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Pavlin M, Škorja Milić N, Kandušer M, Pirkmajer S. Importance of the electrophoresis and pulse energy for siRNA-mediated gene silencing by electroporation in differentiated primary human myotubes. Biomed Eng Online 2024; 23:47. [PMID: 38750477 PMCID: PMC11097476 DOI: 10.1186/s12938-024-01239-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2023] [Accepted: 04/23/2024] [Indexed: 05/18/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Electrotransfection is based on application of high-voltage pulses that transiently increase membrane permeability, which enables delivery of DNA and RNA in vitro and in vivo. Its advantage in applications such as gene therapy and vaccination is that it does not use viral vectors. Skeletal muscles are among the most commonly used target tissues. While siRNA delivery into undifferentiated myoblasts is very efficient, electrotransfection of siRNA into differentiated myotubes presents a challenge. Our aim was to develop efficient protocol for electroporation-based siRNA delivery in cultured primary human myotubes and to identify crucial mechanisms and parameters that would enable faster optimization of electrotransfection in various cell lines. RESULTS We established optimal electroporation parameters for efficient siRNA delivery in cultured myotubes and achieved efficient knock-down of HIF-1α while preserving cells viability. The results show that electropermeabilization is a crucial step for siRNA electrotransfection in myotubes. Decrease in viability was observed for higher electric energy of the pulses, conversely lower pulse energy enabled higher electrotransfection silencing yield. Experimental data together with the theoretical analysis demonstrate that siRNA electrotransfer is a complex process where electropermeabilization, electrophoresis, siRNA translocation, and viability are all functions of pulsing parameters. However, despite this complexity, we demonstrated that pulse parameters for efficient delivery of small molecule such as PI, can be used as a starting point for optimization of electroporation parameters for siRNA delivery into cells in vitro if viability is preserved. CONCLUSIONS The optimized experimental protocol provides the basis for application of electrotransfer for silencing of various target genes in cultured human myotubes and more broadly for electrotransfection of various primary cell and cell lines. Together with the theoretical analysis our data offer new insights into mechanisms that underlie electroporation-based delivery of short RNA molecules, which can aid to faster optimisation of the pulse parameters in vitro and in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mojca Pavlin
- Institute of Biophysics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana, Vrazov Trg 2, 1000, Ljubljana, Slovenia.
- Group for Nano and Biotechnological Applications, Faculty of Electrical Engineering, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia.
| | - Nives Škorja Milić
- Institute of Pathophysiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana, Zaloška 4, 1000, Ljubljana, Slovenia
- Institute of Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana, Korytkova 2, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Maša Kandušer
- Group for Nano and Biotechnological Applications, Faculty of Electrical Engineering, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
- Pharmacy Institute, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Sergej Pirkmajer
- Institute of Pathophysiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana, Zaloška 4, 1000, Ljubljana, Slovenia.
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Zhang H, Ji X, Zang L, Yan S, Wu X. Process Analysis and Parameter Selection of Cardiomyocyte Electroporation Based on the Finite Element Method. Cardiovasc Eng Technol 2024; 15:22-38. [PMID: 37919538 DOI: 10.1007/s13239-023-00694-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2023] [Accepted: 10/18/2023] [Indexed: 11/04/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Pulsed-field ablation (PFA) has attracted attention for the treatment of atrial fibrillation. This study aimed to further explore the relationship between the transmembrane voltage, pore radius and the intensity and duration of pulsed electric fields, which are closely related to the formation of irreversible electroporation. The different mechanisms of microsecond and nanosecond pulses acting on cardiomyocyte cellular and nuclear membranes were studied. METHODS A 3-D cardiomyocyte model with a nucleus was constructed to simulate the process of electroporation in cells under an electric field. Cell membrane electroporation was used to simulate the effect of different pulse parameters on the process of electroporation. RESULTS Under a single pulse with a field strength of 1 kV/cm and width of 100 μs, the transmembrane potential (TMP) of the cell membrane reached 1.33 V, and the pore density and conductivity increased rapidly. The maximum pore radius of the cell membrane was 43.4 nm, and the electroporation area accounted for 4.6% of the total cell membrane area. The number of pores was positively correlated with the electric field intensity when the cell was exposed to electric fields of 0.5 to 6 kV/cm. Under a nanosecond pulse, the TMP of the nuclear and cell membranes exceeded 1 V after exposure to electric fields with strengths of 4 and 5 kV/cm, respectively. CONCLUSION This study simulated the electroporation process of cardiomyocyte, and provides a basis for the selection of parameters for the application of PFA for application toward arrhythmias.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hao Zhang
- Center for Biomedical Engineering, School of Information Science and Technology, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200438, China
| | - Xingkai Ji
- Center for Biomedical Engineering, School of Information Science and Technology, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200438, China
| | - Lianru Zang
- Center for Biomedical Engineering, School of Information Science and Technology, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200438, China
| | - Shengjie Yan
- Center for Biomedical Engineering, School of Information Science and Technology, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200438, China.
| | - Xiaomei Wu
- Center for Biomedical Engineering, School of Information Science and Technology, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200438, China.
- Academy for Engineering and Technology, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200433, China.
- Yiwu Research Institute, Fudan University, Yiwu, 322000, China.
- Key Laboratory of Medical Imaging Computing and Computer-Assisted Intervention (MICCAI) of Shanghai, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China.
- Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Assistive Devices, Shanghai, 200093, China.
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Li Y, Mo J, Liu J, Liang Y, Deng C, Huang Z, Jiang J, Liu M, Liu X, Shang L, Wang X, Xie X, Wang J. A micro-electroporation/electrophoresis-based vaccine screening system reveals the impact of vaccination orders on cross-protective immunity. iScience 2023; 26:108086. [PMID: 37860767 PMCID: PMC10582514 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2023.108086] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2023] [Revised: 08/31/2023] [Accepted: 09/25/2023] [Indexed: 10/21/2023] Open
Abstract
The constant emergence of mutated pathogens poses great challenges to the existing vaccine system. A screening system is needed to screen for antigen designs and vaccination strategies capable of inducing cross-protective immunity. Herein, we report a screening system based on DNA vaccines and a micro-electroporation/electrophoresis system (MEES), which greatly improved the efficacy of DNA vaccines, elevating humoral and cellular immune responses by over 400- and 35-fold respectively. Eighteen vaccination strategies were screened simultaneously by sequential immunization with vaccines derived from wildtype (WT) SARS-CoV-2, Delta, or Omicron BA.1 variant. Sequential vaccination of BA.1-WT-Delta vaccines with MEES induced potent neutralizing antibodies against all three viral strains and BA.5 variant, demonstrating that cross-protective immunity against future mutants can be successfully induced by existing strain-derived vaccines when a proper combination and order of sequential vaccination are used. Our screening system could be used for fast-seeking vaccination strategies for emerging pathogens in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yongyong Li
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Institute of Precision Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Institute of Respiratory Diseases of Sun Yat-sen University, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510080, Peoples Republic of China
| | - Jingshan Mo
- State Key Laboratory of Optoelectronic Materials and Technologies, Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Display Material and Technology, School of Electronics and Information Technology, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510006, People’s Republic of China
- School of Electronic and Information Engineering, Guangdong Ocean University, Zhanjiang 524088, People’s Republic of China
| | - Jing Liu
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Institute of Precision Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Institute of Respiratory Diseases of Sun Yat-sen University, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510080, Peoples Republic of China
| | - Ying Liang
- Department of Nephrology, GuangZhou Eighth People′s Hospital, GuangZhou Medical University, Guangzhou 510060, People’s Republic of China
| | - Caiguanxi Deng
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Institute of Precision Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Institute of Respiratory Diseases of Sun Yat-sen University, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510080, Peoples Republic of China
| | - Zhangping Huang
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Institute of Precision Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Institute of Respiratory Diseases of Sun Yat-sen University, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510080, Peoples Republic of China
| | - Juan Jiang
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Institute of Precision Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Institute of Respiratory Diseases of Sun Yat-sen University, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510080, Peoples Republic of China
| | - Ming Liu
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Institute of Precision Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Institute of Respiratory Diseases of Sun Yat-sen University, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510080, Peoples Republic of China
| | - Xinmin Liu
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Institute of Precision Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Institute of Respiratory Diseases of Sun Yat-sen University, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510080, Peoples Republic of China
| | - Liru Shang
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Institute of Precision Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Institute of Respiratory Diseases of Sun Yat-sen University, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510080, Peoples Republic of China
| | - Xiafeng Wang
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Institute of Precision Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Institute of Respiratory Diseases of Sun Yat-sen University, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510080, Peoples Republic of China
| | - Xi Xie
- State Key Laboratory of Optoelectronic Materials and Technologies, Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Display Material and Technology, School of Electronics and Information Technology, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510006, People’s Republic of China
| | - Ji Wang
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Institute of Precision Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Institute of Respiratory Diseases of Sun Yat-sen University, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510080, Peoples Republic of China
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Colombani T, Haudebourg T, Pitard B. 704/DNA vaccines leverage cytoplasmic DNA stimulation to promote anti-HIV neutralizing antibody production in mice and strong immune response against alpha-fetoprotein in non-human primates. MOLECULAR THERAPY. NUCLEIC ACIDS 2023; 32:743-757. [PMID: 37251693 PMCID: PMC10213191 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtn.2023.04.029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2022] [Accepted: 04/28/2023] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
Genetic immunization is an attractive approach for prophylactic and therapeutic vaccination using synthetic vectors to deliver antigen-encoding nucleic acids. Recently, DNA delivered by a physical means or RNA by liposomes consisting of four different lipids demonstrated good protection in human phase III clinical trials and received Drugs Controller General of India and US FDA approval to protect against COVID-19, respectively. However, the development of a system allowing for efficient and simple delivery of nucleic acids while improving immune response priming has the potential to unleash the full therapeutic potential of genetic immunization. DNA-based gene therapies and vaccines have the potential for rapid development, as exemplified by the recent approval of Collategene, a gene therapy to treat human critical limb ischemia, and ZyCoV, a DNA vaccine delivered by spring-powered jet injector to protect against SARS-CoV2 infection. Recently, we reported amphiphilic block copolymer 704 as a promising synthetic vector for DNA vaccination in various models of human diseases. This vector allows dose sparing of antigen-encoding plasmid DNA. Here, we report the capacity of 704-mediated HIV and anti-hepatocellular carcinoma DNA vaccines to induce the production of specific antibodies against gp120 HIV envelope proteins in mice and against alpha-fetoprotein antigen in non-human primates, respectively. An investigation of the underlying mechanisms showed that 704-mediated vaccination did trigger a strong immune response by (1) allowing a direct DNA delivery into the cytosol, (2) promoting an intracytoplasmic DNA sensing leading to both interferon and NF-κB cascade stimulation, and (3) inducing antigen expression by muscle cells and presentation by antigen-presenting cells, leading to the induction of a robust adaptive response. Overall, our findings suggest that the 704-mediated DNA vaccination platform is an attractive method to develop both prophylactic and therapeutic vaccines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thibault Colombani
- Nantes Université, University of Angers, INSERM, CNRS, Immunology and New Concepts in Immunotherapy, INSERM UMR1302, CNRS EMR6001, 44000 Nantes, France
| | - Thomas Haudebourg
- Nantes Université, University of Angers, INSERM, CNRS, Immunology and New Concepts in Immunotherapy, INSERM UMR1302, CNRS EMR6001, 44000 Nantes, France
| | - Bruno Pitard
- Nantes Université, University of Angers, INSERM, CNRS, Immunology and New Concepts in Immunotherapy, INSERM UMR1302, CNRS EMR6001, 44000 Nantes, France
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Intratumoral electroporation of a self-amplifying RNA expressing IL-12 induces antitumor effects in mouse models of cancer. MOLECULAR THERAPY - NUCLEIC ACIDS 2022; 29:387-399. [PMID: 36035753 PMCID: PMC9386029 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtn.2022.07.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2022] [Accepted: 07/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Alphavirus vectors based on self-amplifying RNA (saRNA) generate high and transient levels of transgene expression and induce innate immune responses, making them an interesting tool for antitumor therapy. These vectors are usually delivered as viral particles, but it is also possible to administer them as RNA. We evaluated this possibility by in vivo electroporation of Semliki Forest virus (SFV) saRNA for local treatment of murine colorectal MC38 subcutaneous tumors. Optimization of saRNA electroporation conditions in tumors was performed using an SFV vector coding for luciferase. Then we evaluated the therapeutic potential of this approach using an SFV saRNA coding for interleukin-12 (SFV-IL-12), a proinflammatory cytokine with potent antitumor effects. Delivery of SFV-IL-12 saRNA by electroporation led to improvement in tumor control and higher survival compared with mice treated with electroporation or with SFV-IL-12 saRNA alone. The antitumor efficacy of SFV-IL-12 saRNA electroporation increased by combination with systemic PD-1 blockade. This therapy, which was also validated in a hepatocellular carcinoma tumor model, suggests that local delivery of saRNA by electroporation could be an attractive strategy for cancer immunotherapy. This approach could have easy translation to the clinical practice, especially for percutaneously accessible tumors.
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Sachdev S, Potočnik T, Rems L, Miklavčič D. Revisiting the role of pulsed electric fields in overcoming the barriers to in vivo gene electrotransfer. Bioelectrochemistry 2022; 144:107994. [PMID: 34930678 DOI: 10.1016/j.bioelechem.2021.107994] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2021] [Revised: 10/15/2021] [Accepted: 11/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Gene therapies are revolutionizing medicine by providing a way to cure hitherto incurable diseases. The scientific and technological advances have enabled the first gene therapies to become clinically approved. In addition, with the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, we are witnessing record speeds in the development and distribution of gene-based vaccines. For gene therapy to take effect, the therapeutic nucleic acids (RNA or DNA) need to overcome several barriers before they can execute their function of producing a protein or silencing a defective or overexpressing gene. This includes the barriers of the interstitium, the cell membrane, the cytoplasmic barriers and (in case of DNA) the nuclear envelope. Gene electrotransfer (GET), i.e., transfection by means of pulsed electric fields, is a non-viral technique that can overcome these barriers in a safe and effective manner. GET has reached the clinical stage of investigations where it is currently being evaluated for its therapeutic benefits across a wide variety of indications. In this review, we formalize our current understanding of GET from a biophysical perspective and critically discuss the mechanisms by which electric field can aid in overcoming the barriers. We also identify the gaps in knowledge that are hindering optimization of GET in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shaurya Sachdev
- University of Ljubljana, Faculty of Electrical Engineering, Tržaška cesta 25, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Tjaša Potočnik
- University of Ljubljana, Faculty of Electrical Engineering, Tržaška cesta 25, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Lea Rems
- University of Ljubljana, Faculty of Electrical Engineering, Tržaška cesta 25, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Damijan Miklavčič
- University of Ljubljana, Faculty of Electrical Engineering, Tržaška cesta 25, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia.
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Simon J, Jouanmiqueou B, Rols MP, Flahaut E, Golzio M. Transdermal Delivery of Macromolecules Using Two-in-One Nanocomposite Device for Skin Electroporation. Pharmaceutics 2021; 13:pharmaceutics13111805. [PMID: 34834220 PMCID: PMC8624044 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics13111805] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2021] [Revised: 10/22/2021] [Accepted: 10/23/2021] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Delivery of hydrophilic molecules through the skin using electroporation is a promising alternative approach to intradermal injection. Recently, we developed a two-in-one electrode/reservoir material composed of carbon nanotubes and agarose hydrogel. In this work, we evaluated the potential of the device to achieve non-invasive transdermal drug delivery using skin electroporation. As it involved an electrode configuration different from the literature, critical questions were raised. First, we demonstrated the efficiency of the device to permeabilize the skin of hairless mice, as observed by propidium iodide (PI) uptake in the nuclei of the epidermis cells through macro fluorescence imaging and histology. Application of Lucifer yellow (LY) at different times after unipolar electroporation treatment demonstrated the partial reversibility of the skin permeabilization after 30 min, and as such, that barrier function properties tended to be restored. We uncovered, for the first time to our knowledge, an intrinsic asymmetry of permeation pathways generated in the stratum corneum during treatment. Electrophoresis was here the main driving force for macromolecule delivery, but it competed with passive diffusion through the generated aqueous pathways for smaller molecules. Finally, we validated 4 kDa dextran labelled with fluorescein isothiocyanate (FD4) as a model molecule to optimize the electrical parameters, needed to improve macromolecule delivery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juliette Simon
- Institut de Pharmacologie et de Biologie Structurale, IPBS, Université de Toulouse, CNRS, UPS, Université Toulouse 3—Paul Sabatier, 205 Route de Narbonne, CEDEX 4, 31077 Toulouse, France; (J.S.); (B.J.); (M.-P.R.)
- Centre Interuniversitaire de Recherche et d’Ingénierie des Matériaux, CIRIMAT, Université de Toulouse, CNRS, Université Toulouse 3—Paul Sabatier, 118 Route de Narbonne, CEDEX 9, 31062 Toulouse, France
| | - Bastien Jouanmiqueou
- Institut de Pharmacologie et de Biologie Structurale, IPBS, Université de Toulouse, CNRS, UPS, Université Toulouse 3—Paul Sabatier, 205 Route de Narbonne, CEDEX 4, 31077 Toulouse, France; (J.S.); (B.J.); (M.-P.R.)
| | - Marie-Pierre Rols
- Institut de Pharmacologie et de Biologie Structurale, IPBS, Université de Toulouse, CNRS, UPS, Université Toulouse 3—Paul Sabatier, 205 Route de Narbonne, CEDEX 4, 31077 Toulouse, France; (J.S.); (B.J.); (M.-P.R.)
| | - Emmanuel Flahaut
- Centre Interuniversitaire de Recherche et d’Ingénierie des Matériaux, CIRIMAT, Université de Toulouse, CNRS, Université Toulouse 3—Paul Sabatier, 118 Route de Narbonne, CEDEX 9, 31062 Toulouse, France
- Correspondence: (E.F.); (M.G.); Tel.: +33-561-55-6970 (E.F.); +33-561-17-5813 (M.G.)
| | - Muriel Golzio
- Institut de Pharmacologie et de Biologie Structurale, IPBS, Université de Toulouse, CNRS, UPS, Université Toulouse 3—Paul Sabatier, 205 Route de Narbonne, CEDEX 4, 31077 Toulouse, France; (J.S.); (B.J.); (M.-P.R.)
- Correspondence: (E.F.); (M.G.); Tel.: +33-561-55-6970 (E.F.); +33-561-17-5813 (M.G.)
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Tesse A, André FM, Ragot T. Aluminum particles generated during millisecond electric pulse application enhance adenovirus-mediated gene transfer in L929 cells. Sci Rep 2021; 11:17725. [PMID: 34489497 PMCID: PMC8421418 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-96781-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2021] [Accepted: 08/04/2021] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Gene electrotransfer is an attractive method of non-viral gene delivery. However, the mechanism of DNA penetration across the plasma membrane is widely discussed. To explore this process for even larger structures, like viruses, we applied various combinations of short/long and high/low-amplitude electric pulses to L929 cells, mixed with a human adenovirus vector expressing GFP. We observed a transgene expression increase, both in the number of GFP-converted cells and GFP levels, when we added a low-voltage/millisecond-pulse treatment to the adenovirus/cell mixture. This increase, reflecting enhanced virus penetration, was proportional to the applied electric field amplitude and pulse number, but was not associated with membrane permeabilization, nor to direct cell modifications. We demonstrated that this effect is mainly due to adenovirus particle interactions with aggregated aluminum particles released from energized electrodes. Indeed, after centrifugation of the pulsed viral suspension and later on addition to cells, the activity was found mainly associated with the aluminum aggregates concentrated in the lower fraction and was proportional to generated quantities. Overall, this work focused on the use of electrotransfer to facilitate the adenovirus entry into cell, demonstrating that modifications of the penetrating agent can be more important than modifications of the target cell for transfer efficacy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angela Tesse
- Université de Nantes, CNRS, INSERM, l'institut du thorax, 8 quai Moncousu, F-44000, Nantes, France
| | - Franck M André
- CNRS, Institut Gustave Roussy, Université Paris-Saclay, Aspects métaboliques et systémiques de l'oncogenèse pour de nouvelles approches thérapeutiques, UMR 9018, 114 rue Edouard Vaillant, F-94805, Villejuif, France
| | - Thierry Ragot
- CNRS, Institut Gustave Roussy, Université Paris-Saclay, Aspects métaboliques et systémiques de l'oncogenèse pour de nouvelles approches thérapeutiques, UMR 9018, 114 rue Edouard Vaillant, F-94805, Villejuif, France.
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Meglič SH, Pavlin M. The impact of impaired DNA mobility on gene electrotransfer efficiency: analysis in 3D model. Biomed Eng Online 2021; 20:85. [PMID: 34419072 PMCID: PMC8379608 DOI: 10.1186/s12938-021-00922-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2020] [Accepted: 08/09/2021] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Gene electrotransfer is an established method that enables transfer of DNA into cells with electric pulses. Several studies analyzed and optimized different parameters of gene electrotransfer, however, one of main obstacles toward efficient electrotransfection in vivo is relatively poor DNA mobility in tissues. Our aim was to analyze the effect of impaired mobility on gene electrotransfer efficiency experimentally and theoretically. We applied electric pulses with different durations on plated cells, cells grown on collagen layer and cells embedded in collagen gel (3D model) and analyzed gene electrotransfer efficiency. In order to analyze the effect of impaired mobility on gene electrotransfer efficiency, we applied electric pulses with different durations on plated cells, cells grown on collagen layer and cells embedded in collagen gel (3D model) and analyzed gene electrotransfer efficiency. Results We obtained the highest transfection in plated cells, while transfection efficiency of embedded cells in 3D model was lowest, similarly as in in vivo. To further analyze DNA diffusion in 3D model, we applied DNA on top or injected it into 3D model and showed, that for the former gene electrotransfer efficiency was similarly as in in vivo. The experimental results are explained with theoretical analysis of DNA diffusion and electromobility. Conclusion We show, empirically and theoretically that DNA has impaired electromobility and especially diffusion in collagen environment, where the latter crucially limits electrotransfection. Our model enables optimization of gene electrotransfer in in vitro conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saša Haberl Meglič
- Faculty of Electrical Engineering, Laboratory of Biocybernetics, University of Ljubljana, Tržaška 25, 1000, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Mojca Pavlin
- Faculty of Medicine, Institute of Biophysics, University of Ljubljana, Vrazov trg 2, 1000, Ljubljana, Slovenia. .,Faculty of Electrical Engineering, Group for Nano and Biotechnological Applications, University of Ljubljana, Tržaška 25, 1000, Ljubljana, Slovenia.
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Kranjc M, Kranjc Brezar S, Serša G, Miklavčič D. Contactless delivery of plasmid encoding EGFP in vivo by high-intensity pulsed electromagnetic field. Bioelectrochemistry 2021; 141:107847. [PMID: 34058542 DOI: 10.1016/j.bioelechem.2021.107847] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2020] [Revised: 05/14/2021] [Accepted: 05/18/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
High-Intensity Pulsed Electromagnetic Fields (HI-PEMF) treatment is an emerging noninvasive and contactless alternative to conventional electroporation, since the electric field inside the tissue is induced remotely by external pulsed magnetic field. Recently, HI-PEMF was applied for delivering siRNA molecules to silence enhanced green fluorescent protein (EGFP) in tumors in vivo. Still, delivered siRNA molecules were 21 base pairs long, which is 200-times smaller compared to nucleic acids such as plasmid DNA (pDNA) that are delivered in gene therapies to various targets to generate therapeutic effect. In our study, we demonstrate the use HI-PEMF treatment as a feasible noninvasive approach to achieve in vivo transfection by enabling the transport of larger molecules such as pDNA encoding EGFP into muscle and skin. We obtained a long-term expression of EGFP in the muscle and skin after HI-PEMF, in some mice even up to 230 days and up to 190 days, respectively. Histological analysis showed significantly less infiltration of inflammatory mononuclear cells in muscle tissue after the delivery of pEGFP using HI-PEMF compared to conventional gene electrotransfer. Furthermore, the antitumor effectiveness using HI-PEMF for electrotransfer of therapeutic plasmid, i.e., silencing MCAM was demonstrated. In conclusion, feasibility of HI-PEMF was demonstrated for transfection of different tissues (muscle, skin, tumor) and could have great potential in gene therapy and in DNA vaccination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matej Kranjc
- University of Ljubljana, Faculty of Electrical Engineering, Trzaska 25, SI-1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Simona Kranjc Brezar
- Institute of Oncology Ljubljana, Department of Experimental Oncology, Zaloska 2, SI-1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia; University of Ljubljana, Faculty of Medicine, Vrazov trg 2, SI-1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Gregor Serša
- Institute of Oncology Ljubljana, Department of Experimental Oncology, Zaloska 2, SI-1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia; University of Ljubljana, Faculty of Health Sciences, Zdravstvena pot 5, SI - 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Damijan Miklavčič
- University of Ljubljana, Faculty of Electrical Engineering, Trzaska 25, SI-1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia.
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Komel T, Bosnjak M, Kranjc Brezar S, De Robertis M, Mastrodonato M, Scillitani G, Pesole G, Signori E, Sersa G, Cemazar M. Gene electrotransfer of IL-2 and IL-12 plasmids effectively eradicated murine B16.F10 melanoma. Bioelectrochemistry 2021; 141:107843. [PMID: 34139572 DOI: 10.1016/j.bioelechem.2021.107843] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2020] [Revised: 05/05/2021] [Accepted: 05/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Gene therapy has become an important approach for treating cancer, and electroporation represents a technology for introducing therapeutic genes into a cell. An example of cancer gene therapy relying on gene electrotransfer is the use of immunomodulatory cytokines, such as interleukin 2 (IL-2) and 12 (IL-12), which directly stimulate immune cells at the tumour site. The aim of our study was to determine the effects of gene electrotransfer with two plasmids encoding IL-2 and IL-12 in vitro and in vivo. Two different pulse protocols, known as EP1 (600 V/cm, 5 ms, 1 Hz, 8 pulses) and EP2 (1300 V/cm, 100 µs, 1 Hz, 8 pulses), were assessed in vitro for application in subsequent in vivo experiments. In the in vivo experiment, gene electrotransfer of pIL-2 and pIL-12 using the EP1 protocol was performed in B16.F10 murine melanoma. Combined treatment of tumours using pIL2 and pIL12 induced significant tumour growth delay and 71% complete tumour regression. Furthermore, in tumours coexpressing IL-2 and IL-12, increased accumulation of dendritic cells and M1 macrophages was obtained along with the activation of proinflammatory signals, resulting in CD4 + and CD8 + T-lymphocyte recruitment and immune memory development in the mice. In conclusion, we demonstrated high antitumour efficacy of combined IL-2 and IL-12 gene electrotransfer protocols in low-immunogenicity murine B16.F10 melanoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- T Komel
- Institute of Oncology Ljubljana, Department of Experimental Oncology, Zaloska 2, SI-1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia; University of Ljubljana, Faculty of Medicine, Vrazov trg 2, SI-1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - M Bosnjak
- Institute of Oncology Ljubljana, Department of Experimental Oncology, Zaloska 2, SI-1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - S Kranjc Brezar
- Institute of Oncology Ljubljana, Department of Experimental Oncology, Zaloska 2, SI-1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia; University of Ljubljana, Faculty of Medicine, Vrazov trg 2, SI-1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - M De Robertis
- Department of Biosciences, Biotechnology and Biopharmaceutics, University of Bari, Via Orabona 4, 70126 Bari, Italy
| | - M Mastrodonato
- Department of Biology, University of Bari, Via Orabona 4, 70126 Bari, Italy
| | - G Scillitani
- Department of Biology, University of Bari, Via Orabona 4, 70126 Bari, Italy
| | - G Pesole
- Department of Biosciences, Biotechnology and Biopharmaceutics, University of Bari, Via Orabona 4, 70126 Bari, Italy; National Research Council-Institute of Biomembrane, Bioenergetics, and Molecular Biotechnology (CNR-IBIOM), Via Amendola 122 O, 70126, Bari, Italy
| | - E Signori
- National Research Council-Institute of Translational Pharmacology (CNR-IFT), Via Fosso del Cavaliere 100, Rome, Italy
| | - G Sersa
- Institute of Oncology Ljubljana, Department of Experimental Oncology, Zaloska 2, SI-1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia; University of Ljubljana, Faculty of Health Sciences, Zdravstvena pot 5, SI - 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - M Cemazar
- Institute of Oncology Ljubljana, Department of Experimental Oncology, Zaloska 2, SI-1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia; University of Primorska, Faculty of Health Sciences, Polje 42, SI - 6310 Izola, Slovenia.
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12
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Potočnik T, Miklavčič D, Maček Lebar A. Gene transfer by electroporation with high frequency bipolar pulses in vitro. Bioelectrochemistry 2021; 140:107803. [PMID: 33975183 DOI: 10.1016/j.bioelechem.2021.107803] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2020] [Revised: 03/16/2021] [Accepted: 03/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
High-frequency bipolar pulses (HF-BP) have been demonstrated to be efficient for membrane permeabilization and irreversible electroporation. Since membrane permeabilization has been achieved using HF-BP pulses we hypothesized that with these pulses we can also achieve successful gene electrotransfer (GET). Three variations of bursts of 2 µs bipolar pulses with 2 µs interphase delay were applied in HF-BP protocols. We compared transfection efficiency of monopolar micro and millisecond pulses and HF-BP protocols at various plasmid DNA (pDNA) concentrations on CHO - K1 cells. GET efficiency increased with increasing pDNA concentration. Overall GET obtained by HF-BP pulse protocols was comparable to overall GET obtained by longer monopolar pulse protocols. Our results, however, suggest that although we were able to achieve similar percent of transfected cells, the number of pDNA copies that were successfully transferred into cells seemed to be higher when longer monopolar pulses were used. Interestingly, we did not observe any direct correlation between fluorescence intensity of pDNA aggregates formed on cell membrane and transfection efficiency. The results of our study confirmed that we can achieve successful GET with bipolar microsecond i. e. HF-BP pulses, although at the expense of higher pDNA concentrations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tjaša Potočnik
- University of Ljubljana, Faculty of Electrical Engineering, Tržaška 25, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Damijan Miklavčič
- University of Ljubljana, Faculty of Electrical Engineering, Tržaška 25, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Alenka Maček Lebar
- University of Ljubljana, Faculty of Electrical Engineering, Tržaška 25, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia.
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13
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Hu Q, Joshi RP. Continuum analysis to assess field enhancements for tailoring electroporation driven by monopolar or bipolar pulsing based on nonuniformly distributed nanoparticles. Phys Rev E 2021; 103:022402. [PMID: 33736030 DOI: 10.1103/physreve.103.022402] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2020] [Accepted: 01/15/2021] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
Recent reports indicate that nanoparticle (NP) clusters near cell membranes could enhance local electric fields, leading to heightened electroporation. This aspect is quantitatively analyzed through numerical simulations whereby time dependent transmembrane potentials are first obtained on the basis of a distributed circuit mode, and the results then used to calculate pore distributions from continuum Smoluchowski theory. For completeness, both monopolar and bipolar nanosecond-range pulse responses are presented and discussed. Our results show strong increases in TMP with the presence of multiple NP clusters and demonstrate that enhanced poration could be possible even over sites far away from the poles at the short pulsing regime. Furthermore, our results demonstrate that nonuniform distributions would work to enable poration at regions far away from the poles. The NP clusters could thus act as distributed electrodes. Our results were roughly in line with recent experimental observations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Q Hu
- School of Engineering, Eastern Michigan University, Ypsilanti, Michigan 48197, USA
| | - R P Joshi
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Texas Tech University, Lubbock, Texas 79409, USA
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14
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Bozic T, Sersa G, Kranjc Brezar S, Cemazar M, Markelc B. Gene electrotransfer of proinflammatory chemokines CCL5 and CCL17 as a novel approach of modifying cytokine expression profile in the tumor microenvironment. Bioelectrochemistry 2021; 140:107795. [PMID: 33789177 DOI: 10.1016/j.bioelechem.2021.107795] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2020] [Revised: 02/22/2021] [Accepted: 02/23/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
The effectiveness of immunotherapy highly correlates with the degree and the type of infiltrated immune cells in the tumor tissue. Treatments based on modifying the immune cell infiltrate of the tumor microenvironment are thus gaining momentum. Therefore, the aim of our study was to investigate the effects of gene therapy with two proinflammatory chemokines CCL5 and CCL17 on inflammatory cytokine expression profile and immune cell infiltrate in two murine breast tumor models, 4T1 and E0771, and two murine colon tumor models, CT26 and MC38. In vitro, lipofection of plasmid DNA encoding CCL5 or CCL17 resulted in changes in the cytokine expression profile similar to control plasmid DNA, implying that the main driver of these changes was the entry of foreign DNA into the cell's cytosol. In vivo, gene electrotransfer resulted in high expression levels of both Ccl5 and Ccl17 transgenes in the 4T1 and CT26 tumor models. Besides a minor increase in the survival of the treated mice, the therapy also resulted in increased expression of Cxcl9 and Ifnγ, potent activators of the immune system, in CT26 tumors. However, this was not recapitulated in changes of TME, implying that a further refinement of the dosing schedule is needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- T Bozic
- Department of Experimental Oncology, Institute of Oncology Ljubljana, Zaloska cesta 2, SI-1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia; Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana, Vrazov trg 2, SI-1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - G Sersa
- Department of Experimental Oncology, Institute of Oncology Ljubljana, Zaloska cesta 2, SI-1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia; Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Ljubljana, Zdravstvena pot 5, SI-1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - S Kranjc Brezar
- Department of Experimental Oncology, Institute of Oncology Ljubljana, Zaloska cesta 2, SI-1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - M Cemazar
- Department of Experimental Oncology, Institute of Oncology Ljubljana, Zaloska cesta 2, SI-1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia; Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Primorska, Polje 42, SI-6310 Izola, Slovenia.
| | - B Markelc
- Department of Experimental Oncology, Institute of Oncology Ljubljana, Zaloska cesta 2, SI-1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia; Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Ljubljana, Zdravstvena pot 5, SI-1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia.
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15
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Nemec A, Milevoj N, Lampreht Tratar U, Serša G, Čemažar M, Tozon N. Electroporation-Based Treatments in Small Animal Veterinary Oral and Maxillofacial Oncology. Front Vet Sci 2020; 7:575911. [PMID: 33134356 PMCID: PMC7550461 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2020.575911] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2020] [Accepted: 08/27/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Electroporation is a method of inducing an increase in permeability of the cell membrane through the application of an electric field and can be used as a delivery method for introducing molecules of interest (e.g., chemotherapeutics or plasmid DNA) into cells. Electroporation-based treatments (i.e., electrochemotherapy, gene electrotransfer, and their combinations) have been shown to be safe and effective in veterinary oncology, but they are currently mostly recommended for the treatment of those solid tumors for which clients have declined surgery and/or radiotherapy. Published data show that electroporation-based treatments are also safe, simple, fast and cost-effective treatment alternatives for selected oral and maxillofacial tumors, especially small squamous cell carcinoma and malignant melanoma tumors not involving the bone in dogs. In these patients, a good local response to treatment is expected to result in increased survival time with good quality of life. Despite emerging evidence of the clinical efficacy of electroporation-based treatments for oral and maxillofacial tumors, further investigation is needed to optimize treatment protocols, improve clinical data reporting and better understand the mechanisms of patients' response to the treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Nemec
- Small Animal Clinic, Veterinary Faculty, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Nina Milevoj
- Small Animal Clinic, Veterinary Faculty, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | | | - Gregor Serša
- Institute of Oncology Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Maja Čemažar
- Institute of Oncology Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Nataša Tozon
- Small Animal Clinic, Veterinary Faculty, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
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16
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Maglietti F, Tellado M, De Robertis M, Michinski S, Fernández J, Signori E, Marshall G. Electroporation as the Immunotherapy Strategy for Cancer in Veterinary Medicine: State of the Art in Latin America. Vaccines (Basel) 2020; 8:E537. [PMID: 32957424 PMCID: PMC7564659 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines8030537] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2020] [Revised: 08/29/2020] [Accepted: 09/01/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Electroporation is a technology that increases cell membrane permeability by the application of electric pulses. Electrochemotherapy (ECT), the best-known application of electroporation, is a very effective local treatment for tumors of any histology in human and veterinary medicine. It induces a local yet robust immune response that is responsible for its high effectiveness. Gene electrotransfer (GET), used in research to produce a systemic immune response against cancer, is another electroporation-based treatment that is very appealing for its effectiveness, low cost, and simplicity. In this review, we present the immune effect of electroporation-based treatments and analyze the results of the vast majority of the published papers related to immune response enhancement by gene electrotransfer in companion animals with spontaneous tumors. In addition, we present a brief history of the initial steps and the state of the art of the electroporation-based treatments in Latin America. They have the potential to become an essential form of immunotherapy in the region. This review gives insight into the subject and helps to choose promising research lines for future work; it also helps to select the adequate treatment parameters for performing a successful application of this technology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Felipe Maglietti
- Instituto Universitario del Hospital Italiano de Buenos Aires, CONICET, Buenos Aires 1199, Argentina
| | - Matías Tellado
- VetOncologia, Veterinary Oncology Clinic, Buenos Aires 1408, Argentina; (M.T.); (J.F.)
| | - Mariangela De Robertis
- CNR-Institute of Biomembrane, Bioenergetics, and Molecular Biotechnology, 70126 Bari, Italy;
- Department of Bioscience, Biotechnology, and Biopharmaceutics, University of Bari, 70126 Bari, Italy
| | - Sebastián Michinski
- Instituto de Física del Plasma, DF, FCEyN, UBA-CONICET, Buenos Aires 1428, Argentina; (S.M.); (G.M.)
| | - Juan Fernández
- VetOncologia, Veterinary Oncology Clinic, Buenos Aires 1408, Argentina; (M.T.); (J.F.)
| | - Emanuela Signori
- Laboratory of Molecular Pathology and Experimental Oncology, Institute of Translational Pharmacology, CNR, 00133 Rome, Italy;
| | - Guillermo Marshall
- Instituto de Física del Plasma, DF, FCEyN, UBA-CONICET, Buenos Aires 1428, Argentina; (S.M.); (G.M.)
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17
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Ghorbel A, André FM, Mir LM, García-Sánchez T. Electrophoresis-assisted accumulation of conductive nanoparticles for the enhancement of cell electropermeabilization. Bioelectrochemistry 2020; 137:107642. [PMID: 32980738 DOI: 10.1016/j.bioelechem.2020.107642] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2020] [Revised: 08/20/2020] [Accepted: 08/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
The use of conductive nanoparticles (NPs) was previously proposed as a way to locally amplify the electric field (EF) intensity at the cell membrane to enhance cell electroporation. To achieve this, a close distance between the NPs and the cell membrane is mandatory. Here, a new method to improve the contact between NPs and cell surface using the effects of electric pulses (electrophoretic forces) is explored. The effects of two types of electric pulses are analyzed alone or combined in a two-pulse-train protocol on Chinese hamster DC-3F cells. Particularly we used 100 µs duration pulses, low intensity-millisecond pulses and combinations of both. Finally, we studied the use of surface coated NPs (PEGylated) for this application. Our results demonstrate that the delivery of an electric field prior to the electroporation pulses increases the accumulation of NPs around the cell membrane suggesting that NPs are pushed towards the cell surface through electrophoretic forces. This allowed reducing the need for long incubations between cells and NPs to observe an enhancement of electroporation mediated by conductive NPs. Thus low intensity-millisecond pulses can be used to increase the accumulation of either aggregated or individual (i.e. PEGylated) NPs supporting the electrophoretic nature of the observed effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amina Ghorbel
- Université Paris-Saclay, CNRS, Institut Gustave Roussy, Metabolic and systemic aspects of oncogenesis (METSY), 94805 Villejuif, France
| | - Franck M André
- Université Paris-Saclay, CNRS, Institut Gustave Roussy, Metabolic and systemic aspects of oncogenesis (METSY), 94805 Villejuif, France
| | - Lluis M Mir
- Université Paris-Saclay, CNRS, Institut Gustave Roussy, Metabolic and systemic aspects of oncogenesis (METSY), 94805 Villejuif, France.
| | - Tomás García-Sánchez
- Université Paris-Saclay, CNRS, Institut Gustave Roussy, Metabolic and systemic aspects of oncogenesis (METSY), 94805 Villejuif, France; Department of Information and Communication Technologies, Universitat Pompeu Fabra, Roc Boronat, 138, 08018 Barcelona, Spain.
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18
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Kranjc Brezar S, Kranjc M, Čemažar M, Buček S, Serša G, Miklavčič D. Electrotransfer of siRNA to Silence Enhanced Green Fluorescent Protein in Tumor Mediated by a High Intensity Pulsed Electromagnetic Field. Vaccines (Basel) 2020; 8:E49. [PMID: 32012775 PMCID: PMC7157195 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines8010049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2019] [Revised: 01/10/2020] [Accepted: 01/23/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The contactless high intensity pulsed electromagnetic field (HI-PEMF)-induced increase of cell membrane permeability is similar to conventional electroporation, with the important difference of inducing an electric field non-invasively by exposing a treated tissue to a time-varying magnetic field. Due to the limited number of studies in the field of electroporation induced by HI-PEMF, we designed experiments to explore the feasibility of such a contactless delivery technique for the gene electrotransfer of nucleic acids in tissues in vivo. By using HI-PEMF for gene electrotransfer, we silenced enhanced green fluorescent protein (EGFP) with siRNA molecules against EGFP in B16F10-EGFP tumors. Six days after the transfer, the fluorescent tumor area decreased by up to 39% as determined by fluorescence imaging in vivo. In addition, the silencing of EGFP to the same extent was confirmed at the mRNA and protein level. The results obtained in the in vivo mouse model demonstrate the potential use of HI-PEMF-induced cell permeabilization for gene therapy and DNA vaccination. Further studies are thus warranted to improve the equipment, optimize the protocols for gene transfer and the HI-PEMF parameters, and demonstrate the effects of HI-PEMF on a broader range of different normal and tumor tissues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simona Kranjc Brezar
- Department of Experimental Oncology, Institute of Oncology Ljubljana, Zaloška 2, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia; (S.K.B.); (M.Č.); (G.S.)
| | - Matej Kranjc
- Faculty of Electrical Engineering, University of Ljubljana, Tržaška 25, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia;
| | - Maja Čemažar
- Department of Experimental Oncology, Institute of Oncology Ljubljana, Zaloška 2, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia; (S.K.B.); (M.Č.); (G.S.)
- Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Primorska, Polje 42, 6310 Izola, Slovenia
| | - Simon Buček
- Department of Cytopathology, Institute of Oncology Ljubljana, Zaloška 2, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia;
| | - Gregor Serša
- Department of Experimental Oncology, Institute of Oncology Ljubljana, Zaloška 2, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia; (S.K.B.); (M.Č.); (G.S.)
- Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Ljubljana, Zdravstvena pot 5, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Damijan Miklavčič
- Faculty of Electrical Engineering, University of Ljubljana, Tržaška 25, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia;
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Forjanic T, Markelc B, Marcan M, Bellard E, Couillaud F, Golzio M, Miklavci D. Electroporation-Induced Stress Response and Its Effect on Gene Electrotransfer Efficacy: In Vivo Imaging and Numerical Modeling. IEEE Trans Biomed Eng 2019; 66:2671-2683. [DOI: 10.1109/tbme.2019.2894659] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
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20
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Sokołowska E, Błachnio-Zabielska AU. A Critical Review of Electroporation as A Plasmid Delivery System in Mouse Skeletal Muscle. Int J Mol Sci 2019; 20:ijms20112776. [PMID: 31174257 PMCID: PMC6600476 DOI: 10.3390/ijms20112776] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2019] [Revised: 06/03/2019] [Accepted: 06/04/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The gene delivery to skeletal muscles is a promising strategy for the treatment of both muscular disorders (by silencing or overexpression of specific gene) and systemic secretion of therapeutic proteins. The use of a physical method like electroporation with plate or needle electrodes facilitates long-lasting gene silencing in situ. It has been reported that electroporation enhances the expression of the naked DNA gene in the skeletal muscle up to 100 times and decreases the changeability of the intramuscular expression. Coelectransfer of reporter genes such as green fluorescent protein (GFP), luciferase or beta-galactosidase allows the observation of correctly performed silencing in the muscles. Appropriate selection of plasmid injection volume and concentration, as well as electrotransfer parameters, such as the voltage, the length and the number of electrical pulses do not cause long-term damage to myocytes. In this review, we summarized the electroporation methodology as well as the procedure of electrotransfer to the gastrocnemius, tibialis, soleus and foot muscles and compare their advantages and disadvantages.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emilia Sokołowska
- Department of Hygiene, Epidemiology and Metabolic Disorders, Medical University of Bialystok, 15-222 Bialystok, Poland.
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21
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Forjanič T, Miklavčič D. Numerical study of gene electrotransfer efficiency based on electroporation volume and electrophoretic movement of plasmid DNA. Biomed Eng Online 2018; 17:80. [PMID: 29914508 PMCID: PMC6006849 DOI: 10.1186/s12938-018-0515-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2018] [Accepted: 06/12/2018] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The efficiency of gene electrotransfer, an electroporation-based method for delivery of pDNA into target tissues, depends on several processes. The method relies on application of electric pulses with appropriate amplitude and pulse duration. A careful choice of electric pulse parameters is required to obtain the appropriate electric field distribution, which not only controls the electroporated volume, but also affects the movement of pDNA. We used numerical modeling to assess the influence of different types of electrodes and pulse parameters on reversibly electroporated volume and on the extent of pDNA–membrane interaction, which is necessary for successful gene electrotransfer. Methods A 3D geometry was built representing the mice skin tissue and intradermally injected plasmid volume. The geometry of three different types of electrodes (plate, finger, needle) was built according to the configuration and placement of electrodes used in previously reported in vivo experiments of gene electrotransfer. Electric field distribution, resulting from different pulse protocols was determined, which served for calculation of reversible electroporation volume and for simulation of electrophoretic movement of pDNA. The efficiency of gene electrotransfer was evaluated in terms of predicted amount of pDNA present inside the volume of reversible electroporation at the end of pulse delivery. Results According to results of our numerical study, finger and needle electrodes provide larger amount of pDNA inside the volume of reversible electroporation than plate electrodes. However, these results are not consistent with the experiments showing that plate electrodes achieve the best transfection efficiency. Some inconsistencies were observed also by comparing the efficiencies of different high and low voltage pulse combinations, delivered by plate electrodes. The reason for inconsistencies probably lies in insufficient knowledge regarding the electroporation of stratum corneum. Namely, the size of the regions with high electrical conductivity, created by electroporation, was found to strongly affect predicted transfection efficiency. Conclusions The presented numerical model simulates the two most important processes involved in gene electrotransfer: electroporation of cells, and electrophoretic movement of pDNA. The inconsistencies between the model and experiments indicate incomplete knowledge of skin electroporation, or the involvement of other mechanisms, whose importance has not been yet identified.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tadeja Forjanič
- Faculty of Electrical Engineering, University of Ljubljana, Trzaska 25, 1000, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Damijan Miklavčič
- Faculty of Electrical Engineering, University of Ljubljana, Trzaska 25, 1000, Ljubljana, Slovenia.
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22
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Membrane electroporation: chemical thermodynamics and flux kinetics revisited and refined. EUROPEAN BIOPHYSICS JOURNAL: EBJ 2018; 47:373-387. [DOI: 10.1007/s00249-018-1305-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2018] [Revised: 03/24/2018] [Accepted: 04/23/2018] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
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Tumor cell death after electrotransfer of plasmid DNA is associated with cytosolic DNA sensor upregulation. Oncotarget 2018; 9:18665-18681. [PMID: 29721152 PMCID: PMC5922346 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.24816] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/26/2017] [Accepted: 02/27/2018] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Cytosolic DNA sensors are a subgroup of pattern recognition receptors (PRRs) and are activated by the abnormal presence of the DNA in the cytosol. Their activation leads to the upregulation of pro-inflammatory cytokines and chemokines and can also induce cell death. The presence of cytosolic DNA sensors and inflammatory cytokines in TS/A murine mammary adenocarcinoma and WEHI 164 fibrosarcoma cells was demonstrated using real time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), western blotting and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). After electrotransfer of plasmid DNA (pDNA) using two pulse protocols, the upregulation of DNA-depended activator of interferon regulatory factor or Z-DNA binding protein 1 (DAI/ZBP1), DEAD (Asp-Glu-Ala-Asp) box polypeptide 60 (DDX60) and interferon-inducible protein 204 (p204) mRNAs was observed in both tumor cell lines, but their expression was pulse protocol dependent. A decrease in cell survival was also observed; it was cell type, DNA concentration and pulse protocol dependent. Furthermore, the different protocols of electrotransfer led to different cell death outcomes, necrosis and apoptosis, as indicated by an annexin V and 7AAD assays. The obtained data provide new insights on the presence of cytosolic DNA sensors in tumor cells and the activation of different types of cells death after electrotransfer of pDNA. These observations have important implications on the planning of gene therapy or DNA vaccination protocols.
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24
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Adipose tissue: a new target for electroporation-enhanced DNA vaccines. Gene Ther 2017; 24:757-767. [PMID: 29106403 PMCID: PMC5746593 DOI: 10.1038/gt.2017.96] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2017] [Revised: 09/29/2017] [Accepted: 10/11/2017] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
DNA vaccines delivered using electroporation (EP) have had clinical success, but these EP methods generally utilize invasive needle electrodes. Here, we demonstrate the delivery and immunogenicity of a DNA vaccine into subcutaneous adipose tissue cells using noninvasive EP. Using finite element analysis, we predicted that plate electrodes, when oriented properly, could effectively concentrate the electric field within adipose tissue. In practice, these electrodes generated widespread gene expression persisting for at least 60 days in vivo within interscapular subcutaneous fat pads of guinea pigs. We then applied this adipose-EP protocol to deliver a DNA vaccine coding for an influenza antigen into guinea pigs. The resulting host immune responses elicited were of a similar magnitude to those achieved by skin delivery with EP. The onset of the humoral immune response was more rapid when the DNA dose was spread over multiple injection sites, and increasing the voltage of the EP device increased the magnitude of the immune response. This study supports further development of EP protocols delivering gene-based therapies to subcutaneous fat.
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Successful ablation of lymph nodes using irreversible electroporation (IRE) in a porcine survival model. Langenbecks Arch Surg 2017; 402:465-473. [DOI: 10.1007/s00423-017-1579-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2016] [Accepted: 03/24/2017] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
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Sano MB, Fan RE, Xing L. Asymmetric Waveforms Decrease Lethal Thresholds in High Frequency Irreversible Electroporation Therapies. Sci Rep 2017; 7:40747. [PMID: 28106146 PMCID: PMC5247773 DOI: 10.1038/srep40747] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2016] [Accepted: 12/12/2016] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Irreversible electroporation (IRE) is a promising non-thermal treatment for inoperable tumors which uses short (50-100 μs) high voltage monopolar pulses to disrupt the membranes of cells within a well-defined volume. Challenges with IRE include complex treatment planning and the induction of intense muscle contractions. High frequency IRE (H-FIRE) uses bursts of ultrashort (0.25-5 μs) alternating polarity pulses to produce more predictable ablations and alleviate muscle contractions associated with IRE. However, H-FIRE generally ablates smaller volumes of tissue than IRE. This study shows that asymmetric H-FIRE waveforms can be used to create ablation volumes equivalent to standard IRE treatments. Lethal thresholds (LT) of 505 V/cm and 1316 V/cm were found for brain cancer cells when 100 μs IRE and 2 μs symmetric H-FIRE waveforms were used. In contrast, LT as low as 536 V/cm were found for 2 μs asymmetric H-FIRE waveforms. Reversible electroporation thresholds were 54% lower than LTs for symmetric waveforms and 33% lower for asymmetric waveforms indicating that waveform symmetry can be used to tune the relative sizes of reversible and irreversible ablation zones. Numerical simulations predicted that asymmetric H-FIRE waveforms are capable of producing ablation volumes which were 5.8-6.3x larger than symmetric H-FIRE waveforms indicating that in vivo investigation of asymmetric waveforms is warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael B. Sano
- Stanford University Medical Center, Department of Radiation Oncology, Division of Radiation Physics, Stanford, CA, USA
- UNC / NCSU Joint Department of Biomedical Engineering, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Richard E. Fan
- Stanford University Medical Center, Department of Urology, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Lei Xing
- Stanford University Medical Center, Department of Radiation Oncology, Division of Radiation Physics, Stanford, CA, USA
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Leguèbe M, Notarangelo MG, Twarogowska M, Natalini R, Poignard C. Mathematical model for transport of DNA plasmids from the external medium up to the nucleus by electroporation. Math Biosci 2016; 285:1-13. [PMID: 27914928 DOI: 10.1016/j.mbs.2016.11.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2016] [Revised: 11/22/2016] [Accepted: 11/23/2016] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
We propose a mathematical model for the transport of DNA plasmids from the extracellular matrix up to the cell nucleus. The model couples two phenomena: the electroporation process, describing the cell membrane permeabilization to plasmids and the intracellular transport enhanced by the presence of microtubules. Numerical simulations of cells with arbitrary geometry, in 2D and 3D, and a network of microtubules show numerically the importance of the microtubules and the electroporation on the effectiveness of the DNA transfection, as observed by previous biological data. The paper proposes efficient numerical tools for forthcoming optimized procedures of cell transfection.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Leguèbe
- Max-Planck-Institut für Sonnensystemforschung, Justus-von-Liebig-Weg 3, 37077 Göttingen, Germany
| | - M G Notarangelo
- Istituto per le Applicazioni del Calcolo "M. Picone", Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Via dei Taurini 19, I-00185 Rome, Italy
| | - M Twarogowska
- Dipartimento di Ingegneria e Scienze dell'Informazione e Matematica, Universita degli Studi dell'Aquila, Via Vetoio, Coppito, 67100 L'Aquila, Italy
| | - R Natalini
- Istituto per le Applicazioni del Calcolo "M. Picone", Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Via dei Taurini 19, I-00185 Rome, Italy
| | - C Poignard
- Team MONC, INRIA Bordeaux-Sud-Ouest, Institut de Mathématiques de Bordeaux, CNRS UMR 5251 & Université de Bordeaux, 351 cours de la Libération, 33405 Talence Cedex, France.
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Electrotransfer parameters as a tool for controlled and targeted gene expression in skin. MOLECULAR THERAPY-NUCLEIC ACIDS 2016; 5:e356. [PMID: 27574782 PMCID: PMC5023408 DOI: 10.1038/mtna.2016.65] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2016] [Accepted: 07/07/2016] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Skin is an attractive target for gene electrotransfer. It consists of different cell types that can be transfected, leading to various responses to gene electrotransfer. We demonstrate that these responses could be controlled by selecting the appropriate electrotransfer parameters. Specifically, the application of low or high electric pulses, applied by multi-electrode array, provided the possibility to control the depth of the transfection in the skin, the duration and the level of gene expression, as well as the local or systemic distribution of the transgene. The influence of electric pulse type was first studied using a plasmid encoding a reporter gene (DsRed). Then, plasmids encoding therapeutic genes (IL-12, shRNA against endoglin, shRNA against melanoma cell adhesion molecule) were used, and their effects on wound healing and cutaneous B16F10 melanoma tumors were investigated. The high-voltage pulses resulted in gene expression that was restricted to superficial skin layers and induced a local response. In contrast, the low-voltage electric pulses promoted transfection into the deeper skin layers, resulting in prolonged gene expression and higher transgene production, possibly with systemic distribution. Therefore, in the translation into the clinics, it will be of the utmost importance to adjust the electrotransfer parameters for different therapeutic approaches and specific mode of action of the therapeutic gene.
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Quantification of cell membrane permeability induced by monopolar and high-frequency bipolar bursts of electrical pulses. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA-BIOMEMBRANES 2016; 1858:2689-2698. [PMID: 27372268 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbamem.2016.06.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2016] [Revised: 06/06/2016] [Accepted: 06/26/2016] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
High-frequency bipolar electric pulses have been shown to mitigate undesirable muscle contraction during irreversible electroporation (IRE) therapy. Here, we evaluate the potential applicability of such pulses for introducing exogenous molecules into cells, such as in electrochemotherapy (ECT). For this purpose we develop a method for calculating the time course of the effective permeability of an electroporated cell membrane based on real-time imaging of propidium transport into single cells that allows a quantitative comparison between different pulsing schemes. We calculate the effective permeability for several pulsed electric field treatments including trains of 100μs monopolar pulses, conventionally used in IRE and ECT, and pulse trains containing bursts or evenly-spaced 1μs bipolar pulses. We show that shorter bipolar pulses induce lower effective membrane permeability than longer monopolar pulses with equivalent treatment times. This lower efficiency can be attributed to incomplete membrane charging. Nevertheless, bipolar pulses could be used for increasing the uptake of small molecules into cells more symmetrically, but at the expense of higher applied voltages. These data indicate that high-frequency bipolar bursts of electrical pulses may be designed to electroporate cells as effectively as and more homogeneously than conventional monopolar pulses.
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Tamošiūnas M, Kadikis R, Saknite I, Baltušnikas J, Kilikevičius A, Lihachev A, Petrovska R, Jakovels D, Šatkauskas S. Noninvasive optical diagnostics of enhanced green fluorescent protein expression in skeletal muscle for comparison of electroporation and sonoporation efficiencies. JOURNAL OF BIOMEDICAL OPTICS 2016; 21:45003. [PMID: 27129126 DOI: 10.1117/1.jbo.21.4.045003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2015] [Accepted: 04/12/2016] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
We highlight the options available for noninvasive optical diagnostics of reporter gene expression in mouse tibialis cranialis muscle. An in vivo multispectral imaging technique combined with fluorescence spectroscopy point measurements has been used for the transcutaneous detection of enhanced green fluorescent protein (EGFP) expression, providing information on location and duration of EGFP expression and allowing quantification of EGFP expression levels. For EGFP coding plasmid (pEGFP-Nuc Vector, 10 μg/50 ml 10 μg/50 ml ) transfection, we used electroporation or ultrasound enhanced microbubble cavitation [sonoporation (SP)]. The transcutaneous EGFP fluorescence in live mice was monitored over a period of one year using the described parameters: area of EGFP positive fibers, integral intensity, and mean intensity of EGFP fluorescence. The most efficient transfection of EGFP coding plasmid was achieved, when one high voltage and four low voltage electric pulses were applied. This protocol resulted in the highest short-term and long-term EGFP expression. Other electric pulse protocols as well as SP resulted in lower fluorescence intensities of EGFP in the transfected area. We conclude that noninvasive multispectral imaging technique combined with fluorescence spectroscopy point measurements is a suitable method to estimate the dynamics and efficiency of reporter gene transfection in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mindaugas Tamošiūnas
- Vytautas Magnus University, Biophysical Research Group, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Vileikos 8, Kaunas LT-44404, LithuaniabVytautas Magnus University, Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Vileikos 8, Kaunas LT-44404, Lithuania
| | - Roberts Kadikis
- Institute of Electronics and Computer Science, 14 Dzerbenes Street, Riga LV-1006, Latvia
| | - Inga Saknite
- University of Latvia, Institute of Atomic Physics and Spectroscopy, 19 Rainis Boulevard, Riga LV-1586, Latvia
| | - Juozas Baltušnikas
- Lithuanian Sports University, Institute of Sports Sciences and Innovation, Sporto 6, LT-44221 Kaunas, Lithuania
| | - Audrius Kilikevičius
- Lithuanian Sports University, Institute of Sports Sciences and Innovation, Sporto 6, LT-44221 Kaunas, Lithuania
| | - Alexey Lihachev
- University of Latvia, Institute of Atomic Physics and Spectroscopy, 19 Rainis Boulevard, Riga LV-1586, Latvia
| | - Ramona Petrovska
- Latvian Biomedical Research and Study Centre, Ratsupites iela 1, Riga LV-1067, Latvia
| | - Dainis Jakovels
- University of Latvia, Institute of Atomic Physics and Spectroscopy, 19 Rainis Boulevard, Riga LV-1586, Latvia
| | - Saulius Šatkauskas
- Vytautas Magnus University, Biophysical Research Group, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Vileikos 8, Kaunas LT-44404, Lithuania
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Ahlén G, Frelin L, Holmström F, Smetham G, Augustyn S, Sällberg M. A targeted controlled force injection of genetic material in vivo. MOLECULAR THERAPY-METHODS & CLINICAL DEVELOPMENT 2016; 5:16016. [PMID: 27069951 PMCID: PMC4813609 DOI: 10.1038/mtm.2016.16] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2016] [Accepted: 02/04/2016] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
A general limitation in gene delivery is the cellular uptake in lager animals including humans. Several approaches have been tested including liposomes, micro-needles, in vivo electro-transfer, ballistic delivery, and needle-free delivery. All these techniques have individual limitations. One approach reproducibly delivering genetic material in muscle tissue in nonhuman primates is hydrodynamic injection, a forced injection of a volume equaling the volume of the tissue to be transfected thereby causing an increased local pressure resulting in an improved uptake of genetic material. We transferred the principle of hydrodynamic injection to a device, where a small injection volume can be delivered to a targeted tissue volume, termed in vivo intracellular injection (IVIN). The device is based on needle(s) with apertures along the needle shafts, where multiple needles can fix the tissue volume to be transfected. The apertures direct the injection from a central needle outward or inward to the centroid of a geometric arrangement thereby targeting the tissue to be transfected. With a controlled force, this results in a targeted injection with increased transfection efficiency. We here show that the IVIN technology reproducibly improved plasmid uptake and expression and the immunogenicity. The IVIN technology can be generally applied to a targeted delivery of genetic materials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gustaf Ahlén
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Division of Clinical Microbiology, Karolinska Institutet, Karolinska University Hospital Huddinge , Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Lars Frelin
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Division of Clinical Microbiology, Karolinska Institutet, Karolinska University Hospital Huddinge , Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Fredrik Holmström
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Division of Clinical Microbiology, Karolinska Institutet, Karolinska University Hospital Huddinge , Stockholm, Sweden
| | | | | | - Matti Sällberg
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Division of Clinical Microbiology, Karolinska Institutet, Karolinska University Hospital Huddinge , Stockholm, Sweden
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Lesueur LL, Mir LM, André FM. Overcoming the Specific Toxicity of Large Plasmids Electrotransfer in Primary Cells In Vitro. MOLECULAR THERAPY. NUCLEIC ACIDS 2016; 5:e291. [PMID: 27111417 PMCID: PMC5014460 DOI: 10.1038/mtna.2016.4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2015] [Accepted: 12/23/2015] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
Gene electrotransfer is a safe and efficient nonviral technique for the transfer of nucleic acids of all sizes. Using a small reporter plasmid (3.5 kbp), electrotransfer of more than 90% of the cells, with ~70% viability, can be routinely achieved even in primary cells like mesenchymal stem cells. However, under the same experimental conditions, electrotransfer of larger plasmids (from 6 to 16 kbp) results in very low viability and transfection efficacy. Here, we show that these strong decreases are directly linked to the physical size of the plasmid molecule. Moreover, large plasmids are toxic only when the cells are exposed to electrotransfer pulses. This specific toxicity of large plasmids during electrotransfer is not due to transgene expression and occurs within less than 45 minutes. Indeed, postpulses recovery times of up to 45 minutes are able to entirely abolish the specific toxicity of large plasmid electrotransfer, resulting in a survival and transfection efficacy identical to that of small plasmids. Finally, electrotransfer of small and large plasmids can reach 90–99% of transfection with 60–90% survival considering the findings here reported.
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Affiliation(s)
- Léa L Lesueur
- Vectorology and Anticancer Therapies, UMR 8203, CNRS, Univ. Paris-Sud, Gustave Roussy, Université Paris-Saclay, Villejuif, France
| | - Lluis M Mir
- Vectorology and Anticancer Therapies, UMR 8203, CNRS, Univ. Paris-Sud, Gustave Roussy, Université Paris-Saclay, Villejuif, France
| | - Franck M André
- Vectorology and Anticancer Therapies, UMR 8203, CNRS, Univ. Paris-Sud, Gustave Roussy, Université Paris-Saclay, Villejuif, France
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Lambricht L, Lopes A, Kos S, Sersa G, Préat V, Vandermeulen G. Clinical potential of electroporation for gene therapy and DNA vaccine delivery. Expert Opin Drug Deliv 2015; 13:295-310. [PMID: 26578324 DOI: 10.1517/17425247.2016.1121990] [Citation(s) in RCA: 140] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Electroporation allows efficient delivery of DNA into cells and tissues, thereby improving the expression of therapeutic or immunogenic proteins that are encoded by plasmid DNA. This simple and versatile method holds a great potential and could address unmet medical needs such as the prevention or treatment of many cancers or infectious diseases. AREAS COVERED This review explores the electroporation mechanism and the parameters affecting its efficacy. An analysis of past and current clinical trials focused on DNA electroporation is presented. The pathologies addressed, the protocol used, the treatment outcome and the tolerability are highlighted. In addition, several of the possible optimization strategies for improving patient compliance and therapeutic efficacy are discussed such as plasmid design, use of genetic adjuvants for DNA vaccines, choice of appropriate delivery site and electrodes as well as pulse parameters. EXPERT OPINION The growing number of clinical trials and the results already available underline the strong potential of DNA electroporation which combines both safety and efficiency. Nevertheless, it remains critical to further increase fundamental knowledge to refine future strategies, to develop concerted and common DNA electroporation protocols and to continue exploring new electroporation-based therapeutic options.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laure Lambricht
- a Université catholique de Louvain, Louvain Drug Research Institute , Advanced Drug Delivery and Biomaterials , Brussels , Belgium
| | - Alessandra Lopes
- a Université catholique de Louvain, Louvain Drug Research Institute , Advanced Drug Delivery and Biomaterials , Brussels , Belgium
| | - Spela Kos
- b Institute of Oncology Ljubljana , Department of Experimental Oncology , Ljubljana , Slovenia
| | - Gregor Sersa
- b Institute of Oncology Ljubljana , Department of Experimental Oncology , Ljubljana , Slovenia
| | - Véronique Préat
- a Université catholique de Louvain, Louvain Drug Research Institute , Advanced Drug Delivery and Biomaterials , Brussels , Belgium
| | - Gaëlle Vandermeulen
- a Université catholique de Louvain, Louvain Drug Research Institute , Advanced Drug Delivery and Biomaterials , Brussels , Belgium
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Gibot L, Rols MP. Gene transfer by pulsed electric field is highly promising in cutaneous wound healing. Expert Opin Biol Ther 2015; 16:67-77. [DOI: 10.1517/14712598.2016.1098615] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
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Akerstrom T, Vedel K, Needham J, Hojman P, Kontou E, Hellsten Y, Wojtaszewski JF. Optimizing hyaluronidase dose and plasmid DNA delivery greatly improves gene electrotransfer efficiency in rat skeletal muscle. Biochem Biophys Rep 2015; 4:342-350. [PMID: 29124223 PMCID: PMC5669402 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrep.2015.10.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2015] [Revised: 10/12/2015] [Accepted: 10/20/2015] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Transfection of rat skeletal muscle in vivo is a widely used research model. However, gene electrotransfer protocols have been developed for mice and yield variable results in rats. We investigated whether changes in hyaluronidase pre-treatment and plasmid DNA delivery can improve transfection efficiency in rat skeletal muscle. We found that pre-treating the muscle with a hyaluronidase dose suitable for rats (0.56 U/g b.w.) prior to plasmid DNA injection increased transfection efficiency by >200% whereas timing of the pre-treatment did not affect efficiency. Uniformly distributing plasmid DNA delivery across the muscle by increasing the number of plasmid DNA injections further enhanced transfection efficiency whereas increasing plasmid dose from 0.2 to 1.6 µg/g b.w. or vehicle volume had no effect. The optimized protocol resulted in ~80% (CI95%: 79–84%) transfected muscle fibers with a homogenous distribution. We also show that transfection was stable over five weeks of regular exercise or inactivity. Our findings show that species-specific plasmid DNA delivery and hyaluronidase pre-treatment greatly improves transfection efficiency in rat skeletal muscle. Parameters for effective in vivo skeletal muscle transfection are species specific. Pre-treatment with a rat-specific hyaluronidase dose greatly improves transfection efficiency. Delivering plasmid DNA more uniformly enhances transfection efficiency in rat skeletal muscle. Transfection efficiency is not improved by increasing plasmid DNA dose. Exercise training does not affect transfection stability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thorbjorn Akerstrom
- The August Krogh Centre, Section of Integrative Physiology, Department of Nutrition, Exercise and Sports, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Correspondence to: The August Krogh Centre, Section of Integrative Physiology, Department of Nutrition, Exercise and Sports, University of Copenhagen, Universitetsparken 13, DK-2100 Copenhagen, Denmark. Fax: +4535320870.The August Krogh Centre, Section of Integrative Physiology, Department of Nutrition, Exercise and Sports, University of CopenhagenUniversitetsparken 13CopenhagenDK-2100Denmark
| | - Kenneth Vedel
- The August Krogh Centre, Section of Integrative Physiology, Department of Nutrition, Exercise and Sports, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Josefine Needham
- The August Krogh Centre, Section of Integrative Physiology, Department of Nutrition, Exercise and Sports, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Pernille Hojman
- Centre of Inflammation and Metabolism, Centre for Physical Activity Research, Copenhagen University Hospital, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Eftychia Kontou
- The August Krogh Centre, Section of Integrative Physiology, Department of Nutrition, Exercise and Sports, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Ylva Hellsten
- The August Krogh Centre, Section of Integrative Physiology, Department of Nutrition, Exercise and Sports, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Jørgen F.P. Wojtaszewski
- The August Krogh Centre, Section of Molecular Physiology, Department of Nutrition, Exercise and Sports, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
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Sersa G, Teissie J, Cemazar M, Signori E, Kamensek U, Marshall G, Miklavcic D. Electrochemotherapy of tumors as in situ vaccination boosted by immunogene electrotransfer. Cancer Immunol Immunother 2015; 64:1315-27. [PMID: 26067277 PMCID: PMC4554735 DOI: 10.1007/s00262-015-1724-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 101] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2015] [Accepted: 05/26/2015] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Electroporation is a platform technology for drug and gene delivery. When applied to cell in vitro or tissues in vivo, it leads to an increase in membrane permeability for molecules which otherwise cannot enter the cell (e.g., siRNA, plasmid DNA, and some chemotherapeutic drugs). The therapeutic effectiveness of delivered chemotherapeutics or nucleic acids depends greatly on their successful and efficient delivery to the target tissue. Therefore, the understanding of different principles of drug and gene delivery is necessary and needs to be taken into account according to the specificity of their delivery to tumors and/or normal tissues. Based on the current knowledge, electrochemotherapy (a combination of drug and electric pulses) is used for tumor treatment and has shown great potential. Its local effectiveness is up to 80 % of local tumor control, however, without noticeable effect on metastases. In an attempt to increase systemic antitumor effectiveness of electrochemotherapy, electrotransfer of genes with immunomodulatory effect (immunogene electrotransfer) could be used as adjuvant treatment. Since electrochemotherapy can induce immunogenic cell death, adjuvant immunogene electrotransfer to peritumoral tissue could lead to locoregional effect as well as the abscopal effect on distant untreated metastases. Therefore, we propose a combination of electrochemotherapy with peritumoral IL-12 electrotransfer, as a proof of principle, using electrochemotherapy boosted with immunogene electrotransfer as in situ vaccination for successful tumor treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gregor Sersa
- Department of Experimental Oncology, Institute of Oncology Ljubljana, Zaloska 2, 1000, Ljubljana, Slovenia,
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Demiryurek Y, Nickaeen M, Zheng M, Yu M, Zahn JD, Shreiber DI, Lin H, Shan JW. Transport, resealing, and re-poration dynamics of two-pulse electroporation-mediated molecular delivery. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA-BIOMEMBRANES 2015; 1848:1706-14. [PMID: 25911207 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbamem.2015.04.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2014] [Revised: 03/16/2015] [Accepted: 04/14/2015] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Electroporation is of interest for many drug-delivery and gene-therapy applications. Prior studies have shown that a two-pulse-electroporation protocol consisting of a short-duration, high-voltage first pulse followed by a longer, low-voltage second pulse can increase delivery efficiency and preserve viability. In this work the effects of the field strength of the first and second pulses and the inter-pulse delay time on the delivery of two different-sized Fluorescein-Dextran (FD) conjugates are investigated. A series of two-pulse-electroporation experiments were performed on 3T3-mouse fibroblast cells, with an alternating-current first pulse to permeabilize the cell, followed by a direct-current second pulse. The protocols were rationally designed to best separate the mechanisms of permeabilization and electrophoretic transport. The results showed that the delivery of FD varied strongly with the strength of the first pulse and the size of the target molecule. The delivered FD concentration also decreased linearly with the logarithm of the inter-pulse delay. The data indicate that membrane resealing after electropermeabilization occurs rapidly, but that a non-negligible fraction of the pores can be reopened by the second pulse for delay times on the order of hundreds of seconds. The role of the second pulse is hypothesized to be more than just electrophoresis, with a minimum threshold field strength required to reopen nano-sized pores or defects remaining from the first pulse. These results suggest that membrane electroporation, sealing, and re-poration is a complex process that has both short-term and long-term components, which may in part explain the wide variation in membrane-resealing times reported in the literature.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yasir Demiryurek
- Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, 98 Brett Road, Piscataway, NJ 08854, USA
| | - Masoud Nickaeen
- Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, 98 Brett Road, Piscataway, NJ 08854, USA
| | - Mingde Zheng
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, 599 Taylor Road, Piscataway, NJ 08854, USA
| | - Miao Yu
- Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, 98 Brett Road, Piscataway, NJ 08854, USA
| | - Jeffrey D Zahn
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, 599 Taylor Road, Piscataway, NJ 08854, USA
| | - David I Shreiber
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, 599 Taylor Road, Piscataway, NJ 08854, USA
| | - Hao Lin
- Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, 98 Brett Road, Piscataway, NJ 08854, USA
| | - Jerry W Shan
- Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, 98 Brett Road, Piscataway, NJ 08854, USA.
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Pavlin M, Kandušer M. New insights into the mechanisms of gene electrotransfer--experimental and theoretical analysis. Sci Rep 2015; 5:9132. [PMID: 25778848 PMCID: PMC5390920 DOI: 10.1038/srep09132] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2014] [Accepted: 02/11/2015] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Gene electrotransfer is a promising non-viral method of gene delivery. In our in vitro study we addressed open questions about this multistep process: how electropermeabilization is related to electrotransfer efficiency; the role of DNA electrophoresis for contact and transfer across the membrane; visualization and theoretical analysis of DNA-membrane interaction and its relation to final transfection efficiency; and the differences between plated and suspended cells. Combinations of high-voltage and low-voltage pulses were used. We obtained that electrophoresis is required for the insertion of DNA into the permeabilized membrane. The inserted DNA is slowly transferred into the cytosol, and nuclear entry is a limiting factor for optimal transfection. The quantification and theoretical analysis of the crucial parameters reveals that DNA-membrane interaction (NDNA) increases with higher DNA concentration or with the addition of electrophoretic LV pulses while transfection efficiency reaches saturation. We explain the differences between the transfection of cell suspensions and plated cells due to the more homogeneous size, shape and movement of suspended cells. Our results suggest that DNA is either translocated through the stable electropores or enters by electo-stimulated endocytosis, possibly dependent on pulse parameters. Understanding of the mechanisms enables the selection of optimal electric protocols for specific applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mojca Pavlin
- Faculty of Electrical Engineering, University of Ljubljana, Tržaška 25, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Maša Kandušer
- Faculty of Electrical Engineering, University of Ljubljana, Tržaška 25, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
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Electrotransfection and lipofection show comparable efficiency for in vitro gene delivery of primary human myoblasts. J Membr Biol 2014; 248:273-83. [PMID: 25534347 DOI: 10.1007/s00232-014-9766-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2014] [Accepted: 12/11/2014] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
Transfection of primary human myoblasts offers the possibility to study mechanisms that are important for muscle regeneration and gene therapy of muscle disease. Cultured human myoblasts were selected here because muscle cells still proliferate at this developmental stage, which might have several advantages in gene therapy. Gene therapy is one of the most sought-after tools in modern medicine. Its progress is, however, limited due to the lack of suitable gene transfer techniques. To obtain better insight into the transfection potential of the presently used techniques, two non-viral transfection methods--lipofection and electroporation--were compared. The parameters that can influence transfection efficiency and cell viability were systematically approached and compared. Cultured myoblasts were transfected with the pEGFP-N1 plasmid either using Lipofectamine 2000 or with electroporation. Various combinations for the preparation of the lipoplexes and the electroporation media, and for the pulsing protocols, were tested and compared. Transfection efficiency and cell viability were inversely proportional for both approaches. The appropriate ratio of Lipofectamine and plasmid DNA provides optimal conditions for lipofection, while for electroporation, RPMI medium and a pulsing protocol using eight pulses of 2 ms at E = 0.8 kV/cm proved to be the optimal combination. The transfection efficiencies for the optimal lipofection and optimal electrotransfection protocols were similar (32 vs. 32.5%, respectively). Both of these methods are effective for transfection of primary human myoblasts; however, electroporation might be advantageous for in vivo application to skeletal muscle.
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Abstract
Electroporation has been used extensively to transfer DNA to bacteria, yeast, and mammalian cells in culture for the past 30 years. Over this time, numerous advances have been made, from using fields to facilitate cell fusion, delivery of chemotherapeutic drugs to cells and tissues, and most importantly, gene and drug delivery in living tissues from rodents to man. Electroporation uses electrical fields to transiently destabilize the membrane allowing the entry of normally impermeable macromolecules into the cytoplasm. Surprisingly, at the appropriate field strengths, the application of these fields to tissues results in little, if any, damage or trauma. Indeed, electroporation has even been used successfully in human trials for gene delivery for the treatment of tumors and for vaccine development. Electroporation can lead to between 100 and 1000-fold increases in gene delivery and expression and can also increase both the distribution of cells taking up and expressing the DNA as well as the absolute amount of gene product per cell (likely due to increased delivery of plasmids into each cell). Effective electroporation depends on electric field parameters, electrode design, the tissues and cells being targeted, and the plasmids that are being transferred themselves. Most importantly, there is no single combination of these variables that leads to greatest efficacy in every situation; optimization is required in every new setting. Electroporation-mediated in vivo gene delivery has proven highly effective in vaccine production, transgene expression, enzyme replacement, and control of a variety of cancers. Almost any tissue can be targeted with electroporation, including muscle, skin, heart, liver, lung, and vasculature. This chapter will provide an overview of the theory of electroporation for the delivery of DNA both in individual cells and in tissues and its application for in vivo gene delivery in a number of animal models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer L Young
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY, USA
| | - David A Dean
- Departments of Pediatrics and Biomedical Engineering, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY, USA
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Changing electrode orientation, but not pulse polarity, increases the efficacy of gene electrotransfer to tumors in vivo. Bioelectrochemistry 2014; 100:119-27. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bioelechem.2013.12.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2013] [Revised: 12/05/2013] [Accepted: 12/06/2013] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
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Sadik MM, Yu M, Zheng M, Zahn JD, Shan JW, Shreiber DI, Lin H. Scaling relationship and optimization of double-pulse electroporation. Biophys J 2014; 106:801-12. [PMID: 24559983 DOI: 10.1016/j.bpj.2013.12.045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2013] [Revised: 09/20/2013] [Accepted: 12/31/2013] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
Abstract
The efficacy of electroporation is known to vary significantly across a wide variety of biological research and clinical applications, but as of this writing, a generalized approach to simultaneously improve efficiency and maintain viability has not been available in the literature. To address that discrepancy, we here outline an approach that is based on the mapping of the scaling relationships among electroporation-mediated molecular delivery, cellular viability, and electric pulse parameters. The delivery of Fluorescein-Dextran into 3T3 mouse fibroblast cells was used as a model system. The pulse was rationally split into two sequential phases: a first precursor for permeabilization, followed by a second one for molecular delivery. Extensive data in the parameter space of the second pulse strength and duration were collected and analyzed with flow cytometry. The fluorescence intensity correlated linearly with the second pulse duration, confirming the dominant role of electrophoresis in delivery. The delivery efficiency exhibited a characteristic sigmoidal dependence on the field strength. An examination of short-term cell death using 7-Aminoactinomycin D demonstrated a convincing linear correlation with respect to the electrical energy. Based on these scaling relationships, an optimal field strength becomes identifiable. A model study was also performed, and the results were compared with the experimental data to elucidate underlying mechanisms. The comparison reveals the existence of a critical transmembrane potential above which delivery with the second pulse becomes effective. Together, these efforts establish a general route to enhance the functionality of electroporation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohamed M Sadik
- Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Piscataway, New Jersey
| | - Miao Yu
- Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Piscataway, New Jersey
| | - Mingde Zheng
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Piscataway, New Jersey
| | - Jeffrey D Zahn
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Piscataway, New Jersey
| | - Jerry W Shan
- Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Piscataway, New Jersey
| | - David I Shreiber
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Piscataway, New Jersey
| | - Hao Lin
- Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Piscataway, New Jersey.
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Optimization of a gene electrotransfer procedure for efficient intradermal immunization with an hTERT-based DNA vaccine in mice. MOLECULAR THERAPY-METHODS & CLINICAL DEVELOPMENT 2014; 1:14045. [PMID: 26015983 PMCID: PMC4362362 DOI: 10.1038/mtm.2014.45] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2014] [Revised: 06/30/2014] [Accepted: 07/11/2014] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
DNA vaccination consists in administering an antigen-encoding plasmid in order to trigger a specific immune response. This specific vaccine strategy is of particular interest to fight against various infectious diseases and cancer. Gene electrotransfer is the most efficient and safest non-viral gene transfer procedure and specific electrical parameters have been developed for several target tissues. Here, a gene electrotransfer protocol into the skin has been optimized in mice for efficient intradermal immunization against the well-known telomerase tumor antigen. First, the luciferase reporter gene was used to evaluate gene electrotransfer efficiency into the skin as a function of the electrical parameters and electrodes, either non-invasive or invasive. In a second time, these parameters were tested for their potency to generate specific cellular CD8 immune responses against telomerase epitopes. These CD8 T-cells were fully functional as they secreted IFNγ and were endowed with specific cytotoxic activity towards target cells. This simple and optimized procedure for efficient gene electrotransfer into the skin using the telomerase antigen is to be used in cancer patients for the phase 1 clinical evaluation of a therapeutic cancer DNA vaccine called INVAC-1.
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Gene electrotransfer enhanced by nanosecond pulsed electric fields. MOLECULAR THERAPY-METHODS & CLINICAL DEVELOPMENT 2014; 1:14043. [PMID: 26015981 PMCID: PMC4362372 DOI: 10.1038/mtm.2014.43] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2014] [Revised: 07/26/2014] [Accepted: 07/30/2014] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
The impact of nanosecond pulsed electric fields (nsPEFs) on gene electrotransfer has not been clearly demonstrated in previous studies. This study was conducted to evaluate the influence of nsPEFs on the delivery of plasmids encoding luciferase or green fluorescent protein and subsequent expression in HACAT keratinocyte cells. Delivery was performed using millisecond electric pulses (msEPs) with or without nsPEFs. In contrast to reports in the literature, we discovered that gene expression was significantly increased up to 40-fold by applying nsPEFs to cells first followed by one msEP but not in the opposite order. We demonstrated that the effect of nsPEFs on gene transfection was time restricted. The enhancement of gene expression occurred by applying one msEP immediately after nsPEFs and reached the maximum at posttreatment 5 minutes, slightly decreased at 15 minutes and had a residual effect at 1 hour. It appears that nsPEFs play a role as an amplifier without changing the trend of gene expression kinetics due to msEPs. The effect of nsPEFs on cell viability is also dependent on the specific pulse parameters. We also determined that both calcium independent and dependent mechanisms are involved in nsPEF effects on gene electrotransfer.
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Yarmush ML, Golberg A, Serša G, Kotnik T, Miklavčič D. Electroporation-Based Technologies for Medicine: Principles, Applications, and Challenges. Annu Rev Biomed Eng 2014; 16:295-320. [DOI: 10.1146/annurev-bioeng-071813-104622] [Citation(s) in RCA: 519] [Impact Index Per Article: 51.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Martin L. Yarmush
- Center for Engineering in Medicine, Department of Surgery, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School and Shriners Burn Hospital for Children, Boston, Massachusetts 02114; email (M.L.Y.):
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Rutgers University, Piscataway, New Jersey 08854;
| | - Alexander Golberg
- Center for Engineering in Medicine, Department of Surgery, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School and Shriners Burn Hospital for Children, Boston, Massachusetts 02114; email (M.L.Y.):
| | - Gregor Serša
- Department of Experimental Oncology, Institute of Oncology Ljubljana, SI-1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Tadej Kotnik
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Faculty of Electrical Engineering, University of Ljubljana, SI-1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia;
| | - Damijan Miklavčič
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Faculty of Electrical Engineering, University of Ljubljana, SI-1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia;
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Becker S, Zorec B, Miklavčič D, Pavšelj N. Transdermal transport pathway creation: Electroporation pulse order. Math Biosci 2014; 257:60-8. [PMID: 25017876 DOI: 10.1016/j.mbs.2014.07.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2014] [Revised: 06/04/2014] [Accepted: 07/03/2014] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
In this study we consider the physics underlying electroporation which is administered to skin in order to radically increase transdermal drug delivery. The method involves the application of intense electric fields to alter the structure of the impermeable outer layer, the stratum corneum. A generally held view in the field of skin electroporation is that the skin's drop in resistance (to transport) is proportional to the total power of the pulses (which may be inferred by the number of pulses administered). Contrary to this belief, experiments conducted in this study show that the application of high voltage pulses prior to the application of low voltage pulses result in lower transport than when low voltage pulses alone are applied (when less total pulse power is administered). In order to reconcile these unexpected experimental results, a computational model is used to conduct an analysis which shows that the high density distribution of very small aqueous pathways through the stratum corneum associated with high voltage pulses is detrimental to the evolution of larger pathways that are associated with low voltage pulses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sid Becker
- University of Canterbury, Christchurch, New Zealand.
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Spanggaard I, Snoj M, Cavalcanti A, Bouquet C, Sersa G, Robert C, Cemazar M, Dam E, Vasseur B, Attali P, Mir LM, Gehl J. Gene electrotransfer of plasmid antiangiogenic metargidin peptide (AMEP) in disseminated melanoma: safety and efficacy results of a phase I first-in-man study. HUM GENE THER CL DEV 2014; 24:99-107. [PMID: 23980876 DOI: 10.1089/humc.2012.240] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Antiangiogenic metargidin peptide (AMEP) is a novel anticancer agent exerting antiproliferative and antiangiogenic effects by binding to αvβ3 and α5β1 integrins. Electrotransfer designates the use of electric pulses (electroporation) to transfer plasmid DNA into tissues. This first-in-man phase I study investigated safety and tolerability of intratumoral plasmid AMEP electrotransfer into cutaneous metastatic melanoma. Secondary objectives were efficacy and pharmacokinetics. Five patients with disseminated melanoma without further treatment options were treated at two dose levels (1 and 2 mg DNA). In each patient, two cutaneous lesions were identified (one treated and one control). At day 1 and day 8, plasmid AMEP was injected intratumorally followed by electrotransfer. Patients were monitored weekly until day 29, and at day 64. Local efficacy was assessed at day 29 by direct measurement, and posttreatment biopsies for AMEP mRNA levels were evaluated by reverse transcriptase quantitative polymerase chain reaction. Plasmid copy number in blood and urine was determined by quantitative polymerase chain reaction. Minimal systemic toxicity was observed, including transient fever and transitory increase in C-reactive protein. No related serious adverse events occurred. Plasmid AMEP was detected in plasma but not in urine. AMEP mRNA was found in three of five treated lesions and none of the control lesions. At day 29, all five treated lesions were stable in diameter, whereas four of five control lesions increased more than 20%. No response occurred in distant lesions. This first-in-man study on electrotransfer of plasmid AMEP into cutaneous melanoma shows that the procedure and drug are safe and that local transfection was obtained.
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Affiliation(s)
- Iben Spanggaard
- 1 Department of Oncology, Center for Experimental Drug and Gene Electrotransfer, Copenhagen University Hospital Herlev , Herlev 2730, Denmark
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Mali B, Zulj S, Magjarevic R, Miklavcic D, Jarm T. Matlab-based tool for ECG and HRV analysis. Biomed Signal Process Control 2014. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bspc.2014.01.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
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Electroporation-based gene therapy: recent evolution in the mechanism description and technology developments. Methods Mol Biol 2014; 1121:3-23. [PMID: 24510808 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-4614-9632-8_1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
Thirty years after the publication of the first report on gene electrotransfer in cultured cells by the delivery of delivering electric pulses, this technology is starting to be applied to humans. In 2008, at the time of the publication of the first edition of this book, reversible cell electroporation for gene transfer and gene therapy (nucleic acids electrotransfer) was at a cross roads in its development. In 5 years, basic and applied developments have brought gene electrotransfer into a new status. Present knowledge on the effects of cell exposure to appropriate electric field pulses, particularly at the level of the cell membrane, is reported here, as an introduction to the large range of applications described in this book. The importance of the models of electric field distribution in tissues and of the correct choice of electrodes and applied voltages is highlighted, as well as the large range of new specialized electrodes, developed also in the frame of the other electroporation-based treatments (electrochemotherapy). Indeed, electric pulses are now routinely applied for localized drug delivery in the treatment of solid tumors by electrochemotherapy. The mechanisms involved in DNA electrotransfer, which include cell electropermeabilization and DNA electrophoresis, are also surveyed: noticeably, the first molecular description of the crossing of a lipid membrane by a nucleic acid was reported in 2012. The progress in the understanding of cell electroporation as well as developments of technological aspects, in silico, in vitro and in vivo, have contributed to bring gene electrotransfer development to the clinical stage. However, spreading of the technology will require not only more clinical trials but also further homogenization of the protocols and the preparation and validation of Standard Operating Procedures.
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Gothelf A, Gehl J. Electroporation-based DNA delivery technology: methods for gene electrotransfer to skin. Methods Mol Biol 2014; 1143:115-122. [PMID: 24715284 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-4939-0410-5_7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
DNA delivery to for example skin and muscle can easily be performed with electroporation. The method is efficient, feasible, and inexpensive and the future possibilities are numerous. Here we present our protocol for gene transfection to mouse skin using naked plasmid DNA and electric pulses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anita Gothelf
- Center for Experimental Drug and Gene Electrotransfer (C*EDGE), Department of Oncology, Copenhagen University Hospital Herlev, 75 Herlev Ringvej, 2730, Herlev, Denmark
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