1
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Baylot V, Le TK, Taïeb D, Rocchi P, Colleaux L. Between hope and reality: treatment of genetic diseases through nucleic acid-based drugs. Commun Biol 2024; 7:489. [PMID: 38653753 PMCID: PMC11039704 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-024-06121-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2023] [Accepted: 03/28/2024] [Indexed: 04/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Rare diseases (RD) affect a small number of people compared to the general population and are mostly genetic in origin. The first clinical signs often appear at birth or in childhood, and patients endure high levels of pain and progressive loss of autonomy frequently associated with short life expectancy. Until recently, the low prevalence of RD and the gatekeeping delay in their diagnosis have long hampered research. The era of nucleic acid (NA)-based therapies has revolutionized the landscape of RD treatment and new hopes arise with the perspectives of disease-modifying drugs development as some NA-based therapies are now entering the clinical stage. Herein, we review NA-based drugs that were approved and are currently under investigation for the treatment of RD. We also discuss the recent structural improvements of NA-based therapeutics and delivery system, which overcome the main limitations in their market expansion and the current approaches that are developed to address the endosomal escape issue. We finally open the discussion on the ethical and societal issues that raise this new technology in terms of regulatory approval and sustainability of production.
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Affiliation(s)
- Virginie Baylot
- Aix Marseille Univ, CNRS, CINAM, ERL INSERM U 1326, CERIMED, Marseille, France.
| | - Thi Khanh Le
- Aix Marseille Univ, CNRS, CINAM, ERL INSERM U 1326, CERIMED, Marseille, France
| | - David Taïeb
- Aix Marseille Univ, CNRS, CINAM, ERL INSERM U 1326, CERIMED, Marseille, France
| | - Palma Rocchi
- Aix Marseille Univ, CNRS, CINAM, ERL INSERM U 1326, CERIMED, Marseille, France.
| | - Laurence Colleaux
- Aix Marseille Univ, CNRS, CINAM, ERL INSERM U 1326, CERIMED, Marseille, France
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2
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Broc B, Varini K, Sonnette R, Pecqueux B, Benoist F, Masse M, Mechioukhi Y, Ferracci G, Temsamani J, Khrestchatisky M, Jacquot G, Lécorché P. LDLR-Mediated Targeting and Productive Uptake of siRNA-Peptide Ligand Conjugates In Vitro and In Vivo. Pharmaceutics 2024; 16:548. [PMID: 38675209 PMCID: PMC11054735 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics16040548] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2024] [Revised: 03/29/2024] [Accepted: 04/02/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Small RNA molecules such as microRNA and small interfering RNA (siRNA) have become promising therapeutic agents because of their specificity and their potential to modulate gene expression. Any gene of interest can be potentially up- or down-regulated, making RNA-based technology the healthcare breakthrough of our era. However, the functional and specific delivery of siRNAs into tissues of interest and into the cytosol of target cells remains highly challenging, mainly due to the lack of efficient and selective delivery systems. Among the variety of carriers for siRNA delivery, peptides have become essential candidates because of their high selectivity, stability, and conjugation versatility. Here, we describe the development of molecules encompassing siRNAs against SOD1, conjugated to peptides that target the low-density lipoprotein receptor (LDLR), and their biological evaluation both in vitro and in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Baptiste Broc
- Vect-Horus S.A.S, Faculté des Sciences Médicales et Paramédicales Secteur Timone, 13385 Marseille, France
- Aix-Marseille Univ, CNRS, INP, Inst Neurophysiopathol, 13005 Marseille, France
| | - Karine Varini
- Vect-Horus S.A.S, Faculté des Sciences Médicales et Paramédicales Secteur Timone, 13385 Marseille, France
| | - Rose Sonnette
- Vect-Horus S.A.S, Faculté des Sciences Médicales et Paramédicales Secteur Timone, 13385 Marseille, France
| | - Belinda Pecqueux
- Vect-Horus S.A.S, Faculté des Sciences Médicales et Paramédicales Secteur Timone, 13385 Marseille, France
| | - Florian Benoist
- Vect-Horus S.A.S, Faculté des Sciences Médicales et Paramédicales Secteur Timone, 13385 Marseille, France
| | - Maxime Masse
- Vect-Horus S.A.S, Faculté des Sciences Médicales et Paramédicales Secteur Timone, 13385 Marseille, France
| | - Yasmine Mechioukhi
- Vect-Horus S.A.S, Faculté des Sciences Médicales et Paramédicales Secteur Timone, 13385 Marseille, France
| | - Géraldine Ferracci
- Aix-Marseille Univ, CNRS, INP, Inst Neurophysiopathol, 13005 Marseille, France
| | - Jamal Temsamani
- Vect-Horus S.A.S, Faculté des Sciences Médicales et Paramédicales Secteur Timone, 13385 Marseille, France
| | | | - Guillaume Jacquot
- Vect-Horus S.A.S, Faculté des Sciences Médicales et Paramédicales Secteur Timone, 13385 Marseille, France
| | - Pascaline Lécorché
- Vect-Horus S.A.S, Faculté des Sciences Médicales et Paramédicales Secteur Timone, 13385 Marseille, France
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3
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Narum S, Deal B, Ogasawara H, Mancuso JN, Zhang J, Salaita K. An Endosomal Escape Trojan Horse Platform to Improve Cytosolic Delivery of Nucleic Acids. ACS NANO 2024; 18:6186-6201. [PMID: 38346399 PMCID: PMC10906071 DOI: 10.1021/acsnano.3c09027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2023] [Revised: 12/11/2023] [Accepted: 12/26/2023] [Indexed: 02/17/2024]
Abstract
Endocytosis is a major bottleneck toward cytosolic delivery of nucleic acids, as the vast majority of nucleic acid drugs remain trapped within endosomes. Current trends to overcome endosomal entrapment and subsequent degradation provide varied success; however, active delivery agents such as cell-penetrating peptides have emerged as a prominent strategy to improve cytosolic delivery. Yet, these membrane-active agents have poor selectivity for endosomal membranes, leading to toxicity. A hallmark of endosomes is their acidic environment, which aids in degradation of foreign materials. Here, we develop a pH-triggered spherical nucleic acid that provides smart antisense oligonucleotide (ASO) release upon endosomal acidification and selective membrane disruption, termed DNA EndosomaL Escape Vehicle Response (DELVR). We anchor i-Motif DNA to a nanoparticle (AuNP), where the complement strand contains both an ASO sequence and a functionalized endosomal escape peptide (EEP). By orienting the EEP toward the AuNP core, the EEP is inactive until it is released through acidification-induced i-Motif folding. In this study, we characterize a small library of i-Motif duplexes to develop a structure-switching nucleic acid sequence triggered by endosomal acidification. We evaluate antisense efficacy using HIF1a, a hypoxic indicator upregulated in many cancers, and demonstrate dose-dependent activity through RT-qPCR. We show that DELVR significantly improves ASO efficacy in vitro. Finally, we use fluorescence lifetime imaging and activity measurement to show that DELVR benefits synergistically from nuclease- and pH-driven release strategies with increased ASO endosomal escape efficiency. Overall, this study develops a modular platform that improves the cytosolic delivery of nucleic acid therapeutics and offers key insights for overcoming intracellular barriers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Steven Narum
- Department
of Biomedical Engineering, Georgia Institute
of Technology and Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia 30322, United States
| | - Brendan Deal
- Department
of Chemistry, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia 30322, United States
| | - Hiroaki Ogasawara
- Department
of Chemistry, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia 30322, United States
| | | | - Jiahui Zhang
- Department
of Biomedical Engineering, Georgia Institute
of Technology and Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia 30322, United States
| | - Khalid Salaita
- Department
of Biomedical Engineering, Georgia Institute
of Technology and Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia 30322, United States
- Department
of Chemistry, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia 30322, United States
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4
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Antas P, Carvalho C, Cabral-Teixeira J, de Lemos L, Seabra MC. Toward low-cost gene therapy: mRNA-based therapeutics for treatment of inherited retinal diseases. Trends Mol Med 2024; 30:136-146. [PMID: 38044158 DOI: 10.1016/j.molmed.2023.11.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2023] [Revised: 11/06/2023] [Accepted: 11/10/2023] [Indexed: 12/05/2023]
Abstract
Inherited retinal diseases (IRDs) stem from genetic mutations that result in vision impairment. Gene therapy shows promising therapeutic potential, exemplified by the encouraging initial results with voretigene neparvovec. Nevertheless, the associated costs impede widespread access, particularly in low-to-middle income countries. The primary challenge remains: how can we make these therapies globally affordable? Leveraging advancements in mRNA therapies might offer a more economically viable alternative. Furthermore, transitioning to nonviral delivery systems could provide a dual benefit of reduced costs and increased scalability. Relevant stakeholders must collaboratively devise and implement a research agenda to realize the potential of mRNA strategies in equitable access to treatments to prevent vision loss.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pedro Antas
- Champalimaud Research, Champalimaud Foundation, 1400-038 Lisbon, Portugal; iNOVA4Health, NOVA Medical School, Faculdade de Ciências Médicas, NMS, FCM, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, 1169-056 Lisboa, Portugal.
| | - Cláudia Carvalho
- iNOVA4Health, NOVA Medical School, Faculdade de Ciências Médicas, NMS, FCM, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, 1169-056 Lisboa, Portugal
| | | | - Luísa de Lemos
- Champalimaud Research, Champalimaud Foundation, 1400-038 Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Miguel C Seabra
- Champalimaud Research, Champalimaud Foundation, 1400-038 Lisbon, Portugal; iNOVA4Health, NOVA Medical School, Faculdade de Ciências Médicas, NMS, FCM, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, 1169-056 Lisboa, Portugal.
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5
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Arima J, Taniguchi K, Sugito N, Heishima K, Tokumaru Y, Inomata Y, Komura K, Tanaka T, Shibata MA, Lee SW, Akao Y. Antitumor effects of chemically modified miR-143 lipoplexes in a mouse model of pelvic colorectal cancer via myristoylated alanine-rich C kinase substrate downregulation. MOLECULAR THERAPY. NUCLEIC ACIDS 2023; 34:102079. [PMID: 38213952 PMCID: PMC10783569 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtn.2023.102079] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2023] [Accepted: 11/13/2023] [Indexed: 01/13/2024]
Abstract
Replenishing tumor-suppressor miRNAs (TS-miRNAs) is a potential next-generation nucleic acid-based therapeutic approach. Establishing an effective miRNA delivery system is essential to successful TS-miRNA therapy. To overcome vulnerability to RNA nucleases, we previously developed a chemically modified miRNA143-3p (CM-miR-143). In clinical practice, colorectal cancer (CRC) pelvic recurrence is an occasional challenge following curative resection, requiring a novel therapy because reoperative surgery poses a significant burden to the patient. Hence, we considered the use of CM-miR-143 as an alternative treatment. In this study, we used a mouse model bearing pelvic CRC adjacent to the rectum and investigated the anticancer effects of CM-miR-143 lipoplexes formulated from miRNA and a cationic liposome. Compared with commercial synthetic miR-143, CM-miR-143 lipoplexes accumulated heavily in regions of the pelvic CRC tumor where the blood flow was high. As a result, systemic administration of CM-miR-143 lipoplexes improved animal survival by significantly suppressing pelvic CRC tumors and relieving a lethal bowel obstruction caused by rectal compression. Detailed protein analysis revealed that the myristoylated alanine-rich C kinase is a novel target for CM-miR-143 lipoplexes. Our results suggest that CM-miR-143 is a potential next-generation drug candidate in the treatment of CRC pelvic recurrence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jun Arima
- Department of General and Gastroenterological Surgery, Osaka Medical and Pharmaceutical University, 2-7, Daigaku-machi, Takatsuki, Osaka 569-8686, Japan
| | - Kohei Taniguchi
- Center for Medical Research & Development, Division of Translational Research, Osaka Medical and Pharmaceutical University, 2-7 Daigaku-machi, Takatsuki, Osaka 569-8686, Japan
| | - Nobuhiko Sugito
- United Graduate School of Drug Discovery and Medical Information Sciences, Gifu University, 1-1 Yanagido, Gifu 501-1193, Japan
| | - Kazuki Heishima
- United Graduate School of Drug Discovery and Medical Information Sciences, Gifu University, 1-1 Yanagido, Gifu 501-1193, Japan
- Institute for Advanced Study, Gifu University, 1-1 Yanagido, Gifu 501-1193, Japan
| | - Yoshihisa Tokumaru
- Department of Surgical Oncology, Graduate School of Medicine, Gifu University, 1-1 Yanagido, Gifu 501-1193, Japan
| | - Yosuke Inomata
- Department of General and Gastroenterological Surgery, Osaka Medical and Pharmaceutical University, 2-7, Daigaku-machi, Takatsuki, Osaka 569-8686, Japan
| | - Kazumasa Komura
- Center for Medical Research & Development, Division of Translational Research, Osaka Medical and Pharmaceutical University, 2-7 Daigaku-machi, Takatsuki, Osaka 569-8686, Japan
| | - Tomohito Tanaka
- Center for Medical Research & Development, Division of Translational Research, Osaka Medical and Pharmaceutical University, 2-7 Daigaku-machi, Takatsuki, Osaka 569-8686, Japan
| | - Masa-Aki Shibata
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Division of Life Sciences, Osaka Medical and Pharmaceutical University, 2-7 Daigaku-machi, Takatsuki, Osaka 569-8686, Japan
| | - Sang-Woong Lee
- Department of General and Gastroenterological Surgery, Osaka Medical and Pharmaceutical University, 2-7, Daigaku-machi, Takatsuki, Osaka 569-8686, Japan
| | - Yukihiro Akao
- United Graduate School of Drug Discovery and Medical Information Sciences, Gifu University, 1-1 Yanagido, Gifu 501-1193, Japan
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6
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Muntean C, Blondeel E, Harinck L, Pednekar K, Prakash J, De Wever O, Chain JL, De Smedt SC, Remaut K, Raemdonck K. Repositioning the antihistamine ebastine as an intracellular siRNA delivery enhancer. Int J Pharm 2023; 644:123348. [PMID: 37633539 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpharm.2023.123348] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2023] [Revised: 08/21/2023] [Accepted: 08/23/2023] [Indexed: 08/28/2023]
Abstract
Small interfering RNAs (siRNAs) are promising therapeutics for the treatment of human diseases via the induction of sequence-specific gene silencing. To be functional, siRNAs require cytosolic delivery into target cells. However, state-of-the-art delivery systems mediate cellular entry through endocytosis and suffer from ineffective endosomal escape, routing a substantial fraction of the siRNA towards the lysosomal compartment. Cationic amphiphilic drugs (CADs) have been described to improve cytosolic siRNA delivery by the transient induction of lysosomal membrane permeabilization. In this work, we evaluated ebastine, an antihistamine CAD, for its ability to enhance cytosolic release of siRNA in a non-small cell lung cancer model. In particular, we demonstrated that ebastine can improve the siRNA-mediated gene silencing efficiency of a polymeric nanogel by 40-fold, outperforming other CAD compounds. Additionally, ebastine substantially enhanced gene knockdown of a cholesterol-conjugated siRNA, in two-dimensional (2D) cell culture as well as in three-dimensional (3D) tumor spheroids. Finally, ebastine could strongly promote siRNA delivery of lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) composed of a pH-dependent switchable ionizable lipid and with stable PEGylation, in contrast to state-of-the-art LNP formulations. Altogether, we identified ebastine as a potent and versatile siRNA delivery enhancer in cancer cells, which offers opportunities for drug combination therapy in oncology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cristina Muntean
- Ghent Research Group on Nanomedicines, Laboratory of General Biochemistry and Physical Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ghent University, Ottergemsesteenweg 460, 9000 Ghent, Belgium; Cancer Research Institute Ghent (CRIG), Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Eva Blondeel
- Cancer Research Institute Ghent (CRIG), Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium; Laboratory of Experimental Cancer Research, Department of Human Structure and Repair, Ghent University, UZ-Gent, 2RTP, Corneel Heymanslaan 10, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Laure Harinck
- Ghent Research Group on Nanomedicines, Laboratory of General Biochemistry and Physical Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ghent University, Ottergemsesteenweg 460, 9000 Ghent, Belgium; Cancer Research Institute Ghent (CRIG), Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Kunal Pednekar
- Engineered Therapeutics Group, Department of Advanced Organ Bioengineering and Therapeutics, Technical Medical Centre, University of Twente, 7500 AE Enschede, The Netherlands
| | - Jai Prakash
- Engineered Therapeutics Group, Department of Advanced Organ Bioengineering and Therapeutics, Technical Medical Centre, University of Twente, 7500 AE Enschede, The Netherlands
| | - Olivier De Wever
- Cancer Research Institute Ghent (CRIG), Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium; Laboratory of Experimental Cancer Research, Department of Human Structure and Repair, Ghent University, UZ-Gent, 2RTP, Corneel Heymanslaan 10, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Jeanne Leblond Chain
- University of Bordeaux, CNRS, INSERM, ARNA, UMR 5320, U1212, F-33000 Bordeaux, France
| | - 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; Cancer Research Institute Ghent (CRIG), Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium; Ghent Light Microscopy (GLiM) Core, Ghent University, Ottergemsesteenweg 460, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Katrien Remaut
- Ghent Research Group on Nanomedicines, Laboratory of General Biochemistry and Physical Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ghent University, Ottergemsesteenweg 460, 9000 Ghent, Belgium; Cancer Research Institute Ghent (CRIG), Ghent University, 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; Cancer Research Institute Ghent (CRIG), Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium.
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7
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Gubu A, Zhang X, Lu A, Zhang B, Ma Y, Zhang G. Nucleic acid amphiphiles: Synthesis, properties, and applications. MOLECULAR THERAPY. NUCLEIC ACIDS 2023; 33:144-163. [PMID: 37456777 PMCID: PMC10345231 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtn.2023.05.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/18/2023]
Abstract
Nucleic acid amphiphiles, referring to nucleic acids modified with large hydrophobic groups, have been widely used in programmable bioengineering. Since nucleic acids are intrinsically hydrophilic, the hydrophobic groups endow nucleic acid amphiphiles with unique properties, such as self-assembling, interactions with artificial or biological membranes, and transmembrane transport. Importantly, the hybridization or target binding capability of oligonucleotide itself supplies nucleic acid amphiphiles with excellent programmability. As a result, this type of molecule has attracted considerable attention in academic studies and has enormous potential for further applications. For a comprehensive understanding of nucleic acid amphiphiles, we review the reported research on nucleic acid amphiphiles from their molecular design to final applications, in which we summarize the synthetic strategies for nucleic acid amphiphiles and draw much attention to their unique properties in different contexts. Finally, a summary of the applications of nucleic acid amphiphiles in drug development, bioengineering, and bioanalysis are critically discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amu Gubu
- Law Sau Fai Institute for Advancing Translational Medicine in Bone & Joint Diseases, School of Chinese Medicine, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong SAR, China
- Aptacure Therapeutics Limited, Kowloon, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Xueli Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Chemical Biology Center, Peking University, No. 38 Xueyuan Road, Beijing, China
| | - Aiping Lu
- Law Sau Fai Institute for Advancing Translational Medicine in Bone & Joint Diseases, School of Chinese Medicine, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong SAR, China
- Institute of Integrated Bioinfomedicine and Translational Science, School of Chinese Medicine, Hong Kong Baptist University, Kowloon Tsai, Hong Kong 999077, China
- Institute of Precision Medicine and Innovative Drug Discovery, HKBU Institute for Research and Continuing Education, Shenzhen 518000, China
| | - Baoting Zhang
- School of Chinese Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Yuan Ma
- Law Sau Fai Institute for Advancing Translational Medicine in Bone & Joint Diseases, School of Chinese Medicine, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong SAR, China
- Institute of Integrated Bioinfomedicine and Translational Science, School of Chinese Medicine, Hong Kong Baptist University, Kowloon Tsai, Hong Kong 999077, China
- Institute of Precision Medicine and Innovative Drug Discovery, HKBU Institute for Research and Continuing Education, Shenzhen 518000, China
| | - Ge Zhang
- Law Sau Fai Institute for Advancing Translational Medicine in Bone & Joint Diseases, School of Chinese Medicine, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong SAR, China
- Institute of Integrated Bioinfomedicine and Translational Science, School of Chinese Medicine, Hong Kong Baptist University, Kowloon Tsai, Hong Kong 999077, China
- Institute of Precision Medicine and Innovative Drug Discovery, HKBU Institute for Research and Continuing Education, Shenzhen 518000, China
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8
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Mangla P, Vicentini Q, Biscans A. Therapeutic Oligonucleotides: An Outlook on Chemical Strategies to Improve Endosomal Trafficking. Cells 2023; 12:2253. [PMID: 37759475 PMCID: PMC10527716 DOI: 10.3390/cells12182253] [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: 06/21/2023] [Revised: 08/30/2023] [Accepted: 09/07/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
The potential of oligonucleotide therapeutics is undeniable as more than 15 drugs have been approved to treat various diseases in the liver, central nervous system (CNS), and muscles. However, achieving effective delivery of oligonucleotide therapeutics to specific tissues still remains a major challenge, limiting their widespread use. Chemical modifications play a crucial role to overcome biological barriers to enable efficient oligonucleotide delivery to the tissues/cells of interest. They provide oligonucleotide metabolic stability and confer favourable pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic properties. This review focuses on the various chemical approaches implicated in mitigating the delivery problem of oligonucleotides and their limitations. It highlights the importance of linkers in designing oligonucleotide conjugates and discusses their potential role in escaping the endosomal barrier, a bottleneck in the development of oligonucleotide therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Priyanka Mangla
- Oligonucleotide Discovery, Discovery Sciences Research and Development, AstraZeneca, 431 38 Gothenburg, Sweden; (P.M.); (Q.V.)
| | - Quentin Vicentini
- Oligonucleotide Discovery, Discovery Sciences Research and Development, AstraZeneca, 431 38 Gothenburg, Sweden; (P.M.); (Q.V.)
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Clinical Research Centre, Karolinska Institute, 141 57 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Annabelle Biscans
- Oligonucleotide Discovery, Discovery Sciences Research and Development, AstraZeneca, 431 38 Gothenburg, Sweden; (P.M.); (Q.V.)
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9
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Finicle B, Eckenstein K, Revenko A, Anderson B, Wan W, McCracken A, Gil D, Fruman D, Hanessian S, Seth P, Edinger A. Simultaneous inhibition of endocytic recycling and lysosomal fusion sensitizes cells and tissues to oligonucleotide therapeutics. Nucleic Acids Res 2023; 51:1583-1599. [PMID: 36727438 PMCID: PMC9976930 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkad023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2022] [Revised: 01/03/2023] [Accepted: 01/09/2023] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Inefficient endosomal escape remains the primary barrier to the broad application of oligonucleotide therapeutics. Liver uptake after systemic administration is sufficiently robust that a therapeutic effect can be achieved but targeting extrahepatic tissues remains challenging. Prior attempts to improve oligonucleotide activity using small molecules that increase the leakiness of endosomes have failed due to unacceptable toxicity. Here, we show that the well-tolerated and orally bioavailable synthetic sphingolipid analog, SH-BC-893, increases the activity of antisense oligonucleotides (ASOs) and small interfering RNAs (siRNAs) up to 200-fold in vitro without permeabilizing endosomes. SH-BC-893 treatment trapped endocytosed oligonucleotides within extra-lysosomal compartments thought to be more permeable due to frequent membrane fission and fusion events. Simultaneous disruption of ARF6-dependent endocytic recycling and PIKfyve-dependent lysosomal fusion was necessary and sufficient for SH-BC-893 to increase non-lysosomal oligonucleotide levels and enhance their activity. In mice, oral administration of SH-BC-893 increased ASO potency in the liver by 15-fold without toxicity. More importantly, SH-BC-893 enabled target RNA knockdown in the CNS and lungs of mice treated subcutaneously with cholesterol-functionalized duplexed oligonucleotides or unmodified ASOs, respectively. Together, these results establish the feasibility of using a small molecule that disrupts endolysosomal trafficking to improve the activity of oligonucleotides in extrahepatic tissues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brendan T Finicle
- Department of Developmental and Cell Biology, University of California Irvine, Irvine, CA, USA
| | - Kazumi H Eckenstein
- Department of Developmental and Cell Biology, University of California Irvine, Irvine, CA, USA
| | | | | | - W Brad Wan
- Ionis Pharmaceuticals, Carlsbad, CA, USA
| | | | | | - David A Fruman
- Department of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, University of California Irvine, Irvine, CA, USA
| | - Stephen Hanessian
- Department of Chemistry, Université de Montréal, Montréal, QC, Canada
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of California Irvine, Irvine, CA, USA
| | | | - Aimee L Edinger
- Department of Developmental and Cell Biology, University of California Irvine, Irvine, CA, USA
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10
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McCann J, Sosa‐Miranda CD, Guo H, Reshke R, Savard A, Zardini Buzatto A, Taylor JA, Li L, Gibbings DJ. Contaminating transfection complexes can masquerade as small extracellular vesicles and impair their delivery of RNA. J Extracell Vesicles 2022; 11:e12220. [PMID: 36214496 PMCID: PMC9549735 DOI: 10.1002/jev2.12220] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2021] [Revised: 02/02/2022] [Accepted: 03/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
One of the functions of small extracellular vesicles (sEVs) which has received the most attention is their capacity to deliver RNA into the cytoplasm of target cells. These studies have often been performed by transfecting RNAs into sEV-producing cells, to later purify and study sEV delivery of RNA. Transfection complexes and other delivery vehicles accumulate in late endosomes where sEV are formed and over 50% of transfection complexes or delivery vehicles administered to cells are released again to the extracellular space by exocytosis. This raises the possibility that transfection complexes could alter sEVs and contaminate sEV preparations. We found that widely used transfection reagents including RNAiMax and INTERFERin accumulated in late endosomes. These transfection complexes had a size similar to sEV and were purified by ultracentrifugation like sEV. Focusing on the lipid-based transfection reagent RNAiMax, we found that preparations of sEV from transfected cells contained lipids from transfection complexes and transfected siRNA was predominantly in particles with the density of transfection complexes, rather than sEV. This suggests that transfection complexes, such as lipid-based RNAiMax, may frequently contaminate sEV preparations and could account for some reports of sEV-mediated delivery of nucleic acids. Transfection of cells also impaired the capacity of sEVs to deliver stably-expressed siRNAs, suggesting that transfection of cells may alter sEVs and prevent the study of their endogenous capacity to deliver RNA to target cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jenna McCann
- Department of Cellular and Molecular MedicineUniversity of OttawaOttawaOntarioCanada
| | | | - Huishan Guo
- Department of Cellular and Molecular MedicineUniversity of OttawaOttawaOntarioCanada
| | - Ryan Reshke
- Department of Cellular and Molecular MedicineUniversity of OttawaOttawaOntarioCanada
| | - Alexandre Savard
- Department of Cellular and Molecular MedicineUniversity of OttawaOttawaOntarioCanada
| | | | - James A. Taylor
- Department of Cellular and Molecular MedicineUniversity of OttawaOttawaOntarioCanada
| | - Liang Li
- The Metabolomics Innovation CentreUniversity of AlbertaEdmontonAlbertaCanada,Department of ChemistryUniversity of AlbertaEdmontonAlbertaCanada
| | - Derrick J. Gibbings
- Department of Cellular and Molecular MedicineUniversity of OttawaOttawaOntarioCanada,Institute for Systems BiologyUniversity of OttawaOttawaOntarioCanada,Faculty of MedicineEric Poulin Centre for Neuromuscular DiseaseUniversity of OttawaOttawaOntarioCanada
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11
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Nanoscale delivery platforms for RNA therapeutics: Challenges and the current state of the art. MED 2022; 3:167-187. [DOI: 10.1016/j.medj.2022.02.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2021] [Revised: 01/18/2022] [Accepted: 02/04/2022] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
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12
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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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13
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Marschall ALJ. Targeting the Inside of Cells with Biologicals: Chemicals as a Delivery Strategy. BioDrugs 2021; 35:643-671. [PMID: 34705260 PMCID: PMC8548996 DOI: 10.1007/s40259-021-00500-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Delivering macromolecules into the cytosol or nucleus is possible in vitro for DNA, RNA and proteins, but translation for clinical use has been limited. Therapeutic delivery of macromolecules into cells requires overcoming substantially higher barriers compared to the use of small molecule drugs or proteins in the extracellular space. Breakthroughs like DNA delivery for approved gene therapies and RNA delivery for silencing of genes (patisiran, ONPATTRO®, Alnylam Pharmaceuticals, Cambridge, MA, USA) or for vaccination such as the RNA-based coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccines demonstrated the feasibility of using macromolecules inside cells for therapy. Chemical carriers are part of the reason why these novel RNA-based therapeutics possess sufficient efficacy for their clinical application. A clear advantage of synthetic chemicals as carriers for macromolecule delivery is their favourable properties with respect to production and storage compared to more bioinspired vehicles like viral vectors or more complex drugs like cellular therapies. If biologicals can be applied to intracellular targets, the druggable space is substantially broadened by circumventing the limited utility of small molecules for blocking protein–protein interactions and the limitation of protein-based drugs to the extracellular space. An in depth understanding of the macromolecular cargo types, carrier types and the cell biology of delivery is crucial for optimal application and further development of biologicals inside cells. Basic mechanistic principles of the molecular and cell biological aspects of cytosolic/nuclear delivery of macromolecules, with particular consideration of protein delivery, are reviewed here. The efficiency of macromolecule delivery and applications in research and therapy are highlighted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea L J Marschall
- Institute of Biochemistry, Biotechnology and Bioinformatics, Technische Universität Braunschweig, Brunswick, Germany.
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14
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Liu Z, Wang S, Tapeinos C, Torrieri G, Känkänen V, El-Sayed N, Python A, Hirvonen JT, Santos HA. Non-viral nanoparticles for RNA interference: Principles of design and practical guidelines. Adv Drug Deliv Rev 2021; 174:576-612. [PMID: 34019958 DOI: 10.1016/j.addr.2021.05.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2021] [Revised: 05/04/2021] [Accepted: 05/15/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Ribonucleic acid interference (RNAi) is an innovative treatment strategy for a myriad of indications. Non-viral synthetic nanoparticles (NPs) have drawn extensive attention as vectors for RNAi due to their potential advantages, including improved safety, high delivery efficiency and economic feasibility. However, the complex natural process of RNAi and the susceptible nature of oligonucleotides render the NPs subject to particular design principles and requirements for practical fabrication. Here, we summarize the requirements and obstacles for fabricating non-viral nano-vectors for efficient RNAi. To address the delivery challenges, we discuss practical guidelines for materials selection and NP synthesis in order to maximize RNA encapsulation efficiency and protection against degradation, and to facilitate the cytosolic release of oligonucleotides. The current status of clinical translation of RNAi-based therapies and further perspectives for reducing the potential side effects are also reviewed.
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15
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Chemical Manipulation of the Endosome Trafficking Machinery: Implications for Oligonucleotide Delivery. Biomedicines 2021; 9:biomedicines9050512. [PMID: 34063104 PMCID: PMC8148136 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines9050512] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2021] [Revised: 04/29/2021] [Accepted: 05/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Antisense oligonucleotides (ASOs), siRNA and splice switching oligonucleotides (SSOs) all have immense potential as therapeutic agents, potential that is now being validated as oligonucleotides enter the clinic. However, progress in oligonucleotide-based therapeutics has been limited by the difficulty in delivering these complex molecules to their sites of action in the cytosol or nucleus of cells within specific tissues. There are two aspects to the delivery problem. The first is that most types of oligonucleotides have poor uptake into non-hepatic tissues. The second is that much of the oligonucleotide that is taken up by cells is entrapped in endosomes where it is pharmacologically inert. It has become increasingly recognized that endosomal trapping is a key constraint on oligonucleotide therapeutics. Thus, many approaches have been devised to address this problem, primarily ones based on various nanoparticle technologies. However, recently an alternative approach has emerged that employs small molecules to manipulate intracellular trafficking processes so as to enhance oligonucleotide actions. This review presents the current status of this chemical biology approach to oligonucleotide delivery and seeks to point out possible paths for future development.
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16
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de la Fuente IF, Sawant SS, Tolentino MQ, Corrigan PM, Rouge JL. Viral Mimicry as a Design Template for Nucleic Acid Nanocarriers. Front Chem 2021; 9:613209. [PMID: 33777893 PMCID: PMC7987652 DOI: 10.3389/fchem.2021.613209] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2020] [Accepted: 01/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Therapeutic nucleic acids hold immense potential in combating undruggable, gene-based diseases owing to their high programmability and relative ease of synthesis. While the delivery of this class of therapeutics has successfully entered the clinical setting, extrahepatic targeting, endosomal escape efficiency, and subcellular localization. On the other hand, viruses serve as natural carriers of nucleic acids and have acquired a plethora of structures and mechanisms that confer remarkable transfection efficiency. Thus, understanding the structure and mechanism of viruses can guide the design of synthetic nucleic acid vectors. This review revisits relevant structural and mechanistic features of viruses as design considerations for efficient nucleic acid delivery systems. This article explores how viral ligand display and a metastable structure are central to the molecular mechanisms of attachment, entry, and viral genome release. For comparison, accounted for are details on the design and intracellular fate of existing nucleic acid carriers and nanostructures that share similar and essential features to viruses. The review, thus, highlights unifying themes of viruses and nucleic acid delivery systems such as genome protection, target specificity, and controlled release. Sophisticated viral mechanisms that are yet to be exploited in oligonucleotide delivery are also identified as they could further the development of next-generation nonviral nucleic acid vectors.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Jessica L. Rouge
- Department of Chemistry, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT, United States
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17
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Portet A, Galinier R, Lassalle D, Faille A, Gourbal B, Duval D. Hemocyte siRNA uptake is increased by 5' cholesterol-TEG addition in Biomphalaria glabrata, snail vector of schistosome. PeerJ 2021; 9:e10895. [PMID: 33665030 PMCID: PMC7908872 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.10895] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2020] [Accepted: 01/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Biomphalaria glabrata is one of the snail intermediate hosts of Schistosoma mansoni, the causative agent of intestinal schistosomiasis disease. Numerous molecular studies using comparative approaches between susceptible and resistant snails to S. mansoni infection have helped identify numerous snail key candidates supporting such susceptible/resistant status. The functional approach using RNA interference (RNAi) remains crucial to validate the function of such candidates. CRISPR-Cas systems are still under development in many laboratories, and RNA interference remains the best tool to study B. glabrata snail genetics. Herein, we describe the use of modified small interfering RNA (siRNA) molecules to enhance cell delivery, especially into hemocytes, the snail immune cells. Modification of siRNA with 5′ Cholesteryl TriEthylene Glycol (Chol-TEG) promotes cellular uptake by hemocytes, nearly eightfold over that of unmodified siRNA. FACS analysis reveals that more than 50% of hemocytes have internalized Chol-TEG siRNA conjugated to Cy3 fluorophores, 2 hours only after in vivo injection into snails. Chol-TEG siRNA targeting BgTEP1 (ThioEster-containing Protein), a parasite binding protein, reduced BgTEP1 transcript expression by 70–80% compared to control. The level of BgTEP1 protein secreted in the hemolymph was also decreased. However, despite the BgTEP1 knock-down at both RNA and protein levels, snail compatibility with its sympatric parasite is not affected suggesting functional redundancy among the BgTEP genes family in snail-schistosoma interaction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anaïs Portet
- IHPE UMR 5244, CNRS, IFREMER, University of Montpellier, University of Perpignan, Perpignan, France.,Department of Medicine, Molecular Immunity Unit, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Richard Galinier
- IHPE UMR 5244, CNRS, IFREMER, University of Montpellier, University of Perpignan, Perpignan, France
| | - Damien Lassalle
- IHPE UMR 5244, CNRS, IFREMER, University of Montpellier, University of Perpignan, Perpignan, France
| | - Alexandre Faille
- Department of Haematology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom.,Wellcome Trust-Medical Research Council Stem Cell Institute, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom.,Cambridge Institute for Medical Research, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Benjamin Gourbal
- IHPE UMR 5244, CNRS, IFREMER, University of Montpellier, University of Perpignan, Perpignan, France
| | - David Duval
- IHPE UMR 5244, CNRS, IFREMER, University of Montpellier, University of Perpignan, Perpignan, France
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18
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Transport Oligonucleotides-A Novel System for Intracellular Delivery of Antisense Therapeutics. Molecules 2020; 25:molecules25163663. [PMID: 32796768 PMCID: PMC7464317 DOI: 10.3390/molecules25163663] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2020] [Revised: 08/10/2020] [Accepted: 08/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Biological activity of antisense oligonucleotides (asON), especially those with a neutral backbone, is often attenuated by poor cellular accumulation. In the present proof-of-concept study, we propose a novel delivery system for asONs which implies the delivery of modified antisense oligonucleotides by so-called transport oligonucleotides (tON), which are oligodeoxyribonucleotides complementary to asON conjugated with hydrophobic dodecyl moieties. Two types of tONs, bearing at the 5′-end up to three dodecyl residues attached through non-nucleotide inserts (TD series) or anchored directly to internucleotidic phosphate (TP series), were synthesized. tONs with three dodecyl residues efficiently delivered asON to cells without any signs of cytotoxicity and provided a transfection efficacy comparable to that achieved using Lipofectamine 2000. We found that, in the case of tON with three dodecyl residues, some tON/asON duplexes were excreted from the cells within extracellular vesicles at late stages of transfection. We confirmed the high efficacy of the novel and demonstrated that MDR1 mRNA targeted asON delivered by tON with three dodecyl residues significantly reduced the level of P-glycoprotein and increased the sensitivity of KB-8-5 human carcinoma cells to vinblastine. The obtained results demonstrate the efficacy of lipophilic oligonucleotide carriers and shows they are potentially capable of intracellular delivery of any kind of antisense oligonucleotides.
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19
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DNA unchained: two assays to discover and study inhibitors of the DNA clustering function of barrier-to-autointegration factor. Sci Rep 2020; 10:12301. [PMID: 32704141 PMCID: PMC7378220 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-69246-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2020] [Accepted: 07/07/2020] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The protein barrier-to-autointegration factor (BAF) and its interaction partners, the LEM (LAP2B, emerin, MAN1)-domain proteins, constitute a powerful cytoplasmic DNA defense mechanism. Invading DNA molecules are quickly bound by the BAF system and trapped in membrane compartments. This decreases the nuclear uptake of DNA from the cytoplasm. Inhibition of the BAF system is therefore expected to enhance the efficacy of non-viral DNA transfection agents. In this study, we introduced a protocol for the recombinant expression of soluble BAF and developed two ELISA-type assays to discover small molecule inhibitors of BAF-dependent DNA retention by high throughput screening (HTS). The proton pump inhibitor rabeprazole as well as three compounds of the Maybridge library were identified as inhibitors of the LEM-BAF-DNA interaction chain. The inhibition was based on adduct formation with BAF cysteine residues. An enhancing effect of the compounds on cell culture transfection, however, was not observed, which may be attributed to the reducing environment of the cytoplasm that prevents the adduct formation with BAF cysteine residues. The novel assays developed here can provide new tools to further study the biological functions of the BAF system, and may lead to the identification of suitable BAF inhibitors in future HTS campaigns.
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20
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Ross-Thriepland D, Bornot A, Butler L, Desai A, Jaiswal H, Peel S, Hunter MR, Odunze U, Isherwood B, Gianni D. Arrayed CRISPR Screening Identifies Novel Targets That Enhance the Productive Delivery of mRNA by MC3-Based Lipid Nanoparticles. SLAS DISCOVERY 2020; 25:605-617. [PMID: 32441189 PMCID: PMC7309353 DOI: 10.1177/2472555220925770] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Modified messenger RNAs (mRNAs) hold great potential as therapeutics by using the body’s own processes for protein production. However, a key challenge is efficient delivery of therapeutic mRNA to the cell cytosol and productive protein translation. Lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) are the most clinically advanced system for nucleic acid delivery; however, a relatively narrow therapeutic index makes them unsuitable for many therapeutic applications. A key obstacle to the development of more potent LNPs is a limited mechanistic understanding of the interaction of LNPs with cells. To address this gap, we performed an arrayed CRISPR screen to identify novel pathways important for the functional delivery of MC3 lipid-based LNP encapsulated mRNA (LNP-mRNA). Here, we have developed and validated a robust, high-throughput screening–friendly phenotypic assay to identify novel targets that modulate productive LNP-mRNA delivery. We screened the druggable genome (7795 genes) and validated 44 genes that either increased (37 genes) or inhibited (14 genes) the productive delivery of LNP-mRNA. Many of these genes clustered into families involved with host cell transcription, protein ubiquitination, and intracellular trafficking. We show that both UDP-glucose ceramide glucosyltransferase and V-type proton ATPase can significantly modulate the productive delivery of LNP-mRNA, increasing and decreasing, respectively, with both genetic perturbation and by small-molecule inhibition. Taken together, these findings shed new light into the molecular machinery regulating the delivery of LNPs into cells and improve our mechanistic understanding of the cellular processes modulating the interaction of LNPs with cells.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Aurelie Bornot
- Quantitative Biology, Discovery Science, R&D, AstraZeneca, Cambridge, UK
| | - Larissa Butler
- Discovery Biology, Discovery Science, R&D, AstraZeneca, Cambridge, UK
| | - Arpan Desai
- Advanced Drug Delivery, Pharmaceutical Science, R&D, AstraZeneca, Cambridge, UK
| | - Himjyot Jaiswal
- Discovery Biology, Discovery Science, R&D, AstraZeneca, Molndal, Sweden
| | - Samantha Peel
- Discovery Biology, Discovery Science, R&D, AstraZeneca, Cambridge, UK
| | - Morag Rose Hunter
- Discovery Biology, Discovery Science, R&D, AstraZeneca, Cambridge, UK
| | - Uchechukwu Odunze
- Advanced Drug Delivery, Pharmaceutical Science, R&D, AstraZeneca, Cambridge, UK
| | | | - Davide Gianni
- Discovery Biology, Discovery Science, R&D, AstraZeneca, Cambridge, UK
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21
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Van de Vyver T, Bogaert B, De Backer L, Joris F, Guagliardo R, Van Hoeck J, Merckx P, Van Calenbergh S, Ramishetti S, Peer D, Remaut K, De Smedt SC, Raemdonck K. Cationic Amphiphilic Drugs Boost the Lysosomal Escape of Small Nucleic Acid Therapeutics in a Nanocarrier-Dependent Manner. ACS NANO 2020; 14:4774-4791. [PMID: 32250113 DOI: 10.1021/acsnano.0c00666] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Small nucleic acid (NA) therapeutics, such as small interfering RNA (siRNA), are generally formulated in nanoparticles (NPs) to overcome the multiple extra- and intracellular barriers upon in vivo administration. Interaction with target cells typically triggers endocytosis and sequesters the NPs in endosomes, thus hampering the pharmacological activity of the encapsulated siRNAs that occurs in the cytosol. Unfortunately, for most state-of-the-art NPs, endosomal escape is largely inefficient. As a result, the bulk of the endocytosed NA drug is rapidly trafficked toward the degradative lysosomes that are considered as a dead end for siRNA nanomedicines. In contrast to this paradigm, we recently reported that cationic amphiphilic drugs (CADs) could strongly promote functional siRNA delivery from the endolysosomal compartment via transient induction of lysosomal membrane permeabilization. However, many questions still remain regarding the broader applicability of such a CAD adjuvant effect on NA delivery. Here, we report a drug repurposing screen (National Institutes of Health Clinical Collection) that allowed identification of 56 CAD adjuvants. We furthermore demonstrate that the CAD adjuvant effect is dependent on the type of nanocarrier, with NPs that generate an appropriate pool of decomplexed siRNA in the endolysosomal compartment being most susceptible to CAD-promoted gene silencing. Finally, the CAD adjuvant effect was verified on human ovarian cancer cells and for antisense oligonucleotides. In conclusion, this study strongly expands our current knowledge on how CADs increase the cytosolic release of small NAs, providing relevant insights to more rationally combine CAD adjuvants with NA-loaded NPs for future therapeutic applications.
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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
| | - Bram Bogaert
- Ghent Research Group on Nanomedicines, Laboratory of General Biochemistry and Physical Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ghent University, Ottergemsesteenweg 460, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Lynn De Backer
- Ghent Research Group on Nanomedicines, Laboratory of General Biochemistry and Physical Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ghent University, Ottergemsesteenweg 460, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Freya Joris
- Ghent Research Group on Nanomedicines, Laboratory of General Biochemistry and Physical Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ghent University, Ottergemsesteenweg 460, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Roberta Guagliardo
- Ghent Research Group on Nanomedicines, Laboratory of General Biochemistry and Physical Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ghent University, Ottergemsesteenweg 460, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Jelter Van Hoeck
- Ghent Research Group on Nanomedicines, Laboratory of General Biochemistry and Physical Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ghent University, Ottergemsesteenweg 460, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Pieterjan Merckx
- Ghent Research Group on Nanomedicines, Laboratory of General Biochemistry and Physical Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ghent University, Ottergemsesteenweg 460, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Serge Van Calenbergh
- Laboratory for Medicinal Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ghent University, Ottergemsesteenweg 460, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | | | | | - Katrien Remaut
- 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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22
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Goyon A, Yehl P, Zhang K. Characterization of therapeutic oligonucleotides by liquid chromatography. J Pharm Biomed Anal 2020; 182:113105. [PMID: 32004766 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpba.2020.113105] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2019] [Revised: 12/21/2019] [Accepted: 01/08/2020] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Marketed therapies in the pharmaceutical landscape are rapidly evolving and getting more diverse. Small molecule medicines have dominated in the past while antibodies have grown dramatically in recent years. However, the failure of traditional small and large molecules in accessing certain targets has led to increased R&D efforts to develop alternative modalities. Therapeutic oligonucleotides (ONs) can accurately be directed against their ribonucleic acid (RNA) target and represent a promising approach in previously untreated diseases. Established automated synthesis of ONs coupled with chemical improvements and the advance of new drug delivery technologies has recently brought ONs to a heightened level of interest. The first part of the present review describes the different classes of oligonucleotides, namely antisense oligonucleotide (ASO), small interfering RNA (siRNA), microRNA (miRNA), aptamer and immunostimulatory ON, with a focus on their delivery systems relevant for future analytical characterization. The second part reviews the typical impurities in therapeutic ON products. The third part discusses the use of historical methods anion exchange chromatography (AEX), ion-pair reversed phase liquid chromatography (IP-RP), mixed-mode chromatography (MMC) and recent analytical methodologies of hydrophilic interaction liquid chromatography (HILIC), two-dimensional liquid chromatography (2D-LC) mass spectrometry for the characterization of ASO and siRNA modalities. The effects of physicochemical properties of RPLC columns and ion-pair agents on ON separation are specifically addressed with possible future directions for method development provided. Finally, some innovative analytical developments for the analysis of siRNAs and their delivery materials to pave the way toward the use of multi-attribute methods in the near future are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandre Goyon
- Small Molecules Pharmaceutical Sciences, Genentech Inc., 1 DNA Way, South San Francisco, CA 94080, USA
| | - Peter Yehl
- Small Molecules Pharmaceutical Sciences, Genentech Inc., 1 DNA Way, South San Francisco, CA 94080, USA
| | - Kelly Zhang
- Small Molecules Pharmaceutical Sciences, Genentech Inc., 1 DNA Way, South San Francisco, CA 94080, USA.
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23
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Abstract
Small interfering RNAs (siRNAs) are a new class of promising therapeutic molecules that can be used for sequence-specific downregulation of disease-causing genes. However, endosomal entrapment of siRNA is a key hurdle for most delivery strategies, limiting the therapeutic effect. Here, we use live-cell microscopy and cytosolic galectin-9 as a sensor of membrane damage, to probe fundamental properties of endosomal escape of cholesterol-conjugated siRNA induced by endosome-disrupting compounds. We demonstrate efficient release of ligand-conjugated siRNA from vesicles damaged by small molecules, enhancing target knockdown up to ∼47-fold in tumor cells. Still, mismatch between siRNA-containing and drug-targeted endolysosomal compartments limits siRNA activity improvement. We also show widespread endosomal damage in macroscopic tumor spheroids after small molecule treatment, substantially improving siRNA delivery and knockdown throughout the spheroid. We believe the strategy to characterize endosomal escape presented here will be widely applicable, facilitating efforts to improve delivery of siRNA and other nucleic acid-based therapeutics.
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24
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Choe JY, Son DS, Kim Y, Lee JK, Shin H, Kim WJ, Kang YG, Dua P, Hong SW, Park JH, Lee DK. L-Type Calcium Channel Blocker Enhances Cellular Delivery and Gene Silencing Potency of Cell-Penetrating Asymmetric siRNAs. Mol Pharm 2020; 17:777-786. [PMID: 31976668 DOI: 10.1021/acs.molpharmaceut.9b00942] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
The efficient delivery of small interfering RNAs (siRNAs) to the target cells is critical for the pharmaceutical success of RNA interference (RNAi) drugs. One of the possible strategies to improve siRNA delivery is to identify auxiliary molecules that augment their cellular uptake. Herein, we performed a chemical library screening in an effort to discover small molecules that enhance the potency of cholesterol-conjugated, cell-penetrating asymmetric siRNAs (cp-asiRNAs). Interestingly, three compounds identified from the screen share a common dihydropyridine (DHP) core and function as L-type calcium channel blockers (CCBs). Using confocal microscopy and quantitative analysis of small RNAs, we demonstrated that the L-type CCBs increased the endocytic cellular uptake of cp-asiRNAs. Furthermore, these small molecules substantially improved the potency of cp-asiRNAs, not only in vitro but also in vivo on rat skin. Collectively, our study provides an alternative pharmacological approach for the identification of small molecules that potentiate the effects of therapeutic siRNAs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeong Yong Choe
- Department of Chemistry, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon 16419, Republic of Korea.,OliX Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Suwon 16226, Republic of Korea
| | - Da Seul Son
- Department of Chemistry, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon 16419, Republic of Korea
| | - Yanghee Kim
- Department of Chemistry, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon 16419, Republic of Korea
| | - Jun-Kyoung Lee
- OliX Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Suwon 16226, Republic of Korea
| | - Hanho Shin
- OliX Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Suwon 16226, Republic of Korea
| | - Won Jun Kim
- OliX Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Suwon 16226, Republic of Korea
| | - Young Gyu Kang
- Department of Chemistry, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon 16419, Republic of Korea.,OliX Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Suwon 16226, Republic of Korea
| | - Pooja Dua
- OliX Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Suwon 16226, Republic of Korea
| | - Sun Woo Hong
- OliX Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Suwon 16226, Republic of Korea
| | - June Hyun Park
- OliX Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Suwon 16226, Republic of Korea
| | - Dong-Ki Lee
- Department of Chemistry, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon 16419, Republic of Korea.,OliX Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Suwon 16226, Republic of Korea
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25
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Chernikov IV, Karelina UA, Meschaninova MI, Ven’yaminova AG, Zenkova MA, Vlassov VV, Chernolovskaya EL. Investigation of the Internalization of Fluorescently Labeled Lipophilic siRNA into Cultured Tumor Cells. RUSSIAN JOURNAL OF BIOORGANIC CHEMISTRY 2020. [DOI: 10.1134/s1068162019060128] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
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26
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Zheng Y, Tai W. Insight into the siRNA transmembrane delivery—From cholesterol conjugating to tagging. WILEY INTERDISCIPLINARY REVIEWS-NANOMEDICINE AND NANOBIOTECHNOLOGY 2019; 12:e1606. [DOI: 10.1002/wnan.1606] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2019] [Revised: 11/05/2019] [Accepted: 11/06/2019] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Yan Zheng
- Key Laboratory of Combinatorial Biosynthesis and Drug Discovery Ministry of Education, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Wuhan University Wuhan China
| | - Wanyi Tai
- Key Laboratory of Combinatorial Biosynthesis and Drug Discovery Ministry of Education, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Wuhan University Wuhan China
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Phuan PW, Tan JA, Rivera AA, Zlock L, Nielson DW, Finkbeiner WE, Haggie PM, Verkman AS. Nanomolar-potency 'co-potentiator' therapy for cystic fibrosis caused by a defined subset of minimal function CFTR mutants. Sci Rep 2019; 9:17640. [PMID: 31776420 PMCID: PMC6881293 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-54158-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2019] [Accepted: 11/07/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Available CFTR modulators provide no therapeutic benefit for cystic fibrosis (CF) caused by many loss-of-function mutations in the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) chloride channel, including N1303K. We previously introduced the concept of ‘co-potentiators’ (combination-potentiators) to rescue CFTR function in some minimal function CFTR mutants. Herein, a screen of ~120,000 drug-like synthetic small molecules identified active co-potentiators of pyrazoloquinoline, piperidine-pyridoindole, tetrahydroquinoline and phenylazepine classes, with EC50 down to ~300 nM following initial structure-activity studies. Increased CFTR chloride conductance by up to 8-fold was observed when a co-potentiator (termed ‘Class II potentiator’) was used with a classical potentiator (‘Class I potentiator’) such as VX-770 or GLPG1837. To investigate the range of CFTR mutations benefitted by co-potentiators, 14 CF-associated CFTR mutations were studied in transfected cell models. Co-potentiator efficacy was found for CFTR missense, deletion and nonsense mutations in nucleotide binding domain-2 (NBD2), including W1282X, N1303K, c.3700A > G and Q1313X (with corrector for some mutations). In contrast, CFTR mutations G85E, R334W, R347P, V520F, R560T, A561E, M1101K and R1162X showed no co-potentiator activity, even with corrector. Co-potentiator efficacy was confirmed in primary human bronchial epithelial cell cultures generated from a N1303K homozygous CF subject. The Class II potentiators identified here may have clinical benefit for CF caused by mutations in the NBD2 domain of CFTR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Puay-Wah Phuan
- Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA.
| | - Joseph-Anthony Tan
- Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Amber A Rivera
- Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Lorna Zlock
- Department of Pathology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Dennis W Nielson
- Department of Pediatrics, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Walter E Finkbeiner
- Department of Pathology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Peter M Haggie
- Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Alan S Verkman
- Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA.,Department of Physiology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
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28
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Chemical modulation of siRNA lipophilicity for efficient delivery. J Control Release 2019; 307:98-107. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jconrel.2019.06.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2019] [Revised: 06/17/2019] [Accepted: 06/19/2019] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
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29
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Targeted delivery and endosomal cellular uptake of DARPin-siRNA bioconjugates: Influence of linker stability on gene silencing. Eur J Pharm Biopharm 2019; 141:37-50. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ejpb.2019.05.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2019] [Revised: 04/11/2019] [Accepted: 05/15/2019] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
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30
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Juliano RL, Wang L, Tavares F, Brown EG, James L, Ariyarathna Y, Ming X, Mao C, Suto M. Structure-activity relationships and cellular mechanism of action of small molecules that enhance the delivery of oligonucleotides. Nucleic Acids Res 2019; 46:1601-1613. [PMID: 29361039 PMCID: PMC5829638 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkx1320] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2017] [Accepted: 01/15/2018] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The pharmacological effects of antisense and siRNA oligonucleotides are hindered by the tendency of these molecules to become entrapped in endomembrane compartments thus failing to reach their targets in the cytosol or nucleus. We have previously used high throughput screening to identify small molecules that enhance the escape of oligonucleotides from intracellular membrane compartments and have termed such molecules OECs (oligonucleotide enhancing compounds). Here, we report on the structure-activity relationships of a family of OECs that are analogs of a hit that emerged from our original screen. These studies demonstrate key roles for the lipophilic aromatic groups, the tertiary nitrogen, and the carbamate moiety of the parent compound. We have also investigated the intracellular site of action of the OECs and have shown that activity is due to the release of oligonucleotides from intermediate endosomal compartments rather than from early endosomes or from highly acidic downstream compartments. At high concentrations of OECs toxicity occurs in a manner that is independent of caspases or of lysosomal cathepsins but instead involves increased plasma membrane permeability. Thus, in addition to describing specific characteristics of this family of OECs, the current study provides insights into basic mechanisms of oligonucleotide trafficking and their implications for oligonucleotide delivery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rudolph L Juliano
- Initos Pharmaceuticals LLC, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA.,UNC Eshelman School of Pharmacy, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - Ling Wang
- Initos Pharmaceuticals LLC, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - Francis Tavares
- Chemogenics Biopharma, Research Triangle Park, NC 27709, USA
| | - Edward G Brown
- Chemogenics Biopharma, Research Triangle Park, NC 27709, USA
| | - Lindsey James
- UNC Eshelman School of Pharmacy, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | | | - Xin Ming
- Department of Cancer Biology and Comprehensive Cancer Center, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC 27157, USA
| | - Chengqiong Mao
- Department of Cancer Biology and Comprehensive Cancer Center, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC 27157, USA
| | - Mark Suto
- Southern Research Institute, Birmingham, AL 35205, USA
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31
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Francia V, Reker-Smit C, Boel G, Salvati A. Limits and challenges in using transport inhibitors to characterize how nano-sized drug carriers enter cells. Nanomedicine (Lond) 2019; 14:1533-1549. [PMID: 31208280 DOI: 10.2217/nnm-2018-0446] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Aim: In this work we illustrate limits and challenges associated with the use of pharmacological inhibitors to study how nanomedicines enter cells and show how such limits can be overcome. Materials & methods: We selected a panel of six common pharmacological inhibitors and a model nanoparticle-cell system. We tested eventual toxicity by measuring cell viability. We confirmed drug efficacy by measuring the uptake of control markers for the pathways involved by flow cytometry and fluorescence microscopy. Results & conclusion: We show how to optimize the use of pharmacological inhibitors and interpret the results generated. Furthermore, we demonstrate that some inhibitors cannot be used for nanomedicine studies because they lose their efficacy when serum is added, as required for nanoparticle exposure to cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valentina Francia
- Department of Pharmacokinetics, Toxicology & Targeting, Groningen Research Institute of Pharmacy, University of Groningen, Antonius Deusinglaan 1, 9713AV Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Catharina Reker-Smit
- Department of Pharmacokinetics, Toxicology & Targeting, Groningen Research Institute of Pharmacy, University of Groningen, Antonius Deusinglaan 1, 9713AV Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Guido Boel
- Department of Pharmacokinetics, Toxicology & Targeting, Groningen Research Institute of Pharmacy, University of Groningen, Antonius Deusinglaan 1, 9713AV Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Anna Salvati
- Department of Pharmacokinetics, Toxicology & Targeting, Groningen Research Institute of Pharmacy, University of Groningen, Antonius Deusinglaan 1, 9713AV Groningen, The Netherlands
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32
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Mahmoodi Chalbatani G, Dana H, Gharagouzloo E, Grijalvo S, Eritja R, Logsdon CD, Memari F, Miri SR, Rad MR, Marmari V. Small interfering RNAs (siRNAs) in cancer therapy: a nano-based approach. Int J Nanomedicine 2019; 14:3111-3128. [PMID: 31118626 PMCID: PMC6504672 DOI: 10.2147/ijn.s200253] [Citation(s) in RCA: 141] [Impact Index Per Article: 28.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2019] [Accepted: 03/23/2019] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Cancer is one of the most complex diseases that has resulted in multiple genetic disorders and cellular abnormalities. Globally, cancer is the most common health concern disease that is affecting human beings. Great efforts have been made over the past decades in biology with the aim of searching novel and more efficient tools in therapy. Thus, small interfering RNAs (siRNAs) have been considered one of the most noteworthy developments which are able to regulate gene expression following a process known as RNA interference (RNAi). RNAi is a post-transcriptional mechanism that involves the inhibition of gene expression through promoting cleavage on a specific area of a target messenger RNA (mRNA). This technology has shown promising therapeutic results for a good number of diseases, especially in cancer. However, siRNA therapeutics have to face important drawbacks in therapy including stability and successful siRNA delivery in vivo. In this regard, the development of effective siRNA delivery systems has helped addressing these issues by opening novel therapeutic windows which have allowed to build up important advances in Nanomedicine. In this review, we discuss the progress of siRNA therapy as well as its medical application via nanoparticle-mediated delivery for cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Hassan Dana
- Cancer Research Center, Cancer Institute of Iran, Tehran University of Medical Science, Tehran, Iran
- Department of Biology, Damghan Branch, Islamic Azad University, Damghan, Iran
| | - Elahe Gharagouzloo
- Cancer Research Center, Cancer Institute of Iran, Tehran University of Medical Science, Tehran, Iran
| | - Santiago Grijalvo
- Institute of Advanced Chemistry of Catalonia (IQAC-CSIC), Barcelona08034, Spain
- Biomedical Research Networking Center in Bioengineering, Biomaterials and Nanomedicine (CIBER BBN), Madrid, Spain
| | - Ramon Eritja
- Institute of Advanced Chemistry of Catalonia (IQAC-CSIC), Barcelona08034, Spain
- Biomedical Research Networking Center in Bioengineering, Biomaterials and Nanomedicine (CIBER BBN), Madrid, Spain
| | - Craig D Logsdon
- Department of Cancer Biology, University of Texas, M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
- Department of GI Medical Oncology, University of Texas, M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Fereidoon Memari
- Cancer Research Center, Cancer Institute of Iran, Tehran University of Medical Science, Tehran, Iran
| | - Seyed Rouhollah Miri
- Cancer Research Center, Cancer Institute of Iran, Tehran University of Medical Science, Tehran, Iran
| | | | - Vahid Marmari
- Department of Biology, Damghan Branch, Islamic Azad University, Damghan, Iran
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33
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Chernikov IV, Vlassov VV, Chernolovskaya EL. Current Development of siRNA Bioconjugates: From Research to the Clinic. Front Pharmacol 2019; 10:444. [PMID: 31105570 PMCID: PMC6498891 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2019.00444] [Citation(s) in RCA: 121] [Impact Index Per Article: 24.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2019] [Accepted: 04/08/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Small interfering RNAs (siRNAs) acting via RNA interference mechanisms are able to recognize a homologous mRNA sequence in the cell and induce its degradation. The main problems in the development of siRNA-based drugs for therapeutic use are the low efficiency of siRNA delivery to target cells and the degradation of siRNAs by nucleases in biological fluids. Various approaches have been proposed to solve the problem of siRNA delivery in vivo (e.g., viruses, cationic lipids, polymers, nanoparticles), but all have limitations for therapeutic use. One of the most promising approaches to solve the problem of siRNA delivery to target cells is bioconjugation; i.e., the covalent connection of siRNAs with biogenic molecules (lipophilic molecules, antibodies, aptamers, ligands, peptides, or polymers). Bioconjugates are "ideal nanoparticles" since they do not need a positive charge to form complexes, are less toxic, and are less effectively recognized by components of the immune system because of their small size. This review is focused on strategies and principles for constructing siRNA bioconjugates for in vivo use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ivan V Chernikov
- Laboratory of Nucleic Acids Biochemistry, Institute of Chemical Biology and Fundamental Medicine, Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Novosibirsk, Russia
| | - Valentin V Vlassov
- Laboratory of Nucleic Acids Biochemistry, Institute of Chemical Biology and Fundamental Medicine, Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Novosibirsk, Russia
| | - Elena L Chernolovskaya
- Laboratory of Nucleic Acids Biochemistry, Institute of Chemical Biology and Fundamental Medicine, Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Novosibirsk, Russia
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34
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Patel S, Ryals RC, Weller KK, Pennesi ME, Sahay G. Lipid nanoparticles for delivery of messenger RNA to the back of the eye. J Control Release 2019; 303:91-100. [PMID: 30986436 DOI: 10.1016/j.jconrel.2019.04.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 117] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2019] [Revised: 04/03/2019] [Accepted: 04/10/2019] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Retinal gene therapy has had unprecedented success in generating treatments that can halt vision loss. However, immunogenic response and long-term toxicity with the use of viral vectors remain a concern. Non-viral vectors are relatively non-immunogenic, scalable platforms that have had limited success with DNA delivery to the eye. Messenger RNA (mRNA) therapeutics has expanded the ability to achieve high gene expression while eliminating unintended genomic integration or the need to cross the restrictive nuclear barrier. Lipid-based nanoparticles (LNPs) remain at the forefront of potent delivery vectors for nucleic acids. Herein, we tested eleven different LNP variants for their ability to deliver mRNA to the back of the eye. LNPs that contained ionizable lipids with low pKa and unsaturated hydrocarbon chains showed the highest amount of reporter gene transfection in the retina. The kinetics of gene expression showed a rapid onset (within 4 h) that persisted for 96 h. The gene delivery was cell-type specific with majority of the expression in the retinal pigmented epithelium (RPE) and limited expression in the Müller glia. LNP-delivered mRNA can be used to treat monogenic retinal degenerative disorders of the RPE. The transient nature of mRNA-based therapeutics makes it desirable for applications that are directed towards retinal reprogramming or genome editing. Overall, non-viral delivery of RNA therapeutics to diverse cell types within the retina can provide transformative new approaches to prevent blindness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Siddharth Patel
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Oregon State University, Portland, Oregon, USA
| | - Renee C Ryals
- Department of Ophthalmology, Casey Eye Institute, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, USA
| | - Kyle K Weller
- Department of Ophthalmology, Casey Eye Institute, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, USA
| | - Mark E Pennesi
- Department of Ophthalmology, Casey Eye Institute, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, USA
| | - Gaurav Sahay
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Oregon State University, Portland, Oregon, USA; Department of Biomedical Engineering, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon, USA.
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35
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Patel S, Kim J, Herrera M, Mukherjee A, Kabanov AV, Sahay G. Brief update on endocytosis of nanomedicines. Adv Drug Deliv Rev 2019; 144:90-111. [PMID: 31419450 PMCID: PMC6986687 DOI: 10.1016/j.addr.2019.08.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 227] [Impact Index Per Article: 45.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2019] [Revised: 08/06/2019] [Accepted: 08/10/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
The complexity of nanoscale interactions between biomaterials and cells has limited the realization of the ultimate vision of nanotechnology in diagnostics and therapeutics. As such, significant effort has been devoted to advancing our understanding of the biophysical interactions of the myriad nanoparticles. Endocytosis of nanomedicine has drawn tremendous interest in the last decade. Here, we highlight the ever-present barriers to efficient intracellular delivery of nanoparticles as well as the current advances and strategies deployed to breach these barriers. We also introduce new barriers that have been largely overlooked such as the glycocalyx and macromolecular crowding. Additionally, we draw attention to the potential complications arising from the disruption of the newly discovered functions of the lysosomes. Novel strategies of exploiting the inherent intracellular defects in disease states to enhance delivery and the use of exosomes for bioanalytics and drug delivery are explored. Furthermore, we discuss the advances in imaging techniques like electron microscopy, super resolution fluorescence microscopy, and single particle tracking which have been instrumental in our growing understanding of intracellular pathways and nanoparticle trafficking. Finally, we advocate for the push towards more intravital analysis of nanoparticle transport phenomena using the multitude of techniques available to us. Unraveling the underlying mechanisms governing the cellular barriers to delivery and biological interactions of nanoparticles will guide the innovations capable of breaching these barriers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Siddharth Patel
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Oregon State University, Robertson Life Science Building, 2730 SW Moody Avenue, Portland, OR 97201, USA
| | - Jeonghwan Kim
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Oregon State University, Robertson Life Science Building, 2730 SW Moody Avenue, Portland, OR 97201, USA
| | - Marco Herrera
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Oregon State University, Robertson Life Science Building, 2730 SW Moody Avenue, Portland, OR 97201, USA
| | - Anindit Mukherjee
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Oregon State University, Robertson Life Science Building, 2730 SW Moody Avenue, Portland, OR 97201, USA
| | - Alexander V Kabanov
- Center for Nanotechnology in Drug Delivery and Division of Pharmacoengineering and Molecular Pharmaceutics, Eshelman School of Pharmacy, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA; Laboratory of Chemical Design of Bionanomaterials, Faculty of Chemistry, M.V. Lomonosov Moscow State University, Moscow 119992, Russia.
| | - Gaurav Sahay
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Oregon State University, Robertson Life Science Building, 2730 SW Moody Avenue, Portland, OR 97201, USA; Department of Biomedical Engineering, Oregon Health and Science University, Robertson Life Science Building, 2730 SW Moody Avenue, Portland, OR 97201, USA.
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36
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Manda V, Josyula VR, Hariharapura RC. siRNA intervention inhibiting viral replication and delivery strategies for treating herpes simplex viral infection. Virusdisease 2019; 30:180-185. [PMID: 31179354 DOI: 10.1007/s13337-018-00508-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The effective treatment of herpes simplex virus (HSV) infections generally involves the use of antiviral nucleoside drugs, but with increasing reports of antiviral resistance, the use of these drugs is challenged. Hence, a need arises to explore alternate treatment options. In this review we have discussed various targets that have been explored to control the HSV replication using siRNA therapeutics. We have also discussed the advantages of targeting a less explored UL10 gene to develop an alternate therapeutic intervention. Gene silencing can induce an inhibitory activity to virus spread and infection. The capacity and suitability of UL10 gene as siRNA induced silencing target in eliciting the desired antiviral effect in patients is identified and particularly discussed. The major challenge associated with the siRNA therapeutics is their delivery. The various viable delivery options, that are being explored in the recent times is summarized and different delivery pathways and strategies are reviewed as a part of the study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vyshnavi Manda
- 1Department of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Manipal College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE), Manipal, Karnataka 576104 India
| | - Venkata Rao Josyula
- 1Department of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Manipal College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE), Manipal, Karnataka 576104 India
| | - Raghu Chandrashekar Hariharapura
- 1Department of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Manipal College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE), Manipal, Karnataka 576104 India.,2Manipal McGill Centre for Infectious Diseases, Prasanna School of Public Health, Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE), Manipal, Karnataka 576104 India
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37
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Peng Y, Huang J, Xiao H, Wu T, Shuai X. Codelivery of temozolomide and siRNA with polymeric nanocarrier for effective glioma treatment. Int J Nanomedicine 2018; 13:3467-3480. [PMID: 29942129 PMCID: PMC6007389 DOI: 10.2147/ijn.s164611] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Background The treatment of glioma remains a challenge because conventional chemotherapy is often ineffective by drug resistance. Combinative therapy using chemotherapeutic agents and siRNA has demonstrated potential to improve anticancer outcome through a synergistic effect in various cancers. The current study aims to achieve better glioma treatment through a combinative therapy based on a folate-targeted nanocarrier carrying both temozolomide (TMZ) and anti-BCL-2 siRNA. Methods A polymeric micelle (TMZ-FaPEC@siRNA) incorporating TMZ and anti-BCL-2 siRNA was prepared based on folate-conjugated triblock copolymer (Fa-PEG-PEI-PCL, Fa-PEC) of poly(ε-caprolactone) (PCL), poly(ethylenimine) (PEI) and poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG). The physicochemical properties and drug release profile of TMZ-FaPEC@siRNA were tested. The Fa-targeted drug delivery and joint effect of siRNA and TMZ to induce glioma apoptosis and tumor growth inhibition were evaluated both in vitro and in vivo. Results In vitro cell study demonstrated that the nanocarrier effectively facilitates codelivery of siRNA and TMZ into C6 cells, resulting in a strong apoptotic response of cancer cells by silencing the antiapoptosis BCL-2 gene and activating the proapoptotic Bax gene simultaneously. In vivo study in rat bearing orthotropic glioma showed that tumor growth was inhibited and meanwhile animal survival was prolonged remarkably through intracranial injection of TMZ-FaPEC@siRNA. Conclusion Our results evidence the strong efficacy of the folate-targeted nanomedicine carrying TMZ and BCL-2 siRNA in treating glioma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuan Peng
- Center of Biomedical Engineering, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou 510080, China.,Key Laboratory for Polymeric Composite & Functional Materials of Ministry of Education, Department of Polymer Science, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou 510275, China
| | - Jinsheng Huang
- Key Laboratory for Polymeric Composite & Functional Materials of Ministry of Education, Department of Polymer Science, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou 510275, China
| | - Hong Xiao
- Key Laboratory for Polymeric Composite & Functional Materials of Ministry of Education, Department of Polymer Science, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou 510275, China
| | - Teng Wu
- Center of Biomedical Engineering, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou 510080, China
| | - Xintao Shuai
- Center of Biomedical Engineering, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou 510080, China.,Key Laboratory for Polymeric Composite & Functional Materials of Ministry of Education, Department of Polymer Science, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou 510275, China
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38
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Winkler J. Extrahepatic Targeting of Oligonucleotides with Receptor-Binding Non-Immunoglobulin Scaffold Proteins. Nucleic Acid Ther 2018; 28:137-145. [PMID: 29733239 DOI: 10.1089/nat.2017.0713] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Although recent clinical successes of antisense, splice-switching, and siRNA oligonucleotides have established the therapeutic utility of this novel class of medicines, the efficient systemic application for non-liver targets remains elusive. Exploitation of active receptor-mediated targeting followed by efficient and productive cellular uptake is required for enabling the therapy of extrahepatic diseases on the expressional level. Evasion of liver accumulation and organ-specific targeting and also efficient cytosolic delivery after endosomal internalization are currently insufficiently solved issues. Lipid and polymer-based nanoparticles can be engineered for efficient cellular uptake and enhancement of endosomal escape, but are characterized by preferential liver accumulation based on biodistribution largely determined by particle size and biophysical properties. Oligonucleotide bioconjugates with receptor-binding ligands have been evolved for highly efficient targeting, but frequently result in a large extent of endosomal entrapment and consequently a lack of sufficient cytosolic concentrations. Non-immunoglobulin protein-based receptor recognition affords high cell-type selectivity and is promising for achieving nonhepatic oligonucleotide targeting. The use of such novel protein scaffolds, including designed ankyrin repeat proteins (DARPins), for oligonucleotide delivery is attractive for achieving effective tissue targeting. Issues for further development and optimization to advance approaches for extrahepatic oligonucleotide delivery by nanoparticles or bioconjugates are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Johannes Winkler
- Department of Cardiology, Medical University of Vienna , Vienna, Austria
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39
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Juliano RL. Intracellular Trafficking and Endosomal Release of Oligonucleotides: What We Know and What We Don't. Nucleic Acid Ther 2018; 28:166-177. [PMID: 29708838 DOI: 10.1089/nat.2018.0727] [Citation(s) in RCA: 86] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Understanding the cellular uptake and intracellular trafficking of oligonucleotides provides an important basic underpinning for the developing field of oligonucleotide-based therapeutics. Whether delivered as "free" oligonucleotides, as ligand-oligonucleotide conjugates, or in association with various nanocarriers, all forms of oligonucleotide enter cells by endocytosis and are initially ensconced within membrane-limited vesicles. Accordingly, the locus and extent of release to the cytosol and nucleus are key determinants of the pharmacological actions of oligonucleotides. A number of recent studies have explored the intracellular trafficking of various forms of oligonucleotides and their release from endomembrane compartments. These studies reveal a surprising convergence on an early-intermediate compartment in the trafficking pathway as the key locus of release for oligonucleotides administered in "free" form as well as those delivered with lipid complexes. Thus, oligonucleotide release from multivesicular bodies or from late endosomes seems to be the crucial endogenous process for attaining pharmacological effects. This intrinsic process of oligonucleotide release may be amplified by delivery agents such as lipid complexes or small molecule enhancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- R L Juliano
- Initos Pharmaceuticals LLC, UNC Eshelman School of Pharmacy, University of North Carolina , Chapel Hill, North Carolina
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40
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MicroRNA-Based Drugs for Brain Tumors. Trends Cancer 2018; 4:222-238. [PMID: 29506672 DOI: 10.1016/j.trecan.2017.12.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2017] [Revised: 12/18/2017] [Accepted: 12/24/2017] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are key regulatory elements encoded by the genome. A single miRNA can downregulate the expression of multiple genes involved in diverse functions. Because cancer is a disease with multiple gene aberrations, developing novel approaches to identify and modulate miRNA pathways may result in a breakthrough for cancer treatment. With a special focus on glioblastoma (GBM), this review provides an up-to-date summary of miRNA biogenesis, the role of miRNA in cancer resistance, and essential tools for modulating miRNA expression, as well as of clinically promising RNAi delivery systems and how they can be adapted for therapy.
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41
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Tai W, Gao X. Noncovalent tagging of siRNA with steroids for transmembrane delivery. Biomaterials 2018; 178:720-727. [PMID: 29433754 DOI: 10.1016/j.biomaterials.2018.02.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2017] [Revised: 02/02/2018] [Accepted: 02/02/2018] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
Abstract
Short interfering RNA (siRNA) has broad applications in biology and medicine, and holds tremendous potential to become a new class of therapeutics for many diseases. As a highly anionic macrobiomolecule, its cytosolic delivery, however, has been a major roadblock in translation. Here, we report the development of small, bifunctional chemical tags capable of transporting siRNA directly into the cytosol. The bifunctional tags consist of a siRNA-binding moiety that interacts with siRNA non-covalently, and a steroid domain that readily fuses with the mammalian cell membrane. In contrast to the conventional covalently conjugated siRNA-steroid that enters cells largely via endocytosis which substantially limits siRNA bioavailability, the non-covalently tagged siRNA is cell membrane-permeant, avoiding the endocytic pathway. This new methodology enables effective RNA interference (RNAi) without the need of cationic transfection or endosomolytic agents, opening a new avenue for intracellular delivery of native biologics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wanyi Tai
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
| | - Xiaohu Gao
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA.
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42
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Patel S, Ashwanikumar N, Robinson E, DuRoss A, Sun C, Murphy-Benenato KE, Mihai C, Almarsson Ö, Sahay G. Boosting Intracellular Delivery of Lipid Nanoparticle-Encapsulated mRNA. NANO LETTERS 2017; 17:5711-5718. [PMID: 28836442 PMCID: PMC5623340 DOI: 10.1021/acs.nanolett.7b02664] [Citation(s) in RCA: 154] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/14/2023]
Abstract
Intracellular delivery of mRNA holds great potential for vaccine1-3 and therapeutic4 discovery and development. Despite increasing recognition of the utility of lipid-based nanoparticles (LNPs) for intracellular delivery of mRNA, particle engineering is hindered by insufficient understanding of endosomal escape, which is believed to be a main limiter of cytosolic availability and activity of the nucleic acid inside the cell. Using a series of CRISPR-based genetic perturbations of the lysosomal pathway, we have identified that late endosome/lysosome (LE/Ly) formation is essential for functional delivery of exogenously presented mRNA. Lysosomes provide a spatiotemporal hub to orchestrate mTOR signaling and are known to control cell proliferation, nutrient sensing, ribosomal biogenesis, and mRNA translation. Through modulation of the mTOR pathway we were able to enhance or inhibit LNP-mediated mRNA delivery. To further boost intracellular delivery of mRNA, we screened 212 bioactive lipid-like molecules that are either enriched in vesicular compartments or modulate cell signaling. Surprisingly, we have discovered that leukotriene-antagonists, clinically approved for treatment of asthma and other lung diseases, enhance intracellular mRNA delivery in vitro (over 3-fold, p < 0.005) and in vivo (over 2-fold, p < 0.005). Understanding LNP-mediated intracellular delivery will inspire the next generation of RNA therapeutics that have high potency and limited toxicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Siddharth Patel
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Collaborative Life Science Building, 2730 SW Moody Ave, Oregon State University, Portland, OR, 97201
| | - N Ashwanikumar
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Collaborative Life Science Building, 2730 SW Moody Ave, Oregon State University, Portland, OR, 97201
| | - Emily Robinson
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Collaborative Life Science Building, 2730 SW Moody Ave, Oregon State University, Portland, OR, 97201
| | - Allison DuRoss
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Collaborative Life Science Building, 2730 SW Moody Ave, Oregon State University, Portland, OR, 97201
| | - Conroy Sun
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Collaborative Life Science Building, 2730 SW Moody Ave, Oregon State University, Portland, OR, 97201
- Department of Radiation Medicine, School of Medicine, 3181 S.W. Sam Jackson Park Road, Oregon Health Science University, Portland, OR, 97239
| | | | - Cosmin Mihai
- Moderna Therapeutics, 200 Technology Square, Cambridge, MA, 02139
| | - Örn Almarsson
- Moderna Therapeutics, 200 Technology Square, Cambridge, MA, 02139
| | - Gaurav Sahay
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Collaborative Life Science Building, 2730 SW Moody Ave, Oregon State University, Portland, OR, 97201
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Collaborative Life Science Building, 2730 SW Moody Ave, Oregon Health Science University, Portland, OR, 97201
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43
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Wang L, Ariyarathna Y, Ming X, Yang B, James LI, Kreda SM, Porter M, Janzen W, Juliano RL. A Novel Family of Small Molecules that Enhance the Intracellular Delivery and Pharmacological Effectiveness of Antisense and Splice Switching Oligonucleotides. ACS Chem Biol 2017; 12:1999-2007. [PMID: 28703575 DOI: 10.1021/acschembio.7b00242] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
The pharmacological effectiveness of oligonucleotides has been hampered by their tendency to remain entrapped in endosomes, thus limiting their access to cytosolic or nuclear targets. We have previously reported a group of small molecules that enhance the effects of oligonucleotides by causing their release from endosomes. Here, we describe a second novel family of oligonucleotide enhancing compounds (OECs) that is chemically distinct from the compounds reported previously. We demonstrate that these molecules substantially augment the actions of splice switching oligonucleotides (SSOs) and antisense oligonucleotides (ASOs) in cell culture. We also find enhancement of SSO effects in a murine model. These new compounds act by increasing endosome permeability and causing partial release of entrapped oligonucleotides. While they also affect the permeability of lysosomes, they are clearly different from typical lysosomotropic agents. Current members of this compound family display a relatively narrow window between effective dose and toxic dose. Thus, further improvements are necessary before these agents can become suitable for therapeutic use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ling Wang
- Initos Pharmaceuticals LLC, Eshelman Institute for Innovation MicroIncubator, CB# 7564, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599, United States
| | - Yamuna Ariyarathna
- UNC Eshelman School of Pharmacy, University of North Carolina, Chapel
Hill, North Carolina 27599, United States
| | - Xin Ming
- UNC Eshelman School of Pharmacy, University of North Carolina, Chapel
Hill, North Carolina 27599, United States
| | - Bing Yang
- UNC Eshelman School of Pharmacy, University of North Carolina, Chapel
Hill, North Carolina 27599, United States
| | - Lindsey I. James
- UNC Eshelman School of Pharmacy, University of North Carolina, Chapel
Hill, North Carolina 27599, United States
| | - Silvia M. Kreda
- UNC Cystic Fibrosis Center and Marsico Lung Institute, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599, United States
| | - Melissa Porter
- UNC Eshelman School of Pharmacy, University of North Carolina, Chapel
Hill, North Carolina 27599, United States
| | - William Janzen
- UNC Eshelman School of Pharmacy, University of North Carolina, Chapel
Hill, North Carolina 27599, United States
| | - Rudolph L. Juliano
- Initos Pharmaceuticals LLC, Eshelman Institute for Innovation MicroIncubator, CB# 7564, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599, United States
- UNC Eshelman School of Pharmacy, University of North Carolina, Chapel
Hill, North Carolina 27599, United States
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44
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Behzadi S, Serpooshan V, Tao W, Hamaly MA, Alkawareek MY, Dreaden EC, Brown D, Alkilany AM, Farokhzad OC, Mahmoudi M. Cellular uptake of nanoparticles: journey inside the cell. Chem Soc Rev 2017; 46:4218-4244. [PMID: 28585944 PMCID: PMC5593313 DOI: 10.1039/c6cs00636a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1408] [Impact Index Per Article: 201.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Nanoscale materials are increasingly found in consumer goods, electronics, and pharmaceuticals. While these particles interact with the body in myriad ways, their beneficial and/or deleterious effects ultimately arise from interactions at the cellular and subcellular level. Nanoparticles (NPs) can modulate cell fate, induce or prevent mutations, initiate cell-cell communication, and modulate cell structure in a manner dictated largely by phenomena at the nano-bio interface. Recent advances in chemical synthesis have yielded new nanoscale materials with precisely defined biochemical features, and emerging analytical techniques have shed light on nuanced and context-dependent nano-bio interactions within cells. In this review, we provide an objective and comprehensive account of our current understanding of the cellular uptake of NPs and the underlying parameters controlling the nano-cellular interactions, along with the available analytical techniques to follow and track these processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shahed Behzadi
- Center for Nanomedicine and Department of Anesthesiology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA.
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45
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Conde Diez S, de las Cuevas Allende R, Conde García E. Estado actual del metabolismo del hierro: implicaciones clínicas y terapéuticas. Med Clin (Barc) 2017; 148:218-224. [DOI: 10.1016/j.medcli.2016.10.047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2016] [Revised: 10/26/2016] [Accepted: 10/26/2016] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
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46
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Zhang X, Castanotto D, Nam S, Horne D, Stein C. 6BIO Enhances Oligonucleotide Activity in Cells: A Potential Combinatorial Anti-androgen Receptor Therapy in Prostate Cancer Cells. Mol Ther 2017; 25:79-91. [PMID: 28129131 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymthe.2016.10.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2016] [Revised: 10/07/2016] [Accepted: 10/11/2016] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Approximately 15%-25% of men diagnosed with prostate cancer do not survive their disease. The American Cancer Society estimated that for the year 2016 the number of prostate cancer deaths will be 26,120. Thus, there is a critical need for novel approaches to treat this deadly disease. Using high-throughput small-molecule screening, we found that the small molecule 6-bromo-indirubin-3'-oxime (6BIO) significantly improves the targeting of antisense oligonucleotides (ASOs) delivered by gymnosis (i.e., in the absence of any transfection reagents) in both the cell cytoplasm and the nucleus. Furthermore, as a single agent, 6BIO had the unexpected ability to simultaneously downregulate androgen receptor (AR) expression and AR signaling in prostate cancer cells. This includes downregulating levels of the AR-V7, a drug-resistance-related AR splice variant that is important in the progression of prostate cancer. Combining 6BIO and an anti-AR oligonucleotide (AR-ASO) can augment the downregulation of AR expression. We also demonstrated that 6BIO enhances ASO function and represses AR expression through the inhibition of the two main glycogen synthase kinase 3 (GSK-3) isoforms: GSK-3α and GSK-3β activity. Our findings provide a rationale for the use of 6BIO as a single agent or as part of a combinatorial ASO-based therapy in the treatment of human prostate cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaowei Zhang
- Departments of Medical Oncology and Experimental Therapeutics and Molecular and Cellular Biology, City of Hope Medical Center, Duarte, CA 91010, USA
| | - Daniela Castanotto
- Departments of Medical Oncology and Experimental Therapeutics and Molecular and Cellular Biology, City of Hope Medical Center, Duarte, CA 91010, USA; Beckman Research Institute, City of Hope Medical Center, Duarte, CA 91010, USA.
| | - Sangkil Nam
- Beckman Research Institute, City of Hope Medical Center, Duarte, CA 91010, USA
| | - David Horne
- Beckman Research Institute, City of Hope Medical Center, Duarte, CA 91010, USA
| | - Cy Stein
- Departments of Medical Oncology and Experimental Therapeutics and Molecular and Cellular Biology, City of Hope Medical Center, Duarte, CA 91010, USA; Beckman Research Institute, City of Hope Medical Center, Duarte, CA 91010, USA.
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47
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Chernikov IV, Gladkikh DV, Meschaninova MI, Ven'yaminova AG, Zenkova MA, Vlassov VV, Chernolovskaya EL. Cholesterol-Containing Nuclease-Resistant siRNA Accumulates in Tumors in a Carrier-free Mode and Silences MDR1 Gene. MOLECULAR THERAPY-NUCLEIC ACIDS 2017; 6:209-220. [PMID: 28325287 PMCID: PMC5363506 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtn.2016.12.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2016] [Revised: 12/23/2016] [Accepted: 12/23/2016] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Chemical modifications are an effective way to improve the therapeutic properties of small interfering RNAs (siRNAs), making them more resistant to degradation in serum and ensuring their delivery to target cells and tissues. Here, we studied the carrier-free biodistribution and biological activity of a nuclease-resistant anti-MDR1 cholesterol-siRNA conjugate in healthy and tumor-bearing severe combined immune deficiency (SCID) mice. The attachment of cholesterol to siRNA provided its efficient accumulation in the liver and in tumors, and reduced its retention in the kidneys after intravenous and intraperitoneal injection. The major part of cholesterol-siRNA after intramuscular and subcutaneous injections remained in the injection place. Confocal microscopy data demonstrated that cholesterol-siRNA spread deep in the tissue and was present in the cytoplasm of almost all the liver and tumor cells. The reduction of P-glycoprotein level in human KB-8-5 xenograft overexpressing the MDR1 gene by 60% was observed at days 5–6 after injection. Then, its initial level recovered by the eighth day. The data showed that, regardless of the mode of administration (intravenous, intraperitoneal, or peritumoral), cholesterol-siMDR efficiently reduced the P-glycoprotein level in tumors. The designed anti-MDR1 conjugate has potential as an adjuvant therapeutic for the reversal of multiple drug resistance of cancer cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ivan V Chernikov
- Institute of Chemical Biology and Fundamental Medicine SB RAS, Novosibirsk 630090, Russia
| | - Daniil V Gladkikh
- Institute of Chemical Biology and Fundamental Medicine SB RAS, Novosibirsk 630090, Russia
| | - Mariya I Meschaninova
- Institute of Chemical Biology and Fundamental Medicine SB RAS, Novosibirsk 630090, Russia
| | - Alya G Ven'yaminova
- Institute of Chemical Biology and Fundamental Medicine SB RAS, Novosibirsk 630090, Russia
| | - Marina A Zenkova
- Institute of Chemical Biology and Fundamental Medicine SB RAS, Novosibirsk 630090, Russia
| | - Valentin V Vlassov
- Institute of Chemical Biology and Fundamental Medicine SB RAS, Novosibirsk 630090, Russia
| | - Elena L Chernolovskaya
- Institute of Chemical Biology and Fundamental Medicine SB RAS, Novosibirsk 630090, Russia.
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48
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Priya A, Sugatha J, Parveen S, Lacas-gervais S, Raj P, Gilleron J, Datta S. Essential and selective role of SNX12 in transport of endocytic and retrograde cargo. J Cell Sci 2017; 130:2707-2721. [DOI: 10.1242/jcs.201905] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2017] [Accepted: 07/05/2017] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
The endosomal protein sorting machineries play vital roles in diverse physiologically important cellular processes. Much of the core membrane sorting apparatus are conserved in evolution, such as retromer, involved in the recycling of a diverse set of cargoes via retrograde trafficking route. Here, using a RNAi based loss of function study, we identified that SNX12 when suppressed, leads to severe blockage in CIM6PR transport and alters the morphology of the endocytic compartments. We demonstrate that SNX12 is involved in the early phase of CIM6PR transport and mediates receptor recycling upstream of the other well established SNX components of retromer. Ultra-structural analysis revealed that SNX12 resides on tubulo-vesicular structures, inspite of lacking a BAR domain. Further, we illustrate that SNX12 plays a key role in intraluminal vesicle formation and in the maturation of a sub-population of early endosomes to late endosomes thereby regulating selective endocytic transport of cargo for degradation. This study therefore provides evidence for the existence of early endosomal sub-populations, which have differential roles in sorting of the cargoes along endocytic degradative pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amulya Priya
- Department of Biological Sciences, Indian Institute of Science Education and Research Bhopal, Bhopal-462023, India
| | - Jini Sugatha
- Department of Biological Sciences, Indian Institute of Science Education and Research Bhopal, Bhopal-462023, India
| | - Sameena Parveen
- Department of Biological Sciences, Indian Institute of Science Education and Research Bhopal, Bhopal-462023, India
| | - Sandra Lacas-gervais
- Centre Commun de Microscopie Appliquée, Université Nice-Sophia Antipolis, 06108 Nice Cedex 2, France
| | - Prateek Raj
- Molecular Biophysics Unit, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore, India
| | - Jérôme Gilleron
- INSERM U1065, Centre Méditerranéen de Médecine Moléculaire C3M, Nice, France
| | - Sunando Datta
- Department of Biological Sciences, Indian Institute of Science Education and Research Bhopal, Bhopal-462023, India
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49
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Smekalova EM, Kotelevtsev YV, Leboeuf D, Shcherbinina EY, Fefilova AS, Zatsepin TS, Koteliansky V. lncRNA in the liver: Prospects for fundamental research and therapy by RNA interference. Biochimie 2016; 131:159-172. [DOI: 10.1016/j.biochi.2016.06.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2016] [Accepted: 06/14/2016] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
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50
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Zatsepin TS, Kotelevtsev YV, Koteliansky V. Lipid nanoparticles for targeted siRNA delivery - going from bench to bedside. Int J Nanomedicine 2016; 11:3077-86. [PMID: 27462152 PMCID: PMC4939975 DOI: 10.2147/ijn.s106625] [Citation(s) in RCA: 116] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
This review covers the basic aspects of small interfering RNA delivery by lipid nano-particles (LNPs) and elaborates on the current status of clinical trials for these systems. We briefly describe the roles of all LNP components and possible strategies for their improvement. We also focus on the current clinical trials using LNP-formulated RNA and the possible outcomes for therapy in the near future. Also, we present a critical analysis of selected clinical trials that reveals the common logic behind target selection. We address this review to a wide audience, especially to medical doctors who are interested in the application of RNA interference-based treatment platforms. We anticipate that this review may spark interest in this particular audience and generate new ideas in target selection for the disorders they are dealing with.
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Affiliation(s)
- Timofei S Zatsepin
- Center of Functional Genomics, Skolkovo Institute of Science and Technology; Department of Chemistry, Lomonosov Moscow State University; Production Department, Central Research Institute of Epidemiology, Moscow, Russia
| | - Yuri V Kotelevtsev
- Center of Functional Genomics, Skolkovo Institute of Science and Technology
| | - Victor Koteliansky
- Center of Functional Genomics, Skolkovo Institute of Science and Technology; Department of Chemistry, Lomonosov Moscow State University
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