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Li Y, Li C, Yan J, Liao Y, Qin C, Wang L, Huang Y, Yang C, Wang J, Ding X, Yang YY, Yuan P. Polymeric micellar nanoparticles for effective CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing in cancer. Biomaterials 2024; 309:122573. [PMID: 38677222 DOI: 10.1016/j.biomaterials.2024.122573] [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: 11/12/2023] [Revised: 03/21/2024] [Accepted: 04/12/2024] [Indexed: 04/29/2024]
Abstract
The clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeat (CRISPR)-associated protein 9 (Cas9) gene editing has attracted extensive attentions in various fields, however, its clinical application is hindered by the lack of effective and safe delivery system. Herein, we reported a cationic micelle nanoparticle composed of cholesterol-modified branched small molecular PEI (PEI-CHO) and biodegradable PEG-b-polycarbonate block copolymer (PEG-PC), denoted as PEG-PC/PEI-CHO/pCas9, for the CRISPR/Cas9 delivery to realize genomic editing in cancer. Specifically, PEI-CHO condensed pCas9 into nanocomplexes, which were further encapsulated into PEG-PC nanoparticles (PEG-PC/PEI-CHO/pCas9). PEG-PC/PEI-CHO/pCas9 had a PEG shell, protecting DNA from degradation by nucleases. Enhanced cellular uptake of PEG-PC/PEI-CHO/pCas9 nanoparticles was observed as compared to that mediated by Lipo2k/pCas9 nanoparticles, thus leading to significantly elevated transfection efficiency after escaping from endosomes via the proton sponge effect of PEI. In addition, the presence of PEG shell greatly improved biocompatibility, and significantly enhanced the in vivo tumor retention of pCas9 compared to PEI-CHO/pCas9. Notably, apparent downregulation of GFP expression could be achieved both in vitro and in vivo by using PEG-PC/PEI-CHO/pCas9-sgGFP nanoparticles. Furthermore, PEG-PC/PEI-CHO/pCas9-sgMcl1 induced effective apoptosis and tumor suppression in a HeLa tumor xenograft mouse model by downregulating Mcl1 expression. This work may provide an alternative paradigm for the efficient and safe genome editing in cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuzhen Li
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences (Shenzhen), Shenzhen Campus of Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, 518107, China; School of Pharmaceutical Sciences (Shenzhen), Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, 518107, China
| | - Chun Li
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences (Shenzhen), Shenzhen Campus of Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, 518107, China; School of Pharmaceutical Sciences (Shenzhen), Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, 518107, China
| | - Jiachang Yan
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences (Shenzhen), Shenzhen Campus of Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, 518107, China; School of Pharmaceutical Sciences (Shenzhen), Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, 518107, China
| | - Ying Liao
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, 510060, China
| | - Chengyuan Qin
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences (Shenzhen), Shenzhen Campus of Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, 518107, China; School of Pharmaceutical Sciences (Shenzhen), Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, 518107, China
| | - Lingyin Wang
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences (Shenzhen), Shenzhen Campus of Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, 518107, China; School of Pharmaceutical Sciences (Shenzhen), Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, 518107, China
| | - Yi Huang
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences (Shenzhen), Shenzhen Campus of Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, 518107, China; School of Pharmaceutical Sciences (Shenzhen), Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, 518107, China
| | - Chuan Yang
- Bioprocessing Technology Institute, Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), 20 Biopolis Way, Centros #06-01, Singapore, 138668, Republic of Singapore
| | - Jianwei Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, 510060, China.
| | - Xin Ding
- School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, 518107, China.
| | - Yi Yan Yang
- Bioprocessing Technology Institute, Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), 20 Biopolis Way, Centros #06-01, Singapore, 138668, Republic of Singapore.
| | - Peiyan Yuan
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences (Shenzhen), Shenzhen Campus of Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, 518107, China; School of Pharmaceutical Sciences (Shenzhen), Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, 518107, China.
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Ning P, Yao H, Du F, Yuan J, Xia Y, Yang P, Chen X, Rao Z, Wang X. Gene Reprogramming Armed Macrophage Membrane-Camouflaged Nanoplatform Enhances Bionic Targeted Drug Delivery to Solid Tumor for Synergistic Therapy. Mol Pharm 2023; 20:2362-2375. [PMID: 36989419 DOI: 10.1021/acs.molpharmaceut.2c00929] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/31/2023]
Abstract
Efficient drug delivery to solid tumors remains a challenge. HER2-positive (HER2+) tumors are an aggressive cancer subtype with a resistance to therapy, high risk of relapse, and poor prognosis. Although nanomedicine technology shows obvious advantages in tumor treatment, its potential clinical translation is still impeded by the unsatisfactory delivery and therapeutic efficacy. In this study, a gene reprogramming macrophage membrane-encapsulated drug-loading nanoplatform was developed for HER2+ cancer therapy based on the co-assembly of poly (lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) nanoparticles and engineered modified macrophage membranes. In this nanoplatform, near-infrared (NIR) fluorescent dye ICG or chemotherapeutic drug doxorubicin (DOX) was loaded into the PLGA cores, and an anti-HER2 affibody was stably expressed on the membrane of macrophages. In comparison to the nanoparticles with conventional macrophage membrane coating, the ICG/DOX@AMNP nanoparticles armed with anti-HER2 affibody showed excellent HER2-targeting ability both in vitro and in vivo. Small animal imaging studies confirmed the improved pharmacokinetics of drug delivery and specific distribution of the ICG/DOX@AMNPs in HER2+ tumors. Mechanistically, compared with DOX@NPs or DOX@MNPs nanoparticles, DOX@AMNPs exhibited synergistic inhibition of HER2+ cancer cells or mice tumor growth by inducing apoptosis and blocking the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway. Altogether, this study proposes a promising biomimetic nanoplatform for the efficient targeted delivery of chemotherapeutic agents to HER2+ tumors, demonstrating its great potential for solid tumor therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pengbo Ning
- School of Life Science and Technology, Xidian University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710071, P. R. China
- Engineering Research Center of Molecular & Neuroimaging, Ministry of Education, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710071, P. R. China
| | - Huimin Yao
- School of Life Science and Technology, Xidian University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710071, P. R. China
- Engineering Research Center of Molecular & Neuroimaging, Ministry of Education, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710071, P. R. China
| | - Fuyu Du
- School of Life Science and Technology, Xidian University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710071, P. R. China
- Engineering Research Center of Molecular & Neuroimaging, Ministry of Education, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710071, P. R. China
| | - Jingtong Yuan
- School of Life Science and Technology, Xidian University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710071, P. R. China
- Engineering Research Center of Molecular & Neuroimaging, Ministry of Education, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710071, P. R. China
| | - Yuqiong Xia
- School of Life Science and Technology, Xidian University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710071, P. R. China
- Engineering Research Center of Molecular & Neuroimaging, Ministry of Education, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710071, P. R. China
| | - Peng Yang
- School of Life Science and Technology, Xidian University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710071, P. R. China
- Engineering Research Center of Molecular & Neuroimaging, Ministry of Education, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710071, P. R. China
| | - Xin Chen
- Department of General Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Air Force Medical University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710000, P. R. China
| | - Zhiping Rao
- School of Life Science and Technology, Xidian University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710071, P. R. China
- Engineering Research Center of Molecular & Neuroimaging, Ministry of Education, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710071, P. R. China
| | - Xinan Wang
- School of Life Science and Technology, Xidian University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710071, P. R. China
- Engineering Research Center of Molecular & Neuroimaging, Ministry of Education, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710071, P. R. China
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Lin Y, Wagner E, Lächelt U. Non-viral delivery of the CRISPR/Cas system: DNA versus RNA versus RNP. Biomater Sci 2022; 10:1166-1192. [DOI: 10.1039/d1bm01658j] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Since its discovery, the CRISPR/Cas technology has rapidly become an essential tool in modern biomedical research. The opportunities to specifically modify and correct genomic DNA has also raised big hope...
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Rahman MM, Tollefsbol TO. Targeting cancer epigenetics with CRISPR-dCAS9: Principles and prospects. Methods 2021; 187:77-91. [PMID: 32315755 PMCID: PMC7572534 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymeth.2020.04.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2020] [Revised: 04/15/2020] [Accepted: 04/15/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Cancer therapeutics is an ever-evolving field due to incessant demands for effective and precise treatment options. Over the last few decades, cancer treatment strategies have shifted somewhat from surgery to targeted precision medicine. CRISPR-dCas9 is an emerging version of precision cancer therapy that has been adapted from the prokaryotic CRISPR-Cas system. Once ligated to epigenetic effectors (EE), CRISPR-dCas9 can function as an epigenetic editing tool and CRISPR-dCas9-EE complexes could be exploited to alter cancerous epigenetic features associated with different cancer hallmarks. In this article, we discuss the rationale of epigenetic editing as a therapeutic strategy against cancer. We also outline how sgRNA-dCas9 was derived from the CRISPR-Cas system. In addition, the current status of sgRNA-dCas9 use (in vivo and in vitro) in cancer is updated with a molecular illustration of CRISPR-dCas9-mediated epigenetic and transcriptional modulation. As sgRNA-dCas9 is still at the developmental phase, challenges are inherent to its use. We evaluate major challenges in targeting cancer with sgRNA-dCas9 such as off-target effects, lack of sgRNA designing rubrics, target site selection dilemmas and deficient sgRNA-dCas9 delivery systems. Finally, we appraise the sgRNA-dCas9 as a prospective cancer therapeutic by summarizing ongoing improvements of sgRNA-dCas9 methodology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammad Mijanur Rahman
- Department of Biology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, 1300 University Boulevard, Birmingham, AL 35294, USA.
| | - Trygve O Tollefsbol
- Department of Biology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, 1300 University Boulevard, Birmingham, AL 35294, USA; Comprehensive Center for Healthy Aging, University of Alabama Birmingham, 1530 3rd Avenue South, Birmingham, AL 35294, USA; Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Alabama Birmingham, 1802 6th Avenue South, Birmingham, AL 35294, USA; Nutrition Obesity Research Center, University of Alabama Birmingham, 1675 University Boulevard, Birmingham, AL 35294, USA; Comprehensive Diabetes Center, University of Alabama Birmingham, 1825 University Boulevard, Birmingham, AL 35294, USA.
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Xu CF, Chen GJ, Luo YL, Zhang Y, Zhao G, Lu ZD, Czarna A, Gu Z, Wang J. Rational designs of in vivo CRISPR-Cas delivery systems. Adv Drug Deliv Rev 2021; 168:3-29. [PMID: 31759123 DOI: 10.1016/j.addr.2019.11.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 98] [Impact Index Per Article: 32.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2019] [Revised: 11/09/2019] [Accepted: 11/19/2019] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
The CRISPR-Cas system initiated a revolution in genome editing when it was, for the first time, demonstrated success in the mammalian cells. Today, scientists are able to readily edit genomes, regulate gene transcription, engineer posttranscriptional events, and image nucleic acids using CRISPR-Cas-based tools. However, to efficiently transport CRISPR-Cas into target tissues/cells remains challenging due to many extra- and intra-cellular barriers, therefore largely limiting the applications of CRISPR-based therapeutics in vivo. In this review, we summarize the features of plasmid-, RNA- and ribonucleoprotein (RNP)-based CRISPR-Cas therapeutics. Then, we survey the current in vivo delivery systems. We specify the requirements for efficient in vivo delivery in clinical settings, and highlight both efficiency and safety for different CRISPR-Cas tools.
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Ren XH, He XY, Liu BY, Xu C, Cheng SX. Self-Assembled Plasmid Delivery System for PPM1D Knockout to Reverse Tumor Malignancy. ACS APPLIED BIO MATERIALS 2020; 3:7831-7839. [DOI: 10.1021/acsabm.0c01009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Xiao-He Ren
- Key Laboratory of Biomedical Polymers of Ministry of Education, Department of Chemistry, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072, People’s Republic of China
| | - Xiao-Yan He
- Key Laboratory of Biomedical Polymers of Ministry of Education, Department of Chemistry, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072, People’s Republic of China
| | - Bo-Ya Liu
- Key Laboratory of Biomedical Polymers of Ministry of Education, Department of Chemistry, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072, People’s Republic of China
| | - Chang Xu
- Key Laboratory of Biomedical Polymers of Ministry of Education, Department of Chemistry, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072, People’s Republic of China
| | - Si-Xue Cheng
- Key Laboratory of Biomedical Polymers of Ministry of Education, Department of Chemistry, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072, People’s Republic of China
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Lau CH, Tin C. The Synergy between CRISPR and Chemical Engineering. Curr Gene Ther 2020; 19:147-171. [PMID: 31267870 DOI: 10.2174/1566523219666190701100556] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2019] [Revised: 06/18/2019] [Accepted: 06/21/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Gene therapy and transgenic research have advanced quickly in recent years due to the development of CRISPR technology. The rapid development of CRISPR technology has been largely benefited by chemical engineering. Firstly, chemical or synthetic substance enables spatiotemporal and conditional control of Cas9 or dCas9 activities. It prevents the leaky expression of CRISPR components, as well as minimizes toxicity and off-target effects. Multi-input logic operations and complex genetic circuits can also be implemented via multiplexed and orthogonal regulation of target genes. Secondly, rational chemical modifications to the sgRNA enhance gene editing efficiency and specificity by improving sgRNA stability and binding affinity to on-target genomic loci, and hence reducing off-target mismatches and systemic immunogenicity. Chemically-modified Cas9 mRNA is also more active and less immunogenic than the native mRNA. Thirdly, nonviral vehicles can circumvent the challenges associated with viral packaging and production through the delivery of Cas9-sgRNA ribonucleoprotein complex or large Cas9 expression plasmids. Multi-functional nanovectors enhance genome editing in vivo by overcoming multiple physiological barriers, enabling ligand-targeted cellular uptake, and blood-brain barrier crossing. Chemical engineering can also facilitate viral-based delivery by improving vector internalization, allowing tissue-specific transgene expression, and preventing inactivation of the viral vectors in vivo. This review aims to discuss how chemical engineering has helped improve existing CRISPR applications and enable new technologies for biomedical research. The usefulness, advantages, and molecular action for each chemical engineering approach are also highlighted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cia-Hin Lau
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, City University of Hong Kong, Kowloon Tong, Hong Kong
| | - Chung Tin
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, City University of Hong Kong, Kowloon Tong, Hong Kong
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Abstract
Liposomes are one of the most widely investigated carriers for CRISPR/Cas9 delivery. The surface properties of liposomal carriers, including the surface charge, PEGylation, and ligand modification can significantly affect the gene silencing efficiency. Three barriers of systemic CRISPR/Cas9 delivery (long blood circulation, efficient tumor penetration, and efficient cellular uptake/endosomal escape) are analyzed on liposomal carriers with different surface charges, PEGylations, and ligand modifications. Cationic formulations dominate CRISPR/Cas9 delivery and neutral formulations also have good performance while anionic formulations are generally not proper for CRISPR/Cas9 delivery. The PEG dilemma (prolonged blood circulation vs. reduced cellular uptake/endosomal escape) and the side effect of repeated PEGylated formulation (accelerated blood clearance) were discussed. Effects of ligand modification on cationic and neutral formulations were analyzed. Finally, we summarized the achievements in liposomal CRISPR/Cas9 delivery, outlined existing problems, and provided some future perspectives. Liposomes are one of the most widely investigated carriers for CRISPR/Cas9 delivery. The surface properties of liposomal carriers, including the surface charge, PEGylation, and ligand modification can significantly affect the gene silencing efficiency. Three barriers of systemic siRNA delivery (long blood circulation, efficient tumor penetration, and efficient cellular uptake/endosomal escape) are analyzed on liposomal carriers with different surface charges, PEGylations, and ligand modifications. Cationic formulations dominate CRISPR/Cas9 delivery and neutral formulations also have good performance while anionic formulations are generally not proper for CRISPR/Cas9 delivery. The PEG dilemma (prolonged blood circulation vs. reduced cellular uptake/endosomal escape) and the side effect of repeated PEGylated formulation (accelerated blood clearance) were discussed. Effects of ligand modification on cationic and neutral formulations were analyzed. Finally, we summarized the achievements in liposomal CRISPR/Cas9 delivery, outlined existing problems, and provided some future perspectives.
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