1
|
Ramsay E, Lajunen T, Bhattacharya M, Reinisalo M, Rilla K, Kidron H, Terasaki T, Urtti A. Selective drug delivery to the retinal cells: Biological barriers and avenues. J Control Release 2023; 361:1-19. [PMID: 37481214 DOI: 10.1016/j.jconrel.2023.07.028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2022] [Revised: 06/09/2023] [Accepted: 07/16/2023] [Indexed: 07/24/2023]
Abstract
Retinal drug delivery is a challenging, but important task, because most retinal diseases are still without any proper therapy. Drug delivery to the retina is hampered by the anatomical and physiological barriers resulting in minimal bioavailability after topical ocular and systemic administrations. Intravitreal injections are current method-of-choice in retinal delivery, but these injections show short duration of action for small molecules and low target bioavailability for many protein, gene based drugs and nanomedicines. State-of-art delivery systems are based on prolonged retention, controlled drug release and physical features (e.g. size and charge). However, drug delivery to the retina is not cell-specific and these approaches do not facilitate intracellular delivery of modern biological drugs (e.g. intracellular proteins, RNA based medicines, gene editing). In this focused review we highlight biological factors and mechanisms that form the basis for the selective retinal drug delivery systems in the future. Therefore, we are presenting current knowledge related to retinal membrane transporters, receptors and targeting ligands in relation to nanomedicines, conjugates, extracellular vesicles, and melanin binding. These issues are discussed in the light of retinal structure and cell types as well as future prospects in the field. Unlike in some other fields of targeted drug delivery (e.g. cancer research), selective delivery technologies have been rarely studied, even though cell targeted delivery may be even more feasible after local administration into the eye.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Eva Ramsay
- Drug Research Programme, Division of Pharmaceutical Biosciences, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Helsinki, 00014 University of Helsinki, Finland
| | - Tatu Lajunen
- Drug Research Programme, Division of Pharmaceutical Biosciences, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Helsinki, 00014 University of Helsinki, Finland; School of Pharmacy, University of Eastern Finland, Yliopistonranta 1 C, 70211 Kuopio, Finland
| | - Madhushree Bhattacharya
- Drug Research Programme, Division of Pharmaceutical Biosciences, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Helsinki, 00014 University of Helsinki, Finland
| | - Mika Reinisalo
- School of Pharmacy, University of Eastern Finland, Yliopistonranta 1 C, 70211 Kuopio, Finland
| | - Kirsi Rilla
- School of Medicine, University of Eastern Finland, Yliopistonranta 1 C, 70211 Kuopio, Finland
| | - Heidi Kidron
- Drug Research Programme, Division of Pharmaceutical Biosciences, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Helsinki, 00014 University of Helsinki, Finland
| | - Tetsuya Terasaki
- School of Pharmacy, University of Eastern Finland, Yliopistonranta 1 C, 70211 Kuopio, Finland
| | - Arto Urtti
- Drug Research Programme, Division of Pharmaceutical Biosciences, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Helsinki, 00014 University of Helsinki, Finland; School of Pharmacy, University of Eastern Finland, Yliopistonranta 1 C, 70211 Kuopio, Finland.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Dong W, Wu P, Qin M, Guo S, Liu H, Yang X, He W, Bouakaz A, Wan M, Zong Y. Multipotent miRNA Sponge-Loaded Magnetic Nanodroplets with Ultrasound/Magnet-Assisted Delivery for Hepatocellular Carcinoma Therapy. Mol Pharm 2020; 17:2891-2910. [PMID: 32678617 DOI: 10.1021/acs.molpharmaceut.0c00336] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Gene therapy is likely to be the most promising way to tackle cancer, while defects in molecular strategies and delivery systems have led to an impasse in clinical application. Here, it is found that onco-miRNAs of the miR-515 and -449 families were upregulated in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), and the sponge targeting miR-515 family had a significant probability to suppress cancer cell proliferation. Then, we constructed non-toxic sponge-loaded magnetic nanodroplets containing 20% C6F14 (SLMNDs-20%) that are incorporated with fluorinated superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles enhancing external magnetism-assisted targeting and enabling a direct visualization of SLMNDs-20% distribution in vivo via magnetic resonance imaging monitoring. SLMNDs-20% could be vaporized by programmable focused ultrasound (FUS) activation, achieving ∼45% in vitro sponge delivery efficiency and significantly enhancing in vivo sponge delivery without a clear apoptosis. Moreover, the sponge-1-carrying SLMNDs-20% could effectively suppress proliferation of xenograft HCC after FUS exposure because sponge-1-suppressing onco-miR-515 enhanced the expression of anti-oncogenes (P21, CD22, TIMP1, NFKB, and E-cadherin) in cancer cells. The current results indicated that ultrasonic cavitation-inducing sonoporation enhanced the intracellular delivery of sponge-1 using SLMNDs-20% after magnetic-assisted accumulation, which was a therapeutic approach to inhibit HCC progression.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Wei Dong
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710049, China
| | - Pengying Wu
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710049, China
| | - Mengfan Qin
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710049, China
| | - Shifang Guo
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710049, China
| | - Huasheng Liu
- Department of Hematology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Xi'an Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710061, China
| | - Xinxing Yang
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710049, China.,Department of Ultrasound, The First Affiliated Hospital of AFMU (Xijing Hospital), Air Force Medical University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710032, China
| | - Wen He
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710049, China.,Department of Pharmacy, The First Affiliated Hospital, Xi'an Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710061, China
| | - Ayache Bouakaz
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710049, China.,Inserm Imaging and Ultrasound, INSERM U930, Imagerie et Cerveau, Université François-Rabelais de Tours, Tours 37000, France
| | - Mingxi Wan
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710049, China
| | - Yujin Zong
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710049, China
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Ramsay E, Raviña M, Sarkhel S, Hehir S, Cameron NR, Ilmarinen T, Skottman H, Kjems J, Urtti A, Ruponen M, Subrizi A. Avoiding the Pitfalls of siRNA Delivery to the Retinal Pigment Epithelium with Physiologically Relevant Cell Models. Pharmaceutics 2020; 12:pharmaceutics12070667. [PMID: 32708811 PMCID: PMC7407886 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics12070667] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2020] [Revised: 07/03/2020] [Accepted: 07/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Inflammation is involved in the pathogenesis of several age-related ocular diseases, such as macular degeneration (AMD), diabetic retinopathy, and glaucoma. The delivery of anti-inflammatory siRNA to the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) may become a promising therapeutic option for the treatment of inflammation, if the efficient delivery of siRNA to target cells is accomplished. Unfortunately, so far, the siRNA delivery system selection performed in dividing RPE cells in vitro has been a poor predictor of the in vivo efficacy. Our study evaluates the silencing efficiency of polyplexes, lipoplexes, and lipidoid-siRNA complexes in dividing RPE cells as well as in physiologically relevant RPE cell models. We find that RPE cell differentiation alters their endocytic activity and causes a decrease in the uptake of siRNA complexes. In addition, we determine that melanosomal sequestration is another significant and previously unexplored barrier to gene silencing in pigmented cells. In summary, this study highlights the importance of choosing a physiologically relevant RPE cell model for the selection of siRNA delivery systems. Such cell models are expected to enable the identification of carriers with a high probability of success in vivo, and thus propel the development of siRNA therapeutics for ocular disease.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Eva Ramsay
- Drug Research Program, Division of Pharmaceutical Biosciences, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Helsinki, 00014 Helsinki, Finland; (E.R.); (M.R.); (S.S.); (A.U.)
| | - Manuela Raviña
- Drug Research Program, Division of Pharmaceutical Biosciences, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Helsinki, 00014 Helsinki, Finland; (E.R.); (M.R.); (S.S.); (A.U.)
| | - Sanjay Sarkhel
- Drug Research Program, Division of Pharmaceutical Biosciences, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Helsinki, 00014 Helsinki, Finland; (E.R.); (M.R.); (S.S.); (A.U.)
| | - Sarah Hehir
- Department of Life Sciences, Institute of Technology Sligo, F91 YW50 Sligo, Ireland;
| | - Neil R. Cameron
- School of Engineering, University of Warwick, Coventry CV4 7AL, UK;
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Monash University, Clayton, VIC 3800, Australia
| | - Tanja Ilmarinen
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Technology, BioMediTech, Tampere University, 33014 Tampere, Finland; (T.I.); (H.S.)
| | - Heli Skottman
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Technology, BioMediTech, Tampere University, 33014 Tampere, Finland; (T.I.); (H.S.)
| | - Jørgen Kjems
- Interdisciplinary Nanoscience Center (iNANO), Aarhus University, 8000 Aarhus C, Denmark;
| | - Arto Urtti
- Drug Research Program, Division of Pharmaceutical Biosciences, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Helsinki, 00014 Helsinki, Finland; (E.R.); (M.R.); (S.S.); (A.U.)
- Laboratory of Biohybrid Technologies, Institute of Chemistry, St. Petersburg State University, 198504 Peterhoff, Russia
- School of Pharmacy, University of Eastern Finland, 70210 Kuopio, Finland;
| | - Marika Ruponen
- School of Pharmacy, University of Eastern Finland, 70210 Kuopio, Finland;
| | - Astrid Subrizi
- Interdisciplinary Nanoscience Center (iNANO), Aarhus University, 8000 Aarhus C, Denmark;
- School of Pharmacy, University of Eastern Finland, 70210 Kuopio, Finland;
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +358-40-016-3407
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Mishra B, Wilson DR, Sripathi SR, Suprenant MP, Rui Y, Wahlin KJ, Berlinicke CA, Green JJ, Zack DJ. A combinatorial library of biodegradable polyesters enables non-viral gene delivery to post-mitotic human stem cell-derived polarized RPE monolayers. REGENERATIVE ENGINEERING AND TRANSLATIONAL MEDICINE 2019; 6:273-285. [PMID: 33732871 DOI: 10.1007/s40883-019-00118-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Safe and effective delivery of DNA to post-mitotic cells, especially highly differentiated cells, remains a challenge despite significant progress in the development of gene delivery tools. Biodegradable polymeric nanoparticles (NPs) offer an array of advantages for gene delivery over viral vectors due to improved safety, carrying capacity, ease of manufacture, and cell-type specificity. Here we demonstrate the use of a high-throughput screening (HTS) platform to synthesize and screen a library of 148 biodegradable polymeric nanoparticles, successfully identifying structures that enable efficient transfection of human pluripotent stem cell differentiated human retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) cells with minimal toxicity. These NPs can deliver plasmid DNA (pDNA) to RPE monolayers more efficiently than leading commercially available transfection reagents. Novel synthetic polymers are described that enable high efficacy non-viral gene delivery to hard-to-transfect polarized human RPE monolayers, enabling gene loss- and gain-of-function studies of cell signaling, developmental, and disease-related pathways. One new synthetic polymer in particular, 3,3'-iminobis(N,N-dimethylpropylamine)-end terminated poly(1,5-pentanediol diacrylate-co-3 amino-1-propanol) (5-3-J12), was found to form self-assembled nanoparticles when mixed with plasmid DNA that transfect a majority of these human post-mitotic cells with minimal cytotoxicity. The platform described here can be utilized as an enabling technology for gene transfer to human primary and stem cell-derived cells, which are often fragile and resistant to conventional gene transfer approaches.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Bibhudatta Mishra
- Ophthalmology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21231, United States
| | - David R Wilson
- Biomedical Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, 21231, United States.,Translational Tissue Engineering Center, Johns Hopkins of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21231, United States.,Institute for Nanobiotechnology, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21231, United States
| | - Srinivas R Sripathi
- Ophthalmology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21231, United States
| | - Mark P Suprenant
- Biomedical Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, 21231, United States.,Translational Tissue Engineering Center, Johns Hopkins of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21231, United States
| | - Yuan Rui
- Ophthalmology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21231, United States.,Biomedical Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, 21231, United States.,Translational Tissue Engineering Center, Johns Hopkins of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21231, United States
| | - Karl J Wahlin
- Ophthalmology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21231, United States
| | - Cynthia A Berlinicke
- Ophthalmology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21231, United States
| | - Jordan J Green
- Ophthalmology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21231, United States.,Biomedical Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, 21231, United States.,Translational Tissue Engineering Center, Johns Hopkins of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21231, United States.,Institute for Nanobiotechnology, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21231, United States.,Oncology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21231, United States.,Materials Science and Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21231, United States.,Neurosurgery, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21231, United States
| | - Donald J Zack
- Institute for Nanobiotechnology, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21231, United States.,Neuroscience, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21231, United States.,Molecular Biology and Genetics, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21231, United States.,Neuroscience, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21231, United States.,Institute of Genetic Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21231, United States
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Bhattacharya M, Sarkhel S, Peltoniemi J, Broadbridge R, Tuomainen M, Auriola S, Urtti A. Differentially cleaving peptides as a strategy for controlled drug release in human retinal pigment epithelial cells. J Control Release 2017; 251:37-48. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jconrel.2017.02.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2016] [Revised: 02/10/2017] [Accepted: 02/13/2017] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
|
6
|
Saraiva SM, Castro-López V, Pañeda C, Alonso MJ. Synthetic nanocarriers for the delivery of polynucleotides to the eye. Eur J Pharm Sci 2017; 103:5-18. [PMID: 28263915 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejps.2017.03.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2016] [Revised: 02/28/2017] [Accepted: 03/01/2017] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
This review is a comprehensive analysis of the progress made so far on the delivery of polynucleotide-based therapeutics to the eye, using synthetic nanocarriers. Attention has been addressed to the capacity of different nanocarriers for the specific delivery of polynucleotides to both, the anterior and posterior segments of the eye, with emphasis on their ability to (i) improve the transport of polynucleotides across the different eye barriers; (ii) promote their intracellular penetration into the target cells; (iii) protect them against degradation and, (iv) deliver them in a long-term fashion way. Overall, the conclusion is that despite the advantages that nanotechnology may offer to the area of ocular polynucleotide-based therapies (especially AS-ODN and siRNA delivery), the knowledge disclosed so far is still limited. This fact underlines the necessity of more fundamental and product-oriented research for making the way of the said nanotherapies towards clinical translation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sofia M Saraiva
- Center for Research in Molecular Medicine and Chronic Diseases (CIMUS), Av. Barcelona s/n, Campus Vida, Universidade de Santiago de Compostela, 15706 Santiago de Compostela, Spain
| | - Vanessa Castro-López
- Center for Research in Molecular Medicine and Chronic Diseases (CIMUS), Av. Barcelona s/n, Campus Vida, Universidade de Santiago de Compostela, 15706 Santiago de Compostela, Spain
| | - Covadonga Pañeda
- Sylentis, R&D Department, c/Santiago Grisolía 2, 28760 Tres Cantos, Madrid, Spain
| | - María José Alonso
- Center for Research in Molecular Medicine and Chronic Diseases (CIMUS), Av. Barcelona s/n, Campus Vida, Universidade de Santiago de Compostela, 15706 Santiago de Compostela, Spain; Department of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Technology, School of Pharmacy, Universidade de Santiago de Compostela, 15782 Santiago de Compostela, Spain; Health Research Institute of Santiago de Compostela (IDIS), Santiago de Compostela, Spain.
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Tasharrofi N, Kouhkan F, Soleimani M, Soheili ZS, Atyabi F, Akbari Javar H, Abedin Dorkoosh F. Efficient gene delivery to primary human retinal pigment epithelial cells: The innate and acquired properties of vectors. Int J Pharm 2016; 518:66-79. [PMID: 28017770 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpharm.2016.12.048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2016] [Revised: 12/12/2016] [Accepted: 12/21/2016] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
The purpose of this study is designing non-viral gene delivery vectors for transfection of the primary human retinal pigment epithelial cells (RPE). In the design process of gene delivery vectors, considering physicochemical properties of vectors alone does not seem to be enough since they interact with constituents of the surrounding environment and hence gain new characteristics. Moreover, due to these interactions, their cargo can be released untimely or undergo degradation before reaching to the target cells. Further, the characteristics of cells itself can also influence the transfection efficacy. For example, the non-dividing property of RPE cells can impede the transfection efficiency which in most studies was ignored by using immortal cell lines. In this study, vectors with different characteristics differing in mixing orders of pDNA, PEI polymer, and PLGA/PEI or PLGA nanoparticles were prepared and characterized. Then, their characteristics and efficacy in gene delivery to RPE cells in the presence of vitreous or fetal bovine serum (FBS) were evaluated. All formulations showed no cytotoxicity and were able to protect pDNA from premature release and degradation in extracellular media. Also, the adsorption of vitreous or serum proteins onto the surface of vectors changed their properties and hence cellular uptake and transfection efficacy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nooshin Tasharrofi
- Department of Pharmaceutical Nanotechnology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran; Department of Pharmaceutics, Faculty of Pharmacy, Tehran University of Medical Science, Tehran, Iran.
| | | | - Masoud Soleimani
- Department of Hematology, Faculty of Medical Science, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Zahra-Soheila Soheili
- Institute of Medical Biotechnology, Faculty of Molecular Medicine, National Institute of Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Fatemeh Atyabi
- Department of Pharmaceutical Nanotechnology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran; Department of Pharmaceutics, Faculty of Pharmacy, Tehran University of Medical Science, Tehran, Iran; Nanotechnology Research Center, Faculty of Pharmacy, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Hamid Akbari Javar
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Faculty of Pharmacy, Tehran University of Medical Science, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Farid Abedin Dorkoosh
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Faculty of Pharmacy, Tehran University of Medical Science, Tehran, Iran; Medical Biomaterial Research Center (MBRC), Faculty of Pharmacy, Tehran University of Medical Science, Tehran, Iran.
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Li H, Qian J, Yao C, Wan C, Li F. Combined ultrasound-targeted microbubble destruction and polyethylenimine-mediated plasmid DNA delivery to the rat retina: enhanced efficiency and accelerated expression. J Gene Med 2016; 18:47-56. [PMID: 26864737 DOI: 10.1002/jgm.2875] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2015] [Revised: 02/03/2016] [Accepted: 02/04/2016] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Hongli Li
- Department of Ultrasound, Ren Ji Hospital, School of Medicine; Shanghai Jiao Tong University; Shanghai China
| | - Jin Qian
- Department of Ophthalmology; The Baoshan Branch Institute of Shanghai, Shuguang Hospital; Shanghai China
| | - Chunfang Yao
- Laboratory Animal Centre of Ren Ji Hospital, School of Medicine; Shanghai Jiao Tong University; Shanghai China
| | - Caifeng Wan
- Department of Ultrasound, Ren Ji Hospital, School of Medicine; Shanghai Jiao Tong University; Shanghai China
| | - Fenghua Li
- Department of Ultrasound, Ren Ji Hospital, School of Medicine; Shanghai Jiao Tong University; Shanghai China
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Rodríguez-Gascón A, Del Pozo-Rodríguez A, Isla A, Solinís MA. Vaginal gene therapy. Adv Drug Deliv Rev 2015; 92:71-83. [PMID: 26189799 DOI: 10.1016/j.addr.2015.07.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2015] [Revised: 06/09/2015] [Accepted: 07/09/2015] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
In the last years, vaginal gene therapy has gained increasing attention mainly for the treatment and control of sexually transmitted infections. DNA delivery has been also suggested to improve reproductive outcomes for women with deficiencies in the female reproductive tract. Although no product has reached clinical phase, preclinical investigations reveal the potential of the vaginal tract as an effective administration route for gene delivery. This review focuses on the main advantages and challenges of vaginal gene therapy, and on the most used nucleic acid delivery systems, including viral and non-viral vectors. Additionally, the advances in the application of vaginal gene therapy for the treatment and/or prevention of infectious diseases such as the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), the human papillomavirus (HPV) or the herpes simplex virus (HSV) are presented.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alicia Rodríguez-Gascón
- Pharmacokinetic, Nanotechnology and Gene Therapy Group (PharmaNanoGene), Faculty of Pharmacy, Centro de investigación Lascaray ikergunea, University of the Basque Country UPV/EHU, Paseo de la Universidad, 7, 01006 Vitoria-Gasteiz, Spain.
| | - Ana Del Pozo-Rodríguez
- Pharmacokinetic, Nanotechnology and Gene Therapy Group (PharmaNanoGene), Faculty of Pharmacy, Centro de investigación Lascaray ikergunea, University of the Basque Country UPV/EHU, Paseo de la Universidad, 7, 01006 Vitoria-Gasteiz, Spain
| | - Arantxazu Isla
- Pharmacokinetic, Nanotechnology and Gene Therapy Group (PharmaNanoGene), Faculty of Pharmacy, Centro de investigación Lascaray ikergunea, University of the Basque Country UPV/EHU, Paseo de la Universidad, 7, 01006 Vitoria-Gasteiz, Spain
| | - María Angeles Solinís
- Pharmacokinetic, Nanotechnology and Gene Therapy Group (PharmaNanoGene), Faculty of Pharmacy, Centro de investigación Lascaray ikergunea, University of the Basque Country UPV/EHU, Paseo de la Universidad, 7, 01006 Vitoria-Gasteiz, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Lo CW, Liao WH, Wu CH, Lee JL, Sun MK, Yang HS, Tsai WB, Chang Y, Chen WS. Synergistic Effect of PEI and PDMAEMA on Transgene Expression in Vitro. LANGMUIR : THE ACS JOURNAL OF SURFACES AND COLLOIDS 2015; 31:6130-6136. [PMID: 25985827 DOI: 10.1021/acs.langmuir.5b00520] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
Polyethylenimine (PEI) and poly(2-(dimethylamino) ethyl methacrylate) (PDMAEMA) have both been used for DNA delivery. PDMAEMA has been shown to exhibit better gene transfection efficiency but lower expression ability than PEI. We mixed the two polymers at different ratios to investigate whether the resulting "dual" polyplex (PEI/PDMAEMA/DNA) could enhance both gene transfection efficiency and DNA expression ability. Experimental results showed a significant increase in DNA internalization and DNA expression for the PDMAEMA/PEI/DNA polyplexes at a ratio of 1:3 or 1:9 (PDMAEMA: PEI), depending on cell type, in comparison with PEI/DNA, PDMAEMA/DNA, and PDMAEMA/PEI/DNA at other ratios. PDMAEMA/PEI/DNA polyplexes did not reduce cell viability. In contrast to with the conventional approach using covalently modified PEI, the proposed "combination" approach provided a more convenient and effective way to improve transgene expression efficiency.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chia-Wen Lo
- †Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, National Taiwan University Hospital and National Taiwan University College of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan ROC
| | - Wei-Hao Liao
- †Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, National Taiwan University Hospital and National Taiwan University College of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan ROC
| | - Chueh-Hung Wu
- †Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, National Taiwan University Hospital and National Taiwan University College of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan ROC
- ‡Institute of Biomedical Engineering, College of Medicine and College of Engineering, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan ROC
| | - Jyun-Lin Lee
- †Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, National Taiwan University Hospital and National Taiwan University College of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan ROC
| | - Ming-Kuan Sun
- ⊥Division of Medical Engineering Research, National Health Research Institutes, Miaoli, Taiwan
| | | | - Wei-Bor Tsai
- §Department of Chemical Engineering, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan ROC
| | | | - Wen-Shiang Chen
- †Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, National Taiwan University Hospital and National Taiwan University College of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan ROC
- ⊥Division of Medical Engineering Research, National Health Research Institutes, Miaoli, Taiwan
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Li H, Wan C, Li F. Recombinant adeno-associated virus-, polyethylenimine/plasmid- and lipofectamine/carboxyfluorescein-labeled small interfering RNA-based transfection in retinal pigment epithelial cells with ultrasound and/or SonoVue. Mol Med Rep 2015; 11:3609-14. [PMID: 25607376 DOI: 10.3892/mmr.2015.3219] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2014] [Accepted: 12/19/2014] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
The present study was conducted to investigate the efficacy and safety of ultrasound (US)‑mediated transfection of the type 2 recombinant adeno‑associated virus (AAV) vectors encoding the enhanced green fluorescent protein (EGFP) gene (rAAV), polyethylenimine (PEI)/plasmid EGFP‑N1 (pDNA) or lipofectamine (L)/carboxyfluorescein (FAM)‑labeled small interfering RNA (siRNA) in the human ARPE‑19 retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) cell line, with or without the addition of SonoVue. Cultured RPE cells were exposed to US, with or without SonoVue under different conditions, including variation in the intensity and duration of treatment, and the dose of microbubbles. The effects of ultrasound‑targeted microbubble destruction (UTMD) on the structure of pDNA and the transfection ability of rAAV, PEI/pDNA and L/siRNA were also evaluated. Furthermore, the effect of UTMD on RPE cells was evaluated at 0 and 24 h following UTMD. US‑mediated transfection (USMT) significantly increased L/siRNA transfection efficiency, as measured by the transgene expression per cell and the percentage of transfected cells. UTMD significantly increased rAAV and PEI/pDNA transfer to RPE cells. UTMD‑mediated rAAV or PEI/pDNA delivery was more effective than USMT‑mediated delivery of siRNA. Evaluating cell viability at 24 h post‑UTMD provided more valuable information than immediate evaluation following UTMD. Furthermore, there was minimal cytotoxicity and minimal change to the structure of pDNA under the optimal parameters. UTMD/US may be of use in enhancing rAAV, PEI/pDNA and L/siRNA transgene expression of ARPE‑19 cells in vitro. Studies on the transfection of different nucleotides (such as pDNA and siRNA) and different types of vectors (chemical and biological) mediated by UTMD may provide useful information to guide future in vivo and transfection studies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hongli Li
- Department of Ultrasound, Ren Ji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200127, P.R. China
| | - Caifeng Wan
- Department of Ultrasound, Ren Ji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200127, P.R. China
| | - Fenghua Li
- Department of Ultrasound, Ren Ji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200127, P.R. China
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Treatment of ocular disorders by gene therapy. Eur J Pharm Biopharm 2014; 95:331-42. [PMID: 25536112 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejpb.2014.12.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2014] [Revised: 12/08/2014] [Accepted: 12/15/2014] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Gene therapy to treat ocular disorders is still starting, and current therapies are primarily experimental, with most human clinical trials still in research state, although beginning to show encouraging results. Currently 33 clinical trials have been approved, are in progress, or have been completed. The most promising results have been obtained in clinical trials of ocular gene therapy for Leber Congenital Amaurosis, which have prompted the study of several ocular diseases that are good candidates to be treated with gene therapy: glaucoma, age-related macular degeneration, retinitis pigmentosa, or choroideremia. The success of gene therapy relies on the efficient delivery of the genetic material to target cells, achieving optimum long-term gene expression. Although viral vectors have been widely used, their potential risk associated mainly with immunogenicity and mutagenesis has promoted the design of non-viral vectors. In this review, the main administration routes and the most studied delivery systems, viral and non-viral, for ocular gene therapy are presented. The primary ocular disease candidates to be treated with gene therapy have been also reviewed, including the genetic basis and the most relevant preclinical and clinical studies.
Collapse
|
13
|
Lo CW, Chang Y, Lee JL, Tsai WB, Chen WS. Tertiary-amine functionalized polyplexes enhanced cellular uptake and prolonged gene expression. PLoS One 2014; 9:e97627. [PMID: 24827929 PMCID: PMC4020921 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0097627] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2014] [Accepted: 04/20/2014] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Ultrasound (US) has been found to facilitate the transport of DNA across cell membranes. However, the transfection efficiency is generally low, and the expression duration of the transfected gene is brief. In this study, a tertiary polycation, Poly(2-(dimethylamino) ethyl methacrylate) (PDMAEMA), was used as a carrier for US-mediated gene transfection. Its in-vitro and in-vivo effects on the transfection efficiency and the expression duration were evaluated. A mixture of pCI-neo-luc and PDMAEMA was transfected to cultured cells or mouse muscle by exposure to 1-MHz pulse US. A strong expression of luciferase was found 10 days after the transfection in vitro regardless of US exposure. However, effective transfection only occurred in the US groups in vivo. The transfection ability depended on the weight ratio of PDMAEMA to DNA, and was different for the in-vitro and in-vivo conditions. Lower weight ratios, e.g., 0.25, exhibited better in-vivo expression for at least 45 days.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chia-Wen Lo
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, National Taiwan University Hospital and National Taiwan University College of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan, ROC
| | - Yung Chang
- R&D Center for Membrane Technology and Department of Chemical Engineering, Chung Yuan Christian University, Jhong-Li, Taoyuan, Taiwan, ROC
| | - Jyun-Lin Lee
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, National Taiwan University Hospital and National Taiwan University College of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan, ROC
| | - Wei-Bor Tsai
- Department of Chemical Engineering, National Taiwan University College of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan, ROC
| | - Wen-Shiang Chen
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, National Taiwan University Hospital and National Taiwan University College of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan, ROC
- * E-mail:
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Chaplot SP, Rupenthal ID. Dendrimers for gene delivery – a potential approach for ocular therapy? J Pharm Pharmacol 2013; 66:542-56. [DOI: 10.1111/jphp.12104] [Citation(s) in RCA: 76] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2013] [Accepted: 06/15/2013] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Abstract
Objectives
A vast number of blinding diseases have genetic aetiologies and may be treated by molecular based therapies such as antisense oligonucleotides or short interfering RNA. However, treatment success of ocular gene therapy is highly dependent on efficient delivery of such molecules.
Key findings
The majority of clinical studies for ocular gene therapy utilize viral vectors. While these have proven highly efficient, they show limited loading capacity and pose significant safety risks owing to their oncogenic and immunogenic effects. Non-viral gene carriers have emerged as a promising alternative with dendrimers providing great potential for gene therapy because of their size, shape and high density of modifiable surface groups. However, while dendrimers have been used extensively for drug and gene delivery to other organs, only a few studies have been reported on the eye.
Summary
This review focuses on the development of dendrimers for gene delivery with special emphasis on ocular gene therapy. Different synthesis approaches and types of dendrimers are discussed. Ocular gene therapy targets are highlighted with an overview of current clinical studies. The use of dendrimers in ocular gene delivery in comparison to liposomes and nanoparticles is also discussed. Finally, future prospects of tailored multifunctional dendrimers for ocular gene therapy are highlighted.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sahil P Chaplot
- Drug Delivery Research Unit, School of Pharmacy, The University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Ilva D Rupenthal
- Department of Ophthalmology, New Zealand National Eye Centre, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, The University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Puras G, Zarate J, Aceves M, Murua A, Díaz AR, Avilés-Triguero M, Fernández E, Pedraz JL. Low molecular weight oligochitosans for non-viral retinal gene therapy. Eur J Pharm Biopharm 2012; 83:131-40. [PMID: 23059418 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejpb.2012.09.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2012] [Revised: 09/05/2012] [Accepted: 09/08/2012] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Ultrapure oligochitosans have recently been evaluated as a promising tool for corneal gene therapy; however, there are no reports regarding the potential use of this polymer in other ocular tissues. We have prepared and characterized at pH 7.1 oligochitosan/pCMS-EGFP polyplexes to evaluate the transfection efficiency in rat retinas after subretinal and intravitreal administration. Polyplexes were characterized in terms of shape, size, surface charge, DNA condensation, and transfection efficiency in HEK-293 and ARPE-19 culture cells. Polyplexes were positively charged, around 10 mV, and size oscillated between 256.5 ± 56 and 67.3 ± 0.44 nm, depending on the nitrogenous/phosphate ratio. Polyplexes efficiently protected the plasmid against enzymatic digestion. A drastic increase in transfection efficiency was observed when pH slightly decreased from 7.4 to 7.1 in both HEK-293 (from 19.1% to 51.5%) and ARPE-19 (from 2.0% to 36.5%) cells (data normalized to Lipofectamine™ 2000). In rat retinas, subretinal administrations transfected cells mainly in the RPE layer, whereas intravitreal injections transfected cells in the inner nuclear and plexiform layers of the retina and mainly in the ganglion cell layer. This study establishes the base for future treatments of genetic retinal disorders with low molecular weight oligochitosan polyplexes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- G Puras
- NanoBioCel Group, University of Basque Country, Vitoria, Spain; Networking Research Centre of Bioengineering, Biomaterials and Nanomedicine (CIBER-BBN), Spain
| | - J Zarate
- NanoBioCel Group, University of Basque Country, Vitoria, Spain; Networking Research Centre of Bioengineering, Biomaterials and Nanomedicine (CIBER-BBN), Spain
| | - M Aceves
- NanoBioCel Group, University of Basque Country, Vitoria, Spain; Networking Research Centre of Bioengineering, Biomaterials and Nanomedicine (CIBER-BBN), Spain
| | - A Murua
- NanoBioCel Group, University of Basque Country, Vitoria, Spain; Networking Research Centre of Bioengineering, Biomaterials and Nanomedicine (CIBER-BBN), Spain
| | - A R Díaz
- Networking Research Centre of Bioengineering, Biomaterials and Nanomedicine (CIBER-BBN), Spain; Neuroprothesis and Neuroengineering Research Group, Miguel Hernández University, Spain
| | - M Avilés-Triguero
- Laboratory of Experimental Ophthalmology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Murcia, Regional Campus of International Excellence "Campus Mare Nostrum", Murcia, Spain
| | - E Fernández
- Networking Research Centre of Bioengineering, Biomaterials and Nanomedicine (CIBER-BBN), Spain; Neuroprothesis and Neuroengineering Research Group, Miguel Hernández University, Spain
| | - J L Pedraz
- NanoBioCel Group, University of Basque Country, Vitoria, Spain; Networking Research Centre of Bioengineering, Biomaterials and Nanomedicine (CIBER-BBN), Spain.
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Lee JL, Lo CW, Ka SM, Chen A, Chen WS. Prolonging the expression duration of ultrasound-mediated gene transfection using PEI nanoparticles. J Control Release 2012; 160:64-71. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jconrel.2012.03.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2011] [Revised: 02/18/2012] [Accepted: 03/09/2012] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
|
17
|
Khar RK, Jain GK, Warsi MH, Mallick N, Akhter S, Pathan SA, Ahmad FJ. Nano-vectors for the Ocular Delivery of Nucleic Acid-based Therapeutics. Indian J Pharm Sci 2011; 72:675-88. [PMID: 21969738 PMCID: PMC3178967 DOI: 10.4103/0250-474x.84575] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2010] [Accepted: 10/10/2010] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Nucleic acid-based therapeutics have gained a lot of interest for the treatment of diverse ophthalmic pathologies. The first to enter in clinic has been an oligonucleotide, Vitravene® for the treatment of cytomegalovirus infection. More recently, research on aptamers for the treatment of age related macular degeneration has led to the development of Macugen®. Despite intense potential, effective ocular delivery of nucleic acids is a major challenge since therapeutic targets for nucleic acid-based drugs are mainly located in the posterior eye segment, requiring repeated invasive administration. Of late, nanotechnology-based nano-vectors have been developed in order to overcome the drawbacks of viral and other non-viral vectors. The diversity of nano-vectors allows for ease of use, flexibility in application, low-cost of production, higher transfection efficiency and enhanced genomic safety. Using nano-vector strategies, nucleic acids can be delivered either encapsulated or complexed with cationic lipids, polymers or peptides forming sustained release systems, which can be tailored according to the ocular tissue being targeted. The present review focuses on developments and advances in various nano-vectors for the ocular delivery of nucleic acid-based therapeutics, the barriers that such delivery systems face and methods to overcome them.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- R K Khar
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Faculty of Pharmacy, Jamia Hamdard, New Delhi - 110 062, India
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
18
|
Understanding the mechanism of protamine in solid lipid nanoparticle-based lipofection: the importance of the entry pathway. Eur J Pharm Biopharm 2011; 79:495-502. [PMID: 21726641 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejpb.2011.06.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 70] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2011] [Revised: 04/11/2011] [Accepted: 06/14/2011] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
The aim of our study was to evaluate the effect of protamine on the transfection capacity of solid lipid nanoparticles (SLNs) by correlating it to the internalization mechanisms and intracellular trafficking of the vectors. Vectors were prepared with SLN, DNA, and protamine. ARPE-19 and HEK-293 cells were used for the evaluation of the formulations. Protamine induced a 6-fold increase in the transfection of SLNs in retinal cells due to the presence of nuclear localization signals (NLS), its protection capacity, and a shift in the internalization mechanism from caveolae/raft-mediated to clathrin-mediated endocytosis. However, protamine produced an almost complete inhibition of transfection in HEK-293 cells. In spite of the high DNA condensation capacity of protamine and its content in NLS, this does not always lead to an improvement in cell transfection since it may impair some of the limiting steps of the transfection processes.
Collapse
|
19
|
Filter-cultured ARPE-19 cells as outer blood-retinal barrier model. Eur J Pharm Sci 2010; 40:289-96. [PMID: 20385230 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejps.2010.04.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2009] [Revised: 04/02/2010] [Accepted: 04/03/2010] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
Retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) regulates drug transfer between posterior eye segment and blood circulation, but there is no established RPE cell model for drug delivery studies. We evaluated ARPE-19 filter culture model for this purpose. Passive permeability of 6-carboxyfluorescein, betaxolol and FITC-dextran (40kDa) and active transport of 6-carboxyfluorescein, sodium fluorescein, rhodamine 123, cyclosporine A and digoxin in ARPE-19 model were investigated and compared with isolated bovine RPE-choroid tissue. In addition, barrier properties, and mRNA expression of RPE-specific and melanogenesis-related genes (RPE65, VMD2, CRALBP, OTX-2, MITF-A, TRP-1, tyrosinase) were measured in various culture conditions. The filter grown ARPE-19 cell model showed reasonable barrier properties (TER close to 100Omegacm(2)), but its permeability was slightly higher than that of isolated bovine RPE/choroid specimens. In active transport studies the ARPE-19 model mimics qualitatively the permeability profile of bovine RPE-choroid, but ARPE-19 model underestimates the importance of active transport relative to passive diffusion. Long-term filter-cultured ARPE-19 cells expressed various RPE-specific and melanogenesis-related genes at higher levels than the ARPE-19 cells cultured short-term in flasks. ARPE-19 model can be used to study drug permeation processes in the RPE.
Collapse
|
20
|
Naik R, Mukhopadhyay A, Ganguli M. Gene delivery to the retina: focus on non-viral approaches. Drug Discov Today 2009; 14:306-15. [DOI: 10.1016/j.drudis.2008.09.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2008] [Revised: 09/11/2008] [Accepted: 09/29/2008] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
|
21
|
Toropainen E, Hornof M, Kaarniranta K, Johansson P, Urtti A. Corneal epithelium as a platform for secretion of transgene products after transfection with liposomal gene eyedrops. J Gene Med 2007; 9:208-16. [PMID: 17351984 DOI: 10.1002/jgm.1011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The first objective of the study was to evaluate the transfection of corneal epithelium with non-viral vectors to secrete transgene products into the tear fluid and aqueous humor. The second goal was to evaluate the differentiated corneal epithelial cell culture for transfection studies. METHODS The human corneal epithelial (HCE) cell line was cultured to different stages of differentiation and transfected with complexes of pCMV-SEAP2 with DOTAP/DOPE, DOTAP/DOPE/protamine sulfate (PS) and polyethylenimine (PEI). The complexes of DOTAP/DOPE with plasmid (CMV-SEAP2 or pCMV-Luc4) were subsequently applied topically to the rabbit eyes. Secreted alkaline phosphatase (SEAP) was analyzed using chemiluminescent assay. Luciferase (Luc) was detected at the mRNA level in cornea and conjunctiva using a qRT-PCR. RESULTS The transfection levels decreased with differentiation of HCE cells. PEI was effective in transfecting both the dividing and partly differentiated cells, but ineffective in differentiated cells. DOTAP/DOPE showed high activity in differentiated cell cultures, while added PS did not improve transfection. Significant SEAP expression was observed for three days after in vivo transfection in the tear fluid and aqueous humor. The luciferase mRNA was found both in the cornea and conjunctiva. The rates of SEAP secretion from both the basolateral side of differentiated HCE cells and cornea in vivo were within the same range. CONCLUSIONS Corneal epithelium can be transfected topically to secrete gene products to the tear fluid and aqueous humor. The differentiated HCE model is a useful tool in the evaluation of non-viral carriers for corneal transfection.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Elisa Toropainen
- Department of Pharmaceutics, University of Kuopio, P.O. Box 1627, FI-70211 Kuopio, Finland.
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|