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Zhong R, Talebian S, Mendes BB, Wallace G, Langer R, Conde J, Shi J. Hydrogels for RNA delivery. NATURE MATERIALS 2023; 22:818-831. [PMID: 36941391 PMCID: PMC10330049 DOI: 10.1038/s41563-023-01472-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 70] [Impact Index Per Article: 70.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2021] [Accepted: 01/09/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
RNA-based therapeutics have shown tremendous promise in disease intervention at the genetic level, and some have been approved for clinical use, including the recent COVID-19 messenger RNA vaccines. The clinical success of RNA therapy is largely dependent on the use of chemical modification, ligand conjugation or non-viral nanoparticles to improve RNA stability and facilitate intracellular delivery. Unlike molecular-level or nanoscale approaches, macroscopic hydrogels are soft, water-swollen three-dimensional structures that possess remarkable features such as biodegradability, tunable physiochemical properties and injectability, and recently they have attracted enormous attention for use in RNA therapy. Specifically, hydrogels can be engineered to exert precise spatiotemporal control over the release of RNA therapeutics, potentially minimizing systemic toxicity and enhancing in vivo efficacy. This Review provides a comprehensive overview of hydrogel loading of RNAs and hydrogel design for controlled release, highlights their biomedical applications and offers our perspectives on the opportunities and challenges in this exciting field of RNA delivery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruibo Zhong
- Center for Nanomedicine and Department of Anesthesiology, Perioperative and Pain Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Sepehr Talebian
- Faculty of Engineering, School of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- Nano Institute (Sydney Nano), The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Bárbara B Mendes
- ToxOmics, NOVA Medical School Faculdade de Ciências Médicas, NMS FCM, Universidade NOVA de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Gordon Wallace
- ARC Centre of Excellence for Electromaterials Science, Intelligent Polymer Research Institute, AIIM, Innovation Campus, University of Wollongong, North Wollongong, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Robert Langer
- Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - João Conde
- ToxOmics, NOVA Medical School Faculdade de Ciências Médicas, NMS FCM, Universidade NOVA de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal.
| | - Jinjun Shi
- Center for Nanomedicine and Department of Anesthesiology, Perioperative and Pain Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.
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Huang Y, Zhang X, Huang Q, Dou Y, Qu C, Xu Q, Yuan Q, Xian YF, Lin ZX. Quercetin enhances survival and axonal regeneration of motoneurons after spinal root avulsion and reimplantation: experiments in a rat model of brachial plexus avulsion. Inflamm Regen 2022; 42:56. [PMID: 36456978 PMCID: PMC9714227 DOI: 10.1186/s41232-022-00245-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2022] [Accepted: 11/23/2022] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Brachial plexus avulsion (BPA) physically involves the detachment of spinal nerve roots themselves and the associated spinal cord segment, leading to permanent paralysis of motor function of the upper limb. Root avulsion induces severe pathological changes, including inflammatory reaction, oxidative damage, and finally massive motoneuron apoptosis. Quercetin (QCN), a polyphenolic flavonoid found in abundance in fruit and vegetables, has been reported to possess anti-oxidative, anti-inflammatory, and neuroprotective effects in many experimental models of both central nervous system (CNS) and peripheral nervous system (PNS) disorders. The purpose of this study was to investigate whether QCN could improve motor function recovery after C5-7 ventral root avulsion and C6 reimplantation in a rat model of BPA. METHODS The right fifth cervical (C5) to C7 ventral roots were avulsed followed by re-implantation of only C6 to establish the spinal root avulsion plus re-implantation model in rats. After surgery, rats were treated with QCN (25, 50, and 100 mg/kg) by gavage for 2 or 8 consecutive weeks. The effects of QCN were assessed using behavior test (Terzis grooming test, TGT) and histological evaluation. The molecular mechanisms were determined by immunohistochemistry analysis and western blotting. RESULTS Our results demonstrated that QCN significantly expedited motor function recovery in the forelimb as shown by the increased Terzis grooming test score, and accelerated motor axon regeneration as evidenced by the ascending number of Fluoro-Ruby-labeled and P75-positive regenerative motoneurons. The raised ChAT-immunopositive and cresyl violet-stained neurons indicated the enhanced survival of motoneurons by QCN administration. Furthermore, QCN treatment markedly alleviated muscle atrophy, restored functional motor endplates in biceps and inhibited the microglial and astroglia activation via modulating Nrf2/HO-1 and neurotrophin/Akt/MAPK signaling pathway. CONCLUSIONS Taken together, these findings have for the first time unequivocally indicated that QCN has promising potential for further development into a novel therapeutic in conjunction with reimplantation surgery for the treatment of BPA. .
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanfeng Huang
- grid.10784.3a0000 0004 1937 0482School of Chinese Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, N.T., Hong Kong, SAR China
| | - Xie Zhang
- grid.411866.c0000 0000 8848 7685School of Basic Medical Sciences, Department of Medical Biotechnology, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, Guangdong People’s Republic of China
| | - Qionghui Huang
- grid.10784.3a0000 0004 1937 0482School of Chinese Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, N.T., Hong Kong, SAR China
| | - Yaoxing Dou
- grid.411866.c0000 0000 8848 7685The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, People’s Republic of China
| | - Chang Qu
- grid.10784.3a0000 0004 1937 0482School of Chinese Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, N.T., Hong Kong, SAR China
| | - Qingqing Xu
- grid.10784.3a0000 0004 1937 0482School of Chinese Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, N.T., Hong Kong, SAR China
| | - Qiuju Yuan
- grid.10784.3a0000 0004 1937 0482School of Chinese Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, N.T., Hong Kong, SAR China ,grid.9227.e0000000119573309Centre for Regenerative Medicine and Health, Hong Kong Institute of Science & Innovation, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hong Kong Science Park, Shatin, N.T., Hong Kong, SAR China
| | - Yan-Fang Xian
- grid.10784.3a0000 0004 1937 0482School of Chinese Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, N.T., Hong Kong, SAR China
| | - Zhi-Xiu Lin
- grid.10784.3a0000 0004 1937 0482School of Chinese Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, N.T., Hong Kong, SAR China ,grid.10784.3a0000 0004 1937 0482Hong Kong Institute of Integrative Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, SAR China
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Wang S, Wang Y, Zou S. A Glance at the Molecules That Regulate Oligodendrocyte Myelination. Curr Issues Mol Biol 2022; 44:2194-2216. [PMID: 35678678 PMCID: PMC9164040 DOI: 10.3390/cimb44050149] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2022] [Revised: 05/10/2022] [Accepted: 05/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Oligodendrocyte (OL) myelination is a critical process for the neuronal axon function in the central nervous system. After demyelination occurs because of pathophysiology, remyelination makes repairs similar to myelination. Proliferation and differentiation are the two main stages in OL myelination, and most factors commonly play converse roles in these two stages, except for a few factors and signaling pathways, such as OLIG2 (Oligodendrocyte transcription factor 2). Moreover, some OL maturation gene mutations induce hypomyelination or hypermyelination without an obvious function in proliferation and differentiation. Herein, three types of factors regulating myelination are reviewed in sequence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shunqi Wang
- Institute of Life Science & School of Life Sciences, Nanchang University, Nanchang 330031, China; (S.W.); (Y.W.)
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Nanchang University, Nanchang 330031, China
| | - Yingxing Wang
- Institute of Life Science & School of Life Sciences, Nanchang University, Nanchang 330031, China; (S.W.); (Y.W.)
| | - Suqi Zou
- Institute of Life Science & School of Life Sciences, Nanchang University, Nanchang 330031, China; (S.W.); (Y.W.)
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Nanchang University, Nanchang 330031, China
- Correspondence:
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Guo W, Pei B, Li Z, Ou XL, Sun T, Zhu Z. PLGA-PEG-PLGA hydrogel with NEP1-40 promotes the functional recovery of brachial plexus root avulsion in adult rats. PeerJ 2021; 9:e12269. [PMID: 34760354 PMCID: PMC8567856 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.12269] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2021] [Accepted: 09/17/2021] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Adult brachial plexus root avulsion can cause serious damage to nerve tissue and impair axonal regeneration, making the recovery of nerve function difficult. Nogo-A extracellular peptide residues 1-40 (NEP1-40) promote axonal regeneration by inhibiting the Nogo-66 receptor (NgR1), and poly (D, L-lactide-co-glycolide)-poly (ethylene glycol)-poly (D, L-lactide-co-glycolide) (PLGA-PEG-PLGA) hydrogel can be used to fill in tissue defects and concurrently function to sustain the release of NEP1-40. In this study, we established an adult rat model of brachial plexus nerve root avulsion injury and conducted nerve root replantation. PLGA-PEG-PLGA hydrogel combined with NEP1-40 was used to promote nerve regeneration and functional recovery in this rat model. Our results demonstrated that functional recovery was enhanced, and the survival rate of spinal anterior horn motoneurons was higher in rats that received a combination of PLGA-PEG-PLGA hydrogel and NEP1-40 than in those receiving other treatments. The combined therapy also significantly increased the number of fluorescent retrogradely labeled neurons, muscle fiber diameter, and motor endplate area of the biceps brachii. In conclusion, this study demonstrates that the effects of PLGA-PEG-PLGA hydrogel combined with NEP1-40 are superior to those of other therapies used to treat brachial plexus nerve root avulsion injury. Therefore, future studies should investigate the potential of PLGA-PEG-PLGA hydrogel as a primary treatment for brachial plexus root avulsion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenlai Guo
- Department of Hand Surgery, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, Chang chun, Jilin, China
| | - Bingbing Pei
- Department of Orthopedics, Chinese People's Liberation Army Joint Logistics, Support Unit 964 Hospital, Chang chun, Jilin, China
| | - Zehui Li
- Department of Hand Surgery, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, Chang chun, Jilin, China
| | - Xiao Lan Ou
- Department of Hand Surgery, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, Chang chun, Jilin, China
| | - Tianwen Sun
- Department of Hand Surgery, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, Chang chun, Jilin, China
| | - Zhe Zhu
- Department of Hand Surgery, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, Chang chun, Jilin, China
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Chen K, Ding L, Shui H, Liang Y, Zhang X, Wang T, Li L, Liu S, Wu H. MiR-615 Agomir Encapsulated in Pluronic F-127 Alleviates Neuron Damage and Facilitates Function Recovery After Brachial Plexus Avulsion. J Mol Neurosci 2021; 72:136-148. [PMID: 34569008 PMCID: PMC8755699 DOI: 10.1007/s12031-021-01916-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2021] [Accepted: 09/09/2021] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Brachial plexus avulsion (BPA) is a devastating traumatic peripheral nerve injury complicated with paralysis of the upper extremity. We previously reported that leucine-rich repeat and immunoglobulin-like domain-containing NOGO receptor-interacting protein 1 (LINGO-1) has a potent role in inhibiting neuron survival and axonal regeneration after the central nervous system (CNS) damage and miR-615 is a potential microRNA (miRNA) negatively regulated LINGO-1. However, the effect of miR-615 in BPA remains to be elucidated. Accumulating evidence indicates that pluronic F-127 (PF-127) hydrogel could serve as a promising vehicle for miRNA encapsulation. Thus, to further explore the potential role of hydrogel-miR-615 in BPA-reimplantation, the present study established the BPA rat model and injected miR-615 agomir encapsulated by PF-127 hydrogel into the reimplantation site using a microsyringe. In this study, results indicated that hydrogel-miR-615 agomir effectively alleviated motoneuron loss by LINGO-1 inhibition, promoted musculocutaneous nerve regeneration and myelination, reduced astrocytes activation, promoted angiogenesis and attenuated peripheral amyotrophy, leading to improved motor functional rehabilitation of the upper extremity. In conclusion, our findings demonstrate that miR-615-loaded PF-127 hydrogel may represent a novel therapeutic strategy for BPA treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kangzhen Chen
- Department of Anesthesiology, Guangzhou Huadu Affiliated Hospital of Guangdong Medical University (Guangzhou Huadu District Maternal and Child Health Care Hospital), Guangzhou, 510800, China
- Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Regenerative Tissue Engineering, Guangdong Medical University, Dongguan, 523808, China
| | - Lu Ding
- Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Regenerative Tissue Engineering, Guangdong Medical University, Dongguan, 523808, China
- Scientific Research Center, the Seventh Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, 518107, China
| | - Hua Shui
- Department of Anesthesiology, Guangzhou Huadu Affiliated Hospital of Guangdong Medical University (Guangzhou Huadu District Maternal and Child Health Care Hospital), Guangzhou, 510800, China
| | - Yinru Liang
- Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Regenerative Tissue Engineering, Guangdong Medical University, Dongguan, 523808, China
| | - Xiaomin Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Regenerative Tissue Engineering, Guangdong Medical University, Dongguan, 523808, China
| | - Tao Wang
- Department of Surgery, The Third Hospital of Guangdong Medical University (Longjiang Hospital of Shunde District), Foshan, 528318, China
| | - Linke Li
- Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Regenerative Tissue Engineering, Guangdong Medical University, Dongguan, 523808, China
| | - Shuxian Liu
- Department of Anesthesiology, Guangzhou Huadu Affiliated Hospital of Guangdong Medical University (Guangzhou Huadu District Maternal and Child Health Care Hospital), Guangzhou, 510800, China.
| | - Hongfu Wu
- Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Regenerative Tissue Engineering, Guangdong Medical University, Dongguan, 523808, China.
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Huang C, Fu C, Qi ZP, Guo WL, You D, Li R, Zhu Z. Localised delivery of quercetin by thermo-sensitive PLGA-PEG-PLGA hydrogels for the treatment of brachial plexus avulsion. ARTIFICIAL CELLS NANOMEDICINE AND BIOTECHNOLOGY 2021; 48:1010-1021. [PMID: 32608269 DOI: 10.1080/21691401.2020.1770265] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Accumulating evidence indicates that oxidative stress and inflammation are implicated in brachial plexus avulsion (BPA). Quercetin has anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant, anti-apoptotic, and neuroprotective properties. This study investigated the therapeutic efficacy of a temperature-sensitive poly(D,L-lactide-co-glycolide)-poly(ethylene-glycol)-poly(D,L-lactide-co-glycolide) (PLGA-PEG-PLGA) hydrogel sustained-release system of quercetin in BPA. In situ injections of the hydrogel loaded with different concentrations of quercetin were conducted in a rat model of BPA. Significantly reduced reactive oxygen species and interleukin-6 levels in the injured spinal cord 24 h post-surgery, increased number of anterior horn motor and functional neurons in the spinal cord 6 weeks post-surgery, thickened biceps muscle fibres and enlarged endplate area with clear structure, reduced demyelinated peripheral nerves, and significantly increased Terzis grooming test scores were found in the groups with 50 or 100 mg/mL quercetin-loaded hydrogels compared with the control and blank hydrogel groups. In conclusion, the temperature-sensitive quercetin loaded PLGA-PEG-PLGA hydrogel sustained-release system can alleviate oxidative damage and inflammation in the spinal cord, increase neuron survival rate, and promote nerve regeneration and motor function recovery in rats with early BPA. The findings suggest that this drug-loaded hydrogel has potential applications in the clinical treatment of BPA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chao Huang
- Department of Hand Surgery, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, P. R. China
| | - Chuan Fu
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, P. R. China
| | - Zhi-Ping Qi
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, P. R. China
| | - Wen-Lai Guo
- Department of Hand Surgery, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, P. R. China
| | - Di You
- Department of Anesthesiology, The Sino-Japanese Friendship Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, P. R. China
| | - Rui Li
- Department of Hand Surgery, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, P. R. China
| | - Zhe Zhu
- Department of Hand Surgery, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, P. R. China
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