1
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Ban E, Kim A. PicoGreen assay for nucleic acid quantification - Applications, challenges, and solutions. Anal Biochem 2024; 692:115577. [PMID: 38789006 DOI: 10.1016/j.ab.2024.115577] [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: 01/18/2024] [Revised: 05/20/2024] [Accepted: 05/21/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024]
Abstract
Various analytical methods and reagents have been employed for nucleic acid analysis in cells, biological fluids, and formulations. Standard techniques like gel electrophoresis and qRT-PCR are widely used for qualitative and quantitative nucleic acid analysis. However, these methods can be time-consuming and labor-intensive, with limitations such as inapplicability to small RNA at low concentrations and high costs associated with qRT-PCR reagents and instruments. As an alternative, PicoGreen (PG) has emerged as a valuable method for the quantitative analysis of nucleic acids. PG, a fluorescent dye, enables the quantitation of double-stranded DNA (dsDNA) or double-stranded RNA, including miRNA mimic and siRNA, in solution. It is also applicable to DNA and RNA analysis within cells using techniques like FACS and fluorescence microscopy. Despite its advantages, PG's fluorescence intensity is affected by various experimental conditions, such as pH, salts, and chemical reagents. This review explores the recent applications of PG as a rapid, cost-effective, robust, and accurate assay tool for nucleic acid quantification. We also address the limitations of PG and discuss approaches to overcome these challenges, recognizing the expanding range of its applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eunmi Ban
- College of Pharmacy, CHA University, Seongnam, 13488, South Korea
| | - Aeri Kim
- College of Pharmacy, CHA University, Seongnam, 13488, South Korea.
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2
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Cooper CG, Kafetzis KN, Patabendige A, Tagalakis AD. Blood-brain barrier disruption in dementia: Nano-solutions as new treatment options. Eur J Neurosci 2024; 59:1359-1385. [PMID: 38154805 DOI: 10.1111/ejn.16229] [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: 08/01/2023] [Revised: 11/28/2023] [Accepted: 12/02/2023] [Indexed: 12/30/2023]
Abstract
Candidate drugs targeting the central nervous system (CNS) demonstrate extremely low clinical success rates, with more than 98% of potential treatments being discontinued due to poor blood-brain barrier (BBB) permeability. Neurological conditions were shown to be the second leading cause of death globally in 2016, with the number of people currently affected by neurological disorders increasing rapidly. This increasing trend, along with an inability to develop BBB permeating drugs, is presenting a major hurdle in the treatment of CNS-related disorders, like dementia. To overcome this, it is necessary to understand the structure and function of the BBB, including the transport of molecules across its interface in both healthy and pathological conditions. The use of CNS drug carriers is rapidly gaining popularity in CNS research due to their ability to target BBB transport systems. Further research and development of drug delivery vehicles could provide essential information that can be used to develop novel treatments for neurological conditions. This review discusses the BBB and its transport systems and evaluates the potential of using nanoparticle-based delivery systems as drug carriers for CNS disease with a focus on dementia.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Adjanie Patabendige
- Department of Biology, Edge Hill University, Ormskirk, UK
- Liverpool Centre for Cardiovascular Science, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
| | - Aristides D Tagalakis
- Department of Biology, Edge Hill University, Ormskirk, UK
- UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, University College London, London, UK
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3
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Ma H, Cao M. Designed Peptide Assemblies for Efficient Gene Delivery. LANGMUIR : THE ACS JOURNAL OF SURFACES AND COLLOIDS 2022; 38:13627-13634. [PMID: 36318179 DOI: 10.1021/acs.langmuir.2c02197] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
The safe and efficient delivery of nucleic acids including DNA, mRNA, siRNA, and miRNA into targeted cells is critical for gene therapy. Currently, viral gene vectors are very popular, but they have potential toxicity and insecurity. Therefore, the development of nonviral vectors has attracted considerable research attention. Peptide assemblies are superior candidates for being used as gene vectors by having good biocompatibility, versatile molecular design, excellent assembly capacity, ease of modification, and stimuli responsivity. The de novo designed peptides not only can induce efficient condensation of nucleic acids into compacted nanoparticles and protect them from enzymatic digestion but also can effectively overcome biological barriers and improve gene delivery efficiency through targeted delivery, enhanced cellular uptake, improved endolysosomal escape, and nuclear importation. By having these merits, peptidic gene vectors are developing fast, showing outstanding advantages compared to liposome and polymer vectors. This Perspective focuses on peptidic gene delivery systems by emphasizing the molecular design strategies for meeting the criteria of gene condensation, protection from nuclease degradation, cellular uptake, endolysosomal escape, and so on. The new arising research area of peptide-based artificial viruses for gene and ribonucleoprotein delivery has also been reviewed. The challenges and future perspectives are put forward, aiming to provide a conclusive guide for the development of peptidic delivery systems to achieve efficient gene therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongchao Ma
- State Key Laboratory of Heavy Oil Processing and Department of Biological and Energy Chemical Engineering, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, China University of Petroleum (East China), Qingdao 266580, China
| | - Meiwen Cao
- State Key Laboratory of Heavy Oil Processing and Department of Biological and Energy Chemical Engineering, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, China University of Petroleum (East China), Qingdao 266580, China
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4
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Characterization of the Interaction of Polymeric Micelles with siRNA: A Combined Experimental and Molecular Dynamics Study. Polymers (Basel) 2022; 14:polym14204409. [PMID: 36297986 PMCID: PMC9611052 DOI: 10.3390/polym14204409] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2022] [Revised: 10/13/2022] [Accepted: 10/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The simulation of large molecular systems remains a daunting challenge, which justifies the exploration of novel methodologies to keep computers as an ideal companion tool for everyday laboratory work. Whole micelles, bigger than 20 nm in size, formed by the self-assembly of hundreds of copolymers containing more than 50 repeating units, have until now rarely been simulated, due to a lack of computational power. Therefore, a flexible amphiphilic triblock copolymer (mPEG45-α-PLL10-PLA25) containing a total of 80 repeating units, has been emulated and synthesized to embody compactified nanoconstructs of over 900 assembled copolymers, sized between 80 and 100 nm, for siRNA complexing purposes. In this study, the tailored triblock copolymers containing a controlled number of amino groups, were used as a support model to address the binding behavior of STAT3-siRNA, in the formation of micelleplexes. Since increasingly complex drug delivery systems require an ever more optimized physicochemical characterization, a converging description has been implemented by a combination of experimentation and computational simulations. The computational data were advantageous in allowing for the assumption of an optimal N/P ratio favoring both conformational rigidifications of STAT3-siRNA with low competitive phenomena at the binding sites of the micellar carriers. These calculations were consistent with the experimental data showing that an N/P ratio of 1.5 resulted in a sufficient amount of complexed STAT3-siRNA with an electrical potential at the slipping plane of the nanopharmaceuticals, close to the charge neutralization.
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5
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Zhang B, Ren M, Yang F, Li R, Yu L, Luo A, Zhangsun D, Luo S, Dong S. Oligo-basic amino acids, potential nicotinic acetylcholine receptor inhibitors. Biomed Pharmacother 2022; 152:113215. [PMID: 35667234 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2022.113215] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2022] [Revised: 05/21/2022] [Accepted: 05/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Oligo-basic amino acids have been extensively studied in molecular biology and pharmacology, but the inhibitory activity on nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs) was unknown. In this study, the inhibitory activity of 8 oligopeptides, including both basic and acidic amino acids, was evaluated on 9 nAChR subtypes by a two-electrode voltage clamp (TEVC). Among them, the oligo-lysine K9, K12, d-K9, d-K9F, and oligo-arginine R9 showed nanomolar inhibitory activity on various nAChRs, especially for α7 and α9α10 nAChRs. d-K9 containing N-Fmoc protecting group (d-K9F) has an enhanced inhibitory activity on most of the nAChRs, including 47-fold promotion on α1β1δε nAChR. However, H9 and H12 only showed weak inhibitory activity on α9α10 and α1β1δε nAChRs, and the acidic oligopeptide D9 has no inhibitory activity on nAChRs. Flexible docking of K9 in α10(+) α9(-) and α7(+) α7(-) binding pockets showed particularly strong dipole-dipole interactions, which may be responsible for the inhibition of nAChRs. These results demonstrated that oligo-basic amino acids have the potential to be the lead compounds as selective nAChR subtype inhibitors, and oligo-lysines deserved to be modified for further exploitation and utilization. On the other hand, the toxicity and side effects of these nAChR inhibitory peptides should be contemplated in the application.
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Affiliation(s)
- Baojian Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Biological Resources of Ministry of Education, Key Laboratory for Marine Drugs of Haikou, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Hainan University, Haikou, China
| | - Maomao Ren
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Biological Resources of Ministry of Education, Key Laboratory for Marine Drugs of Haikou, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Hainan University, Haikou, China
| | - Fang Yang
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Biological Resources of Ministry of Education, Key Laboratory for Marine Drugs of Haikou, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Hainan University, Haikou, China
| | - Rui Li
- School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Liutong Yu
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Biological Resources of Ministry of Education, Key Laboratory for Marine Drugs of Haikou, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Hainan University, Haikou, China
| | - An Luo
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Biological Resources of Ministry of Education, Key Laboratory for Marine Drugs of Haikou, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Hainan University, Haikou, China
| | - Dongting Zhangsun
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Biological Resources of Ministry of Education, Key Laboratory for Marine Drugs of Haikou, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Hainan University, Haikou, China
| | - Sulan Luo
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Biological Resources of Ministry of Education, Key Laboratory for Marine Drugs of Haikou, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Hainan University, Haikou, China
| | - Shuai Dong
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Biological Resources of Ministry of Education, Key Laboratory for Marine Drugs of Haikou, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Hainan University, Haikou, China.
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6
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Yi S, Kim SY, Vincent MP, Yuk SA, Bobbala S, Du F, Scott EA. Dendritic peptide-conjugated polymeric nanovectors for non-toxic delivery of plasmid DNA and enhanced non-viral transfection of immune cells. iScience 2022; 25:104555. [PMID: 35769884 PMCID: PMC9234717 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2022.104555] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2021] [Revised: 04/29/2022] [Accepted: 06/02/2022] [Indexed: 10/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Plasmid DNA (pDNA) transfection is advantageous for gene therapies requiring larger genetic elements, including "all-in-one" CRISPR/Cas9 plasmids, but is limited by toxicity as well as poor intracellular release and transfection efficiency in immune cell populations. Here, we developed a synthetic non-viral gene delivery platform composed of poly(ethylene glycol)-b-poly(propylene sulfide) copolymers linked to a cationic dendritic peptide (DP) via a reduceable bond, PEG-b-PPS-ss-DP (PPDP). A library of self-assembling PPDP polymers was synthesized and screened to identify optimal constructs capable of transfecting macrophages with small (pCMV-DsRed, 4.6 kb) and large (pL-CRISPR.EFS.tRFP, 11.7 kb) plasmids. The optimized PPDP construct transfected macrophages, fibroblasts, dendritic cells, and T cells more efficiently and with less toxicity than a commercial Lipo2K reagent, regardless of pDNA size and under standard culture conditions in the presence of serum. The PPDP technology described herein is a stimuli-responsive polymeric nanovector that can be leveraged to meet diverse challenges in gene delivery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sijia Yi
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL 60208, USA
| | - Sun-Young Kim
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL 60208, USA.,SKKU Advanced Institute of Nanotechnology (SAINT), Sungkyunkwan University (SKKU), 2066 Seobu-ro, Jangan-gu, Suwon-si, Gyeonggi-do 16419, Republic of Korea
| | - Michael P Vincent
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL 60208, USA
| | - Simseok A Yuk
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL 60208, USA
| | - Sharan Bobbala
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV 26505, USA
| | - Fanfan Du
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL 60208, USA
| | - Evan Alexander Scott
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL 60208, USA.,Simpson Querrey Institute, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL 60611, USA.,Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL 60611, USA.,Department of Microbiology-Immunology, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
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7
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Le Guen C, Dussouillez C, Kichler A, Chan-Seng D. Insertion of hydrophobic spacers on dodecalysines as potential transfection enhancers. Eur Polym J 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.eurpolymj.2021.110654] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
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8
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Chang RYK, Chow MY, Khanal D, Chen D, Chan HK. Dry powder pharmaceutical biologics for inhalation therapy. Adv Drug Deliv Rev 2021; 172:64-79. [PMID: 33705876 DOI: 10.1016/j.addr.2021.02.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2020] [Revised: 02/17/2021] [Accepted: 02/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Therapeutic biologics such as genes, peptides, proteins, virus and cells provide clinical benefits and are becoming increasingly important tools in respiratory medicine. Pulmonary delivery of therapeutic biologics enables the potential for safe and effective treatment option for respiratory diseases due to high bioavailability while minimizing absorption into the systemic circulation, reducing off-target toxicity to other organs. Development of inhalable powder formulation requires stabilization of complex biological materials, and each type of biologics may present unique challenges and require different formulation strategy combined with manufacture process to ensure biological and physical stabilities during production and over shelf-life. This review examines key formulation strategies for stabilizing proteins, nucleic acids, virus (bacteriophages) and bacterial cells in inhalable powders. It also covers characterization methods used to assess physicochemical properties and aerosol performance of the powders, biological activity and structural integrity of the biologics, and chemical analysis at the nanoscale. Furthermore, the review includes manufacture technologies which are based on lyophilization and spray-drying as they have been applied to manufacture Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved protein powders. In perspective, formulation and manufacture of inhalable powders for biologic are highly challenging but attainable. The key requirements are the stability of both the biologics and the powder, along with the powder dispersibility. The formulation to be developed depends on the manufacture process as it will subject the biologics to different stresses (temperature, mechanical and chemical) which could lead to degradation by different pathways. Stabilizing excipients coupled with the suitable choice of process can alleviate the stability issues of inhaled powders of biologics.
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9
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Abdelrahman S, Alghrably M, Lachowicz JI, Emwas AH, Hauser CAE, Jaremko M. "What Doesn't Kill You Makes You Stronger": Future Applications of Amyloid Aggregates in Biomedicine. Molecules 2020; 25:E5245. [PMID: 33187056 PMCID: PMC7696280 DOI: 10.3390/molecules25225245] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2020] [Revised: 10/24/2020] [Accepted: 10/27/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Amyloid proteins are linked to the pathogenesis of several diseases including Alzheimer's disease, but at the same time a range of functional amyloids are physiologically important in humans. Although the disease pathogenies have been associated with protein aggregation, the mechanisms and factors that lead to protein aggregation are not completely understood. Paradoxically, unique characteristics of amyloids provide new opportunities for engineering innovative materials with biomedical applications. In this review, we discuss not only outstanding advances in biomedical applications of amyloid peptides, but also the mechanism of amyloid aggregation, factors affecting the process, and core sequences driving the aggregation. We aim with this review to provide a useful manual for those who engineer amyloids for innovative medicine solutions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sherin Abdelrahman
- Laboratory for Nanomedicine, Division of Biological and Environmental Science and Engineering, King Abdullah University of Science and Technology, Thuwal 23955-6900, Saudi Arabia;
| | - Mawadda Alghrably
- Division of Biological and Environmental Sciences and Engineering (BESE), King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), Thuwal 23955-6900, Saudi Arabia;
| | - Joanna Izabela Lachowicz
- Department of Medical Sciences and Public Health, University of Cagliari, Policlinico Universitario, I-09042 Monserrato, Italy
| | - Abdul-Hamid Emwas
- Core Labs, King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), Thuwal 23955-6900, Saudi Arabia;
| | - Charlotte A. E. Hauser
- Laboratory for Nanomedicine, Division of Biological and Environmental Science and Engineering, King Abdullah University of Science and Technology, Thuwal 23955-6900, Saudi Arabia;
| | - Mariusz Jaremko
- Division of Biological and Environmental Sciences and Engineering (BESE), King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), Thuwal 23955-6900, Saudi Arabia;
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10
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Peptides as a material platform for gene delivery: Emerging concepts and converging technologies. Acta Biomater 2020; 117:40-59. [PMID: 32966922 DOI: 10.1016/j.actbio.2020.09.027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2020] [Revised: 08/27/2020] [Accepted: 09/16/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Successful gene therapies rely on methods that safely introduce DNA into target cells and enable subsequent expression of proteins. To that end, peptides are an attractive materials platform for DNA delivery, facilitating condensation into nanoparticles, delivery into cells, and subcellular release to enable protein expression. Peptides are programmable materials that can be designed to address biocompatibility, stability, and subcellular barriers that limit efficiency of non-viral gene delivery systems. This review focuses on fundamental structure-function relationships regarding peptide design and their impact on nanoparticle physical properties, biologic activity, and biocompatibility. Recent peptide technologies utilize multi-dimensional structures, non-natural chemistries, and combinations of peptides with lipids to achieve desired properties and efficient transfection. Advances in DNA cargo design are also presented to highlight further opportunities for peptide-based gene delivery. Modern DNA designs enable prolonged expression compared to traditional plasmids, providing an additional component that can be synergized with peptide carriers for improved transfection. Peptide transfection systems are poised to become a flexible and efficient platform incorporating new chemistries, functionalities, and improved DNA cargos to usher in a new era of gene therapy.
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11
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Thomas J, Punia K, Montclare JK. Peptides as key components in the design of
non‐viral
vectors for gene delivery. Pept Sci (Hoboken) 2020. [DOI: 10.1002/pep2.24189] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Joseph Thomas
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering New York University Tandon School of Engineering Brooklyn New York USA
- Department of Biochemistry SUNY Downstate Medical Center Brooklyn New York USA
| | - Kamia Punia
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering New York University Tandon School of Engineering Brooklyn New York USA
| | - Jin Kim Montclare
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering New York University Tandon School of Engineering Brooklyn New York USA
- Department of Biochemistry SUNY Downstate Medical Center Brooklyn New York USA
- Department of Chemistry New York University New York New York USA
- Department of Biomaterials New York University College of Dentistry New York New York USA
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12
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Developing small activating RNA as a therapeutic: current challenges and promises. Ther Deliv 2020; 10:151-164. [PMID: 30909853 DOI: 10.4155/tde-2018-0061] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
RNA activation (RNAa) allows specific gene upregulation mediated by a small activating RNA (saRNA). Harnessing this process would help in developing novel therapeutics for undruggable diseases. Since its discovery in mid 2000s, improvements of saRNA design, synthetic chemistry and understanding of the biology have matured the way to apply RNAa. Indeed, MiNA therapeutics Ltd has conducted the first RNAa clinical trial for advanced hepatocellular carcinoma patients with promising outcomes. However, to fully realize the RNAa potential better saRNA delivery strategies are needed to target other diseases. Currently, saRNA can be delivered in vivo by lipid nanoparticles, dendrimers, lipid and polymer hybrids and aptamers. Further developing these delivery technologies and novel application of RNAa will prove to be invaluable for new treatment development.
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13
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Oner E, Kotmakci M, Kantarci AG. A promising approach to develop nanostructured lipid carriers from solid lipid nanoparticles: preparation, characterization, cytotoxicity and nucleic acid binding ability. Pharm Dev Technol 2020; 25:936-948. [PMID: 32315242 DOI: 10.1080/10837450.2020.1759630] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
We aimed to develop nanostructured lipid carriers (NLCs) displaying similar characteristics - particle size, polydispersity index, and zeta potential - with the model solid lipid nanoparticles (SLNs) for better comparability. By considering the hydrophilic-lipophilic balance values of solid and liquid lipids, five out of six NLCs and eight out of eight cationic NLCs (cNLCs) were successfully prepared with similar characteristics to their precursor SLN and cationic SLNs (cSLNs), respectively. Among cationic formulations, two cSLNs containing different surfactant/co-surfactant concentrations (4% and 8% S/CoS; w/w) and their cNLC versions prepared with Labrafac lipophile WL 1349 (LWL) or Labrafac PG were selected to compare cytotoxicity, stability, and nucleic acid binding ability. All formulations are well-tolerated by L-929 cells, cSLNs being least toxic. The formulations containing 4% S/CoS had higher stability after 24-months. All nanoparticles formed complexes with pDNA (Binding ability: cNLCs > cSLNs). cSLN and LWL-cNLC containing 4% S/CoS showed the highest pDNA binding capacity in each group, and their spherical/oval shape was revealed by electron microscopy. However, they did not form complexes with siRNA. The developed approach has the potential to simplify the production of (c)NLCs having similar physicochemical properties with the optimum (c)SLN and may provide better insight for (c)SLN vs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ezgi Oner
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Department of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Ege University, Izmir, Turkey
| | - Mustafa Kotmakci
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Department of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Ege University, Izmir, Turkey
| | - Ayse Gulten Kantarci
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Department of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Ege University, Izmir, Turkey
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14
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Kokotidou C, Jonnalagadda SVR, Orr AA, Vrentzos G, Kretsovali A, Tamamis P, Mitraki A. Designer Amyloid Cell-Penetrating Peptides for Potential Use as Gene Transfer Vehicles. Biomolecules 2019; 10:E7. [PMID: 31861408 PMCID: PMC7023140 DOI: 10.3390/biom10010007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2019] [Revised: 12/15/2019] [Accepted: 12/16/2019] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Cell-penetrating peptides are used extensively to deliver molecules into cells due to their unique characteristics such as rapid internalization, charge, and non-cytotoxicity. Amyloid fibril biomaterials were reported as gene transfer or retroviral infection enhancers; no cell internalization of the peptides themselves is reported so far. In this study, we focus on two rationally and computationally designed peptides comprised of β-sheet cores derived from naturally occurring protein sequences and designed positively charged and aromatic residues exposed at key residue positions. The β-sheet cores bestow the designed peptides with the ability to self-assemble into amyloid fibrils. The introduction of positively charged and aromatic residues additionally promotes DNA condensation and cell internalization by the self-assembled material formed by the designed peptides. Our results demonstrate that these designer peptide fibrils can efficiently enter mammalian cells while carrying packaged luciferase-encoding plasmid DNA, and they can act as a protein expression enhancer. Interestingly, the peptides additionally exhibited strong antimicrobial activity against the enterobacterium Escherichia coli.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chrysoula Kokotidou
- Department of Materials Science and Technology, University of Crete, 70013 Heraklion, Grete, Greece;
- Institute of Electronic Structure and Laser (IESL) FORTH, 70013 Heraklion, Crete, Greece
| | - Sai Vamshi R. Jonnalagadda
- Artie McFerrin Department of Chemical Engineering, Texas A&M University College Station, TX 77843-3251, USA; (S.V.R.J.); (A.A.O.)
| | - Asuka A. Orr
- Artie McFerrin Department of Chemical Engineering, Texas A&M University College Station, TX 77843-3251, USA; (S.V.R.J.); (A.A.O.)
| | - George Vrentzos
- Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology (IMBB) FORTH, 70013 Heraklion, Crete, Greece; (G.V.); (A.K.)
| | - Androniki Kretsovali
- Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology (IMBB) FORTH, 70013 Heraklion, Crete, Greece; (G.V.); (A.K.)
| | - Phanourios Tamamis
- Artie McFerrin Department of Chemical Engineering, Texas A&M University College Station, TX 77843-3251, USA; (S.V.R.J.); (A.A.O.)
| | - Anna Mitraki
- Department of Materials Science and Technology, University of Crete, 70013 Heraklion, Grete, Greece;
- Institute of Electronic Structure and Laser (IESL) FORTH, 70013 Heraklion, Crete, Greece
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15
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Yin D, Pan W, Liang D. Synergistic and antagonistic effect of chain lengths below and above critical value on polyelectrolyte complex. POLYMER 2019. [DOI: 10.1016/j.polymer.2019.121734] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
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16
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Sousa Â, Almeida AM, Faria R, Konate K, Boisguerin P, Queiroz JA, Costa D. Optimization of peptide-plasmid DNA vectors formulation for gene delivery in cancer therapy exploring design of experiments. Colloids Surf B Biointerfaces 2019; 183:110417. [PMID: 31408780 DOI: 10.1016/j.colsurfb.2019.110417] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2019] [Revised: 07/16/2019] [Accepted: 08/01/2019] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
The field of gene therapy still attracts great interest due to its potential therapeutic effect towards the most deadly diseases, such as cancer. For cancer gene therapy to be feasible and viable in a clinical setting, the design and development of a suitable gene delivery system is imperative. Peptide based vectors, in particular, reveal to be promising for therapeutic gene release. Following this, two different peptides, RALA and WRAP5, have been investigated mainly regarding their ability to form complexes with a p53 encoding plasmid (pDNA) with suitable properties for gene delivery. To address this issue, and after an initial screening study focused on the dependence of pDNA complexation capacity with the nitrogen to phosphate groups (N/P) ratio, a design of experiments (DoE) tool has been employed. For each peptide/pDNA system, parameters such as, the buffer pH and the N/P ratio were considered the DoE inputs and the vector size, zeta potential and pDNA complexation capacity (CC) were monitored as DoE outputs. The main goal was to find the optimal experimental conditions to minimize particle sizes, as well as, to maximize the positive surface charges of the formulated nanosystems and maximize the pDNA CC. Through the DoE method applied, the optimal RALA/pDNA and WRAP5/pDNA formulations were revealed and show interesting features related to peptide structure and pDNA complexation ability. This work illustrates the great utility of experimental design tools in optimizing the formulation of peptide/pDNA vectors in a minimum number of experiments providing relevant knowledge for the development of more suitable and efficient gene delivery systems. The new insights achieved on these carriers clearly instigate deeper research on gene therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ângela Sousa
- CICS-UBI - Centro de Investigação em Ciências da Saúde, Universidade da Beira Interior, Av. Infante D. Henrique, 6200-506 Covilhã, Portugal
| | - Ana M Almeida
- CICS-UBI - Centro de Investigação em Ciências da Saúde, Universidade da Beira Interior, Av. Infante D. Henrique, 6200-506 Covilhã, Portugal
| | - Rúben Faria
- CICS-UBI - Centro de Investigação em Ciências da Saúde, Universidade da Beira Interior, Av. Infante D. Henrique, 6200-506 Covilhã, Portugal
| | - Karidia Konate
- Centre de Recherche en Biologie cellulaire de Montpellier, CNRS UMR 5237, Université de Montpellier, 1919 Route de Mende, 34293 Montpellier Cedex 5, France
| | - Prisca Boisguerin
- Centre de Recherche en Biologie cellulaire de Montpellier, CNRS UMR 5237, Université de Montpellier, 1919 Route de Mende, 34293 Montpellier Cedex 5, France
| | - João A Queiroz
- CICS-UBI - Centro de Investigação em Ciências da Saúde, Universidade da Beira Interior, Av. Infante D. Henrique, 6200-506 Covilhã, Portugal
| | - Diana Costa
- CICS-UBI - Centro de Investigação em Ciências da Saúde, Universidade da Beira Interior, Av. Infante D. Henrique, 6200-506 Covilhã, Portugal.
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17
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Subia B, Reinisalo M, Dey N, Tavakoli S, Subrizi A, Ganguli M, Ruponen M. Nucleic acid delivery to differentiated retinal pigment epithelial cells using cell-penetrating peptide as a carrier. Eur J Pharm Biopharm 2019; 140:91-99. [PMID: 31085311 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejpb.2019.05.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2019] [Revised: 04/16/2019] [Accepted: 05/08/2019] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
Nucleic acid delivery to the eye is a promising treatment strategy for many retinal disorders. In this manuscript, retinal gene delivery with non-coated and chondroitin sulphate (CS) coated amphipathic and cationic peptides was tested. The transfection and gene knockdown efficiencies were evaluated in different retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) cell models including both dividing and differentiated cells. In addition, the mobility of peptide-based gene delivery systems was examined in porcine vitreous by particle tracking analysis. The results indicate that amphipathic and cationic peptides are safe in vitro and are capable of high transgene expression and gene knockdown in dividing cells. We further demonstrate that incorporation of CS improves the efficiency of gene delivery of peptide-based systems. Most importantly, the transgene expression mediated by both non-coated and CS coated peptides was high in differentiated as well as in human primary RPE cells which are typically difficult to transfect. Coating of peptide-based gene delivery systems with CS improved diffusion in the vitreous and enhanced the stability of the polyplexes. The results indicate that a peptide-based system can be fine-tuned as a promising approach for retinal gene delivery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bano Subia
- School of Pharmacy, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio 70211, Finland.
| | - Mika Reinisalo
- School of Pharmacy, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio 70211, Finland
| | - Namit Dey
- Delhi Technological University, Delhi 110042, India
| | | | - Astrid Subrizi
- School of Pharmacy, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio 70211, Finland; Interdisciplinary Nanoscience Center (iNANO), Aarhus University, Aarhus C 800, Denmark
| | - Munia Ganguli
- CSIR-Institute of Genomics and Integrative Biology, New Delhi 110021, India
| | - Marika Ruponen
- School of Pharmacy, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio 70211, Finland
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18
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Vieregg JR, Lueckheide M, Marciel AB, Leon L, Bologna AJ, Rivera JR, Tirrell MV. Oligonucleotide-Peptide Complexes: Phase Control by Hybridization. J Am Chem Soc 2018; 140:1632-1638. [PMID: 29314832 DOI: 10.1021/jacs.7b03567] [Citation(s) in RCA: 140] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
When oppositely charged polymers are mixed, counterion release drives phase separation; understanding this process is a key unsolved problem in polymer science and biophysical chemistry, particularly for nucleic acids, polyanions whose biological functions are intimately related to their high charge density. In the cell, complexation by basic proteins condenses DNA into chromatin, and membraneless organelles formed by liquid-liquid phase separation of RNA and proteins perform vital functions and have been linked to disease. Electrostatic interactions are also the primary method used for assembly of nanoparticles to deliver therapeutic nucleic acids into cells. This work describes complexation experiments with oligonucleotides and cationic peptides spanning a wide range of polymer lengths, concentrations, and structures, including RNA and methylphosphonate backbones. We find that the phase of the complexes is controlled by the hybridization state of the nucleic acid, with double-stranded nucleic acids forming solid precipitates while single-stranded oligonucleotides form liquid coacervates, apparently due to their lower charge density. Adding salt "melts" precipitates into coacervates, and oligonucleotides in coacervates remain competent for sequence-specific hybridization and phase change, suggesting the possibility of environmentally responsive complexes and nanoparticles for therapeutic or sensing applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeffrey R Vieregg
- Institute for Molecular Engineering, University of Chicago , Chicago, Illinois 60637, United States
| | - Michael Lueckheide
- Department of Chemistry, University of Chicago , Chicago, Illinois 60637, United States
| | - Amanda B Marciel
- Institute for Molecular Engineering, University of Chicago , Chicago, Illinois 60637, United States
| | - Lorraine Leon
- Department of Materials Science & Engineering, University of Central Florida , Orlando, Florida 32816, United States
| | - Alex J Bologna
- Institute for Molecular Engineering, University of Chicago , Chicago, Illinois 60637, United States
| | - Josean Reyes Rivera
- Departamento de Ciencias Biológicas, University of Puerto Rico at Rio Piedras , San Juan, Puerto Rico 00925, United States
| | - Matthew V Tirrell
- Institute for Molecular Engineering, University of Chicago , Chicago, Illinois 60637, United States.,Institute for Molecular Engineering, Argonne National Laboratory , Argonne, Illinois 60439, United States
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19
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Collapse of DNA in packaging and cellular transport. Int J Biol Macromol 2017; 109:36-48. [PMID: 29247730 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2017.12.076] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2017] [Revised: 12/11/2017] [Accepted: 12/12/2017] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
The dawn of molecular biology and recombinant DNA technology arose from our ability to manipulate DNA, including the process of collapse of long extended DNA molecules into nanoparticles of approximately 100 nm diameter. This condensation process is important for the packaging of DNA in the cell and for transporting DNA through the cell membrane for gene therapy. Multivalent cations, such as natural polyamines (spermidine and spermine), were initially recognized for their ability to provoke DNA condensation. Current research is targeted on molecules such as linear and branched polymers, oligopeptides, polypeptides and dendrimers that promote collapse of DNA to nanometric particles for gene therapy and on the energetics of DNA packaging.
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20
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Krhac Levacic A, Morys S, Wagner E. Solid-phase supported design of carriers for therapeutic nucleic acid delivery. Biosci Rep 2017; 37:BSR20160617. [PMID: 28963371 PMCID: PMC5662914 DOI: 10.1042/bsr20160617] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2017] [Revised: 09/26/2017] [Accepted: 09/27/2017] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Nucleic acid molecules are important therapeutic agents in the field of antisense oligonucleotide, RNA interference, and gene therapies. Since nucleic acids are not able to cross cell membranes and enter efficiently into cells on their own, the development of efficient, safe, and precise delivery systems is the crucial challenge for development of nucleic acid therapeutics. For the delivery of nucleic acids to their intracellular site of action, either the cytosol or the nucleus, several extracellular and intracellular barriers have to be overcome. Multifunctional carriers may handle the different special requirements of each barrier. The complexity of such macromolecules however poses a new hurdle in medical translation, which is the chemical production in reproducible and well-defined form. Solid-phase assisted synthesis (SPS) presents a solution for this challenge. The current review provides an overview on the design and SPS of precise sequence-defined synthetic carriers for nucleic acid cargos.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Krhac Levacic
- Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Center for System-Based Drug Research, and Center for NanoScience (CeNS), Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Butenandtstrasse 5-13, D-81377 Munich, Germany
| | - Stephan Morys
- Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Center for System-Based Drug Research, and Center for NanoScience (CeNS), Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Butenandtstrasse 5-13, D-81377 Munich, Germany
| | - Ernst Wagner
- Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Center for System-Based Drug Research, and Center for NanoScience (CeNS), Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Butenandtstrasse 5-13, D-81377 Munich, Germany
- Nanosystems Initiative Munich, Schellingstrasse 4, D-80799 Munich, Germany
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21
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Tagalakis AD, Maeshima R, Yu-Wai-Man C, Meng J, Syed F, Wu LP, Aldossary AM, McCarthy D, Moghimi SM, Hart SL. Peptide and nucleic acid-directed self-assembly of cationic nanovehicles through giant unilamellar vesicle modification: Targetable nanocomplexes for in vivo nucleic acid delivery. Acta Biomater 2017; 51:351-362. [PMID: 28110069 DOI: 10.1016/j.actbio.2017.01.048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2016] [Revised: 01/16/2017] [Accepted: 01/16/2017] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
One of the greatest challenges for the development of genetic therapies is the efficient targeted delivery of therapeutic nucleic acids. Towards this goal, we have introduced a new engineering initiative in self-assembly of biologically safe and stable nanovesicle complexes (∼90 to 140nm) derived from giant unilamellar vesicle (GUV) precursors and comprising plasmid DNA or siRNA and targeting peptide ligands. The biological performance of the engineered nanovesicle complexes were studied both in vitro and in vivo and compared with cationic liposome-based lipopolyplexes. Compared with cationic lipopolyplexes, nanovesicle complexes did not show advantages in transfection and cell uptake. However, nanovesicle complexes neither displayed significant cytotoxicity nor activated the complement system, which are advantageous for intravenous injection and tumour therapy. On intravenous administration into a neuroblastoma xenograft mouse model, nanovesicle complexes were found to distribute throughout the tumour interstitium, thus providing an alternative safer approach for future development of tumour-specific therapeutic nucleic acid interventions. On oropharyngeal instillation, nanovesicle complexes displayed better transfection efficiency than cationic lipopolyplexes. The technological advantages of nanovesicle complexes, originating from GUVs, over traditional cationic liposome-based lipopolyplexes are discussed. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE The efficient targeted delivery of nucleic acids in vivo provides some of the greatest challenges to the development of genetic therapies. Giant unilamellar lipid vesicles (GUVs) have been used mainly as cell and tissue mimics and are instrumental in studying lipid bilayers and interactions. Here, the GUVs have been modified into smaller nanovesicles. We have then developed novel nanovesicle complexes comprising self-assembling mixtures of the nanovesicles, plasmid DNA or siRNA, and targeting peptide ligands. Their biophysical properties were studied and their transfection efficiency was investigated. They transfected cells efficiently without any associated cytotoxicity and with targeting specificity, and in vivo they resulted in very high and tumour-specific uptake and in addition, efficiently transfected the lung. The peptide-targeted nanovesicle complexes allow for the specific targeted enhancement of nucleic acid delivery with improved biosafety over liposomal formulations and represent a promising tool to improve our arsenal of safe, non-viral vectors to deliver therapeutic cargos in a variety of disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- A D Tagalakis
- Experimental and Personalised Medicine Section, UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, 30 Guilford Street, London WC1N 1EH, UK.
| | - R Maeshima
- Experimental and Personalised Medicine Section, UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, 30 Guilford Street, London WC1N 1EH, UK
| | - C Yu-Wai-Man
- National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) Biomedical Research Centre at Moorfields Eye Hospital NHS Foundation Trust and UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, 11-43 Bath Street, London EC1V 9EL, UK
| | - J Meng
- Experimental and Personalised Medicine Section, UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, 30 Guilford Street, London WC1N 1EH, UK
| | - F Syed
- Experimental and Personalised Medicine Section, UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, 30 Guilford Street, London WC1N 1EH, UK
| | - L-P Wu
- Centre for Pharmaceutical Nanotechnology and Nanotoxicology, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Universitetsparken 2, 2100 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - A M Aldossary
- Experimental and Personalised Medicine Section, UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, 30 Guilford Street, London WC1N 1EH, UK
| | - D McCarthy
- UCL School of Pharmacy, 29-39 Brunswick Square, London WC1N 1AX, UK
| | - S M Moghimi
- Centre for Pharmaceutical Nanotechnology and Nanotoxicology, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Universitetsparken 2, 2100 Copenhagen, Denmark; School of Medicine, Pharmacy and Health, Durham University, Stockton-on-Tees TS17 6BH, UK
| | - S L Hart
- Experimental and Personalised Medicine Section, UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, 30 Guilford Street, London WC1N 1EH, UK
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22
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Kwok A, Eggimann GA, Heitz M, Reymond JL, Hollfelder F, Darbre T. Efficient Transfection of siRNA by Peptide Dendrimer-Lipid Conjugates. Chembiochem 2016; 17:2223-2229. [DOI: 10.1002/cbic.201600485] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2016] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Albert Kwok
- Department of Biochemistry; University of Cambridge; 80 Tennis Court Road Cambridge CB2 1GA UK
| | - Gabriela A. Eggimann
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry; University of Bern; Freiestrasse 3 3012 Bern Switzerland
| | - Marc Heitz
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry; University of Bern; Freiestrasse 3 3012 Bern Switzerland
| | - Jean-Louis Reymond
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry; University of Bern; Freiestrasse 3 3012 Bern Switzerland
| | - Florian Hollfelder
- Department of Biochemistry; University of Cambridge; 80 Tennis Court Road Cambridge CB2 1GA UK
| | - Tamis Darbre
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry; University of Bern; Freiestrasse 3 3012 Bern Switzerland
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