1
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Shin K, Suh HW, Suberi A, Whang CH, Ene M, Grundler J, Grun MK, Saltzman WM. Branching in poly(amine-co-ester) polyplexes impacts mRNA transfection. Biomaterials 2024; 311:122692. [PMID: 38986360 PMCID: PMC11298310 DOI: 10.1016/j.biomaterials.2024.122692] [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: 02/15/2024] [Revised: 05/23/2024] [Accepted: 06/26/2024] [Indexed: 07/12/2024]
Abstract
Branching is a key structural parameter of polymers, which can have profound impacts on physicochemical properties. It has been demonstrated that branching is a modulating factor for mRNA delivery and transfection using delivery vehicles built from cationic polymers, but the influence of polymer branching on mRNA delivery remains relatively underexplored compared to other polymer features such as monomer composition, hydrophobicity, pKa, or the type of terminal group. In this study, we examined the impact of branching on the physicochemical properties of poly(amine-co-esters) (PACE) and their efficiency in mRNA transfection in vivo and in vitro under various conditions. PACE polymers were synthesized with various degrees of branching ranging from 0 to 0.66, and their transfection efficiency was systemically evaluated. We observed that branching improves the stability of polyplexes but reduces the pH buffering capacity. Therefore, the degree of branching (DB) must be optimized in a delivery route specific manner due to differences in challenges faced by polyplexes in different physiological compartments. Through a systematic analysis of physicochemical properties and mRNA transfection in vivo and in vitro, this study highlights the influence of polymer branching on nucleic acid delivery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kwangsoo Shin
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Yale University, New Haven, CT, 06511, USA; Department of Polymer Science & Engineering and Program in Environmental and Polymer Engineering, Inha University, Incheon, 22212, Republic of Korea
| | - Hee-Won Suh
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Yale University, New Haven, CT, 06511, USA
| | - Alexandra Suberi
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Yale University, New Haven, CT, 06511, USA
| | - Chang-Hee Whang
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Yale University, New Haven, CT, 06511, USA
| | - Madalina Ene
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Yale University, New Haven, CT, 06511, USA
| | - Julian Grundler
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Yale University, New Haven, CT, 06511, USA; Department of Chemistry, Yale University, New Haven, CT, 06511, USA
| | - Molly K Grun
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Yale University, New Haven, CT, 06511, USA
| | - W Mark Saltzman
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Yale University, New Haven, CT, 06511, USA; Department of Molecular Biophysics and Biochemistry, Yale University, New Haven, CT, 06511, USA; Department of Chemical & Environmental Engineering, Yale University, New Haven, CT, 06511, USA; Department of Cellular & Molecular Physiology, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, 06510, USA; Department of Dermatology, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, 06510, USA.
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2
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Jogdeo CM, Siddhanta K, Das A, Ding L, Panja S, Kumari N, Oupický D. Beyond Lipids: Exploring Advances in Polymeric Gene Delivery in the Lipid Nanoparticles Era. ADVANCED MATERIALS (DEERFIELD BEACH, FLA.) 2024; 36:e2404608. [PMID: 38842816 DOI: 10.1002/adma.202404608] [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: 03/29/2024] [Revised: 05/23/2024] [Indexed: 06/07/2024]
Abstract
The recent success of gene therapy during the COVID-19 pandemic has underscored the importance of effective and safe delivery systems. Complementing lipid-based delivery systems, polymers present a promising alternative for gene delivery. Significant advances have been made in the recent past, with multiple clinical trials progressing beyond phase I and several companies actively working on polymeric delivery systems which provides assurance that polymeric carriers can soon achieve clinical translation. The massive advantage of structural tunability and vast chemical space of polymers is being actively leveraged to mitigate shortcomings of traditional polycationic polymers and improve the translatability of delivery systems. Tailored polymeric approaches for diverse nucleic acids and for specific subcellular targets are now being designed to improve therapeutic efficacy. This review describes the recent advances in polymer design for improved gene delivery by polyplexes and covalent polymer-nucleic acid conjugates. The review also offers a brief note on novel computational techniques for improved polymer design. The review concludes with an overview of the current state of polymeric gene therapies in the clinic as well as future directions on their translation to the clinic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chinmay M Jogdeo
- Center for Drug Delivery and Nanomedicine, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, 68198, USA
| | - Kasturi Siddhanta
- Center for Drug Delivery and Nanomedicine, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, 68198, USA
| | - Ashish Das
- Center for Drug Delivery and Nanomedicine, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, 68198, USA
| | - Ling Ding
- Center for Drug Delivery and Nanomedicine, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, 68198, USA
| | - Sudipta Panja
- Center for Drug Delivery and Nanomedicine, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, 68198, USA
| | - Neha Kumari
- Center for Drug Delivery and Nanomedicine, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, 68198, USA
| | - David Oupický
- Center for Drug Delivery and Nanomedicine, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, 68198, USA
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3
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Chen B, Ren Q, Jiang P, Wu Q, Shuai Q, Yan Y. Combinatorial Synthesis of Alkyl Chain-Capped Poly(β-Amino Ester)s for Effective siRNA Delivery. Macromol Biosci 2024:e2400168. [PMID: 39052313 DOI: 10.1002/mabi.202400168] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2024] [Revised: 06/18/2024] [Indexed: 07/27/2024]
Abstract
Poly (β-amino ester) (PBAE) is a class of biodegradable polymers containing ester bonds in their main chain, extensively investigated as cationic polymer carriers for siRNA. Most current PBAE carriers rely on termination with hydrophilic or charged amines. In this study, a polymer platform consisting of 168 PBAE polymers with hydrophobic alkyl chain terminals is constructed through sequential aza-Michael addition. A large number of effective carriers are identified through in vitro screening of the PBAE platform for siLuc delivery to HeLa-Luc cells. Specifically, PA8-C6 and PA8-C8 achieve remarkable gene knockdown efficacies of up to 80% with low cytotoxicity. Certain materials from the PA2 and PA5 series demonstrate potent siRNA delivery capabilities associated with elevated cytotoxicity. The pKa value of PBAE is predominantly determined by the hydrophilic amine side chains rather than the end-capping groups. A pKa range of ≈6.2-6.5 may contribute to the excellent delivery capability for PA8 series carriers. The co-formulation of PBAE carriers with helper lipids leads to the reduced size and surface charges of the polyplex NPs with siRNA, consequently decreasing the cytotoxicity and enhancing siRNA delivery efficacy. These findings hold significant implications for the development of novel degradable polymer carriers for siRNA delivery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Baiqiu Chen
- College of Biotechnology and Bioengineering, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310014, China
| | - Qidi Ren
- College of Biotechnology and Bioengineering, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310014, China
| | - Pingge Jiang
- College of Biotechnology and Bioengineering, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310014, China
| | - Qiong Wu
- College of Biotechnology and Bioengineering, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310014, China
| | - Qi Shuai
- College of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Collaborative Innovation Center of Yangtze River Delta Region Green Pharmaceuticals, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310014, China
| | - Yunfeng Yan
- College of Biotechnology and Bioengineering, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310014, China
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4
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Chu T, Maksoudian C, Pedrotti S, Izci M, Perez Gilabert I, Koutsoumpou X, Sargsian A, Girmatsion H, Goncalves FR, Scheele CL, Manshian BB, Soenen SJ. Nanomaterial-Mediated Delivery of MLKL Plasmids Sensitizes Tumors to Immunotherapy and Reduces Metastases. Adv Healthc Mater 2024:e2401306. [PMID: 39031098 DOI: 10.1002/adhm.202401306] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2024] [Revised: 06/19/2024] [Indexed: 07/22/2024]
Abstract
Cancer immunotherapy has emerged as a promising approach for the induction of an antitumor response. While immunotherapy response rates are very high in some cancers, the efficacy against solid tumors remains limited caused by the presence of an immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment. Induction of immunogenic cell death (ICD) in the tumor can be used to boost immunotherapy response in solid cancers by eliciting the release of immune-stimulatory components. However, the delivery of components inducing ICD to tumor sites remains a challenge. Here, a novel delivery method is described for antitumor therapy based on MLKL (Mixed Lineage Kinase Domain-Like), a key mediator of necroptosis and inducer of ICD. A novel highly branched poly (β-amino ester)s (HPAEs) system is designed to efficiently deliver MLKL plasmid DNA to the tumor with consequent enhancement of immune antigen presentation for T cell responses in vitro, and improved antitumor response and prolonged survival in tumor-bearing mice. Combination of the therapy with anti-PD-1 treatment revealed significant changes in the composition of the tumor microenvironment, including increased infiltration of CD8+ T cells and tumor-associated lymphocytes. Overall, the HPAEs delivery system can enhance MLKL-based cancer immunotherapy and promote antitumor immune responses, providing a potential treatment to boost cancer immunotherapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tianjiao Chu
- Department of Imaging and Pathology, NanoHealth and Optical Imaging Group, KULeuven, Leuven, 3000, Belgium
| | - Christy Maksoudian
- Department of Imaging and Pathology, NanoHealth and Optical Imaging Group, KULeuven, Leuven, 3000, Belgium
| | - Stefania Pedrotti
- Laboratory of Intravital Microscopy and Dynamics of Tumor Progression, Department of Oncology, KULeuven, Leuven, 3000, Belgium
- Laboratory of Intravital Microscopy and Dynamics of Tumor Progression, VIB Center for Cancer Biology, Leuven, 3000, Belgium
| | - Mukaddes Izci
- Department of Imaging and Pathology, NanoHealth and Optical Imaging Group, KULeuven, Leuven, 3000, Belgium
| | - Irati Perez Gilabert
- Department of Imaging and Pathology, NanoHealth and Optical Imaging Group, KULeuven, Leuven, 3000, Belgium
| | - Xanthippi Koutsoumpou
- Laboratory of Intravital Microscopy and Dynamics of Tumor Progression, Department of Oncology, KULeuven, Leuven, 3000, Belgium
| | - Ara Sargsian
- Department of Imaging and Pathology, Translational Cell and Tissue Research Unit, KULeuven, Leuven, 3000, Belgium
| | - Hermon Girmatsion
- Department of Imaging and Pathology, Translational Cell and Tissue Research Unit, KULeuven, Leuven, 3000, Belgium
| | - Filipa Roque Goncalves
- Department of Imaging and Pathology, NanoHealth and Optical Imaging Group, KULeuven, Leuven, 3000, Belgium
| | - Colinda Lgj Scheele
- Laboratory of Intravital Microscopy and Dynamics of Tumor Progression, Department of Oncology, KULeuven, Leuven, 3000, Belgium
- Laboratory of Intravital Microscopy and Dynamics of Tumor Progression, VIB Center for Cancer Biology, Leuven, 3000, Belgium
| | - Bella B Manshian
- Department of Imaging and Pathology, Translational Cell and Tissue Research Unit, KULeuven, Leuven, 3000, Belgium
- Leuven Cancer Institute, KULeuven, Leuven, 3000, Belgium
| | - Stefaan J Soenen
- Department of Imaging and Pathology, NanoHealth and Optical Imaging Group, KULeuven, Leuven, 3000, Belgium
- Leuven Cancer Institute, KULeuven, Leuven, 3000, Belgium
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5
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Yong H, Lin L, Li Z, Guo R, Wang C, Liu S, Zhou D. Tailoring Highly Branched Poly(β-amino ester)s for Efficient and Organ-Selective mRNA Delivery. NANO LETTERS 2024. [PMID: 39013032 DOI: 10.1021/acs.nanolett.4c02440] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/18/2024]
Abstract
Development of mRNA therapeutics necessitates targeted delivery technology, while the clinically advanced lipid nanoparticles face difficulty for extrahepatic delivery. Herein, we design highly branched poly(β-amino ester)s (HPAEs) for efficacious organ-selective mRNA delivery through tailoring their chemical compositions and topological structures. Using an "A2+B3+C2" Michael addition platform, a combinatorial library of 219 HPAEs with varied backbone structures, terminal groups, and branching degrees are synthesized. The branched topological structures of HPAEs provide enhanced serum resistance and significantly higher mRNA expression in vivo. The terminal amine structures of HPAEs determine the organ-selectivity of mRNA delivery following systemic administration: morpholine facilitates liver targeting, ethylenediamine favors spleen delivery, while methylpentane enables mRNA delivery to the liver, spleen, and lungs simultaneously. This study represents a comprehensive exploration of the structure-activity relationship governing both the efficiency and organ-selectivity of mRNA delivery by HPAEs, suggesting promising candidates for treating various organ-related diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haiyang Yong
- School of Chemical Engineering and Technology, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an 710049, China
| | - Lixin Lin
- College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Liangzhu Laboratory, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Zhili Li
- School of Chemical Engineering and Technology, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an 710049, China
| | - Rui Guo
- School of Chemical Engineering and Technology, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an 710049, China
| | - Chenfei Wang
- School of Chemical Engineering and Technology, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an 710049, China
| | - Shuai Liu
- College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Liangzhu Laboratory, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Dezhong Zhou
- School of Chemical Engineering and Technology, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an 710049, China
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6
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Lara-Sáez I, Mencía Á, Recuero E, Li Y, García M, Oteo M, Gallego MI, Enguita AB, de Prado-Verdún D, A S, Wang W, García-Escudero R, Murillas R, Santos M. Nonviral CRISPR/Cas9 mutagenesis for streamlined generation of mouse lung cancer models. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2024; 121:e2322917121. [PMID: 38959035 PMCID: PMC11252735 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2322917121] [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: 01/09/2024] [Accepted: 06/14/2024] [Indexed: 07/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Functional analysis in mouse models is necessary to establish the involvement of a set of genetic variations in tumor development. A modeling platform to facilitate and cost-effectively analyze the role of multiple genes in carcinogenesis would be valuable. Here, we present an innovative strategy for lung mutagenesis using CRISPR/Cas9 ribonucleoproteins delivered via cationic polymers. This approach allows the simultaneous inactivation of multiple genes. We validate the effectiveness of this system by targeting a group of tumor suppressor genes, specifically Rb1, Rbl1, Pten, and Trp53, which were chosen for their potential to cause lung tumors, namely small cell lung carcinoma (SCLC). Tumors with histologic and transcriptomic features of human SCLC emerged after intratracheal administration of CRISPR/polymer nanoparticles. These tumors carried loss-of-function mutations in all four tumor suppressor genes at the targeted positions. These findings were reproduced in two different pure genetic backgrounds. We provide a proof of principle for simplified modeling of lung tumorigenesis to facilitate functional testing of potential cancer-related genes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Irene Lara-Sáez
- Charles Institute of Dermatology, School of Medicine, University College Dublin, Belfield, DublinD04 V1W8, Ireland
| | - Ángeles Mencía
- Biomedical Innovation Unit, Centro de Investigaciones Energéticas, Medioambientales y Tecnológicas, Madrid28040, Spain
- CB06/07/0019 Unit, Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red en Enfermedades Raras, Madrid28029, Spain
- Regenerative Medicine and Tissue Bioengineering Group, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de la Fundación Jiménez Díaz, Madrid28040, Spain
| | - Enrique Recuero
- Biomedical Innovation Unit, Centro de Investigaciones Energéticas, Medioambientales y Tecnológicas, Madrid28040, Spain
- Cellular and Molecular Genitourinary Oncology Group, Institute of Biomedical Research Hospital “12 de Octubre”, Madrid28041, Spain
| | - Yinghao Li
- Charles Institute of Dermatology, School of Medicine, University College Dublin, Belfield, DublinD04 V1W8, Ireland
| | - Marta García
- CB06/07/0019 Unit, Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red en Enfermedades Raras, Madrid28029, Spain
- Regenerative Medicine and Tissue Bioengineering Group, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de la Fundación Jiménez Díaz, Madrid28040, Spain
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Polytechnic School, Carlos III University, Leganés, Madrid28911, Spain
| | - Marta Oteo
- Biomedical Applications and Pharmacokinetics Unit, Centro de Investigaciones Energéticas, Medioambientales y Tecnológicas, Madrid28040, Spain
| | - Marta I. Gallego
- Unidad de Histología, Unidades Centrales Científico Tecnológicas, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid28220, Spain
| | - Ana Belén Enguita
- Pathology Department, University Hospital “12 de Octubre”, Madrid28041, Spain
| | - Diana de Prado-Verdún
- Biomedical Innovation Unit, Centro de Investigaciones Energéticas, Medioambientales y Tecnológicas, Madrid28040, Spain
- CB06/07/0019 Unit, Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red en Enfermedades Raras, Madrid28029, Spain
- Regenerative Medicine and Tissue Bioengineering Group, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de la Fundación Jiménez Díaz, Madrid28040, Spain
| | - Sigen A
- Research and Clinical Translation Center of Gene Medicine and Tissue Engineering, School of Public Health, Anhui University of Science and Technology, Huainan232001, China
| | - Wenxin Wang
- Charles Institute of Dermatology, School of Medicine, University College Dublin, Belfield, DublinD04 V1W8, Ireland
| | - Ramón García-Escudero
- Biomedical Innovation Unit, Centro de Investigaciones Energéticas, Medioambientales y Tecnológicas, Madrid28040, Spain
- Cellular and Molecular Genitourinary Oncology Group, Institute of Biomedical Research Hospital “12 de Octubre”, Madrid28041, Spain
- Tumor Progression Mechanisms Program, Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Cáncer, Madrid28029, Spain
| | - Rodolfo Murillas
- Biomedical Innovation Unit, Centro de Investigaciones Energéticas, Medioambientales y Tecnológicas, Madrid28040, Spain
- CB06/07/0019 Unit, Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red en Enfermedades Raras, Madrid28029, Spain
- Regenerative Medicine and Tissue Bioengineering Group, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de la Fundación Jiménez Díaz, Madrid28040, Spain
| | - Mirentxu Santos
- Biomedical Innovation Unit, Centro de Investigaciones Energéticas, Medioambientales y Tecnológicas, Madrid28040, Spain
- Cellular and Molecular Genitourinary Oncology Group, Institute of Biomedical Research Hospital “12 de Octubre”, Madrid28041, Spain
- Tumor Progression Mechanisms Program, Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Cáncer, Madrid28029, Spain
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7
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Dou J, Yu S, Zhang Y. A facile and scalable method to synthesize PEGylated PDMAEMA for gene delivery. Biopolymers 2024; 115:e23584. [PMID: 38695839 DOI: 10.1002/bip.23584] [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: 12/13/2023] [Revised: 04/23/2024] [Accepted: 04/24/2024] [Indexed: 07/16/2024]
Abstract
In recent years, cationic polymer vectors have been viewed as a promising method for delivering nucleic acids. With the advancement of synthetic polymer chemistry, we can control chemical structures and properties to enhance the efficacy of gene delivery. Herein, a facile, cost-effective, and scalable method was developed to synthesize PEGylated PDMAEMA polymers (PEO-PDMAEMA-PEO), where PEGylation could enable prolonged polyplexes circulation time in the blood stream. Two polymers of different molecular weights were synthesized, and polymer/eGFP polyplexes were prepared and characterized. The correlation between polymers' molecular weight and physicochemical properties (size and zeta potential) of polyplexes was investigated. Lipofectamine 2000, a commercial non-viral transfection reagent, was used as a standard control. PEO-PDMAEMA-PEO with higher molecular weight exhibited slightly better transfection efficiency than Lipofectamine 2000, and the cytotoxicity study proved that it could function as a safe gene vector. We believe that PEO-PDMAEMA-PEO could serve as a model to investigate more potential in the gene delivery area.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jie Dou
- Department of Chemistry and Environmental Science, New Jersey Institute of Technology, Newark, New Jersey, USA
| | - Shupei Yu
- Department of Chemistry and Environmental Science, New Jersey Institute of Technology, Newark, New Jersey, USA
| | - Yuanwei Zhang
- Department of Chemistry and Environmental Science, New Jersey Institute of Technology, Newark, New Jersey, USA
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8
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Zhang X, Su K, Wu S, Lin L, He S, Yan X, Shi L, Liu S. One-Component Cationic Lipids for Systemic mRNA Delivery to Splenic T Cells. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2024; 63:e202405444. [PMID: 38637320 DOI: 10.1002/anie.202405444] [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: 03/20/2024] [Revised: 04/11/2024] [Accepted: 04/17/2024] [Indexed: 04/20/2024]
Abstract
Unlocking the full potential of mRNA immunotherapy necessitates targeted delivery to specific cell subsets in the spleen. Four-component lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) utilized in numerous clinical trials are primarily limited in hepatocyte and muscular targeting, highlighting the imperative demand for targeted and simplified non-liver mRNA delivery systems. Herein, we report the rational design of one-component ionizable cationic lipids to selectively deliver mRNA to the spleen and T cells with high efficacy. Unlike the tertiary amine-based ionizable lipids involved in LNPs, the proposed cationic lipids rich in secondary amines can efficiently deliver mRNA both in vitro and in vivo as the standalone carriers. Furthermore, these vectors facilitate efficacious mRNA delivery to the T cell subsets following intravenous administration, demonstrating substantial potential for advancing immunotherapy applications. This straightforward strategy extends the utility of lipid family for extrahepatic mRNA delivery, offering new insights into vector development beyond LNPs to further the field of precise mRNA therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinyue Zhang
- College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, China
| | - Kexin Su
- College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, China
| | - Shiqi Wu
- College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, China
- Liangzhu Laboratory, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 311121, China
| | - Lixin Lin
- College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, China
| | - Shun He
- College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, China
| | - Xinxin Yan
- College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, China
| | - Lu Shi
- College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, China
- Liangzhu Laboratory, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 311121, China
| | - Shuai Liu
- College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, China
- Liangzhu Laboratory, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 311121, China
- Eye Center, The Second Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310009, Zhejiang, China
- State Key Laboratory of Advanced Drug Delivery and Release Systems, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, Zhejiang, China
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9
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Pan C, Wang C, Zhao Y, Bo T, Han L, Yao D, Wang Y, Wang X, Shi L, Zhao A, Cao Q, Chen F, He W, Ye Y, Zhang S, Li M. Superior COL7A1 and TGM1 gene expression in difficult-to-transfect skin cell mediated by highly branched poly(β-amino esters) through stepwise fractionation. J Control Release 2024; 370:82-94. [PMID: 38643938 DOI: 10.1016/j.jconrel.2024.04.030] [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: 11/29/2023] [Revised: 03/24/2024] [Accepted: 04/18/2024] [Indexed: 04/23/2024]
Abstract
Delivering functional gene into targeted skin cells or tissues to modulate the genes expression, has the potential to treat various hereditary cutaneous disorders. Nevertheless, the lack of safe and effective gene delivery vehicles greatly limits the clinical translation of gene therapy for inherited skin diseases. Herein, we developed a facile elution fractionation strategy to isolate eight HPAEs with Mw ranging from 7.6 to 131.8 kg/mol and Đ < 2.0 from the one crude HPAE23.7k, and investigated the expression efficiency for TGM1 and COL7A1 plasmids. Gene transfection results revealed that the intermediate MW HPAEs, HPAE20.6k, exhibited the highest gene transfection efficiency (46.4%) and the strongest mean fluorescence intensity (143,032 RLU), compared to other isolated components and the crude product. Importantly, best-performing isolated HPAE effectively delivered COL7A1 (15,974 bp) and TGM1 (7181 bp) plasmids, promoting the efficient expression of type VII collagen (C7) and transglutaminase-1 proteins in cutaneous cells. Our study establishes a straightforward step-by-step elution fractionation strategy for the development of HPAEs gene delivery vectors, expediting their clinical translation in inherited skin diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chaolan Pan
- Department of Dermatology, Children's Hospital of Fudan University, National Children's Medical Center, Shanghai 201102, China
| | - Chenfei Wang
- Department of Dermatology, Children's Hospital of Fudan University, National Children's Medical Center, Shanghai 201102, China.
| | - Yitong Zhao
- School of Medicine, Anhui University of Science and Technology, Huainan, Anhui 232000, China
| | - Tao Bo
- NHC Key Laboratory of Glycoconjugate Research, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Liping Han
- NHC Key Laboratory of Glycoconjugate Research, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China; Department of Blood Transfusion, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Dingjin Yao
- Shanghai EditorGene Technology Co., Ltd, Shanghai, 200000, China
| | - Yumeng Wang
- Department of Dermatology, Children's Hospital of Fudan University, National Children's Medical Center, Shanghai 201102, China
| | - Xiaoxiao Wang
- Department of Dermatology, Xinhua Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200092, China
| | - Linjing Shi
- Department of Dermatology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an 710061, China
| | - Anqi Zhao
- Department of Dermatology, Children's Hospital of Fudan University, National Children's Medical Center, Shanghai 201102, China
| | - Qiaoyu Cao
- Department of Dermatology, Children's Hospital of Fudan University, National Children's Medical Center, Shanghai 201102, China
| | - Fuying Chen
- Department of Dermatology, Children's Hospital of Fudan University, National Children's Medical Center, Shanghai 201102, China
| | - Wei He
- Department of Dermatology, Children's Hospital of Fudan University, National Children's Medical Center, Shanghai 201102, China
| | - Ying Ye
- Department of Dermatology, Children's Hospital of Fudan University, National Children's Medical Center, Shanghai 201102, China
| | - Si Zhang
- NHC Key Laboratory of Glycoconjugate Research, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China.
| | - Ming Li
- Department of Dermatology, Children's Hospital of Fudan University, National Children's Medical Center, Shanghai 201102, China.
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10
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Wu D, Wang J, Du X, Cao Y, Ping K, Liu D. Cucurbit[8]uril-based supramolecular theranostics. J Nanobiotechnology 2024; 22:235. [PMID: 38725031 PMCID: PMC11084038 DOI: 10.1186/s12951-024-02349-z] [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: 12/23/2023] [Accepted: 02/20/2024] [Indexed: 05/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Different from most of the conventional platforms with dissatisfactory theranostic capabilities, supramolecular nanotheranostic systems have unparalleled advantages via the artful combination of supramolecular chemistry and nanotechnology. Benefiting from the tunable stimuli-responsiveness and compatible hierarchical organization, host-guest interactions have developed into the most popular mainstay for constructing supramolecular nanoplatforms. Characterized by the strong and diverse complexation property, cucurbit[8]uril (CB[8]) shows great potential as important building blocks for supramolecular theranostic systems. In this review, we summarize the recent progress of CB[8]-based supramolecular theranostics regarding the design, manufacture and theranostic mechanism. Meanwhile, the current limitations and corresponding reasonable solutions as well as the potential future development are also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dan Wu
- Department of Vascular Surgery, China-Japan Union Hospital, Jilin University, Changchun, 130033, People's Republic of China
- College of Materials Science and Engineering, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou, 310014, People's Republic of China
| | - Jianfeng Wang
- Department of Radiotherapy, China-Japan Union Hospital, Jilin University, Changchun, 130033, People's Republic of China
| | - Xianlong Du
- Bethune First Clinical Medical College, Jilin University, Changchun, 130012, People's Republic of China
| | - Yibin Cao
- College of Materials Science and Engineering, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou, 310014, People's Republic of China
| | - Kunmin Ping
- College of Materials Science and Engineering, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou, 310014, People's Republic of China
| | - Dahai Liu
- Department of Vascular Surgery, China-Japan Union Hospital, Jilin University, Changchun, 130033, People's Republic of China.
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11
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Ko T, Fumoto S, Kurosaki T, Nakashima M, Miyamoto H, Sasaki H, Nishida K. Interaction of γ-Polyglutamic Acid/Polyethyleneimine/Plasmid DNA Ternary Complexes with Serum Components Plays a Crucial Role in Transfection in Mice. Pharmaceutics 2024; 16:522. [PMID: 38675183 PMCID: PMC11053868 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics16040522] [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: 02/21/2024] [Revised: 03/20/2024] [Accepted: 03/30/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Typical examples of non-viral vectors are binary complexes of plasmid DNA with cationic polymers such as polyethyleneimine (PEI). However, problems such as cytotoxicity and hemagglutination, owing to their positively charged surfaces, hinder their in vivo use. Coating binary complexes with anionic polymers, such as γ-polyglutamic acid (γ-PGA), can prevent cytotoxicity and hemagglutination. However, the role of interactions between these complexes and serum components in in vivo gene transfer remains unclear. In this study, we analyzed the contribution of serum components to in vivo gene transfer using PEI/plasmid DNA binary complexes and γ-PGA/PEI/plasmid DNA ternary complexes. In binary complexes, heat-labile components in the serum greatly contribute to the hepatic and splenic gene expression of the luciferase gene. In contrast, serum albumin and salts affected the hepatic and splenic gene expression in the ternary complexes. Changes in physicochemical characteristics, such as increased particle size and decreased absolute values of ζ-potential, might be involved in the enhanced gene expression. These findings would contribute to a better understanding of in vivo non-viral gene transfer using polymers, such as PEI and γ-PGA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tomotaka Ko
- Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Nagasaki University, 1-7-1 Sakamoto, Nagasaki 852-8501, Japan
| | - Shintaro Fumoto
- Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Nagasaki University, 1-7-1 Sakamoto, Nagasaki 852-8501, Japan
| | - Tomoaki Kurosaki
- Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Nagasaki University, 1-7-1 Sakamoto, Nagasaki 852-8501, Japan
| | - Moe Nakashima
- Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Nagasaki University, 1-7-1 Sakamoto, Nagasaki 852-8501, Japan
| | - Hirotaka Miyamoto
- Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Nagasaki University, 1-7-1 Sakamoto, Nagasaki 852-8501, Japan
| | - Hitoshi Sasaki
- Institute of Tropical Medicine, Nagasaki University, 1-12-4 Sakamoto, Nagasaki 852-8523, Japan
| | - Koyo Nishida
- Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Nagasaki University, 1-7-1 Sakamoto, Nagasaki 852-8501, Japan
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12
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Li Z, Guo R, Zhang Z, Yong H, Guo L, Chen Z, Huang D, Zhou D. Enhancing gene transfection of poly(β-amino ester)s through modulation of amphiphilicity and chain sequence. J Control Release 2024; 368:131-139. [PMID: 38331003 DOI: 10.1016/j.jconrel.2024.02.002] [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: 12/31/2023] [Revised: 01/31/2024] [Accepted: 02/05/2024] [Indexed: 02/10/2024]
Abstract
Poly(β-amino ester)s (PAEs) have emerged as a type of highly safe and efficient non-viral DNA delivery vectors. However, the influence of amphiphilicity and chain sequence on DNA transfection efficiency and safety profile remain largely unexplored. In this study, four PAEs with distinct amphiphilicity and chain sequences were synthesized. Results show that both amphiphilicity and chain sequence significantly affect the DNA binding and condensation ability of PAEs, as well as size, zeta potential and cellular uptake of PAE/DNA polyplexes. PAEs with different amphiphilicity and chain sequence exhibit cell type-dependent transfection capabilities: in human bladder transitional cell carcinoma (UM-UC-3), hydrophilic PAE (P-Philic) and amphiphilic PAE random copolymer (R-Amphilic) exhibit relatively higher gene transfection efficiency, while in human bladder epithelial immortalized cells (SV-HUC-1), hydrophobic PAE (P-Phobic), R-Amphilic, and amphiphilic PAE block copolymer (B-Amphilic) demonstrate higher transfection capability. Regardless of cell types, amphiphilic PAE block copolymer (B-Amphilic) always exhibits much lower gene transfection efficiency. In addition, in human colon cancer cells (HCT-116), P-Philic and R-Amphilic achieved superior gene transfection efficiency at high and low polymer/DNA weight ratios, respectively. Importantly, R-Amphilic can effectively deliver the gene encoding tumor necrosis factor-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL) to human chondrosarcoma cells SW1353 to induce their apoptosis, highlighting its potential application in cancer gene therapy. This study not only establishes a new paradigm for enhancing the gene transfection efficiency of PAEs by modulating their amphiphilicity and chain sequence but also identifies R-Amphilic as a potential candidate for the effective delivery of TRAIL gene in cancer gene therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhili Li
- School of Chemical Engineering and Technology, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an 710049, China
| | - Rui Guo
- School of Chemical Engineering and Technology, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an 710049, China
| | - Zhiyong Zhang
- Department of Colorectal and Anal Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450052, China.
| | - Haiyang Yong
- School of Chemical Engineering and Technology, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an 710049, China.
| | - Lei Guo
- Pooling Institute of Translational Medicine, Hangzhou 311100, China
| | - Zhengju Chen
- Pooling Medical Research Institutes of 100Biotech, Beijing 100006, China
| | - Dongdong Huang
- Pooling Institute of Translational Medicine, Hangzhou 311100, China
| | - Dezhong Zhou
- School of Chemical Engineering and Technology, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an 710049, China.
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13
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Wang X, Li Y, A S, Lyu J, Wang X, He Z, Lara-Sáez I, Li M, Wang W. Cyclization-enhanced poly(β-amino ester)s vectors for efficient CRISPR gene editing therapy. J Control Release 2024; 368:444-452. [PMID: 38401849 DOI: 10.1016/j.jconrel.2024.02.032] [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: 11/28/2023] [Revised: 01/29/2024] [Accepted: 02/21/2024] [Indexed: 02/26/2024]
Abstract
Among non-viral gene delivery vectors, poly(β-amino ester)s (PAEs) are one of the most versatile candidates because of their wide monomer availability, high polymer flexibility, and superior gene transfection performance both in vitro and in vivo. Over two decades, PAEs have evolved from linear to highly branched structures, significantly enhancing gene delivery efficacy. Building on the proven efficient sets of monomers in highly branched PAEs (HPAEs), this work introduced a new class of cyclic PAEs (CPAEs) constructed via an A2 + B4 + C2 cyclization synthesis strategy and identified their markedly improved gene transfection capabilities in gene delivery applications. Two sets of cyclic PAEs (CPAEs) with rings of different sizes and topologies were obtained. Their chemical structures were confirmed via two-dimensional nuclear magnetic resonance and the photoluminescence phenomena, and their DNA delivery behaviours were investigated and compared with the HPAE counterparts. In vitro assessments demonstrated that the CPAEs with a macrocyclic architecture (MCPAEs), significantly enhanced DNA intracellular uptake and facilitated efficient gene expression while maintaining perfect biocompatibility. The top-performance MCPAEs have been further employed to deliver a plasmid coding dual single guide RNA-guided CRISPR-Cas9 machinery to delete COL7A1 exon 80 containing the c.6527dupC mutation. In recessive dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa (RDEB) patient-derived epidermal keratinocytes, MCPAEs facilitated the CRISPR plasmid delivery and achieved efficient targeted gene editing in multiple colonies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xianqing Wang
- Charles Institute of Dermatology, School of Medicine, University College Dublin, D04 V1W8 Dublin, Ireland
| | - Yinghao Li
- Charles Institute of Dermatology, School of Medicine, University College Dublin, D04 V1W8 Dublin, Ireland
| | - Sigen A
- School of Medicine, Anhui University of Science and Technology, Huainan 232001, China
| | - Jing Lyu
- Charles Institute of Dermatology, School of Medicine, University College Dublin, D04 V1W8 Dublin, Ireland.
| | - Xi Wang
- Institute of Precision Medicine (AUST-IPM), Anhui University of Science and Technology, Huainan 232001, China
| | - Zhonglei He
- Institute of Precision Medicine (AUST-IPM), Anhui University of Science and Technology, Huainan 232001, China
| | - Irene Lara-Sáez
- Charles Institute of Dermatology, School of Medicine, University College Dublin, D04 V1W8 Dublin, Ireland
| | - Ming Li
- Department of Dermatology, Children's Hospital of Fudan University, National Children's Medical Center, 399 Wanyuan Road, Shanghai, China
| | - Wenxin Wang
- Charles Institute of Dermatology, School of Medicine, University College Dublin, D04 V1W8 Dublin, Ireland.
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14
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Bo T, Wang C, Yao D, Jiang Q, Zhao Y, Wang F, He W, Xu W, Zhou H, Li M, Zhang S, Xue R. Efficient gene delivery by multifunctional star poly (β-amino ester)s into difficult-to-transfect macrophages for M1 polarization. J Control Release 2024; 368:157-169. [PMID: 38367861 DOI: 10.1016/j.jconrel.2024.02.024] [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: 11/27/2023] [Revised: 01/30/2024] [Accepted: 02/14/2024] [Indexed: 02/19/2024]
Abstract
Gene delivery to macrophages holds great promise for cancer immunotherapy. However, traditional gene delivery methods exhibit low transfection efficiency in macrophages. The star-shaped topological structure of polymers is known to encapsulate genes inside their cores, thereby facilitating sustained release of the genetic material. Herein, combining the structural advantages of star polymers and the transfection advantages of poly (β-amino ester)s (PAEs), we developed a novel linear oligomer grafting-onto strategy to synthesize a library of multi-terminal star structured PAEs (SPAEs), and evaluated their gene delivery efficiency in various tissue cells. The transfection with human hepatocellular carcinoma cells (HepG2, HCC-LM3 cells and MHCC-97H cells), rat normal liver cells (BRL-3 A cells), human ovarian cancer cells (A2780 cells), African green monkey kidney cells (Vero cells), human cervical cancer cells (HeLa cells), human chondrosarcoma cells (SW1353 cells), and difficult-to-transfect human epidermal keratinocytes (HaCaT cells) and normal human fibroblast cells (NHF cells) showed that SPAEs exhibited superior transfection profile. The GFP transfection efficiency of top-performing SPAEs in HeLa cells (96.1%) was 2.1-fold, and 3.2-fold higher compared to jetPEI and Lipo3000, respectively, indicating that the star-shaped topological structure can significantly enhance the transfection efficiency of PAEs. More importantly, the top-performing SPAEs could efficiently deliver Nod2 DNA to difficult-to-transfect RAW264.7 macrophages, with a high transfection efficiency of 33.9%, which could promote macrophage M1 polarization and enhanced CD8+ T cell response in co-incubation experiments. This work advances gene therapy by targeting difficult-to-transfect macrophages and remodeling the tumor immune microenvironment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tao Bo
- NHC Key Laboratory of Glycoconjugate Research, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Chenfei Wang
- Department of Dermatology, Children's Hospital of Fudan University, National Children's Medical Center, Shanghai 201102, China.
| | - Dingjin Yao
- Shanghai EditorGene Technology Co., Ltd, Shanghai 200000, China
| | - Qiuyu Jiang
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Shanghai Institute of Liver Diseases, Zhongshan Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Yitong Zhao
- School of Medicine, Anhui University of Science and Technology, Huainan, Anhui 232000, China
| | - Feifei Wang
- Department of Anesthesiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Air Force Medical University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710032, China
| | - Wei He
- School of Medicine, Anhui University of Science and Technology, Huainan, Anhui 232000, China
| | - Weiyi Xu
- Department of Dermatology, Children's Hospital of Fudan University, National Children's Medical Center, Shanghai 201102, China
| | - Hao Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Protein Science, and College of Life Sciences, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, China
| | - Ming Li
- Department of Dermatology, Children's Hospital of Fudan University, National Children's Medical Center, Shanghai 201102, China.
| | - Si Zhang
- NHC Key Laboratory of Glycoconjugate Research, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China.
| | - Ruyi Xue
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Shanghai Institute of Liver Diseases, Zhongshan Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China.
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15
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Chu Z, Li Z, Yong H, Che D, Li B, Yan C, Zhou T, Wang X, Feng Y, Guo K, Geng S. Enhanced gene transfection and induction of apoptosis in melanoma cells by branched poly(β-amino ester)s with uniformly distributed branching units. J Control Release 2024; 367:197-208. [PMID: 38246205 DOI: 10.1016/j.jconrel.2024.01.026] [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: 11/09/2023] [Revised: 01/05/2024] [Accepted: 01/13/2024] [Indexed: 01/23/2024]
Abstract
Melanoma, one of the most devastating forms of skin cancer, currently lacks effective clinical treatments. Delivery of functional genes to modulate specific protein expression to induce melanoma cell apoptosis could be a promising therapeutic approach. However, transfecting melanoma cells using non-viral methods, particularly with cationic polymers, presents significant challenges. In this study, we synthesized three branched poly(β-amino ester)s (HPAEs) with evenly distributed branching units but varying space lengths through a two-step "oligomer combination" strategy. The unique topological structure enables HPAEs to condense DNA to form nano-sized polyplexes with favorable physiochemical properties. Notably, HPAEs, especially HPAE-2 with intermediate branching unit space length, demonstrated significantly higher gene transfection efficiency than the leading commercial gene transfection reagent, jetPRIME, in human melanoma cells. Furthermore, HPAE-2 efficiently delivered the Bax-encoding plasmid into melanoma cells, leading to a pronounced pro-apoptotic effect without causing noticeable cytotoxicity. This study establishes a potent non-viral platform for gene transfection of melanoma cells by harnessing the distribution of branching units, paving the way for potential clinical applications of gene therapy in melanoma treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhaowei Chu
- Department of Dermatology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an 710061, China
| | - Zhili Li
- School of Chemical Engineering and Technology, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an 710049, China.
| | - Haiyang Yong
- School of Chemical Engineering and Technology, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an 710049, China
| | - Delu Che
- Department of Dermatology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an 710061, China
| | - Bingjie Li
- Department of Dermatology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an 710061, China
| | - Cong Yan
- Department of Dermatology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an 710061, China
| | - Tong Zhou
- Department of Dermatology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an 710061, China
| | - Xi Wang
- Department of Dermatology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an 710061, China
| | - Yuqing Feng
- Department of Dermatology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an 710061, China
| | - Kun Guo
- Department of Dermatology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an 710061, China
| | - Songmei Geng
- Department of Dermatology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an 710061, China.
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16
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Reshma G B, Miglani C, Pal A, Ganguli M. Sugar alcohol-modified polyester nanoparticles for gene delivery via selective caveolae-mediated endocytosis. NANOSCALE 2024; 16:4114-4124. [PMID: 38353098 DOI: 10.1039/d3nr05300h] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/23/2024]
Abstract
Nucleic acid-based drugs are changing the scope of emerging medicine in preventing and treating diseases. Nanoparticle systems based on lipids and polymers developed to navigate tissue-level and cellular-level barriers are now emerging as vector systems that can be translated to clinical settings. A class of polymers, poly(β-amino esters) (PBAEs) known for their chemical flexibility and biodegradability, has been explored for gene delivery. These polymers are sensitive to changes in the monomer composition affecting transfection efficiency. Hence to add functionality to these polymers, we partially substituted ligands to an identified effective polymer chemistry. We report here a new series of statistical copolymers based on PBAEs where the backbone is modified with sugar alcohols to selectively facilitate the caveolae-mediated endocytosis pathway of cellular transport. These ligands are grafted at the polymer's backbone, thereby establishing a new strategy of modification in PBAEs. We demonstrate that these polymers form nanoparticles with DNA, show effective complexation and cargo release, enter the cell via selective caveolae-mediated endocytosis, exhibit low cytotoxicity, and increase transfection in neuronal cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Betsy Reshma G
- CSIR-Institute of Genomics and Integrative Biology, Mathura Road, New Delhi 110025, India.
- Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad 201002, India
| | - Chirag Miglani
- Chemical Biology Unit, Institute of Nanoscience and Technology, Sector 81, Mohali, Punjab 140306, India
| | - Asish Pal
- Chemical Biology Unit, Institute of Nanoscience and Technology, Sector 81, Mohali, Punjab 140306, India
| | - Munia Ganguli
- CSIR-Institute of Genomics and Integrative Biology, Mathura Road, New Delhi 110025, India.
- Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad 201002, India
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17
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Zhou YN, Yong H, Guo R, Wang K, Li Z, Hua W, Zhou D. Self-reporting and Biodegradable Thermosetting Solid Polymer Electrolyte. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2024; 63:e202319003. [PMID: 38131604 DOI: 10.1002/anie.202319003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2023] [Revised: 12/19/2023] [Accepted: 12/21/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023]
Abstract
To date, significant efforts have been dedicated to improve their ionic conductivity, thermal stability, and mechanical strength of solid polymer electrolytes (SPEs). However, direct monitoring of physical and chemical changes in SPEs is still lacking. Moreover, existing thermosetting SPEs are hardly degradable. Herein, by overcoming the limitation predicted by Flory theory, self-reporting and biodegradable thermosetting hyperbranched poly(β-amino ester)-based SPEs (HPAE-SPEs) are reported. HPAE is successfully synthesized through a well-controlled "A2+B4" Michael addition strategy and then crosslinked it in situ to produce HPAE-SPEs. The multiple tertiary aliphatic amines at the branching sites confer multicolour luminescence to HPAE-SPEs, enabling direct observation of its physical and chemical damage. After use, HPAE-SPEs can be rapidly hydrolysed into non-hazardous β-amino acids and polyols via self-catalysis. Optimized HPAE-SPE exhibits an ionic conductivity of 1.3×10-4 S/cm at 60 °C, a Na+ transference number (t N a + ${{t}_{Na}^{+}}$ ) of 0.67, a highly stable sodium plating-stripping behaviour and a low overpotential of ≈190 mV. This study establishes a new paradigm for developing SPEs by engineering multifunctional polymers. The self-reporting and biodegradable properties would greatly expand the scope of applications for SPEs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ya-Nan Zhou
- School of Chemical Engineering and Technology, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710049, P. R. China
| | - Haiyang Yong
- School of Chemical Engineering and Technology, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710049, P. R. China
| | - Rui Guo
- School of Chemical Engineering and Technology, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710049, P. R. China
| | - Kaixuan Wang
- School of Chemical Engineering and Technology, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710049, P. R. China
| | - Zhili Li
- School of Chemical Engineering and Technology, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710049, P. R. China
| | - Weibo Hua
- School of Chemical Engineering and Technology, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710049, P. R. China
| | - Dezhong Zhou
- School of Chemical Engineering and Technology, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710049, P. R. China
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18
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Karpov SV, Iakunkov A, Chernyaev DA, Kurbatov VG, Malkov GV, Badamshina ER. A Theoretical Investigation of the Polyaddition of an AB 2+A 2+B 4 Monomer Mixture. Polymers (Basel) 2024; 16:426. [PMID: 38337315 DOI: 10.3390/polym16030426] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2023] [Revised: 01/25/2024] [Accepted: 01/29/2024] [Indexed: 02/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Hyperbranched polymers (HBPs) are widely applied nowadays as functional materials for biomedicine needs, nonlinear optics, organic semiconductors, etc. One of the effective and promising ways to synthesize HBPs is a polyaddition of AB2+A2+B4 monomers that is generated in the A2+CB2, AA'+B3, A2+B'B2, and A2+C2+B3 systems or using other approaches. It is clear that all the foundational features of HBPs that are manufactured by a polyaddition reaction are defined by the component composition of the monomer mixture. For this reason, we have designed a structural kinetic model of AB2+A2+B4 monomer mixture polyaddition which makes it possible to predict the impact of the monomer mixture's composition on the molecular weight characteristics of hyperbranched polymers (number average (DPn) and weight average (DPw) degree of polymerization), as well as the degree of branching (DB) and gel point (pg). The suggested model also considers the possibility of a positive or negative substitution effect during polyaddition. The change in the macromolecule parameters of HBPs formed by polyaddition of AB2+A2+B4 monomers is described as an infinite system of kinetic equations. The solution for the equation system was found using the method of generating functions. The impact of both the component's composition and the substitution effect during the polyaddition of AB2+A2+B4 monomers on structural and molecular weight HBP characteristics was investigated. The suggested model is fairly versatile; it makes it possible to describe every possible case of polyaddition with various monomer combinations, such as A2+AB2, AB2+B4, AB2, or A2+B4. The influence of each monomer type on the main characteristics of hyperbranched polymers that are obtained by the polyaddition of AB2+A2+B4 monomers has been investigated. Based on the results obtained, an empirical formula was proposed to estimate the pg = pA during the polyaddition of an AB2+A2+B4 monomer mixture: pg = pA = (-0.53([B]0/[A]0)1/2 + 0.78)υAB2 + (1/3)1/2([B]0/[A]0)1/2, where (1/3)1/2([B]0/[A]0)1/2 is the Flory equation for the A2+B4 polyaddition, [A]0 and [B]0 are the A and B group concentration from A2 and B4, respectively, and υAB2 is the mole fraction of the AB2 monomer in the mixture. The equation obtained allows us to accurately predict the pg value, with an AB2 monomer content of up to 80%.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sergei V Karpov
- Department of Polymers and Composites, Federal Research Center of Problems of Chemical Physics and Medicinal Chemistry of Russian Academy of Sciences, 1 Academician Semenov Avenue, Chernogolovka 142432, Russia
| | - Artem Iakunkov
- School of Engineering Sciences in Chemistry, Biotechnology and Health, KTH Royal Institute of Technology, SE-100 44 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Dmitry A Chernyaev
- Department of Polymers and Composites, Federal Research Center of Problems of Chemical Physics and Medicinal Chemistry of Russian Academy of Sciences, 1 Academician Semenov Avenue, Chernogolovka 142432, Russia
| | - Vladimir G Kurbatov
- Department of Polymers and Composites, Federal Research Center of Problems of Chemical Physics and Medicinal Chemistry of Russian Academy of Sciences, 1 Academician Semenov Avenue, Chernogolovka 142432, Russia
| | - Georgiy V Malkov
- Department of Polymers and Composites, Federal Research Center of Problems of Chemical Physics and Medicinal Chemistry of Russian Academy of Sciences, 1 Academician Semenov Avenue, Chernogolovka 142432, Russia
| | - Elmira R Badamshina
- Department of Polymers and Composites, Federal Research Center of Problems of Chemical Physics and Medicinal Chemistry of Russian Academy of Sciences, 1 Academician Semenov Avenue, Chernogolovka 142432, Russia
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19
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Wang C, He W, Wang F, Yong H, Bo T, Yao D, Zhao Y, Pan C, Cao Q, Zhang S, Li M. Recent progress of non-linear topological structure polymers: synthesis, and gene delivery. J Nanobiotechnology 2024; 22:40. [PMID: 38280987 PMCID: PMC10821314 DOI: 10.1186/s12951-024-02299-6] [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: 08/14/2023] [Accepted: 01/03/2024] [Indexed: 01/29/2024] Open
Abstract
Currently, many types of non-linear topological structure polymers, such as brush-shaped, star, branched and dendritic structures, have captured much attention in the field of gene delivery and nanomedicine. Compared with linear polymers, non-linear topological structural polymers offer many advantages, including multiple terminal groups, broad and complicated spatial architecture and multi-functionality sites to enhance gene delivery efficiency and targeting capabilities. Nevertheless, the complexity of their synthesis process severely hampers the development and applications of nonlinear topological polymers. This review aims to highlight various synthetic approaches of non-linear topological architecture polymers, including reversible-deactivation radical polymerization (RDRP) including atom-transfer radical polymerization (ATRP), nitroxide-mediated polymerization (NMP), reversible addition-fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) polymerization, click chemistry reactions and Michael addition, and thoroughly discuss their advantages and disadvantages, as well as analyze their further application potential. Finally, we comprehensively discuss and summarize different non-linear topological structure polymers for genetic materials delivering performance both in vitro and in vivo, which indicated that topological effects and nonlinear topologies play a crucial role in enhancing the transfection performance of polymeric vectors. This review offered a promising guideline for the design and development of novel nonlinear polymers and facilitated the development of a new generation of polymer-based gene vectors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chenfei Wang
- Department of Dermatology, Children's Hospital of Fudan University, National Children's Medical Center, Shanghai, 201102, China.
| | - Wei He
- School of Medicine, Anhui University of Science and Technology, Huainan, 232000, Anhui, China
| | - Feifei Wang
- Department of Anesthesiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Air Force Medical University, Xi'an, 710032, Shaanxi, China
| | - Haiyang Yong
- School of Chemical Engineering and Technology, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, 710049, Shaanxi, China
| | - Tao Bo
- Key Laboratory of Glycoconjugate Research Ministry of Public Health, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Dingjin Yao
- Shanghai EditorGene Technology Co., Ltd, Shanghai, 200000, China
| | - Yitong Zhao
- School of Medicine, Anhui University of Science and Technology, Huainan, 232000, Anhui, China
| | - Chaolan Pan
- Department of Dermatology, Children's Hospital of Fudan University, National Children's Medical Center, Shanghai, 201102, China
| | - Qiaoyu Cao
- Department of Dermatology, Children's Hospital of Fudan University, National Children's Medical Center, Shanghai, 201102, China
| | - Si Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Glycoconjugate Research Ministry of Public Health, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China.
| | - Ming Li
- Department of Dermatology, Children's Hospital of Fudan University, National Children's Medical Center, Shanghai, 201102, China.
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20
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Tang D, Yan Y, Li Y, Li Y, Tian J, Yang L, Ding H, Bashir G, Zhou H, Ding Q, Tao R, Zhang S, Wang Z, Wu S. Targeting DAD1 gene with CRISPR-Cas9 system transmucosally delivered by fluorinated polylysine nanoparticles for bladder cancer intravesical gene therapy. Theranostics 2024; 14:203-219. [PMID: 38164146 PMCID: PMC10750211 DOI: 10.7150/thno.88550] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2023] [Accepted: 10/30/2023] [Indexed: 01/03/2024] Open
Abstract
Background: Intravesical chemotherapy is highly recommended after transurethral resection of bladder tumor for patients with bladder cancer (BCa). However, this localized adjuvant therapy has drawbacks of causing indiscriminate damage and inability to penetrate bladder mucosal. Methods: Fluorinated polylysine micelles (PLLF) were synthesized by reacting polylysine (PLL) with heptafluorobutyrate anhydride. Anti-apoptotic gene defender against cell death 1 (DAD1) was selected by different gene expression analysis between BCa patients and healthy individuals and identified by several biological function assays. The gene transfection ability of PLLF was verified by multiple in vitro and in vivo assays. The therapeutic efficiency of PLLF nanoparticles (NPs) targeting DAD1 were confirmed by intravesical administration using an orthotopic BCa mouse model. Results: Decorated with fluorinated chains, PLL can self-assemble to form NPs and condense plasmids with excellent gene transfection efficiency in vitro. Loading with the CRISPR-Cas9 system designed to target DAD1 (Cas9-sgDAD1), PLLF/Cas9-sgDAD1 NPs strongly inhibited the expression of DAD1 in BCa cells and induced BCa cell apoptosis through the MAPK signaling pathway. Furthermore, intravesical administration of PLLF/Cas9-sgDAD1 NPs resulted in significant therapeutic outcomes without systemic toxicity in vivo. Conclusion: The synthetized PLLF can transmucosally deliver the CRISPR-Cas9 system into orthotopic BCa tissues to improve intravesical instillation therapy for BCa. This work presents a new strategy for targeting DAD1 gene in the intravesical therapy for BCa with high potential for clinical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dongdong Tang
- Department of Urology, Lanzhou University Second Hospital, Lanzhou 730030, China
- Department of Urology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Shenzhen University (Luohu Hospital Group), Shenzhen University, Shenzhen 518000, China
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450052, China
| | - Yang Yan
- Department of Urology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Shenzhen University (Luohu Hospital Group), Shenzhen University, Shenzhen 518000, China
- Songshan Lake Materials Laboratory, Dongguan, 523808, China
| | - Yangyang Li
- Department of Urology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Shenzhen University (Luohu Hospital Group), Shenzhen University, Shenzhen 518000, China
| | - Yuqing Li
- Department of Urology, South China Hospital, Medical School, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen 518000, China
| | - Junqiang Tian
- Department of Urology, Lanzhou University Second Hospital, Lanzhou 730030, China
| | - Li Yang
- Department of Urology, Lanzhou University Second Hospital, Lanzhou 730030, China
| | - Hui Ding
- Department of Urology, Lanzhou University Second Hospital, Lanzhou 730030, China
| | - Ghassan Bashir
- Department of Urology, South China Hospital, Medical School, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen 518000, China
| | - Houhong Zhou
- Department of Urology, South China Hospital, Medical School, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen 518000, China
| | - Qiuxia Ding
- Department of Urology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Shenzhen University (Luohu Hospital Group), Shenzhen University, Shenzhen 518000, China
| | - Ran Tao
- Department of Urology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Shenzhen University (Luohu Hospital Group), Shenzhen University, Shenzhen 518000, China
| | - Shaohua Zhang
- Department of Urology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Shenzhen University (Luohu Hospital Group), Shenzhen University, Shenzhen 518000, China
- Department of Urology, South China Hospital, Medical School, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen 518000, China
| | - Zhiping Wang
- Department of Urology, Lanzhou University Second Hospital, Lanzhou 730030, China
| | - Song Wu
- Department of Urology, Lanzhou University Second Hospital, Lanzhou 730030, China
- Department of Urology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Shenzhen University (Luohu Hospital Group), Shenzhen University, Shenzhen 518000, China
- Department of Urology, South China Hospital, Medical School, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen 518000, China
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21
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Wang X, Wang X, Li Y, A S, Qiu B, Bushmalyova A, He Z, Wang W, Lara-Sáez I. CRISPR-Cas9-based non-viral gene editing therapy for topical treatment of recessive dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa. Mol Ther Methods Clin Dev 2023; 31:101134. [PMID: 38027067 PMCID: PMC10630779 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtm.2023.101134] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2023] [Accepted: 10/11/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023]
Abstract
Recessive dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa (RDEB) is an autosomal monogenic skin disease caused by mutations in COL7A1 gene and lack of functional type VII collagen (C7). Currently, there is no cure for RDEB, and most of the gene therapies under development have been designed as ex vivo strategies because of the shortage of efficient and safe carriers for gene delivery. Herein, we designed, synthesized, and screened a new group of highly branched poly(β amino ester)s (HPAEs) as non-viral carriers for the delivery of plasmids encoding dual single-guide RNA (sgRNA)-guided CRISPR-Cas9 machinery to delete COL7A1 exon 80 containing the c.6527dupC mutation. The selected HPAEs (named PTTA-DATOD) showed robust transfection efficiency, comparable with or surpassing that of leading commercial gene transfection reagents such as Lipofectamine 3000, Xfect, and jetPEI, while maintaining negligible cytotoxicity. Furthermore, CRISPR-Cas9 plasmids delivered by PTTA-DATOD achieved efficient targeted deletion and restored bulk C7 production in RDEB patient keratinocyte polyclones. The non-viral CRISPR-Cas9-based COL7A1 exon deletion approach developed here has great potential to be used as a topical treatment for RDEB patients with mutations in COL7A1 exon 80. Besides, this therapeutic strategy can easily be adapted for mutations in other COL7A1 exons, other epidermolysis bullosa subtypes, and other genetic diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xianqing Wang
- Charles Institute of Dermatology, School of Medicine, University College Dublin, D04 V1W8 Dublin, Ireland
| | - Xi Wang
- Research and Clinical Translation Center of Gene Medicine and Tissue Engineering, School of Public Health, Anhui University of Science and Technology, Huainan 232001, China
| | - Yinghao Li
- Charles Institute of Dermatology, School of Medicine, University College Dublin, D04 V1W8 Dublin, Ireland
| | - Sigen A
- Research and Clinical Translation Center of Gene Medicine and Tissue Engineering, School of Public Health, Anhui University of Science and Technology, Huainan 232001, China
| | - Bei Qiu
- Charles Institute of Dermatology, School of Medicine, University College Dublin, D04 V1W8 Dublin, Ireland
| | - Albina Bushmalyova
- Charles Institute of Dermatology, School of Medicine, University College Dublin, D04 V1W8 Dublin, Ireland
| | - Zhonglei He
- Research and Clinical Translation Center of Gene Medicine and Tissue Engineering, School of Public Health, Anhui University of Science and Technology, Huainan 232001, China
| | - Wenxin Wang
- Charles Institute of Dermatology, School of Medicine, University College Dublin, D04 V1W8 Dublin, Ireland
- Research and Clinical Translation Center of Gene Medicine and Tissue Engineering, School of Public Health, Anhui University of Science and Technology, Huainan 232001, China
| | - Irene Lara-Sáez
- Charles Institute of Dermatology, School of Medicine, University College Dublin, D04 V1W8 Dublin, Ireland
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22
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Liu Y, Zhou L, Xu X, Cheng Z, Chen Y, Mei XA, Zheng N, Zhang C, Bai Y. Combination of Backbone Rigidity and Richness in Aryl Structures Enables Direct Membrane Translocation of Polymer Scaffolds for Efficient Gene Delivery. Biomacromolecules 2023; 24:5698-5706. [PMID: 37945526 DOI: 10.1021/acs.biomac.3c00682] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2023]
Abstract
The development of cell-penetrating polymers with endocytosis-independent cell uptake pathways has emerged as a prominent strategy to enhance the transfection efficiency. Inspired by the rigid α-helical structure that endows polypeptides with cell-penetrating ability, we propose that a rigid backbone can facilitate the corresponding polymer vector's performance in gene delivery by bypassing the difficult endosomal escape process. Meanwhile, the installation of aromatic domains, as a way to promote gene transfection efficiency, is employed through the construction of a poly(benzyl ether) (PBE)-based scaffold in this work. We demonstrate that the direct membrane translocation capability of the synthesized PBE contributes to its enhanced transfection performance and excellent biocompatibility profile, rendering the imidazolium-functionalized PBE scaffold with higher activity and biocompatibility. Molecular details of the PBE-lipid interaction are also revealed in molecular dynamics simulations, indicating the important roles of individual structural elements on the polymeric scaffold in the membrane penetration process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Chemo-/Bio-Sensing and Chemometrics, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Hunan University, Changsha, Hunan 410082, China
| | - Leyue Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Chemo-/Bio-Sensing and Chemometrics, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Hunan University, Changsha, Hunan 410082, China
- Department of Food and Pharmaceutical Engineering, Shijiazhuang College of Applied Technology, Shijiazhuang, Hebei 050081, China
| | - Xiang Xu
- Department of Polymer Science and Engineering, School of Chemical Engineering, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian, Liaoning 116024, China
| | - Zehong Cheng
- State Key Laboratory of Chemo-/Bio-Sensing and Chemometrics, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Hunan University, Changsha, Hunan 410082, China
| | - Yajie Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Chemo-/Bio-Sensing and Chemometrics, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Hunan University, Changsha, Hunan 410082, China
| | - Xue-Ao Mei
- State Key Laboratory of Chemo-/Bio-Sensing and Chemometrics, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Hunan University, Changsha, Hunan 410082, China
| | - Nan Zheng
- Department of Polymer Science and Engineering, School of Chemical Engineering, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian, Liaoning 116024, China
| | - Chunhui Zhang
- School of Biology, Hunan University, Changsha, Hunan 410082, China
| | - Yugang Bai
- State Key Laboratory of Chemo-/Bio-Sensing and Chemometrics, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Hunan University, Changsha, Hunan 410082, China
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23
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Shi L, Yang J, Nie Y, Huang Y, Gu H. Hybrid mRNA Nano Vaccine Potentiates Antigenic Peptide Presentation and Dendritic Cell Maturation for Effective Cancer Vaccine Therapy and Enhances Response to Immune Checkpoint Blockade. Adv Healthc Mater 2023; 12:e2301261. [PMID: 37822133 DOI: 10.1002/adhm.202301261] [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: 04/21/2023] [Revised: 09/19/2023] [Indexed: 10/13/2023]
Abstract
Cancer vaccines combined with immune checkpoint blockades (ICB) represent great potential application, yet the insufficient tumor antigen presentation and immature dendritic cells hinder improved efficacy. Here, a hybrid nano vaccine composed by hyper branched poly(beta-amino ester), modified iron oxide nano adjuvant and messenger RNA (mRNA) encoded with model antigen ovalbumin (OVA) is presented. The nano vaccine outperforms three commercialized reagents loaded with the same mRNA, including Lipofectamine MessengerMax, jetPRIME, and in vivo-jetRNA in promoting dendritic cells' transfection, maturation, and peptide presentation. In an OVA-expressing murine model, intratumoral administration of the nano vaccine significantly induced macrophages and dendritic cells' presenting peptides and expressing co-stimulatory CD86. The nano vaccine also elicited strong antigen-specific splenocyte response and promoted CD8+ T cell infiltration. In combination with ICB, the nano vaccine aroused robust tumor suppression in murine models with large tumor burdens (initial volume >300 mm3 ). The hybrid mRNA vaccine represents a versatile and readily transformable platform and augments response to ICB.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lu Shi
- Nano Biomedical Research Center, School of Biomedical Engineering & Med-X Research Institute, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, 1954 Huashan Road, Shanghai, 200030, China
| | - Jingxing Yang
- Nano Biomedical Research Center, School of Biomedical Engineering & Med-X Research Institute, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, 1954 Huashan Road, Shanghai, 200030, China
| | - Ying Nie
- Nano Biomedical Research Center, School of Biomedical Engineering & Med-X Research Institute, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, 1954 Huashan Road, Shanghai, 200030, China
| | - Yizhou Huang
- Nano Biomedical Research Center, School of Biomedical Engineering & Med-X Research Institute, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, 1954 Huashan Road, Shanghai, 200030, China
| | - Hongchen Gu
- Nano Biomedical Research Center, School of Biomedical Engineering & Med-X Research Institute, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, 1954 Huashan Road, Shanghai, 200030, China
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24
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Deng Y, Zhang J, Sun X, Li L, Zhou M, Liu S, Chen F, Pan C, Yu Z, Li M, Zhong W, Zeng M. Potent gene delivery from fluorinated poly(β-amino ester) in adhesive and suspension difficult-to-transfect cells for apoptosis and ferroptosis. J Control Release 2023; 363:597-605. [PMID: 37793484 DOI: 10.1016/j.jconrel.2023.10.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2023] [Revised: 09/19/2023] [Accepted: 10/01/2023] [Indexed: 10/06/2023]
Abstract
Tremendous efforts have been made to improve polymeric property in gene delivery performances, especially when obstacle of transferring gene construct into difficult-to-transfect cells occurs. Innovations in the area of fluorination and fluorinated compounds with biomedical potential in medicinal chemistry are believed to assist in the development of new therapeutics. Fluorine modified polymers have shown to navigate the gene transfection cellular barriers and promoted the transfection outcomes. Gene transfer into some liver cancer cells and human leukemia cells has always been a challenge. Here, by facile incorporation of a fluorine containing amine monomer, 1H,1H-undecafluorohexylamine, fluorinated poly(β-amino ester) (FPAE) was synthesized to significantly improve the transfection performance, achieving high transfection efficiency of 87% and 55% in two representative difficult-to-transfect cells, HepG2 and Molt-4, which were cultured in adhesive and suspension condition, respectively. However, the potency of Lipofectamine 3000 was very limited. More importantly, functional studies revealed that FPAE can dramatically outperform Lipofectamine 3000 in delivering Bcl-xL and PKCβII to either provide the protection against apoptosis or promote the ferroptosis in HepG2 cells. This work facilitates gene therapies by overcoming biological barriers for targeting difficult-to-transfect cells and disease models when medically necessary.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yihui Deng
- Central Laboratory of the First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, Guangzhou Overseas Chinese Hospital, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510630, China
| | - Jing Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Materials-Oriented Chemical Engineering, College of Chemical Engineering, Nanjing Tech University, Nanjing 211816, China
| | - Ximeng Sun
- State Key Laboratory of Materials-Oriented Chemical Engineering, College of Chemical Engineering, Nanjing Tech University, Nanjing 211816, China
| | - Liangtao Li
- Department of Dermatology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, Guangzhou Overseas Chinese Hospital, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510630, China
| | - Mandi Zhou
- Department of Dermatology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, Guangzhou Overseas Chinese Hospital, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510630, China
| | - Shuang Liu
- Ministry of Education (MOE) Key Laboratory of Tumor Molecular Biology, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China
| | - Fuying Chen
- Department of Dermatology, Children's Hospital of Fudan University, National Children's Medical Center, Shanghai 201102, China
| | - Chaolan Pan
- Dermatology Center, Xinhua Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200092, China
| | - Ziyi Yu
- State Key Laboratory of Materials-Oriented Chemical Engineering, College of Chemical Engineering, Nanjing Tech University, Nanjing 211816, China
| | - Ming Li
- Department of Dermatology, Children's Hospital of Fudan University, National Children's Medical Center, Shanghai 201102, China
| | - Wenbin Zhong
- Ministry of Education (MOE) Key Laboratory of Tumor Molecular Biology, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China
| | - Ming Zeng
- Department of Dermatology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, Guangzhou Overseas Chinese Hospital, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510630, China; Department of Dermatology, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510655, China.
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25
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Zhao Y, Bo T, Wang C, Yao D, Pan C, Xu W, Zhou H, Li M, Zhang S. Superior TRAIL gene expression and cancer cell apoptosis mediated by highly branched-linear poly(β-amino ester)s. J Nanobiotechnology 2023; 21:394. [PMID: 37898777 PMCID: PMC10612241 DOI: 10.1186/s12951-023-02169-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2023] [Accepted: 10/18/2023] [Indexed: 10/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Extensive efforts have been dedicated to enhancing the expression of tumor necrosis factor-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL) in cancer cells for the development of effective cancer treatments. However, highly safe and efficient delivery of TRAIL gene remains a significant challenge, especially using cationic polymers. Here, a series of highly branched-linear poly(β-amino ester)s (H-LPAEs) are developed through a unique oligomer branching strategy. H-LPAEs exhibit a more uniform distribution of linear segments and branching units, leading to excellent DNA condensation and favorable physicochemical properties of H-LPAE/DNA polyplexes. In SW1353 and BMSC cells, the optimized H-LPAEs, H-LPAEB4-S5-TMPTA, achieves superior gene transfection efficiency of 58.0% and 33.4%, which were 2.5-fold and 2.0-fold higher than that of the leading commercial gene transfection reagent, Lipofectamine 3000. Excitingly, H-LPAEB4-S5-TMPTA mediated 56.7% and 28.1% cell apoptosis in HepG2 cells and HeLa cells highlighting its potential application in cancer gene therapy. In addition, locally administered H-LPAEB4-S5-TMPTA delivered TRAIL DNA to HepG2 xenograft tumors and inhibited tumor growth in vivo. This study not only proposes a novel strategy for synthesizing poly(β-amino ester)s with a unique branched-linear topology but also identifies a promising candidate for highly efficient TRAIL gene transfection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yitong Zhao
- School of Medicine, Anhui University of Science and Technology, 232000, Huainan, Anhui, China
| | - Tao Bo
- NHC Key Laboratory of Glycoconjugate Research, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fudan University, 200032, Shanghai, China
| | - Chenfei Wang
- Department of Dermatology, Children's Hospital of Fudan University, National Children's Medical Center, 201102, Shanghai, China.
| | - Dingjin Yao
- NHC Key Laboratory of Glycoconjugate Research, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fudan University, 200032, Shanghai, China
- Department of Dermatology, Children's Hospital of Fudan University, National Children's Medical Center, 201102, Shanghai, China
| | - Chaolan Pan
- Department of Dermatology, Children's Hospital of Fudan University, National Children's Medical Center, 201102, Shanghai, China
| | - Weiyi Xu
- Department of Dermatology, Children's Hospital of Fudan University, National Children's Medical Center, 201102, Shanghai, China
| | - Hao Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Protein Science, College of Life Sciences, Nankai University, 300071, Tianjin, China
| | - Ming Li
- Department of Dermatology, Children's Hospital of Fudan University, National Children's Medical Center, 201102, Shanghai, China.
| | - Si Zhang
- School of Medicine, Anhui University of Science and Technology, 232000, Huainan, Anhui, China.
- NHC Key Laboratory of Glycoconjugate Research, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fudan University, 200032, Shanghai, China.
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26
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Wang X, Li Y, Wang X, Sandoval DM, He Z, A S, Sáez IL, Wang W. Guanidyl-Rich Poly(β Amino Ester)s for Universal Functional Cytosolic Protein Delivery and Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats (CRISPR) Cas9 Ribonucleoprotein Based Gene Editing. ACS NANO 2023; 17:17799-17810. [PMID: 37669145 PMCID: PMC10540258 DOI: 10.1021/acsnano.3c03269] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2023] [Accepted: 08/25/2023] [Indexed: 09/07/2023]
Abstract
Protein therapeutics are highly promising for complex disease treatment. However, the lack of ideal delivery vectors impedes their clinical use, especially the carriers for in vivo delivery of functional cytosolic protein. In this study, we modified poly(β amino ester)s (PAEs) with a phenyl guanidine (PG) group to enhance their suitability for cytosolic protein delivery. The effects of the PG group on protein binding, cell internalization, protein function protection, and endo/lysosomal escape were systematically evaluated. Compared to the unmodified PAEs (L3), guanidyl rich PAEs (L3PG) presented superior efficiency of protein binding and protein internalization, mainly via clathrin-mediated endocytosis. In addition, both PAEs showed robust capabilities to deliver cytosolic proteins with different molecular weight (ranging from 30 to 464 kDa) and isoelectric points (ranging from 4.3 to 9), which were significantly improved in comparison with the commercial reagents of PULsin and Pierce Protein Transection Reagent. Moreover, L3PG successfully delivered Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats (CRISPR) Cas9 ribonucleoprotein (RNP) into HeLa cells expressing green fluorescent protein (GFP) and achieved more than 80% GFP expression knockout. These results demonstrated that guanidyl modification on PAEs can enhance its capabilities for intracellular delivery of cytosolic functional proteins and CRISPR/Cas9 ribonucleoprotein. The guanidyl-rich PAEs are promising nonviral vectors for functional protein delivery and potential use in protein and nuclease-based gene editing therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xianqing Wang
- Charles
Institute of Dermatology, School of Medicine, University College Dublin, D04 V1W8 Dublin, Ireland
- Research
and Clinical Translation Center of Gene Medicine and Tissue Engineering,
School of Public Health, Anhui University
of Science and Technology, Huainan 232001, China
| | - Yinghao Li
- Charles
Institute of Dermatology, School of Medicine, University College Dublin, D04 V1W8 Dublin, Ireland
| | - Xi Wang
- Research
and Clinical Translation Center of Gene Medicine and Tissue Engineering,
School of Public Health, Anhui University
of Science and Technology, Huainan 232001, China
| | - Dario M. Sandoval
- Charles
Institute of Dermatology, School of Medicine, University College Dublin, D04 V1W8 Dublin, Ireland
| | - Zhonglei He
- Charles
Institute of Dermatology, School of Medicine, University College Dublin, D04 V1W8 Dublin, Ireland
- Research
and Clinical Translation Center of Gene Medicine and Tissue Engineering,
School of Public Health, Anhui University
of Science and Technology, Huainan 232001, China
| | - Sigen A
- Charles
Institute of Dermatology, School of Medicine, University College Dublin, D04 V1W8 Dublin, Ireland
- Research
and Clinical Translation Center of Gene Medicine and Tissue Engineering,
School of Public Health, Anhui University
of Science and Technology, Huainan 232001, China
| | - Irene Lara Sáez
- Charles
Institute of Dermatology, School of Medicine, University College Dublin, D04 V1W8 Dublin, Ireland
| | - Wenxin Wang
- Charles
Institute of Dermatology, School of Medicine, University College Dublin, D04 V1W8 Dublin, Ireland
- Research
and Clinical Translation Center of Gene Medicine and Tissue Engineering,
School of Public Health, Anhui University
of Science and Technology, Huainan 232001, China
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27
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Wang C, Pan C, Yong H, Wang F, Bo T, Zhao Y, Ma B, He W, Li M. Emerging non-viral vectors for gene delivery. J Nanobiotechnology 2023; 21:272. [PMID: 37592351 PMCID: PMC10433663 DOI: 10.1186/s12951-023-02044-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2023] [Accepted: 08/01/2023] [Indexed: 08/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Gene therapy holds great promise for treating a multitude of inherited and acquired diseases by delivering functional genes, comprising DNA or RNA, into targeted cells or tissues to elicit manipulation of gene expression. However, the clinical implementation of gene therapy remains substantially impeded by the lack of safe and efficient gene delivery vehicles. This review comprehensively outlines the novel fastest-growing and efficient non-viral gene delivery vectors, which include liposomes and lipid nanoparticles (LNPs), highly branched poly(β-amino ester) (HPAE), single-chain cyclic polymer (SCKP), poly(amidoamine) (PAMAM) dendrimers, and polyethyleneimine (PEI). Particularly, we discuss the research progress, potential development directions, and remaining challenges. Additionally, we provide a comprehensive overview of the currently approved non-viral gene therapeutics, as well as ongoing clinical trials. With advances in biomedicine, molecular biology, materials science, non-viral gene vectors play an ever-expanding and noteworthy role in clinical gene therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chenfei Wang
- Department of Dermatology, Children's Hospital of Fudan University, National Children's Medical Center, Shanghai, 201102, China
| | - Chaolan Pan
- Department of Dermatology, Children's Hospital of Fudan University, National Children's Medical Center, Shanghai, 201102, China
| | - Haiyang Yong
- School of Chemical Engineering and Technology, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710049, China
| | - Feifei Wang
- Department of Anesthesiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Air Force Medical University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710032, China
| | - Tao Bo
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Yitong Zhao
- School of Medicine, Anhui University of Science and Technology, Huainan, Anhui, 232000, China
| | - Bin Ma
- School of Chemical Engineering and Technology, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710049, China
| | - Wei He
- School of Medicine, Anhui University of Science and Technology, Huainan, Anhui, 232000, China
| | - Ming Li
- Department of Dermatology, Children's Hospital of Fudan University, National Children's Medical Center, Shanghai, 201102, China.
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Li Y, Wang X, He Z, Johnson M, A S, Lara-Sáez I, Lyu J, Wang W. 3D Macrocyclic Structure Boosted Gene Delivery: Multi-Cyclic Poly(β-Amino Ester)s from Step Growth Polymerization. J Am Chem Soc 2023; 145:17187-17200. [PMID: 37490481 PMCID: PMC10416306 DOI: 10.1021/jacs.3c04191] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2023] [Indexed: 07/27/2023]
Abstract
The topological structures of polymers play a critical role in determining their gene delivery efficiency. Exploring novel polymeric structures as gene delivery vectors is thus of great interest. In this work, a new generation of multi-cyclic poly(β-amino ester)s (CPAEs) with unique topology structure was synthesized for the first time via step growth polymerization. Through controlling the occurrence stage of cyclization, three types of CPAEs with rings of different sizes and topologies were obtained. In vitro experiments demonstrated that the CPAEs with macro rings (MCPAEs) significantly boosted the transgene expression comparing to their branched counterparts. Moreover, the MCPAE vector with optimized terminal group efficiently delivered the CRISPR plasmid coding both Staphylococcus aureus Cas9 nuclease and dual guide sgRNAs for gene editing therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yinghao Li
- Research
and Clinical Translation Center of Gene Medicine and Tissue Engineering,
School of Public Health, Anhui University
of Science and Technology, Huainan 232001, China
- Charles
Institute of Dermatology, School of Medicine, University College Dublin, Dublin 4, Dublin D04V1W8, Ireland
| | - Xianqing Wang
- Charles
Institute of Dermatology, School of Medicine, University College Dublin, Dublin 4, Dublin D04V1W8, Ireland
| | - Zhonglei He
- Research
and Clinical Translation Center of Gene Medicine and Tissue Engineering,
School of Public Health, Anhui University
of Science and Technology, Huainan 232001, China
- Charles
Institute of Dermatology, School of Medicine, University College Dublin, Dublin 4, Dublin D04V1W8, Ireland
| | - Melissa Johnson
- Charles
Institute of Dermatology, School of Medicine, University College Dublin, Dublin 4, Dublin D04V1W8, Ireland
| | - Sigen A
- Charles
Institute of Dermatology, School of Medicine, University College Dublin, Dublin 4, Dublin D04V1W8, Ireland
- School
of Medicine, Anhui University of Science
and Technology, Huainan 232001, China
| | - Irene Lara-Sáez
- Charles
Institute of Dermatology, School of Medicine, University College Dublin, Dublin 4, Dublin D04V1W8, Ireland
| | - Jing Lyu
- Charles
Institute of Dermatology, School of Medicine, University College Dublin, Dublin 4, Dublin D04V1W8, Ireland
| | - Wenxin Wang
- Research
and Clinical Translation Center of Gene Medicine and Tissue Engineering,
School of Public Health, Anhui University
of Science and Technology, Huainan 232001, China
- Charles
Institute of Dermatology, School of Medicine, University College Dublin, Dublin 4, Dublin D04V1W8, Ireland
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29
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Sun Z, Ren M, Shan B, Yang Q, Zhao Z, Liu X, Yin L. One-pot synthesis of dynamically cross-linked polymers for serum-resistant nucleic acid delivery. Biomater Sci 2023; 11:5653-5662. [PMID: 37431292 DOI: 10.1039/d3bm00685a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/12/2023]
Abstract
Cationic polymers used for nucleic acid delivery often suffer from complicated syntheses, undesired intracellular cargo release and low serum stability. Herein, a series of ternary polymers were synthesized via facile green chemistry to achieve efficient plasmid DNA and mRNA delivery in serum. During the one-pot synthesis of the ternary polymer, acetylphenylboric acid (APBA), polyphenol and low-molecular weight polyethyleneimine (PEI 1.8k) were dynamically cross-linked with each other due to formation of an imine between PEI 1.8k and APBA and formation of a boronate ester between APBA and polyphenol. Series of polyphenols, including ellagic acid (EA), epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), nordihydroguaiaretic acid (NDGA), rutin (RT) and rosmarinic acid (RA), and APBA molecules, including 2-acetylphenylboric acid (2-APBA), 3-acetylphenylboric acid (3-APBA) and 4-acetylphenylboric acid (4-APBA), were screened and the best-performing ternary polymer, 2-PEI-RT, constructed from RT and 2-APBA, was identified. The ternary polymer featured efficient DNA condensation to favor cellular internalization, and the acidic environment in endolysosomes triggered effective degradation of the polymer to promote cargo release. Thus, 2-PEI-RT showed robust plasmid DNA transfection efficiencies in various tumor cells in serum, outperforming the commercial reagent PEI 25k by 1-3 orders of magnitude. Moreover, 2-PEI-RT mediated efficient cytosolic delivery of Cas9-mRNA/sgRNA to enable pronounced CRISPR-Cas9 genome editing in vitro. Such a facile and robust platform holds great potential for non-viral nucleic acid delivery and gene therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhisong Sun
- Institute of Functional Nano and Soft Materials (FUNSOM), Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Carbon-Based Functional Materials and Devices, Soochow University, Suzhou 215123, China.
| | - Mengyao Ren
- Institute of Functional Nano and Soft Materials (FUNSOM), Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Carbon-Based Functional Materials and Devices, Soochow University, Suzhou 215123, China.
| | - Bingchen Shan
- Department of Orthopaedics, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou 215004, China.
| | - Qiang Yang
- Institute of Functional Nano and Soft Materials (FUNSOM), Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Carbon-Based Functional Materials and Devices, Soochow University, Suzhou 215123, China.
| | - Ziyin Zhao
- Institute of Functional Nano and Soft Materials (FUNSOM), Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Carbon-Based Functional Materials and Devices, Soochow University, Suzhou 215123, China.
| | - Xun Liu
- Institute of Functional Nano and Soft Materials (FUNSOM), Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Carbon-Based Functional Materials and Devices, Soochow University, Suzhou 215123, China.
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou215004, China.
| | - Lichen Yin
- Institute of Functional Nano and Soft Materials (FUNSOM), Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Carbon-Based Functional Materials and Devices, Soochow University, Suzhou 215123, China.
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Aldemir N, Vallet C, Knauer SK, Schmuck C, Hirschhäuser C. A Fluorophore-Labeled Lysine Dendrimer with an Oxo-Anion-Binding Motif for Tracking Gene Transfection. Chembiochem 2023; 24:e202300296. [PMID: 37071493 DOI: 10.1002/cbic.202300296] [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: 04/12/2023] [Revised: 04/17/2023] [Accepted: 04/18/2023] [Indexed: 04/19/2023]
Abstract
A transfection vector based on a peptide dendrimer (1) has been developed and its abilities for DNA binding and transport have been investigated. By attaching a fluorophore to the vector system (1*), several steps in the transfection process could be monitored directly. As DLS and AFM studies showed, the labeled vector 1* condensed DNA into tightly packed aggregates able to enter eukaryotic cells. Co-localization experiments revealed that the ligand/plasmid complex is taken up by the endosomal pathway followed by an endosomal escape or lysosomal degradation. Afterwards, the plasmid DNA seems to enter the nucleus due to a breakdown of the nuclear envelope during mitosis, as only cells that have recently undergone mitosis showed H2B-GFP expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nazli Aldemir
- Institute of Organic Chemistry, University of Duisburg-Essen, Universitätstrasse 7, 45117, Essen, Germany) E-mail: christoph.hirschhäuseruni-due.de
| | - Cecilia Vallet
- Department of Molecular Biology II, University of Duisburg-Essen, Universitätstrasse 7, 45117, Essen, Germany
| | - Shirley K Knauer
- Department of Molecular Biology II, University of Duisburg-Essen, Universitätstrasse 7, 45117, Essen, Germany
| | - Carsten Schmuck
- Institute of Organic Chemistry, University of Duisburg-Essen, Universitätstrasse 7, 45117, Essen, Germany) E-mail: christoph.hirschhäuseruni-due.de
| | - Christoph Hirschhäuser
- Institute of Organic Chemistry, University of Duisburg-Essen, Universitätstrasse 7, 45117, Essen, Germany) E-mail: christoph.hirschhäuseruni-due.de
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31
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Jagannath A, Li Y, Cong H, Hassan J, Gonzalez G, Wang W, Zhang N, Gilchrist MD. UV-Assisted Hyperbranched Poly(β-amino ester) Modification of a Silica Membrane for Two-Step Microfluidic DNA Extraction from Blood. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2023. [PMID: 37319124 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.3c03523] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Integrating nucleic acid extraction in amplification-based point-of-care diagnostics will be a significant feature for next-generation point-of-care virus detection devices. However, extracting DNA efficiently on a microfluidic chip poses many technological and commercialization challenges, including manual steps, multiple instruments, pretreatment processes, and the use of organic solvents (ethanol, IPA) that inhibit detection, which is not viable with routine testing such as viral load monitoring of transplant patients for post-operative care. This paper presents a microfluidic system capable of two-step DNA extraction from blood using a UV-assisted hyperbranched poly(β-amino ester) (HPAE)-modified silica membrane for cytomegalovirus (CMV) detection in a rapid and instrument-free manner without the presence of amplification inhibitors. HPAEs of varying branch ratios were synthesized, screened, and coated on a silica membrane and bonded between two layers of poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) substrates. Our system could selectively extract DNA from blood with an efficiency of 94% and a lower limit viral load of 300 IU/mL in 20 min. The extracted DNA was used as the template for real-time loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP)-based detection of CMV and was found to produce a fluorescent signal intensity that was comparable with commercially extracted templates. This system can be integrated easily with a nucleic acid amplification system and used for routine rapid testing of viral load in patient blood samples.
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Affiliation(s)
- Akshaya Jagannath
- School of Mechanical and Materials Engineering, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin 4, Ireland
| | - Yinghao Li
- The Charles Institute of Dermatology, School of Medicine, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin 4, Ireland
| | - Hengji Cong
- School of Mechanical and Materials Engineering, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin 4, Ireland
| | - Jaythoon Hassan
- National Virus Reference Laboratory, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin 4, Ireland
| | - Gabriel Gonzalez
- National Virus Reference Laboratory, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin 4, Ireland
- International Collaboration Unit, Research Center for Zoonosis Control, Hokkaido University, N20 W10, Kita-ku, Sapporo 001-0020, Japan
| | - Wenxin Wang
- The Charles Institute of Dermatology, School of Medicine, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin 4, Ireland
| | - Nan Zhang
- School of Mechanical and Materials Engineering, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin 4, Ireland
- MiNAN Technologies Ltd., NovaUCD, Belfield, Dublin 4, Ireland
| | - Michael D Gilchrist
- School of Mechanical and Materials Engineering, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin 4, Ireland
- MiNAN Technologies Ltd., NovaUCD, Belfield, Dublin 4, Ireland
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Zhang J, Cai X, Dou R, Guo C, Tang J, Hu Y, Chen H, Chen J. Poly(β-amino ester)s-based nanovehicles: Structural regulation and gene delivery. MOLECULAR THERAPY. NUCLEIC ACIDS 2023; 32:568-581. [PMID: 37200860 PMCID: PMC10185705 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtn.2023.04.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/20/2023]
Abstract
The first poly(β-amino) esters (PβAEs) were synthesized more than 40 years ago. Since 2000, PβAEs have been found to have excellent biocompatibility and the capability of ferrying gene molecules. Moreover, the synthesis process of PβAEs is simple, the monomers are readily available, and the polymer structure can be tailored to meet different gene delivery needs by adjusting the monomer type, monomer ratio, reaction time, etc. Therefore, PβAEs are a promising class of non-viral gene vector materials. This review paper presents a comprehensive overview of the synthesis and correlated properties of PβAEs and summarizes the progress of each type of PβAE for gene delivery. The review focuses in particular on the rational design of PβAE structures, thoroughly discusses the correlations between intrinsic structure and effect, and then finishes with the applications and perspectives of PβAEs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiayu Zhang
- CAS Key Laboratory for Biomedical Effects of Nanomaterials and Nanosafety, Multi-disciplinary Research Division, Institute of High Energy Physics and University of Chinese Academy of Sciences (UCAS), Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), Beijing 100049, P. R. China
| | - Xiaomeng Cai
- CAS Key Laboratory for Biomedical Effects of Nanomaterials and Nanosafety, Multi-disciplinary Research Division, Institute of High Energy Physics and University of Chinese Academy of Sciences (UCAS), Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), Beijing 100049, P. R. China
| | - Rui Dou
- CAS Key Laboratory for Biomedical Effects of Nanomaterials and Nanosafety, Multi-disciplinary Research Division, Institute of High Energy Physics and University of Chinese Academy of Sciences (UCAS), Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), Beijing 100049, P. R. China
| | - Chen Guo
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Guangzhou Digestive Disease Center, Guangzhou First People’s Hospital, School of Medicine, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510180, China
| | - Jiaruo Tang
- CAS Key Laboratory for Biomedical Effects of Nanomaterials and Nanosafety, Multi-disciplinary Research Division, Institute of High Energy Physics and University of Chinese Academy of Sciences (UCAS), Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), Beijing 100049, P. R. China
| | - Yi Hu
- CAS Key Laboratory for Biomedical Effects of Nanomaterials and Nanosafety, Multi-disciplinary Research Division, Institute of High Energy Physics and University of Chinese Academy of Sciences (UCAS), Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), Beijing 100049, P. R. China
- State Key Laboratory of Complex Severe and Rare Diseases, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Beijing 100730, P. R. China
| | - Hanqing Chen
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Guangzhou Digestive Disease Center, Guangzhou First People’s Hospital, School of Medicine, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510180, China
- Corresponding author: Hanqing Chen, Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Guangzhou Digestive Disease Center, Guangzhou First People’s Hospital, School of Medicine, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510180, China.
| | - Jun Chen
- CAS Key Laboratory for Biomedical Effects of Nanomaterials and Nanosafety, Multi-disciplinary Research Division, Institute of High Energy Physics and University of Chinese Academy of Sciences (UCAS), Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), Beijing 100049, P. R. China
- Corresponding author: Jun Chen, CAS Key Laboratory for Biomedical Effects of Nanomaterials and Nanosafety, Multi-disciplinary Research Division, Institute of High Energy Physics and University of Chinese Academy of Sciences (UCAS), Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), Beijing 100049, P. R. China.
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Yu Y, Gao Y, He L, Fang B, Ge W, Yang P, Ju Y, Xie X, Lei L. Biomaterial-based gene therapy. MedComm (Beijing) 2023; 4:e259. [PMID: 37284583 PMCID: PMC10239531 DOI: 10.1002/mco2.259] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2022] [Revised: 03/17/2023] [Accepted: 03/21/2023] [Indexed: 06/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Gene therapy, a medical approach that involves the correction or replacement of defective and abnormal genes, plays an essential role in the treatment of complex and refractory diseases, such as hereditary diseases, cancer, and rheumatic immune diseases. Nucleic acids alone do not easily enter the target cells due to their easy degradation in vivo and the structure of the target cell membranes. The introduction of genes into biological cells is often dependent on gene delivery vectors, such as adenoviral vectors, which are commonly used in gene therapy. However, traditional viral vectors have strong immunogenicity while also presenting a potential infection risk. Recently, biomaterials have attracted attention for use as efficient gene delivery vehicles, because they can avoid the drawbacks associated with viral vectors. Biomaterials can improve the biological stability of nucleic acids and the efficiency of intracellular gene delivery. This review is focused on biomaterial-based delivery systems in gene therapy and disease treatment. Herein, we review the recent developments and modalities of gene therapy. Additionally, we discuss nucleic acid delivery strategies, with a focus on biomaterial-based gene delivery systems. Furthermore, the current applications of biomaterial-based gene therapy are summarized.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi Yu
- Department of StomatologyThe Second Xiangya HospitalCentral South UniversityChangshaChina
| | - Yijun Gao
- Department of StomatologyThe Second Xiangya HospitalCentral South UniversityChangshaChina
| | - Liming He
- Department of StomatologyChangsha Stomatological HospitalChangshaChina
| | - Bairong Fang
- Department of Plastic and Aesthetic (Burn) SurgeryThe Second Xiangya HospitalCentral South UniversityChangshaChina
| | - Wenhui Ge
- Department of StomatologyThe Second Xiangya HospitalCentral South UniversityChangshaChina
| | - Pu Yang
- Department of Plastic and Aesthetic (Burn) SurgeryThe Second Xiangya HospitalCentral South UniversityChangshaChina
| | - Yikun Ju
- Department of Plastic and Aesthetic (Burn) SurgeryThe Second Xiangya HospitalCentral South UniversityChangshaChina
| | - Xiaoyan Xie
- Department of StomatologyThe Second Xiangya HospitalCentral South UniversityChangshaChina
| | - Lanjie Lei
- State Key Laboratory of Bioelectronics, School of Biological Science and Medical EngineeringSoutheast UniversityNanjingChina
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Rahimi A, Esmaeili Y, Dana N, Dabiri A, Rahimmanesh I, Jandaghain S, Vaseghi G, Shariati L, Zarrabi A, Javanmard SH, Cordani M. A comprehensive review on novel targeted therapy methods and nanotechnology-based gene delivery systems in melanoma. Eur J Pharm Sci 2023:106476. [PMID: 37236377 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejps.2023.106476] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2023] [Revised: 05/17/2023] [Accepted: 05/22/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
Melanoma, a malignant form of skin cancer, has been swiftly increasing in recent years. Although there have been significant advancements in clinical treatment underlying a well-understanding of melanoma-susceptible genes and the molecular basis of melanoma pathogenesis, the permanency of response to therapy is frequently constrained by the emergence of acquired resistance and systemic toxicity. Conventional therapies, including surgical resection, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and immunotherapy, have already been used to treat melanoma and are dependent on the cancer stage. Nevertheless, ineffective side effects and the heterogeneity of tumors pose major obstacles to the therapeutic treatment of malignant melanoma through such strategies. In light of this, advanced therapies including nucleic acid therapies (ncRNA, aptamers), suicide gene therapies, and gene therapy using tumor suppressor genes, have lately gained immense attention in the field of cancer treatment. Furthermore, nanomedicine and targeted therapy based on gene editing tools have been applied to the treatment of melanoma as potential cancer treatment approaches nowadays. Indeed, nanovectors enable delivery of the therapeutic agents into the tumor sites by passive or active targeting, improving therapeutic efficiency and minimizing adverse effects. Accordingly, in this review, we summarized the recent findings related to novel targeted therapy methods as well as nanotechnology-based gene systems in melanoma. We also discussed current issues along with potential directions for future research, paving the way for the next-generation of melanoma treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Azadeh Rahimi
- Applied Physiology Research Center, Cardiovascular Research Institute, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Yasaman Esmaeili
- Biosensor Research Center, School of Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan 8174673461, Iran
| | - Nasim Dana
- Applied Physiology Research Center, Cardiovascular Research Institute, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Arezou Dabiri
- Applied Physiology Research Center, Cardiovascular Research Institute, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Ilnaz Rahimmanesh
- Applied Physiology Research Center, Cardiovascular Research Institute, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Setareh Jandaghain
- Applied Physiology Research Center, Cardiovascular Research Institute, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Golnaz Vaseghi
- Applied Physiology Research Center, Cardiovascular Research Institute, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran; Isfahan Cardiovascular Research Center, Cardiovascular Research Institute, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan 8158388994, Iran
| | - Laleh Shariati
- Department of Biomaterials, Nanotechnology and Tissue Engineering, School of Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan 8174673461, Iran
| | - Ali Zarrabi
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering & Natural Sciences, Istinye University, Istanbul 34396, Turkey
| | - Shaghayegh Haghjooy Javanmard
- Applied Physiology Research Center, Cardiovascular Research Institute, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran.
| | - Marco Cordani
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Biology, Complutense University, 28040 Madrid, Spain; Instituto de Investigaciones Sanitarias San Carlos (IdISSC), 28040 Madrid, Spain.
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Li Y, He Z, Wang X, Li Z, Johnson M, Foley R, Sigen A, Lyu J, Wang W. Branch Unit Distribution Matters for Gene Delivery. ACS Macro Lett 2023:780-786. [PMID: 37220212 DOI: 10.1021/acsmacrolett.3c00152] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/25/2023]
Abstract
As a key nonviral gene therapy vector, poly(β-amino ester) (PAE) has demonstrated great potential for clinical application after two decades of development. However, even after extensive efforts in structural optimizations, including screening chemical composition, molecular weight (MW), terminal groups, and topology, their DNA delivery efficiency still lags behind that of viral vectors. To break through this bottleneck, in this work, a thorough investigation of highly branched PAEs (HPAEs) was conducted to correlate their fundamental internal structure with their gene transfection performance. We show that an essential structural factor, branch unit distribution (BUD), plays an important role for HPAE transfection capability and that HPAEs with a more uniform distribution of branch units display better transfection efficacy. By optimizing BUD, a high-efficiency HPAE that surpasses well-known commercial reagents (e.g., Lipofectamine 3000 (Lipo3000), jetPEI, and Xfect) can be generated. This work opens an avenue for the structural control and molecular design of high-performance PAE gene delivery vectors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yinghao Li
- Charles Institute of Dermatology, School of Medicine, University College Dublin, Dublin 4, Ireland, D04 V1W8
| | - Zhonglei He
- Charles Institute of Dermatology, School of Medicine, University College Dublin, Dublin 4, Ireland, D04 V1W8
| | - Xianqing Wang
- Charles Institute of Dermatology, School of Medicine, University College Dublin, Dublin 4, Ireland, D04 V1W8
| | - Zishan Li
- Charles Institute of Dermatology, School of Medicine, University College Dublin, Dublin 4, Ireland, D04 V1W8
| | - Melissa Johnson
- Charles Institute of Dermatology, School of Medicine, University College Dublin, Dublin 4, Ireland, D04 V1W8
| | - Ruth Foley
- Charles Institute of Dermatology, School of Medicine, University College Dublin, Dublin 4, Ireland, D04 V1W8
- Branca Bunús Ltd, NovaUCD Belfield Innovation Centre, Dublin 4, Ireland, D04 V1W8
| | - A Sigen
- Charles Institute of Dermatology, School of Medicine, University College Dublin, Dublin 4, Ireland, D04 V1W8
| | - Jing Lyu
- Charles Institute of Dermatology, School of Medicine, University College Dublin, Dublin 4, Ireland, D04 V1W8
| | - Wenxin Wang
- Charles Institute of Dermatology, School of Medicine, University College Dublin, Dublin 4, Ireland, D04 V1W8
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Zhang Y, Shi J, Ma B, Yong H, Li Z, Zhou YN, Li J, Liang L, Zhou D. Phosphocholine-Functionalized Zwitterionic Highly Branched Poly(β-amino ester)s for Cytoplasmic Protein Delivery. ACS Macro Lett 2023; 12:626-631. [PMID: 37094219 DOI: 10.1021/acsmacrolett.3c00155] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/26/2023]
Abstract
Proteins have tremendous potential for vaccine development and disease treatment, but multiple extracellular and intracellular biological barriers must be overcome before they can exert specific biological functions in the target tissue. The use of polymers as carriers would greatly improve their bioavailability and therapeutic efficiency. Nevertheless, effective protein packaging and cell membrane penetration without causing cytotoxicity is particularly challenging, due largely to the simultaneous distribution of positive and negative charges on protein surface. Here, phosphocholine-functionalized zwitterionic poly(β-amino ester)s, HPAE-D-(±), are developed for cytoplasmic protein delivery. The zwitterionic phosphocholine is capable of binding to both proteins and the cell membrane to facilitate protein packaging and nanoparticle cellular uptake. Compared to amine-functionalized HPAE-E-(+) and carboxylic acid-functionalized HPAE-C-(-), HPAE-D-(±) exhibits much higher cytoplasmic protein delivery efficiency and lower cytotoxicity. In addition, HPAE-D-(±) are readily degraded in aqueous solution. This strategy may be extended to other zwitterions and polymers, thus having profound implications for the development of safe and efficient protein delivery systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuhe Zhang
- School of Chemical Engineering and Technology, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an 710049, China
| | - Jiahao Shi
- School of Chemical Engineering and Technology, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an 710049, China
| | - Bin Ma
- School of Chemical Engineering and Technology, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an 710049, China
| | - Haiyang Yong
- School of Chemical Engineering and Technology, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an 710049, China
| | - Zhili Li
- School of Chemical Engineering and Technology, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an 710049, China
| | - Ya-Nan Zhou
- School of Chemical Engineering and Technology, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an 710049, China
| | - Jianzhong Li
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an 710061, China
| | - Lirong Liang
- Department of Clinical Epidemiology, Beijing Institute of Respiratory Medicine and Beijing Chao-Yang Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100020, China
| | - Dezhong Zhou
- School of Chemical Engineering and Technology, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an 710049, China
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Li Y, Wang X, He Z, Li Z, Johnson M, Qiu B, Song R, A S, Lara-Sáez I, Lyu J, Wang W. A New Optimization Strategy of Highly Branched Poly(β-Amino Ester) for Enhanced Gene Delivery: Removal of Small Molecular Weight Components. Polymers (Basel) 2023; 15:polym15061518. [PMID: 36987297 PMCID: PMC10051207 DOI: 10.3390/polym15061518] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2023] [Revised: 03/14/2023] [Accepted: 03/16/2023] [Indexed: 03/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Highly branched poly(β-amino ester) (HPAE) has become one of the most promising non-viral gene delivery vector candidates. When compared to other gene delivery vectors, HPAE has a broad molecular weight distribution (MWD). Despite significant efforts to optimize HPAE targeting enhanced gene delivery, the effect of different molecular weight (MW) components on transfection has rarely been studied. In this work, a new structural optimization strategy was proposed targeting enhanced HPAE gene transfection. A series of HPAE with different MW components was obtained through a stepwise precipitation approach and applied to plasmid DNA delivery. It was demonstrated that the removal of small MW components from the original HPAE structure could significantly enhance its transfection performance (e.g., GFP expression increased 7 folds at w/w of 10/1). The universality of this strategy was proven by extending it to varying HPAE systems with different MWs and different branching degrees, where the transfection performance exhibited an even magnitude enhancement after removing small MW portions. This work opened a new avenue for developing high-efficiency HPAE gene delivery vectors and provided new insights into the understanding of the HPAE structure-property relationship, which would facilitate the translation of HPAEs in gene therapy clinical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yinghao Li
- Charles Institute of Dermatology, School of Medicine, University College Dublin, D04V1W8 Dublin, Ireland
| | - Xianqing Wang
- Charles Institute of Dermatology, School of Medicine, University College Dublin, D04V1W8 Dublin, Ireland
| | - Zhonglei He
- Charles Institute of Dermatology, School of Medicine, University College Dublin, D04V1W8 Dublin, Ireland
| | - Zishan Li
- Charles Institute of Dermatology, School of Medicine, University College Dublin, D04V1W8 Dublin, Ireland
| | - Melissa Johnson
- Charles Institute of Dermatology, School of Medicine, University College Dublin, D04V1W8 Dublin, Ireland
| | - Bei Qiu
- Charles Institute of Dermatology, School of Medicine, University College Dublin, D04V1W8 Dublin, Ireland
| | - Rijian Song
- Charles Institute of Dermatology, School of Medicine, University College Dublin, D04V1W8 Dublin, Ireland
| | - Sigen A
- Charles Institute of Dermatology, School of Medicine, University College Dublin, D04V1W8 Dublin, Ireland
| | - Irene Lara-Sáez
- Charles Institute of Dermatology, School of Medicine, University College Dublin, D04V1W8 Dublin, Ireland
| | - Jing Lyu
- Charles Institute of Dermatology, School of Medicine, University College Dublin, D04V1W8 Dublin, Ireland
| | - Wenxin Wang
- Charles Institute of Dermatology, School of Medicine, University College Dublin, D04V1W8 Dublin, Ireland
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38
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Gao B, Wang X, Wang M, Liu W, Li Y, Xia S, Zhang W, Feng Y. "Intercellular Mass Transport" Mimic Enables ASO Entry Completely into the Cell Nucleus for Enhanced Ischemia Therapy. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2023; 15:12777-12786. [PMID: 36854063 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.2c21691] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Currently, the development of a new therapeutic technology is focused on antisense oligonucleotides (ASOs), where ASOs are used to complementarily pair with DNA, messenger RNA, or long noncoding RNA (lncRNA) to regulate the cell behavior by inhibiting the target gene expression. However, the targeted regulation toward nuclear genes still faces great challenges in ASO delivery for clinical applications, i.e., two essential criteria (high nuclear entry and delivery vehicle safety/simplification) generally compromise each other and are not simultaneously satisfactory. Herein, for the first time, inspired by "intercellular-mass-transport", we report an important discovery that the cell membrane of endothelial cells (ECs) serving as the biointerface enables ASOs to rapidly and completely enter the EC nucleus. Thereby, we innovatively fabricate a nanosystem only by sequential self-assembly of natural/off-the-shelf biomaterials to well overcome the above-mentioned contradiction. The efficacy is strikingly superior to that of the previous delivery vehicles. Furthermore, our technology is applied to successfully silence lncRNA MEG3 in the EC nucleus, significantly augmenting EC morphogenesis. More importantly, this nanosystem is applicable for in vivo intramuscular injection to enhance the therapeutic outcome in a critical limb ischemia mouse model. This work brings a new hope for the technological innovation of ASO nuclear delivery and opens a new avenue to explore natural/off-the-shelf materials for cargo delivery into subcellular compartments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bin Gao
- School of Chemical Engineering and Technology, Tianjin University, Yaguan Road 135, Tianjin 300350, China
| | - Xiaoyu Wang
- School of Chemical Engineering and Technology, Tianjin University, Yaguan Road 135, Tianjin 300350, China
| | - Meiyu Wang
- School of Chemical Engineering and Technology, Tianjin University, Yaguan Road 135, Tianjin 300350, China
| | - Wen Liu
- School of Chemical Engineering and Technology, Tianjin University, Yaguan Road 135, Tianjin 300350, China
| | - Ying Li
- School of Chemical Engineering and Technology, Tianjin University, Yaguan Road 135, Tianjin 300350, China
| | - Shihai Xia
- Department of Hepatopancreatobiliary and Splenic Medicine, Affiliated Hospital, Logistics University of People's Armed Police Force, 220 Chenglin Road, Tianjin 300162, China
| | - Wencheng Zhang
- Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, Logistics University of Chinese People's Armed Police Force, Tianjin 300309, China
| | - Yakai Feng
- School of Chemical Engineering and Technology, Tianjin University, Yaguan Road 135, Tianjin 300350, China
- Collaborative Innovation Center of Chemical Science and Chemical Engineering (Tianjin), Weijin Road 92, Tianjin 300072, China
- Key Laboratory of Systems Bioengineering (Ministry of Education), Tianjin University, Tianjin 300072, China
- Frontiers Science Center for Synthetic Biology, Tianjin University, Weijin Road 92, Tianjin 300072, China
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39
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Sadeqi Nezhad M. Poly (beta-amino ester) as an in vivo nanocarrier for therapeutic nucleic acids. Biotechnol Bioeng 2023; 120:95-113. [PMID: 36266918 DOI: 10.1002/bit.28269] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2022] [Revised: 10/12/2022] [Accepted: 10/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
Therapeutic nucleic acids are an emerging class of therapy for treating various diseases through immunomodulation, protein replacement, gene editing, and genetic engineering. However, they need a vector to effectively and safely reach the target cells. Most gene and cell therapies rely on ex vivo gene delivery, which is laborious, time-consuming, and costly; therefore, devising a systematic vector for effective and safe in vivo delivery of therapeutic nucleic acids is required to target the cells of interest in an efficient manner. Synthetic nanoparticle vector poly beta amino ester (PBAE), a class of degradable polymer, is a promising candidate for in vivo gene delivery. PBAE is considered the most potent in vivo vector due to its excellent transfection performance and biodegradability. PBAE nanoparticles showed tunable charge density, diverse structural characteristics, excellent encapsulation capacity, high stability, stimuli-responsive release, site-specific delivery, potent binding to nucleic acids, flexible binding ability to various conjugates, and effective endosomal escape. These unique properties of PBAE are an essential contribution to in vivo gene delivery. The current review discusses each of the components used for PBAE synthesis and the impact of various environmental and physicochemical factors of the body on PBAE nanocarrier.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muhammad Sadeqi Nezhad
- Clinical and Translational Science Institute, Translational Biomedical Science Department, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, New York, USA.,Wilmot Cancer Institute, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, New York, USA.,Department of Immunology, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, New York, USA
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40
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Wiegman K, Briot NJ, Hilt JZ, Huckaba AJ, Dziubla TD. Development of branched polyphenolic poly(beta amino esters) to facilitate post-synthesis processing. J Biomed Mater Res B Appl Biomater 2022; 110:2714-2726. [PMID: 35816238 DOI: 10.1002/jbm.b.35123] [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: 01/21/2022] [Revised: 06/14/2022] [Accepted: 06/17/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Given their versatility and formability, polymers have proven to be a viable platform facilitating a controlled and tuned release for a variety of therapeutic agents. One growing area of polymer drug delivery is polymeric prodrugs, which covalently link active pharmaceutical ingredients to a polymeric form to enhance stability, delivery, and pharmacology. One such class of polymeric prodrugs, poly(beta amino esters) (PβAEs) can be synthesized into crosslinked, or "thermoset," networks which greatly limits their processability. An antioxidant-PβAE polymer prodrug that is soluble in organic solutions would permit enhanced processability, increasing their utility and manufacturability. Curcumin PβAEs were synthesized to be soluble in organic solvents while retaining the release and activity properties. To demonstrate the polymer processability, curcumin PβAEs were further synthesized into nanoparticles and thin films. Control over nanoparticle size and film thickness was established through variance of dope solution concentration and withdrawal speed, respectively. Layering of polymeric films was demonstrated through inkjet printing of thin films. Polymer function was characterized through curcumin release and antioxidant activity. The processing of the polymer had a drastic impact on the curcumin release profiles indicating the polymer degradation was influenced by surface area and porosity of the final product. Previously, release was controlled primarily through the hydrophobicity of the polymer. Here, we demonstrate a novel method for further tuning the degradation by processing the polymer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kelley Wiegman
- Department of Chemical and Materials Engineering, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky, USA
| | - Nicolas J Briot
- Department of Chemical and Materials Engineering, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky, USA
| | - J Zach Hilt
- Department of Chemical and Materials Engineering, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky, USA
| | - Aron J Huckaba
- Department of Chemistry, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky, USA
| | - Thomas D Dziubla
- Department of Chemical and Materials Engineering, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky, USA
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41
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Li Y, He Z, Lyu J, Wang X, Qiu B, Lara-Sáez I, Zhang J, Zeng M, Xu Q, A S, Curtin JF, Wang W. Hyperbranched Poly(β-amino ester)s (HPAEs) Structure Optimisation for Enhanced Gene Delivery: Non-Ideal Termination Elimination. NANOMATERIALS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2022; 12:nano12213892. [PMID: 36364669 PMCID: PMC9656648 DOI: 10.3390/nano12213892] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2022] [Revised: 10/29/2022] [Accepted: 11/02/2022] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
Many polymeric gene delivery nano-vectors with hyperbranched structures have been demonstrated to be superior to their linear counterparts. The higher delivery efficacy is commonly attributed to the abundant terminal groups of branched polymers, which play critical roles in cargo entrapment, material-cell interaction, and endosome escape. Hyperbranched poly(β-amino ester)s (HPAEs) have developed as a class of safe and efficient gene delivery vectors. Although numerous research has been conducted to optimise the HPAE structure for gene delivery, the effect of the secondary amine residue on its backbone monomer, which is considered the non-ideal termination, has never been optimised. In this work, the effect of the non-ideal termination was carefully evaluated. Moreover, a series of HPAEs with only ideal terminations were synthesised by adjusting the backbone synthesis strategy to further explore the merits of hyperbranched structures. The HPAE obtained from modified synthesis methods exhibited more than twice the amounts of the ideal terminal groups compared to the conventional ones, determined by NMR. Their transfection performance enhanced significantly, where the optimal HPAE candidates developed in this study outperformed leading commercial benchmarks for DNA delivery, including Lipofectamine 3000, jetPEI, and jetOPTIMUS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yinghao Li
- Charles Institute of Dermatology, School of Medicine, University College Dublin, D04 V1W8 Dublin, Ireland
| | - Zhonglei He
- Charles Institute of Dermatology, School of Medicine, University College Dublin, D04 V1W8 Dublin, Ireland
- BioPlasma Research Group, School of Food Science and Environmental Health, Technological University Dublin, D07 H6K8 Dublin, Ireland
| | - Jing Lyu
- Charles Institute of Dermatology, School of Medicine, University College Dublin, D04 V1W8 Dublin, Ireland
| | - Xianqing Wang
- Charles Institute of Dermatology, School of Medicine, University College Dublin, D04 V1W8 Dublin, Ireland
| | - Bei Qiu
- Charles Institute of Dermatology, School of Medicine, University College Dublin, D04 V1W8 Dublin, Ireland
| | - Irene Lara-Sáez
- Charles Institute of Dermatology, School of Medicine, University College Dublin, D04 V1W8 Dublin, Ireland
| | - Jing Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Materials-Oriented Chemical Engineering, College of Chemical Engineering, Nanjing Tech University, 30 Puzhu South Road, Nanjing 211816, China
| | - Ming Zeng
- Department of Dermatology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, Guangzhou Overseas Chinese Hospital, Guangzhou 510630, China
| | - Qian Xu
- Charles Institute of Dermatology, School of Medicine, University College Dublin, D04 V1W8 Dublin, Ireland
| | - Sigen A
- Charles Institute of Dermatology, School of Medicine, University College Dublin, D04 V1W8 Dublin, Ireland
| | - James F. Curtin
- BioPlasma Research Group, School of Food Science and Environmental Health, Technological University Dublin, D07 H6K8 Dublin, Ireland
- Faculty of Engineering and Built Environment, Technological University Dublin, D07 H6K8 Dublin, Ireland
| | - Wenxin Wang
- Charles Institute of Dermatology, School of Medicine, University College Dublin, D04 V1W8 Dublin, Ireland
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42
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Wang X, Zhang Z, Hadjichristidis N. Poly(amino ester)s as an emerging synthetic biodegradable polymer platform: Recent developments and future trends. Prog Polym Sci 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.progpolymsci.2022.101634] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
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43
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Shayestehfar M, Farahi S, Kheiri Yeganeh Azar B, Memari A, Baluchnejadmojarad T, Faghihi F. Generating Human Induced Pluripotent Stem Cell Via Low-Dose Polyethylenimine-Mediated Transfection: An Optimized Protocol. DNA Cell Biol 2022; 41:903-916. [PMID: 35984994 DOI: 10.1089/dna.2022.0331] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Human dermal fibroblasts (HDFs) can be reprogrammed through different strategies to generate human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs). However, most of these strategies require high-cost materials and specific equipment not readily accessible in most laboratories. Hence, liposomal and virus-based techniques can replace with polyethylenimine (PEI)-mediated transfection to overcome these challenges. However, few researchers have addressed the PEI's ability to transfect HDFs. This study used PEI reagent to transfer oriP/EBNA1-based vector into HDFs to produce hiPSC lines. We first described conditions allowing the efficient transfection of HDFs with low cytotoxicity and without specific types of equipment and optimized several parameters relevant to the transfection procedure. We then monitored the effect of different N/P ratios on transfection efficiency and cytotoxicity using flow cytometry and fluorescent microscopy. By the results, we found that transfection efficiency was greatly affected by plasmid DNA concentration, PEI concentration, order of combining reagents, serum presence in polyplexes, and the duration of serum starvations. Moreover, using the optimized condition, we found that the N/P ratio of 3 achieved the highest percentage of HDFs positive for green fluorescent protein plasmid (∼40%) with minimal cell toxicity. We finally generated hiPSCs using the optimized protocol and oriP/EBNA1-based vectors. We confirmed hiPSC formation by characterizing tests: alkaline phosphatase staining, immunocytochemistry assay, real-time PCR analysis, in vitro differentiation into three germ layers, and karyotyping test. In conclusion, our results indicated that 25 kDa branched PEI could efficiently transfect HDFs toward generating hiPSCs via a simple, cost-effective, and optimized condition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Monir Shayestehfar
- Department of Neuroscience, Faculty of Advanced Technology in Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Sara Farahi
- Biotechnology Department, Shahid Beheshti University of medical science, Tehran, Iran
| | - Behjat Kheiri Yeganeh Azar
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Advanced Technology in Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Amirhossein Memari
- Sports Medicine Research Center, Neuroscience Institute, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | | | - Faezeh Faghihi
- Cellular and Molecular Research Center, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
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44
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Alden NA, Arrizabalaga JH, Liu Y, Amin S, Gowda K, Yao S, Archetti M, Glick AB, Hayes DJ. Delivery of Therapeutic miR-148b Mimic via Poly(β Amino Ester) Polyplexes for Post-transcriptional Gene Regulation and Apoptosis of A549 Cells. LANGMUIR : THE ACS JOURNAL OF SURFACES AND COLLOIDS 2022; 38:9833-9843. [PMID: 35916504 PMCID: PMC10496413 DOI: 10.1021/acs.langmuir.2c00913] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
In this study, we utilized selectively modified, biodegradable polymer-based polyplexes to deliver custom, exogenous miR-148b mimics to induce apoptosis in human lung cancer (A549) cells. The gene regulatory effects of the payload miRNA mimics (miR-148b-3p) were first evaluated through bioinformatic analyses to uncover specific gene targets involved in critical carcinogenic pathways. Hyperbranched poly(β amino ester) polyplexes (hPBAE) loaded with custom miR-148b mimics were then developed for targeted therapy. When evaluated in vitro, these hPBAE-based polyplexes sustained high intracellular uptake, low cytotoxicity, and efficient escape from endosomes to deliver functionally intact miRNA mimics to the cytosol. High-resolution confocal microscopy revealed successful intracellular uptake, cell viability was assessed through qualitative fluorescence microscopy and fluorescence-based DNA quantification, and successful cytosolic delivery of intact miRNA mimics was evaluated using real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) to demonstrate target gene knockdown. The hPBAE-miRNA mimic polyplexes were shown to induce apoptosis among A549 cells through direct modulation of intracellular protein expression, targeting multiple potential carcinogenic pathways at the gene level. These results indicated that spatially controlled miR-148b mimic delivery can promote efficient cancer cell death in vitro and may lead to an enhanced therapeutic design for in vivo application.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nick A Alden
- The Department of Biomedical Engineering, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Pennsylvania 16802, United States
| | - Julien H Arrizabalaga
- The Department of Biomedical Engineering, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Pennsylvania 16802, United States
| | - Yiming Liu
- The Department of Biomedical Engineering, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Pennsylvania 16802, United States
| | - Shantu Amin
- Penn State Hershey Cancer Institute, The Pennsylvania State University, College of Medicine, Hershey, Pennsylvania 17033, United States
- The Department of Pharmacology, The Pennsylvania State University, College of Medicine, Hershey, Pennsylvania 17033, United States
| | - Krishne Gowda
- Penn State Hershey Cancer Institute, The Pennsylvania State University, College of Medicine, Hershey, Pennsylvania 17033, United States
- The Department of Pharmacology, The Pennsylvania State University, College of Medicine, Hershey, Pennsylvania 17033, United States
| | - Shun Yao
- The Department of Biology, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Pennsylvania 16802, United States
| | - Marco Archetti
- The Department of Biology, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Pennsylvania 16802, United States
- The Huck Institute of the Life Sciences, Millennium Science Complex, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Pennsylvania 16802, United States
| | - Adam B Glick
- The Huck Institute of the Life Sciences, Millennium Science Complex, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Pennsylvania 16802, United States
- Department of Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Pennsylvania 16802, United States
- The Center for Molecular Toxicology and Carcinogenesis, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Pennsylvania 16802, United States
| | - Daniel J Hayes
- The Department of Biomedical Engineering, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Pennsylvania 16802, United States
- The Huck Institute of the Life Sciences, Millennium Science Complex, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Pennsylvania 16802, United States
- Materials Research Institute, Millennium Science Complex, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Pennsylvania 16802, United States
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45
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Meng L, Yang F, Pang Y, Cao Z, Wu F, Yan D, Liu J. Nanocapping-enabled charge reversal generates cell-enterable endosomal-escapable bacteriophages for intracellular pathogen inhibition. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2022; 8:eabq2005. [PMID: 35857522 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.abq2005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Bacteriophages (phages) are widely explored as antimicrobials for treating infectious diseases due to their specificity and potency to infect and inhibit host bacteria. However, the application of phages to inhibit intracellular pathogens has been greatly restricted by inadequacy in cell entry and endosomal escape. Here, we describe the use of cationic polymers to selectively cap negatively charged phage head rather than positively charged tail by electrostatic interaction, resulting in charge-reversed phages with uninfluenced vitality. Given the positive surface charge and proton sponge effect of the nanocapping, capped phages are able to enter intestinal epithelial cells and subsequently escape from endosomes to lyse harbored pathogens. In a murine model of intestinal infection, oral ingestion of capped phages significantly reduces the translocation of pathogens to major organs, showing a remarkable inhibition efficacy. Our work proposes that simple synthetic nanocapping can manipulate phage bioactivity, offering a facile platform for preparing next-generation antimicrobials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lu Meng
- Shanghai Key Laboratory for Nucleic Acid Chemistry and Nanomedicine, Institute of Molecular Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and Related Genes, Shanghai Cancer Institute, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200127, China
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China
| | - Fengmin Yang
- Shanghai Key Laboratory for Nucleic Acid Chemistry and Nanomedicine, Institute of Molecular Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and Related Genes, Shanghai Cancer Institute, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200127, China
| | - Yan Pang
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Orbital Diseases and Ocular Oncology, Department of Ophthalmology, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200011, China
| | - Zhenping Cao
- Shanghai Key Laboratory for Nucleic Acid Chemistry and Nanomedicine, Institute of Molecular Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and Related Genes, Shanghai Cancer Institute, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200127, China
| | - Feng Wu
- Shanghai Key Laboratory for Nucleic Acid Chemistry and Nanomedicine, Institute of Molecular Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and Related Genes, Shanghai Cancer Institute, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200127, China
| | - Deyue Yan
- Shanghai Key Laboratory for Nucleic Acid Chemistry and Nanomedicine, Institute of Molecular Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and Related Genes, Shanghai Cancer Institute, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200127, China
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China
| | - Jinyao Liu
- Shanghai Key Laboratory for Nucleic Acid Chemistry and Nanomedicine, Institute of Molecular Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and Related Genes, Shanghai Cancer Institute, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200127, China
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46
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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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47
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Li Q, Sun L, Huang X, Liu S, Yong H, Wang C, Li J, Zhou D. Genetic Engineering of Adipose-Derived Stem Cells Using Biodegradable and Lipid-Like Highly Branched Poly(β-amino ester)s. ACS Macro Lett 2022; 11:636-642. [PMID: 35570814 DOI: 10.1021/acsmacrolett.2c00095] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Biodegradable and lipid-like highly branched poly(β-amino ester)s, HPAESA, were developed to enhance the biological functions of adipose-derived stem cells by gene transfection. Biodegradability reduces the cytotoxicity of HPAESA and enables controlled DNA release. Lipid mimicry enhances cellular uptake and endosomal escape of HPAESA/DNA polyplexes. HPAESA are able to transfect rat adipose-derived stem cells (rADSs) and human ADSCs (hADSCs) with orders of magnitude higher efficiency than commercial gene transfection reagents, with cell viability exceeding 90%. Most importantly, HPAESA can effectively transfer the nerve growth factor (NGF)-encoding plasmid to rADSCs and induce high NGF secretion, which significantly promotes neurite outgrowth of PC12 cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiuxia Li
- School of Chemical Engineering and Technology, Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an 710049, China
| | - Litao Sun
- School of Chemical Engineering and Technology, Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an 710049, China
| | - Xiaobei Huang
- Chongqing Institute of Green and Intelligent Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chongqing 400714, China
| | - Shuai Liu
- College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Haiyang Yong
- School of Chemical Engineering and Technology, Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an 710049, China
| | - Chenfei Wang
- School of Chemical Engineering and Technology, Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an 710049, China
| | - Jianzhong Li
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an 710061, China
| | - Dezhong Zhou
- School of Chemical Engineering and Technology, Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an 710049, China
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Distasio N, Dierick F, Ebrahimian T, Tabrizian M, Lehoux S. Design and development of Branched Poly(ß-aminoester) nanoparticles for Interleukin-10 gene delivery in a mouse model of atherosclerosis. Acta Biomater 2022; 143:356-371. [PMID: 35257950 DOI: 10.1016/j.actbio.2022.02.043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2021] [Revised: 02/23/2022] [Accepted: 02/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/01/2022]
Abstract
Atherosclerosis progression is a result of chronic and non-resolving inflammation, effective treatments for which still remain to be developed. We designed and developed branched poly(ß-amino ester) nanoparticles (NPs) containing plasmid DNA encoding IL-10, a potent anti-inflammatory cytokine to atherosclerosis. The NPs (NP-VHPK) are functionalized with a targeting peptide (VHPK) specific for VCAM-1, which is overexpressed by endothelial cells at sites of atherosclerotic plaque. The anionic coating affords NP-VHPK with significantly lower toxicity than uncoated NPs in both endothelial cells and red blood cells (RBCs). Following injection of NP-VHPK in ApoE-/- mice, Cy5-labelled IL-10 significantly accumulates in both whole aortas and aortic sinus sections containing plaque compared to injection with a non-targeted control. Furthermore, IL-10 gene delivery results in an attenuation of inflammation locally at the plaque site. NP-VHPK may thus have the potential to reduce the inflammatory component of atherosclerosis in a safe and effective manner. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: Atherosclerosis is a chronic inflammatory disease that results in the formation of lipid-laden plaques within vascular walls. Although treatments using drugs and antibodies are now beginning to address the inflammation in atherosclerosis, neither is sufficient for long-term therapy. In this paper, we introduce a strategy to deliver genes encoding the anti-inflammatory protein interleukin-10 (IL-10) in vivo. We showed that Branched Poly(ß-aminoester) carrying the IL-10 gene are able to localize specifically at the plaque via surface-functionalized targeting moieties against inflamed VCAM-1 and/or ICAM-1 and to facilitate gene transcription by ECs to increase the local concentration of the IL-10 within the plaque. To date, there is no report involving non-viral nanotechnology to provide gene-based therapies for atherosclerosis.
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Wang C, Huang X, Sun L, Li Q, Li Z, Yong H, Che D, Yan C, Geng S, Wang W, Zhou D. Cyclic poly(β-amino ester)s with enhanced gene transfection activity synthesized through intra-molecular cyclization. Chem Commun (Camb) 2022; 58:2136-2139. [PMID: 35040830 DOI: 10.1039/d1cc06480k] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Topological structure plays a critical role in gene delivery of cationic polymers. Cyclic poly(β-amino ester)s (CPAEs) are successfully synthesized via sequential Michael addition and free radical initiating ring-closure reaction. The CPAEs exhibit superior gene transfection efficiency and safety profile compared to their linear counterparts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chenfei Wang
- School of Chemical Engineering and Technology, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an 710049, China.
| | - Xiaobei Huang
- Chongqing Institute of Green and Intelligent Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chongqing 400714, China
| | - Litao Sun
- School of Chemical Engineering and Technology, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an 710049, China.
| | - Qiuxia Li
- School of Chemical Engineering and Technology, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an 710049, China.
| | - Zhili Li
- School of Chemical Engineering and Technology, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an 710049, China.
| | - Haiyang Yong
- School of Chemical Engineering and Technology, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an 710049, China.
| | - Delu Che
- Department of Dermatology, The Second Hospital Affiliated to Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an 710061, China.
| | - Cong Yan
- Department of Dermatology, The Second Hospital Affiliated to Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an 710061, China.
| | - Songmei Geng
- Department of Dermatology, The Second Hospital Affiliated to Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an 710061, China.
| | - Wenxin Wang
- Charles Institute of Dermatology, School of Medicine, University College Dublin, Dublin 4, Ireland
| | - Dezhong Zhou
- School of Chemical Engineering and Technology, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an 710049, China.
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50
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Zhu J, Guo M, Cui Y, Meng Y, Ding J, Zeng W, Zhou W. Surface Coating of Pulmonary siRNA Delivery Vectors Enabling Mucus Penetration, Cell Targeting, and Intracellular Radical Scavenging for Enhanced Acute Lung Injury Therapy. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2022; 14:5090-5100. [PMID: 35060376 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.1c23069] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Pulmonary delivery of anti-inflammatory siRNA presents a promising approach for localized therapy of acute lung injury (ALI), while polycationic vectors can be easily trapped by the negatively charged airway mucin glycoproteins and arbitrarily internalized by epithelial cells with nontargetability for immunological clearance. Herein, we report a material, the dopamine (DA)-grafted hyaluronic acid (HA-DA), coating on an anti-TNF-α vector to address these limitations. HA-DA was simply synthesized and facilely coated on poly(β-amino ester) (BP)-based siRNA vectors via electrostatic attraction. The resulting HA-DA/BP/siRNA displayed significantly enhanced mucus penetration, attributable to the charge screen effect of HA-DA and the bioadhesive nature of the grafting DA. After transmucosal delivery, the nanosystem could target diseased macrophages via CD44-mediated internalization and rapidly escape from endo/lysosomes through the proton sponge effect, resulting in effective TNF-α regulation. Meanwhile, DA modification endowed the coating material with robust antioxidative capability to scavenge a broad spectrum of reactive oxygen/nitrogen species (RONS), which protected the lung tissue from oxidative damage and synergized with anti-TNF-α to inhibit a cytokine storm. As a result, a remarkable amelioration of ALI was achieved in a lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated mice model. This study provides a multifunctional coating material to facilitate pulmonary drug delivery for the treatment of lung diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiaojiao Zhu
- Xiangya School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410013, China
| | - Man Guo
- Academician Workstation, Changsha Medical University, Changsha 410219, China
| | - Yanhui Cui
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410008, China
| | - Yingcai Meng
- Xiangya School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410013, China
| | - Jinsong Ding
- Xiangya School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410013, China
| | - Wenbin Zeng
- Xiangya School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410013, China
| | - Wenhu Zhou
- Xiangya School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410013, China
- Academician Workstation, Changsha Medical University, Changsha 410219, China
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