currently, RNA interference is very much in the limelight; however, significant progress has also been made with two other approaches. Thus, antisense oligonucleotide technology is undergoing a resurgence as a result of improvements in the chemistry of these molecules, whereas designed transcription factors offer a powerful and increasingly convenient strategy for either up- or down-regulation of targeted genes. This mini-review will highlight some of the key features of these three approaches to gene regulation, as well as provide pragmatic guidance concerning their use in cell biological experimentation based on our direct experience with each of these technologies. The approaches discussed here are being intensely pursued in terms of possible therapeutic applications. However, we will restrict our comments primarily to the cell culture situation, only briefly alluding to fundamental differences between utilization in animals versus cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rudy L Juliano
- Department of Pharmacology, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA.
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