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Alkhazaali-Ali Z, Sahab-Negah S, Boroumand AR, Tavakol-Afshari J. MicroRNA (miRNA) as a biomarker for diagnosis, prognosis, and therapeutics molecules in neurodegenerative disease. Biomed Pharmacother 2024; 177:116899. [PMID: 38889636 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2024.116899] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2024] [Revised: 05/29/2024] [Accepted: 06/06/2024] [Indexed: 06/20/2024] Open
Abstract
Neurodegenerative diseases that include Alzheimer's disease (AD), amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), Parkinson's disease (PD), Huntington's disease (HD), and multiple sclerosis (MS) that arise due to numerous causes like protein accumulation and autoimmunity characterized by neurologic depletion which lead to incapacity in normal physiological function such as thinking and movement in these patients. Glial cells perform an important role in protective neuronal function; in the case of neuroinflammation, glial cell dysfunction can promote the development of neurodegenerative diseases. miRNA that participates in gene regulation and plays a vital role in many biological processes in the body; in the central nervous system (CNS), it can play an essential part in neural maturation and differentiation. In neurodegenerative diseases, miRNA dysregulation occurs, enhancing the development of these diseases. In this review, we discuss neurodegenerative disease (Alzheimer's disease (AD), Parkinson's disease (PD), amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), and multiple sclerosis (MS)) and how miRNA is preserved as a diagnostic biomarker or therapeutic agent in these disorders. Finally, we highlight miRNA as therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zahraa Alkhazaali-Ali
- Department of Immunology, Immunology Research Center, Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran; Student Research Committee, Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Sajad Sahab-Negah
- Neuroscience Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran; Shefa Neuroscience Research Center, Khatam Alanbia Hospital, Tehran, Iran
| | - Amir Reza Boroumand
- Neuroscience Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Jalil Tavakol-Afshari
- Department of Immunology, Immunology Research Center, Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran.
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2
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BenDavid E, Ramezanian S, Lu Y, Rousseau J, Schroeder A, Lavertu M, Tremblay JP. Emerging Perspectives on Prime Editor Delivery to the Brain. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2024; 17:763. [PMID: 38931430 PMCID: PMC11206523 DOI: 10.3390/ph17060763] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2024] [Revised: 06/02/2024] [Accepted: 06/03/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Prime editing shows potential as a precision genome editing technology, as well as the potential to advance the development of next-generation nanomedicine for addressing neurological disorders. However, turning in prime editors (PEs), which are macromolecular complexes composed of CRISPR/Cas9 nickase fused with a reverse transcriptase and a prime editing guide RNA (pegRNA), to the brain remains a considerable challenge due to physiological obstacles, including the blood-brain barrier (BBB). This review article offers an up-to-date overview and perspective on the latest technologies and strategies for the precision delivery of PEs to the brain and passage through blood barriers. Furthermore, it delves into the scientific significance and possible therapeutic applications of prime editing in conditions related to neurological diseases. It is targeted at clinicians and clinical researchers working on advancing precision nanomedicine for neuropathologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eli BenDavid
- Laboratory of Biomaterials and Tissue Engineering, Department of Chemical Engineering, Institute of Biomedical Engineering, Polytechnique Montréal, Montréal, QC H3C 3A7, Canada;
- Division of Human Genetics, Centre de Recherche du CHU de Québec—Université Laval, Québec, QC G1V 4G2, Canada
- Laboratory of Molecular Genetics and Gene Therapy, Department of Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Laval University, Québec, QC G1V 0A6, Canada
- Laboratory of Nanopharmacology and Pharmaceutical Nanoscience, Faculty of Pharmacy, Laval University, Québec, QC G1V 4G2, Canada
- Rappaport Faculty of Medicine, Technion—Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa 3525433, Israel
| | - Sina Ramezanian
- Division of Human Genetics, Centre de Recherche du CHU de Québec—Université Laval, Québec, QC G1V 4G2, Canada
- Laboratory of Molecular Genetics and Gene Therapy, Department of Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Laval University, Québec, QC G1V 0A6, Canada
| | - Yaoyao Lu
- Division of Human Genetics, Centre de Recherche du CHU de Québec—Université Laval, Québec, QC G1V 4G2, Canada
- Laboratory of Molecular Genetics and Gene Therapy, Department of Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Laval University, Québec, QC G1V 0A6, Canada
| | - Joël Rousseau
- Division of Human Genetics, Centre de Recherche du CHU de Québec—Université Laval, Québec, QC G1V 4G2, Canada
| | - Avi Schroeder
- Laboratory for Targeted Drug Delivery and Personalized Medicine Technologies, Department of Chemical Engineering, Technion—Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa 3200003, Israel;
| | - Marc Lavertu
- Laboratory of Biomaterials and Tissue Engineering, Department of Chemical Engineering, Institute of Biomedical Engineering, Polytechnique Montréal, Montréal, QC H3C 3A7, Canada;
| | - Jacques P. Tremblay
- Division of Human Genetics, Centre de Recherche du CHU de Québec—Université Laval, Québec, QC G1V 4G2, Canada
- Laboratory of Molecular Genetics and Gene Therapy, Department of Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Laval University, Québec, QC G1V 0A6, Canada
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3
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Gao Z. Strategies for enhanced gene delivery to the central nervous system. NANOSCALE ADVANCES 2024; 6:3009-3028. [PMID: 38868835 PMCID: PMC11166101 DOI: 10.1039/d3na01125a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2023] [Accepted: 04/12/2024] [Indexed: 06/14/2024]
Abstract
The delivery of genes to the central nervous system (CNS) has been a persistent challenge due to various biological barriers. The blood-brain barrier (BBB), in particular, hampers the access of systemically injected drugs to parenchymal cells, allowing only a minimal percentage (<1%) to pass through. Recent scientific insights highlight the crucial role of the extracellular space (ECS) in governing drug diffusion. Taking into account advancements in vectors, techniques, and knowledge, the discussion will center on the most notable vectors utilized for gene delivery to the CNS. This review will explore the influence of the ECS - a dynamically regulated barrier-on drug diffusion. Furthermore, we will underscore the significance of employing remote-control technologies to facilitate BBB traversal and modulate the ECS. Given the rapid progress in gene editing, our discussion will also encompass the latest advances focused on delivering therapeutic editing in vivo to the CNS tissue. In the end, a brief summary on the impact of Artificial Intelligence (AI)/Machine Learning (ML), ultrasmall, soft endovascular robots, and high-resolution endovascular cameras on improving the gene delivery to the CNS will be provided.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhenghong Gao
- Mechanical Engineering, The University of Texas at Dallas USA
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Kumari S, Kamiya A, Karnik SS, Rohilla S, Dubey SK, Taliyan R. Novel Gene Therapy Approaches for Targeting Neurodegenerative Disorders: Focusing on Delivering Neurotrophic Genes. Mol Neurobiol 2024:10.1007/s12035-024-04260-y. [PMID: 38856793 DOI: 10.1007/s12035-024-04260-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2023] [Accepted: 05/22/2024] [Indexed: 06/11/2024]
Abstract
Neurodegenerative illnesses (NDDs) like Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, spinal muscular atrophy, and Huntington's disease have demonstrated considerable potential for gene therapy as a viable therapeutic intervention. NDDs are marked by the decline of neurons, resulting in changes in both behavior and pathology within the body. Strikingly, only symptomatic management is available without a cure for the NDDs. There is an unmet need for a permanent therapeutic approach. Many studies have been going on to target the newer therapeutic molecular targets for NDDs including gene-based therapy. Gene therapy has the potential to provide therapeutic benefits to a large number of patients with NDDs by offering mechanisms including neuroprotection, neuro-restoration, and rectification of pathogenic pathways. Gene therapy is a medical approach that aims to modify the biological characteristics of living cells by controlling the expression of specific genes in certain neurological disorders. Despite being the most complex and well-protected organ in the human body, there is clinical evidence to show that it is possible to specifically target the central nervous system (CNS). This provides hope for the prospective application of gene therapy in treating NDDs in the future. There are several advanced techniques available for using viral or non-viral vectors to deliver the therapeutic gene to the afflicted region. Neurotrophic factors (NTF) in the brain are crucial for the development, differentiation, and survival of neurons in the CNS, making them important in the context of various neurological illnesses. Gene delivery of NTF has the potential to be used as a therapeutic approach for the treatment of neurological problems in the brain. This review primarily focuses on the methodologies employed for delivering the genes of different NTFs to treat neurological disorders. These techniques are currently being explored as a viable therapeutic approach for neurodegenerative diseases. The article exclusively addresses gene delivery approaches and does not cover additional therapy strategies for NDDs. Gene therapy offers a promising alternative treatment for NDDs by stimulating neuronal growth instead of solely relying on symptom relief from drugs and their associated adverse effects. It can serve as a long-lasting and advantageous treatment choice for the management of NDDs. The likelihood of developing NDDs increases with age as a result of neuronal degradation in the brain. Gene therapy is an optimal approach for promoting neuronal growth through the introduction of nerve growth factor genes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shobha Kumari
- Indian Council of Medical Research-Senior Research Fellow (ICMR-SRF), Neuropsychopharmacology Division, Department of Pharmacy, Birla Institute of Technology and Science, Pilani Campus, Pilani, 333031, Rajasthan, India
| | - Aayush Kamiya
- Indian Council of Medical Research-Senior Research Fellow (ICMR-SRF), Neuropsychopharmacology Division, Department of Pharmacy, Birla Institute of Technology and Science, Pilani Campus, Pilani, 333031, Rajasthan, India
| | - Sanika Sanjay Karnik
- Indian Council of Medical Research-Senior Research Fellow (ICMR-SRF), Neuropsychopharmacology Division, Department of Pharmacy, Birla Institute of Technology and Science, Pilani Campus, Pilani, 333031, Rajasthan, India
| | - Sumedha Rohilla
- Indian Council of Medical Research-Senior Research Fellow (ICMR-SRF), Neuropsychopharmacology Division, Department of Pharmacy, Birla Institute of Technology and Science, Pilani Campus, Pilani, 333031, Rajasthan, India
| | | | - Rajeev Taliyan
- Indian Council of Medical Research-Senior Research Fellow (ICMR-SRF), Neuropsychopharmacology Division, Department of Pharmacy, Birla Institute of Technology and Science, Pilani Campus, Pilani, 333031, Rajasthan, India.
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Choi MJ, Kang SJ, Lee YK, Choi KC, Lee DH, Jeong HY, Kim MW, Kim KS, Park YS. Novel Lipid Nanocomplex Co-Carrying Bcl2 siRNA and Quantum Dots for EGF Receptor-Targeted Anti-Cancer Theranosis. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:6246. [PMID: 38892434 PMCID: PMC11172456 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25116246] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2024] [Revised: 06/03/2024] [Accepted: 06/04/2024] [Indexed: 06/21/2024] Open
Abstract
Many different types of nanoparticles have been suggested for tumor-targeted theranosis. However, most systems were prepared through a series of complicated processes and could not even overcome the blood-immune barriers. For the accurate diagnosis and effective treatment of cancers, herein we suggested the lipid micellar structure capturing quantum dot (QD) for cancer theranosis. The QD/lipid micelles (QDMs) were prepared using a simple self-assembly procedure and then conjugated with anti-epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) antibodies for tumor targeting. As a therapeutic agent, Bcl2 siRNA-cholesterol conjugates were loaded on the surface of QDMs. The EGFR-directed QDMs containing Bcl2 siRNA, so-called immuno-QDM/siBcl2 (iQDM/siBcl2), exhibited the more effective delivery of QDs and siBcl2 to target human colorectal cancer cells in cultures as well as in mouse xenografts. The effective in vivo targeting of iQDM/siBcl2 resulted in a more enhanced therapeutic efficacy of siBcl2 to the target cancer in mice. Based on the results, anti-EGFR QDM capturing therapeutic siRNA could be suggested as an alternative modality for tumor-targeted theranosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Moon Jung Choi
- Department of Medicine, Brown University, Providence, RI 02903, USA;
- Department of Biomedical Laboratory Science, Yonsei University, Wonju 26496, Republic of Korea; (S.J.K.); (Y.K.L.); (K.C.C.); (D.H.L.); (H.Y.J.); (M.W.K.)
| | - Seong Jae Kang
- Department of Biomedical Laboratory Science, Yonsei University, Wonju 26496, Republic of Korea; (S.J.K.); (Y.K.L.); (K.C.C.); (D.H.L.); (H.Y.J.); (M.W.K.)
| | - Yeon Kyung Lee
- Department of Biomedical Laboratory Science, Yonsei University, Wonju 26496, Republic of Korea; (S.J.K.); (Y.K.L.); (K.C.C.); (D.H.L.); (H.Y.J.); (M.W.K.)
| | - Kang Chan Choi
- Department of Biomedical Laboratory Science, Yonsei University, Wonju 26496, Republic of Korea; (S.J.K.); (Y.K.L.); (K.C.C.); (D.H.L.); (H.Y.J.); (M.W.K.)
| | - Do Hyun Lee
- Department of Biomedical Laboratory Science, Yonsei University, Wonju 26496, Republic of Korea; (S.J.K.); (Y.K.L.); (K.C.C.); (D.H.L.); (H.Y.J.); (M.W.K.)
| | - Hwa Yeon Jeong
- Department of Biomedical Laboratory Science, Yonsei University, Wonju 26496, Republic of Korea; (S.J.K.); (Y.K.L.); (K.C.C.); (D.H.L.); (H.Y.J.); (M.W.K.)
- Department of Biotechnology, College of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Korea University, Seoul 02841, Republic of Korea
| | - Min Woo Kim
- Department of Biomedical Laboratory Science, Yonsei University, Wonju 26496, Republic of Korea; (S.J.K.); (Y.K.L.); (K.C.C.); (D.H.L.); (H.Y.J.); (M.W.K.)
- Department of Surgery, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul 03722, Republic of Korea
| | - Keun Sik Kim
- Department of Biomedical Laboratory Science, Konyang University, Daejeon 35365, Republic of Korea;
| | - Yong Serk Park
- Department of Biomedical Laboratory Science, Yonsei University, Wonju 26496, Republic of Korea; (S.J.K.); (Y.K.L.); (K.C.C.); (D.H.L.); (H.Y.J.); (M.W.K.)
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Ahirwar K, Kumar A, Srivastava N, Saraf SA, Shukla R. Harnessing the potential of nanoengineered siRNAs carriers for target responsive glioma therapy: Recent progress and future opportunities. Int J Biol Macromol 2024; 266:131048. [PMID: 38522697 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2024.131048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2023] [Revised: 01/19/2024] [Accepted: 03/11/2024] [Indexed: 03/26/2024]
Abstract
Past scientific testimonials in the field of glioma research, the deadliest tumor among all brain cancer types with the life span of 10-15 months after diagnosis is considered as glioblastoma multiforme (GBM). Even though the availability of treatment options such as chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and surgery, are unable to completely cure GBM due to tumor microenvironment complexity, intrinsic cellular signalling, and genetic mutations which are involved in chemoresistance. The blood-brain barrier is accountable for restricting drugs entry at the tumor location and related biological challenges like endocytic degradation, short systemic circulation, and insufficient cellular penetration lead to tumor aggression and progression. The above stated challenges can be better mitigated by small interfering RNAs (siRNA) by knockdown genes responsible for tumor progression and resistance. However, siRNA encounters with challenges like inefficient cellular transfection, short circulation time, endogenous degradation, and off-target effects. The novel functionalized nanocarrier approach in conjunction with biological and chemical modification offers an intriguing potential to address challenges associated with the naked siRNA and efficiently silence STAT3, coffilin-1, EGFR, VEGF, SMO, MGMT, HAO-1, GPX-4, TfR, LDLR and galectin-1 genes in GBM tumor. This review highlights the nanoengineered siRNA carriers, their recent advancements, future perspectives, and strategies to overcome the systemic siRNA delivery challenges for glioma treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kailash Ahirwar
- Department of Pharmaceutics, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research-Raebareli, Lucknow, U.P. 226002, India
| | - Ankit Kumar
- Department of Pharmaceutics, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research-Raebareli, Lucknow, U.P. 226002, India
| | - Nidhi Srivastava
- Department of Biotechnology, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research-Raebareli, Lucknow, U.P. 226002, India
| | - Shubhini A Saraf
- Department of Pharmaceutics, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research-Raebareli, Lucknow, U.P. 226002, India
| | - Rahul Shukla
- Department of Pharmaceutics, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research-Raebareli, Lucknow, U.P. 226002, India.
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Enriquez-Rodriguez L, Attia N, Gallego I, Mashal M, Maldonado I, Puras G, Pedraz JL. Expanding the horizon of transient CAR T therapeutics using virus-free technology. Biotechnol Adv 2024; 72:108350. [PMID: 38537878 DOI: 10.1016/j.biotechadv.2024.108350] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2023] [Revised: 03/14/2024] [Accepted: 03/24/2024] [Indexed: 04/01/2024]
Abstract
The extraordinary success that chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cell therapies have shown over the years on fighting hematological malignancies is evidenced by the six FDA-approved products present on the market. CAR T treatments have forever changed the way we understand cellular immunotherapies, as current research in the topic is expanding even outside the field of cancer with very promising results. Until now, virus-based strategies have been used for CAR T cell manufacturing. However, this methodology presents relevant limitations that need to be addressed prior to wide spreading this technology to other pathologies and in order to optimize current cancer treatments. Several approaches are being explored to overcome these challenges such as virus-free alternatives that additionally offer the possibility of developing transient CAR expression or in vivo T cell modification. In this review, we aim to spotlight a pivotal juncture in the history of medicine where a significant change in perspective is occurring. We review the current progress made on viral-based CAR T therapies as well as their limitations and we discuss the future outlook of virus-free CAR T strategies to overcome current challenges and achieve affordable immunotherapies for a wide variety of pathologies, including cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucia Enriquez-Rodriguez
- NanoBioCel Research Group, Laboratory of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Technology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU), Vitoria-Gasteiz, Spain; Networking Research Centre of Bioengineering, Biomaterials and Nanomedicine (CIBER-BBN), Institute of Health Carlos III, Vitoria-Gasteiz, Spain; Bioaraba, NanoBioCel Research Group, Vitoria-Gasteiz, Spain
| | - Noha Attia
- NanoBioCel Research Group, Laboratory of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Technology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU), Vitoria-Gasteiz, Spain; Histology and Cell Biology Department, Faculty of Medicine, University of Alexandria, Alexandria, Egypt
| | - Idoia Gallego
- NanoBioCel Research Group, Laboratory of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Technology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU), Vitoria-Gasteiz, Spain; Networking Research Centre of Bioengineering, Biomaterials and Nanomedicine (CIBER-BBN), Institute of Health Carlos III, Vitoria-Gasteiz, Spain; Bioaraba, NanoBioCel Research Group, Vitoria-Gasteiz, Spain
| | - Mohamed Mashal
- NanoBioCel Research Group, Laboratory of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Technology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU), Vitoria-Gasteiz, Spain
| | - Iván Maldonado
- NanoBioCel Research Group, Laboratory of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Technology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU), Vitoria-Gasteiz, Spain; Networking Research Centre of Bioengineering, Biomaterials and Nanomedicine (CIBER-BBN), Institute of Health Carlos III, Vitoria-Gasteiz, Spain; Bioaraba, NanoBioCel Research Group, Vitoria-Gasteiz, Spain
| | - Gustavo Puras
- NanoBioCel Research Group, Laboratory of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Technology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU), Vitoria-Gasteiz, Spain; Networking Research Centre of Bioengineering, Biomaterials and Nanomedicine (CIBER-BBN), Institute of Health Carlos III, Vitoria-Gasteiz, Spain; Bioaraba, NanoBioCel Research Group, Vitoria-Gasteiz, Spain
| | - José Luis Pedraz
- NanoBioCel Research Group, Laboratory of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Technology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU), Vitoria-Gasteiz, Spain; Networking Research Centre of Bioengineering, Biomaterials and Nanomedicine (CIBER-BBN), Institute of Health Carlos III, Vitoria-Gasteiz, Spain; Bioaraba, NanoBioCel Research Group, Vitoria-Gasteiz, Spain.
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Hu M, Li X, You Z, Cai R, Chen C. Physiological Barriers and Strategies of Lipid-Based Nanoparticles for Nucleic Acid Drug Delivery. ADVANCED MATERIALS (DEERFIELD BEACH, FLA.) 2024; 36:e2303266. [PMID: 37792475 DOI: 10.1002/adma.202303266] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2023] [Revised: 09/21/2023] [Indexed: 10/06/2023]
Abstract
Lipid-based nanoparticles (LBNPs) are currently the most promising vehicles for nucleic acid drug (NAD) delivery. Although their clinical applications have achieved success, the NAD delivery efficiency and safety are still unsatisfactory, which are, to a large extent, due to the existence of multi-level physiological barriers in vivo. It is important to elucidate the interactions between these barriers and LBNPs, which will guide more rational design of efficient NAD vehicles with low adverse effects and facilitate broader applications of nucleic acid therapeutics. This review describes the obstacles and challenges of biological barriers to NAD delivery at systemic, organ, sub-organ, cellular, and subcellular levels. The strategies to overcome these barriers are comprehensively reviewed, mainly including physically/chemically engineering LBNPs and directly modifying physiological barriers by auxiliary treatments. Then the potentials and challenges for successful translation of these preclinical studies into the clinic are discussed. In the end, a forward look at the strategies on manipulating protein corona (PC) is addressed, which may pull off the trick of overcoming those physiological barriers and significantly improve the efficacy and safety of LBNP-based NADs delivery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mingdi Hu
- CAS Key Laboratory for Biomedical Effects of Nanomaterials and Nanosafety, CAS Center for Excellence in Nanoscience, National Center for Nanoscience and Technology, Beijing, 100190, China
- Sino-Danish College, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
- Sino-Danish Center for Education and Research, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Xiaoyan Li
- CAS Key Laboratory for Biomedical Effects of Nanomaterials and Nanosafety, CAS Center for Excellence in Nanoscience, National Center for Nanoscience and Technology, Beijing, 100190, China
| | - Zhen You
- CAS Key Laboratory for Biomedical Effects of Nanomaterials and Nanosafety, CAS Center for Excellence in Nanoscience, National Center for Nanoscience and Technology, Beijing, 100190, China
| | - Rong Cai
- CAS Key Laboratory for Biomedical Effects of Nanomaterials and Nanosafety, CAS Center for Excellence in Nanoscience, National Center for Nanoscience and Technology, Beijing, 100190, China
| | - Chunying Chen
- CAS Key Laboratory for Biomedical Effects of Nanomaterials and Nanosafety, CAS Center for Excellence in Nanoscience, National Center for Nanoscience and Technology, Beijing, 100190, China
- Sino-Danish College, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
- Sino-Danish Center for Education and Research, Beijing, 100049, China
- The GBA National Institute for Nanotechnology Innovation, Guangzhou, 510700, China
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9
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Tang F, Ding A, Xu Y, Ye Y, Li L, Xie R, Huang W. Gene and Photothermal Combination Therapy: Principle, Materials, and Amplified Anticancer Intervention. SMALL (WEINHEIM AN DER BERGSTRASSE, GERMANY) 2024; 20:e2307078. [PMID: 37775950 DOI: 10.1002/smll.202307078] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2023] [Revised: 09/19/2023] [Indexed: 10/01/2023]
Abstract
Gene therapy (GT) and photothermal therapy (PTT) have emerged as promising alternatives to chemotherapy and radiotherapy for cancer treatment, offering noninvasiveness and reduced side effects. However, their efficacy as standalone treatments is limited. GT exhibits slow response rates, while PTT is confined to local tumor ablation. The convergence of GT and PTT, known as GT-PTT, facilitated by photothermal gene nanocarriers, has attracted considerable attention across various disciplines. In this integrated approach, GT reciprocates PTT by sensitizing cellular response to heat, while PTT benefits GT by improving gene translocation, unpacking, and expression. Consequently, this integration presents a unique opportunity for cancer therapy with rapid response and improved effectiveness. Extensive efforts over the past few years have been dedicated to the development of GT-PTT, resulting in notable achievements and rapid progress from the laboratory to potential clinical applications. This comprehensive review outlines recent advances in GT-PTT, including synergistic mechanisms, material systems, imaging-guided therapy, and anticancer applications. It also explores the challenges and future prospects in this nascent field. By presenting innovative ideas and insights into the implementation of GT-PTT for enhanced cancer therapy, this review aims to inspire further progress in this promising area of research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fang Tang
- The Institute of Flexible Electronics (IFE, Future Technologies), Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361005, China
- Future Display Institute in Xiamen, Xiamen, 361005, China
| | - Aixiang Ding
- The Institute of Flexible Electronics (IFE, Future Technologies), Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361005, China
| | - Yao Xu
- The Institute of Flexible Electronics (IFE, Future Technologies), Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361005, China
| | - Yingsong Ye
- The Institute of Flexible Electronics (IFE, Future Technologies), Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361005, China
| | - Lin Li
- The Institute of Flexible Electronics (IFE, Future Technologies), Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361005, China
- Future Display Institute in Xiamen, Xiamen, 361005, China
- Frontiers Science Center for Flexible Electronics (IFE), Northwestern Polytechnical University, Xi'an, 710072, China
| | - Rongjun Xie
- Fujian Key Laboratory of Materials Genome, College of Materials, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361005, China
| | - Wei Huang
- The Institute of Flexible Electronics (IFE, Future Technologies), Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361005, China
- Future Display Institute in Xiamen, Xiamen, 361005, China
- Frontiers Science Center for Flexible Electronics (IFE), Northwestern Polytechnical University, Xi'an, 710072, China
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10
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Heller EA, Hamilton PJ. Stereotaxic Surgery as a Method to Deliver Epigenetic Editing Constructs in Rodent Brain. Methods Mol Biol 2024; 2842:309-321. [PMID: 39012603 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-4051-7_16] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/17/2024]
Abstract
Modern neuroscience research is increasingly discovering that alterations in epigenetic states within key brain cells is correlated with brain diseases. These epigenetic alterations may include changes in histone post-translational modifications and/or DNA modifications, all of which affect transcription and other gene expression programs within the brain cells that comprise central brain regions. However, the exact causal contribution of these epigenome changes to brain disease cannot be elucidated in the absence of direct in vivo manipulations in the implicated brain areas. Combining the design and creation of epigenetic editing constructs, gene delivery strategies, and stereotaxic surgery enables neuroscience researchers to target and manipulate the epigenetic state of the brain cells of laboratory rodents in a locus-specific manner and test its causal contribution to disease-related pathology and behaviors. Here, we describe the surgical protocol utilized by our group and others, which is optimized for herpes simplex virus delivery into the mouse brain, although the protocol outlined herein could be applied for delivery of adeno-associated viruses, lentiviruses, or nonviral gene-delivery methods in both mice and rats. The method allows for the overexpression of engineered DNA-binding proteins for direct and targeted epigenome editing in rodent brain with excellent spatiotemporal control. Nearly any brain region of interest can be targeted in rodents at every stage of postnatal life. Owing to the versatility, reproducibility, and utility of this technique, it is an important method for any laboratory interested in studying the cellular, circuit, and behavioral consequences of manipulating the brain epigenome in laboratory rodents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth A Heller
- Department of Systems Pharmacology and Translational Therapeutics, Institute for Translational Medicine and Therapeutics, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Peter J Hamilton
- Department of Anatomy & Neurobiology, Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine, Richmond, VA, USA.
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11
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Williams L, Larsen J. Nanoparticle-mediated delivery of non-viral gene editing technology to the brain. Prog Neurobiol 2024; 232:102547. [PMID: 38042249 PMCID: PMC10872436 DOI: 10.1016/j.pneurobio.2023.102547] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2023] [Revised: 11/01/2023] [Accepted: 11/26/2023] [Indexed: 12/04/2023]
Abstract
Neurological disorders pose a significant burden on individuals and society, affecting millions worldwide. These disorders, including but not limited to Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, and Huntington's disease, often have limited treatment options and can lead to progressive degeneration and disability. Gene editing technologies, including Zinc Finger Nucleases (ZFN), Transcription Activator-Like Effector Nucleases (TALEN), and Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats-associated Protein 9 (CRISPR-Cas9), offer a promising avenue for potential cures by targeting and correcting the underlying genetic mutations responsible for neurologic disorders. However, efficient delivery methods are crucial for the successful application of gene editing technologies in the context of neurological disorders. The central nervous system presents unique challenges to treatment development due to the blood-brain barrier, which restricts the entry of large molecules. While viral vectors are traditionally used for gene delivery, nonviral delivery methods, such as nanoparticle-mediated delivery, offer safer alternatives that can efficiently transport gene editing components. Herein we aim to introduce the three main gene editing nucleases as nonviral treatments for neurologic disorders, the delivery barriers associated with brain targeting, and the current nonviral techniques used for brain-specific delivery. We highlight the challenges and opportunities for future research in this exciting and growing field that could lead to blood-brain barrier bypassing therapeutic gene editing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucian Williams
- Department of Bioengineering, Clemson University, Clemson, SC 29631, USA
| | - Jessica Larsen
- Department of Bioengineering, Clemson University, Clemson, SC 29631, USA; Department of Chemical Engineering, Clemson University, Clemson, SC 29631, USA.
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12
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Sun Y, Jiang L, Zhang Z, Xu N, Jiang Y, Tan C. Conjugated Polyelectrolyte/Single Strand DNA Hybrid Polyplexes for Efficient Nucleic Acid Delivery and Targeted Protein Degradation. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2023. [PMID: 38108633 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.3c14640] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2023]
Abstract
Nucleic acid-based therapeutics have gained increasing attention due to their ability to regulate various genetic disorders. However, the safe and effective delivery of nucleic acids to their intended cellular sites remains a challenge, primarily due to poor cell membrane permeation and low in vivo stability. Limitations associated with the commonly used nucleic acid delivering agent viral vectors such as carcinogenesis and immunogenicity have driven scientists to develop various nonviral vectors. In this study, we present a highly efficient nucleic acid delivery system based on cationic conjugated polyelectrolytes and single-strand DNA polyplexes with further application in efficient ubiquitin-regulated targeting protein degradation. These polyplexes, formed by 9TC, an aptamer sequence for estrogen receptor (ERα), and cationic PPET3N2 through electrostatic and hydrophobic interactions, demonstrate improved cellular uptake efficiency as well as enhanced stability against nuclease degradation. Furthermore, by incorporation of 9TC into a proteolysis targeting chimera (PROTAC) molecule (P9TC), PPET3N2/P9TC polyplexes significantly enhance the target protein ERα degradation efficiency. Collectively, our findings suggest that PPET3N2 provides a versatile, low cytotoxicity platform for safe, efficient, and simplified delivery of nucleic acids.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuanjie Sun
- The State Key Laboratory of Chemical Oncogenomics, Shenzhen International Graduate School, Tsinghua University, Shenzhen 518055, People's Republic of China
| | - Li Jiang
- State Assets Management Office, Shenzhen Polytechnic University, Shenzhen 518055, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhilin Zhang
- The State Key Laboratory of Chemical Oncogenomics, Shenzhen International Graduate School, Tsinghua University, Shenzhen 518055, People's Republic of China
| | - Naihan Xu
- The State Key Laboratory of Chemical Oncogenomics, Shenzhen International Graduate School, Tsinghua University, Shenzhen 518055, People's Republic of China
- School of Food and Drug, Shenzhen Polytechnic University, Shenzhen 518055, People's Republic of China
| | - Yuyang Jiang
- The State Key Laboratory of Chemical Oncogenomics, Shenzhen International Graduate School, Tsinghua University, Shenzhen 518055, People's Republic of China
| | - Chunyan Tan
- The State Key Laboratory of Chemical Oncogenomics, Shenzhen International Graduate School, Tsinghua University, Shenzhen 518055, People's Republic of China
- Open FIESTA, Shenzhen International Graduate School, Tsinghua University, Shenzhen 518055, People's Republic of China
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13
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Zhang Y, Dang Y, Huang M, Ma Y, Zhang D, Wang X. Development of bioactive and ultrasound-responsive microdroplets for preventing ovariectomy (OVX)-induced osteoporosis. J Mater Chem B 2023; 11:11344-11356. [PMID: 37990947 DOI: 10.1039/d3tb01726e] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2023]
Abstract
As a common bone disease in the elderly population, osteoporosis-related bone loss and bone structure deterioration represent a major public health problem. Therapeutic strategies targeting excessive osteoclast formation are frequently used for osteoporosis treatment; however, potential side effects have been recorded. Here, we have developed a novel therapeutic strategy using microdroplets (MDs) encapsulated with NFATc1-siRNA and investigated the role of bioactive MDs-NFATc1 biocompatibility in RAW 264.7 macrophages and human mesenchymal stem cells (hBMSCs), respectively. Its role in regulating osteoclast differentiation and formation was also investigated in vitro. We first fabricated MDs with spherical morphology along with a well-defined core-shell structure. The ultrasound-responsive study demonstrated time-dependent responsive structural changes following ultrasound stimulation. The internalization study into unstimulated macrophages, inflammatory macrophages, and hBMSCs indicated good delivery efficiency. Furthermore, the results from the MTT assay, the live/dead assay, and the cellular morphological analysis further indicated good biocompatibility of our bioactive MDs-NFATc1. Following MDs-NFATc1 treatment, the number of osteoclasts was greatly reduced, indicating their inhibitory effect on osteoclastogenesis and osteoclast formation. Subsequently, osteoporotic rats that underwent ovariectomy (OVX) were used for the in vivo studies. The rats treated with MDs-NFATc1 exhibited significant resistance to bone loss induced by OVX. In conclusion, our results demonstrate that MDs-NFATc1 could become an important regulator in osteoclast differentiation and functions, thus having potential applications in osteoclast-related bone diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi Zhang
- Department of Hygiene Toxicology, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, 563000 Guizhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Maternal & Child Health and Exposure Science of Guizhou Higher Education Institutes, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, 563000 Guizhou, China
| | - Yi Dang
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, 563003 Guizhou, China.
| | - Maodi Huang
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, 563003 Guizhou, China.
| | - Yaping Ma
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, 563003 Guizhou, China.
| | - Dingmei Zhang
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, 563003 Guizhou, China.
| | - Xin Wang
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, 563003 Guizhou, China.
- Guizhou Provincial Key Laboratory of Medicinal Biotechnology in Colleges and Universities, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, 563000 Guizhou, China
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14
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Alfei S. Cationic Materials for Gene Therapy: A Look Back to the Birth and Development of 2,2-Bis-(hydroxymethyl)Propanoic Acid-Based Dendrimer Scaffolds. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:16006. [PMID: 37958989 PMCID: PMC10649874 DOI: 10.3390/ijms242116006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2023] [Revised: 10/25/2023] [Accepted: 10/27/2023] [Indexed: 11/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Gene therapy is extensively studied as a realistic and promising therapeutic approach for treating inherited and acquired diseases by repairing defective genes through introducing (transfection) the "healthy" genetic material in the diseased cells. To succeed, the proper DNA or RNA fragments need efficient vectors, and viruses are endowed with excellent transfection efficiency and have been extensively exploited. Due to several drawbacks related to their use, nonviral cationic materials, including lipidic, polymeric, and dendrimer vectors capable of electrostatically interacting with anionic phosphate groups of genetic material, represent appealing alternative options to viral carriers. Particularly, dendrimers are highly branched, nanosized synthetic polymers characterized by a globular structure, low polydispersity index, presence of internal cavities, and a large number of peripheral functional groups exploitable to bind cationic moieties. Dendrimers are successful in several biomedical applications and are currently extensively studied for nonviral gene delivery. Among dendrimers, those derived by 2,2-bis(hydroxymethyl)propanoic acid (b-HMPA), having, unlike PAMAMs, a neutral polyester-based scaffold, could be particularly good-looking due to their degradability in vivo. Here, an overview of gene therapy, its objectives and challenges, and the main cationic materials studied for transporting and delivering genetic materials have been reported. Subsequently, due to their high potential for application in vivo, we have focused on the biodegradable dendrimer scaffolds, telling the history of the birth and development of b-HMPA-derived dendrimers. Finally, thanks to a personal experience in the synthesis of b-HMPA-based dendrimers, our contribution to this field has been described. In particular, we have enriched this work by reporting about the b-HMPA-based derivatives peripherally functionalized with amino acids prepared by us in recent years, thus rendering this paper original and different from the existing reviews.
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Affiliation(s)
- Silvana Alfei
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Genoa, Viale Cembrano 4, 16148 Genova, Italy
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15
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Wang W, Tasset A, Pyatnitskiy I, Lin P, Bellamkonda A, Mehta R, Gabbert C, Yuan F, Mohamed HG, Peppas NA, Wang H. Reversible, Covalent DNA Condensation Approach Using Chemical Linkers for Enhanced Gene Delivery. NANO LETTERS 2023; 23:9310-9318. [PMID: 37843021 DOI: 10.1021/acs.nanolett.3c02429] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/17/2023]
Abstract
Nonviral gene delivery has emerged as a promising technology for gene therapy. Nonetheless, these approaches often face challenges, primarily associated with lower efficiency, which can be attributed to the inefficient transportation of DNA into the nucleus. Here, we report a two-stage condensation approach to achieve efficient nuclear transport of DNA. First, we utilize chemical linkers to cross-link DNA plasmids via a reversible covalent bond to form smaller-sized bundled DNA (b-DNA). Then, we package the b-DNA into cationic vectors to further condense b-DNA and enable efficient gene delivery to the nucleus. We demonstrate clear improvements in the gene transfection efficiency in vitro, including with 11.6 kbp plasmids and in primary cultured neurons. Moreover, we also observed a remarkable improvement in lung-selective gene transfection efficiency in vivo by this two-stage condensation approach following intravenous administration. This reversible covalent assembly strategy demonstrates substantial value of nonviral gene delivery for clinical therapeutic applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenliang Wang
- Biomedical Engineering Cockrell School of Engineering, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas 78712, United States
| | - Aaron Tasset
- Biomedical Engineering Cockrell School of Engineering, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas 78712, United States
| | - Ilya Pyatnitskiy
- Biomedical Engineering Cockrell School of Engineering, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas 78712, United States
| | - Peter Lin
- Biomedical Engineering Cockrell School of Engineering, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas 78712, United States
| | - Arjun Bellamkonda
- Biomedical Engineering Cockrell School of Engineering, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas 78712, United States
| | - Rohan Mehta
- Biomedical Engineering Cockrell School of Engineering, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas 78712, United States
| | - Christian Gabbert
- Biomedical Engineering Cockrell School of Engineering, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas 78712, United States
| | - Feng Yuan
- Biomedical Engineering Cockrell School of Engineering, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas 78712, United States
| | - Heba Galaa Mohamed
- Biomedical Engineering Cockrell School of Engineering, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas 78712, United States
| | - Nicholas A Peppas
- Biomedical Engineering Cockrell School of Engineering, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas 78712, United States
- McKetta Department of Chemical Engineering, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas 78712, United States
- Institute for Biomaterials, Drug Delivery, and Regenerative Medicine, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas 78712, United States
- Division of Molecular Pharmaceutics and Drug Delivery, College of Pharmacy, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas 78712, United States
- Department of Surgery and Perioperative Care, Dell Medical School, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas 78712, United States
| | - Huiliang Wang
- Biomedical Engineering Cockrell School of Engineering, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas 78712, United States
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16
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Díaz CF, Cifuentes DL, Oyarzún M, Jiménez VA, Guzmán L. Cell internalization kinetics and surface charge accessibility of surface-modified PAMAM dendrimers. Org Biomol Chem 2023; 21:7782-7790. [PMID: 37705355 DOI: 10.1039/d3ob01265d] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/15/2023]
Abstract
Surface-modified PAMAM dendrimers have important applications in drug delivery, yet a gap remains about the role that surface functionalization plays on their cell internalization capacity. We examined the cell internalization kinetics of PAMAM dendrimers that were surface-modified with acetyl, folate and poly(ethylene glycol), as model functional groups differing in size, charge, and chemical functionality. Dendrimers with 25% functionalization were internalized by HEK cells, but with slower rates and lower maximum uptakes than the native dendrimer between 1-6 h of incubation. Dendrimers with 50% functionalization exhibited negligible internalization capacities at all incubation times. Molecular dynamics simulations revealed that the solvent accessibility of the cationic surface charges is a key factor affecting cell internalization, unlike the total charge, functionality or size of surface-modified PAMAM dendrimers. These findings provide valuable insights to assist the design of PAMAM-based systems for drug delivery applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carola F Díaz
- Departamento de Ciencias Químicas, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas, Universidad Andres Bello, Autopista Concepción-Talcahuano 7100, Talcahuano, Chile.
| | - Diego L Cifuentes
- Departamento de Fisiología, Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad de Concepción, Barrio Universitario S/N, Concepción, Chile
| | - Maximiliano Oyarzún
- Departamento de Fisiología, Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad de Concepción, Barrio Universitario S/N, Concepción, Chile
| | - Verónica A Jiménez
- Departamento de Ciencias Químicas, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas, Universidad Andres Bello, Autopista Concepción-Talcahuano 7100, Talcahuano, Chile.
| | - Leonardo Guzmán
- Departamento de Fisiología, Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad de Concepción, Barrio Universitario S/N, Concepción, Chile
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17
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Khaliq NU, Lee J, Kim J, Kim Y, Yu S, Kim J, Kim S, Sung D, Kim H. Mesoporous Silica Nanoparticles as a Gene Delivery Platform for Cancer Therapy. Pharmaceutics 2023; 15:pharmaceutics15051432. [PMID: 37242674 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics15051432] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2023] [Revised: 05/02/2023] [Accepted: 05/05/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Cancer remains a major global health challenge. Traditional chemotherapy often results in side effects and drug resistance, necessitating the development of alternative treatment strategies such as gene therapy. Mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSNs) offer many advantages as a gene delivery carrier, including high loading capacity, controlled drug release, and easy surface functionalization. MSNs are biodegradable and biocompatible, making them promising candidates for drug delivery applications. Recent studies demonstrating the use of MSNs for the delivery of therapeutic nucleic acids to cancer cells have been reviewed, along with their potential as a tool for cancer therapy. The major challenges and future interventions of MSNs as gene delivery carriers for cancer therapy are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nisar Ul Khaliq
- Department of Chemistry and Bioscience, Kumoh National Institute of Technology, 61 Daehak-ro, Gumi 39177, Republic of Korea
| | - Juyeon Lee
- Department of Chemistry and Bioscience, Kumoh National Institute of Technology, 61 Daehak-ro, Gumi 39177, Republic of Korea
| | - Joohyeon Kim
- Department of Chemistry and Bioscience, Kumoh National Institute of Technology, 61 Daehak-ro, Gumi 39177, Republic of Korea
| | - Yejin Kim
- Department of Chemistry and Bioscience, Kumoh National Institute of Technology, 61 Daehak-ro, Gumi 39177, Republic of Korea
| | - Sohyeon Yu
- Center for Bio-Healthcare Materials, Bio-Convergence Materials R&D Division, Korea Institute of Ceramic Engineering and Technology, 202 Osongsaengmyeong 1-ro, Osong-eup, Heungdeok-gu, Cheongju 28160, Republic of Korea
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Yonsei University, 50 Yonsei-ro, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul 03722, Republic of Korea
| | - Jisu Kim
- Center for Bio-Healthcare Materials, Bio-Convergence Materials R&D Division, Korea Institute of Ceramic Engineering and Technology, 202 Osongsaengmyeong 1-ro, Osong-eup, Heungdeok-gu, Cheongju 28160, Republic of Korea
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Yonsei University, 50 Yonsei-ro, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul 03722, Republic of Korea
| | - Sangwoo Kim
- Center for Bio-Healthcare Materials, Bio-Convergence Materials R&D Division, Korea Institute of Ceramic Engineering and Technology, 202 Osongsaengmyeong 1-ro, Osong-eup, Heungdeok-gu, Cheongju 28160, Republic of Korea
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Yonsei University, 50 Yonsei-ro, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul 03722, Republic of Korea
| | - Daekyung Sung
- Center for Bio-Healthcare Materials, Bio-Convergence Materials R&D Division, Korea Institute of Ceramic Engineering and Technology, 202 Osongsaengmyeong 1-ro, Osong-eup, Heungdeok-gu, Cheongju 28160, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyungjun Kim
- Department of Chemistry and Bioscience, Kumoh National Institute of Technology, 61 Daehak-ro, Gumi 39177, Republic of Korea
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18
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Pardridge WM. Brain gene therapy with Trojan horse lipid nanoparticles. Trends Mol Med 2023; 29:343-353. [PMID: 36907687 PMCID: PMC10005896 DOI: 10.1016/j.molmed.2023.02.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2022] [Revised: 02/16/2023] [Accepted: 02/20/2023] [Indexed: 03/13/2023]
Abstract
The COVID-19 mRNA vaccine was developed by the scalable manufacture of lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) that encapsulate mRNA within the lipid. There are many potential applications for this large nucleic acid delivery technology, including the delivery of plasmid DNA for gene therapy. However, gene therapy for the brain requires LNP delivery across the blood-brain barrier (BBB). It is proposed that LNPs could be reformulated for brain delivery by conjugation of receptor-specific monoclonal antibodies (MAbs) to the LNP surface. The MAb acts as a molecular Trojan horse to trigger receptor-mediated transcytosis (RMT) of the LNP across the BBB and subsequent localization to the nucleus for transcription of the therapeutic gene. Trojan horse LNPs could enable new approaches to gene therapy of the brain.
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19
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Khan SU, Khan MU, Khan MI, Kalsoom F, Zahra A. Current Landscape and Emerging Opportunities of Gene Therapy with Non-viral Episomal Vectors. Curr Gene Ther 2023; 23:135-147. [PMID: 36200188 DOI: 10.2174/1566523222666221004100858] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2022] [Revised: 06/10/2022] [Accepted: 06/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Gene therapy has proven to be extremely beneficial in the management of a wide range of genetic disorders for which there are currently no or few effective treatments. Gene transfer vectors are very significant in the field of gene therapy. It is possible to attach a non-viral attachment vector to the donor cell chromosome instead of integrating it, eliminating the negative consequences of both viral and integrated vectors. It is a safe and optimal express vector for gene therapy because it does not cause any adverse effects. However, the modest cloning rate, low expression, and low clone number make it unsuitable for use in gene therapy. Since the first generation of non-viral attachment episomal vectors was constructed, various steps have been taken to regulate their expression and stability, such as truncating the MAR element, lowering the amount of CpG motifs, choosing appropriate promoters and utilizing regulatory elements. This increases the transfection effectiveness of the non-viral attachment vector while also causing it to express at a high level and maintain a high level of stability. A vector is a genetic construct commonly employed in gene therapy to treat various systemic disorders. This article examines the progress made in the development of various optimization tactics for nonviral attachment vectors and the future applications of these vectors in gene therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Safir Ullah Khan
- Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at the Microscale, School of Life Sciences, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230027, People's Republic of China
| | - Munir Ullah Khan
- MOE Key Laboratory of Macromolecular Synthesis and Functionalization, International Research Center for X Polymers, Department of Polymer Science and Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310027 China
| | - Muhammad Imran Khan
- School of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China,Hefei 230027,People's Republic of China
- Department of Pathology, District Headquarters Hospital Jhang 35200, Punjab Province, Islamic Republic of Pakistan
| | - Fadia Kalsoom
- Department of Pathology, District Headquarters Hospital Jhang 35200, Punjab Province, Islamic Republic of Pakistan
| | - Aqeela Zahra
- Department of Family and Community Medicine. College of Medicine, University of Ha'il, Ha'il 81451, Saudi Arabia
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20
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Padmakumar S, D'Souza A, Parayath NN, Bleier BS, Amiji MM. Nucleic acid therapies for CNS diseases: Pathophysiology, targets, barriers, and delivery strategies. J Control Release 2022; 352:121-145. [PMID: 36252748 DOI: 10.1016/j.jconrel.2022.10.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2022] [Revised: 09/10/2022] [Accepted: 10/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Nucleic acid therapeutics have emerged as one of the very advanced and efficacious treatment approaches for debilitating health conditions, including those diseases affecting the central nervous system (CNS). Precise targeting with an optimal control over gene regulation confers long-lasting benefits through the administration of nucleic acid payloads via viral, non-viral, and engineered vectors. The current review majorly focuses on the development and clinical translational potential of non-viral vectors for treating CNS diseases with a focus on their specific design and targeting approaches. These carriers must be able to surmount the various intracellular and extracellular barriers, to ensure successful neuronal transfection and ultimately attain higher therapeutic efficacies. Additionally, the specific challenges associated with CNS administration also include the presence of blood-brain barrier (BBB), the complex pathophysiological and biochemical changes associated with different disease conditions and the existence of non-dividing cells. The advantages offered by lipid-based or polymeric systems, engineered proteins, particle-based systems coupled with various approaches of neuronal targeting have been discussed in the context of a variety of CNS diseases. The possibilities of rapid yet highly efficient gene modifications rendered by the breakthrough methodologies for gene editing and gene manipulation have also opened vast avenues of research in neuroscience and CNS disease therapy. The current review also underscores the extensive scientific efforts to optimize specialized, efficacious yet non-invasive and safer administration approaches to overcome the therapeutic delivery challenges specifically posed by the CNS transport barriers and the overall obstacles to clinical translation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Smrithi Padmakumar
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, Northeastern University, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Anisha D'Souza
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, Northeastern University, Boston, MA 02115, USA; Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 20115, USA
| | - Neha N Parayath
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, Northeastern University, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Benjamin S Bleier
- Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 20115, USA
| | - Mansoor M Amiji
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, Northeastern University, Boston, MA 02115, USA; Department of Chemical Engineering, College of Engineering, Northeastern University, Boston, MA 02115, USA.
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21
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Ma H, Cao M. Designed Peptide Assemblies for Efficient Gene Delivery. LANGMUIR : THE ACS JOURNAL OF SURFACES AND COLLOIDS 2022; 38:13627-13634. [PMID: 36318179 DOI: 10.1021/acs.langmuir.2c02197] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
The safe and efficient delivery of nucleic acids including DNA, mRNA, siRNA, and miRNA into targeted cells is critical for gene therapy. Currently, viral gene vectors are very popular, but they have potential toxicity and insecurity. Therefore, the development of nonviral vectors has attracted considerable research attention. Peptide assemblies are superior candidates for being used as gene vectors by having good biocompatibility, versatile molecular design, excellent assembly capacity, ease of modification, and stimuli responsivity. The de novo designed peptides not only can induce efficient condensation of nucleic acids into compacted nanoparticles and protect them from enzymatic digestion but also can effectively overcome biological barriers and improve gene delivery efficiency through targeted delivery, enhanced cellular uptake, improved endolysosomal escape, and nuclear importation. By having these merits, peptidic gene vectors are developing fast, showing outstanding advantages compared to liposome and polymer vectors. This Perspective focuses on peptidic gene delivery systems by emphasizing the molecular design strategies for meeting the criteria of gene condensation, protection from nuclease degradation, cellular uptake, endolysosomal escape, and so on. The new arising research area of peptide-based artificial viruses for gene and ribonucleoprotein delivery has also been reviewed. The challenges and future perspectives are put forward, aiming to provide a conclusive guide for the development of peptidic delivery systems to achieve efficient gene therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongchao Ma
- State Key Laboratory of Heavy Oil Processing and Department of Biological and Energy Chemical Engineering, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, China University of Petroleum (East China), Qingdao 266580, China
| | - Meiwen Cao
- State Key Laboratory of Heavy Oil Processing and Department of Biological and Energy Chemical Engineering, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, China University of Petroleum (East China), Qingdao 266580, China
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Fang T, Cao X, Ibnat M, Chen G. Stimuli-responsive nanoformulations for CRISPR-Cas9 genome editing. J Nanobiotechnology 2022; 20:354. [PMID: 35918694 PMCID: PMC9344766 DOI: 10.1186/s12951-022-01570-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2022] [Accepted: 07/22/2022] [Indexed: 12/07/2022] Open
Abstract
The CRISPR-Cas9 technology has changed the landscape of genome editing and has demonstrated extraordinary potential for treating otherwise incurable diseases. Engineering strategies to enable efficient intracellular delivery of CRISPR-Cas9 components has been a central theme for broadening the impact of the CRISPR-Cas9 technology. Various non-viral delivery systems for CRISPR-Cas9 have been investigated given their favorable safety profiles over viral systems. Many recent efforts have been focused on the development of stimuli-responsive non-viral CRISPR-Cas9 delivery systems, with the goal of achieving efficient and precise genome editing. Stimuli-responsive nanoplatforms are capable of sensing and responding to particular triggers, such as innate biological cues and external stimuli, for controlled CRISPR-Cas9 genome editing. In this Review, we overview the recent advances in stimuli-responsive nanoformulations for CRISPR-Cas9 delivery, highlight the rationale of stimuli and formulation designs, and summarize their biomedical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tianxu Fang
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, McGill University, Montreal, QC, H3G 0B1, Canada.,Rosalind & Morris Goodman Cancer Institute, McGill University, Montreal, QC, H3G 0B1, Canada
| | - Xiaona Cao
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, McGill University, Montreal, QC, H3G 0B1, Canada.,Rosalind & Morris Goodman Cancer Institute, McGill University, Montreal, QC, H3G 0B1, Canada.,School of Nursing, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
| | - Mysha Ibnat
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, McGill University, Montreal, QC, H3G 0B1, Canada.,Rosalind & Morris Goodman Cancer Institute, McGill University, Montreal, QC, H3G 0B1, Canada
| | - Guojun Chen
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, McGill University, Montreal, QC, H3G 0B1, Canada. .,Rosalind & Morris Goodman Cancer Institute, McGill University, Montreal, QC, H3G 0B1, Canada.
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