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Scherer D, Burger M, Leroux JC. Revival of Bioengineered Proteins as Carriers for Nucleic Acids. Bioconjug Chem 2024; 35:561-566. [PMID: 38621363 PMCID: PMC11099893 DOI: 10.1021/acs.bioconjchem.4c00079] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2024] [Accepted: 04/01/2024] [Indexed: 04/17/2024]
Affiliation(s)
- David Scherer
- Institute of Pharmaceutical
Sciences, Department of Chemistry and Applied Biosciences, ETH Zurich, Zurich 8093, Switzerland
| | - Michael Burger
- Institute of Pharmaceutical
Sciences, Department of Chemistry and Applied Biosciences, ETH Zurich, Zurich 8093, Switzerland
| | - Jean-Christophe Leroux
- Institute of Pharmaceutical
Sciences, Department of Chemistry and Applied Biosciences, ETH Zurich, Zurich 8093, Switzerland
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2
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Calcium Enabled Remote Loading of a Weak Acid Into pH-sensitive Liposomes and Augmented Cytosolic Delivery to Cancer Cells via the Proton Sponge Effect. Pharm Res 2022; 39:1181-1195. [PMID: 35229237 PMCID: PMC9197910 DOI: 10.1007/s11095-022-03206-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2021] [Accepted: 02/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
While delivery of chemotherapeutics to cancer cells by nanomedicines can improve therapeutic outcomes, many fail due to the low drug loading (DL), poor cellular uptake and endosomal entrapment. This study investigated the potential to overcome these limitations using pH-sensitive liposomes (PSL) empowered by the use of calcium acetate. An acidic dinitrobenzamide mustard prodrug SN25860 was used as a model drug, with non pH-sensitive liposomes (NPSL) as a reference. Calcium acetate as a remote loading agent allowed to engineer PSL- and NPSL-SN25860 with DL of > 31.1% (w/w). The IC50 of PSL-SN25860 was 21- and 141-fold lower than NPSL and free drug, respectively. At 48 h following injection of PSL-SN25860, NPSL-SN25860 and the free drug, drug concentrations in EMT6-nfsB murine breast tumors were 56.3 µg/g, 6.76 µg/g and undetectable (< 0.015 µg/g), respectively (n = 3). Meanwhile, the ex vivo tumor clonogenic assay showed 9.1%, 19.4% and 42.7% cell survival in the respective tumors. Live-cell imaging and co-localization analysis suggested endosomal escape was accomplished by destabilization of PSL followed by release of Ca2+ in endosomes allowing induction of a proton sponge effect. Subsequent endosomal rupture was observed approximately 30 min following endocytosis of PSL containing Ca2+. Additionally, calcium in liposomes promoted internalization of both PSL and NPSL. Taken together, this study demonstrated multifaceted functions of calcium acetate in promoting drug loading into liposomes, cellular uptake, and endosomal escape of PSL for efficient cytoplasmic drug delivery. The results shed light on designing nano-platforms for cytoplasmic delivery of various therapeutics.
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Wahane A, Malik S, Shih KC, Gaddam RR, Chen C, Liu Y, Nieh MP, Vikram A, Bahal R. Dual-Modality Poly-l-histidine Nanoparticles to Deliver Peptide Nucleic Acids and Paclitaxel for In Vivo Cancer Therapy. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2021; 13:45244-45258. [PMID: 34524806 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.1c11981] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Cationic polymeric nanoformulations have been explored to increase the transfection efficiency of small molecules and nucleic acid-based drugs. However, an excessive positive charge density often leads to severe cell and tissue-based toxicity that restricts the clinical translation of cationic polymeric nanoformulations. Herein, we investigate a series of cationic poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA)-histidine-based nanoformulations for enhanced cytoplasmic delivery with minimal toxicity. PLGA/poly-l-histidine nanoparticles show promising physico-biochemical features and transfection efficiency in a series of in vitro and cell culture-based studies. Further, the use of acetone/dichloromethane as a solvent mixture during the formulation process significantly improves the morphology and size distribution of PLGA/poly-l-histidine nanoparticles. PLGA/poly-l-histidine nanoformulations undergo clathrin-mediated endocytosis. A contrast-matched small-angle neutron scattering experiment confirmed poly-l-histidine's distribution on the PLGA nanoformulations. PLGA/poly-l-histidine formulations containing paclitaxel as a small molecule-based drug and peptide nucleic acids targeting microRNA-155 as nucleic acid analog are efficacious in in vitro and in vivo studies. PLGA/poly-l-histidine NPs significantly decrease tumor growth in PNA-155 (∼6 fold) and paclitaxel (∼6.5 fold) treatment groups in a lymphoma cell line derived xenograft mice model without inducing any toxicity. Hence, PLGA/poly-l-histidine nanoformulations exhibit substantial transfection efficiency and are safe to deliver reagents ranging from small molecules to synthetic nucleic acid analogs and can serve as a novel platform for drug delivery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aniket Wahane
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Connecticut, Storrs, Connecticut 06269, United States
| | - Shipra Malik
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Connecticut, Storrs, Connecticut 06269, United States
| | - Kuo-Chih Shih
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of Connecticut, Storrs, Connecticut 06269, United States
| | - Ravinder Reddy Gaddam
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa 52242, United States
| | - Chaohao Chen
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Connecticut, Storrs, Connecticut 06269, United States
| | - Yun Liu
- NIST Center for Neutron Research, Gaithersburg, Maryland 20899, United States
| | - Mu-Ping Nieh
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of Connecticut, Storrs, Connecticut 06269, United States
- Polymer Program, Institute of Materials Science, University of Connecticut, 191 Auditorium Road, Storrs, Connecticut 06269, United States
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Connecticut, Storrs, Connecticut 06269, United States
| | - Ajit Vikram
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa 52242, United States
| | - Raman Bahal
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Connecticut, Storrs, Connecticut 06269, United States
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4
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Kuzmich A, Rakitina O, Didych D, Potapov V, Zinovyeva M, Alekseenko I, Sverdlov E. Novel Histone-Based DNA Carrier Targeting Cancer-Associated Fibroblasts. Polymers (Basel) 2020; 12:E1695. [PMID: 32751200 PMCID: PMC7464289 DOI: 10.3390/polym12081695] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2020] [Revised: 07/27/2020] [Accepted: 07/27/2020] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Nuclear proteins, like histone H2A, are promising non-viral carriers for gene delivery since they are biocompatible, biodegradable, bear intrinsic nuclear localization signal, and are easy to modify. The addition of surface-protein-binding ligand to histone H2A may increase its DNA delivery efficiency. Tumor microenvironment (TME) is a promising target for gene therapy since its surface protein repertoire is more stable than that of cancer cells. Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) are important components of TME, and one of their surface markers is beta-type platelet-derived growth factor receptor (PDGFRβ). In this study, we fused histone H2A with PDGFRβ-binding peptide, YG2, to create a novel non-viral fibroblast-targeting DNA carrier, H2A-YG2. The transfection efficiency of histone complexes with pDNA encoding a bicistronic reporter (enhanced green fluorescent protein, EGFP, and firefly luciferase) in PDGFRβ-positive and PDGFRβ-negative cells was estimated by luciferase assay and flow cytometry. The luciferase activity, percentage of transfected cells, and overall EGFP fluorescence were increased due to histone modification with YG2 only in PDGFRβ-positive cells. We also estimated the internalization efficiency of DNA-carrier complexes using tetramethyl-rhodamine-labeled pDNA. The ligand fusion increased DNA internalization only in the PDGFRβ-positive cells. In conclusion, we demonstrated that the H2A-YG2 carrier targeted gene delivery to PDGFRβ-positive tumor stromal cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexey Kuzmich
- Institute of Molecular Genetics, Russian Academy of Sciences; 2, Kurchatov Square, 123182 Moscow, Russia; (I.A.); (E.S.)
- Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences; 16/10, Miklukho-Maklaya, 117997 Moscow, Russia; (O.R.); (D.D.); (V.P.); (M.Z.)
| | - Olga Rakitina
- Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences; 16/10, Miklukho-Maklaya, 117997 Moscow, Russia; (O.R.); (D.D.); (V.P.); (M.Z.)
| | - Dmitry Didych
- Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences; 16/10, Miklukho-Maklaya, 117997 Moscow, Russia; (O.R.); (D.D.); (V.P.); (M.Z.)
| | - Victor Potapov
- Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences; 16/10, Miklukho-Maklaya, 117997 Moscow, Russia; (O.R.); (D.D.); (V.P.); (M.Z.)
| | - Marina Zinovyeva
- Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences; 16/10, Miklukho-Maklaya, 117997 Moscow, Russia; (O.R.); (D.D.); (V.P.); (M.Z.)
| | - Irina Alekseenko
- Institute of Molecular Genetics, Russian Academy of Sciences; 2, Kurchatov Square, 123182 Moscow, Russia; (I.A.); (E.S.)
- Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences; 16/10, Miklukho-Maklaya, 117997 Moscow, Russia; (O.R.); (D.D.); (V.P.); (M.Z.)
- FSBI National Medical Research Center for Obstetrics, Gynecology and Perinatology named after Academician V.I. Kulakov Ministry of Healthcare of the Russian Federation, 117198 Moscow, Russia
| | - Eugene Sverdlov
- Institute of Molecular Genetics, Russian Academy of Sciences; 2, Kurchatov Square, 123182 Moscow, Russia; (I.A.); (E.S.)
- National Research Center “Kurchatov Institute”, Akademika Kurchatova pl. 1, 123182 Moscow, Russia
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5
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Hashemi E, Mahdavi H, Khezri J, Razi F, Shamsara M, Farmany A. Enhanced Gene Delivery in Bacterial and Mammalian Cells Using PEGylated Calcium Doped Magnetic Nanograin. Int J Nanomedicine 2019; 14:9879-9891. [PMID: 31908446 PMCID: PMC6928224 DOI: 10.2147/ijn.s228396] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2019] [Accepted: 12/03/2019] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Beyond viral carriers which have been widely used in gene delivery, non-viral carriers can further improve the delivery process. However, the high cytotoxicity and low efficiency impedes the clinical application of non-viral systems. Therefore, in this work, we fabricated polyethylene glycol (PEG) coated, calcium doped magnetic nanograin (PEG/Ca(II)/Fe3O4) as a genome expression enhancer. METHODS Monodisperse magnetic nanograins (MNGs) with tunable size were synthesized by a solvothermal method. The citrate anions on the spherical surface of MNGs capture Ca2+ ions by an ion exchange process, which was followed by surface capping with PEG. The synthesized PEG/Ca(II)/Fe3O4 was characterized using Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), dynamic light scattering (DLS) spectra, vibrating sample magnetometer (VSM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). MTT test was utilized to assess the toxicity of PEG/Ca(II)/Fe3O4. Real time qPCR was applied for quantification of gene expression. RESULTS DLS spectra and TEM images confirmed a thin layer of PEG on the nanocarrier surface. Shifting the zeta potential in the biological pH window from -23.9 mV (for Fe3O4) to ≈ +11 mV (for PEG/Ca(II)/Fe3O4) confirms the MNGs surface protonation. Cytotoxicity results show that cell viability and proliferation were not hindered in a wide range of nanocarrier concentrations and different incubation times. CONCLUSION PEGylated calcium doped magnetic nanograin enhanced PUC19 plasmid expression into E. Coli and GFP protein expression in HEK-293 T cells compared to control. A polymerase chain reaction of the NeoR test shows that the transformed plasmids are of high quality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ehsan Hashemi
- National Research Center for Transgenic Mouse & Animal Biotechnology Division, National Institute of Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, Tehran, Iran
- Endocrinology and Metabolism Research Center, Endocrinology and Metabolism Clinical Sciences Institute, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Hossein Mahdavi
- School of Chemistry, College of Science, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran
| | - Jafar Khezri
- National Research Center for Transgenic Mouse & Animal Biotechnology Division, National Institute of Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, Tehran, Iran
| | - Farideh Razi
- Endocrinology and Metabolism Research Center, Endocrinology and Metabolism Clinical Sciences Institute, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- Diabetes Research Center, Endocrinology and Metabolism Clinical Sciences Institute, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mehdi Shamsara
- National Research Center for Transgenic Mouse & Animal Biotechnology Division, National Institute of Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, Tehran, Iran
| | - Abbas Farmany
- Dental Implant Research Center, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran
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6
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Optimization of miRNA delivery by using a polymeric conjugate based on deoxycholic acid-modified polyethylenimine. Int J Pharm 2019; 565:391-408. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpharm.2019.05.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2019] [Revised: 05/01/2019] [Accepted: 05/05/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
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7
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Xiao Y, Shi K, Qu Y, Chu B, Qian Z. Engineering Nanoparticles for Targeted Delivery of Nucleic Acid Therapeutics in Tumor. Mol Ther Methods Clin Dev 2019; 12:1-18. [PMID: 30364598 PMCID: PMC6197778 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtm.2018.09.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 78] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
In the past 10 years, with the increase of investment in clinical nano-gene therapy, there are many trials that have been discontinued due to poor efficacy and serious side effects. Therefore, it is particularly important to design a suitable gene delivery system. In this paper, we introduce the application of liposomes, polymers, and inorganics in gene delivery; also, different modifications with some stimuli-responsive systems can effectively improve the efficiency of gene delivery and reduce cytotoxicity and other side effects. Besides, the co-delivery of chemotherapy drugs with a drug tolerance-related gene or oncogene provides a better theoretical basis for clinical cancer gene therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yao Xiao
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, West China Medical School, Sichuan University and Collaborative Innovation Center, Chengdu, China
| | - Kun Shi
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, West China Medical School, Sichuan University and Collaborative Innovation Center, Chengdu, China
| | - Ying Qu
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, West China Medical School, Sichuan University and Collaborative Innovation Center, Chengdu, China
| | - Bingyang Chu
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, West China Medical School, Sichuan University and Collaborative Innovation Center, Chengdu, China
| | - Zhiyong Qian
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, West China Medical School, Sichuan University and Collaborative Innovation Center, Chengdu, China
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8
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Abstract
Intracellular delivery of biological agents such as peptides, proteins, and nucleic acids generally rely on the endocytic pathway as the major uptake mechanism, resulting in their entrapment inside the endosome and lysosome. The recent discovery of cell-penetrating molecules of exceptionally high endosomal escape and cytosolic delivery efficiencies and elucidation of their mechanism of action represent major breakthroughs in this field. In this Topical Review, we provide an overview of the recent progress in understanding and enhancing the endosomal escape process and the new opportunities opened up by these recent findings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dehua Pei
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, The Ohio State University, 484 West 12 Avenue, Columbus, Ohio 43210, USA
| | - Marina Buyanova
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, The Ohio State University, 484 West 12 Avenue, Columbus, Ohio 43210, USA
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9
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Han H, Yang J, Chen W, Li Q, Yang Y, Li Q. A comprehensive review on histone-mediated transfection for gene therapy. Biotechnol Adv 2018; 37:132-144. [PMID: 30472306 DOI: 10.1016/j.biotechadv.2018.11.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2018] [Revised: 11/02/2018] [Accepted: 11/20/2018] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
Histone has been considered to be an effective carrier in non-viral gene delivery due to its unique properties such as efficient DNA binding ability, direct translocation to cytoplasm and favorable nuclear localization ability. Meanwhile, the rapid development of genetic engineering techniques could facilitate the construction of multifunctional fusion proteins based on histone molecules to further improve the transfection efficiency. Remarkably, histone has been demonstrated to achieve gene transfection in a synergistic manner with cationic polymers, affording to a significant improvement of transfection efficiency. In the review, we highlighted the recent developments and future trends in gene delivery mediated by histones or histone-based fusion proteins/peptides. This review also discussed the mechanism of histone-mediated gene transfection and provided an outlook for future therapeutic opportunities in the viewpoint of transfection efficacy and biosafety.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haobo Han
- Key Laboratory for Molecular Enzymology and Engineering of Ministry of Education, School of Life Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun 130012, China
| | - Jiebing Yang
- Key Laboratory for Molecular Enzymology and Engineering of Ministry of Education, School of Life Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun 130012, China
| | - Wenqi Chen
- Key Laboratory for Molecular Enzymology and Engineering of Ministry of Education, School of Life Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun 130012, China
| | - Qing Li
- Key Laboratory for Molecular Enzymology and Engineering of Ministry of Education, School of Life Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun 130012, China
| | - Yan Yang
- Key Laboratory for Molecular Enzymology and Engineering of Ministry of Education, School of Life Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun 130012, China.
| | - Quanshun Li
- Key Laboratory for Molecular Enzymology and Engineering of Ministry of Education, School of Life Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun 130012, China.
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10
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Calcium enhances gene expression when using low molecular weight poly-l-lysine delivery vehicles. Int J Pharm 2018; 547:274-281. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpharm.2018.05.067] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2018] [Revised: 05/23/2018] [Accepted: 05/28/2018] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
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11
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Munsell EV, Ross NL, Sullivan MO. Journey to the Center of the Cell: Current Nanocarrier Design Strategies Targeting Biopharmaceuticals to the Cytoplasm and Nucleus. Curr Pharm Des 2016; 22:1227-44. [PMID: 26675220 DOI: 10.2174/1381612822666151216151420] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2015] [Accepted: 12/15/2015] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
New biopharmaceutical molecules, potentially able to provide more personalized and effective treatments, are being identified through the advent of advanced synthetic biology strategies, sophisticated chemical synthesis approaches, and new analytical methods to assess biological potency. However, translation of many of these structures has been significantly limited due to the need for more efficient strategies to deliver macromolecular therapeutics to desirable intracellular sites of action. Engineered nanocarriers that encapsulate peptides, proteins, or nucleic acids are generally internalized into target cells via one of several endocytic pathways. These nanostructures, entrapped within endosomes, must navigate the intracellular milieu to orchestrate delivery to the intended destination, typically the cytoplasm or nucleus. For therapeutics active in the cytoplasm, endosomal escape continues to represent a limiting step to effective treatment, since a majority of nanocarriers trapped within endosomes are ultimately marked for enzymatic degradation in lysosomes. Therapeutics active in the nucleus have the added challenges of reaching and penetrating the nuclear envelope, and nuclear delivery remains a preeminent challenge preventing clinical translation of gene therapy applications. Herein, we review cutting-edge peptide- and polymer-based design strategies with the potential to enable significant improvements in biopharmaceutical efficacy through improved intracellular targeting. These strategies often mimic the activities of pathogens, which have developed innate and highly effective mechanisms to penetrate plasma membranes and enter the nucleus of host cells. Understanding these mechanisms has enabled advances in synthetic peptide and polymer design that may ultimately improve intracellular trafficking and bioavailability, leading to increased access to new classes of biotherapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Millicent O Sullivan
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of Delaware, 150 Academy Street, Newark, DE 19716, Delaware.
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Antila HS, Härkönen M, Sammalkorpi M. Chemistry specificity of DNA-polycation complex salt response: a simulation study of DNA, polylysine and polyethyleneimine. Phys Chem Chem Phys 2015; 17:5279-89. [PMID: 25607687 DOI: 10.1039/c4cp04967e] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
In this work, the chemistry specific stability determining factors of DNA-polycation complexes are examined by performing all-atom molecular dynamics simulations. To this end, we conduct a systematic variation of polycation line charge through polyethyleneimine (PEI) protonation and polycation chemistry via comparison with poly-l-lysine (PLL). Our simulations show that increasing line charge of the polycation alone does not lead to more salt tolerant complexes. Instead, the effective charge compensation by the polycation correlates with the increased stability of the complex against additional salt. The salt stability of PEI-DNA complexes also links to the proton sponge property of weak polycations, commonly assumed to be behind the effectivity of PEI as a gene delivery vector. Examination of the complexes reveals the mechanism behind this behaviour; more Cl(-) ions are attracted by the protonated complexes but, in contrast to the common depiction of the proton sponge behaviour, the ion influx does not cause swelling of the complex structure itself. However, PEI protonation leads to release of PEI while DNA remains tightly bound to the complex. Jointly, these findings shed light on the stability determining factors of DNA-polycation complexes, raise charge distribution as an important stability determining contributor, and indicate that the effectivity of PEI in gene delivery is likely to result from the freed PEI facilitating gene transfection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hanne S Antila
- Aalto University School of Chemical Technology, Department of Chemistry, P.O. Box 16100, FI-00076, Aalto, Finland.
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Li H, Tsui TY, Ma W. Intracellular Delivery of Molecular Cargo Using Cell-Penetrating Peptides and the Combination Strategies. Int J Mol Sci 2015; 16:19518-36. [PMID: 26295227 PMCID: PMC4581311 DOI: 10.3390/ijms160819518] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2015] [Revised: 07/11/2015] [Accepted: 07/30/2015] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Cell-penetrating peptides (CPPs) can cross cellular membranes in a non-toxic fashion, improving the intracellular delivery of various molecular cargos such as nanoparticles, small molecules and plasmid DNA. Because CPPs provide a safe, efficient, and non-invasive mode of transport for various cargos into cells, they have been developed as vectors for the delivery of genetic and biologic products in recent years. Most common CPPs are positively charged peptides. While delivering negatively charged molecules (e.g., nucleic acids) to target cells, the internalization efficiency of CPPs is reduced and inhibited because the cationic charges on the CPPs are neutralized through the covering of CPPs by cargos on the structure. Even under these circumstances, the CPPs can still be non-covalently complexed with the negatively charged molecules. To address this issue, combination strategies of CPPs with other typical carriers provide a promising and novel delivery system. This review summarizes the latest research work in using CPPs combined with molecular cargos including liposomes, polymers, cationic peptides, nanoparticles, adeno-associated virus (AAV) and calcium for the delivery of genetic products, especially for small interfering RNA (siRNA). This combination strategy remedies the reduced internalization efficiency caused by neutralization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hua Li
- Department of Basic Medical Science, Huzhou University School of Medicine, Huzhou 313000, China.
- Department of General, Visceral and Thoracic Surgery, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Martinistr. 52, 20246 Hamburg, Germany.
| | - Tung Yu Tsui
- Department of General, Visceral and Thoracic Surgery, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Martinistr. 52, 20246 Hamburg, Germany.
| | - Wenxue Ma
- Moores Cancer Center, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093-0820, USA.
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14
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Nastasie MS, Thissen H, Jans DA, Wagstaff KM. Enhanced tumour cell nuclear targeting in a tumour progression model. BMC Cancer 2015; 15:76. [PMID: 25885577 PMCID: PMC4342815 DOI: 10.1186/s12885-015-1045-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2014] [Accepted: 01/27/2015] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND There is an urgent need for new approaches to deliver bioactive molecules to cancer cells efficiently and specifically. METHODS Here we fuse the cancer cell nuclear targeting module of the Chicken Anaemia Virus Apoptin protein to the core histones H2B and H3 and utilise them in transfection, protein transduction and DNA binding assays. RESULTS We found subsequent nuclear accumulation of these proteins to be 2-3 fold higher in tumour compared to normal cells in transfected isogenic human osteosarcoma and breast tumour progression models. This represents the first demonstration of enhanced nuclear targeting by Apoptin in a tumour progression model, and its functionality in a heterologous protein context. Excitingly, we found that the innate transduction ability of histones could be exploited in combination with the Apoptin nuclear targeting module to effect an overall 13-fold higher delivery of protein to osteosarcoma cancer cell nuclei compared to their isogenic normal counterparts. CONCLUSIONS This is the first report of cancer-cell specificity by a cell penetrating protein, with important implications for the use of protein transduction as a vehicle for gene/drug delivery in the future, and in particular in the development of highly specific and effective anti-cancer agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael S Nastasie
- Nuclear Signalling Laboratory, Department Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, 3800, Australia.
| | - Helmut Thissen
- CSIRO Molecular and Health Technologies, Bayview Avenue, Clayton, Victoria, 3168, Australia.
| | - David A Jans
- Nuclear Signalling Laboratory, Department Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, 3800, Australia.
| | - Kylie M Wagstaff
- Nuclear Signalling Laboratory, Department Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, 3800, Australia.
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15
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Alhakamy NA, Berkland CJ. Polyarginine molecular weight determines transfection efficiency of calcium condensed complexes. Mol Pharm 2013; 10:1940-8. [PMID: 23534410 PMCID: PMC4207646 DOI: 10.1021/mp3007117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
Cell penetrating peptides (CPPs) have been extensively studied in polyelectrolyte complexes as a means to enhance the transfection efficiency of plasmid DNA (pDNA). Increasing the molecular weight of CPPs often enhances gene expression but poses a risk of increased cytotoxicity and immunogenicity compared to low molecular weight CCPs. Conversely, low molecular weight CPPs typically have low transfection efficiency due to large complex size. Complexes made using low molecular weight CPPs were found to be condensed to a small size by adding calcium. In this study, complexes of low molecular weight polyarginine and pDNA were condensed with calcium. These complexes showed high transfection efficiency and low cytotoxicity in A549 carcinomic human alveolar basal epithelial cells. The relationships between transfection efficiency and polyarginine size (5, 7, 9, or 11 amino acids), polyarginine/pDNA charge ratios, and calcium concentrations were studied. Polyarginine 7 was significantly more effective than other polyarginines under most formulation conditions, suggesting a link between cell penetration ability and transfection efficiency.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nabil A. Alhakamy
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, University of Kansas, Lawrence, KS, USA 66047
| | - Cory J. Berkland
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, University of Kansas, Lawrence, KS, USA 66047
- Department of Chemical & Petroleum Engineering, University of Kansas, Lawrence, KS, USA 66047
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16
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Wang C, Zhang Y. Apoptin gene transfer via modified wheat histone H4 facilitates apoptosis of human ovarian cancer cells. Cancer Biother Radiopharm 2011; 26:121-6. [PMID: 21355783 DOI: 10.1089/cbr.2010.0858] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Nonviral approaches have been used extensively for intracellular gene transfer and gene therapy. A modified wheat histone H4 protein, H4TL (H4-TAT-LHRH), as a protein-based gene delivery vector that was able to form stable complexes with plasmid DNA and increase gene delivery efficiency has been described previously. In this study, H4TL has been used to deliver apoptin gene into a human ovarian carcinoma cell line HO8910. After transfection, increased expression of apoptin at both mRNA and protein levels was detected in HO8910 cells, accompanied by reduced rate of growth of HO8910 cells in vitro and the loss of mitochondrial membrane potential in these cells. These data demonstrate that H4TL-mediated transfer of apoptin initiates mitochondrial death pathway in ovarian cancer cells and suggest a novel therapeutic strategy for cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chunyan Wang
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, College of Animal Science and Veterinary, Jilin University, Changchun, China
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17
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Zhang XX, Allen PG, Grinstaff M. Macropinocytosis is the major pathway responsible for DNA transfection in CHO cells by a charge-reversal amphiphile. Mol Pharm 2011; 8:758-66. [PMID: 21449536 DOI: 10.1021/mp100366h] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
The cellular uptake of a functional charge-reversal amphiphile:DNA lipoplex is described. First, pharmacological inhibitors were applied to block different endocytosis pathways. By examining the resulting transfection activities, it was found that endocytosis was the pathway leading to transfection in Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells. When the specific pathway of macropinocytosis was inhibited, β-galactosidase expression was significantly depleted (90%); meanwhile the inhibition of clathrin-mediated pathway only brought a 30% decrease in expression; and the inhibition of caveolae-mediated pathway did not affect expression. Furthermore, a transfection kinetics study revealed that the cellular uptake responsible for gene expression was a slower process compared to clathrin-mediated endocytosis, consistent with fluid-phase uptake compared to receptor-mediated uptake. Next, a fluorescence colocalization study was used to visualize the DNA lipoplex uptake pathways. The colocalization of the DNA lipoplex and Cascade Blue, a fluid-phase uptake marker, was observed. Meanwhile, the colocalization of the DNA lipoplex and transferrin, a clathrin-mediated endocytosis marker, was also seen. However, no colocalization was observed with the endosome/lysosome marker Lysotracker. Our results indicate that macropinocytosis, not the commonly seen clathrin-mediated endocytosis for cationic lipids, is the major pathway leading to gene transfection in CHO cells for this charge-reversal amphiphile.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiao-Xiang Zhang
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Boston University, Boston, Massachusetts 02215, USA
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18
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Synergistic effects between natural histone mixtures and polyethylenimine in non-viral gene delivery in vitro. Int J Pharm 2010; 400:86-95. [PMID: 20816738 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpharm.2010.08.036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2010] [Revised: 08/18/2010] [Accepted: 08/25/2010] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
Nanoparticles made of plasmid DNA (pDNA) and cationic polymers are promising strategies for non-viral gene delivery. However, many cationic polymers are toxic to cells when used in higher concentrations. Positively charged proteins, such as histones, are biodegradable and a good alternative, especially for potential in vivo applications. It has previously been shown that histones are able to complex DNA and mediate transfection of cells. To investigate possible synergistic effects between the different histone types and to avoid the use of recombinant proteins, we analysed whether natural histone mixtures would be functional as gene carriers. Core and linker histones from calf thymus and from chicken erythrocytes were used to transfect different cell lines. The protein mixtures efficiently complexed the pDNA, and the resulting particles entered the cells. However, only marginal expression of the gene encoded by the pDNA was observed. Transfection rates increased drastically when minimal amounts of the basic polymer polyethylenimine (PEI) were added to the particles. Neither PEI nor histones alone mediated any transfection under the conditions where a combination of both worked efficiently, and the combined particles were well tolerated by the cells. These results demonstrate that histone mixtures from natural sources in combination with minimal amounts of PEI can be used as gene carriers. This might have consequences for the development of novel gene delivery strategies, such as DNA vaccines, with minimal side-effects.
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19
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A non-covalent strategy combining cationic lipids and CPPs to enhance the delivery of splice correcting oligonucleotides. J Control Release 2010; 145:149-58. [PMID: 20362021 DOI: 10.1016/j.jconrel.2010.03.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2009] [Revised: 02/23/2010] [Accepted: 03/25/2010] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Modulation of pre-mRNA splicing by steric-block oligonucleotides constitutes a promising strategy for the treatment of many diseases, but requires efficient delivery to cell nuclei. In the present study, we evaluated the efficacy of a non-covalent strategy that combines a cell penetrating peptide with a lipoplex-based formulation to mediate the delivery of splice-switching oligonucleotides. The splice correcting ability of these new formulations was assessed using splice-switching oligonucleotides targeted towards the mutated splicing site of human beta-globin pre-mRNA in the HeLa pLuc/705 splice correction model. Importantly, the optimal splice correcting activity was exhibited by the formulation containing both lipid and peptide components, the order of component addition in these formulations being crucial for their efficacy. Our results demonstrate that the inclusion of cationic liposomes in the formulation provides the ability to improve release from endocytic vesicles, a barrier that severely limits the efficiency of oligonucleotide delivery by cell penetrating peptides. On the other hand, cell penetrating peptides potentiate the cellular uptake and delivery of the oligonucleotides by the lipoplexes. Moreover, when combining cell penetrating peptides with the lipoplex formulations, a significant reduction in the amount of required cationic lipid could be achieved, while maintaining or even enhancing biological activity.
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20
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Motskin M, Wright DM, Muller K, Kyle N, Gard TG, Porter AE, Skepper JN. Hydroxyapatite nano and microparticles: correlation of particle properties with cytotoxicity and biostability. Biomaterials 2009; 30:3307-17. [PMID: 19304317 DOI: 10.1016/j.biomaterials.2009.02.044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 226] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2009] [Accepted: 02/28/2009] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Synthetic colloid and gel hydroxyapatite (HA) nanoparticles (NPs) were spray dried to form microparticles (MPs). These are intended for use as slow release vaccine vectors. The physico-chemical properties of gel and colloid NPs and MPs were compared to those of HA obtained commercially. Their cytotoxicity to human monocytes'-derived macrophages (HMMs) was assessed in vitro using a range of techniques. These included the MTT assay, LDH leakage and a confocal based live-dead cell assay. Cytotoxicity differed significantly between preparations, with the suspended gel preparation being the most toxic (31-500 microg/ml). Other preparations were also toxic but only at higher concentrations (>250 microg/ml). Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and stereology showed variable cellular uptake and subsequent dissolution of the various forms of HA. We have demonstrated that HA particle toxicity varied considerably and that it was related to their physico-chemical properties. Cell death correlated strongly with particle load. The intracellular dissolution of particles as a function of time in HMM suggests that increased cytoplasmic calcium load is likely to be the cause of cell death. Some HA NPs eluded the phagocytic pathway and a few were even seen to enter the nuclei through nuclear pores.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Motskin
- Multi-Imaging Centre, School of Biological Sciences, Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience, Anatomy Building, Downing Street, Cambridge CB2 3DY, United Kingdom.
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21
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Hwang DS, Kim KR, Lim S, Choi YS, Cha HJ. Recombinant mussel adhesive protein as a gene delivery material. Biotechnol Bioeng 2009; 102:616-23. [DOI: 10.1002/bit.22086] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
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22
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Wagstaff KM, Jans DA. Nucleocytoplasmic transport of DNA: enhancing non-viral gene transfer. Biochem J 2007; 406:185-202. [PMID: 17680778 DOI: 10.1042/bj20070505] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Gene therapy, the correction of dysfunctional or deleted genes by supplying the lacking component, has long been awaited as a means to permanently treat or reverse many genetic disorders. To achieve this, therapeutic DNA must be delivered to the nucleus of cells using a safe and efficient delivery vector. Although viral-based vectors have been utilized extensively due to their innate ability to deliver DNA to intact cells, safety considerations, such as pathogenicity, oncogenicity and the stimulation of an immunological response in the host, remain problematical. There has, however, been much progress in the development of safe non-viral gene-delivery vectors, although they remain less efficient than the viral counterparts. The major limitations of non-viral gene transfer reside in the fact that it must be tailored to overcome the intracellular barriers to DNA delivery that viruses already master, including the cellular and nuclear membranes. In particular, nuclear transport of the therapeutic DNA is known to be the rate-limiting step in the gene-delivery process. Despite this, much progress had been made in recent years in developing novel means to overcome these barriers and efficiently deliver DNA to the nuclei of intact cells. This review focuses on the nucleocytoplasmic delivery of DNA and mechanisms to enhance to non-viral-mediated gene transfer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kylie M Wagstaff
- Nuclear Signalling Laboratory, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Monash University, Clayton, Australia
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Wolf Y, Pritz S, Abes S, Bienert M, Lebleu B, Oehlke J. Structural requirements for cellular uptake and antisense activity of peptide nucleic acids conjugated with various peptides. Biochemistry 2007; 45:14944-54. [PMID: 17154532 DOI: 10.1021/bi0606896] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Peptide nucleic acids (PNAs) have shown great promise as potential antisense drugs; however, poor cellular delivery limits their applications. Improved delivery into mammalian cells and enhanced biological activity of PNAs have been achieved by coupling to cell-penetrating peptides (CPPs). Structural requirements for the shuttling ability of these peptides as well as structural properties of the conjugates such as the linker type and peptide position remained controversial, so far. In the present study an 18mer PNA targeted to the cryptic splice site of a mutated beta-globin intron 2, which had been inserted into a luciferase reporter gene coding sequence, was coupled to various peptides. As the peptide lead we used the cell-penetrating alpha-helical amphipathic peptide KLAL KLAL KAL KAAL KLA-NH2 [model amphipathic peptide (MAP)] which was varied with respect to charge and structure-forming properties. Furthermore, the linkage and the localization of the attached peptide (C- vs N-terminal) were modified. Positive charge as well as helicity and amphipathicity of the KLA peptide was all required for efficient dose-dependent correction of aberrant splicing. The highest antisense effect was reached within 4 h without any transfection agent. Stably linked conjugates were also efficient in correction of aberrant splicing, suggesting that a cleavable disulfide bond between CPP and PNA is clearly not essential. Moreover, the placement of the attached peptide turned out to be crucial for attaining antisense activity. Coadministration of endosome disrupting agents such as chloroquine or Ca2+ significantly increased the splicing correction efficiency of some conjugates, indicating the predominant portion to be sequestered in vesicular compartments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yvonne Wolf
- Leibniz-Institute of Molecular Pharmacology, Robert-Rössle-Strasse 10, D-13125 Berlin, Germany.
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Kaouass M, Beaulieu R, Balicki D. Histonefection: Novel and potent non-viral gene delivery. J Control Release 2006; 113:245-54. [PMID: 16806557 DOI: 10.1016/j.jconrel.2006.04.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 69] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2005] [Accepted: 04/26/2006] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Protein/peptide-mediated gene delivery has recently emerged as a powerful approach in non-viral gene transfer. In previous studies, we and other groups found that histones efficiently mediate gene transfer (histonefection). Histonefection has been demonstrated to be effective with various members of the histone family. The DNA binding domains and natural nuclear localisation signal sequences make histones excellent candidates for effective gene transfer. In addition, their positive charge promotes binding to anionic molecules and helps them to overcome the negative charge of cells that is an important barrier to cellular penetration. Histonefection appears to have particular promise in cancer gene transfer and therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammadi Kaouass
- Research Centre and Department of Medicine, Centre hospitalier de l'Université de Montréal, Canada
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25
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Kulkarni VI, Shenoy VS, Dodiya SS, Rajyaguru TH, Murthy RR. Role of calcium in gene delivery. Expert Opin Drug Deliv 2006; 3:235-45. [PMID: 16506950 DOI: 10.1517/17425247.3.2.235] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
The treatment of genetic diseases using therapeutic gene transfer is considered to be a significant development. This development has brought with it certain limitations, and the process of overcoming these barriers has seen a drastic change in gene delivery. Many metal ions such as Mg2+, Mn2+, Ba2+ and, most importantly, Ca2+ have been demonstrated to have significant roles in gene delivery. Recently, calcium phosphate alone, or in combination with viral and nonviral vectors, was found to exert a positive effect on gene transfer when incorporated in the colloidal particulate system, which is an advancing approach to gene delivery. This review elaborates on various successful methods of using calcium in gene delivery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vijay I Kulkarni
- Centre for Postgraduate Studies and Research, New Drug Delivery Systems laboratory, Pharmacy Department, Donors Plaza, MS University of Baroda, Fatehgunj, Vadodara - 390 002, India.
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26
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Shiraishi T, Pankratova S, Nielsen PE. Calcium ions effectively enhance the effect of antisense peptide nucleic acids conjugated to cationic tat and oligoarginine peptides. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2006; 12:923-9. [PMID: 16125104 DOI: 10.1016/j.chembiol.2005.06.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 99] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2005] [Revised: 06/09/2005] [Accepted: 06/09/2005] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
Cell-penetrating peptides have been widely used to improve cellular delivery of a variety of proteins and antisense agents. However, recent studies indicate that such cationic peptides are predominantly entering cells via an endosomal pathway. We now show that the nuclear antisense effect in HeLa cells of a variety of peptide nucleic acid (PNA) peptide conjugates is significantly enhanced by addition of 6 mM Ca(2+) (as well as by the lysosomotrophic agent chloroquine). In particular, the antisense activities of Tat(48-60) and heptaarginine-conjugated PNAs were increased 44-fold and 8.5-fold, respectively. Evidence is presented that the mechanism involves endosomal release. The present results show that Ca(2+) can be used as an effective enhancer for in vitro cellular delivery of cationic peptide-conjugated PNA oligomers, and also emphasize the significance of the endosomal escape route for such peptides.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takehiko Shiraishi
- Department of Medical Biochemistry and Genetics, The Panum Institute, University of Copenhagen, Blegdamsvej 3c, 2200 Copenhagen N., Denmark
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27
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Abstract
Many peptides are reported to enhance cellular uptake of peptide nucleic acids and other macromolecules. Cellular uptake, however, is not synonymous with cellular activity. In this issue of Chemistry and Biology, Nielsen and colleagues examine the traffic of PNAs and investigate protocols for improving recognition of target mRNA inside cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- David R Corey
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas, 5323 Harry Hines Boulevard, Dallas, Texas 75390, USA.
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28
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Sandhu AP, Lam AMI, Fenske DB, Palmer LR, Johnston M, Cullis PR. Calcium enhances the transfection potency of stabilized plasmid–lipid particles. Anal Biochem 2005; 341:156-64. [PMID: 15866540 DOI: 10.1016/j.ab.2005.02.033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2005] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Previous work from this laboratory has shown that plasmid DNA can be encapsulated in small (70-nm-diameter) stabilized plasmid-lipid particles (SPLP) that consist of a single plasmid encapsulated within a bilayer lipid vesicle. SPLP preferentially transfect tumor tissue following intravenous administration. Although the levels of transgene expression in vivo are greater for SPLP than can be achieved with naked DNA or complexes, they are lower than may be required for therapeutic benefit. In the present work we examine whether Ca2+ can enhance the transfection potency of SPLP. It is shown that Ca2+ can enhance SPLP transfection potency in bovine hamster kidney cells by 60- to 100-fold when treated in serum containing medium and an additional 60-fold when serum is absent for the initial 10 min of the transfection period. When cells are treated with SPLP in the presence of Ca2+, there is a fivefold increase in intact plasmid in the cell. It is also shown that this Ca2+ effect involves the formation of calcium phosphate precipitates; however, these precipitates are not directly associated with the SPLP plasmid DNA. The ability of calcium phosphate to facilitate delivery of other macromolecules without direct association is also demonstrated by the release of large-molecular-weight dextrans from endosomal/lysosomal compartments in the presence of calcium phosphate. Finally, it is shown that, unlike naked DNA, SPLP transfection potency in the presence of calcium phosphate is not affected by nuclease activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ammen P Sandhu
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, 2146 Health Sciences Mall, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada V6T 1Z3.
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29
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Puebla I, Esseghir S, Mortlock A, Brown A, Crisanti A, Low W. A recombinant H1 histone-based system for efficient delivery of nucleic acids. J Biotechnol 2003; 105:215-26. [PMID: 14580793 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbiotec.2003.07.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
We describe here a unique transfer system based on a truncated form of the human linker histone H1F4 for the delivery of nucleic acids to a variety of cells. The efficiency of truncated histone H1.4F was assessed using both primary mammalian and immortalised insect and mammalian cell lines. Our results indicated that recombinant histone H1.4F was able to deliver DNA, dsRNA and siRNA in all cells tested. Quantitative analysis based on reporter gene expression or silencing of target genes revealed that the transfection efficiency of histone H1.4F was comparable to, or better than, liposome-based systems. Notably, the efficiency of histone H1.4F was associated with very low toxicity for transfected cells. The human H1.4F recombinant protein is easily purified in large-scale from bacterial lysates using inexpensive simplified processing. This versatile transfection system represents an important advance in the field of gene delivery and an improvement over earlier nucleic acid delivery methods.
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Affiliation(s)
- Iratxe Puebla
- Biogeny PLC, SAF Building, Imperial College London, Imperial College Road, SW7 2AZ London, UK
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30
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Cartier R, Velinova M, Lehman C, Erdmann B, Reszka R. Ultrastructural analysis of DNA complexes during transfection and intracellular transport. J Histochem Cytochem 2003; 51:1237-40. [PMID: 12923249 DOI: 10.1177/002215540305100914] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
We present a simple method based on transmission electron microscopy that allows investigation of the early steps of polyplex-mediated transfection without the use of labeled DNA. The ultrastructural analysis showed internalization of 0.2-1-micro m aggregates composed of 30-50-nm subunits. In addition, new details of the internalization process were revealed, suggesting an unspecific cell entry mechanism of large DNA aggregates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Régis Cartier
- Max-Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine, Berlin, Germany
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