Efficient delivery of genome-editing proteins using bioreducible lipid nanoparticles

CO-DELIVERY of glutamic acid-extended peptide antigen and imidazoquinoline TLR7/8 agonist via ionizable lipid nanoparticles induces protective anti-tumor immunity

Cancer vaccines aim at generating cytotoxic CD8+ T cells that kill cancer cells and confer durable tumor regression. Hereto, CD8+ peptide epitopes should be presented by antigen presenting cells to CD8+ T cells in lymphoid tissue. Unfortunately, in unformulated soluble form, peptide antigens are poorly taken up by antigen presenting cells and do not efficiently reach lymph nodes. Hence, the lack of efficient delivery remains a major limitation for successful clinical translation of cancer vaccination using peptide antigens. Here we propose a generic peptide nanoformulation strategy by extending the amino acid sequence of the peptide antigen epitope with 10 glutamic acid residues. The resulting overall anionic charge of the peptide allows encapsulation into lipid nanoparticles (peptide-LNP) by electrostatic interaction with an ionizable cationic lipid. We demonstrate that intravenous injection of peptide-LNP efficiently delivers the peptide to immune cells in the spleen. Peptide-LNP that co-encapsulate an imidazoquinoline TLR7/8 agonist (IMDQ) induce robust innate immune activation in a broad range of immune cell subsets in the spleen. Peptide-LNP containing the minimal CD8+ T cell epitope of the HPV type 16 E7 oncoprotein and IMDQ induces high levels of antigen-specific CD8+ T cells in the blood, and can confer protective immunity against E7-expressing tumors in both prophylactic and therapeutic settings.

Advanced nanomedicines for the treatment of age-related macular degeneration

The critical and unmet medical need for novel therapeutic advancements in the treatment of age-related macular degeneration (AMD) cannot be overstated, particularly given the aging global population and the increasing prevalence of this condition. Current AMD therapy involves intravitreal treatments that require monthly or bimonthly injections to maintain optimal efficacy. This underscores the necessity for improved approaches, prompting recent research into developing advanced drug delivery systems to prolong the intervals between treatments. Nanoparticle-based therapeutic approaches have enabled the controlled release of drugs, targeted delivery of therapeutic materials, and development of smart solutions for the harsh microenvironment of diseased tissues, offering a new perspective on ocular disease treatment. This review emphasizes the latest pre-clinical treatment options in ocular drug delivery to the retina and explores the advantages of nanoparticle-based therapeutic approaches, with a focus on AMD, the leading cause of irreversible blindness in the elderly.

Next-generation CRISPR technology for genome, epigenome and mitochondrial editing

The application of rapidly growing CRISPR toolboxes and methods has great potential to transform biomedical research. Here, we provide a snapshot of up-to-date CRISPR toolboxes, then critically discuss the promises and hurdles associated with CRISPR-based nuclear genome editing, epigenome editing, and mitochondrial editing. The technical challenges and key solutions to realize epigenome editing in vivo, in vivo base editing and prime editing, mitochondrial editing in complex tissues and animals, and CRISPR-associated transposases and integrases in targeted genomic integration of very large DNA payloads are discussed. Lastly, we discuss the latest situation of the CRISPR/Cas9 clinical trials and provide perspectives on CRISPR-based gene therapy. Apart from technical shortcomings, ethical and societal considerations for CRISPR applications in human therapeutics and research are extensively highlighted.

Lung-specific supramolecular nanoparticles for efficient delivery of therapeutic proteins and genome editing nucleases

Protein therapeutics play a critical role in treating a large variety of diseases, ranging from infections to genetic disorders. However, their delivery to target tissues beyond the liver, such as the lungs, remains a great challenge. Here, we report a universally applicable strategy for lung-targeted protein delivery by engineering Lung-Specific Supramolecular Nanoparticles (LSNPs). These nanoparticles are designed through the hierarchical self-assembly of metal-organic polyhedra (MOP), featuring a customized surface chemistry that enables protein encapsulation and specific lung affinity after intravenous administration. Our design of LSNPs not only addresses the hurdles of cell membrane impermeability of protein and nonspecific tissue distribution of protein delivery, but also shows exceptional versatility in delivering various proteins, including those vital for anti-inflammatory and CRISPR-based genome editing to the lung, and across multiple animal species, including mice, rabbits, and dogs. Notably, the delivery of antimicrobial proteins using LSNPs effectively alleviates acute bacterial pneumonia, demonstrating a significant therapeutic potential. Our strategy not only surmounts the obstacles of tissue-specific protein delivery but also paves the way for targeted treatments in genetic disorders and combating antibiotic resistance, offering a versatile solution for precision protein therapy.

Optimized microfluidic formulation and organic excipients for improved lipid nanoparticle mediated genome editing

mRNA-based gene editing platforms have tremendous promise in the treatment of genetic diseases. However, for this potential to be realized in vivo, these nucleic acid cargos must be delivered safely and effectively to cells of interest. Ionizable lipid nanoparticles (LNPs), the most clinically advanced non-viral RNA delivery system, have been well-studied for the delivery of mRNA but have not been systematically optimized for the delivery of mRNA-based CRISPR-Cas9 platforms. In this study, we investigated the effect of microfluidic and lipid excipient parameters on LNP gene editing efficacy. Through in vitro screening in liver cells, we discovered distinct trends in delivery based on phospholipid, cholesterol, and lipid-PEG structure in LNP formulations. Combination of top-performing lipid excipients produced an LNP formulation that resulted in 3-fold greater gene editing in vitro and facilitated 3-fold greater reduction of a therapeutically-relevant protein in vivo relative to the unoptimized LNP formulation. Thus, systematic optimization of LNP formulation parameters revealed a novel LNP formulation that has strong potential for delivery of gene editors to the liver to treat metabolic disease.

CRISPR-Cpf1 system and its applications in animal genome editing

The clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR) and their associated protein (Cas) system is a gene editing technology guided by RNA endonuclease. The CRISPR-Cas12a (also known as CRISPR-Cpf1) system is extensively utilized in genome editing research due to its accuracy and high efficiency. In this paper, we primarily focus on the application of CRISPR-Cpf1 technology in the construction of disease models and gene therapy. Firstly, the structure and mechanism of the CRISPR-Cas system are introduced. Secondly, the similarities and differences between CRISPR-Cpf1 and CRISPR-Cas9 technologies are compared. Thirdly, the main focus is on the application of the CRISPR-Cpf1 system in cell and animal genome editing. Finally, the challenges faced by CRISPR-Cpf1 technology and corresponding strategies are analyzed. Although CRISPR-Cpf1 technology has certain off-target effects, it can effectively and accurately edit cell and animal genomes, and has significant advantages in the preclinical research.

Exploring the potential of cell-derived vesicles for transient delivery of gene editing payloads

Gene editing technologies have the potential to correct genetic disorders by modifying, inserting, or deleting specific DNA sequences or genes, paving the way for a new class of genetic therapies. While gene editing tools continue to be improved to increase their precision and efficiency, the limited efficacy of in vivo delivery remains a major hurdle for clinical use. An ideal delivery vehicle should be able to target a sufficient number of diseased cells in a transient time window to maximize on-target editing and mitigate off-target events and immunogenicity. Here, we review major advances in novel delivery platforms based on cell-derived vesicles - extracellular vesicles and virus-like particles - for transient delivery of gene editing payloads. We discuss major findings regarding packaging, in vivo biodistribution, therapeutic efficacy, and safety concerns of cell-derived vesicles delivery of gene editing cargos and their potential for clinical translation.

A platform to deliver single and bi-specific Cas9/guide RNA to perturb genes in vitro and in vivo

Although CRISPR-Cas9 technology is poised to revolutionize the treatment of diseases with underlying genetic mutations, it faces some significant issues limiting clinical entry. They include low-efficiency in vivo systemic delivery and undesired off-target effects. Here, we demonstrate, by modifying Cas9 with phosphorothioate-DNA oligos (PSs), that one can efficiently deliver single and bi-specific CRISPR-Cas9/guide RNA (gRNA) dimers in vitro and in vivo with reduced off-target effects. We show that PS-Cas9/gRNA-mediated gene knockout preserves chimeric antigen receptor T cell viability and expansion in vitro and in vivo. PS-Cas9/gRNA mediates gene perturbation in patient-derived tumor organoids and mouse xenograft tumors, leading to potent tumor antitumor effects. Further, HER2 antibody-PS-Cas9/gRNA conjugate selectively perturbs targeted genes in HER2+ ovarian cancer xenografts in vivo. Moreover, we created bi-specific PS-Cas9 with two gRNAs to target two adjacent sequences of the same gene, leading to efficient targeted gene disruption ex vivo and in vivo with markedly reduced unintended gene perturbation. Thus, the cell-penetrating PS-Cas9/gRNA can achieve efficient systemic delivery and precision in gene disruption.

Organ-Specific Gene Expression Control Using DNA Origami-Based Nanodevices

Nanodevices that function in specific organs or cells are one of the ultimate goals of synthetic biology. The recent progress in DNA nanotechnology such as DNA origami has allowed us to construct nanodevices to deliver a payload (e.g., drug) to the tumor. However, delivery to specific organs remains difficult due to the fragility of the DNA nanostructure and the low targeting capability of the DNA nanostructure. Here, we constructed tough DNA origami that allowed us to encapsulate the DNA origami into lipid-based nanoparticles (LNPs) under harsh conditions (low pH), harnessing organ-specific delivery of the gene of interest (GOI). We found that DNA origami-encapsulated LNPs can increase the functionality of payload GOIs (mRNA and siRNA) inside mouse organs through the contribution from different LNP structures revealed by cryogenic electron microscope (Cryo-EM). These data should be the basis for future organ-specific gene expression control using DNA origami nanodevices.

Optimization of lipid nanoparticles for gene editing of the liver via intraduodenal delivery

Lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) have recently emerged as successful gene delivery platforms for a diverse array of disease treatments. Efforts to optimize their design for common administration methods such as intravenous injection, intramuscular injection, or inhalation, revolve primarily around the addition of targeting ligands or the choice of ionizable lipid. Here, we employed a multi-step screening method to optimize the type of helper lipid and component ratios in a plasmid DNA (pDNA) LNP library to efficiently deliver pDNA through intraduodenal delivery as an indicative route for oral administration. By addressing different physiological barriers in a stepwise manner, we down-selected effective LNP candidates from a library of over 1000 formulations. Beyond reporter protein expression, we assessed the efficiency in non-viral gene editing in mouse liver mediated by LNPs to knockdown PCSK9 and ANGPTL3 expression, thereby lowering low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol levels. Utilizing an all-in-one pDNA construct with Strep. pyogenes Cas9 and gRNAs, our results showcased that intraduodenal administration of selected LNPs facilitated targeted gene knockdown in the liver, resulting in a 27% reduction in the serum LDL cholesterol level. This LNP-based all-in-one pDNA-mediated gene editing strategy highlights its potential as an oral therapeutic approach for hypercholesterolemia, opening up new possibilities for DNA-based gene medicine applications.

Iron-Confined CRISPR/Cas9-Ribonucleoprotein Delivery System for Redox-Responsive Gene Editing

Clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeat (CRISPR)-associated protein 9 (Cas9) is a promising gene editing tool to treat diseases at the genetic level. Nonetheless, the challenge of the safe and efficient delivery of CRISPR/Cas9 to host cells constrains its clinical applicability. In the current study, a facile, redox-responsive CRISPR/Cas9-Ribonucleoprotein (RNP) delivery system by combining iron-coordinated aggregation with liposomes (Fe-RNP@L) is reported. The Fe-RNP is formed by the coordination of Fe3+ with amino and carboxyl groups of Cas9, which modifies the lipophilicity and surface charge of RNP and alters cellular uptake from primary endocytosis to endocytosis and cholesterol-dependent membrane fusion. RNP can be rapidly and reversibly released from Fe-RNP in response to glutathione without loss of structural integrity and enzymatic activity. In addition, iron coordination also improves the stability of RNP and substantially mitigates cytotoxicity. This construct enabled highly efficient cytoplasmic/nuclear delivery (≈90%) and gene-editing efficiency (≈70%) even at low concentrations. The high payload content, high editing efficiency, good stability, low immunogenicity, and ease of production and storage, highlight its potential for diverse genome editing and clinical applications.

Revolutionizing Lung Cancer Treatment: Innovative CRISPR-Cas9 Delivery Strategies

Lung carcinoma, including both non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and small cell lung cancer (SCLC), remains a significant global health challenge due to its high morbidity and mortality rates. The objsective of this review is to meticulously examine the current advancements and strategies in the delivery of CRISPR-Cas9 gene-editing technology for the treatment of lung carcinoma. This technology heralds a new era in molecular biology, offering unprecedented precision in genomic modifications. However, its therapeutic potential is contingent upon the development of effective delivery mechanisms that ensure the efficient and specific transport of gene-editing tools to tumor cells. We explore a variety of delivery approaches, such as viral vectors, lipid-based nanoparticles, and physical methods, highlighting their respective advantages, limitations, and recent breakthroughs. This review also delves into the translational and clinical significance of these strategies, discussing preclinical and clinical studies that investigate the feasibility, efficacy, and safety of CRISPR-Cas9 delivery for lung carcinoma. By scrutinizing the landscape of ongoing clinical trials and offering translational perspectives, we aim to elucidate the current state and future directions of this rapidly evolving field. The review is structured to first introduce the problem and significance of lung carcinoma, followed by an overview of CRISPR-Cas9 technology, a detailed examination of delivery strategies, and an analysis of clinical applications and regulatory considerations. Our discussion concludes with future perspectives and challenges, such as optimizing delivery strategies, enhancing specificity, mitigating immunogenicity concerns, and addressing regulatory issues. This comprehensive overview seeks to provide insights into the potential of CRISPR-Cas9 as a revolutionary approach for targeted therapies and personalized medicine in lung carcinoma, emphasizing the importance of delivery strategy development in realizing the full potential of this groundbreaking technology.

SSK1-Loaded Neurotransmitter-Derived Nanoparticles for Alzheimer's Disease Therapy via Clearance of Senescent Cells

Age is a significant contributor to the onset of AD. Senolysis has been recently demonstrated to ameliorate aging-associated diseases that showing a great potential in AD therapy. However, due to the presence of BBB, the anti-AD activity of senolytics are significantly diminished. SSK1 is a prodrug that can be activated by β-gal, a lysosomal enzyme commonly upregulated in senescent cells, and thus selectively eliminates senescent cells. Furthermore, the level of β-gal is significantly correlated with conventional AD genes from clinical sequencing data. SSK1-loaded neurotransmitter -derived lipid nanoparticles are herein developed (SSK1-NPs) that revealing good BBB penetration and bioavailability of in the body. At the brain lesion, SSK1-NP treatment significantly reduces the expression of genes associated with senescence, induced senescent cells elimination, decreased amyloid-beta accumulation, and eventually improve cognitive function of aged AD mice. SSK1-NPs, a novel nanomedicine displaying potent anti-AD activity and excellent safety profile, provides a promising strategy for AD therapy.

Develop Targeted Protein Drug Carriers through a High-Throughput Screening Platform and Rational Design

Protein-based drugs offer advantages, such as high specificity, low toxicity, and minimal side effects compared to small molecule drugs. However, delivery of proteins to target tissues or cells remains challenging due to the instability, diverse structures, charges, and molecular weights of proteins. Polymers have emerged as a leading choice for designing effective protein delivery systems, but identifying a suitable polymer for a given protein is complicated by the complexity of both proteins and polymers. To address this challenge, a fluorescence-based high-throughput screening platform called ProMatch to efficiently collect data on protein-polymer interactions, followed by in vivo and in vitro experiments with rational design is developed. Using this approach to streamline polymer selection for targeted protein delivery, candidate polymers from commercially available options are identified and a polyhexamethylene biguanide (PHMB)-based system for delivering proteins to white adipose tissue as a treatment for obesity is developed. A branched polyethylenimine (bPEI)-based system for neuron-specific protein delivery to stimulate optic nerve regeneration is also developed. The high-throughput screening methodology expedites identification of promising polymer candidates for tissue-specific protein delivery systems, thereby providing a platform to develop innovative protein-based therapeutics.

Near-Infrared Light Activated Formulation for the Spatially Controlled Release of CRISPR-Cas9 Ribonucleoprotein for Brain Gene Editing

The CRISPR/Cas9 system has emerged as a promising platform for gene editing; however, the lack of an efficient and safe delivery system to introduce it into cells continues to hinder clinical translation. Here, we report a rationally designed gene-editing nanoparticle (NP) formulation for brain applications: an sgRNA:Cas9 ribonucleoprotein complex is immobilized on the NP surface by oligonucleotides that are complementary to the sgRNA. Irradiation of the formulation with a near-infrared (NIR) laser generates heat in the NP, leading to the release of the ribonucleoprotein complex. The gene-editing potential of the formulation was demonstrated in vitro at the single-cell level. The safety and gene editing of the formulation were also demonstrated in the brains of reporter mice, specifically in the subventricular zone after intracerebral administration and in the olfactory bulb after intranasal administration. The formulation presented here offers a new strategy for the spatially controlled delivery of the CRISPR system to the brain.

Polyphenol-Assisted Biomineralization of Metal-Organic Framework Nanoparticles for Precision Delivery of Therapeutic Proteins to Cancer Cells

The delivery of proteins into the cytosol holds great promise for cell signaling manipulation and the development of precision medicine. However, this potency is challenged by achieving targeted and controlled delivery, specifically within diseased cells. In this study, we introduce a versatile and effective method for the precision delivery of therapeutic proteins to cancer cells by designing polyphenol-assisted biomineralization of zeolite imidazole framework-8 (ZIF-8). We demonstrate that by leveraging the strong noncovalent binding affinity of epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) with both proteins and ZIF-8, our approach significantly enhances the biomineralization of ZIF-8, which in turn improves the efficiency of protein encapsulation and intracellular delivery. Moreover, the incorporation of EGCG within ZIF-8 enables controlled degradation of the nanoparticles and the selective release of the encapsulated proteins in cancer cells. This selective release is triggered by the oxidation of EGCG in response to the high levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) found within cancer cells that destabilize the EGCG/ZIF-8 nanoparticles. We have further demonstrated the ability of EGCG/ZIF-8 to deliver a wide range of proteins into cancer cells, including bacterial virulence protein, to rewire cell signaling and prohibit tumor cell growth in a mouse xenograft model. Our strategy and findings underscore the potential of designing the EGCG/ZIF-8 interface for specific and controlled protein delivery for targeted cancer therapy.

Delivering CRISPR to the HIV-1 reservoirs

Human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) infection is well known as one of the most complex and difficult viral infections to cure. The difficulty in developing curative strategies arises in large part from the development of latent viral reservoirs (LVRs) within anatomical and cellular compartments of a host. The clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats/ CRISPR-associated protein 9 (CRISPR/Cas9) system shows remarkable potential for the inactivation and/or elimination of integrated proviral DNA within host cells, however, delivery of the CRISPR/Cas9 system to infected cells is still a challenge. In this review, the main factors impacting delivery, the challenges for delivery to each of the LVRs, and the current successes for delivery to each reservoir will be discussed.

Blood-Brain Barrier-Targeting Nanoparticles: Biomaterial Properties and Biomedical Applications in Translational Neuroscience

Overcoming the blood-brain barrier (BBB) remains a significant hurdle in effective drug delivery to the brain. While the BBB serves as a crucial protective barrier, it poses challenges in delivering therapeutic agents to their intended targets within the brain parenchyma. To enhance drug delivery for the treatment of neurological diseases, several delivery technologies to circumvent the BBB have been developed in the last few years. Among them, nanoparticles (NPs) are one of the most versatile and promising tools. Here, we summarize the characteristics of NPs that facilitate BBB penetration, including their size, shape, chemical composition, surface charge, and importantly, their conjugation with various biological or synthetic molecules such as glucose, transferrin, insulin, polyethylene glycol, peptides, and aptamers. Additionally, we discuss the coating of NPs with surfactants. A comprehensive overview of the common in vitro and in vivo models of the BBB for NP penetration studies is also provided. The discussion extends to discussing BBB impairment under pathological conditions and leveraging BBB alterations under pathological conditions to enhance drug delivery. Emphasizing the need for future studies to uncover the inherent therapeutic properties of NPs, the review advocates for their role beyond delivery systems and calls for efforts translating NPs to the clinic as therapeutics. Overall, NPs stand out as a highly promising therapeutic strategy for precise BBB targeting and drug delivery in neurological disorders.

Revolutionising healing: Gene Editing's breakthrough against sickle cell disease

Recent advancements in gene editing illuminate new potential therapeutic approaches for Sickle Cell Disease (SCD), a debilitating monogenic disorder caused by a point mutation in the β-globin gene. Despite the availability of several FDA-approved medications for symptomatic relief, allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) remains the sole curative option, underscoring a persistent need for novel treatments. This review delves into the growing field of gene editing, particularly the extensive research focused on curing haemoglobinopathies like SCD. We examine the use of techniques such as CRISPR-Cas9 and homology-directed repair, base editing, and prime editing to either correct the pathogenic variant into a non-pathogenic or wild-type one or augment fetal haemoglobin (HbF) production. The article elucidates ways to optimize these tools for efficacious gene editing with minimal off-target effects and offers insights into their effective delivery into cells. Furthermore, we explore clinical trials involving alternative SCD treatment strategies, such as LentiGlobin therapy and autologous HSCT, distilling the current findings. This review consolidates vital information for the clinical translation of gene editing for SCD, providing strategic insights for investigators eager to further the development of gene editing for SCD.

Dual-responsive nanocarriers for efficient cytosolic protein delivery and CRISPR-Cas9 gene therapy of inflammatory skin disorders

Developing protein drugs that can target intracellular sites remains a challenge due to their inadequate membrane permeability. Efficient carriers for cytosolic protein delivery are required for protein-based drugs, cancer vaccines, and CRISPR-Cas9 gene therapies. Here, we report a screening process to identify highly efficient materials for cytosolic protein delivery from a library of dual-functionalized polymers bearing both boronate and lipoic acid moieties. Both ligands were found to be crucial for protein binding, endosomal escape, and intracellular protein release. Polymers with higher grafting ratios exhibit remarkable efficacies in cytosolic protein delivery including enzymes, monoclonal antibodies, and Cas9 ribonucleoprotein while preserving their activity. Optimal polymer successfully delivered Cas9 ribonucleoprotein targeting NLRP3 to disrupt NLRP3 inflammasomes in vivo and ameliorate inflammation in a mouse model of psoriasis. Our study presents a promising option for the discovery of highly efficient materials tailored for cytosolic delivery of specific proteins and complexes such as Cas9 ribonucleoprotein.

Topical gene editing therapeutics using lipid nanoparticles: 'gene creams' for genetic skin diseases?

Patients living with inherited skin diseases have benefited from recent advances in DNA sequencing technologies that provide new or improved diagnostics. However, developing and delivering new treatments for the 'genodermatoses' remains challenging. The goal of creating topical preparations that can recover the inherent gene pathology remains largely aspirational. However, recent progress in two fields - the chemistry of topical delivery formulations (lipid nanoparticles) and the molecular biology of gene repair (CRISPR-Cas9, base and prime editing) - presents new opportunities to address this unmet need. In this review, we discuss how lipid nanoparticle delivery vehicles could be used to deliver gene-editing tools to formulate topical 'gene creams' suitable for the treatment of genodermatoses. We summarize the historical landscape of topical therapeutics and advances in gene editing that may herald an era of new therapies for patients with inherited skin disorders.

Silicon Ether Ionizable Lipids Enable Potent mRNA Lipid Nanoparticles with Rapid Tissue Clearance

The advent of mRNA for nucleic acid (NA) therapeutics has unlocked many diverse areas of research and clinical investigation. However, the shorter intracellular half-life of mRNA compared with other NAs may necessitate more frequent dosing regimens. Because lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) are the principal delivery system used for mRNA, this could lead to tolerability challenges associated with an accumulated lipid burden. This can be addressed by introducing enzymatically cleaved carboxylic esters into the hydrophobic domains of lipid components, notably, the ionizable lipid. However, enzymatic activity can vary significantly with age, disease state, and species, potentially limiting the application in humans. Here we report an alternative approach to ionizable lipid degradability that relies on nonenzymatic hydrolysis, leading to a controlled and highly efficient lipid clearance profile. We identify highly potent examples and demonstrate their exceptional tolerability in multiple preclinical species, including multidosing in nonhuman primates (NHP).

Gesicles packaging dCas9-VPR ribonucleoprotein complexes can combine with vorinostat and promote HIV proviral transcription

Despite the success of combination antiretroviral therapy (cART) in HIV treatment, a cure for HIV remains elusive. Scientists postulate that HIV latent reservoirs may be a vital target in curative strategies. Vorinostat is a latency-reversing agent that has demonstrated some effectiveness in reactivating latent HIV, but complementary therapies may be essential to enhance its efficacy. One such approach may utilize the CRISPR-Cas9 system, which has evolved to include transcriptional activators such as dCas9-VPR. In this study, we explored the effects of combining vorinostat coupled with gesicle-mediated delivery of dCas9-VPR in promoting the transcription of integrated HIV proviruses in HIV-NanoLuc CHME-5 microglia and J-Lat 10.6 lymphocytes. We confirmed that dCas9-VPR ribonucleoprotein complexes can be packaged into gesicles and application to cells successfully induced HIV transcription through interactions with the HIV LTR. Vorinostat also induced significant increases in proviral transcription but generated inhibition of cellular proliferation (microglia) or cell viability (lymphocytes) starting at 1,000 nM and higher concentrations. Experiments combining dCas9-VPR gesicles and vorinostat confirmed the enhanced transcriptional activation of the HIV provirus in microglia but not lymphocytes. Thus, a combination of dCas9-VPR gesicles with other latency-reversing agents may provide a complementary method to activate latent HIV in future studies utilizing patient-derived cells or small animal models.

CRISPR/Cas genome editing in plants: mechanisms, applications, and overcoming bottlenecks

The CRISPR/Cas systems have emerged as transformative tools for precisely manipulating plant genomes and enhancement. It has provided unparalleled applications from modifying the plant genomes to resistant enhancement. This review manuscript summarises the mechanism, application, and current challenges in the CRISPR/Cas genome editing technology. It addresses the molecular mechanisms of different Cas genes, elucidating their applications in various plants through crop improvement, disease resistance, and trait improvement. The advent of the CRISPR/Cas systems has enabled researchers to precisely modify plant genomes through gene knockouts, knock-ins, and gene expression modulation. Despite these successes, the CRISPR/Cas technology faces challenges, including off-target effects, Cas toxicity, and efficiency. In this manuscript, we also discuss these challenges and outline ongoing strategies employed to overcome these challenges, including the development of novel CRISPR/Cas variants with improved specificity and specific delivery methods for different plant species. The manuscript will conclude by addressing the future perspectives of the CRISPR/Cas technology in plants. Although this review manuscript is not conclusive, it aims to provide immense insights into the current state and future potential of CRISPR/Cas in sustainable and secure plant production.

CRISPR Advancements for Human Health

CRISPR (Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats) has emerged as a powerful gene editing technology that is revolutionizing biomedical research and clinical medicine. The CRISPR system allows scientists to rewrite the genetic code in virtually any organism. This review provides a comprehensive overview of CRISPR and its clinical applications. We first introduce the CRISPR system and explain how it works as a gene editing tool. We then highlight current and potential clinical uses of CRISPR in areas such as genetic disorders, infectious diseases, cancer, and regenerative medicine. Challenges that need to be addressed for the successful translation of CRISPR to the clinic are also discussed. Overall, CRISPR holds great promise to advance precision medicine, but ongoing research is still required to optimize delivery, efficacy, and safety.

Precise genome-editing in human diseases: mechanisms, strategies and applications

Precise genome-editing platforms are versatile tools for generating specific, site-directed DNA insertions, deletions, and substitutions. The continuous enhancement of these tools has led to a revolution in the life sciences, which promises to deliver novel therapies for genetic disease. Precise genome-editing can be traced back to the 1950s with the discovery of DNA's double-helix and, after 70 years of development, has evolved from crude in vitro applications to a wide range of sophisticated capabilities, including in vivo applications. Nonetheless, precise genome-editing faces constraints such as modest efficiency, delivery challenges, and off-target effects. In this review, we explore precise genome-editing, with a focus on introduction of the landmark events in its history, various platforms, delivery systems, and applications. First, we discuss the landmark events in the history of precise genome-editing. Second, we describe the current state of precise genome-editing strategies and explain how these techniques offer unprecedented precision and versatility for modifying the human genome. Third, we introduce the current delivery systems used to deploy precise genome-editing components through DNA, RNA, and RNPs. Finally, we summarize the current applications of precise genome-editing in labeling endogenous genes, screening genetic variants, molecular recording, generating disease models, and gene therapy, including ex vivo therapy and in vivo therapy, and discuss potential future advances.

Investigating the Cytosolic Delivery of Proteins by Lipid Nanoparticles Using the Chloroalkane Penetration Assay

Protein therapeutics are an expanding area for research and drug development, and lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) are the most prominent nonviral vehicles for protein delivery. The most common methods for assessing protein delivery by LNPs include assays that measure the total amount of protein taken up by cells and assays that measure the phenotypic changes associated with protein delivery. However, assays for total cellular uptake include large amounts of protein that are trapped in endosomes or are otherwise nonfunctional. Assays for functional delivery are important, but the readouts are indirect and amplified, limiting the quantitative interpretation. Here, we apply an assay for cytosolic delivery, the chloroalkane penetration assay (CAPA), to measure the cytosolic delivery of a (-30) green fluorescent protein (GFP) fused to Cre recombinase (Cre(-30)GFP) fusion protein by LNPs. We compare these data to the data from total cellular uptake and functional delivery assays to provide a richer analysis of uptake and endosomal escape for LNP-mediated protein delivery. We also use CAPA for a screen of a small library of lipidoids, identifying those with a promising ability to deliver Cre(-30)GFP to the cytosol of mammalian cells. With careful controls and optimized conditions, we expect that CAPA will be a useful tool for investigating the rate, efficiency, and mechanisms of LNP-mediated delivery of therapeutic proteins.

Advanced strategies for CRISPR/Cas9 delivery and applications in gene editing, therapy, and cancer detection using nanoparticles and nanocarriers

Cancer remains one of the deadliest diseases, and is characterised by the uncontrolled growth of modified human cells. Unlike infectious diseases, cancer does not originate from foreign agents. Though a variety of diagnostic procedures are available; their cost-effectiveness and accessibility create significant hurdles. Non-specific cancer symptoms further complicate early detection, leading to belated recognition of certain cancer. The lack of reliable biomarkers hampers effective treatment, as chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and surgery often result in poor outcomes and high recurrence rates. Genetic and epigenetic mutations play a crucial role in cancer pathogenesis, necessitating the development of alternate treatment methods. The advent of CRISPR/Cas9 technology has transformed molecular biology and exhibits potential for gene modification and therapy in various cancer types. Nonetheless, obstacles such as safe transport, off-target consequences, and potency must be overcome before widespread clinical use. Notably, this review delves into the multifaceted landscape of cancer research, highlighting the pivotal role of nanoparticles in advancing CRISPR/Cas9-based cancer interventions. By addressing the challenges associated with cancer diagnosis and treatment, this integrated approach paves the way for innovative solutions and improved patient outcomes.

Degradation of Tetrabromobisphenol S by thermo-activated Persulphate Oxidation: reaction Kinetics, transformation Mechanisms, and brominated By-products

Brominated flame retardants (BFRs) are a group of contaminants of emerging environmental concern. In this study, systematic exploration was carried out to investigate the degradation of tetrabromobisphenol S (TBBPS), a typical emerging BFRs, by thermally activated persulfate (PDS) oxidation. The removal of 5.0 μM TBBPS was 100% after 60 min oxidation treatment under 60°C. Increasing the temperature or initial PDS concentration facilitated the degradation efficiency of TBBPS. The quenching test indicated that TBBPS degradation occurred via the attack of both sulphate radicals and hydroxyl radicals. Natural organic matter (NOM) decreased the removal rate, however, complete disappearance of TBBPS could still be obtained. Six intermediate products were formed during reactions between TBBPS and radicals. Transformation pathways including debromination, β-Scission, and cross-coupling were proposed. Brominated disinfection by-products (DBPs) in situ formed during the degradation of TBBPS were also investigated, such as bromoform and dibromoacetic acid. The presence of NOM reduced the formation rates of brominated DBPs. Results reveal that although thermo-activated PDS is a promising method for TBBPS-contaminated water, it can lead to potential brominated DBPs risks, which should be paid more attention to when SO4•--based oxidation technology is applied.

Engineering approaches for RNA-based and cell-based osteoarthritis therapies

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a chronic, debilitating disease that substantially impairs the quality of life of affected individuals. The underlying mechanisms of OA are diverse and are becoming increasingly understood at the systemic, tissue, cellular and gene levels. However, the pharmacological therapies available remain limited, owing to drug delivery barriers, and consist mainly of broadly immunosuppressive regimens, such as corticosteroids, that provide only short-term palliative benefits and do not alter disease progression. Engineered RNA-based and cell-based therapies developed with synthetic chemistry and biology tools provide promise for future OA treatments with durable, efficacious mechanisms of action that can specifically target the underlying drivers of pathology. This Review highlights emerging classes of RNA-based technologies that hold potential for OA therapies, including small interfering RNA for gene silencing, microRNA and anti-microRNA for multi-gene regulation, mRNA for gene supplementation, and RNA-guided gene-editing platforms such as CRISPR-Cas9. Various cell-engineering strategies are also examined that potentiate disease-dependent, spatiotemporally regulated production of therapeutic molecules, and a conceptual framework is presented for their application as OA treatments. In summary, this Review highlights modern genetic medicines that have been clinically approved for other diseases, in addition to emerging genome and cellular engineering approaches, with the goal of emphasizing their potential as transformative OA treatments.

Development of a novel cholesterol tag-based system for trans-membrane transport of protein drugs

The main technological difficulties of developing an intracellular (transmembrane) transport system for protein drugs lie in two points: i) overcoming the barriers in the cellular membrane, and ii) loading enough protein drugs, and particularly high-dose proteins, into particles. To address these two technological problems, we recently developed a novel cholesterol tag (C-Tag)-based transmembrane transport system. This pilot study found that the C-Tag dramatically improved the cellular uptake of Fab (902-fold, vs. Fab alone) into living cells, indicating that it successfully achieved transmembrane transport. Moreover, C-Tag-mediated membrane transport was verified using micron-scale large unilamellar vesicles (LUVs, approximately 1.5 μm)-based particles. The C-Tagged Fab was able to permeate the liposomal bilayer and it greatly enhanced (a 10.1-fold increase vs. Fab alone) internalization of proteins into the LUV-based particles, indicating that the C-Tag loaded enough proteins into particles for use of high-dose proteins. Accordingly, we established a novel C-Tag-based transport system that has overcome the known technological difficulties of protein transmembrane delivery, and this might be a useful technology for drug development in the future.

Lipid nanoparticles: The game-changer in CRISPR-Cas9 genome editing

The steady progress in genome editing, especially genome editing based on the use of clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR) and programmable nucleases to make precise modifications to genetic material, has provided enormous opportunities to advance biomedical research and promote human health. However, limited transfection efficiency of CRISPR-Cas9 poses a substantial challenge, hindering its wide adoption for genetic modification. Recent advancements in nanoparticle technology, specifically lipid nanoparticles (LNPs), offer promising opportunities for targeted drug delivery. LNPs are becoming popular as a means of delivering therapeutics, including those based on nucleic acids and mRNA. Notably, certain LNPs, such as Polyethylene glycol-phospholipid-modified cationic lipid nanoparticles and solid lipid nanoparticles, exhibit remarkable potential for efficient CRISPR-Cas9 delivery as a gene editing instrument. This review will introduce the molecular mechanisms and diverse applications of the CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing system, current strategies for delivering CRISPR/Cas9-based tools, the advantage of LNPs for CRISPR-Cas9 delivery, an overview of strategies for overcoming off-target genome editing, and approaches for improving genome targeting and tissue targeting. We will also highlight current developments and recent clinical trials for the delivery of CRISPR/Cas9. Finally, future directions for overcoming the limitations and adaptation of this technology for clinical trials will be discussed.

Intracellular Protein Delivery: Approaches, Challenges, and Clinical Applications

Protein biologics are powerful therapeutic agents with diverse inhibitory and enzymatic functions. However, their clinical use has been limited to extracellular applications due to their inability to cross plasma membranes. Overcoming this physiological barrier would unlock the potential of protein drugs for the treatment of many intractable diseases. In this review, we highlight progress made toward achieving cytosolic delivery of recombinant proteins. We start by first considering intracellular protein delivery as a drug modality compared to existing Food and Drug Administration-approved drug modalities. Then, we summarize strategies that have been reported to achieve protein internalization. These techniques can be broadly classified into 3 categories: physical methods, direct protein engineering, and nanocarrier-mediated delivery. Finally, we highlight existing challenges for cytosolic protein delivery and offer an outlook for future advances.

Optically Controlled CRISPR-Cas9 and Cre Recombinase for Spatiotemporal Gene Editing: A Review

CRISPR-Cas9 and Cre recombinase, two tools extensively used for genome interrogation, have catalyzed key breakthroughs in our understanding of complex biological processes and diseases. However, the immense complexity of biological systems and off-target effects hinder clinical applications, necessitating the development of platforms to control gene editing over spatial and temporal dimensions. Among the strategies developed for inducible control, light is particularly attractive as it is noninvasive and affords high spatiotemporal resolution. The principles for optical control of Cas9 and Cre recombinase are broadly similar and involve photocaged enzymes and small molecules, engineered split- and single-chain constructs, light-induced expression, and delivery by light-responsive nanocarriers. Few systems enable spatiotemporal control with a high dynamic range without loss of wild-type editing efficiencies. Such systems posit the promise of light-activatable systems in the clinic. While the prospect of clinical applications is palpably exciting, optimization and extensive preclinical validation are warranted. Judicious integration of optically activated CRISPR and Cre, tailored for the desired application, may help to bridge the "bench-to-bedside" gap in therapeutic gene editing.

Beyond the promise: evaluating and mitigating off-target effects in CRISPR gene editing for safer therapeutics

Over the last decade, CRISPR has revolutionized drug development due to its potential to cure genetic diseases that currently do not have any treatment. CRISPR was adapted from bacteria for gene editing in human cells in 2012 and, remarkably, only 11 years later has seen it's very first approval as a medicine for the treatment of sickle cell disease and transfusion-dependent beta-thalassemia. However, the application of CRISPR systems is associated with unintended off-target and on-target alterations (including small indels, and structural variations such as translocations, inversions and large deletions), which are a source of risk for patients and a vital concern for the development of safe therapies. In recent years, a wide range of methods has been developed to detect unwanted effects of CRISPR-Cas nuclease activity. In this review, we summarize the different methods for off-target assessment, discuss their strengths and limitations, and highlight strategies to improve the safety of CRISPR systems. Finally, we discuss their relevance and application for the pre-clinical risk assessment of CRISPR therapeutics within the current regulatory context.

Unleashing the Power of Proenzyme Delivery for Targeted Therapeutic Applications Using Biodegradable Lipid Nanoparticles

Proenzymes, functioning as inactive precursor forms of enzymes, hold significant promise for regulating essential biological processes. Their inherent property of latency, remaining inert until they arrive at the intended site of action, positions them as particularly promising candidates for the development of targeted therapeutics. Despite this potential, the therapeutic potential of proenzymes is challenged by designing proenzymes with excellent selectivity for disease cells. This limitation is further exacerbated by the inability of proenzymes to spontaneously cross the cell membrane, a biological barrier that impedes the cellular internalization of exogenous macromolecules. Therefore, efficacious intracellular delivery is paramount to unlocking the full therapeutic potency of proenzymes.In this Account, we first elucidate our recent advancements made in designing biodegradable lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) for the cell-specific delivery of biomacromolecules, including proteins and nucleic acids. Using a strategy of parallel synthesis, we have constructed an extensive library of ionizable lipids, each integrated with different biodegradable moieties. This combinatorial approach has led to the identification of LNPs that are particularly efficacious for the delivery of biomacromolecules specifically to tumor cells. This innovation capitalizes on the unique intracellular environment of cancer cells to control the degradation of LNPs, thereby ensuring the targeted release of therapeutics within tumor cells. Additionally, we discuss the structure-activity relationship governing the delivery efficacy of these LNPs and their applicability in regulating tumor cell signaling, specifically through the delivery of bacterial effector proteins.In the second segment, we aim to provide an overview of our recent contributions to the field of proenzyme design, where we have chemically tailored proteins to render them responsive to the unique milieu of tumor cells. Specifically, we elaborate on the chemical principles employed to modify proteins and DNAzymes, thereby priming them for activation in the presence of NAD(P)H:quinone oxidoreductase 1 (NQO1), an enzyme that is prevalently upregulated within tumor cells. We summarize the methodologies for intracellular delivery of these proenzymes using biodegradable LNPs, both in vitro and in vivo. The concomitant intracellular delivery and activation of proenzymes are examined in the context of enhanced therapeutic outcomes and targeted CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing.In conclusion, we offer a perspective on the chemical principles that could be leveraged to optimize LNPs for tissue-specific delivery of proenzymes. We also explore chemical strategies for the irreversible modulation of proenzyme activity within living cells and in vivo. Through this discussion, we provide insights into potential avenues for overcoming existing limitations and enhancing the delivery of proenzymes using LNPs, particularly for developing tumor-targeted therapies and genome editing applications.

Targeting long non-coding RNAs in cancer therapy using CRISPR-Cas9 technology: A novel paradigm for precision oncology

Cancer is the second leading cause of death worldwide, despite recent advances in its identification and management. To improve cancer patient diagnosis and care, it is necessary to identify new biomarkers and molecular targets. In recent years, long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) have surfaced as important contributors to various cellular activities, with growing proof indicating their substantial role in the genesis, development, and spread of cancer. Their unique expression profiles within specific tissues and their wide-ranging functionalities make lncRNAs excellent candidates for potential therapeutic intervention in cancer management. They are implicated in multiple hallmarks of cancer, such as uncontrolled proliferation, angiogenesis, and immune evasion. This review article explores the innovative application of CRISPR-Cas9 technology in targeting lncRNAs as a cancer therapeutic strategy. The CRISPR-Cas9 system has been widely applied in functional genomics, gene therapy, and cancer research, offering a versatile platform for lncRNA targeting. CRISPR-Cas9-mediated targeting of lncRNAs can be achieved through CRISPR interference, activation or the complete knockout of lncRNA loci. Combining CRISPR-Cas9 technology with high-throughput functional genomics makes it possible to identify lncRNAs critical for the survival of specific cancer subtypes, opening the door for tailored treatments and personalised cancer therapies. CRISPR-Cas9-mediated lncRNA targeting with other cutting-edge cancer therapies, such as immunotherapy and targeted molecular therapeutics can be used to overcome the drug resistance in cancer. The synergy of lncRNA research and CRISPR-Cas9 technology presents immense potential for individualized cancer treatment, offering renewed hope in the battle against this disease.

Extracellular vesicle-mediated delivery of CRISPR/Cas9 ribonucleoprotein complex targeting proprotein convertase subtilisin-kexin type 9 (Pcsk9) in primary mouse hepatocytes

The loss-of-function of the proprotein convertase subtilisin-kexin type 9 (Pcsk9) gene has been associated with significant reductions in plasma serum low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) levels. Both CRISPR/Cas9 and CRISPR-based editor-mediated Pcsk9 inactivation have successfully lowered plasma LDL-C and PCSK9 levels in preclinical models. Despite the promising preclinical results, these studies did not report how vehicle-mediated CRISPR delivery inactivating Pcsk9 affected low-density lipoprotein receptor recycling in vitro or ex vivo. Extracellular vesicles (EVs) have shown promise as a biocompatible delivery vehicle, and CRISPR/Cas9 ribonucleoprotein (RNP) has been demonstrated to mediate safe genome editing. Therefore, we investigated EV-mediated RNP targeting of the Pcsk9 gene ex vivo in primary mouse hepatocytes. We engineered EVs with the rapamycin-interacting heterodimer FK506-binding protein (FKBP12) to contain its binding partner, the T82L mutant FKBP12-rapamycin binding (FRB) domain, fused to the Cas9 protein. By integrating the vesicular stomatitis virus glycoprotein on the EV membrane, the engineered Cas9 EVs were used for intracellular CRISPR/Cas9 RNP delivery, achieving genome editing with an efficacy of ±28.1% in Cas9 stoplight reporter cells. Administration of Cas9 EVs in mouse hepatocytes successfully inactivated the Pcsk9 gene, leading to a reduction in Pcsk9 mRNA and increased uptake of the low-density lipoprotein receptor and LDL-C. These readouts can be used in future experiments to assess the efficacy of vehicle-mediated delivery of genome editing technologies targeting Pcsk9. The ex vivo data could be a step towards reducing animal testing and serve as a precursor to future in vivo studies for EV-mediated CRISPR/Cas9 RNP delivery targeting Pcsk9.

CRISPR-Cas9 Gene Editing: Curing Genetic Diseases by Inherited Epigenetic Modifications

Introduction  CRISPR-Cas9 gene editing, leveraging bacterial defense mechanisms, offers precise DNA modifications, holding promise in curing genetic diseases. This review critically assesses its potential, analyzing evidence on therapeutic applications, challenges, and future prospects. Examining diverse genetic disorders, it evaluates efficacy, safety, and limitations, emphasizing the need for a thorough understanding among medical professionals and researchers. Acknowledging its transformative impact, a systematic review is crucial for informed decision-making, responsible utilization, and guiding future research to unlock CRISPR-Cas9's full potential in realizing the cure for genetic diseases. Methods  A comprehensive literature search across PubMed, Scopus, and the Web of Science identified studies applying CRISPR-Cas9 gene editing for genetic diseases, following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines. Inclusion criteria covered in vitro and in vivo models targeting various genetic diseases with reported outcomes on disease modification or potential cure. Quality assessment revealed a generally moderate to high risk of bias. Heterogeneity prevented quantitative meta-analysis, prompting a narrative synthesis of findings. Discussion  CRISPR-Cas9 enables precise gene editing, correcting disease-causing mutations and offering hope for previously incurable genetic conditions. Leveraging inherited epigenetic modifications, it not only fixes mutations but also restores normal gene function and controls gene expression. The transformative potential of CRISPR-Cas9 holds promise for personalized treatments, improving therapeutic outcomes, but ethical considerations and safety concerns must be rigorously addressed to ensure responsible and safe application, especially in germline editing with potential long-term implications.

Prime editing: current advances and therapeutic opportunities in human diseases

Gene editing ushers in a new era of disease treatment since many genetic diseases are caused by base-pair mutations in genomic DNA. With the rapid development of genome editing technology, novel editing tools such as base editing and prime editing (PE) have attracted public attention, heralding a great leap forward in this field. PE, in particular, is characterized by no need for double-strand breaks (DSBs) or homology sequence templates with variable application scenarios, including point mutations as well as insertions or deletions. With higher editing efficiency and fewer byproducts than traditional editing tools, PE holds great promise as a therapeutic strategy for human diseases. Subsequently, a growing demand for the standard construction of PE system has spawned numerous easy-to-access internet resources and tools for personalized prime editing guide RNA (pegRNA) design and off-target site prediction. In this review, we mainly introduce the innovation and evolutionary strategy of PE systems and the auxiliary tools for PE design and analysis. Additionally, its application and future potential in the clinical field have been summarized and envisaged.

Enhancing CRISPR/Cas systems with nanotechnology

CRISPR/Cas systems have revolutionized biology and medicine, and have led to new paradigms in disease diagnostics and therapeutics. However, these complexes suffer from key limitations regarding barriers to cellular entry, stability in biological environments, and off-target effects. Integrating nanotechnology with CRISPR/Cas systems has emerged as a promising strategy to overcome these challenges and has further unlocked structures that accumulate preferentially in tissues of interest, have tunable pharmacological properties, and are activated in response to desired stimuli. Nanomaterials can also enhance CRISPR/Cas-mediated detection platforms by enabling faster, more sensitive, and convenient readouts. We highlight recent advances in this rapidly growing field. We also outline areas that need further development to fully realize the potential of CRISPR technologies.

Lung and liver editing by lipid nanoparticle delivery of a stable CRISPR-Cas9 RNP

Lipid nanoparticle (LNP) delivery of CRISPR ribonucleoproteins (RNPs) has the potential to enable high-efficiency in vivo genome editing with low toxicity and an easily manufactured technology, if RNP efficacy can be maintained during LNP production. In this study, we engineered a thermostable Cas9 from Geobacillus stearothermophilus (GeoCas9) using directed evolution to generate iGeoCas9 evolved variants capable of robust genome editing of cells and organs. iGeoCas9s were significantly better at editing cells than wild-type GeoCas9, with genome editing levels >100X greater than those induced by the native GeoCas9 enzyme. Furthermore, iGeoCas9 RNP:LNP complexes edited a variety of cell lines and induced homology-directed repair (HDR) in cells receiving co-delivered single-stranded DNA (ssDNA) templates. Using tissue-selective LNP formulations, we observed genome editing of 35‒56% efficiency in the liver or lungs of mice that received intravenous injections of iGeoCas9 RNP:LNPs. In particular, iGeoCas9 complexed to acid-degradable LNPs edited lung tissue in vivo with an average of 35% efficiency, a significant improvement over editing efficiencies observed previously using viral or non-viral delivery strategies. These results show that thermostable Cas9 RNP:LNP complexes are a powerful alternative to mRNA:LNP delivery vehicles, expanding the therapeutic potential of genome editing.

Tarin-Loaded Nanoliposomes Activate Apoptosis and Autophagy and Inhibit the Migration of Human Mammary Adenocarcinoma Cells

Background

Tarin, a lectin purified from Colocasia esculenta, promotes in vitro and in vivo immunomodulatory effects allied to promising anticancer and antimetastatic effects against human adenocarcinoma mammary cells. This makes this 47 kDa-protein a natural candidate against human breast cancer, a leading cause of death among women. Tarin encapsulated in pegylated nanoliposomes displays increased effectiveness in controlling the proliferation of a mammary adenocarcinoma lineage comprising MDA-MB-231 cells.

Methods

The mechanisms enrolled in anticancer and antimetastatic responses were investigated by treating MDA-MB-231 cells with nano-encapsulated tarin at 72 μg/mL for up to 48h through flow cytometry and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The safety of nano-encapsulated tarin towards healthy tissue was also assessed by the resazurin viability assay, and the effect of nanoencapsulated tarin on cell migration was evaluated by scratch assays.

Results

Ultrastructural analyses of MDA-MB-231 cells exposed to nanoencapsulated tarin revealed the accumulation of autophagosomes and damaged organelles, compatible with autophagy-dependent cell death. On the other hand, the flow cytometry investigation detected the increased occurrence of acidic vacuolar organelles, a late autophagosome trait, along with the enhanced presence of apoptotic cells, activated caspase-3/7, and cell cycle arrest at G0/G1. No deleterious effects were observed in healthy fibroblast cells following tarin nanoencapsulated exposition, in contrast to reduced viability in cells exposed to free tarin. The migration of MDA-MB-231 cells was inhibited by nano-encapsulated tarin, with delayed movement by 24 h compared to free tarin.

Conclusion

The nanoliposome formulation delivers tarin in a delayed and sustained manner, as evidenced by the belated and potent antitumoral and anti-migration effects on adenocarcinoma cells, with no toxicity to healthy cells. Although further investigations are required to fully understand antitumorigenic tarin mechanisms, the activation of both apoptotic and autophagic machineries along with the caspase-3/7 pathway, and cell cycle arrest may comprise a part of these mechanisms.

Engineering Nucleotidoproteins for Base-Pairing-Assisted Cytosolic Delivery and Genome Editing

Protein therapeutics targeting intracellular machineries hold profound potential for disease treatment, and hence robust cytosolic protein delivery technologies are imperatively demanded. Inspired by the super-negatively charged, nucleotide-enriched structure of nucleic acids, adenylated pro-proteins (A-proteins) with dramatically enhanced negative surface charges have been engineered for the first time via facile green synthesis. Then, thymidine-modified polyethyleneimine is developed, which exhibits strong electrostatic attraction, complementary base pairing, and hydrophobic interaction with A-proteins to form salt-resistant nanocomplexes with robust cytosolic delivery efficiencies. The acidic endolysosomal environment enables traceless restoration of the A-proteins and consequently promotes the intracellular release of the native proteins. This strategy shows high efficiency and universality for a variety of proteins with different molecular weights and isoelectric points in mammalian cells. Moreover, it enables highly efficient delivery of CRISPR-Cas9 ribonucleoproteins targeting fusion oncogene EWSR1-FLI1, leading to pronounced anti-tumor efficacy against Ewing sarcoma. This study provides a potent and versatile platform for cytosolic protein delivery and gene editing, and may benefit the development of protein pharmaceuticals.

CRISPR/Cas-Assisted Nanoneedle Sensor for Adenosine Triphosphate Detection in Living Cells

The clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR)-associated protein (Cas) (CRISPR/Cas) systems have recently emerged as powerful molecular biosensing tools based on their collateral cleavage activity due to their simplicity, sensitivity, specificity, and broad applicability. However, the direct application of the collateral cleavage activity for in situ intracellular detection is still challenging. Here, we debut a CRISPR/Cas-assisted nanoneedle sensor (nanoCRISPR) for intracellular adenosine triphosphate (ATP), which avoids the challenges associated with intracellular collateral cleavage by introducing a two-step process of intracellular target recognition, followed by extracellular transduction and detection. ATP recognition occurs by first presenting in the cell cytosol an aptamer-locked Cas12a activator conjugated to nanoneedles; the recognition event unlocks the activator immobilized on the nanoneedles. The nanoneedles are then removed from the cells and exposed to the Cas12a/crRNA complex, where the activator triggers the cleavage of an ssDNA fluorophore-quencher pair, generating a detectable fluorescence signal. NanoCRISPR has an ATP detection limit of 246 nM and a dynamic range from 1.56 to 50 μM. Importantly, nanoCRISPR can detect intracellular ATP in 30 min in live cells without impacting cell viability. We anticipate that the nanoCRISPR approach will contribute to broadening the biomedical applications of CRISPR/Cas sensors for the detection of diverse intracellular molecules in living systems.

Using Ribonucleoprotein-based CRISPR/Cas9 to Edit Single Nucleotide on Human Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells to Model Type 3 Long QT Syndrome (SCN5A±)

Human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs) have been widely used in cardiac disease modelling, drug discovery, and regenerative medicine as they can be differentiated into patient-specific cardiomyocytes. Long QT syndrome type 3 (LQT3) is one of the more malignant congenital long QT syndrome (LQTS) variants with an SCN5A gain-of-function effect on the gated sodium channel. Moreover, the predominant pathogenic variants in LQTS genes are single nucleotide substitutions (missense) and small insertion/deletions (INDEL). CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing has been utilised to create isogenic hiPSCs to control for an identical genetic background and to isolate the pathogenicity of a single nucleotide change. In this study, we described an optimized and rapid protocol to introduce a heterozygous LQT3-specific variant into healthy control hiPSCs using ribonucleoprotein (RNP) and single-stranded oligonucleotide (ssODN). Based on this protocol, we successfully screened hiPSCs carrying a heterozygous LQT3 pathogenic variant (SCN5A±) with high efficiency (6 out of 69) and confirmed no off-target effect, normal karyotype, high alkaline phosphatase activity, unaffected pluripotency, and in vitro embryonic body formation capacity within 2 weeks. In addition, we also provide protocols to robustly differentiate hiPSCs into cardiomyocytes and evaluate the electrophysiological characteristics using Multi-electrode Array. This protocol is also applicable to introduce and/or correct other disease-specific variants into hiPSCs for future pharmacological screening and gene therapeutic development.

Therapeutic applications of CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing technology for the treatment of ocular diseases

Ocular diseases are a highly heterogeneous group of phenotypes, caused by a spectrum of genetic variants and environmental factors that exhibit diverse clinical symptoms. As a result of its anatomical location, structure and immune privilege, the eye is an ideal system to assess and validate novel genetic therapies. Advances in genome editing have revolutionized the field of biomedical science, enabling researchers to understand the biology behind disease mechanisms and allow the treatment of several health conditions, including ocular pathologies. The advent of clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR)-based gene editing facilitates efficient and specific genetic modifications in the nucleic acid sequence, resulting in permanent changes at the genomic level. This approach has advantages over other treatment strategies and is promising for the treatment of various genetic and non-genetic ocular conditions. This review provides an overview of the CRISPR/CRISPR-associated protein 9 (Cas9) system and summarizes recent advances in the therapeutic application of CRISPR/Cas9 for the treatment of various ocular pathologies, as well as future challenges.

Nanomechanical action opens endo-lysosomal compartments

Endo-lysosomal escape is a highly inefficient process, which is a bottleneck for intracellular delivery of biologics, including proteins and nucleic acids. Herein, we demonstrate the design of a lipid-based nanoscale molecular machine, which achieves efficient cytosolic transport of biologics by destabilizing endo-lysosomal compartments through nanomechanical action upon light irradiation. We fabricate lipid-based nanoscale molecular machines, which are designed to perform mechanical movement by consuming photons, by co-assembling azobenzene lipidoids with helper lipids. We show that lipid-based nanoscale molecular machines adhere onto the endo-lysosomal membrane after entering cells. We demonstrate that continuous rotation-inversion movement of Azo lipidoids triggered by ultraviolet/visible irradiation results in the destabilization of the membranes, thereby transporting cargoes, such as mRNAs and Cre proteins, to the cytoplasm. We find that the efficiency of cytosolic transport is improved about 2.1-fold, compared to conventional intracellular delivery systems. Finally, we show that lipid-based nanoscale molecular machines are competent for cytosolic transport of tumour antigens into dendritic cells, which induce robust antitumour activity in a melanoma mouse model.

Biomaterials-mediated CRISPR/Cas9 delivery: recent challenges and opportunities in gene therapy

The use of biomaterials in delivering CRISPR/Cas9 for gene therapy in infectious diseases holds tremendous potential. This innovative approach combines the advantages of CRISPR/Cas9 with the protective properties of biomaterials, enabling accurate and efficient gene editing while enhancing safety. Biomaterials play a vital role in shielding CRISPR/Cas9 components, such as lipid nanoparticles or viral vectors, from immunological processes and degradation, extending their effectiveness. By utilizing the flexibility of biomaterials, tailored systems can be designed to address specific genetic diseases, paving the way for personalized therapeutics. Furthermore, this delivery method offers promising avenues in combating viral illnesses by precisely modifying pathogen genomes, and reducing their pathogenicity. Biomaterials facilitate site-specific gene modifications, ensuring effective delivery to infected cells while minimizing off-target effects. However, challenges remain, including optimizing delivery efficiency, reducing off-target effects, ensuring long-term safety, and establishing scalable production techniques. Thorough research, pre-clinical investigations, and rigorous safety evaluations are imperative for successful translation from the laboratory to clinical applications. In this review, we discussed how CRISPR/Cas9 delivery using biomaterials revolutionizes gene therapy and infectious disease treatment, offering precise and safe editing capabilities with the potential to significantly improve human health and quality of life.