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Guo F, Li Y, Yu W, Fu Y, Zhang J, Cao H. Recent Progress of Small Interfering RNA Delivery on the Market and Clinical Stage. Mol Pharm 2024; 21:2081-2096. [PMID: 38630656 DOI: 10.1021/acs.molpharmaceut.3c01158] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/19/2024]
Abstract
Small interfering RNAs (siRNAs) are promising therapeutic strategies, and five siRNA drugs have been approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the European Commission (EC). This marks a significant milestone in the development of siRNA for clinical applications. The approved siRNA agents can effectively deliver siRNAs to the liver and treat liver-related diseases. Currently, researchers have developed diverse delivery platforms for transporting siRNAs to different tissues such as the brain, lung, muscle, and others, and a large number of siRNA drugs are undergoing clinical trials. Here, these delivery technologies and the latest advancements in clinical applications are summarized, and this Review provides a concise overview of the strategies employed for siRNA delivery to both hepatic and extrahepatic tissues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fan Guo
- School of Pharmacy, Binzhou Medical University, Shandong 264003, China
- Yantai Key Laboratory of Nanomedicine & Advanced Preparations, Yantai Institute of Materia Medica, Shandong 264000, China
| | - Yan Li
- Yantai Key Laboratory of Nanomedicine & Advanced Preparations, Yantai Institute of Materia Medica, Shandong 264000, China
- Shandong Laboratory of Yantai Drug Discovery, Bohai Rim Advanced Research Institute for Drug Discovery, Yantai, Shandong 264117, China
| | - Wenjun Yu
- Yantai Key Laboratory of Nanomedicine & Advanced Preparations, Yantai Institute of Materia Medica, Shandong 264000, China
- Shandong Laboratory of Yantai Drug Discovery, Bohai Rim Advanced Research Institute for Drug Discovery, Yantai, Shandong 264117, China
| | - Yuanlei Fu
- Yantai Key Laboratory of Nanomedicine & Advanced Preparations, Yantai Institute of Materia Medica, Shandong 264000, China
- Shandong Laboratory of Yantai Drug Discovery, Bohai Rim Advanced Research Institute for Drug Discovery, Yantai, Shandong 264117, China
| | - Jing Zhang
- School of Pharmacy, Binzhou Medical University, Shandong 264003, China
| | - Haiqiang Cao
- Yantai Key Laboratory of Nanomedicine & Advanced Preparations, Yantai Institute of Materia Medica, Shandong 264000, China
- Shandong Laboratory of Yantai Drug Discovery, Bohai Rim Advanced Research Institute for Drug Discovery, Yantai, Shandong 264117, China
- Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201203, China
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2
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Albuquerque LJC, de Oliveira FA, Christoffolete MA, Nascimento-Sales M, Berger S, Wagner E, Lächelt U, Giacomelli FC. Nucleic acid delivery to retinal cells using lipopeptides as a potential tool towards ocular gene therapies. J Colloid Interface Sci 2024; 655:346-356. [PMID: 37948808 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcis.2023.11.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2023] [Revised: 10/11/2023] [Accepted: 11/01/2023] [Indexed: 11/12/2023]
Abstract
We evaluated the use of lipopeptides capable to bind to nucleic acids towards plasmid DNA (pDNA) delivery. The investigations were particularly focused on arising retinal pigment epithelial cells (ARPE-19) as motivated by the considerable number of ocular disorders linked to gene aberrations. The lipopeptides comprised the artificial oligoamino acid succinyl-tetraethylene pentamine (Stp) as well as incorporated lysines, histidines, cysteines, fatty acids, and tyrosine trimers. Regardless of the structural differences, the lipopeptides demonstrated to efficiently condense pDNA at nitrogen-to-phosphate molar ratio (N/P) ≥ 6. Spheric nanoparticles were observed by cryo-TEM and dynamic light scattering determined hydrodynamic sizes ranging from 50 to 130 nm. The biological assays evidenced highly efficient pDNA delivery with a lower degree of cytotoxicity compared to the well-known transfecting agent linear polyethylenimine (LPEI). Although more efficient than LPEI, cysteine-containing carriers were demonstrated to be less efficient than the other counterparts possibly due to exceeding polyplex stabilization via disulfide cross links, which could hamper pDNA unpacking at the target site. Therefore, clearly a balance between complex stability and cargo release should be taken into account to optimize the transfection efficiency of the non-viral vectors. The gene transfer activity in ARPE-19 cells suggests the applicability of this kind of carrier for ocular treatments based on retinal gene delivery.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Simone Berger
- Department of Pharmacy and Center for NanoScience (CeNs), Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität, Munich, Germany
| | - Ernst Wagner
- Department of Pharmacy and Center for NanoScience (CeNs), Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität, Munich, Germany
| | - Ulrich Lächelt
- Department of Pharmacy and Center for NanoScience (CeNs), Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität, Munich, Germany; Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Fernando C Giacomelli
- Centro de Ciências Naturais e Humanas, Universidade Federal do ABC, Santo André, Brazil.
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Korovkina O, Polyakov D, Korzhikov-Vlakh V, Korzhikova-Vlakh E. Stimuli-Responsive Polypeptide Nanoparticles for Enhanced DNA Delivery. MOLECULES (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2022; 27:molecules27238495. [PMID: 36500587 PMCID: PMC9736633 DOI: 10.3390/molecules27238495] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2022] [Revised: 11/27/2022] [Accepted: 11/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
The development of non-viral delivery systems for effective gene therapy is one of the current challenges in modern biomedicinal chemistry. In this paper, the synthesis of pH- and redox-responsive amphiphilic polypeptides for intracellular DNA delivery is reported and discussed. Two series of polypeptides consisting of L-lysine, L-phenylalanine, L-histidine, and L-cysteine as well as the same amino acids with L-glutamic acid were synthesized by a combination of copolymerization of N-carboxyanhydrides of α-amino acids and post-polymerization modification of the resulting copolymers. The presence of histidine provided pH-sensitive properties under weakly acidic conditions specific to endosomal pH. In turn, the presence of cysteine allowed for the formation of redox-responsive disulfide bonds, which stabilized the self-assembled nanoparticles in the extracellular environment but could degrade inside the cell. The formation of intraparticle disulfide bonds resulted in their compactization from 200-250 to 55-100 nm. Empty and pDNA-loaded cross-linked nanoparticles showed enhanced stability in various media compared to non-crosslinked nanoparticles. At the same time, the addition of glutathione promoted particle degradation and nucleic acid release. The delivery systems were able to retain their size and surface charge at polypeptide/pDNA ratios of 10 or higher. GFP expression in HEK 293 was induced by the delivery of pEGFP-N3 with the developed polypeptide nanoparticles. The maximal transfection efficacy (70%) was observed when the polypeptide/pDNA ratio was 100.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olga Korovkina
- Institute of Chemistry, Saint-Petersburg State University, Universitetsky pr. 26, 198504 St. Petersburg, Russia
| | - Dmitry Polyakov
- Institute of Experimental Medicine, Acad. Pavlov Street 12, 197376 St. Petersburg, Russia
| | - Viktor Korzhikov-Vlakh
- Institute of Chemistry, Saint-Petersburg State University, Universitetsky pr. 26, 198504 St. Petersburg, Russia
- Institute of Macromolecular Compounds, Russian Academy of Sciences, Bolshoy pr. 31, 199004 St. Petersburg, Russia
| | - Evgenia Korzhikova-Vlakh
- Institute of Macromolecular Compounds, Russian Academy of Sciences, Bolshoy pr. 31, 199004 St. Petersburg, Russia
- Correspondence:
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Hooshmand SE, Sabet MJ, Hasanzadeh A, Mousavi SMK, Moghadam NH, Hooshmand SA, Rabiee N, Liu Y, Hamblin MR, Karimi M. Histidine‐enhanced gene delivery systems: The state of the art. J Gene Med 2022; 24:e3415. [DOI: 10.1002/jgm.3415] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2021] [Revised: 01/26/2022] [Accepted: 01/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Seyyed Emad Hooshmand
- Cellular and Molecular Research Center Iran University of Medical Sciences Tehran Iran
- Department of Medical Nanotechnology, Faculty of Advanced Technologies in Medicine Iran University of Medical Sciences Tehran Iran
| | - Makkieh Jahanpeimay Sabet
- Department of Medical Nanotechnology, Faculty of Advanced Technologies in Medicine Iran University of Medical Sciences Tehran Iran
| | - Akbar Hasanzadeh
- Department of Medical Nanotechnology, Faculty of Advanced Technologies in Medicine Iran University of Medical Sciences Tehran Iran
| | - Seyede Mahtab Kamrani Mousavi
- Department of Medical Nanotechnology, Faculty of Advanced Technologies in Medicine Iran University of Medical Sciences Tehran Iran
| | - Niloofar Haeri Moghadam
- Department of Medical Nanotechnology, Faculty of Advanced Technologies in Medicine Iran University of Medical Sciences Tehran Iran
| | - Seyed Aghil Hooshmand
- Laboratory of Systems Biology and Bioinformatics (LBB), Institute of Biochemistry and Biophysics University of Tehran Tehran Iran
| | - Navid Rabiee
- Department of Physics Sharif University of Technology Tehran Iran
- School of Engineering Macquarie University Sydney New South Wales Australia
| | - Yong Liu
- Institute of Functional Nano & Soft Materials (FUNSOM) Soochow University Suzhou Jiangsu China
| | - Michael R. Hamblin
- Laser Research Centre, Faculty of Health Science University of Johannesburg South Africa
| | - Mahdi Karimi
- Cellular and Molecular Research Center Iran University of Medical Sciences Tehran Iran
- Department of Medical Nanotechnology, Faculty of Advanced Technologies in Medicine Iran University of Medical Sciences Tehran Iran
- Oncopathology Research Center Iran University of Medical Sciences Tehran Iran
- Research Center for Science and Technology in Medicine Tehran University of Medical Sciences Tehran Iran
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5
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Van de Vyver T, De Smedt SC, Raemdonck K. Modulating intracellular pathways to improve non-viral delivery of RNA therapeutics. Adv Drug Deliv Rev 2022; 181:114041. [PMID: 34763002 DOI: 10.1016/j.addr.2021.114041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2021] [Revised: 10/12/2021] [Accepted: 11/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
RNA therapeutics (e.g. siRNA, oligonucleotides, mRNA, etc.) show great potential for the treatment of a myriad of diseases. However, to reach their site of action in the cytosol or nucleus of target cells, multiple intra- and extracellular barriers have to be surmounted. Several non-viral delivery systems, such as nanoparticles and conjugates, have been successfully developed to meet this requirement. Unfortunately, despite these clear advances, state-of-the-art delivery agents still suffer from relatively low intracellular delivery efficiencies. Notably, our current understanding of the intracellular delivery process is largely oversimplified. Gaining mechanistic insight into how RNA formulations are processed by cells will fuel rational design of the next generation of delivery carriers. In addition, identifying which intracellular pathways contribute to productive RNA delivery could provide opportunities to boost the delivery performance of existing nanoformulations. In this review, we discuss both established as well as emerging techniques that can be used to assess the impact of different intracellular barriers on RNA transfection performance. Next, we highlight how several modulators, including small molecules but also genetic perturbation technologies, can boost RNA delivery by intervening at differing stages of the intracellular delivery process, such as cellular uptake, intracellular trafficking, endosomal escape, autophagy and exocytosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thijs Van de Vyver
- Ghent Research Group on Nanomedicines, Laboratory of General Biochemistry and Physical Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ghent University, Ottergemsesteenweg 460, 9000 Ghent, Belgium.
| | - Stefaan C De Smedt
- Ghent Research Group on Nanomedicines, Laboratory of General Biochemistry and Physical Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ghent University, Ottergemsesteenweg 460, 9000 Ghent, Belgium.
| | - Koen Raemdonck
- Ghent Research Group on Nanomedicines, Laboratory of General Biochemistry and Physical Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ghent University, Ottergemsesteenweg 460, 9000 Ghent, Belgium.
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6
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Osipova O, Zakharova N, Pyankov I, Egorova A, Kislova A, Lavrentieva A, Kiselev A, Tennikova T, Korzhikova-Vlakh E. Amphiphilic pH-Sensitive polypeptides for siRNA delivery. J Drug Deliv Sci Technol 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jddst.2022.103135] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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Freitag F, Wagner E. Optimizing synthetic nucleic acid and protein nanocarriers: The chemical evolution approach. Adv Drug Deliv Rev 2021; 168:30-54. [PMID: 32246984 DOI: 10.1016/j.addr.2020.03.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2019] [Revised: 02/10/2020] [Accepted: 03/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Optimizing synthetic nanocarriers is like searching for a needle in a haystack. How to find the most suitable carrier for intracellular delivery of a specified macromolecular nanoagent for a given disease target location? Here, we review different synthetic 'chemical evolution' strategies that have been pursued. Libraries of nanocarriers have been generated either by unbiased combinatorial chemistry or by variation and novel combination of known functional delivery elements. As in natural evolution, definition of nanocarriers as sequences, as barcode or design principle, may fuel chemical evolution. Screening in appropriate test system may not only provide delivery candidates, but also a refined understanding of cellular delivery including novel, unpredictable mechanisms. Combined with rational design and computational algorithms, candidates can be further optimized in subsequent evolution cycles into nanocarriers with improved safety and efficacy. Optimization of nanocarriers differs for various cargos, as illustrated for plasmid DNA, siRNA, mRNA, proteins, or genome-editing nucleases.
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Wang Y, Wagner E. Non-Viral Targeted Nucleic Acid Delivery: Apply Sequences for Optimization. Pharmaceutics 2020; 12:E888. [PMID: 32961908 PMCID: PMC7559072 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics12090888] [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: 07/26/2020] [Revised: 09/09/2020] [Accepted: 09/15/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
In nature, genomes have been optimized by the evolution of their nucleic acid sequences. The design of peptide-like carriers as synthetic sequences provides a strategy for optimizing multifunctional targeted nucleic acid delivery in an iterative process. The optimization of sequence-defined nanocarriers differs for different nucleic acid cargos as well as their specific applications. Supramolecular self-assembly enriched the development of a virus-inspired non-viral nucleic acid delivery system. Incorporation of DNA barcodes presents a complementary approach of applying sequences for nanocarrier optimization. This strategy may greatly help to identify nucleic acid carriers that can overcome pharmacological barriers and facilitate targeted delivery in vivo. Barcode sequences enable simultaneous evaluation of multiple nucleic acid nanocarriers in a single test organism for in vivo biodistribution as well as in vivo bioactivity.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Ernst Wagner
- Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Center for System-based Drug Research, Center for NanoScience (CeNS), Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität, D-81377 Munich, Germany;
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9
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He J, Xu S, Mixson AJ. The Multifaceted Histidine-Based Carriers for Nucleic Acid Delivery: Advances and Challenges. Pharmaceutics 2020; 12:E774. [PMID: 32823960 PMCID: PMC7465012 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics12080774] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2020] [Revised: 08/06/2020] [Accepted: 08/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Histidines incorporated into carriers of nucleic acids may enhance the extracellular stability of the nanoparticle, yet aid in the intracellular disruption of the nanoparticle, enabling the release of the nucleic acid. Moreover, protonation of histidines in the endosomes may result in endosomal swelling with subsequent lysis. These properties of histidine are based on its five-member imidazole ring in which the two nitrogen atoms may form hydrogen bonds or act as a base in acidic environments. A wide variety of carriers have integrated histidines or histidine-rich domains, which include peptides, polyethylenimine, polysaccharides, platform delivery systems, viral phages, mesoporous silica particles, and liposomes. Histidine-rich carriers have played key roles in our understanding of the stability of nanocarriers and the escape of the nucleic acids from endosomes. These carriers show great promise and offer marked potential in delivering plasmids, siRNA, and mRNA to their intracellular targets.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - A. James Mixson
- Department of Pathology, University Maryland School of Medicine, 10 S. Pine St., University of Maryland, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA; (J.H.); (S.X.)
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Sugar and Polymer Excipients Enhance Uptake and Splice-Switching Activity of Peptide-Dendrimer/Lipid/Oligonucleotide Formulations. Pharmaceutics 2019; 11:pharmaceutics11120666. [PMID: 31835435 PMCID: PMC6955847 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics11120666] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2019] [Revised: 11/19/2019] [Accepted: 12/06/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Non-viral transfection vectors are commonly used for oligonucleotide (ON) delivery but face many challenges before reaching the desired compartments inside cells. With the support of additional compounds, it might be more feasible for a vector to endure the barriers and achieve efficient delivery. In this report, we screened 18 different excipients and evaluated their effect on the performance of peptide dendrimer/lipid vector to deliver single-stranded, splice-switching ONs under serum conditions. Transfection efficiency was monitored in four different reporter cell lines by measuring splice-switching activity on RNA and protein levels. All reporter cell lines used had a mutated human β-globin intron 2 sequence interrupting the luciferase gene, which led to an aberrant splicing of luciferase pre-mRNA and subsidence of luciferase protein translation. In the HeLa Luc/705 reporter cell line (a cervical cancer cell line), the lead excipients (Polyvinyl derivatives) potentiated the splice-switching activity up to 95-fold, compared to untreated cells with no detected cytotoxicity. Physical characterization revealed that lead excipients decreased the particle size and the zeta potential of the formulations. In vivo biodistribution studies emphasized the influence of formulations as well as the type of excipients on biodistribution profiles of the ON. Subsequently, we suggest that the highlighted impact of tested excipients would potentially assist in formulation development to deliver ON therapeutics in pre-clinical and clinical settings.
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11
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Strategies in the design of endosomolytic agents for facilitating endosomal escape in nanoparticles. Biochimie 2019; 160:61-75. [DOI: 10.1016/j.biochi.2019.02.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2018] [Accepted: 02/19/2019] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
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12
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Receptor-mediated delivery of therapeutic RNA by peptide functionalized curdlan nanoparticles. Int J Biol Macromol 2019; 126:633-640. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2018.12.152] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2018] [Revised: 12/03/2018] [Accepted: 12/16/2018] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
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13
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Saher O, Rocha CSJ, Zaghloul EM, Wiklander OPB, Zamolo S, Heitz M, Ezzat K, Gupta D, Reymond JL, Zain R, Hollfelder F, Darbre T, Lundin KE, El Andaloussi S, Smith CIE. Novel peptide-dendrimer/lipid/oligonucleotide ternary complexes for efficient cellular uptake and improved splice-switching activity. Eur J Pharm Biopharm 2018; 132:29-40. [PMID: 30193928 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejpb.2018.09.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2018] [Revised: 08/15/2018] [Accepted: 09/03/2018] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Despite the advances in gene therapy and in oligonucleotide (ON) chemistry, efficient cellular delivery remains an obstacle. Most current transfection reagents suffer from low efficacy or high cytotoxicity. In this report, we describe the synergism between lipid and dendrimer delivery vectors to enhance the transfection efficiency, while avoiding high toxicity. We screened a library of 20 peptide dendrimers representing three different generations and evaluated their capability to deliver a single-stranded splice-switching ON after formulating with lipids (DOTMA/DOPE). The transfection efficiency was analyzed in 5 reporter cell lines, in serum-free and serum conditions, and with 5 different formulation protocols. All formulations displayed low cytotoxicity to the majority of the tested cell lines. The complex sizes were < 200 nm; particle size distributions of effective mixtures were < 80 nm; and, the zeta potential was dependent on the formulation buffer used. The best dendrimer enhanced transfection in a HeLa reporter cell line by 30-fold compared to untreated cells under serum-free conditions. Interestingly, addition of sucrose to the formulation enabled - for the first time - peptide dendrimers/lipid complexes to efficiently deliver splice-switching ON in the presence of serum, reaching 40-fold increase in splice switching. Finally, in vivo studies highlighted the potential of these formulae to change the biodistribution pattern to be more towards the liver (90% of injected dose) compared to the kidneys (5% of injected dose) or to unformulated ON. This success encourages further development of peptide dendrimer complexes active in serum and future investigation of mechanisms behind the influence of additives on transfection efficacy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Osama Saher
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Clinical Research Center, Karolinska Institutet, Karolinska University Hospital Huddinge, 141 86 Huddinge, Sweden; Department Pharmaceutics and Industrial Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt.
| | - Cristina S J Rocha
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Clinical Research Center, Karolinska Institutet, Karolinska University Hospital Huddinge, 141 86 Huddinge, Sweden
| | - Eman M Zaghloul
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Clinical Research Center, Karolinska Institutet, Karolinska University Hospital Huddinge, 141 86 Huddinge, Sweden
| | - Oscar P B Wiklander
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Clinical Research Center, Karolinska Institutet, Karolinska University Hospital Huddinge, 141 86 Huddinge, Sweden
| | - Susanna Zamolo
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Bern, Freiestrasse 3, 3012 Bern, Switzerland
| | - Marc Heitz
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Bern, Freiestrasse 3, 3012 Bern, Switzerland
| | - Kariem Ezzat
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Clinical Research Center, Karolinska Institutet, Karolinska University Hospital Huddinge, 141 86 Huddinge, Sweden
| | - Dhanu Gupta
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Clinical Research Center, Karolinska Institutet, Karolinska University Hospital Huddinge, 141 86 Huddinge, Sweden
| | - Jean-Louis Reymond
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Bern, Freiestrasse 3, 3012 Bern, Switzerland
| | - Rula Zain
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Clinical Research Center, Karolinska Institutet, Karolinska University Hospital Huddinge, 141 86 Huddinge, Sweden; Department of Clinical Genetics, Centre for Rare Diseases, Karolinska University Hospital, SE-171 76 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Florian Hollfelder
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Cambridge 80 Tennis Court Road, Cambridge CB2 1GA, UK
| | - Tamis Darbre
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Bern, Freiestrasse 3, 3012 Bern, Switzerland
| | - Karin E Lundin
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Clinical Research Center, Karolinska Institutet, Karolinska University Hospital Huddinge, 141 86 Huddinge, Sweden
| | - Samir El Andaloussi
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Clinical Research Center, Karolinska Institutet, Karolinska University Hospital Huddinge, 141 86 Huddinge, Sweden
| | - C I Edvard Smith
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Clinical Research Center, Karolinska Institutet, Karolinska University Hospital Huddinge, 141 86 Huddinge, Sweden.
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14
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Ho JK, White PJ, Pouton CW. Self-Crosslinking Lipopeptide/DNA/PEGylated Particles: A New Platform for DNA Vaccination Designed for Assembly in Aqueous Solution. MOLECULAR THERAPY. NUCLEIC ACIDS 2018; 12:504-517. [PMID: 30195787 PMCID: PMC6077166 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtn.2018.05.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2017] [Revised: 05/20/2018] [Accepted: 05/30/2018] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Delivery of plasmids for gene expression in vivo is an inefficient process that requires improvement and optimization to unlock the clinical potential of DNA vaccines. With ease of manufacture and biocompatibility in mind, we explored condensation of DNA in aqueous solution with a self-crosslinking, endosome-escaping lipopeptide (LP), stearoyl-Cys-His-His-Lys-Lys-Lys-amide (stearoyl-CH2K3), to produce cationic LP/DNA complexes. To test whether poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG)-ylation of these cationic complexes to neutralize the surface charge would improve the distribution, gene expression, and immune responses poly(ethylene glycol), these LP/DNA complexes were combined with 1,2-distearoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphoethanolamine-N-[methoxy(polyethylene glycol)-2000] (DSPE-PEG2000). Fluorescence imaging illustrated that the cationic complexes exhibited the highest degree of localization and lowest degree of dispersion throughout the injected muscle, suggesting impaired mobility of cationic particles upon administration. Nanoluciferase reporter assays over a 90-day period demonstrated that gene expression levels in muscle were highest for PEGylated particles, with over a 200-fold higher level of expression than the cationic particles observed at 30 days. Humoral and cell-mediated immune responses were evaluated in vivo after injection of an ovalbumin expression plasmid. PEGylation improved both immune responses to the DNA complexes in mice. Overall, this suggests that PEGylation of cationic lipopeptide complexes can significantly improve both the transgene expression and immunogenicity of intramuscular DNA vaccines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joan K Ho
- Drug Delivery, Disposition and Dynamics, Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University (Parkville Campus), Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Paul J White
- Drug Discovery Biology, Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University (Parkville Campus), Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Colin W Pouton
- Drug Delivery, Disposition and Dynamics, Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University (Parkville Campus), Melbourne, VIC, Australia.
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15
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Chiang YT, Lyu SY, Wen YH, Lo CL. Preparation and Characterization of Electrostatically Crosslinked Polymer⁻Liposomes in Anticancer Therapy. Int J Mol Sci 2018; 19:E1615. [PMID: 29848991 PMCID: PMC6032249 DOI: 10.3390/ijms19061615] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2018] [Revised: 05/27/2018] [Accepted: 05/28/2018] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
pH-sensitive polymer⁻liposomes can rapidly release their payloads. However, it is difficult to simultaneously achieve stability and pH-responsiveness in the polymer⁻liposomes. In this study, stable and pH-sensitive crosslinked polymer⁻liposomes were fabricated through electrostatic interactions. The pH-sensitive copolymer methoxy poly(ethylene glycol)-block-poly(methacrylic acid)-cholesterol (mPEG-b-P(MAAc)-chol) and crosslinking reagent poly(ethylene glycol) with end-capped with lysine (PEG-Lys2) were synthesized and characterized. At physiological conditions, the pH-sensitive copolymers were anionic and interacted electrostatically with the cationic crosslinker PEG-Lys2, forming the electrostatically-crosslinked polymer⁻liposomes and stabilizing the liposomal structure. At pH 5.0, the carboxylic groups in mPEG-b-P(MAAc)-chol were neutralized, and the liposomal structure was destroyed. The particle size of the crosslinked polymer⁻liposomes was approximately 140 nm and the polymer⁻liposomes were loaded with the anticancer drug doxorubicin. At pH 7.4, the crosslinked polymer⁻liposomes exhibited good stability with steady particle size and low drug leakage, even in the presence of fetal bovine serum. At pH 5.0, the architecture of the crosslinked polymer⁻liposomes was damaged following rapid drug release, as observed by using transmission electron microscopy and their apparent size variation. The crosslinked polymer⁻liposomes were pH-sensitive within the endosome and in the human breast cancer cells MDA-MB-231, as determined by using confocal laser scanning microscopy. The intracellular drug release profiles indicated cytotoxicity in cancer cells. These results indicated that the highly-stable and pH-sensitive electrostatically-crosslinked polymer⁻liposomes offered a potent drug-delivery system for use in anticancer therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi-Ting Chiang
- School of Pharmacy, China Medical University, Taichung City 402, Taiwan.
| | - Sih-Ying Lyu
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, National Yang Ming University, Taipei City 112, Taiwan.
| | - Yu-Han Wen
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, National Yang Ming University, Taipei City 112, Taiwan.
| | - Chun-Liang Lo
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, National Yang Ming University, Taipei City 112, Taiwan.
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16
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Goel R, Garg C, Gautam HK, Sharma AK, Kumar P, Gupta A. Fabrication of cationic nanostructures from short self-assembling amphiphilic mixed α/β-pentapeptide: Potential candidates for drug delivery, gene delivery, and antimicrobial applications. Int J Biol Macromol 2018; 111:880-893. [PMID: 29355630 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2018.01.079] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2017] [Revised: 01/11/2018] [Accepted: 01/12/2018] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
The present article describes designing and fabrication of nanostructures from a mixed α/β-pentapeptide, Lys-βAla-βAla-Lys-βAla, which majorly contains non-natural β-alanine residues in the backbone with two α-lysine residues at 1- and 4-positions. The amphiphilic pentapeptide showed the ability to self-assemble into cationic nanovesicles in an aqueous solution. The average size of peptide nanostructures was found to be ~270 nm with a very high cationic charge of ~+40 mV. TEM micrographs revealed the average size of the same nanostructures ~80 nm bearing vesicular morphology. CD and FTIR spectroscopic studies on self-assembled pentapeptide hinted at random coil conformation which was also correlated with conformational search program using Hyper Chem 8.0. The pentapeptide nanostructures were then tested for encapsulation of hydrophobic model drug moieties, L-Dopa, and curcumin. Transfection efficiency of the generated cationic nanostructures was evaluated on HEK293 cells and compared the results with those obtained in the presence of chloroquine. The cytotoxicity assay performed using MTT depicted ~75-80% cell viability. The obtained nanostructures also gave positive results against both Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacterial strains. Altogether the results advocate the promising potential of the pentapeptide foldamer, H-Lys-βAla-βAla-Lys-βAla-OEt, for drug and gene delivery applications along with the antimicrobial activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rahul Goel
- Department of Chemistry, Dyal Singh College, University of Delhi, Lodhi Road, New Delhi 110003, India
| | - Charu Garg
- Department of Chemistry, Dyal Singh College, University of Delhi, Lodhi Road, New Delhi 110003, India; Nucleic Acids Research Laboratory, CSIR-Institute of Genomics and Integrative Biology, Delhi University Campus, Mall Road, Delhi 110007, India
| | - Hemant Kumar Gautam
- Microbial Technology Laboratory, CSIR-Institute of Genomics and Integrative Biology, Sukhdev Vihar, Mathura Road, New Delhi 110025, India
| | - Ashwani Kumar Sharma
- Nucleic Acids Research Laboratory, CSIR-Institute of Genomics and Integrative Biology, Delhi University Campus, Mall Road, Delhi 110007, India
| | - Pradeep Kumar
- Nucleic Acids Research Laboratory, CSIR-Institute of Genomics and Integrative Biology, Delhi University Campus, Mall Road, Delhi 110007, India
| | - Alka Gupta
- Department of Chemistry, Dyal Singh College, University of Delhi, Lodhi Road, New Delhi 110003, India.
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17
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Krhac Levacic A, Morys S, Wagner E. Solid-phase supported design of carriers for therapeutic nucleic acid delivery. Biosci Rep 2017; 37:BSR20160617. [PMID: 28963371 PMCID: PMC5662914 DOI: 10.1042/bsr20160617] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [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: 07/17/2017] [Revised: 09/26/2017] [Accepted: 09/27/2017] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Nucleic acid molecules are important therapeutic agents in the field of antisense oligonucleotide, RNA interference, and gene therapies. Since nucleic acids are not able to cross cell membranes and enter efficiently into cells on their own, the development of efficient, safe, and precise delivery systems is the crucial challenge for development of nucleic acid therapeutics. For the delivery of nucleic acids to their intracellular site of action, either the cytosol or the nucleus, several extracellular and intracellular barriers have to be overcome. Multifunctional carriers may handle the different special requirements of each barrier. The complexity of such macromolecules however poses a new hurdle in medical translation, which is the chemical production in reproducible and well-defined form. Solid-phase assisted synthesis (SPS) presents a solution for this challenge. The current review provides an overview on the design and SPS of precise sequence-defined synthetic carriers for nucleic acid cargos.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Krhac Levacic
- Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Center for System-Based Drug Research, and Center for NanoScience (CeNS), Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Butenandtstrasse 5-13, D-81377 Munich, Germany
| | - Stephan Morys
- Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Center for System-Based Drug Research, and Center for NanoScience (CeNS), Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Butenandtstrasse 5-13, D-81377 Munich, Germany
| | - Ernst Wagner
- Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Center for System-Based Drug Research, and Center for NanoScience (CeNS), Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Butenandtstrasse 5-13, D-81377 Munich, Germany
- Nanosystems Initiative Munich, Schellingstrasse 4, D-80799 Munich, Germany
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18
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Zhang P, Wagner E. History of Polymeric Gene Delivery Systems. Top Curr Chem (Cham) 2017; 375:26. [PMID: 28181193 DOI: 10.1007/s41061-017-0112-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2016] [Accepted: 01/24/2017] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
As an option for genetic disease treatment and an alternative for traditional cancer chemotherapy, gene therapy achieves significant attention. Nucleic acid delivery, however, remains a main challenge in human gene therapy. Polymer-based delivery systems offer a safer and promising route for therapeutic gene delivery. Over the past five decades, various cationic polymers have been optimized for increasingly effective nucleic acid transfer. This resulted in a chemical evolution of cationic polymers from the first-generation polycations towards bioinspired multifunctional sequence-defined polymers and nanocomposites. With the increasing of knowledge in molecular biological processes and rapid progress of macromolecular chemistry, further improvement of polymeric nucleic acid delivery systems will provide effective tool for gene-based therapy in the near future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peng Zhang
- Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Center for System-Based Drug Research Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität, 81377, Munich, Germany. .,Nanosystems Initiative Munich (NIM), 80799, Munich, Germany.
| | - Ernst Wagner
- Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Center for System-Based Drug Research Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität, 81377, Munich, Germany.,Nanosystems Initiative Munich (NIM), 80799, Munich, Germany.,Center for NanoScience (CeNS), Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität, 80799, Munich, Germany
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19
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Tissue-specific Calibration of Real-time PCR Facilitates Absolute Quantification of Plasmid DNA in Biodistribution Studies. MOLECULAR THERAPY - NUCLEIC ACIDS 2016; 5:e371. [PMID: 27701400 PMCID: PMC5095683 DOI: 10.1038/mtna.2016.79] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2015] [Accepted: 08/18/2016] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Analysis of the tissue distribution of plasmid DNA after administration of nonviral gene delivery systems is best accomplished using quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR), although published strategies do not allow determination of the absolute mass of plasmid delivered to different tissues. Generally, data is expressed as the mass of plasmid relative to the mass of genomic DNA (gDNA) in the sample. This strategy is adequate for comparisons of efficiency of delivery to a single site but it does not allow direct comparison of delivery to multiple tissues, as the mass of gDNA extracted per unit mass of each tissue is different. We show here that by constructing qPCR standard curves for each tissue it is possible to determine the dose of intact plasmid remaining in each tissue, which is a more useful parameter when comparing the fates of different formulations of DNA. We exemplify the use of this tissue-specific qPCR method by comparing the delivery of naked DNA, cationic DNA complexes, and neutral PEGylated DNA complexes after intramuscular injection. Generally, larger masses of intact plasmid were present 24 hours after injection of DNA complexes, and neutral complexes resulted in delivery of a larger mass of intact plasmid to the spleen.
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20
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Leng Q, Chou ST, Scaria PV, Woodle MC, Mixson AJ. Increased tumor distribution and expression of histidine-rich plasmid polyplexes. J Gene Med 2015; 16:317-28. [PMID: 25303767 PMCID: PMC4242722 DOI: 10.1002/jgm.2807] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2014] [Accepted: 09/10/2014] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Selecting nonviral carriers for in vivo gene delivery is often dependent on determining the optimal carriers from transfection assays in vitro. The rationale behind this in vitro strategy is to cast a net sufficiently wide to identify the few effective carriers of plasmids for in vivo studies. Nevertheless, many effective in vivo carriers may be overlooked by this strategy because of the marked differences between in vitro and in vivo assays. Methods After solid-phase synthesis of linear and branched histidine/lysine (HK) peptides, the two peptide carriers were compared for their ability to transfect MDA-MB-435 tumor cells in vitro and then in vivo. Results By contrast to their transfection activity in vitro, the linear H2K carrier of plasmids was far more effective in vivo compared to the branch H2K4b. Surprisingly, negatively-charged polyplexes formed by the linear H2K peptide gave higher transfection in vivo than did those with a positive surface charge. To examine the distribution of plasmid expression within the tumor from H2K polyplexes, we found widespread expression by immunohistochemical staining. With a fluorescent tdTomato expressing-plasmid, we confirmed a pervasive distribution and gene expression within the tumor mediated by the H2K polyplex. Conclusions Although mechanisms underlying the efficiency of gene expression are probably multifactorial, unpacking of the H2K polyplex within the tumor appears to have a significant role. Further development of these H2K polyplexes represents an attractive approach for plasmid-based therapies of cancer. © 2014 The Authors. The Journal of Gene Medicine published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qixin Leng
- Department of Pathology, University Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
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21
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Lächelt U, Wagner E. Nucleic Acid Therapeutics Using Polyplexes: A Journey of 50 Years (and Beyond). Chem Rev 2015; 115:11043-78. [DOI: 10.1021/cr5006793] [Citation(s) in RCA: 418] [Impact Index Per Article: 46.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Ulrich Lächelt
- Pharmaceutical
Biotechnology, Department of Pharmacy, Ludwig Maximilians Universität, 81377 Munich, Germany
- Nanosystems
Initiative
Munich (NIM), 80799 Munich, Germany
| | - Ernst Wagner
- Pharmaceutical
Biotechnology, Department of Pharmacy, Ludwig Maximilians Universität, 81377 Munich, Germany
- Nanosystems
Initiative
Munich (NIM), 80799 Munich, Germany
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22
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Kosbar TR, Sofan MA, Waly MA, Pedersen EB. Anti-parallel triplexes: Synthesis of 8-aza-7-deazaadenine nucleosides with a 3-aminopropynyl side-chain and its corresponding LNA analog. Bioorg Med Chem 2015; 23:2458-69. [PMID: 25868748 DOI: 10.1016/j.bmc.2015.03.050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2015] [Revised: 03/13/2015] [Accepted: 03/19/2015] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
The phosphoramidites of DNA monomers of 7-(3-aminopropyn-1-yl)-8-aza-7-deazaadenine (Y) and 7-(3-aminopropyn-1-yl)-8-aza-7-deazaadenine LNA (Z) are synthesized, and the thermal stability at pH 7.2 and 8.2 of anti-parallel triplexes modified with these two monomers is determined. When, the anti-parallel TFO strand was modified with Y with one or two insertions at the end of the TFO strand, the thermal stability was increased 1.2°C and 3°C at pH 7.2, respectively, whereas one insertion in the middle of the TFO strand decreased the thermal stability 1.4°C compared to the wild type oligonucleotide. In order to be sure that the 3-aminopropyn-1-yl chain was contributing to the stability of the triplex, the nucleobase X without the aminopropynyl group was inserted in the same positions. In all cases the thermal stability was lower than the corresponding oligonucleotides carrying the 3-aminopropyn-1-yl chain, especially at the end of the TFO strand. On the other hand, the thermal stability of the anti-parallel triplex was dramatically decreased when the TFO strand was modified with the LNA monomer analog Z in the middle of the TFO strand (ΔTm=-9.1°C). Also the thermal stability decreased about 6.1°C when the TFO strand was modified with Z and the Watson-Crick strand with adenine-LNA (A(L)). The molecular modeling results showed that, in case of nucleobases Y and Z a hydrogen bond (1.69 and 1.72Ǻ, respectively) was formed between the protonated 3-aminopropyn-1-yl chain and one of the phosphate groups in Watson-Crick strand. Also, it was shown that the nucleobase Y made a good stacking and binding with the other nucleobases in the TFO and Watson-Crick duplex, respectively. In contrast, the nucleobase Z with LNA moiety was forced to twist out of plane of Watson-Crick base pair which is weakening the stacking interactions with the TFO nucleobases and the binding with the duplex part.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tamer R Kosbar
- Department of Physics, Chemistry and Pharmacy, Nucleic Acid Center, University of Southern Denmark, Campusvej 55, 5230 Odense M, Denmark; Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Damietta University, 34517 New Damietta, Damietta, Egypt
| | - Mamdouh A Sofan
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Damietta University, 34517 New Damietta, Damietta, Egypt
| | - Mohamed A Waly
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Damietta University, 34517 New Damietta, Damietta, Egypt
| | - Erik B Pedersen
- Department of Physics, Chemistry and Pharmacy, Nucleic Acid Center, University of Southern Denmark, Campusvej 55, 5230 Odense M, Denmark.
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23
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Kos P, Lächelt U, Herrmann A, Mickler FM, Döblinger M, He D, Krhač Levačić A, Morys S, Bräuchle C, Wagner E. Histidine-rich stabilized polyplexes for cMet-directed tumor-targeted gene transfer. NANOSCALE 2015; 7:5350-5362. [PMID: 25721131 DOI: 10.1039/c4nr06556e] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
Overexpression of the hepatocyte growth factor receptor/c-Met proto oncogene on the surface of a variety of tumor cells gives an opportunity to specifically target cancerous tissues. Herein, we report the first use of c-Met as receptor for non-viral tumor-targeted gene delivery. Sequence-defined oligomers comprising the c-Met binding peptide ligand cMBP2 for targeting, a monodisperse polyethylene glycol (PEG) for polyplex surface shielding, and various cationic (oligoethanamino) amide cores containing terminal cysteines for redox-sensitive polyplex stabilization, were assembled by solid-phase supported syntheses. The resulting oligomers exhibited a greatly enhanced cellular uptake and gene transfer over non-targeted control sequences, confirming the efficacy and target-specificity of the formed polyplexes. Implementation of endosomal escape-promoting histidines in the cationic core was required for gene expression without additional endosomolytic agent. The histidine-enriched polyplexes demonstrated stability in serum as well as receptor-specific gene transfer in vivo upon intratumoral injection. The co-formulation with an analogous PEG-free cationic oligomer led to a further compaction of pDNA polyplexes with an obvious change of shape as demonstrated by transmission electron microscopy. Such compaction was critically required for efficient intravenous gene delivery which resulted in greatly enhanced, cMBP2 ligand-dependent gene expression in the distant tumor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Petra Kos
- Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Center for System-based Drug Research, Ludwig Maximilians University Munich, Butenandtstrasse 5-13, D-81377 Munich, Germany.
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24
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He D, Wagner E. Defined Polymeric Materials for Gene Delivery. Macromol Biosci 2015; 15:600-12. [DOI: 10.1002/mabi.201400524] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2014] [Accepted: 01/12/2015] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Dongsheng He
- Pharmaceutical Biotechnology; Center for System-based Drug Research and Center for NanoScience (CeNS); Ludwig-Maximilians-University; 81377 Munich Germany
| | - Ernst Wagner
- Pharmaceutical Biotechnology; Center for System-based Drug Research and Center for NanoScience (CeNS); Ludwig-Maximilians-University; 81377 Munich Germany
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25
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More HT, Frezzo JA, Dai J, Yamano S, Montclare JK. Gene delivery from supercharged coiled-coil protein and cationic lipid hybrid complex. Biomaterials 2014; 35:7188-93. [PMID: 24875765 DOI: 10.1016/j.biomaterials.2014.05.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2014] [Accepted: 05/01/2014] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
A lipoproteoplex comprised of an engineered supercharged coiled-coil protein (CSP) bearing multiple arginines and the cationic lipid formulation FuGENE HD (FG) was developed for effective condensation and delivery of nucleic acids. The CSP was able to maintain helical structure and self-assembly properties while exhibiting binding to plasmid DNA. The ternary CSP·DNA(8:1)·FG lipoproteoplex complex demonstrated enhanced transfection of β-galactosidase DNA into MC3T3-E1 mouse preosteoblasts. The lipoproteoplexes showed significant increases in transfection efficiency when compared to conventional FG and an mTat·FG lipopolyplex with a 6- and 2.5-fold increase in transfection, respectively. The CSP·DNA(8:1)·FG lipoproteoplex assembled into spherical particles with a net positive surface charge, enabling efficient gene delivery. These results support the application of lipoproteoplexes with protein engineered CSP for non-viral gene delivery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haresh T More
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, New York University Polytechnic School of Engineering, 6 Metrotech Center, Brooklyn, NY 11201, USA
| | - Joseph A Frezzo
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, New York University Polytechnic School of Engineering, 6 Metrotech Center, Brooklyn, NY 11201, USA
| | - Jisen Dai
- Department of Prosthodontics, New York University College of Dentistry, New York, NY 10010, USA
| | - Seiichi Yamano
- Department of Prosthodontics, New York University College of Dentistry, New York, NY 10010, USA
| | - Jin K Montclare
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, New York University Polytechnic School of Engineering, 6 Metrotech Center, Brooklyn, NY 11201, USA.
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Principles of electrostatic interactions and self-assembly in lipid/peptide/DNA systems: applications to gene delivery. Adv Colloid Interface Sci 2014; 205:221-9. [PMID: 24055029 DOI: 10.1016/j.cis.2013.08.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2013] [Revised: 08/23/2013] [Accepted: 08/23/2013] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Recently, great progress has been achieved in development of a wide variety of formulations for gene delivery in vitro and in vivo, which include lipids, peptides and DNA (LPD). Additionally, application of natural histone-DNA complexes (chromatin) in combination with transfection lipids has been suggested as a potential route for gene delivery (chromofection). However, the thermodynamic mechanisms responsible for formation of the ternary lipid-peptide-DNA supramolecular structures have rarely been analyzed. Using recent experimental studies on LPD complexes (including mixtures of chromatin with cationic lipids) and general polyelectrolyte theory, we review and analyze the major determinants defining the internal structure, particle composition and size, surface charge and ultimately, transfection properties of the LPD formulations.
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28
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Mann A, Shukla V, Khanduri R, Dabral S, Singh H, Ganguli M. Linear short histidine and cysteine modified arginine peptides constitute a potential class of DNA delivery agents. Mol Pharm 2014; 11:683-96. [PMID: 24476132 DOI: 10.1021/mp400353n] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
The success of gene therapy relies on the development of safe and efficient multifunctional carriers of nucleic acids that can overcome extra- and intracellular barriers, protect the nucleic acid and mediate its release at the desired site allowing gene expression. Peptides bear unique properties that are indispensable for any carrier, e.g., they can mediate DNA condensation, cellular targeting, membrane translocation, endosomal escape and nuclear localization. In an effort to design a multifunctional peptide, we have modified an arginine homopeptide R16 by replacement of seven arginines with histidines and addition of one cysteine at each end respectively to impart endosomal escape property while maintaining the DNA condensation and release balance. Addition of histidines imparts endosomal escape property to arginine homopeptide, but their arrangement with respect to arginines is more critical in controlling DNA condensation, release and transfection efficiency. Intriguingly, R5H7R4 peptide where charge/arginine is distributed in blocks is preferred for strong condensation while more efficient transfection is seen in the variants R9H7 and H4R9H3, which exhibit weak condensation and strong release. Addition of cysteine to each of these peptides further fine-tuned the condensation-release balance without application of any oxidative procedure unlike other similar systems reported in the literature. This resulted in a large increase in the transfection efficiency in all of the histidine modified peptides irrespective of the arginine and histidine positions. This series of multifunctional peptides shows comparable transfection efficiency to commercially available transfection reagent Lipofectamine 2000 at low charge ratios, with simple preparative procedure and exhibits much less toxicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anita Mann
- CSIR-Institute of Genomics and Integrative Biology , Mall Road (near Jubilee Hall), Delhi 110 007, India
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29
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Abstract
For the last five decades cationic polymers have been used for nucleic acids transfection. Our understanding of polymer-nucleic acid interactions and their rational use in delivery has continuously increased. The great improvements in macromolecular chemistry and the recognition of distinct biological extra- and intracellular delivery hurdles triggered several breakthrough developments, including the discovery of natural and synthetic polycations for compaction of nucleic acids into stable nanoparticles termed polyplexes; the incorporation of targeting ligands and surface-shielding of polyplexes to enable receptor-mediated gene delivery into defined target tissues; and strongly improved intracellular transfer efficacy by better endosomal escape of vesicle-trapped polyplexes into the cytosol. These experiences triggered the development of second-generation polymers with more dynamic properties, such as endosomal pH-responsive release mechanisms, or biodegradable units for improved biocompatibility and intracellular release of the nucleic acid pay load. Despite a better biological understanding, significant challenges such as efficient nuclear delivery and persistence of gene expression persist. The therapeutic perspectives widened from pDNA-based gene therapy to application of novel therapeutic nucleic acids including mRNA, siRNA, and microRNA. The finding that different therapeutic pay loads require different tailor-made carriers complicates preclinical developments. Convincing evidence of medical efficacy still remains to be demonstrated. Bioinspired multifunctional polyplexes resembling "synthetic viruses" appear as attractive opportunity, but provide additional challenges: how to identify optimum combinations of functional delivery units, and how to prepare such polyplexes reproducibly in precise form? Design of sequence-defined polymers, screening of combinatorial polymer and polyplex libraries are tools for further chemical evolution of polyplexes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ernst Wagner
- Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Department of Pharmacy, Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich, and Nanosystems Initiative Munich (NIM), Munich, Germany
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30
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Chou ST, Hom K, Zhang D, Leng Q, Tricoli LJ, Hustedt JM, Lee A, Shapiro MJ, Seog J, Kahn JD, Mixson AJ. Enhanced silencing and stabilization of siRNA polyplexes by histidine-mediated hydrogen bonds. Biomaterials 2013; 35:846-55. [PMID: 24161165 DOI: 10.1016/j.biomaterials.2013.10.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2013] [Accepted: 10/04/2013] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
Branched peptides containing histidines and lysines (HK) have been shown to be effective carriers for DNA and siRNA. We anticipate that elucidation of the binding mechanism of HK with siRNA will provide greater insight into the self-assembly and delivery of the HK:siRNA polyplex. Non-covalent bonds between histidine residues and nucleic acids may enhance the stability of siRNA polyplexes. We first compared the polyplex biophysical properties of a branched HK with those of branched asparagine-lysine peptide (NK). Consistent with siRNA silencing experiments, gel electrophoresis demonstrated that the HK siRNA polyplex maintained its integrity with prolonged incubation in serum, whereas siRNA in complex with NK was degraded in a time-dependent manner. Isothermal titration calorimetry of various peptides binding to siRNA at pH 7.3 showed that branched polylysine, interacted with siRNA was initially endothermic, whereas branched HK exhibited an exothermic reaction at initial binding. The exothermic interaction indicates formation of non-ionic bonds between histidines and siRNA; purely electrostatic interaction is entropy-driven and endothermic. To investigate the type of non-ionic bond, we studied the protonation state of imidazole rings of a selectively (15)N labeled branched HK by heteronuclear single quantum coherence NMR. The peak of Nδ1-H tautomers of imidazole shifted downfield (in the direction of deprotonation) by 0.5-1.0 ppm with addition of siRNA, providing direct evidence that histidines formed hydrogen bonds with siRNA at physiological pH. These results establish that histidine-rich peptides form hydrogen bonds with siRNA, thereby enhancing the stability and biological activity of the polyplex in vitro and in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Szu-Ting Chou
- Department of Pathology, University of Maryland Baltimore, MSTF Building, 10 South Pine Street, Baltimore, MD 21201, United States; Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of Maryland, College Park, MD 20742, United States.
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Parhiz H, Shier WT, Ramezani M. From rationally designed polymeric and peptidic systems to sophisticated gene delivery nano-vectors. Int J Pharm 2013; 457:237-59. [PMID: 24060371 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpharm.2013.09.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2013] [Revised: 08/21/2013] [Accepted: 09/17/2013] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Lack of safe, efficient and controllable methods for delivering therapeutic genes appears to be the most important factor preventing human gene therapy. Safety issues encountered with viral vectors have prompted substantial attention to in vivo investigations with non-viral vectors throughout the past decade. However, developing non-viral vectors with effectiveness comparable to viral ones has been a challenge. The strategy of designing multifunctional synthetic carriers targeting several extracellular and intracellular barriers in the gene transfer pathway has emerged as a promising approach to improving the efficacy of gene delivery systems. This review will explain how sophisticated synthetic vectors can be created by combining conventional polycationic vectors such as polyethylenimine and basic amino acid peptides with additional polymers and peptides that are designed to overcome potential barriers to the gene delivery process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hamideh Parhiz
- Pharmaceutical Research Center, Department of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, School of Pharmacy, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, P.O. Box 91775-1365, Mashhad, Iran
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Shi J, Schellinger JG, Johnson RN, Choi JL, Chou B, Anghel EL, Pun SH. Influence of histidine incorporation on buffer capacity and gene transfection efficiency of HPMA-co-oligolysine brush polymers. Biomacromolecules 2013; 14:1961-70. [PMID: 23641942 DOI: 10.1021/bm400342f] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
One of the major intracellular barriers to nonviral gene delivery is efficient endosomal escape. The incorporation of histidine residues into polymeric constructs has been found to increase endosomal escape via the proton sponge effect. Statistical and diblock copolymers of N-(2-hydroxypropyl)methacrylamide (HPMA), oligolysine, and oligohistidine were synthesized via reversible-addition fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) polymerization and tested for in vitro transfection efficiency, buffering ability, and polyplex uptake mechanism via the use of chemical endocytic inhibitors. Interestingly, histidine-containing statistical and diblock polymers exhibited increased buffer capacity in different endosomal pH ranges. Statistical copolymers transfected better than block copolymers that contained similar amounts of histidine. In addition, only the polymer containing the highest incorporation of oligohistidine residues led to increases in transfection efficiency over the HPMA-oligolysine base polymer. Thus, for these polymer architectures, high histidine incorporation may be required for efficient endosomal escape. Furthermore, inhibitor studies indicate that nonacidified caveolae-mediated endocytosis may be the primary route of transfection for these copolymers, suggesting that alternative approaches for increasing endosomal escape may be beneficial for enhancing transfection efficiency with these HPMA-oligolysine copolymers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julie Shi
- Department of Bioengineering and Molecular Engineering & Sciences Institute, University of Washington , 3720 15th Avenue NE, Box 355061, Seattle, Washington 98195, United States
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33
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Miki K, Inoue T, Ohe K. Metathesis Polymerization-Based Synthesis of Functionalized Polymers Aiming at Medicinal Application. J SYN ORG CHEM JPN 2013. [DOI: 10.5059/yukigoseikyokaishi.71.601] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
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34
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Welser K, Campbell F, Kudsiova L, Mohammadi A, Dawson N, Hart SL, Barlow DJ, Hailes HC, Lawrence MJ, Tabor AB. Gene Delivery Using Ternary Lipopolyplexes Incorporating Branched Cationic Peptides: The Role of Peptide Sequence and Branching. Mol Pharm 2012; 10:127-41. [DOI: 10.1021/mp300187t] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Katharina Welser
- Department of Chemistry, University
College London, Christopher Ingold Laboratories, 20 Gordon Street,
London WC1H 0AJ, U.K
| | - Frederick Campbell
- Department of Chemistry, University
College London, Christopher Ingold Laboratories, 20 Gordon Street,
London WC1H 0AJ, U.K
| | - Laila Kudsiova
- Institute
of Pharmaceutical
Science, King’s College London, Franklin-Wilkins Building,
150 Stamford Street, Waterloo Campus, London SE1 9NH, U.K
| | - Atefeh Mohammadi
- Department of Chemistry, University
College London, Christopher Ingold Laboratories, 20 Gordon Street,
London WC1H 0AJ, U.K
| | - Natalie Dawson
- Department of Chemistry, University
College London, Christopher Ingold Laboratories, 20 Gordon Street,
London WC1H 0AJ, U.K
| | - Stephen L. Hart
- Wolfson Centre for Gene Therapy
of Childhood Disease, UCL Institute of Child Health, 30 Guilford Street,
London WC1N 1EH, U.K
| | - David J. Barlow
- Institute
of Pharmaceutical
Science, King’s College London, Franklin-Wilkins Building,
150 Stamford Street, Waterloo Campus, London SE1 9NH, U.K
| | - Helen C. Hailes
- Department of Chemistry, University
College London, Christopher Ingold Laboratories, 20 Gordon Street,
London WC1H 0AJ, U.K
| | - M. Jayne Lawrence
- Institute
of Pharmaceutical
Science, King’s College London, Franklin-Wilkins Building,
150 Stamford Street, Waterloo Campus, London SE1 9NH, U.K
| | - Alethea B. Tabor
- Department of Chemistry, University
College London, Christopher Ingold Laboratories, 20 Gordon Street,
London WC1H 0AJ, U.K
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35
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Yan J, Berezhnoy NV, Korolev N, Su CJ, Nordenskiöld L. Structure and internal organization of overcharged cationic-lipid/peptide/DNA self-assembly complexes. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA-BIOMEMBRANES 2012; 1818:1794-800. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bbamem.2012.03.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2011] [Revised: 03/15/2012] [Accepted: 03/30/2012] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
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36
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Glebova KV, Marakhonov AV, Baranova AV, Skoblov MY. Nonviral delivery systems for small interfering RNAs. Mol Biol 2012. [DOI: 10.1134/s0026893312020070] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
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Reilly MJ, Larsen JD, Sullivan MO. Histone H3 Tail Peptides and Poly(ethylenimine) Have Synergistic Effects for Gene Delivery. Mol Pharm 2012; 9:1031-40. [DOI: 10.1021/mp200372s] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Meghan J. Reilly
- Department
of Chemical Engineering, University of Delaware, Newark, Delaware 19716, United States
| | - John D. Larsen
- Department
of Chemical Engineering, University of Delaware, Newark, Delaware 19716, United States
| | - Millicent O. Sullivan
- Department
of Chemical Engineering, University of Delaware, Newark, Delaware 19716, United States
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38
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Yan J, Korolev N, Eom KD, Tam JP, Nordenskiöld L. Biophysical Properties and Supramolecular Structure of Self-Assembled Liposome/ε-Peptide/DNA Nanoparticles: Correlation with Gene Delivery. Biomacromolecules 2011; 13:124-31. [DOI: 10.1021/bm201359r] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Jiang Yan
- School of Biological Sciences, Nanyang Technological University, 60 Nanyang Drive, Singapore,
637551
| | - Nikolay Korolev
- School of Biological Sciences, Nanyang Technological University, 60 Nanyang Drive, Singapore,
637551
| | - Khee Dong Eom
- School of Biological Sciences, Nanyang Technological University, 60 Nanyang Drive, Singapore,
637551
| | - James P. Tam
- School of Biological Sciences, Nanyang Technological University, 60 Nanyang Drive, Singapore,
637551
| | - Lars Nordenskiöld
- School of Biological Sciences, Nanyang Technological University, 60 Nanyang Drive, Singapore,
637551
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39
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Scholz C, Wagner E. Therapeutic plasmid DNA versus siRNA delivery: common and different tasks for synthetic carriers. J Control Release 2011; 161:554-65. [PMID: 22123560 DOI: 10.1016/j.jconrel.2011.11.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 235] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2011] [Revised: 11/10/2011] [Accepted: 11/13/2011] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
Gene therapy offers great opportunities for the treatment of severe diseases including cancer. In recent years the design of synthetic carriers for nucleic acid delivery has become a research field of increasing interest. Studies on the delivery of plasmid DNA (pDNA) have brought up a variety of gene delivery vehicles. The more recently emerged gene silencing strategy by the intracellular delivery of small interfering RNA (siRNA) takes benefit from existing expertise in pDNA transfer. Despite common properties however, delivery of siRNA also faces distinct challenges due to apparent differences in size, stability of the formed nucleic acid complexes, the location and mechanism of action. This review emphasizes the common aspects and main differences between pDNA and siRNA delivery, taking into consideration a wide spectrum of polymer-based, lipidic and peptide carriers. Challenges and opportunities which result from these differences as well as the recent progress made in the optimization of carrier design are presented.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudia Scholz
- Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Center for System-based Drug Research, and Center for NanoScience, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität, Butenandtstrasse 5-13, 81377 Munich, Germany
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40
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Chou ST, Leng Q, Scaria P, Woodle M, Mixson AJ. Selective modification of HK peptides enhances siRNA silencing of tumor targets in vivo. Cancer Gene Ther 2011; 18:707-16. [PMID: 21818135 DOI: 10.1038/cgt.2011.40] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Abstract
Our research has focused on systemic delivery of small interference RNA (siRNA) by branched peptides composed of histidine and lysine. After studying several histidine-lysine (HK) peptides, one four-branched peptide, H3K(+H)4b, with a predominant repeating pattern of -HHHK-, was found to be an effective carrier of siRNA. Although the unmodified H3K(+H)4b carrier of siRNA targeting an oncogene was previously shown to have promise in a tumor-bearing mouse model, we sought to develop a more effective HK carrier of siRNA in this study. Our primary goal was to determine whether different ligand (cyclic RGD)-pegylation patterns on the H3K(+H)4b peptide affect siRNA delivery in vitro and in vivo. We compared the unmodified H3K(+H)4b with two modified H3K(+H)4b peptides for their ability to deliver siRNA in a tumor-bearing mouse model; one modified HK peptide, (RGD-PEG)(4)-H3K(+H)4b, had four cyclic RGD-polyethylene glycol (cRGD-PEG) conjugates per molecule, whereas the other peptide, (RGD-PEG)-H3K(+H)4b, had one cRGD-PEG per molecule. Although the modified HK peptides by themselves did not form stable nanoplexes with siRNA, combination of a highly charged unmodified HK peptide, H2K4b, with either of the modified HK peptides did form stable siRNA nanoparticles. For in vitro experiments with MDA-MB-435 cells that expressed luciferase (Luc), the H3K(+H)4b siRNA nanoplexes targeting Luc decreased its activity by 90% compared with negligible downregulation by the modified H3K(+H)4b nanoplexes (P<0.01). In contrast, the two modified H3K(+H)4b siRNA nanoplexes administered intravenously were more effective than the H3K(+H)4b nanoplexes in silencing Luc in a tumor xenograft model. The Luc activity in tumor lysates of mice administered H3K(+H)4b, (RGD-PEG)-H3K(+H)4b and (RGD-PEG)(4)-H3K(+H)4b nanoplexes decreased by 18, 35 and 75%, respectively. Thus, the siRNA nanoplex incorporating the highly modified peptide, (RGD-PEG)(4)-H3K(+H)4b, was the most effective at silencing its target in vivo (P<0.01). These studies demonstrate that selectively modified HK polymers are promising candidates for targeting oncogenes with siRNA.
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Affiliation(s)
- S-T Chou
- Department of Pathology, University of Maryland Baltimore, Baltimore, MD, USA
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41
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Troiber C, Wagner E. Nucleic Acid Carriers Based on Precise Polymer Conjugates. Bioconjug Chem 2011; 22:1737-52. [DOI: 10.1021/bc200251r] [Citation(s) in RCA: 66] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Christina Troiber
- Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Center for System-based Drug Research and Center for NanoScience (CeNS), Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität, Butenandtstrasse 5-13, 81377 Munich, Germany
| | - Ernst Wagner
- Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Center for System-based Drug Research and Center for NanoScience (CeNS), Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität, Butenandtstrasse 5-13, 81377 Munich, Germany
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42
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Abstract
Advances in genetic engineering have led to the synthesis of protein-based block copolymers with control of chemistry and molecular weight, resulting in unique physical and biological properties. The benefits from incorporating peptide blocks into copolymer designs arise from the fundamental properties of proteins to adopt ordered conformations and to undergo self-assembly, providing control over structure formation at various length scales when compared to conventional block copolymers. This review covers the synthesis, structure, assembly, properties, and applications of protein-based block copolymers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olena S Rabotyagova
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Tufts University, Medford, Massachusetts 02155, USA
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43
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Argyros O, Serginson M, Miller A, Steinke J, Thanou M. DNA and RNA delivery to the lungs using polymers. J Drug Deliv Sci Technol 2011. [DOI: 10.1016/s1773-2247(11)50050-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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44
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Wang R, Zhou L, Zhou Y, Li G, Zhu X, Gu H, Jiang X, Li H, Wu J, He L, Guo X, Zhu B, Yan D. Synthesis and gene delivery of poly(amido amine)s with different branched architecture. Biomacromolecules 2010; 11:489-95. [PMID: 20047311 DOI: 10.1021/bm901215s] [Citation(s) in RCA: 68] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
A general strategy to improve the transfection efficiency as well as lower the cytotoxicity for polycationic vectors has been developed. Through the polycondensation addition of N,N'-methylene bisacrylamide and 1-(2-aminoethyl)piperazine in a water/N,N-dimethylformamide cosolvent, a series of cationic poly(amido amine)s with same repeating units but different branched architecture have been prepared. With the increase in branched architecture, the cationic polymers become more and more compact, accompanied by the enhancement of primary and tertiary amino groups. Therefore, the buffering capacities and DNA condensation capabilities of cationic poly(amido amine)s are strengthened greatly, whereas the correspondent cytotoxicity decreases. Correspondingly, the transfection efficiency is improved by more than three orders of magnitude. The results of this study indicate that the gene delivery can be readily regulated by only changing the branched architecture of polycations.
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45
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Ulrich-Vinther M. Gene therapy methods in bone and joint disorders. ACTA ORTHOPAEDICA. SUPPLEMENTUM 2010. [DOI: 10.1080/17453690610046512] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
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46
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Matejuk A, Leng Q, Begum MD, Woodle MC, Scaria P, Chou ST, Mixson AJ. Peptide-based Antifungal Therapies against Emerging Infections. DRUG FUTURE 2010; 35:197. [PMID: 20495663 DOI: 10.1358/dof.2010.035.03.1452077] [Citation(s) in RCA: 92] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Acquired drug resistance to mycotic infections is rapidly emerging as a major medical problem. Opportunistic fungal infections create therapeutic challenges, particularly in high risk immunocompromised patients with AIDS, cancer, and those undergoing transplantation. Higher mortality and/or morbidity rates due to invasive mycosis have been increasing over the last 20 years, and in light of growing resistance to commonly used antibiotics, novel antifungal drugs and approaches are required. Currently there is considerable interest in antifungal peptides that are ubiquitous in plant and animal kingdoms. These small cationic peptides may have specific targets or may be multifunctional in their mechanism of action. On the basis of recent advances in protein engineering and solid phase syntheses, the utility and potential of selected peptides as efficient antifungal drugs with acceptable toxicity profiles are being realized. This review will discuss recent advances in peptide therapy for opportunistic fungal infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Matejuk
- Department of Pathology, University of Maryland Baltimore, MSTF Building, 10 South Pine Street, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA
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47
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Midoux P, Pichon C, Yaouanc JJ, Jaffrès PA. Chemical vectors for gene delivery: a current review on polymers, peptides and lipids containing histidine or imidazole as nucleic acids carriers. Br J Pharmacol 2009; 157:166-78. [PMID: 19459843 DOI: 10.1111/j.1476-5381.2009.00288.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 408] [Impact Index Per Article: 27.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
DNA/cationic lipid (lipoplexes), DNA/cationic polymer (polyplexes) and DNA/cationic polymer/cationic lipid (lipopolyplexes) electrostatic complexes are proposed as non-viral nucleic acids delivery systems. These DNA-nanoparticles are taken up by the cells through endocytosis processes, but the low capacity of DNA to escape from endosomes is regarded as the major limitations of their transfection efficiency. Here, we present a current report on a particular class of carriers including the polymers, peptides and lipids, which is based on the exploitation of the imidazole ring as an endosome destabilization device to favour the nucleic acids delivery in the cytosol. The imidazole ring of histidine is a weak base that has the ability to acquire a cationic charge when the pH of the environment drops bellow 6. As it has been demonstrated for poly(histidine), this phenomena can induce membrane fusion and/or membrane permeation in an acidic medium. Moreover, the accumulation of histidine residues inside acidic vesicles can induce a proton sponge effect, which increases their osmolarity and their swelling. The proof of concept has been shown with polylysine partially substituted with histidine residues that has caused a dramatic increase by 3-4.5 orders of magnitude of the transfection efficiency of DNA/polylysine polyplexes. Then, several histidine-rich polymers and peptides as well as lipids with imidazole, imidazolinium or imidazolium polar head have been reported to be efficient carriers to deliver nucleic acids including genes, mRNA or SiRNA in vitro and in vivo. More remarkable, histidylated carriers are often weakly cytotoxic, making them promising chemical vectors for nucleic acids delivery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrick Midoux
- Centre de Biophysique Moléculaire CNRS UPR 4301 affiliated to the University of Orléans and Inserm, rue Charles Sadron, F-45071 Orléans Cedex 2, France.
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48
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Egorova AA, Kiselev AV, Tarasenko II, Il’ina PL, Pankova GA, Il’ina IE, Baranov VC, Vlasov GP. Hyperbranched polylysines modified with histidine and arginine: The optimization of their DNA compacting and endosomolytic properties. RUSSIAN JOURNAL OF BIOORGANIC CHEMISTRY 2009; 35:483-92. [DOI: 10.1134/s1068162009040049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
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49
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Laufer SD, Restle T. Peptide-mediated cellular delivery of oligonucleotide-based therapeutics in vitro: quantitative evaluation of overall efficacy employing easy to handle reporter systems. Curr Pharm Des 2009; 14:3637-55. [PMID: 19075740 PMCID: PMC2778081 DOI: 10.2174/138161208786898806] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Abstract
Cellular uptake of therapeutic oligonucleotides and subsequent intracellular trafficking to their target sites represents the major technical hurdle for the biological effectiveness of these potential drugs. Accordingly, laboratories worldwide focus on the development of suitable delivery systems. Among the different available non-viral systems like cationic polymers, cationic liposomes and polymeric nanoparticles, cell-penetrating peptides (CPPs) represent an attractive concept to bypass the problem of poor membrane permeability of these charged macromolecules. While uptake per se in most cases does not represent the main obstacle of nucleic acid delivery in vitro, it becomes increasingly apparent that intracellular trafficking is the bottleneck. As a consequence, in order to optimize a given delivery system, a side-by-side analysis of nucleic acid cargo internalized and the corresponding biological effect is required to determine the overall efficacy. In this review, we will concentrate on peptide-mediated delivery of siRNAs and steric block oligonucleotides and discuss different methods for quantitative assessment of the amount of cargo taken up and how to correlate those numbers with biological effects by applying easy to handle reporter systems. To illustrate current limitations of non-viral nucleic acid delivery systems, we present own data as an example and discuss options of how to enhance trafficking of molecules entrapped in cellular compartments.
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Affiliation(s)
- S D Laufer
- Institut für Molekulare Medizin, Universität zu Lübeck, Ratzeburger Allee 160, 23538 Lübeck, Germany
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50
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Hwang DS, Kim KR, Lim S, Choi YS, Cha HJ. Recombinant mussel adhesive protein as a gene delivery material. Biotechnol Bioeng 2009; 102:616-23. [DOI: 10.1002/bit.22086] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
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