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Matrices Activated with Messenger RNA. J Funct Biomater 2023; 14:jfb14010048. [PMID: 36662095 PMCID: PMC9864744 DOI: 10.3390/jfb14010048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2022] [Revised: 01/12/2023] [Accepted: 01/13/2023] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Over two decades of preclinical and clinical experience have confirmed that gene therapy-activated matrices are potent tools for sustained gene modulation at the implantation area. Matrices activated with messenger RNA (mRNA) are the latest development in the area, and they promise an ideal combination of efficiency and safety. Indeed, implanted mRNA-activated matrices allow a sustained delivery of mRNA and the continuous production of therapeutic proteins in situ. In addition, they are particularly interesting to generate proteins acting on intracellular targets, as the translated protein can directly exert its therapeutic function. Still, mRNA-activated matrices are incipient technologies with a limited number of published records, and much is still to be understood before their successful implementation. Indeed, the design parameters of mRNA-activated matrices are crucial for their performance, as they affect mRNA stability, device immunogenicity, translation efficiency, and the duration of the therapy. Critical design factors include matrix composition and its mesh size, mRNA chemical modification and sequence, and the characteristics of the nanocarriers used for mRNA delivery. This review aims to provide some background relevant to these technologies and to summarize both the design space for mRNA-activated matrices and the current knowledge regarding their pharmaceutical performance. Furthermore, we will discuss potential applications of mRNA-activated matrices, mainly focusing on tissue engineering and immunomodulation.
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2
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Hwang J, Kiick KL, Sullivan MO. Modified hyaluronic acid-collagen matrices trigger efficient gene transfer and prohealing behavior in fibroblasts for improved wound repair. Acta Biomater 2022; 150:138-153. [PMID: 35907557 DOI: 10.1016/j.actbio.2022.07.039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2022] [Revised: 07/20/2022] [Accepted: 07/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/01/2022]
Abstract
Growth factor therapy has demonstrated great promise for chronic wound repair, but controlling growth factor activity and cell phenotype over desired time frames remains a critical challenge. In this study, we developed a gene-activated hyaluronic acid-collagen matrix (GAHCM) comprising DNA/polyethylenimine (PEI) polyplexes retained on hyaluronic acid (HA)-collagen hydrogels using collagen mimetic peptides (CMPs). We hypothesized that manipulating both the number of CMP-collagen tethers and the ECM composition would provide a powerful strategy to control growth factor gene transfer kinetics while regulating cell behavior, resulting in enhanced growth factor activity for wound repair. We observed that polyplexes with 50% CMP-modified PEI (50 CP) showed enhanced retention of polyplexes in HCM hydrogels by 2.7-fold as compared to non-CMP modified polyplexes. Moreover, the incorporation of HA in the hydrogel promoted a significant increase in gene transfection efficiency based upon analysis of Gaussia luciferase (GLuc) reporter gene expression, and gene expression could be attenuated by blocking HA-CD44 signaling. Furthermore, when fibroblasts were exposed to vascular endothelial growth factor-A (VEGF-A)-GAHCM, the 50 CP matrix facilitated sustained VEGF-A production for up to 7 days, with maximal expression at day 5. Application of these VEGF-A-50 CP samples stimulated prolonged pro-healing responses, including the TGF-β1-induced myofibroblast-like phenotypes and enhanced closure of murine splinted wounds. Overall, these findings demonstrate the use of ECM-based materials to stimulate efficient gene transfer and regulate cellular phenotype, resulting in improved control of growth factor activity for wound repair. GAHCM have significant potential to overcome key challenges in growth factor therapy for regenerative medicine. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: Despite great promise for growth factor therapies in wound treatment, controlling growth factor activity and providing a microenvironment for cells that maximizes growth factor signaling have continued to limit the success of existing formulations. Our GAHCM strategy, combining CMP gene delivery and hyaluronic acid-collagen matrix, enabled enhanced wound healing efficacy via the combination of controlled and localized growth factor expression and matrix-mediated regulation of cell behavior. Incorporation of CMPs and HA in the same matrix synergistically enhanced VEGF activity as compared with simpler matrices. Accordingly, GAHCM will advance our ability to leverage growth factor signaling for wound healing, resulting in new long-term treatments for recalcitrant wounds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeongmin Hwang
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Delaware, Newark, DE, USA
| | - Kristi L Kiick
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Delaware, Newark, DE, USA; Department of Materials Science and Engineering, University of Delaware, Newark, DE, USA.
| | - Millicent O Sullivan
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Delaware, Newark, DE, USA; Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of Delaware, Newark, DE, USA.
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3
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Athirasala A, Patel S, Menezes PP, Kim J, Tahayeri A, Sahay G, Bertassoni LE. Matrix stiffness regulates lipid nanoparticle-mRNA delivery in cell-laden hydrogels. NANOMEDICINE : NANOTECHNOLOGY, BIOLOGY, AND MEDICINE 2022; 42:102550. [PMID: 35292368 PMCID: PMC9206884 DOI: 10.1016/j.nano.2022.102550] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2021] [Revised: 01/16/2022] [Accepted: 03/07/2022] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
mRNA therapeutics have increased in popularity, largely due to the transient and fast nature of protein expression and the low risk of off-target effects. This has increased drastically with the remarkable success of mRNA-based vaccines for COVID-19. Despite advances in lipid nanoparticle (LNP)-based delivery, the mechanisms that regulate efficient endocytic trafficking and translation of mRNA remain poorly understood. Although it is widely acknowledged that the extracellular matrix (ECM) regulates uptake and expression of exogenous nano-complexed genetic material, its specific effects on mRNA delivery and expression have not yet been examined. Here, we demonstrate a critical role for matrix stiffness in modulating both mRNA transfection and expression and uncover distinct mechano-regulatory mechanisms for endocytosis of mRNA through RhoA mediated mTOR signaling and cytoskeletal dynamics. Our findings have implications for effective delivery of therapeutic mRNA to targeted tissues that may be differentially affected by tissue and matrix stiffness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Avathamsa Athirasala
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Collaborative Life Sciences Building, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR, USA
| | - Siddharth Patel
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Collaborative Life Science Building, Oregon State University, Portland, OR, USA
| | - Paula P Menezes
- Division of Biomaterials and Biomechanics, Department of Restorative Dentistry, School of Dentistry, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR, USA; Department of Pharmacy, Federal University of Sergipe, Aracaju, Sergipe, Brazil
| | - Jeonghwan Kim
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Collaborative Life Science Building, Oregon State University, Portland, OR, USA
| | - Anthony Tahayeri
- Division of Biomaterials and Biomechanics, Department of Restorative Dentistry, School of Dentistry, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR, USA
| | - Gaurav Sahay
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Collaborative Life Sciences Building, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR, USA; Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Collaborative Life Science Building, Oregon State University, Portland, OR, USA; Department of Ophthalmology, Casey Eye Institute, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, USA
| | - Luiz E Bertassoni
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Collaborative Life Sciences Building, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR, USA; Division of Biomaterials and Biomechanics, Department of Restorative Dentistry, School of Dentistry, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR, USA; Center for Regenerative Medicine, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR, USA; Cancer Early Detection Advanced Research (CEDAR) Center, Knight Cancer Institute, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR, USA.
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4
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Azuaje-Hualde E, Rosique M, Calatayud-Sanchez A, Benito-Lopez F, M de Pancorbo M, Basabe-Desmonts L. Continuous monitoring of cell transfection efficiency with micropatterned substrates. Biotechnol Bioeng 2021; 118:2626-2636. [PMID: 33837978 DOI: 10.1002/bit.27783] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Revised: 03/19/2021] [Accepted: 04/07/2021] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
The effect of cell-cell contact on gene transfection is mainly unknown. Usually, transfection is carried out in batch cell cultures without control over cellular interactions, and efficiency analysis relies on complex and expensive protocols commonly involving flow cytometry as the final analytical step. Novel platforms and cell patterning are being studied to control cellular interactions and improve quantification methods. In this study, we report the use of surface patterning of fibronectin for the generation of two types of mesenchymal stromal cell patterns: single-cell patterns without cell-to-cell contact, and small cell-colony patterns. Both scenarios allowed the integration of the full transfection process and the continuous monitoring of thousands of individualized events by fluorescence microscopy. Our results showed that cell-to-cell contact clearly affected the transfection, as single cells presented a maximum transfection peak 6 h earlier and had a 10% higher transfection efficiency than cells with cell-to-cell contact.
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Affiliation(s)
- Enrique Azuaje-Hualde
- Microfluidics Cluster UPV/EHU, BIOMICs microfluidics Group, Lascaray Research Center, University of the Basque Country UPV/EHU, Vitoria-Gasteiz, Spain
| | - Melania Rosique
- BIOMICs Research Group, Lascaray Research Center, University of the Basque Country UPV/EHU, Vitoria-Gasteiz, Spain
| | - Alba Calatayud-Sanchez
- Microfluidics Cluster UPV/EHU, BIOMICs microfluidics Group, Lascaray Research Center, University of the Basque Country UPV/EHU, Vitoria-Gasteiz, Spain.,Microfluidics Cluster UPV/EHU, Analytical Microsystems & Materials for Lab-on-a-Chip (AMMa-LOAC) Group, Analytical Chemistry Department, University of the Basque Country UPV/EHU, Leioa, Spain
| | - Fernando Benito-Lopez
- Microfluidics Cluster UPV/EHU, Analytical Microsystems & Materials for Lab-on-a-Chip (AMMa-LOAC) Group, Analytical Chemistry Department, University of the Basque Country UPV/EHU, Leioa, Spain.,Bioaraba Health Research Institute, Microfluidics Cluster UPV/EHU, Vitoria-Gasteiz, Spain.,BCMaterials, Basque Center for Materials, Applications and Nanostructures, UPV/EHU Science Park, Leioa, Spain
| | - Marian M de Pancorbo
- BIOMICs Research Group, Lascaray Research Center, University of the Basque Country UPV/EHU, Vitoria-Gasteiz, Spain
| | - Lourdes Basabe-Desmonts
- Microfluidics Cluster UPV/EHU, BIOMICs microfluidics Group, Lascaray Research Center, University of the Basque Country UPV/EHU, Vitoria-Gasteiz, Spain.,Bioaraba Health Research Institute, Microfluidics Cluster UPV/EHU, Vitoria-Gasteiz, Spain.,BCMaterials, Basque Center for Materials, Applications and Nanostructures, UPV/EHU Science Park, Leioa, Spain.,Basque Foundation of Science, IKERBASQUE, María Díaz Haroko Kalea, Bilbao, Spain
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5
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Ledo AM, Vining KH, Alonso MJ, Garcia-Fuentes M, Mooney DJ. Extracellular matrix mechanics regulate transfection and SOX9-directed differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells. Acta Biomater 2020; 110:153-163. [PMID: 32417266 PMCID: PMC7291356 DOI: 10.1016/j.actbio.2020.04.027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2020] [Revised: 04/13/2020] [Accepted: 04/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Gene delivery within hydrogel matrices can potentially direct mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) towards a chondrogenic fate to promote regeneration of cartilage. Here, we investigated whether the mechanical properties of the hydrogel containing the gene delivery systems could enhance transfection and chondrogenic programming of primary human bone marrow-derived MSCs. We developed collagen-I-alginate interpenetrating polymer network hydrogels with tunable stiffness and adhesion properties. The hydrogels were activated with nanocomplexed SOX9 polynucleotides to direct chondrogenic differentiation of MSCs. MSCs transfected within the hydrogels showed higher expression of chondrogenic markers compared to MSCs transfected in 2D prior to encapsulation. The nanocomplex uptake and resulting expression of transfected SOX9 were jointly enhanced by increased stiffness and cell-adhesion ligand density in the hydrogels. Further, transfection of SOX9 effectively induced MSCs chondrogenesis and reduced markers of hypertrophy compared to control matrices. These findings highlight the importance of matrix stiffness and adhesion as design parameters in gene-activated matrices for regenerative medicine. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: Gene-activated matrices (GAMs) are biodegradable polymer networks integrating gene therapies, and they are promising technologies for supporting tissue regeneration. Despite this interest, there is still limited information on how to rationally design these systems. Here, we provide a systematic study of the effect of matrix stiffness and cell adhesion ligands on gene transfer efficiency. We show that high stiffness and the presence of cell-binding sites promote transfection efficiency and that this result is related to more efficient internalization and trafficking of the gene therapies. GAMs with optimized mechanical properties can induce cartilage formation and result in tissues with better characteristics for articular cartilage tissue engineering as compared to previously described standard methods.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adriana M Ledo
- Department of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Technology, IDIS Research Institute, CIMUS Research Institute, University of Santiago de Compostela, Santiago de Compostela 15782, Spain.
| | - Kyle H Vining
- Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering and John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA.
| | - Maria J Alonso
- Department of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Technology, IDIS Research Institute, CIMUS Research Institute, University of Santiago de Compostela, Santiago de Compostela 15782, Spain.
| | - Marcos Garcia-Fuentes
- Department of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Technology, IDIS Research Institute, CIMUS Research Institute, University of Santiago de Compostela, Santiago de Compostela 15782, Spain.
| | - David J Mooney
- Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering and John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA.
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6
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Truong NF, Lesher-Pérez SC, Kurt E, Segura T. Pathways Governing Polyethylenimine Polyplex Transfection in Microporous Annealed Particle Scaffolds. Bioconjug Chem 2019; 30:476-486. [PMID: 30513197 PMCID: PMC7290906 DOI: 10.1021/acs.bioconjchem.8b00696] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Gene delivery using injectable hydrogels can serve as a potential method for regulated tissue regeneration in wound healing. Our microporous annealed particle (MAP) hydrogel has been shown to promote cellular infiltration in both skin and brain wounds, while reducing inflammation. Although the scaffold itself can promote healing, it is likely that other signals will be required to promote healing of hard-to-treat wounds. Gene delivery is one approach to introduce desired bioactive signals. In this study, we investigated how the properties of MAP hydrogels influence non-viral gene delivery of polyethylenimine-condensed plasmid to cells seeded within the MAP gel. From past studies, we found that gene transfer to cells seeded in tissue culture plastic differed from gene transfer to cells seeded inside hydrogel scaffolds. Since MAP scaffolds are generated from hydrogel microparticles that are approximately 100 μm in diameter, they display local characteristics that can be viewed as two-dimensional or three-dimensional to cells. Thus, we sought to study if gene transfer inside MAP scaffolds differed from gene transfer to cells seeded in tissue culture plastic. We sought to understand the roles of the endocytosis pathway, actin and microtubule dynamics, RhoGTPases, and YAP/TAZ on transfection of human fibroblasts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Norman F Truong
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering , University of California , Los Angeles , California 90095 , United States
| | - Sasha Cai Lesher-Pérez
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering , University of California , Los Angeles , California 90095 , United States
| | - Evan Kurt
- Department of Biomedical Engineering , Duke University , Durham , North Carolina 27708 , United States
| | - Tatiana Segura
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering , University of California , Los Angeles , California 90095 , United States
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7
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Mantz A, Pannier AK. Biomaterial substrate modifications that influence cell-material interactions to prime cellular responses to nonviral gene delivery. Exp Biol Med (Maywood) 2019; 244:100-113. [PMID: 30621454 PMCID: PMC6405826 DOI: 10.1177/1535370218821060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
IMPACT STATEMENT This review summarizes how biomaterial substrate modifications (e.g. chemical modifications like natural coatings, ligands, or functional side groups, and/or physical modifications such as topography or stiffness) can prime the cellular response to nonviral gene delivery (e.g. affecting integrin binding and focal adhesion formation, cytoskeletal remodeling, endocytic mechanisms, and intracellular trafficking), to aid in improving gene delivery for applications where a cell-material interface might exist (e.g. tissue engineering scaffolds, medical implants and devices, sensors and diagnostics, wound dressings).
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Affiliation(s)
- Amy Mantz
- Department of Biological Systems Engineering,
University
of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, NE 68583,
USA
| | - Angela K Pannier
- Department of Biological Systems Engineering,
University
of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, NE 68583,
USA
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8
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Hamann A, Nguyen A, Pannier AK. Nucleic acid delivery to mesenchymal stem cells: a review of nonviral methods and applications. J Biol Eng 2019; 13:7. [PMID: 30675180 PMCID: PMC6339289 DOI: 10.1186/s13036-019-0140-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 67] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2018] [Accepted: 01/07/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are multipotent stem cells that can be isolated and expanded from many tissues, and are being investigated for use in cell therapies. Though MSC therapies have demonstrated some success, none have been FDA approved for clinical use. MSCs lose stemness ex vivo, decreasing therapeutic potential, and face additional barriers in vivo, decreasing therapeutic efficacy. Culture optimization and genetic modification of MSCs can overcome these barriers. Viral transduction is efficient, but limited by safety concerns related to mutagenicity of integrating viral vectors and potential immunogenicity of viral antigens. Nonviral delivery methods are safer, though limited by inefficiency and toxicity, and are flexible and scalable, making them attractive for engineering MSC therapies. Main text Transfection method and nucleic acid determine efficiency and expression profile in transfection of MSCs. Transfection methods include microinjection, electroporation, and nanocarrier delivery. Microinjection and electroporation are efficient, but are limited by throughput and toxicity. In contrast, a variety of nanocarriers have been demonstrated to transfer nucleic acids into cells, however nanocarrier delivery to MSCs has traditionally been inefficient. To improve efficiency, plasmid sequences can be optimized by choice of promoter, inclusion of DNA targeting sequences, and removal of bacterial elements. Instead of DNA, RNA can be delivered for rapid protein expression or regulation of endogenous gene expression. Beyond choice of nanocarrier and nucleic acid, transfection can be optimized by priming cells with media additives and cell culture surface modifications to modulate barriers of transfection. Media additives known to enhance MSC transfection include glucocorticoids and histone deacetylase inhibitors. Culture surface properties known to modulate MSC transfection include substrate stiffness and specific protein coating. If nonviral gene delivery to MSCs can be sufficiently improved, MSC therapies could be enhanced by transfection for guided differentiation and reprogramming, transplantation survival and directed homing, and secretion of therapeutics. We discuss utilized delivery methods and nucleic acids, and resulting efficiency and outcomes, in transfection of MSCs reported for such applications. Conclusion Recent developments in transfection methods, including nanocarrier and nucleic acid technologies, combined with chemical and physical priming of MSCs, may sufficiently improve transfection efficiency, enabling scalable genetic engineering of MSCs, potentially bringing effective MSC therapies to patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew Hamann
- Department of Biological Systems Engineering, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, 231 L.W. Chase Hall, Lincoln, NE 68583-0726 USA
| | - Albert Nguyen
- Department of Biological Systems Engineering, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, 231 L.W. Chase Hall, Lincoln, NE 68583-0726 USA
| | - Angela K Pannier
- Department of Biological Systems Engineering, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, 231 L.W. Chase Hall, Lincoln, NE 68583-0726 USA
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9
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Patel S, Athirasala A, Menezes PP, Ashwanikumar N, Zou T, Sahay G, Bertassoni LE. Messenger RNA Delivery for Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine Applications. Tissue Eng Part A 2019; 25:91-112. [PMID: 29661055 PMCID: PMC6352544 DOI: 10.1089/ten.tea.2017.0444] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2017] [Accepted: 04/09/2018] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
The ability to control cellular processes and precisely direct cellular reprogramming has revolutionized regenerative medicine. Recent advances in in vitro transcribed (IVT) mRNA technology with chemical modifications have led to development of methods that control spatiotemporal gene expression. Additionally, there is a current thrust toward the development of safe, integration-free approaches to gene therapy for translational purposes. In this review, we describe strategies of synthetic IVT mRNA modifications and nonviral technologies for intracellular delivery. We provide insights into the current tissue engineering approaches that use a hydrogel scaffold with genetic material. Furthermore, we discuss the transformative potential of novel mRNA formulations that when embedded in hydrogels can trigger controlled genetic manipulation to regenerate tissues and organs in vitro and in vivo. The role of mRNA delivery in vascularization, cytoprotection, and Cas9-mediated xenotransplantation is additionally highlighted. Harmonizing mRNA delivery vehicle interactions with polymeric scaffolds can be used to present genetic cues that lead to precise command over cellular reprogramming, differentiation, and secretome activity of stem cells-an ultimate goal for tissue engineering.
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Affiliation(s)
- Siddharth Patel
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Collaborative Life Science Building, Oregon State University, Portland, Oregon
| | - Avathamsa Athirasala
- Division of Biomaterials and Biomechanics, Department of Restorative Dentistry, School of Dentistry, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, Oregon
| | - Paula P. Menezes
- Division of Biomaterials and Biomechanics, Department of Restorative Dentistry, School of Dentistry, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, Oregon
- Postgraduate Program in Health Sciences, Department of Pharmacy, Federal University of Sergipe, Aracaju, Sergipe, Brazil
| | - N. Ashwanikumar
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Collaborative Life Science Building, Oregon State University, Portland, Oregon
| | - Ting Zou
- Division of Biomaterials and Biomechanics, Department of Restorative Dentistry, School of Dentistry, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, Oregon
- Endodontology, Faculty of Dentistry, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong, China
| | - Gaurav Sahay
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Collaborative Life Science Building, Oregon State University, Portland, Oregon
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Collaborative Life Science Building, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, Oregon
| | - Luiz E. Bertassoni
- Division of Biomaterials and Biomechanics, Department of Restorative Dentistry, School of Dentistry, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, Oregon
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Collaborative Life Science Building, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, Oregon
- Center for Regenerative Medicine, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, Oregon
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10
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Youngblood RL, Truong NF, Segura T, Shea LD. It's All in the Delivery: Designing Hydrogels for Cell and Non-viral Gene Therapies. Mol Ther 2018; 26:2087-2106. [PMID: 30107997 PMCID: PMC6127639 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymthe.2018.07.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2018] [Revised: 07/24/2018] [Accepted: 07/24/2018] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Hydrogels provide a regenerative medicine platform with their ability to create an environment that supports transplanted or endogenous infiltrating cells and enables these cells to restore or replace the function of tissues lost to disease or trauma. Furthermore, these systems have been employed as delivery vehicles for therapeutic genes, which can direct and/or enhance the function of the transplanted or endogenous cells. Herein, we review recent advances in the development of hydrogels for cell and non-viral gene delivery through understanding the design parameters, including both physical and biological components, on promoting transgene expression, cell engraftment, and ultimately cell function. Furthermore, this review identifies emerging opportunities for combining cell and gene delivery approaches to overcome challenges to the field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard L Youngblood
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Norman F Truong
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Tatiana Segura
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA; Department of Biomedical Engineering, Duke University, Durham, NC 27708, USA.
| | - Lonnie D Shea
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA.
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11
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Khalil AS, Yu X, Xie AW, Fontana G, Umhoefer JM, Johnson HJ, Hookway TA, McDevitt TC, Murphy WL. Functionalization of microparticles with mineral coatings enhances non-viral transfection of primary human cells. Sci Rep 2017; 7:14211. [PMID: 29079806 PMCID: PMC5660152 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-017-14153-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2017] [Accepted: 10/02/2017] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Gene delivery to primary human cells is a technology of critical interest to both life science research and therapeutic applications. However, poor efficiencies in gene transfer and undesirable safety profiles remain key limitations in advancing this technology. Here, we describe a materials-based approach whereby application of a bioresorbable mineral coating improves microparticle-based transfection of plasmid DNA lipoplexes in several primary human cell types. In the presence of these mineral-coated microparticles (MCMs), we observed up to 4-fold increases in transfection efficiency with simultaneous reductions in cytotoxicity. We identified mechanisms by which MCMs improve transfection, as well as coating compositions that improve transfection in three-dimensional cell constructs. The approach afforded efficient transfection in primary human fibroblasts as well as mesenchymal and embryonic stem cells for both two- and three-dimensional transfection strategies. This MCM-based transfection is an advancement in gene delivery technology, as it represents a non-viral approach that enables highly efficient, localized transfection and allows for transfection of three-dimensional cell constructs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew S Khalil
- Department of Biomedical Engineering-University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Xiaohua Yu
- Department of Orthopedics and Rehabilitation-University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Angela W Xie
- Department of Biomedical Engineering-University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Gianluca Fontana
- Department of Biomedical Engineering-University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Jennifer M Umhoefer
- Department of Biomedical Engineering-University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Hunter J Johnson
- Department of Biomedical Engineering-University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Tracy A Hookway
- Department of Bioengineering & Therapeutic Sciences-University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Roddenberry Center for Stem Cell Biology & Medicine-Gladstone Institutes, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Todd C McDevitt
- Department of Bioengineering & Therapeutic Sciences-University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Roddenberry Center for Stem Cell Biology & Medicine-Gladstone Institutes, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - William L Murphy
- Department of Biomedical Engineering-University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA.
- Department of Orthopedics and Rehabilitation-University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA.
- The Materials Science Program-University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA.
- The Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine Center-University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA.
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12
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Nierode G, Kwon PS, Dordick JS, Kwon SJ. Cell-Based Assay Design for High-Content Screening of Drug Candidates. J Microbiol Biotechnol 2016; 26:213-25. [PMID: 26428732 DOI: 10.4014/jmb.1508.08007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
To reduce attrition in drug development, it is crucial to consider the development and implementation of translational phenotypic assays as well as decipher diverse molecular mechanisms of action for new molecular entities. High-throughput fluorescence and confocal microscopes with advanced analysis software have simplified the simultaneous identification and quantification of various cellular processes through what is now referred to as highcontent screening (HCS). HCS permits automated identification of modifiers of accessible and biologically relevant targets and can thus be used to detect gene interactions or identify toxic pathways of drug candidates to improve drug discovery and development processes. In this review, we summarize several HCS-compatible, biochemical, and molecular biology-driven assays, including immunohistochemistry, RNAi, reporter gene assay, CRISPR-Cas9 system, and protein-protein interactions to assess a variety of cellular processes, including proliferation, morphological changes, protein expression, localization, post-translational modifications, and protein-protein interactions. These cell-based assay methods can be applied to not only 2D cell culture but also 3D cell culture systems in a high-throughput manner.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gregory Nierode
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering and Center for Biotechnology and Interdisciplinary Studies, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Troy, NY 12180, USA
| | - Paul S Kwon
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering and Center for Biotechnology and Interdisciplinary Studies, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Troy, NY 12180, USA
| | - Jonathan S Dordick
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering and Center for Biotechnology and Interdisciplinary Studies, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Troy, NY 12180, USA
| | - Seok-Joon Kwon
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering and Center for Biotechnology and Interdisciplinary Studies, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Troy, NY 12180, USA
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13
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Das J, Choi YJ, Yasuda H, Han JW, Park C, Song H, Bae H, Kim JH. Efficient delivery of C/EBP beta gene into human mesenchymal stem cells via polyethylenimine-coated gold nanoparticles enhances adipogenic differentiation. Sci Rep 2016; 6:33784. [PMID: 27677463 PMCID: PMC5039411 DOI: 10.1038/srep33784] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2016] [Accepted: 09/02/2016] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
The controlled differentiation of stem cells via the delivery of specific genes encoding appropriate differentiation factors may provide useful models for regenerative medicine and aid in developing therapies for human patients. However, the majority of non-viral vectors are not efficient enough to manipulate difficult-to-transfect adult human stem cells in vitro. Herein, we report the first use of 25 kDa branched polyethylenimine-entrapped gold nanoparticles (AuPEINPs) and covalently bound polyethylenimine-gold nanoparticles (AuMUAPEINPs) as carriers for efficient gene delivery into human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs). We determined a functional application of these nanoparticles by transfecting hMSCs with the C/EBP beta gene, fused to EGFP, to induce adipogenic differentiation. Transfection efficacy with AuPEINPs and AuMUAPEINPs was 52.3% and 40.7%, respectively, which was 2.48 and 1.93 times higher than that by using Lipofectamine 2000. Luciferase assay results also demonstrated improved gene transfection efficiency of AuPEINPs/AuMUAPEINPs over Lipofectamine 2000 and polyethylenimine. Overexpression of exogenous C/EBP beta significantly enhanced adipogenesis in hMSCs as indicated by both of Oil Red O staining and mRNA expression analyses. Nanoparticle/DNA complexes exhibited favorable cytocompatibility in hMSCs. Taken together, AuPEINPs and AuMUAPEINPs potentially represent safe and highly efficient vehicles for gene delivery to control hMSC differentiation and for therapeutic gene delivery applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joydeep Das
- Dept. of Stem Cell and Regenerative Biology, Humanized Pig Research Center (SRC), Konkuk University, Seoul 143-701, South Korea
| | - Yun-Jung Choi
- Dept. of Stem Cell and Regenerative Biology, Humanized Pig Research Center (SRC), Konkuk University, Seoul 143-701, South Korea
| | - Hideyo Yasuda
- Dept. of Stem Cell and Regenerative Biology, Humanized Pig Research Center (SRC), Konkuk University, Seoul 143-701, South Korea
| | - Jae Woong Han
- Dept. of Stem Cell and Regenerative Biology, Humanized Pig Research Center (SRC), Konkuk University, Seoul 143-701, South Korea
| | - Chankyu Park
- Dept. of Stem Cell and Regenerative Biology, Humanized Pig Research Center (SRC), Konkuk University, Seoul 143-701, South Korea
| | - Hyuk Song
- Dept. of Stem Cell and Regenerative Biology, Humanized Pig Research Center (SRC), Konkuk University, Seoul 143-701, South Korea
| | - Hojae Bae
- Dept. of Bioindustrial Technologies, College of Animal Bioscience and Technology, Konkuk University, Seoul 143-701, South Korea
| | - Jin-Hoi Kim
- Dept. of Stem Cell and Regenerative Biology, Humanized Pig Research Center (SRC), Konkuk University, Seoul 143-701, South Korea
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