1
|
Rivero-Barbarroja G, López-Fernández J, Juárez-Gonzálvez I, Fernández-Clavero C, Di Giorgio C, Vélaz I, Garrido MJ, Benito JM, Ortiz Mellet C, Mendicuti F, Tros de Ilarduya C, García Fernández JM. β-Cyclodextrin-based geometrically frustrated amphiphiles as one-component, cell-specific and organ-specific nucleic acid delivery systems. Carbohydr Polym 2025; 347:122776. [PMID: 39487000 DOI: 10.1016/j.carbpol.2024.122776] [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: 07/03/2024] [Revised: 09/12/2024] [Accepted: 09/18/2024] [Indexed: 11/04/2024]
Abstract
We introduce an innovative β-cyclodextrin (βCD)-prototype for delivering nucleic acids: "geometrically frustrated amphiphiles (GFAs)." GFAs are designed with cationic centers evenly distributed across the primary O6 and secondary O2 positions of the βCD scaffold, while hydrophobic tails are anchored at the seven O3 positions. Such distribution of functional elements differs from Janus-type architectures and enlarges the capacity for accessing strictly monodisperse variants. Changes at the molecular level can then be correlated with preferred self-assembly and plasmid DNA (pDNA) co-assembly behaviors. Specifically, GFAs undergo pH-dependent transition between bilayered to monolayered vesicles or individual molecules. GFA-pDNA nanocomplexes exhibit topological and internal order characteristics that are also a function of the GFA molecular architecture. Notably, adjusting the pKa of the cationic heads and the hydrophilic-hydrophobic balance, pupa-like arrangements implying axial alignments of GFA units flanked by quasi-parallel pDNA segments are preferred. In vitro cell transfection studies revealed remarkable differences in relative performances, which corresponded to distinct organ targeting outcomes in vivo. This allowed for preferential delivery to the liver and lung, kidney or spleen. The results collectively highlight cyclodextrin-based GFAs as a promising class of molecular vectors capable of finely tuning cell and organ transfection selectivity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - José López-Fernández
- Instituto de Investigaciones Químicas (IIQ), CSIC - Universidad de Sevilla, 41092 Sevilla, Spain
| | - Inmaculada Juárez-Gonzálvez
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy and Nutrition, University of Navarra, 31080 Pamplona, Spain
| | - Carlos Fernández-Clavero
- Departamento de Química Analítica, Química Física e Ingeniería Química and Instituto de Investigación Química "Andrés del Rio", Universidad de Alcalá, Spain
| | | | - Itziar Vélaz
- Department of Chemistry, School of Sciences, University of Navarra, 31080 Pamplona, Spain
| | - María J Garrido
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy and Nutrition, University of Navarra, 31080 Pamplona, Spain
| | - Juan M Benito
- Instituto de Investigaciones Químicas (IIQ), CSIC - Universidad de Sevilla, 41092 Sevilla, Spain
| | - Carmen Ortiz Mellet
- Department of Organic Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry, University of Seville, 41012 Sevilla, Spain.
| | - Francisco Mendicuti
- Departamento de Química Analítica, Química Física e Ingeniería Química and Instituto de Investigación Química "Andrés del Rio", Universidad de Alcalá, Spain.
| | - Conchita Tros de Ilarduya
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy and Nutrition, University of Navarra, 31080 Pamplona, Spain.
| | - José M García Fernández
- Instituto de Investigaciones Químicas (IIQ), CSIC - Universidad de Sevilla, 41092 Sevilla, Spain.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Tantan Y, Kaplan Ö, Bal K, Şentürk S, Eker Fidan EB, Çelik S, Demir K, Gök MK. Tricine-modified chitosan as a strategy for enhancing hydrophilicity and gene delivery. Carbohydr Res 2025; 547:109326. [PMID: 39579713 DOI: 10.1016/j.carres.2024.109326] [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: 09/06/2024] [Revised: 11/02/2024] [Accepted: 11/19/2024] [Indexed: 11/25/2024]
Abstract
In this study, we investigated the effect of chitosan modification with tricine on transfection efficiency by preserving its ability to form complexes with plasmid DNA (pDNA) and increasing its hydrophilicity. The inherent limitations of chitosan, such as poor solubility at physiological pH, insufficient cellular uptake, and strong ionic interactions with pDNA, typically result in low transfection efficiency. To overcome these challenges, Tricine, a hydrophilic molecule containing a secondary amine group, was conjugated to chitosan. Chitosan of three different molecular weights (low, medium, and high) was modified with tricine. Structural characterization of the modified chitosan was conducted using Fourier Transformed Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) and Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) analyses. The effects of tricine modification were assessed in terms of hydrophilicity/hydrophobicity, proton buffering capacity, particle size, PDI and zeta potential. Tricine modified low molecular weight chitosan nanoparticles (nLMWChiTri), which exhibit suitable properties for gene transfer studies, were evaluated regarding pDNA complexation ability, cytotoxicity and in vitro transfection efficiency. The results demonstrated that tricine modification enhanced the gene transfer potential of chitosan, making it competitive with the commercial transfection agent Lipofectamine™ 2000 and offering a promising strategy for non-viral gene therapy applications. Furthermore, the biocompatibility and biodegradability of chitosan, combined with the improved hydrophilicity provided by tricine, makes nLMWChiTri a safer and more sustainable option for repeated use in gene delivery, overcoming the major limitations associated with other synthetic vectors such as Lipofectamine™ 2000.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yasemin Tantan
- Istanbul University-Cerrahpaşa, Faculty of Engineering, Department of Chemical Engineering, Istanbul, Türkiye
| | - Özlem Kaplan
- Alanya Alaaddin Keykubat University, Rafet Kayış Faculty of Engineering, Department of Genetics and Bioengineering, Antalya, Türkiye
| | - Kevser Bal
- Istanbul University-Cerrahpaşa, Faculty of Engineering, Department of Chemical Engineering, Istanbul, Türkiye
| | - Sema Şentürk
- Istanbul University-Cerrahpaşa, Faculty of Engineering, Department of Chemical Engineering, Istanbul, Türkiye
| | - Emine Büşra Eker Fidan
- Istanbul University-Cerrahpaşa, Faculty of Engineering, Department of Chemical Engineering, Istanbul, Türkiye
| | - Sibel Çelik
- Istanbul University-Cerrahpaşa, Faculty of Engineering, Department of Chemical Engineering, Istanbul, Türkiye
| | - Kamber Demir
- Istanbul University-Cerrahpaşa, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Reproduction and Artificial Insemination, Istanbul, Türkiye
| | - Mehmet Koray Gök
- Istanbul University-Cerrahpaşa, Faculty of Engineering, Department of Chemical Engineering, Istanbul, Türkiye.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Bhagat M, Kamal R, Sharma J, Kaur K, Sharma A, Thakur GS, Bhatia R, Awasthi A. Gene Therapy: Towards a New Era of Medicine. AAPS PharmSciTech 2024; 26:17. [PMID: 39702810 DOI: 10.1208/s12249-024-03010-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2024] [Accepted: 11/25/2024] [Indexed: 12/21/2024] Open
Abstract
Over the past years, many significant advances have been made in the field of gene therapy and shown promising results in clinical trials conducted. Gene therapy aims at modifying or replacing a defective, inefficient, or nonfunctional gene with a healthy, functional gene by administration of genome material into the cell to cure genetic diseases. Various methods have been devised to do this by using several viral and non-viral vectors which are either administered by in vivo or ex vivo technique. Viral vectors are best suitable for this therapy due to their potential to invade cells and deliver their genetic material whereas non-viral vectors are less efficient than viral vectors but possess some advantages such as less immunogenic response and large gene carrying capacity. Recent advances in biotechnology such as CRISPR-Cas9 mediated genome engineering and Cancer treatment with Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cell therapy are addressed in this review. This review article also delves into some recent research studies, gene therapy trials, and its applications, laying out future hopes for gene therapy in the treatment of various diseases namely haemophilia, Muscular dystrophy, SCID, Sickle cell disease, Familial Hypercholesterolemia, Cystic Fibrosis. Additionally, it also includes various nanoformulations and clinical trial data related to gene therapy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mokshit Bhagat
- Bachlor of Pharmacy, I.S.F College of Pharmacy, Moga, Punjab, India
| | - Raj Kamal
- School of Pharmacy, Desh Bhagat University, Mandi Gobindgarh, Punjab, 147301, India
| | - Jyoti Sharma
- Department of Pharmaceutics, I.S. F College of Pharmacy, Moga, Punjab, India
| | - Kirandeep Kaur
- Department of Pharmaceutics, I.S. F College of Pharmacy, Moga, Punjab, India
| | - Amit Sharma
- Department of Pharmaceutics, I.S. F College of Pharmacy, Moga, Punjab, India.
| | | | - Rohit Bhatia
- Chitkara College of Pharmacy, Chitkara University, Rajpura, Punjab, India
| | - Ankit Awasthi
- Chitkara College of Pharmacy, Chitkara University, Rajpura, Punjab, India.
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Davies JC, Polineni D, Boyd AC, Donaldson S, Gill DR, Griesenbach U, Hyde SC, Jain R, McLachlan G, Mall MA, Alton EWFW. Lentiviral Gene Therapy for Cystic Fibrosis: A Promising Approach and First-in-Human Trial. Am J Respir Crit Care Med 2024; 210:1398-1408. [PMID: 39236265 DOI: 10.1164/rccm.202402-0389ci] [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: 02/19/2024] [Accepted: 09/04/2024] [Indexed: 09/07/2024] Open
Abstract
Cystic fibrosis (CF) is a genetic disease caused by mutations in the CFTR (cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator) gene. Although CF is a multiorgan disease, the leading causes of morbidity and mortality are related to progressive lung disease. Current understanding of the effects of the broad spectrum of CFTR mutations on CFTR function has allowed for the development of CFTR modulator therapies. Despite the remarkable impact that these therapies have had, there remains a significant proportion of people with CF (estimated at 10-15% of the global CF population) who are genetically ineligible for, or intolerant of, current CFTR-targeting therapies and whose therapeutic needs remain unmet. Inhaled genetic therapies offer the prospect of addressing the unmet pulmonary treatment need in people with CF, with several approaches, including gene addition therapy (the focus of this review), RNA-based therapies, antisense oligonucleotides, and gene editing, being explored. Various nonviral and viral vectors have been investigated for CF gene addition therapy for mutation-agnostic restoration of CFTR function in the lungs. Lentiviral vectors offer the prospect of highly efficient and long-lasting gene expression, and the potential to be safely and, in contrast to other commonly used viral vectors, effectively redosed. A third-generation lentiviral vector pseudotyped with Sendai virus F and HN envelope proteins (rSIV.F/HN) has been developed for the treatment of CF. Promising preclinical results support the progression of this vector carrying a full-length CFTR transgene (BI 3720931) into a first-in-human clinical trial expected to begin in 2024.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jane C Davies
- National Heart and Lung Institute, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
- U.K. Respiratory Gene Therapy Consortium, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Deepika Polineni
- Division of Allergy and Pulmonary Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, St. Louis, Missouri
| | - A Christopher Boyd
- U.K. Respiratory Gene Therapy Consortium, Oxford, United Kingdom
- Centre for Genomic and Experimental Medicine, Institute of Genetics and Cancer, and
| | - Scott Donaldson
- Division of Pulmonary Diseases and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Medicine, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
| | - Deborah R Gill
- U.K. Respiratory Gene Therapy Consortium, Oxford, United Kingdom
- Radcliffe Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Uta Griesenbach
- National Heart and Lung Institute, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
- U.K. Respiratory Gene Therapy Consortium, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Stephen C Hyde
- U.K. Respiratory Gene Therapy Consortium, Oxford, United Kingdom
- Radcliffe Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Raksha Jain
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas
| | - Gerry McLachlan
- U.K. Respiratory Gene Therapy Consortium, Oxford, United Kingdom
- The Roslin Institute, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Marcus A Mall
- Department of Pediatric Respiratory Medicine, Immunology, and Critical Care Medicine, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
- German Center for Lung Research (DZL) associated partner site, Berlin, Germany; and
- German Center for Child and Adolescent Health (DZKJ) partner site, Berlin, Germany
| | - Eric W F W Alton
- National Heart and Lung Institute, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
- U.K. Respiratory Gene Therapy Consortium, Oxford, United Kingdom
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Yadav K, Ebenezer Gnanakani SP, Kumar Sahu K, Sucheta, Dubey A, Minz S, Raza W, Pradhan M. Unleashing the potential of natural protein based nanoparticles for the delivery of therapeutic nucleic Acid: A comprehensive review. Int J Pharm 2024; 669:125049. [PMID: 39674384 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpharm.2024.125049] [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: 05/14/2024] [Revised: 11/23/2024] [Accepted: 12/04/2024] [Indexed: 12/16/2024]
Abstract
Nucleic acid-based therapeutics represent a revolutionary approach in treating genetic disorders, offering unprecedented potential for addressing pathologies at their molecular level. However, effective cellular delivery remains a critical challenge hindering their clinical implementation. While existing delivery systems, including viral vectors and lipid nanoparticles, have shown utility, they face limitations in immunogenicity, cargo capacity, and manufacturing complexity. Natural protein-based nanoparticles, derived from proteins such as albumin, ferritin, and elastin, have emerged as promising alternative delivery systems. These carriers offer distinct advantages including reduced immunogenicity, enhanced biocompatibility, and optimal biodegradation profiles. Their engineerable nature enables precise control over particle size, surface charge, and ligand conjugation, facilitating selective cellular targeting and improved pharmacokinetics. Recent technological advances have expanded the application of protein nanoparticles across various nucleic acid modalities, including mRNA, siRNA, and plasmid DNA. Extensive research has characterized these systems through rigorous in vitro and in vivo studies, advancing our understanding of their biological behavior and clinical potential. Advanced engineering methodologies have further enhanced their optimization for specific therapeutic applications. This review examines the development and potential of protein-based nanoparticles in nucleic acid delivery, highlighting their advantages and addressing current challenges. By analyzing recent advances and clinical progress, we underscore their significant potential to enhance the safety, specificity, and efficacy of nucleic acid therapeutics, potentially revolutionizing the treatment of genetic disorders.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Krishna Yadav
- Rungta College of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Research, Kurud Road, Kohka, Bhilai 490024, Chhattisgarh, India
| | - S Princely Ebenezer Gnanakani
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Parul Institute of Pharmacy, Parul University, Limda, Waghodia, Vadodara, Gujarat 391760, India
| | - Kantrol Kumar Sahu
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Research, GLA University, Mathura, Uttar Pradesh 281406, India
| | - Sucheta
- School of Medical and Allied Sciences, K. R. Mangalam University, Gurugram, Haryana 122103, India
| | - Akhilesh Dubey
- Nitte (Deemed to be University), NGSM Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Department of Pharmaceutics, Mangaluru 575018, Karnataka, India
| | - Sunita Minz
- Department of Pharmacy, Indira Gandhi National Tribal University, Amarkantak, India
| | - Wasim Raza
- Central Laboratory Facility, Chhattisgarh Council of Science and Technology, Vigyan Bhawan, Raipur, Chhattisgarh, India
| | | |
Collapse
|
6
|
Porter JJ, Ko W, Sorensen EG, Lueck JD. Optimization of ACE-tRNAs function in translation for suppression of nonsense mutations. Nucleic Acids Res 2024; 52:14112-14132. [PMID: 39673265 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkae1112] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2024] [Revised: 10/23/2024] [Accepted: 10/28/2024] [Indexed: 12/16/2024] Open
Abstract
Nonsense suppressor transfer RNAs (tRNAs) or AntiCodon-Edited tRNAs (ACE-tRNAs) have long been envisioned as a therapeutic approach to overcome genetic diseases resulting from the introduction of premature termination codons (PTCs). The ACE-tRNA approach for the rescue of PTCs has been hampered by ineffective delivery through available modalities for gene therapy. Here we have screened a series of ACE-tRNA expression cassette sequence libraries containing >1800 members in an effort to optimize ACE-tRNA function and provide a roadmap for optimization in the future. By optimizing PTC suppression efficiency of ACE-tRNAs, we have decreased the amount of ACE-tRNA required by ∼16-fold for the most common cystic fibrosis-causing PTCs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Joseph J Porter
- Department of Pharmacology and Physiology, University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, 601 Elmwood Ave., Rochester, NY 14642, USA
| | - Wooree Ko
- Department of Pharmacology and Physiology, University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, 601 Elmwood Ave., Rochester, NY 14642, USA
| | - Emily G Sorensen
- Department of Pharmacology and Physiology, University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, 601 Elmwood Ave., Rochester, NY 14642, USA
| | - John D Lueck
- Department of Pharmacology and Physiology, University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, 601 Elmwood Ave., Rochester, NY 14642, USA
- Department of Neurology, University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, 601 Elmwood Ave., Rochester, NY 14642, USA
- Center for RNA Biology, University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, 601 Elmwood Ave., Rochester, NY 14642, USA
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Zhang X, Zhang Y, Rong X, Tang C, Liu H, Yue L, Su R, Wang Y, Qi W. Alkylated RALA-Derived Peptides for Efficient Gene Delivery. Biomacromolecules 2024; 25:8046-8057. [PMID: 39535929 DOI: 10.1021/acs.biomac.4c01355] [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: 11/16/2024]
Abstract
RALA is an amphipathic cationic peptide demonstrated to be a low-toxicity and high-efficiency delivery platform for the systemic delivery of nucleic acid therapeutics. This work reports three RALA-derived peptides modified with N-terminal palmitic acid, engineered through amino acid substitutions and truncated sequences. All three peptides have good nucleic acid encapsulation, release and uptake, biocompatibility, and endolysosome escape. The siRNA transfection efficiency is about 90%, and the silencing rate of GA (C16-GLFWHHHARLARALARHLARALRA) exceeds that of lipofectamine 2000 (siRNA concentration = 50 nM). Truncating the peptide chain while retaining a certain amount of arginine ensures an effective particle size. Replacing glutamic acid with three histidines ensures an effective zeta potential and accelerates the endosome escape process through the proton sponge phenomenon. Introducing phenylalanine enhances the carrier-cell interaction. We believe that they are powerful carriers of siRNA therapy and may have good application prospects in treating various diseases.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xuelin Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical Engineering, School of Chemical Engineering and Technology, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300072, P. R. China
| | - Yexi Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical Engineering, School of Chemical Engineering and Technology, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300072, P. R. China
| | - Xi Rong
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical Engineering, School of Chemical Engineering and Technology, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300072, P. R. China
| | - Chuanmei Tang
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical Engineering, School of Chemical Engineering and Technology, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300072, P. R. China
| | - Huiye Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical Engineering, School of Chemical Engineering and Technology, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300072, P. R. China
| | - Lei Yue
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical Engineering, School of Chemical Engineering and Technology, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300072, P. R. China
| | - Rongxin Su
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical Engineering, School of Chemical Engineering and Technology, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300072, P. R. China
- Collaborative Innovation Center of Chemical Science and Engineering (Tianjin), Tianjin 300072, P. R. China
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Membrane Science and Desalination Technology, Tianjin 300072, P. R. China
| | - Yuefei Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical Engineering, School of Chemical Engineering and Technology, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300072, P. R. China
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Membrane Science and Desalination Technology, Tianjin 300072, P. R. China
- Beyonpep Biotechnology Limited, Tianjin 300110, P. R. China
| | - Wei Qi
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical Engineering, School of Chemical Engineering and Technology, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300072, P. R. China
- Collaborative Innovation Center of Chemical Science and Engineering (Tianjin), Tianjin 300072, P. R. China
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Membrane Science and Desalination Technology, Tianjin 300072, P. R. China
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Khare V, Cherqui S. Targeted gene therapy for rare genetic kidney diseases. Kidney Int 2024; 106:1051-1061. [PMID: 39222842 DOI: 10.1016/j.kint.2024.07.034] [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: 02/27/2024] [Revised: 05/13/2024] [Accepted: 07/01/2024] [Indexed: 09/04/2024]
Abstract
Chronic kidney disease is one of the leading causes of mortality worldwide because of kidney failure and the associated challenges of its treatment including dialysis and kidney transplantation. About one-third of chronic kidney disease cases are linked to inherited monogenic factors, making them suitable for potential gene therapy interventions. However, the intricate anatomical structure of the kidney poses a challenge, limiting the effectiveness of targeted gene delivery to the renal system. In this review, we explore the progress made in the field of targeted gene therapy approaches and their implications for rare genetic kidney disorders, examining preclinical studies and prospects for clinical application. In vivo gene therapy is most commonly used for kidney-targeted gene delivery and involves administering viral and nonviral vectors through various routes such as systemic, renal vein, and renal arterial injections. Small nucleic acids have also been used in preclinical and clinical studies for treating certain kidney disorders. Unexpectedly, hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells have been used as an ex vivo gene therapy vehicle for kidney gene delivery, highlighting their ability to differentiate into macrophages within the kidney, forming tunneling nanotubes that can deliver genetic material and organelles to adjacent kidney cells, even across the basement membrane to target the proximal tubular cells. As gene therapy technologies continue to advance and our understanding of kidney biology deepens, there is hope for patients with genetic kidney disorders to eventually avoid kidney transplantation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Veenita Khare
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Genetics, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA
| | - Stephanie Cherqui
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Genetics, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Yang M, Lin W, Huang J, Mannucci A, Luo H. Novel immunotherapeutic approaches in gastric cancer. PRECISION CLINICAL MEDICINE 2024; 7:pbae020. [PMID: 39397869 PMCID: PMC11467695 DOI: 10.1093/pcmedi/pbae020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2024] [Revised: 09/08/2024] [Accepted: 09/08/2024] [Indexed: 10/15/2024] Open
Abstract
Gastric cancer is a malignant tumor that ranks third in cancer-related deaths worldwide. Early-stage gastric cancer can often be effectively managed through surgical resection. However, the majority of cases are diagnosed in advanced stages, where outcomes with conventional radiotherapy and chemotherapy remain unsatisfactory. Immunotherapy offers a novel approach to treating molecularly heterogeneous gastric cancer by modifying the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment. Immune checkpoint inhibitors and adoptive cell therapy are regarded as promising modalities in cancer immunotherapy. Food and Drug Administration-approved programmed death-receptor inhibitors, such as pembrolizumab, in combination with chemotherapy, have significantly extended overall survival in gastric cancer patients and is recommended as a first-line treatment. Despite challenges in solid tumor applications, adoptive cell therapy has demonstrated efficacy against various targets in gastric cancer treatment. Among these approaches, chimeric antigen receptor-T cell therapy research is the most widely explored and chimeric antigen receptor-T cell therapy targeting claudin18.2 has shown acceptable safety and robust anti-tumor capabilities. However, these advancements primarily remain in preclinical stages and further investigation should be made to promote their clinical application. This review summarizes the latest research on immune checkpoint inhibitors and adoptive cell therapy and their limitations, as well as the role of nanoparticles in enhancing immunotherapy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Meng Yang
- Department of Medical Oncology, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou 510060, China
- Research Unit of Precision Diagnosis and Treatment for Gastrointestinal Cancer, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Guangzhou 510060, China
| | - Wuhao Lin
- Department of Molecular Diagnostics, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou 510060, China
| | - Jiaqian Huang
- Department of Medical Oncology, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou 510060, China
- Research Unit of Precision Diagnosis and Treatment for Gastrointestinal Cancer, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Guangzhou 510060, China
| | - Alessandro Mannucci
- Gastroenterology and Gastrointestinal Emndoscopy Unit, IRCCS San Raffaele Hospital, Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milan 20132, Italy
- Department of Molecular Diagnostics and Experimental Therapeutics, Beckman Research Institute of City of Hope; Monrovia, CA 91016, USA
| | - Huiyan Luo
- Department of Medical Oncology, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou 510060, China
- Research Unit of Precision Diagnosis and Treatment for Gastrointestinal Cancer, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Guangzhou 510060, China
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Di Minno G, Miesbach W, Castaman G, Peyvandi F. Next-generation strategies to improve safety and efficacy of adeno-associated virus-based gene therapy for hemophilia: lessons from clinical trials in other gene therapies. Haematologica 2024; 109:3879-3891. [PMID: 38450517 PMCID: PMC11609791 DOI: 10.3324/haematol.2023.284622] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2023] [Accepted: 02/26/2024] [Indexed: 03/08/2024] Open
Abstract
Three major directions for the global progress of adeno-associated virus (AAV) vectors for gene therapies (GT) are analyzed: 1) engineering vectors to increase transgene expression; 2) aligning interests of the health system with costs and challenges for the pharmaceutical industry; and 3) refining patient eligibility criteria and endpoint definition. Currently employed AAV vectors may cause toxicity and adverse events. Furthermore, studies in animals do not fully predict risks and clinical benefits of AAV-based GT, and animal models reflecting the heterogeneity of certain clinical settings (e.g., congestive heart failure) are not widely available for improving AAV-based GT. Finally, antisense and gene editing approaches will soon complement gene augmentation strategies for the stable solution of unsolved issues of AAV-based GT. While minimizing toxicity, next-generation AAV vectors should decrease the viral load needed to achieve therapeutic efficacy, be functional in a restricted cellular subset, avoid transgene expression in unwanted cells (e.g., hepatocytes), and escape immune oversight in AAV-based GT. The role of stress-induced apoptosis in the loss of transgene expression in GT should also be explored. Aligning the interests and obligations of the pharmaceutical industry with those of the health system is critical for the success of AAV-based GT. Costs and challenges for the pharmaceutical industry include: a) removing impurities from AAV; b) validating tests to measure treatment efficacy; c) promoting training programs to standardize vector genome delivery; d) collecting long-term follow-up data; and e) maintaining sustainability and cost-effectiveness of AAV-based GT. In rare disorders with small patient numbers (e.g., hemophilia), clear-cut outcomes are mandatory as endpoints of unequivocal efficacy data.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Giovanni Di Minno
- Dipartimento di Medicina Clinica e Chirurgia, Federico II University, School of Medicine, Napoli.
| | - Wolfgang Miesbach
- The Haemophilia Center of the Medical Clinic, University Hospital Frankfurt/Main
| | - Giancarlo Castaman
- Center for Bleeding Disorders and Coagulation, Department of Oncology, Careggi University Hospital, Florence
| | - Flora Peyvandi
- Angelo Bianchi Bonomi Haemophilia and Thrombosis Center, Fondazione Luigi Villa, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Yu X, Hu J, Li Y, Wen Y, Li B. ACL injury management: a comprehensive review of novel biotherapeutics. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2024; 12:1455225. [PMID: 39650235 PMCID: PMC11620901 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2024.1455225] [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: 06/26/2024] [Accepted: 11/12/2024] [Indexed: 12/11/2024] Open
Abstract
The anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) is integral to the stability of the knee joint, serving to limit anterior tibial translation and regulate rotational movements. ACL injuries are among the most common and debilitating forms of knee trauma, often resulting in joint effusion, muscular atrophy, and diminished athletic capabilities. Despite the established efficacy of ACL reconstruction as the standard treatment, it is not uniformly successful. Consequently, there is a growing interest in novel biotherapeutic interventions as potential alternatives. This comprehensive review examines the latest advancements in ACL biotherapy, encompassing the application of hyaluronic acid, self-assembled short peptides, growth factors, stem cell therapy, gene therapy, platelet-rich plasma therapy, bone marrow aspirate concentrate cells, extracorporeal shock wave, electrical stimulation and cross bracing protocol. The collective aim of these innovative treatments is to facilitate the restoration of the ACL's native biological and biomechanical integrity, with the ultimate goal of enhancing clinical outcomes and the functional recovery of affected individuals.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xuezhi Yu
- Department of Joint Surgery and Sports Medicine, Shengjing Hospital, China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Jiahui Hu
- Department of Joint Surgery and Sports Medicine, Shengjing Hospital, China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Yifan Li
- Department of Histology and Embryology, College of Basic Medical Sciences, China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Yu Wen
- Department of Histology and Embryology, College of Basic Medical Sciences, China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Bin Li
- Department of Joint Surgery and Sports Medicine, Shengjing Hospital, China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Ali-Jerman H, Al-Quraishi Z, Muglikar A, Perrie Y, Tate RJ, Mullin M, McNeill G, Mackenzie G, Dufès C. Enhancing Transfection Efficacy in Glioma Cells: A Comparison of Microfluidic versus Manual Polypropylenimine Dendriplex Formation. Int J Nanomedicine 2024; 19:12189-12203. [PMID: 39588254 PMCID: PMC11588423 DOI: 10.2147/ijn.s490936] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2024] [Accepted: 11/06/2024] [Indexed: 11/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Gene therapy is a promising therapeutic approach for treating various disorders by introducing modified nucleic acids to correct cellular dysfunctions or introduce new functions. Despite significant advancements in the field, the effective delivery of nucleic acids remains a challenge, due to biological barriers and the immune system's ability to target and destroy these molecules. Due to their branched structure and ability to condense negatively charged nucleic acids, cationic dendrimers have shown potential in overcoming these challenges. Despite this, standardized scalable production methods are still lacking. This study investigates the use of microfluidics to formulate generation 3-diaminobutyric polypropylenimine (DAB) dendriplexes and compares their characteristics and in vitro gene delivery efficacy to those prepared using conventional manual mixing. Methods DAB dendriplexes were produced by both microfluidic and manual approaches and characterized. Their cellular uptake and gene expression were evaluated on C6 glioma cancer cells in vitro. Results Dendriplexes formed using microfluidics at the optimal flow rate and ratio demonstrated enhanced DNA condensation over time, achieving up to 97% condensation at 24 hours. Both preparation methods produced positively charged dendriplexes, indicating stable formulations. However, dendriplexes prepared through hand mixing resulted in smaller particle sizes, significantly higher cellular uptake and gene expression efficacy compared to those prepared by microfluidics. Nonetheless, microfluidic preparation offers the advantage of standardized and scalable production, which is essential for future applications. Conclusion This study highlights the potential of microfluidic technology to improve precision and scalability in gene delivery, paving the way for future advancements in gene therapy. Our findings suggest that, with further optimization, microfluidic systems could provide superior control over dendriplex formation, expanding their potential use in gene therapy applications.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hawraa Ali-Jerman
- Strathclyde Institute of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences, University of Strathclyde, Glasgow, G4 0RE, UK
| | - Zainab Al-Quraishi
- Strathclyde Institute of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences, University of Strathclyde, Glasgow, G4 0RE, UK
| | - Ashish Muglikar
- Strathclyde Institute of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences, University of Strathclyde, Glasgow, G4 0RE, UK
| | - Yvonne Perrie
- Strathclyde Institute of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences, University of Strathclyde, Glasgow, G4 0RE, UK
| | - Rothwelle J Tate
- Strathclyde Institute of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences, University of Strathclyde, Glasgow, G4 0RE, UK
| | - Margaret Mullin
- Cell Analysis Facility, Medical and Veterinary & Life Sciences Shared Research Facilities, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, G12 8QQ, UK
| | - Gayle McNeill
- Strathclyde Institute of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences, University of Strathclyde, Glasgow, G4 0RE, UK
| | - Graeme Mackenzie
- Strathclyde Institute of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences, University of Strathclyde, Glasgow, G4 0RE, UK
| | - Christine Dufès
- Strathclyde Institute of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences, University of Strathclyde, Glasgow, G4 0RE, UK
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Sader D, Zlotver I, Moya S, Calabrese GC, Sosnik A. Doubly self-assembled dermatan sulfate/chitosan nanoparticles for targeted siRNA delivery in cancer therapy. J Colloid Interface Sci 2024; 680:763-775. [PMID: 39580927 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcis.2024.11.132] [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: 09/10/2024] [Revised: 11/16/2024] [Accepted: 11/17/2024] [Indexed: 11/26/2024]
Abstract
RNA interference, a naturally occurring regulatory mechanism in which small interfering RNA (siRNA) molecules are responsible for the sequence-specific suppression of gene expression, emerged as one of the most promising gene therapies in cancer. In this work, we investigate a microfluidics double self-assembly method based on micellization and polyelectrolyte complex formation for the encapsulation of siRNA targeting the BIRC5 gene, a member of the inhibitor of apoptosis gene family, that codes for survivin a protein of theinhibitorof apoptosis protein family that is involved in triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) proliferation and metastasis within nanoparticles of an amphiphilic chitosan-graft-poly(methyl methacrylate) copolymer and low-molecular weight dermatan sulfate, a polysaccharide targeting the CD44 receptor overexpressed in this tumor. Nanoparticles are spherical and display a hydrodynamic diameter of ∼ 200 nm, as measured by dynamic light scattering and scanning electron microscopy. In addition, these colloidal systems exhibit a strongly negative zeta-potential that confers them excellent physical stability for at least four months owing to electrostatic repulsion and evidences the exposure of the polyanionic dermatan sulfate on the surface. The key role of dermatan sulfate in the active targeting and intracellular delivery of the cargo in the murine breast cancer cell line 4T1, a model of TNBC, is confirmed by confocal laser scanning microscopy and imaging flow cytometry. Finally, the silencing efficiency is demonstrated in 4T1 cell viability, migration, proliferation and spheroid formation assays in vitro. Overall results highlight the promise of this simple, reproducible and scalable method for the nanoencapsulation of siRNA and other therapeutic nucleic acids.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Dareen Sader
- Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Nanomaterials Science, Department of Materials Science and Engineering Technion - Israel Institute of Technology, Technion City 320003, Haifa, Israel
| | - Ivan Zlotver
- Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Nanomaterials Science, Department of Materials Science and Engineering Technion - Israel Institute of Technology, Technion City 320003, Haifa, Israel
| | - Sergio Moya
- Center for Cooperative Research in Biomaterials (CIC biomaGUNE), Basque Research and Technology Alliance (BRTA), 20014 Donostia-San Sebastian, Spain
| | - Graciela C Calabrese
- Departamento de Ciencias Biológicas, Facultad de Farmacia y Bioquímica, Universidad de Buenos Aires (UBA) and Instituto de Química Fisicoquímica Biológicas "Prof. Alejandro C. Paladini" (IQUIFIB) UBA - Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Junín 956, C1113AAD Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Alejandro Sosnik
- Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Nanomaterials Science, Department of Materials Science and Engineering Technion - Israel Institute of Technology, Technion City 320003, Haifa, Israel.
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Yu L, Zhou Y, Wang G, Fu J, Fu Z, Liang C, Wang J. An In Vitro RNA Editing-Based Reporter Assay for Transcriptional Activity of Therapeutic Gene in Gene Therapy Products. Molecules 2024; 29:5312. [PMID: 39598701 PMCID: PMC11596761 DOI: 10.3390/molecules29225312] [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: 10/02/2024] [Revised: 11/07/2024] [Accepted: 11/09/2024] [Indexed: 11/29/2024] Open
Abstract
The expression of therapeutic genes is critical for the efficacy of gene therapy products. However, existing methods such as immunological analysis at the protein level or reverse-transcription PCR at the RNA level are unable to accurately quantify the expression activity of the target gene. Herein, an in vitro RNA editing-based reporter assay was developed to detect specific mRNA. The designed sensor RNA could specifically identify the target mRNA, and the reporter gene was activated in a dose-dependent manner because of RNA editing mediated by endogenous adenosine deaminases acting on RNA. Of note, all sensors that targeted different regions, including the gene of interest, tag sequence, and 3' untranslated region, showed a dose-dependent response pattern. The sensor reporter assay, which was used for quantifying the transcriptional activity of recombinant adeno-associated virus-based gene therapy products, revealed excellent performance in terms of assay specificity, precision (inter-assay relative standard deviation < 15%), accuracy (90-115% recovery), and linearity (R2 > 0.99). The reporter assay could also be employed for other gene therapy vectors, including mRNA and recombinant lentivirus. Thus, a robust and reliable platform was developed for assessing the transcriptional activity of therapeutic genes, thereby offering a powerful tool for the quality control of gene therapy products.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lei Yu
- School of Life Science and Biopharmaceutics, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, No. 103 Wenhua Road, Shenyang 110016, China; (L.Y.)
- State Key Laboratory of Drug Regulatory Science, National Institutes for Food and Drug Control, No. 31 Huatuo St., Daxing District, Beijing 100050, China; (Y.Z.); (G.W.); (Z.F.)
| | - Yong Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Drug Regulatory Science, National Institutes for Food and Drug Control, No. 31 Huatuo St., Daxing District, Beijing 100050, China; (Y.Z.); (G.W.); (Z.F.)
| | - Guangyu Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Drug Regulatory Science, National Institutes for Food and Drug Control, No. 31 Huatuo St., Daxing District, Beijing 100050, China; (Y.Z.); (G.W.); (Z.F.)
| | - Jianning Fu
- School of Life Science and Biopharmaceutics, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, No. 103 Wenhua Road, Shenyang 110016, China; (L.Y.)
| | - Zhihao Fu
- State Key Laboratory of Drug Regulatory Science, National Institutes for Food and Drug Control, No. 31 Huatuo St., Daxing District, Beijing 100050, China; (Y.Z.); (G.W.); (Z.F.)
| | - Chenggang Liang
- State Key Laboratory of Drug Regulatory Science, National Institutes for Food and Drug Control, No. 31 Huatuo St., Daxing District, Beijing 100050, China; (Y.Z.); (G.W.); (Z.F.)
| | - Junzhi Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Drug Regulatory Science, National Institutes for Food and Drug Control, No. 31 Huatuo St., Daxing District, Beijing 100050, China; (Y.Z.); (G.W.); (Z.F.)
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Izmailov A, Minyazeva I, Markosyan V, Safiullov Z, Gazizov I, Salafutdinov I, Markelova M, Garifulin R, Shmarov M, Logunov D, Islamov R, Pospelov V. Biosafety Evaluation of a Chimeric Adenoviral Vector in Mini-Pigs: Insights into Immune Tolerance and Gene Therapy Potential. Biomedicines 2024; 12:2568. [PMID: 39595134 PMCID: PMC11592036 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines12112568] [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: 08/23/2024] [Revised: 11/04/2024] [Accepted: 11/06/2024] [Indexed: 11/28/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The biosafety of gene therapy products remains a major challenge to their introduction into the clinic. In particular, the problem of immunogenicity of viral vectors is the focus of attention. Large animals such as pigs, whose anatomical and physiological characteristics are similar to those of humans, have an advantage in testing vector systems. METHODS We performed a comprehensive in vitro and in vivo study to evaluate the biosafety of a chimeric adenoviral vector carrying a green fluorescent protein gene (Ad5/35F-GFP) in a mini-pig model. RESULTS Transcriptome and secretome analyses of mini-pig leucocytes transduced with Ad5/35F-GFP revealed changes restraining pro-inflammatory processes and cytokine production. No adverse effects were revealed through the clinical, instrumental, laboratory, and histological examinations conducted within a week after the direct or autologous leucocyte-mediated administration of Ad5/35F-GFP to mini-pigs. The decrease in cytokine levels in the blood of experimental animals is also consistent with the in vitro data and confirms the immune tolerance of mini-pigs to Ad5/35F-GFP. CONCLUSIONS Here, we show the safety of Ad5/35F in a mini-pig model and provide evidence that Ad5/35F is a promising vector for gene therapy. These results advance our understanding of vector-host interactions and offer a solid foundation for the clinical application of this vector.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Andrei Izmailov
- Department of Histology, Cytology and Embryology, Kazan State Medical University, 420012 Kazan, Russia; (I.M.); (R.G.)
| | - Irina Minyazeva
- Department of Histology, Cytology and Embryology, Kazan State Medical University, 420012 Kazan, Russia; (I.M.); (R.G.)
| | - Vage Markosyan
- Department of Topographic Anatomy and Operative Surgery, Kazan State Medical University, 420012 Kazan, Russia;
| | - Zufar Safiullov
- Department of Anatomy, Kazan State Medical University, 420012 Kazan, Russia; (Z.S.); (I.G.)
| | - Ilnaz Gazizov
- Department of Anatomy, Kazan State Medical University, 420012 Kazan, Russia; (Z.S.); (I.G.)
| | - Ilnur Salafutdinov
- Institute of Fundamental Medicine and Biology, Kazan Federal University, 420008 Kazan, Russia; (I.S.); (M.M.)
| | - Maria Markelova
- Institute of Fundamental Medicine and Biology, Kazan Federal University, 420008 Kazan, Russia; (I.S.); (M.M.)
| | - Ravil Garifulin
- Department of Histology, Cytology and Embryology, Kazan State Medical University, 420012 Kazan, Russia; (I.M.); (R.G.)
| | - Maksim Shmarov
- The National Research Center for Epidemiology and Microbiology Named after Honorary Academician N.F. Gamaleya of the Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation, 123098 Moscow, Russia; (M.S.); (D.L.)
| | - Denis Logunov
- The National Research Center for Epidemiology and Microbiology Named after Honorary Academician N.F. Gamaleya of the Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation, 123098 Moscow, Russia; (M.S.); (D.L.)
| | - Rustem Islamov
- Department of Histology, Cytology and Embryology, Kazan State Medical University, 420012 Kazan, Russia; (I.M.); (R.G.)
| | - Vadim Pospelov
- LLC “Impulse of Life”, Marshala Biryuzova Str., 32, 123060 Moscow, Russia;
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Murphy R, Martin KR. Genetic engineering and the eye. Eye (Lond) 2024:10.1038/s41433-024-03441-2. [PMID: 39516652 DOI: 10.1038/s41433-024-03441-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/01/2024] [Revised: 07/22/2024] [Accepted: 10/22/2024] [Indexed: 11/16/2024] Open
Abstract
The transformative potential of genetic engineering in ophthalmology is remarkable, promising new treatments for a wide range of blinding eye diseases. The eye is an attractive target organ for genetic engineering approaches, in part due to its relatively immune-privileged status, its accessibility, and the ease of monitoring of efficacy and safety. Consequently, the eye has been at the forefront of genetic engineering advances in recent years. The development of Clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats/CRISPR-associated protein 9 (CRISPR/Cas9), base editors, prime editors, and transposases have enabled efficient and specific gene modification. Ocular gene therapy continues to progress, with recent advances in delivery systems using viral / non-viral vectors and novel promoters and enhancers. New strategies to achieve neuroprotection and neuroregeneration are evolving, including direct in-vivo cell reprogramming and optogenetic approaches. In this review, we discuss recent advances in ocular genetic engineering, examine their current therapeutic roles, and explore their potential use in future strategies to reduce the growing burden of vision loss and blindness.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rory Murphy
- Department of Ophthalmology, Royal Victoria Eye and Ear Hospital, Dublin, Ireland
- Department of Ophthalmology, Royal Victorian Eye and Ear Hospital, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Keith R Martin
- Ophthalmology, Department of Surgery, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia.
- Centre for Eye Research Australia, Royal Victorian Eye and Ear Hospital, Melbourne, VIC, Australia.
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Hamdy NM, Basalious EB, El-Sisi MG, Nasr M, Kabel AM, Nossier ES, Abadi AH. Advancements in current one-size-fits-all therapies compared to future treatment innovations for better improved chemotherapeutic outcomes: a step-toward personalized medicine. Curr Med Res Opin 2024; 40:1943-1961. [PMID: 39412377 DOI: 10.1080/03007995.2024.2416985] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2024] [Revised: 10/07/2024] [Accepted: 10/10/2024] [Indexed: 10/22/2024]
Abstract
The development of therapies followed a generalized approach for a long time, assuming that a single treatment could effectively address various patient populations. However, recent breakthroughs have revealed the limitations of this one-size-fits-all paradigm. More recently, the field of therapeutics has witnessed a shift toward other modules, including cell therapies, high molecular weight remedies, personalized medicines, and gene therapies. Such advancements in therapeutic modules have the potential to revolutionize healthcare and pave the way for medicines that are more efficient and with minimal side effects. Cell therapies have gained considerable attention in regenerative medicine. Stem cell-based therapies, for instance, hold promise for tissue repair and regeneration, with ongoing research focusing on enhancing their efficacy and safety. High molecular weight drugs like peptides and proteins emerged as promising therapeutics because of their high specificity and diverse biological functions. Engineered peptides and proteins are developed for targeted drug delivery, immunotherapy, and disease-modulation. In personalized medicine, tailored treatments to individuals based on specific genetic profiling, lifestyle, biomarkers, and disease characteristics are all implemented. Clinicians have tailored treatments to optimize outcomes and minimize adverse effects, using targeted therapies based on specific mutations, yielding remarkable results. Gene therapies have revolutionized the treatment of genetic disorders by directly targeting the underlying genetic abnormalities. Innovative techniques, such as CRISPR-Cas9 have allowed precise gene editing, opening up possibilities for curing previously incurable conditions. In conclusion, advancements in therapeutic modules have the potential to revolutionize healthcare and pave the way for medicines that are more efficient and with minimal side effects.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nadia M Hamdy
- Biochemistry Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, Ain Shams University, Abassia, Cairo, Egypt
- The National Committee of Drugs & Medicines by Academy of Scientific Research and Technology (ASRT), Ministry of Higher Education, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Emad B Basalious
- The National Committee of Drugs & Medicines by Academy of Scientific Research and Technology (ASRT), Ministry of Higher Education, Cairo, Egypt
- Department of Pharmaceutics and Industrial Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Mona G El-Sisi
- Biochemistry Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, Ain Shams University, Abassia, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Maha Nasr
- The National Committee of Drugs & Medicines by Academy of Scientific Research and Technology (ASRT), Ministry of Higher Education, Cairo, Egypt
- Department of Pharmaceutics and Industrial Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Ain Shams University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Ahmed M Kabel
- The National Committee of Drugs & Medicines by Academy of Scientific Research and Technology (ASRT), Ministry of Higher Education, Cairo, Egypt
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Tanta University, Tanta, Egypt
| | - Eman S Nossier
- The National Committee of Drugs & Medicines by Academy of Scientific Research and Technology (ASRT), Ministry of Higher Education, Cairo, Egypt
- Department of Pharmaceutical Medicinal Chemistry and Drug Design, Faculty of Pharmacy (Girls), Al-Azhar University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Ashraf H Abadi
- The National Committee of Drugs & Medicines by Academy of Scientific Research and Technology (ASRT), Ministry of Higher Education, Cairo, Egypt
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, German University in Cairo (GUC), New Cairo, Egypt
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Zhao R, Han F, Yu Q, Zhu Z, Tu Z, Xia T, Li B. A multifunctional scaffold that promotes the scaffold-tissue interface integration and rescues the ROS microenvironment for repair of annulus fibrosus defects. Bioact Mater 2024; 41:257-270. [PMID: 39149595 PMCID: PMC11325007 DOI: 10.1016/j.bioactmat.2024.03.007] [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: 10/17/2023] [Revised: 03/04/2024] [Accepted: 03/07/2024] [Indexed: 08/17/2024] Open
Abstract
Due to the limited self-repair ability of the annulus fibrosus (AF), current tissue engineering strategies tend to use structurally biomimetic scaffolds for AF defect repair. However, the poor integration between implanted scaffolds and tissue severely affects their therapeutic effects. To solve this issue, we prepared a multifunctional scaffold containing loaded lysyl oxidase (LOX) plasmid DNA exosomes and manganese dioxide nanoparticles (MnO2 NPs). LOX facilitates extracellular matrix (ECM) cross-linking, while MnO2 NPs inhibit excessive reactive oxygen species (ROS)-induced ECM degradation at the injury site, enhancing the crosslinking effect of LOX. Our results revealed that this multifunctional scaffold significantly facilitated the integration between the scaffold and AF tissue. Cells were able to migrate into the scaffold, indicating that the scaffold was not encapsulated as a foreign body by fibrous tissue. The functional scaffold was closely integrated with the tissue, effectively enhancing the mechanical properties, and preventing vascular invasion, which emphasized the importance of scaffold-tissue integration in AF repair.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Runze Zhao
- Medical 3D Printing Center, Orthopedic Institute, Department of Orthopedic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, MOE Key Laboratory of Geriatric Diseases and Immunology, School of Biology and Basic Medical Sciences, Suzhou Medical College, Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu, 215000, China
- Center of Translational Medicine and Clinical Laboratory, The Fourth Affiliated Hospital to Soochow University, Suzhou, 215028, China
| | - Feng Han
- Medical 3D Printing Center, Orthopedic Institute, Department of Orthopedic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, MOE Key Laboratory of Geriatric Diseases and Immunology, School of Biology and Basic Medical Sciences, Suzhou Medical College, Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu, 215000, China
- Division of Spine Surgery, Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Medical School, Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210000, China
| | - Qifan Yu
- Medical 3D Printing Center, Orthopedic Institute, Department of Orthopedic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, MOE Key Laboratory of Geriatric Diseases and Immunology, School of Biology and Basic Medical Sciences, Suzhou Medical College, Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu, 215000, China
| | - Zhuang Zhu
- Medical 3D Printing Center, Orthopedic Institute, Department of Orthopedic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, MOE Key Laboratory of Geriatric Diseases and Immunology, School of Biology and Basic Medical Sciences, Suzhou Medical College, Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu, 215000, China
| | - Zhengdong Tu
- Medical 3D Printing Center, Orthopedic Institute, Department of Orthopedic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, MOE Key Laboratory of Geriatric Diseases and Immunology, School of Biology and Basic Medical Sciences, Suzhou Medical College, Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu, 215000, China
- Second Department of Orthopaedics, Suzhou Kowloon Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University Medical School, Suzhou, 215127, China
| | - Tingting Xia
- Institute of Clinical Medicine Research, Suzhou Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Medical School, Nanjing University, Suzhou, 215153, China
| | - Bin Li
- Medical 3D Printing Center, Orthopedic Institute, Department of Orthopedic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, MOE Key Laboratory of Geriatric Diseases and Immunology, School of Biology and Basic Medical Sciences, Suzhou Medical College, Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu, 215000, China
- Collaborative Innovation Center of Hematology, Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu, 215000, China
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Dinger N, Russo C, Fusco S, Netti PA, Sirignano M, Panzetta V. Carbon quantum dots in breast cancer modulate cellular migration via cytoskeletal and nuclear structure. Nanotoxicology 2024; 18:618-644. [PMID: 39484725 DOI: 10.1080/17435390.2024.2419418] [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: 02/28/2024] [Revised: 10/02/2024] [Accepted: 10/16/2024] [Indexed: 11/03/2024]
Abstract
Carbon nanomaterials have been widely applied for cutting edge therapeutic applications as they offer tunable physio-chemical properties with economic scale-up options. Nuclear delivery of cancer drugs has been of prime focus since it controls important cellular signaling functions leading to greater anti-cancer drug efficacies. Better cellular drug uptake per unit drug injection drastically reduces severe side-effects of cancer therapies. Similarly, carbon dots (CDs) uptaken by the nucleus can also be used to set-up cutting edge nano delivery systems. In an earlier paper, we showed the cellular uptake and plasma membrane impact of combustion generated yellow luminescing CDs produced by our group from fuel rich combustion reactors in a one-step tunable production. In this paper, we aim to specifically study the nucleus by establishing the uptake kinetics of these combustion-generated yellow luminescing CDs. At sub-lethal doses, after crossing the plasma membrane, they impact the actin and microtubule mesh, affecting cell adhesion and migration; enter nucleus by diffusion processes; modify the overall appearance of the nucleus in terms of morphology; and alter chromatin condensation. We thus establish how this one-step produced, cost and bulk production friendly carbon dots from fuel rich combustion flames can be innovatively repurposed as potential nano delivery agents in cancer cells.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nikita Dinger
- Dipartimento di Ingegneria Chimica, dei Materiali e della Produzione Industriale, Università degli Studi di Napoli Federico II, Napoli, Italy
| | - Carmela Russo
- Istituto di Scienze e Tecnologie per l'Energia e la Mobilita Sostenibili- CNR - P.le V. Tecchio, Napoli, Italy
| | - Sabato Fusco
- Department of Medicine and Health Sciences 'V. Tiberio', University of Molise, Campobasso, Italy
| | - Paolo A Netti
- Dipartimento di Ingegneria Chimica, dei Materiali e della Produzione Industriale, Università degli Studi di Napoli Federico II, Napoli, Italy
- Interdisciplinary Research Centre on Biomaterials, CRIB, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
- Center for Advanced Biomaterials for HealthCare IIT@CRIB, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Naples, Italy
| | - Mariano Sirignano
- Dipartimento di Ingegneria Chimica, dei Materiali e della Produzione Industriale, Università degli Studi di Napoli Federico II, Napoli, Italy
| | - Valeria Panzetta
- Dipartimento di Ingegneria Chimica, dei Materiali e della Produzione Industriale, Università degli Studi di Napoli Federico II, Napoli, Italy
- Interdisciplinary Research Centre on Biomaterials, CRIB, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
- Center for Advanced Biomaterials for HealthCare IIT@CRIB, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Naples, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Maltsev DI, Solotenkov MA, Mukhametshina LF, Sokolov RA, Solius GM, Jappy D, Tsopina AS, Fedotov IV, Lanin AA, Fedotov AB, Krut' VG, Ermakova YG, Moshchenko AA, Rozov A, Zheltikov AM, Podgorny OV, Belousov VV. Human TRPV1 is an efficient thermogenetic actuator for chronic neuromodulation. Cell Mol Life Sci 2024; 81:437. [PMID: 39448456 PMCID: PMC11502623 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-024-05475-x] [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: 05/12/2024] [Revised: 09/26/2024] [Accepted: 10/03/2024] [Indexed: 10/26/2024]
Abstract
Thermogenetics is a promising neuromodulation technique based on the use of heat-sensitive ion channels. However, on the way to its clinical application, a number of questions have to be addressed. First, to avoid immune response in future human applications, human ion channels should be studied as thermogenetic actuators. Second, heating levels necessary to activate these channels in vivo in brain tissue should be studied and cytotoxicity of these temperatures addressed. Third, the possibility and safety of chronic neuromodulation has to be demonstrated. In this study, we present a comprehensive framework for thermogenetic neuromodulation in vivo using the thermosensitive human ion channel hTRPV1. By targeting hTRPV1 expression to excitatory neurons of the mouse brain and activating them within a non-harmful temperature range with a fiber-coupled infrared laser, we not only induced neuronal firing and stimulated locomotion in mice, but also demonstrated that thermogenetics can be employed for repeated neuromodulation without causing evident brain tissue injury. Our results lay the foundation for the use of thermogenetic neuromodulation in brain research and therapy of neuropathologies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Dmitry I Maltsev
- Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, 117997, Moscow, Russia
- Federal Center of Brain Research and Neurotechnologies, Federal Medical Biological Agency, 117997, Moscow, Russia
- Pirogov Russian National Research Medical University, 117997, Moscow, Russia
| | | | - Liana F Mukhametshina
- Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, 117997, Moscow, Russia
- Lomonosov Moscow State University, 119991, Moscow, Russia
| | - Rostislav A Sokolov
- Pirogov Russian National Research Medical University, 117997, Moscow, Russia
- Institute of Biology and Biomedicine, Lobachevsky State University of Nizhny Novgorod, 603022, Nizhny Novgorod, Russia
| | - Georgy M Solius
- Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, 117997, Moscow, Russia
| | - David Jappy
- Federal Center of Brain Research and Neurotechnologies, Federal Medical Biological Agency, 117997, Moscow, Russia
- Kazan Federal University, 420008, Kazan, Russia
| | | | - Ilya V Fedotov
- Lomonosov Moscow State University, 119991, Moscow, Russia
- Life Improvement by Future Technologies (LIFT) Center, 143025, Moscow, Russia
| | - Aleksandr A Lanin
- Lomonosov Moscow State University, 119991, Moscow, Russia
- Life Improvement by Future Technologies (LIFT) Center, 143025, Moscow, Russia
| | - Andrei B Fedotov
- Lomonosov Moscow State University, 119991, Moscow, Russia
- Life Improvement by Future Technologies (LIFT) Center, 143025, Moscow, Russia
| | - Viktoriya G Krut'
- Federal Center of Brain Research and Neurotechnologies, Federal Medical Biological Agency, 117997, Moscow, Russia
- Pirogov Russian National Research Medical University, 117997, Moscow, Russia
| | - Yulia G Ermakova
- European Molecular Biology Laboratory (EMBL), 69117, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Aleksandr A Moshchenko
- Federal Center of Brain Research and Neurotechnologies, Federal Medical Biological Agency, 117997, Moscow, Russia
| | - Andrei Rozov
- Federal Center of Brain Research and Neurotechnologies, Federal Medical Biological Agency, 117997, Moscow, Russia.
| | | | - Oleg V Podgorny
- Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, 117997, Moscow, Russia.
- Federal Center of Brain Research and Neurotechnologies, Federal Medical Biological Agency, 117997, Moscow, Russia.
- Pirogov Russian National Research Medical University, 117997, Moscow, Russia.
| | - Vsevolod V Belousov
- Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, 117997, Moscow, Russia.
- Federal Center of Brain Research and Neurotechnologies, Federal Medical Biological Agency, 117997, Moscow, Russia.
- Pirogov Russian National Research Medical University, 117997, Moscow, Russia.
- Life Improvement by Future Technologies (LIFT) Center, 143025, Moscow, Russia.
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Chen X, Wu J, Zhou B, Zhu M, Zhang J, Zhou N, Zhu YZ, Zhang X, Duan X, Men K. Bacterial Lysate-Based Bifunctional mRNA Nanoformulation for Efficient Colon Cancer Immunogene Therapy. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2024; 16:56580-56598. [PMID: 39397736 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.4c07684] [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: 10/15/2024]
Abstract
mRNA-based nonviral gene therapy has played an important role in cancer therapy, however, the limited delivery efficiency and therapeutic capacity still require further exploration and enhancement. Immunogene therapy provides a strategy for cancer treatment. Bacteria are tiny single-celled living organisms, many of which can be found in and on the human body and are beneficial to humans. Lactobacillus reuteri is a bacterial member of the gut flora, and recent research has shown that it can reduce intestinal inflammation by stimulating an immunomodulatory response. L. reuteri lysate represents an ideal resource for constructing advanced mRNA delivery systems with immune stimulation potential. Here, we prepared a bifunctional mRNA delivery system DMP-Lac (DOTAP-mPEG-PCL-L. reuteri lysate), which successfully codelivered L. reuteri lysate and IL-23A mRNA, exhibited a high mRNA delivery efficiency of 75.56% ± 0.85%, and strongly promoted the maturation and activation of the immune system in vivo. Both the CT26 abdominal metastasis model and the lung metastasis model also exhibited a good therapeutic effect, and the tumor inhibition rate of DMP-Lac/IL-23A group reached 97.92%. Protein chip technology verified that DMP acted as an immune adjuvant, demonstrating that the L. reuteri lysate could regulate the related immune cells, while IL-23 mRNA caused changes in downstream factors, thus producing the corresponding tumor treatment effect. The DMP-Lac/IL-23A complex exhibited strong anticancer immunotherapeutic effects. Our results demonstrated that this bifunctional mRNA formulation served as a tumor-specific nanomedicine, providing an advanced strategy for colon cancer immunogene therapy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xiaohua Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, People's Republic of China
| | - Jieping Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, People's Republic of China
| | - Bailing Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, People's Republic of China
| | - Manfang Zhu
- Department of Pharmacy, Personalized Drug Therapy Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Academy of Medical Sciences & Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, School of Medicine, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu 610072, China
| | - Jin Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, People's Republic of China
| | - Na Zhou
- State Key Laboratory for Quality Research of Chinese Medicines and School of Pharmacy, Macau University of Science and Technology, Taipa, Macau 999078, China
| | - Yi Zhun Zhu
- State Key Laboratory for Quality Research of Chinese Medicines and School of Pharmacy, Macau University of Science and Technology, Taipa, Macau 999078, China
| | - Xin Zhang
- State Key Laboratory for Quality Research of Chinese Medicines and School of Pharmacy, Macau University of Science and Technology, Taipa, Macau 999078, China
| | - Xingmei Duan
- Department of Pharmacy, Personalized Drug Therapy Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Academy of Medical Sciences & Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, School of Medicine, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu 610072, China
| | - Ke Men
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, People's Republic of China
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Dong C, Tan D, Sun H, Li Z, Zhang L, Zheng Y, Liu S, Zhang Y, He Q. Interleukin-12 Delivery Strategies and Advances in Tumor Immunotherapy. Curr Issues Mol Biol 2024; 46:11548-11579. [PMID: 39451566 PMCID: PMC11506767 DOI: 10.3390/cimb46100686] [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: 09/25/2024] [Revised: 10/11/2024] [Accepted: 10/14/2024] [Indexed: 10/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Interleukin-12 (IL-12) is considered to be a promising cytokine for enhancing an antitumor immune response; however, recombinant IL-12 has shown significant toxicity and limited efficacy in early clinical trials. Recently, many strategies for delivering IL-12 to tumor tissues have been developed, such as modifying IL-12, utilizing viral vectors, non-viral vectors, and cellular vectors. Previous studies have found that the fusion of IL-12 with extracellular matrix proteins, collagen, and immune factors is a way to enhance its therapeutic potential. In addition, studies have demonstrated that viral vectors are a good platform, and a variety of viruses such as oncolytic viruses, adenoviruses, and poxviruses have been used to deliver IL-12-with testing previously conducted in various cancer models. The local expression of IL-12 in tumors based on viral delivery avoids systemic toxicity while inducing effective antitumor immunity and acting synergistically with other therapies without compromising safety. In addition, lipid nanoparticles are currently considered to be the most mature drug delivery system. Moreover, cells are also considered to be drug carriers because they can effectively deliver therapeutic substances to tumors. In this article, we will systematically discuss the anti-tumor effects of IL-12 on its own or in combination with other therapies based on different delivery strategies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Qing He
- State Key Laboratory of Drug Regulatory Sciences, National Institutes for Food and Drug Control, Beijing 102629, China; (C.D.); (D.T.); (H.S.); (Z.L.); (L.Z.); (Y.Z.); (S.L.); (Y.Z.)
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Tang Z, Deng L, Zhang J, Jiang T, Xiang H, Chen Y, Liu H, Cai Z, Cui W, Xiong Y. Intelligent Hydrogel-Assisted Hepatocellular Carcinoma Therapy. RESEARCH (WASHINGTON, D.C.) 2024; 7:0477. [PMID: 39691767 PMCID: PMC11651419 DOI: 10.34133/research.0477] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2024] [Revised: 08/28/2024] [Accepted: 08/29/2024] [Indexed: 12/19/2024]
Abstract
Given the high malignancy of liver cancer and the liver's unique role in immune and metabolic regulation, current treatments have limited efficacy, resulting in a poor prognosis. Hydrogels, soft 3-dimensional network materials comprising numerous hydrophilic monomers, have considerable potential as intelligent drug delivery systems for liver cancer treatment. The advantages of hydrogels include their versatile delivery modalities, precision targeting, intelligent stimulus response, controlled drug release, high drug loading capacity, excellent slow-release capabilities, and substantial potential as carriers of bioactive molecules. This review presents an in-depth examination of hydrogel-assisted advanced therapies for hepatocellular carcinoma, encompassing small-molecule drug therapy, immunotherapy, gene therapy, and the utilization of other biologics. Furthermore, it examines the integration of hydrogels with conventional liver cancer therapies, including radiation, interventional therapy, and ultrasound. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the numerous advantages of hydrogels and their potential to enhance therapeutic efficacy, targeting, and drug delivery safety. In conclusion, this review addresses the clinical implementation of hydrogels in liver cancer therapy and future challenges and design principles for hydrogel-based systems, and proposes novel research directions and strategies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zixiang Tang
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Academician (Expert) Workstation, Sichuan Digestive System Disease Clinical Medical Research Center,
Affiliated Hospital of North Sichuan Medical College, Nanchong 637000, P. R. China
| | - Lin Deng
- Department of Clinical Medicine,
North Sichuan Medical College, Nanchong 637000, P. R. China
| | - Jing Zhang
- Department of Gastroenterology,
Affiliated Hospital of North Sichuan Medical College, Nanchong 637000, P. R. China
| | - Tao Jiang
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Academician (Expert) Workstation, Sichuan Digestive System Disease Clinical Medical Research Center,
Affiliated Hospital of North Sichuan Medical College, Nanchong 637000, P. R. China
| | - Honglin Xiang
- Department of Orthopaedics, Shanghai Key Laboratory for Prevention and Treatment of Bone and Joint Diseases, Shanghai Institute of Traumatology and Orthopaedics, Ruijin Hospital,
Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200025, P. R. China
| | - Yanyang Chen
- Department of Orthopaedics, Shanghai Key Laboratory for Prevention and Treatment of Bone and Joint Diseases, Shanghai Institute of Traumatology and Orthopaedics, Ruijin Hospital,
Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200025, P. R. China
| | - Huzhe Liu
- Department of Orthopaedics, Shanghai Key Laboratory for Prevention and Treatment of Bone and Joint Diseases, Shanghai Institute of Traumatology and Orthopaedics, Ruijin Hospital,
Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200025, P. R. China
| | - Zhengwei Cai
- Department of Orthopaedics, Shanghai Key Laboratory for Prevention and Treatment of Bone and Joint Diseases, Shanghai Institute of Traumatology and Orthopaedics, Ruijin Hospital,
Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200025, P. R. China
| | - Wenguo Cui
- Department of Orthopaedics, Shanghai Key Laboratory for Prevention and Treatment of Bone and Joint Diseases, Shanghai Institute of Traumatology and Orthopaedics, Ruijin Hospital,
Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200025, P. R. China
| | - Yongfu Xiong
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Academician (Expert) Workstation, Sichuan Digestive System Disease Clinical Medical Research Center,
Affiliated Hospital of North Sichuan Medical College, Nanchong 637000, P. R. China
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
Arregui-Almeida D, Coronel M, Analuisa K, Bastidas-Caldes C, Guerrero S, Torres M, Aluisa A, Debut A, Brämer-Escamilla W, Pilaquinga F. Banana fruit (Musa sp.) DNA-magnetite nanoparticles: Synthesis, characterization, and biocompatibility assays on normal and cancerous cells. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0311927. [PMID: 39401205 PMCID: PMC11472939 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0311927] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2024] [Accepted: 09/26/2024] [Indexed: 10/17/2024] Open
Abstract
Magnet-mediated gene therapy has gained considerable interest from researchers as a novel alternative for treating genetic disorders, particularly through the use of superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (NPs)-such as magnetite NPs (Fe3O4NPs)-as non-viral genetic vectors. Despite their commercial availability for specific genetic transfection, such as in microglia cell lines, many potential uses remain unexplored. Still, ethical concerns surrounding the use of human DNA often impede genetic research. Hence, this study examined DNA-coated Fe3O4NPs (DNA-Fe₃O₄NPs) as potential transfection vectors for human foreskin fibroblasts (HFFs) and A549 (lung cancer) cell lines, using banana (Musa sp.) as a low-cost, and bioethically unproblematic DNA source. Following coprecipitation synthesis, DNA-Fe₃O₄NP characterization revealed a ζ-potential of 40.65 ± 4.10 mV, indicating good colloidal stability in aqueous media, as well as a superparamagnetic regime, evidenced by the absence of hysteresis in their magnetization curves. Successful DNA coating on the NPs was confirmed through infrared spectra and surface analysis results, while magnetite content was verified via characteristic X-ray diffraction peaks. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) determined the average size of the DNA-Fe3O4NPs to be 14.69 ± 5.22 nm. TEM micrographs also showed no morphological changes in the DNA-Fe3O4NPs over a 30-day period. Confocal microscopy of HFF and A549 lung cancer cell lines incubated with fluoresceinamine-labeled DNA-Fe3O4NPs demonstrated their internalization into both the cytoplasm and nucleus. Neither uncoated Fe3O4NPs nor DNA-Fe3O4NPs showed cytotoxicity to A549 lung cancer cells at 1-50 μg/mL and 25-100 μg/mL, respectively, after 24 h. HFFs also maintained viability at 1-10 μg/mL for both NP types. In conclusion, DNA-Fe3O4NPs were successfully internalized into cells and exhibited no cytotoxicity in both healthy and cancerous cells across a range of concentrations. These NPs, capable of binding to various types of DNA and RNA, hold promise for applications in gene therapy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- David Arregui-Almeida
- Escuela de Ciencias Químicas, Pontificia Universidad Católica del Ecuador, Quito, Pichincha, Ecuador
| | - Martín Coronel
- Escuela de Ciencias Químicas, Pontificia Universidad Católica del Ecuador, Quito, Pichincha, Ecuador
| | - Karina Analuisa
- Escuela de Ciencias Químicas, Pontificia Universidad Católica del Ecuador, Quito, Pichincha, Ecuador
| | | | - Santiago Guerrero
- Laboratorio de Ciencia de Datos Biomédicos, Universidad Internacional del Ecuador, Quito, Pichincha, Ecuador
| | - Marbel Torres
- Centro de Nanociencia y Nanotecnología CENCINAT, Universidad de las Fuerzas Armadas, ESPE, Sangolquí, Pichincha, Ecuador
| | - Andrea Aluisa
- Centro de Nanociencia y Nanotecnología CENCINAT, Universidad de las Fuerzas Armadas, ESPE, Sangolquí, Pichincha, Ecuador
| | - Alexis Debut
- Centro de Nanociencia y Nanotecnología CENCINAT, Universidad de las Fuerzas Armadas, ESPE, Sangolquí, Pichincha, Ecuador
| | - Werner Brämer-Escamilla
- Escuela de Ciencias Físicas y Nanotecnología, Universidad Yachay Tech, Urcuquí, Imbabura, Ecuador
| | - Fernanda Pilaquinga
- Escuela de Ciencias Químicas, Pontificia Universidad Católica del Ecuador, Quito, Pichincha, Ecuador
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
Weaver SB, Singh D, Wilson KM. Gene Therapies for Sickle Cell Disease. J Pharm Technol 2024; 40:236-247. [PMID: 39391326 PMCID: PMC11463071 DOI: 10.1177/87551225241268742] [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: 10/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Background: Sickle cell disease (SCD) is a prevalent autosomal recessive hemoglobinopathy affecting millions worldwide, particularly individuals of African ancestry. Sickle cell disease is a lifelong condition associated with a negative impact on quality of life and mortality, causing complications such as painful vaso-occlusive episodes, acute chest syndrome, stroke, long-term anemia, and end-organ damage. Currently, there are 4 U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved drugs, including hydroxyurea, l-glutamine, voxelotor, and crizanlizumab, which work to alleviate symptoms and prevent complications associated with SCD, albeit without addressing the underlying cause of SCD. Allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplant (HSCT) has shown promise as a curative approach to SCD but is limited by donor availability and associated complications. This paper aims to review the efficacy and safety of exagamglogene autotemcel and lovotibeglogene autotemcel for managing patients with SCD, including their place in therapy, cost, and accessibility in clinical care. Data Sources: The authors searched PubMed and Medline from 2017 to 2024, for primary literature on both exagamglogene autotemcel and lovotibeglogene autotemcel. Results: The authors identified relevant studies and summarized the data on the two gene therapies. Conclusion: Exagamglogene autotemcel and lovotibeglogene autotemcel are two management strategies that address the underlying cause of SCD and provide curative potential for patients with SCD.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Divita Singh
- Temple University School of Pharmacy, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | | |
Collapse
|
26
|
Kliegman M, Zaghlula M, Abrahamson S, Esensten JH, Wilson RC, Urnov FD, Doudna JA. A roadmap for affordable genetic medicines. Nature 2024; 634:307-314. [PMID: 39019069 DOI: 10.1038/s41586-024-07800-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2023] [Accepted: 07/09/2024] [Indexed: 07/19/2024]
Abstract
Twenty genetic therapies have been approved by the US Food and Drug Administration to date, a number that now includes the first CRISPR genome-editing therapy for sickle cell disease-CASGEVY (exagamglogene autotemcel, Vertex Pharmaceuticals). This extraordinary milestone is widely celebrated owing to the promise for future genome-editing treatments of previously intractable genetic disorders and cancers. At the same time, such genetic therapies are the most expensive drugs on the market, with list prices exceeding US$4 million per patient. Although all approved cell and gene therapies trace their origins to academic or government research institutions, reliance on for-profit pharmaceutical companies for subsequent development and commercialization results in prices that prioritize recouping investments, paying for candidate product failures and meeting investor and shareholder expectations. To increase affordability and access, sustainable discovery-to-market alternatives are needed that address system-wide deficiencies. Here we present recommendations of a multidisciplinary task force assembled to chart such a path. We describe a pricing structure that, once implemented, could reduce per-patient cost tenfold and propose a business model that distributes responsibilities while leveraging diverse funding sources. We also outline how academic licensing provisions, manufacturing innovation and supportive regulations can reduce cost and enable broader patient treatment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Melinda Kliegman
- University of California, Berkeley, Innovative Genomics Institute, Berkeley, CA, USA.
| | - Manar Zaghlula
- University of California, Berkeley, Innovative Genomics Institute, Berkeley, CA, USA
| | - Susan Abrahamson
- University of California, Berkeley, Innovative Genomics Institute, Berkeley, CA, USA
| | | | - Ross C Wilson
- University of California, Berkeley, Innovative Genomics Institute, Berkeley, CA, USA
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA, USA
| | - Fyodor D Urnov
- University of California, Berkeley, Innovative Genomics Institute, Berkeley, CA, USA
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA, USA
| | - Jennifer A Doudna
- University of California, Berkeley, Innovative Genomics Institute, Berkeley, CA, USA.
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA, USA.
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA, USA.
- Gladstone-UCSF Institute of Genomic Immunology, San Francisco, CA, USA.
- Molecular Biophysics and Integrated Bioimaging Division, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Berkeley, CA, USA.
- Department of Chemistry, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA, USA.
- California Institute for Quantitative Biosciences, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
27
|
He X, Zhang S, Tian Y, Dong J, Yuan Y, Jing H. Nanobubble-mediated co-delivery of siTRIM37 and IR780 for gene and sonodynamic combination therapy against triple negative breast cancer. Biomed Mater 2024; 19:065015. [PMID: 39312939 DOI: 10.1088/1748-605x/ad7e6d] [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: 04/27/2024] [Accepted: 09/23/2024] [Indexed: 09/25/2024]
Abstract
Gene therapy often fails due to enzyme degradation and low transfection efficiency, and single gene therapy usually cannot completely kill tumor cells. Several studies have reported that tripartite motif-containing protein 37 (TRIM37) plays a significant role in promoting the occurrence and development of triple negative breast cancer (TNBC). Herein, we constructed siTRIM37 and IR780 co-loaded nanobubbles (NBs) to achieve the combination of gene therapy and sonodynamic therapy (SDT) against TNBC. On the one hand, ultrasound irradiation causes siRNA@IR780 NBs rupture to produce ultrasound targeted NB destruction effect, which promotes the entry of IR780 and siTRIM37 into cells, increasing the local concentration of IR780 and gene transfection efficiency. On the other hand, under the stimulation of ultrasound, IR780 generates reactive oxygen species to kill TNBC cells. Mechanism studies reveal that TRIM37 is an anti-apoptotic gene in TNBC, and inhibiting TRIM37 expression can induce cell death through the apoptotic pathway. And the combination of siTRIM37 and SDT can aggravate the degree of apoptosis to increase cell death. Therefore, siRNA@IR780 NBs-mediated combination therapy may provide a new treatment approach for TNBC in the future.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xiang He
- Department of Ultrasound, Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital, Harbin, Heilongjiang 150081, People's Republic of China
| | - Shentao Zhang
- Department of Ultrasound, Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital, Harbin, Heilongjiang 150081, People's Republic of China
| | - Yuhang Tian
- Department of Ultrasound, Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital, Harbin, Heilongjiang 150081, People's Republic of China
| | - Jialin Dong
- Department of Ultrasound, Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital, Harbin, Heilongjiang 150081, People's Republic of China
| | - Yanchi Yuan
- Department of Ultrasound, Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital, Harbin, Heilongjiang 150081, People's Republic of China
| | - Hui Jing
- Department of Ultrasound, Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital, Harbin, Heilongjiang 150081, People's Republic of China
| |
Collapse
|
28
|
Liang W, Luo Y, Xu A, Chu J, Ji W, Wang L, Gu Y, Lu X, Hou A, Liu Y, Gao J, Yin Y. Advances in carrier-delivered small interfering RNA based therapeutics for treatment of neurodegenerative diseases. Biomater Sci 2024; 12:4927-4945. [PMID: 39206575 DOI: 10.1039/d4bm00878b] [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: 09/04/2024]
Abstract
Neurodegenerative diseases are devastating diseases that severely affect the health of people all over the world. RNA therapies have become one of the most promising critical drug treatments for neurodegenerative diseases due to their excellent gene and protein editing effects. However, the successful transport of RNA via the systemic route to the central nervous system remains one of the major obstacles in treating neurodegenerative diseases. This review will focus on therapeutic RNA that can successfully overcome the blood-brain barrier (BBB), with particular attention to small interfering RNAs (siRNAs), focusing on different types of neurodegenerative disease treatment strategies and accelerating their translation into clinical practice.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Wendanqi Liang
- Department of Neurology, Second Affiliated Hospital (Shanghai Changzheng Hospital) of Naval Medical University, Shanghai, China
- School of Health Science and Engineering, University of Shanghai for Science and Technology, Shanghai, China
| | - Yi Luo
- New Drug Discovery and Development, Biotheus Inc., Zhuhai, China
- Clinical Pharmacy Innovation Institute, Shanghai Jiao Tong University of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Ajing Xu
- Clinical Pharmacy Innovation Institute, Shanghai Jiao Tong University of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Xinhua Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Jianjian Chu
- Department of Neurology, Second Affiliated Hospital (Shanghai Changzheng Hospital) of Naval Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Wenbo Ji
- Department of Neurology, Second Affiliated Hospital (Shanghai Changzheng Hospital) of Naval Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Li Wang
- Department of Neurology, Second Affiliated Hospital (Shanghai Changzheng Hospital) of Naval Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yuankai Gu
- Department of Neurology, Second Affiliated Hospital (Shanghai Changzheng Hospital) of Naval Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xinyu Lu
- Department of Neurology, Second Affiliated Hospital (Shanghai Changzheng Hospital) of Naval Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Along Hou
- Department of Neurology, Second Affiliated Hospital (Shanghai Changzheng Hospital) of Naval Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yan Liu
- Clinical Pharmacy Innovation Institute, Shanghai Jiao Tong University of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Xinhua Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Jie Gao
- Changhai Clinical Research Unit, Shanghai Changhai Hospital, Naval Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - You Yin
- Department of Neurology, Second Affiliated Hospital (Shanghai Changzheng Hospital) of Naval Medical University, Shanghai, China
- Department of Neurology, Shanghai East Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China.
| |
Collapse
|
29
|
Kang X, Mita N, Zhou L, Wu S, Yue Z, Babu RJ, Chen P. Nanotechnology in Advancing Chimeric Antigen Receptor T Cell Therapy for Cancer Treatment. Pharmaceutics 2024; 16:1228. [PMID: 39339264 PMCID: PMC11435308 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics16091228] [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: 08/05/2024] [Revised: 09/09/2024] [Accepted: 09/13/2024] [Indexed: 09/30/2024] Open
Abstract
Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cell therapy has emerged as a groundbreaking treatment for hematological cancers, yet it faces significant hurdles, particularly regarding its efficacy in solid tumors and concerning associated adverse effects. This review provides a comprehensive analysis of the advancements and ongoing challenges in CAR-T therapy. We highlight the transformative potential of nanotechnology in enhancing CAR-T therapy by improving targeting precision, modulating the immune-suppressive tumor microenvironment, and overcoming physical barriers. Nanotechnology facilitates efficient CAR gene delivery into T cells, boosting transfection efficiency and potentially reducing therapy costs. Moreover, nanotechnology offers innovative solutions to mitigate cytokine release syndrome (CRS) and immune effector cell-associated neurotoxicity syndrome (ICANS). Cutting-edge nanotechnology platforms for real-time monitoring of CAR-T cell activity and cytokine release are also discussed. By integrating these advancements, we aim to provide valuable insights and pave the way for the next generation of CAR-T cell therapies to overcome current limitations and enhance therapeutic outcomes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xuejia Kang
- Materials Research and Education Center, Materials Engineering, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Auburn University, Auburn, AL 36849, USA; (L.Z.); (S.W.)
- Department of Drug Discovery and Development, Harrison College of Pharmacy, Auburn University, Auburn, AL 36849, USA; (N.M.); (Z.Y.); (R.J.B.)
| | - Nur Mita
- Department of Drug Discovery and Development, Harrison College of Pharmacy, Auburn University, Auburn, AL 36849, USA; (N.M.); (Z.Y.); (R.J.B.)
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Mulawarman University, Samarinda 75119, Kalimantan Timur, Indonesia
| | - Lang Zhou
- Materials Research and Education Center, Materials Engineering, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Auburn University, Auburn, AL 36849, USA; (L.Z.); (S.W.)
| | - Siqi Wu
- Materials Research and Education Center, Materials Engineering, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Auburn University, Auburn, AL 36849, USA; (L.Z.); (S.W.)
| | - Zongliang Yue
- Department of Drug Discovery and Development, Harrison College of Pharmacy, Auburn University, Auburn, AL 36849, USA; (N.M.); (Z.Y.); (R.J.B.)
| | - R. Jayachandra Babu
- Department of Drug Discovery and Development, Harrison College of Pharmacy, Auburn University, Auburn, AL 36849, USA; (N.M.); (Z.Y.); (R.J.B.)
| | - Pengyu Chen
- Materials Research and Education Center, Materials Engineering, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Auburn University, Auburn, AL 36849, USA; (L.Z.); (S.W.)
| |
Collapse
|
30
|
Khan M. Polymers as Efficient Non-Viral Gene Delivery Vectors: The Role of the Chemical and Physical Architecture of Macromolecules. Polymers (Basel) 2024; 16:2629. [PMID: 39339093 PMCID: PMC11435517 DOI: 10.3390/polym16182629] [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: 08/26/2024] [Revised: 09/13/2024] [Accepted: 09/15/2024] [Indexed: 09/30/2024] Open
Abstract
Gene therapy is the technique of inserting foreign genetic elements into host cells to achieve a therapeutic effect. Although gene therapy was initially formulated as a potential remedy for specific genetic problems, it currently offers solutions for many diseases with varying inheritance patterns and acquired diseases. There are two major groups of vectors for gene therapy: viral vector gene therapy and non-viral vector gene therapy. This review examines the role of a macromolecule's chemical and physical architecture in non-viral gene delivery, including their design and synthesis. Polymers can boost circulation, improve delivery, and control cargo release through various methods. The prominent examples discussed include poly-L-lysine, polyethyleneimine, comb polymers, brush polymers, and star polymers, as well as hydrogels and natural polymers and their modifications. While significant progress has been made, challenges still exist in gene stabilization, targeting specificity, and cellular uptake. Overcoming cytotoxicity, improving delivery efficiency, and utilizing natural polymers and hybrid systems are vital factors for prospects. This comprehensive review provides an illuminating overview of the field, guiding the way toward innovative non-viral-based gene delivery solutions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Majad Khan
- Department of Chemistry, King Fahd University of Petroleum & Minerals KFUPM, Dahran 31261, Saudi Arabia
- Interdisciplinary Research Center for Hydrogen Technologies and Carbon Management (IRC-HTCM), King Fahd University of Petroleum & Minerals KFUPM, Dahran 31261, Saudi Arabia
- Interdisciplinary Research Center for Refining and Advanced Chemicals (IRC-CRAC), King Fahd University of Petroleum & Minerals (KFUPM), Dhahran 31261, Saudi Arabia
| |
Collapse
|
31
|
Rallabandi R, Sharp B, Majerus S, Royster A, Hoffer S, Ikeda M, Devaux P. Engineering single-cycle MeV vector for CRISPR-Cas9 gene editing. Mol Ther Methods Clin Dev 2024; 32:101290. [PMID: 39070290 PMCID: PMC11283025 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtm.2024.101290] [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: 12/28/2023] [Accepted: 06/21/2024] [Indexed: 07/30/2024]
Abstract
CRISPR-Cas9-mediated gene editing has vast applications in basic and clinical research and is a promising tool for several disorders. Our lab previously developed a non-integrating RNA virus, measles virus (MeV), as a single-cycle reprogramming vector by replacing the viral attachment protein with the reprogramming factors for induced pluripotent stem cell generation. Encouraged by the MeV reprogramming vector efficiency, in this study, we develop a single-cycle MeV vector to deliver the gRNA(s) and Cas9 nuclease to human cells for efficient gene editing. We show that the MeV vector achieved on-target gene editing of the reporter (mCherry) and endogenous genes (HBB and FANCD1) in human cells. Additionally, the MeV vector achieved precise knock-in via homology-directed repair using a single-stranded oligonucleotide donor. The MeV vector is a new and flexible platform for gene knock-out and knock-in modifications in human cells, capable of incorporating new technologies as they are developed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ramya Rallabandi
- Mayo Clinic Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Virology and Gene Therapy Graduate Track, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN 55905, USA
| | - Brenna Sharp
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN 55905, USA
| | - Spencer Majerus
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN 55905, USA
| | - Austin Royster
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN 55905, USA
| | - Sarrianna Hoffer
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN 55905, USA
| | - Mia Ikeda
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN 55905, USA
| | - Patricia Devaux
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN 55905, USA
- Mayo Clinic Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Virology and Gene Therapy Graduate Track, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN 55905, USA
| |
Collapse
|
32
|
He J, Hu P, Wang M, Qi G, Huang H, Zeng D, Guan J, Lv P, Liu L. Utilization of chitosan nanocomposites loaded with quantum dots enables efficient and traceable DNA delivery. Colloids Surf B Biointerfaces 2024; 245:114221. [PMID: 39260273 DOI: 10.1016/j.colsurfb.2024.114221] [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: 06/18/2024] [Revised: 08/27/2024] [Accepted: 09/08/2024] [Indexed: 09/13/2024]
Abstract
Chitosan is widely employed in gene carriers due to its excellent gene loading capacity, ease of modification, and exceptional biodegradability. However, low gene delivery efficiency, high cytotoxicity, and lack of tracer biomimetic properties limit its clinical use. To address these issues, a novel biomimetic tracking gene delivery carrier, RBCm-C50kQT, was constructed by using the design scheme of cell membrane coated carbon quantum dots/chitosan. This carrier improves stability and tracking performance while embedding the cell membrane enhances biosafety. RBCm-C50kQT effectively carries and protects DNA, improving uptake and transfection efficiency with reduced cytotoxicity. It maintains strong fluorescence tracking and shows high uptake efficiencies of 83.62 % and 77.45 % in 293 T and HeLa cells, respectively, with maximum transfection efficiencies of 68.80 % and 45.47 %. This advancement supports gene therapy improvements and paves the way for future clinical applications.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jiayu He
- School of Life Science and Technology, Wuhan Polytechnic University, Wuhan 430023, China
| | - Peng Hu
- School of Life Science and Technology, Wuhan Polytechnic University, Wuhan 430023, China
| | - Mingjie Wang
- School of Life Science and Technology, Wuhan Polytechnic University, Wuhan 430023, China
| | - Guowei Qi
- School of Life Science and Technology, Wuhan Polytechnic University, Wuhan 430023, China
| | - Haoxiang Huang
- School of Life Science and Technology, Wuhan Polytechnic University, Wuhan 430023, China
| | - Dong Zeng
- School of Life Science and Technology, Wuhan Polytechnic University, Wuhan 430023, China
| | - Jintao Guan
- School of Chemical and Environmental Engineering, Wuhan Polytechnic University, Wuhan 430023, China
| | - Peiwen Lv
- School of Chemical and Environmental Engineering, Wuhan Polytechnic University, Wuhan 430023, China
| | - Liang Liu
- School of Life Science and Technology, Wuhan Polytechnic University, Wuhan 430023, China.
| |
Collapse
|
33
|
Kaluskar P, Bharadwaj D, Iyer KS, Dy C, Zheng M, Brogan DM. A Systematic Review to Compare Electrical, Magnetic, and Optogenetic Stimulation for Peripheral Nerve Repair. JOURNAL OF HAND SURGERY GLOBAL ONLINE 2024; 6:722-739. [PMID: 39381397 PMCID: PMC11456630 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhsg.2024.03.005] [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: 12/17/2023] [Accepted: 03/06/2024] [Indexed: 10/10/2024] Open
Abstract
The purpose of this systematic review was to assess the currently available evidence for the use of external stimulation to modulate neural activity and promote peripheral nerve regeneration. The most common external stimulations are electrical stimulation (ES), optogenetic stimulation (OS), and magnetic stimulation (MS). Understanding the comparative effectiveness of these stimulation methods is pivotal in advancing therapeutic interventions for peripheral nerve injuries. This systematic review focused on these three external stimulation modalities as potential strategies to enhance peripheral nerve repair (PNR). We used the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses framework to systematically evaluate and compare the efficiency of ES, OS, and MS in PNR. The review included studies published between 2018 and 2023 using ES, OS, or MS for PNR focused on enhancing recovery of peripheral nerve injuries in rodent models identified through PubMed and Google Scholar. The search strategies and inclusion criteria identified 19 studies (13 ES, 4 OS, and 2 MS) for detailed analysis, focusing on critical parameters such as functional recovery, histological outcomes, and electrophysiological data. Although ES demonstrated a consistent improvement in all the analyses, high-frequency repetitive MS (HFr-MS) emerged as a promising modality. HFr-MS demonstrated accelerated PNR, as histological and electrophysiological evidence indicated. In contrast, OS exhibited superior functional recovery outcomes. Notable limitations include constrained MS and OS data sets and the challenge of comparing relative improvements because of methodological diversity in evaluation techniques. Our findings underscore the potential of HFr-MS and OS in PNR while emphasizing the critical need for standardized testing protocols to facilitate meaningful cross-study comparisons. External stimulations have the potential to improve functional recovery in patients with nerve injury.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Priya Kaluskar
- Centre for Orthopaedic Research, Medical School, The University of Western Australia, Nedlands, WA, Australia
- Perron Institute for Neurological and Translational Science, Perth, Australia
- ARC Training Centre for Personalised Therapeutics Technologies, Department of Biochemistry and Pharmacology, School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Dhruv Bharadwaj
- Medical School, The University of Western Australia, Nedlands, WA, Australia
| | - K. Swaminathan Iyer
- School of Molecular Sciences, the University of Western Australia, Perth, Australia
- ARC Training Centre for Next-Gen Technologies in Biomedical Analysis, School of Molecular Sciences, the University of Western Australia, Perth, Australia
| | - Christopher Dy
- Orthopaedic Surgery Division of Hand and Microsurgery, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO
| | - Minghao Zheng
- Centre for Orthopaedic Research, Medical School, The University of Western Australia, Nedlands, WA, Australia
- Perron Institute for Neurological and Translational Science, Perth, Australia
| | - David M. Brogan
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO
| |
Collapse
|
34
|
Enayati M, Liu W, Madry H, Neisiany RE, Cucchiarini M. Functionalized hydrogels as smart gene delivery systems to treat musculoskeletal disorders. Adv Colloid Interface Sci 2024; 331:103232. [PMID: 38889626 DOI: 10.1016/j.cis.2024.103232] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2024] [Revised: 05/10/2024] [Accepted: 06/10/2024] [Indexed: 06/20/2024]
Abstract
Despite critical advances in regenerative medicine, the generation of definitive, reliable treatments for musculoskeletal diseases remains challenging. Gene therapy based on the delivery of therapeutic genetic sequences has strong value to offer effective, durable options to decisively manage such disorders. Furthermore, scaffold-mediated gene therapy provides powerful alternatives to overcome hurdles associated with classical gene therapy, allowing for the spatiotemporal delivery of candidate genes to sites of injury. Among the many scaffolds for musculoskeletal research, hydrogels raised increasing attention in addition to other potent systems (solid, hybrid scaffolds) due to their versatility and competence as drug and cell carriers in tissue engineering and wound dressing. Attractive functionalities of hydrogels for musculoskeletal therapy include their injectability, stimuli-responsiveness, self-healing, and nanocomposition that may further allow to upgrade of them as "intelligently" efficient and mechanically strong platforms, rather than as just inert vehicles. Such functionalized hydrogels may also be tuned to successfully transfer therapeutic genes in a minimally invasive manner in order to protect their cargos and allow for their long-term effects. In light of such features, this review focuses on functionalized hydrogels and demonstrates their competence for the treatment of musculoskeletal disorders using gene therapy procedures, from gene therapy principles to hydrogel functionalization methods and applications of hydrogel-mediated gene therapy for musculoskeletal disorders, while remaining challenges are being discussed in the perspective of translation in patients. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: Despite advances in regenerative medicine, the generation of definitive, reliable treatments for musculoskeletal diseases remains challenging. Gene therapy has strong value in offering effective, durable options to decisively manage such disorders. Scaffold-mediated gene therapy provides powerful alternatives to overcome hurdles associated with classical gene therapy. Among many scaffolds for musculoskeletal research, hydrogels raised increasing attention. Functionalities including injectability, stimuli-responsiveness, and self-healing, tune them as "intelligently" efficient and mechanically strong platforms, rather than as just inert vehicles. This review introduces functionalized hydrogels for musculoskeletal disorder treatment using gene therapy procedures, from gene therapy principles to functionalized hydrogels and applications of hydrogel-mediated gene therapy for musculoskeletal disorders, while remaining challenges are discussed from the perspective of translation in patients.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mohammadsaeid Enayati
- Center of Experimental Orthopaedics, Saarland University Medical Center, Kirrbergerstr. Bldg 37, 66421 Homburg, Saar, Germany
| | - Wei Liu
- Center of Experimental Orthopaedics, Saarland University Medical Center, Kirrbergerstr. Bldg 37, 66421 Homburg, Saar, Germany
| | - Henning Madry
- Center of Experimental Orthopaedics, Saarland University Medical Center, Kirrbergerstr. Bldg 37, 66421 Homburg, Saar, Germany
| | - Rasoul Esmaeely Neisiany
- Biotechnology Centre, Silesian University of Technology, Krzywoustego 8, 44-100 Gliwice, Poland; Department of Polymer Engineering, Hakim Sabzevari University, Sabzevar 9617976487, Iran
| | - Magali Cucchiarini
- Center of Experimental Orthopaedics, Saarland University Medical Center, Kirrbergerstr. Bldg 37, 66421 Homburg, Saar, Germany.
| |
Collapse
|
35
|
Kachanov A, Kostyusheva A, Brezgin S, Karandashov I, Ponomareva N, Tikhonov A, Lukashev A, Pokrovsky V, Zamyatnin AA, Parodi A, Chulanov V, Kostyushev D. The menace of severe adverse events and deaths associated with viral gene therapy and its potential solution. Med Res Rev 2024; 44:2112-2193. [PMID: 38549260 DOI: 10.1002/med.22036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2023] [Revised: 03/05/2024] [Accepted: 03/07/2024] [Indexed: 08/09/2024]
Abstract
Over the past decade, in vivo gene replacement therapy has significantly advanced, resulting in market approval of numerous therapeutics predominantly relying on adeno-associated viral vectors (AAV). While viral vectors have undeniably addressed several critical healthcare challenges, their clinical application has unveiled a range of limitations and safety concerns. This review highlights the emerging challenges in the field of gene therapy. At first, we discuss both the role of biological barriers in viral gene therapy with a focus on AAVs, and review current landscape of in vivo human gene therapy. We delineate advantages and disadvantages of AAVs as gene delivery vehicles, mostly from the safety perspective (hepatotoxicity, cardiotoxicity, neurotoxicity, inflammatory responses etc.), and outline the mechanisms of adverse events in response to AAV. Contribution of every aspect of AAV vectors (genomic structure, capsid proteins) and host responses to injected AAV is considered and substantiated by basic, translational and clinical studies. The updated evaluation of recent AAV clinical trials and current medical experience clearly shows the risks of AAVs that sometimes overshadow the hopes for curing a hereditary disease. At last, a set of established and new molecular and nanotechnology tools and approaches are provided as potential solutions for mitigating or eliminating side effects. The increasing number of severe adverse reactions and, sadly deaths, demands decisive actions to resolve the issue of immune responses and extremely high doses of viral vectors used for gene therapy. In response to these challenges, various strategies are under development, including approaches aimed at augmenting characteristics of viral vectors and others focused on creating secure and efficacious non-viral vectors. This comprehensive review offers an overarching perspective on the present state of gene therapy utilizing both viral and non-viral vectors.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Artyom Kachanov
- Martsinovsky Institute of Medical Parasitology, Tropical and Vector-Borne Diseases, Sechenov University, Moscow, Russia
| | - Anastasiya Kostyusheva
- Martsinovsky Institute of Medical Parasitology, Tropical and Vector-Borne Diseases, Sechenov University, Moscow, Russia
| | - Sergey Brezgin
- Martsinovsky Institute of Medical Parasitology, Tropical and Vector-Borne Diseases, Sechenov University, Moscow, Russia
- Division of Biotechnology, Scientific Center for Genetics and Life Sciences, Sirius University of Science and Technology, Sochi, Russia
| | - Ivan Karandashov
- Martsinovsky Institute of Medical Parasitology, Tropical and Vector-Borne Diseases, Sechenov University, Moscow, Russia
| | - Natalia Ponomareva
- Martsinovsky Institute of Medical Parasitology, Tropical and Vector-Borne Diseases, Sechenov University, Moscow, Russia
- Division of Biotechnology, Scientific Center for Genetics and Life Sciences, Sirius University of Science and Technology, Sochi, Russia
| | - Andrey Tikhonov
- Martsinovsky Institute of Medical Parasitology, Tropical and Vector-Borne Diseases, Sechenov University, Moscow, Russia
| | - Alexander Lukashev
- Martsinovsky Institute of Medical Parasitology, Tropical and Vector-Borne Diseases, Sechenov University, Moscow, Russia
| | - Vadim Pokrovsky
- Laboratory of Biochemical Fundamentals of Pharmacology and Cancer Models, Blokhin Cancer Research Center, Moscow, Russia
- Department of Biochemistry, People's Friendship University, Russia (RUDN University), Moscow, Russia
| | - Andrey A Zamyatnin
- Division of Biotechnology, Scientific Center for Genetics and Life Sciences, Sirius University of Science and Technology, Sochi, Russia
- Faculty of Bioengineering and Bioinformatics, Lomonosov Moscow State University, Moscow, Russia
- Belozersky Research, Institute of Physico-Chemical Biology, Lomonosov Moscow State University, Moscow, Russia
| | - Alessandro Parodi
- Division of Biotechnology, Scientific Center for Genetics and Life Sciences, Sirius University of Science and Technology, Sochi, Russia
| | - Vladimir Chulanov
- Division of Biotechnology, Scientific Center for Genetics and Life Sciences, Sirius University of Science and Technology, Sochi, Russia
- Faculty of Infectious Diseases, Sechenov University, Moscow, Russia
| | - Dmitry Kostyushev
- Martsinovsky Institute of Medical Parasitology, Tropical and Vector-Borne Diseases, Sechenov University, Moscow, Russia
- Division of Biotechnology, Scientific Center for Genetics and Life Sciences, Sirius University of Science and Technology, Sochi, Russia
- Faculty of Bioengineering and Bioinformatics, Lomonosov Moscow State University, Moscow, Russia
| |
Collapse
|
36
|
Xue R, Pan Y, Xia L, Li J. Non-viral vectors combined delivery of siRNA and anti-cancer drugs to reverse tumor multidrug resistance. Biomed Pharmacother 2024; 178:117119. [PMID: 39142247 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2024.117119] [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: 04/21/2024] [Revised: 07/01/2024] [Accepted: 07/08/2024] [Indexed: 08/16/2024] Open
Abstract
Multidrug resistance (MDR) of tumors is one of the main reasons for the failure of chemotherapy. Multidrug resistance refers to the cross-resistance of tumor cells to multiple antitumor drugs with different structures and mechanisms of action. Current strategies to reverse multidrug resistance in tumors include MDR inhibitors and RNAi technology. siRNA is a small molecule RNA that is widely used in RNAi technology and has the characteristics of being prepared in large quantities and chemically modified. However, siRNA is susceptible to degradation in vivo. The effect of siRNA therapy alone is not ideal, so siRNA and anticancer drugs are administered in combination to reverse the MDR of tumors. Non-viral vectors are now commonly used to deliver siRNA and anticancer drugs to tumor sites. This article will review the progress of siRNA and chemotherapeutic drug delivery systems and their mechanisms for reversing multidrug resistance.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Renkai Xue
- Xinjiang Key Laboratory of Biological Resources and Genetic Engineering, College of Life Science and Technology, Xinjiang University, Urumqi 830046, China
| | - Yanzhu Pan
- Xinjiang Key Laboratory of Biological Resources and Genetic Engineering, College of Life Science and Technology, Xinjiang University, Urumqi 830046, China
| | - Lijie Xia
- Xinjiang Key Laboratory of Biological Resources and Genetic Engineering, College of Life Science and Technology, Xinjiang University, Urumqi 830046, China.
| | - Jinyao Li
- Xinjiang Key Laboratory of Biological Resources and Genetic Engineering, College of Life Science and Technology, Xinjiang University, Urumqi 830046, China.
| |
Collapse
|
37
|
Krsek A, Jagodic A, Baticic L. Nanomedicine in Neuroprotection, Neuroregeneration, and Blood-Brain Barrier Modulation: A Narrative Review. MEDICINA (KAUNAS, LITHUANIA) 2024; 60:1384. [PMID: 39336425 PMCID: PMC11433843 DOI: 10.3390/medicina60091384] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2024] [Revised: 08/19/2024] [Accepted: 08/22/2024] [Indexed: 09/30/2024]
Abstract
Nanomedicine is a newer, promising approach to promote neuroprotection, neuroregeneration, and modulation of the blood-brain barrier. This review includes the integration of various nanomaterials in neurological disorders. In addition, gelatin-based hydrogels, which have huge potential due to biocompatibility, maintenance of porosity, and enhanced neural process outgrowth, are reviewed. Chemical modification of these hydrogels, especially with guanidine moieties, has shown improved neuron viability and underscores tailored biomaterial design in neural applications. This review further discusses strategies to modulate the blood-brain barrier-a factor critically associated with the effective delivery of drugs to the central nervous system. These advances bring supportive solutions to the solving of neurological conditions and innovative therapies for their treatment. Nanomedicine, as applied to neuroscience, presents a significant leap forward in new therapeutic strategies that might help raise the treatment and management of neurological disorders to much better levels. Our aim was to summarize the current state-of-knowledge in this field.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Antea Krsek
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Rijeka, 51000 Rijeka, Croatia;
| | - Ana Jagodic
- Department of Family Medicine, Community Health Center Krapina, 49000 Krapina, Croatia;
| | - Lara Baticic
- Department of Medical Chemistry, Biochemistry and Clinical Chemistry, Faculty of Medicine, University of Rijeka, 51000 Rijeka, Croatia
| |
Collapse
|
38
|
Vijayakumar KK, Manoharan D, Subbarayan R, Shrestha R, Harshavardhan S. Construction of pVAX-1-based linear covalently closed vector with improved transgene expression. Mol Biol Rep 2024; 51:934. [PMID: 39180671 DOI: 10.1007/s11033-024-09856-0] [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: 04/24/2024] [Accepted: 08/09/2024] [Indexed: 08/26/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION This study presents a Mammalian Linear Expression System (MLES), a linear covalently closed (LCC) vector based on pVAX-1. The purpose of this system was to improve gene expression in mammalian cells and to test the efficacy of MLES in transient transfection and transgene expression using in vitro and in vivo models. Additionally, we aimed to evaluate potential inflammatory responses in vivo. MATERIALS AND METHODS MLES was developed by modifying pVAX-1, and the construct was confirmed by gel electrophoresis. Lipofectamine®2000 was used to assess the transfection efficiency and expression of MLES in various cell lines. In vivo studies were conducted in mice injected with MLES/EGFP, and the resulting transfection efficiency, gene expression, and inflammatory responses were analyzed. RESULTS MLES exhibited higher transfection efficiency and expression levels compared to pVAX-1 when tested on HEK-293, CHO-K1, and NIH-3T3 cells. When tested in vivo, MLES/EGFP showed elevated expression in the heart, kidney, liver, and spleen compared with pVAX-1/EGFP. Minimal changes are observed in the lungs. Additionally, MLES induced a reduced inflammatory response in mice compared with pVAX-1/EGFP. CONCLUSIONS MLES offer improved transfection efficiency and reduced inflammation, representing a significant advancement in gene therapy and recombinant protein production. Further research on MLES-mediated gene expression and immune modulation will enhance gene therapy strategies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kevin Kumar Vijayakumar
- Department of Molecular Microbiology, School of Biotechnology, Madurai Kamaraj University, Palkalai Nagar, Madurai, Tamil Nadu, 625021, India
| | - Devaprakash Manoharan
- Department of Molecular Microbiology, School of Biotechnology, Madurai Kamaraj University, Palkalai Nagar, Madurai, Tamil Nadu, 625021, India
| | - Rajasekaran Subbarayan
- Centre for Advanced Biotherapeutic and Regenerative Medicine, Faculty of Research, Chettinad Hospital and Research Institute, Chettinad Academy of Research and Education, Kelambakkam, India
- Centre for Herbal Pharmacology and Environmental Sustainability, Chettinad Hospital and Research Institute, Chettinad Academy of Research and Education, Kelambakkam, India
| | - Rupendra Shrestha
- Research and Collaboration, Anka Analytica, Melbourne, Australia
- External Consultant, Independent Researcher, Pittsfield, MA, USA
| | - Shakila Harshavardhan
- Department of Molecular Microbiology, School of Biotechnology, Madurai Kamaraj University, Palkalai Nagar, Madurai, Tamil Nadu, 625021, India.
| |
Collapse
|
39
|
Mapfumo P, Reichel LS, Leer K, Egger J, Dzierza A, Peneva K, Fischer D, Traeger A. Harnessing Guanidinium and Imidazole Functional Groups: A Dual-Charged Polymer Strategy for Enhanced Gene Delivery. ACS Macro Lett 2024; 13:1000-1007. [PMID: 39052525 PMCID: PMC11340021 DOI: 10.1021/acsmacrolett.4c00321] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2024] [Revised: 06/30/2024] [Accepted: 07/10/2024] [Indexed: 07/27/2024]
Abstract
Histidine and arginine are two amino acids that exhibit beneficial properties for gene delivery. In particular, the imidazole group of histidine facilitates endosomal release, while the guanidinium group of arginine promotes cellular entry. Consequently, a dual-charged copolymer library based on these amino acids was synthesized via reversible addition-fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) polymerization. The content of the N-acryloyl-l-histidine (His) monomer was systematically increased, while maintaining consistent levels of methyl N-acryloyl-l-argininate hydrochloride (ArgOMe) or N-(4-guanidinobutyl)acrylamide hydrochloride (GBAm). The resulting polymers formed stable, nanosized polyplexes when complexed with nucleic acids. Remarkably, candidates with increased His content exhibited reduced cytotoxicity profiles and enhanced transfection efficiency, particularly retaining this performance level at lower pDNA concentrations. Furthermore, endosomal release studies revealed that increased His content improved endosomal release, while ArgOMe improved cellular entry. These findings underscore the potential of customized dual-charged copolymers and the synergistic effects of His and ArgOMe/GBAm in enhancing gene delivery.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Prosper
P. Mapfumo
- Institute
of Organic Chemistry and Macromolecular Chemistry (IOMC), Friedrich Schiller University Jena, Humboldtstrasse 10, 07743 Jena, Germany
| | - Liên S. Reichel
- Institute
of Organic Chemistry and Macromolecular Chemistry (IOMC), Friedrich Schiller University Jena, Humboldtstrasse 10, 07743 Jena, Germany
| | - Katharina Leer
- Institute
of Organic Chemistry and Macromolecular Chemistry (IOMC), Friedrich Schiller University Jena, Humboldtstrasse 10, 07743 Jena, Germany
| | - Jan Egger
- Division
of Pharmaceutical Technology and Biopharmacy, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Cauerstr. 4, 91058 Erlangen, Germany
| | - Andreas Dzierza
- Division
of Pharmaceutical Technology and Biopharmacy, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Cauerstr. 4, 91058 Erlangen, Germany
| | - Kalina Peneva
- Institute
of Organic Chemistry and Macromolecular Chemistry (IOMC), Friedrich Schiller University Jena, Humboldtstrasse 10, 07743 Jena, Germany
- Jena
Center for Soft Matter (JCSM), Friedrich
Schiller University Jena, Philosophenweg 7, 07743 Jena, Germany
- Center
for Energy and Environmental Chemistry Jena (CEEC), Friedrich Schiller University Jena, Philosophenweg 7, 07743 Jena, Germany
| | - Dagmar Fischer
- Jena
Center for Soft Matter (JCSM), Friedrich
Schiller University Jena, Philosophenweg 7, 07743 Jena, Germany
- Division
of Pharmaceutical Technology and Biopharmacy, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Cauerstr. 4, 91058 Erlangen, Germany
- FAU NeW -
Research Center New Bioactive Compounds, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Nikolaus-Fiebiger-Str. 10, 91058 Erlangen, Germany
| | - Anja Traeger
- Institute
of Organic Chemistry and Macromolecular Chemistry (IOMC), Friedrich Schiller University Jena, Humboldtstrasse 10, 07743 Jena, Germany
- Jena
Center for Soft Matter (JCSM), Friedrich
Schiller University Jena, Philosophenweg 7, 07743 Jena, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
40
|
Tan S, Yuan C, Zhu Y, Chang S, Li Q, Ding J, Gao X, Tian R, Han Z, Hu Z. Glutathione hybrid poly (beta-amino ester)-plasmid nanoparticles for enhancing gene delivery and biosafety. J Adv Res 2024:S2090-1232(24)00321-7. [PMID: 39097089 DOI: 10.1016/j.jare.2024.07.038] [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: 01/26/2024] [Revised: 07/26/2024] [Accepted: 07/31/2024] [Indexed: 08/05/2024] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing technology has significantly advanced gene therapy, with gene vectors being one of the key factors for its success. Poly (beta-amino ester) (PBAE), a distinguished non-viral cationic gene vector, is known to elevate intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels, which may cause cytotoxicity and, consequently, impact gene transfection efficacy (T.E.). OBJECTIVES To develop a simple but efficient strategy to improve the gene delivery ability and biosafety of PBAE both in vivo and in vitro. METHODS We used glutathione (GSH), a clinically utilized drug with capability to modulating intracellular ROS level, to prepare a hybrid system with PBAE-plasmid nanoparticles (NPs). This system was characterized by flow cytometry, RNA-seq, Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) and Sanger sequencing in vitro, and its safety and efficacy in vivo was evaluated by imaging, PCR, Sanger sequencing and histology analysis. RESULTS The particle size of GSH-PBAE-plasmid NPs were 168.31 nm with a ζ-potential of 15.21 mV. An enhancement in T.E. and gene editing efficiency, ranging from 10 % to 100 %, was observed compared to GSH-free PBAE-plasmid NPs in various cell lines. In vitro results proved that GSH-PBAE-plasmid NPs reduced intracellular ROS levels by 25 %-40 %, decreased the total number of upregulated/downregulated genes from 4,952 to 789, and significantly avoided the disturbance in gene expression related to cellular oxidative stress-response and cell growth regulation signaling pathway compared to PBAE-plasmid NPs. They also demonstrated lower impact on the cell cycle, slighter hemolysis, and higher cell viability after gene transfection. Furthermore, GSH hybrid PBAE-plasmid NPs exhibited superior safety and improved tumor suppression ability in an Epstein-Barr virus (EBV)-infected murine tumor model, via targeting cleavage the EBV related oncogene by delivering CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing system and down-regulating the expression levels. This simple but effective strategy is expected to promote clinical applications of non-viral vector gene delivery.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Songwei Tan
- School of Pharmacy, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, China.
| | - Caiyan Yuan
- School of Pharmacy, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, China; The First Hospital of Nanchang, Nanchang 330008, China
| | - Yuhe Zhu
- School of Pharmacy, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, China
| | | | - Qianru Li
- School of Pharmacy, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, China
| | - Jiahui Ding
- Generulor Co., Ltd., Zhuhai 519000, Guangdong, China
| | - Xueqin Gao
- Department of Pharmacy, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430022, China
| | - Rui Tian
- Generulor Co., Ltd., Zhuhai 519000, Guangdong, China
| | - Zhiqiang Han
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, China; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shanxi Bethune Hospital, Taiyuan 030032, China.
| | - Zheng Hu
- Department of Gynecologic Oncology, Women and Children's Hospital Affiliated to Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan 430071, Hubei, China; Department of Radiation and Medical Oncology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan 430071, Hubei, China; Hubei Key Laboratory of Tumor Biological Behaviors, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan 430071, Hubei, China; Hubei Cancer Clinical Study Center, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan 430071, Hubei, China.
| |
Collapse
|
41
|
Li J, Luo P, Liu S, Fu M, Lin A, Liu Y, He Z, Qiao K, Fang Y, Qu L, Yang K, Wang K, Wang L, Jiang A. Effective strategies to enhance the diagnosis and treatment of RCC: The application of biocompatible materials. Mater Today Bio 2024; 27:101149. [PMID: 39100279 PMCID: PMC11296058 DOI: 10.1016/j.mtbio.2024.101149] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2024] [Revised: 07/01/2024] [Accepted: 07/07/2024] [Indexed: 08/06/2024] Open
Abstract
Renal cell carcinoma (RCC) is recognized as one of the three primary malignant tumors affecting the urinary system, posing a significant risk to human health and life. Despite advancements in understanding RCC, challenges persist in its diagnosis and treatment, particularly in early detection and diagnosis due to issues of low specificity and sensitivity. Consequently, there is an urgent need for the development of effective strategies to enhance diagnostic accuracy and treatment outcomes for RCC. In recent years, with the extensive research on materials for applications in the biomedical field, some materials have been identified as promising for clinical applications, e.g., in the diagnosis and treatment of many tumors, including RCC. Herein, we summarize the latest materials that are being studied and have been applied in the early diagnosis and treatment of RCC. While focusing on their adjuvant effects, we also discuss their technical principles and safety, thus highlighting the value and potential of their application. In addition, we also discuss the limitations of the application of these materials and possible future directions, providing new insights for improving RCC diagnosis and treatment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jinxin Li
- Department of Urology, Changhai Hospital, Naval Medical University, 168 Changhai Road, Shanghai, 200433, China
| | - Peng Luo
- Department of Oncology, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510282, Guangdong, China
| | - Shiyang Liu
- Department of Breast Surgery, The First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, 110001, China
| | - Meiling Fu
- Department of Urology, Xiang'an Hospital of Xiamen University, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361101, China
| | - Anqi Lin
- Department of Oncology, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510282, Guangdong, China
| | - Ying Liu
- Department of Urology, Changhai Hospital, Naval Medical University, 168 Changhai Road, Shanghai, 200433, China
| | - Ziwei He
- Department of Urology, Changhai Hospital, Naval Medical University, 168 Changhai Road, Shanghai, 200433, China
| | - Kun Qiao
- Department of Urology, Changhai Hospital, Naval Medical University, 168 Changhai Road, Shanghai, 200433, China
| | - Yu Fang
- Department of Urology, Changhai Hospital, Naval Medical University, 168 Changhai Road, Shanghai, 200433, China
| | - Le Qu
- Department of Urology, Jinling Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Medical School, Nanjing University, 305 East Zhongshan Road, Nanjing, 210000, China
| | - Kaidi Yang
- Department of Oncology, Hainan Hospital of Chinese People's Liberation Army General Hospital, Sanya, Hainan, 572000, China
- Department of Oncology, Chinese People's Liberation Army General Hospital, Beijing, 100853, China
| | - Kunpeng Wang
- Department of Urology, Lianyungang Clinical College of Nanjing Medical University, Lianyungang, 222061, China
- Department of Urology, The Affiliated Lianyungang Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, The first People's Hospital of Lianyungang, 222061, China
| | - Linhui Wang
- Department of Urology, Changhai Hospital, Naval Medical University, 168 Changhai Road, Shanghai, 200433, China
| | - Aimin Jiang
- Department of Urology, Changhai Hospital, Naval Medical University, 168 Changhai Road, Shanghai, 200433, China
| |
Collapse
|
42
|
Stranak Z, Ardan T, Nemesh Y, Toms M, Toualbi L, Harbottle R, Ellederova Z, Lytvynchuk L, Petrovski G, Motlik J, Moosajee M, Kozak I. Feasibility of Direct Vitrectomy-Sparing Subretinal Injection for Gene Delivery in Large Animals. Curr Eye Res 2024; 49:879-887. [PMID: 38666493 DOI: 10.1080/02713683.2024.2343335] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2024] [Accepted: 04/09/2024] [Indexed: 07/18/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE To assess the safety and feasibility of direct vitrectomy-sparing subretinal injection for gene delivery in a large animal model. METHODS The experimental Liběchov minipigs were used for subretinal delivery of a plasmid DNA vector (pS/MAR-CMV-copGFP) with cytomegalovirus (CMV) promoter, green fluorescent protein (GFP) reporter (copGFP) and a scaffold/matrix attachment region (S/MAR) sequence. The eyes were randomized to subretinal injection of the vector following pars plana vitrectomy (control group) or a direct injection without prior vitrectomy surgery (experimental group). Intra- and post-operative observations up to 30 days after surgery were compared. RESULTS Six eyes of three mini-pigs underwent surgery for delivery into the subretinal space. Two eyes in the control group were operated with a classical approach (lens-sparing vitrectomy and posterior hyaloid detachment). The other four eyes in the experimental group were injected directly with a subretinal cannula without vitrectomy surgery. No adverse events, such as endophthalmitis, retinal detachment and intraocular pressure elevation were observed post-operatively. The eyes in the experimental group had both shorter surgical time and recovery while achieving the same surgical goal. CONCLUSIONS This pilot study demonstrates that successful subretinal delivery of gene therapy vectors is achievable using a direct injection without prior vitrectomy surgery.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zbynek Stranak
- Department of Ophthalmology, Charles University, Prague and the Kralovske Vinohrady University Hospital, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Taras Ardan
- Libechov Institute of Animal Physiology and Genetics, Czech Academy of Sciences, Libechov, Czech Republic
| | - Yaroslav Nemesh
- Libechov Institute of Animal Physiology and Genetics, Czech Academy of Sciences, Libechov, Czech Republic
| | - Maria Toms
- UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, London, United Kingdom
- The Francis Crick Institute, London, United Kingdom
| | - Lyes Toualbi
- UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, London, United Kingdom
- The Francis Crick Institute, London, United Kingdom
| | | | - Zdenka Ellederova
- Libechov Institute of Animal Physiology and Genetics, Czech Academy of Sciences, Libechov, Czech Republic
| | - Lyubomyr Lytvynchuk
- Department of Ophthalmology, Justus-Liebig-University Giessen, Eye Clinic, University Hospital Giessen and Marburg GmbH, Giessen, Germany
- Karl Landsteiner Institute for Retinal Research and Imaging, Vienna, Austria
| | - Goran Petrovski
- Department of Ophthalmology, Oslo University Hospital, Kirkeveien 166, Oslo, Norway
- Center for Eye Research and Innovative Diagnostics, Department of Ophthalmology, Oslo University Hospital and Institute for Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Split School of Medicine and University Hospital Centre, Split, Croatia
| | - Jan Motlik
- Libechov Institute of Animal Physiology and Genetics, Czech Academy of Sciences, Libechov, Czech Republic
| | - Mariya Moosajee
- UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, London, United Kingdom
- The Francis Crick Institute, London, United Kingdom
- Moorfields Eye Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, London, United Kingdom
| | - Igor Kozak
- Department of Vitreoretinal Surgery and Research and Innovation, Moorfields Eye Hospitals UAE, Abu Dhabi
| |
Collapse
|
43
|
Gao J, Gunasekar S, Xia ZJ, Shalin K, Jiang C, Chen H, Lee D, Lee S, Pisal ND, Luo JN, Griciuc A, Karp JM, Tanzi R, Joshi N. Gene therapy for CNS disorders: modalities, delivery and translational challenges. Nat Rev Neurosci 2024; 25:553-572. [PMID: 38898231 DOI: 10.1038/s41583-024-00829-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/23/2024] [Indexed: 06/21/2024]
Abstract
Gene therapy is emerging as a powerful tool to modulate abnormal gene expression, a hallmark of most CNS disorders. The transformative potentials of recently approved gene therapies for the treatment of spinal muscular atrophy (SMA), amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and active cerebral adrenoleukodystrophy are encouraging further development of this approach. However, most attempts to translate gene therapy to the clinic have failed to make it to market. There is an urgent need not only to tailor the genes that are targeted to the pathology of interest but to also address delivery challenges and thereby maximize the utility of genetic tools. In this Review, we provide an overview of gene therapy modalities for CNS diseases, emphasizing the interconnectedness of different delivery strategies and routes of administration. Important gaps in understanding that could accelerate the clinical translatability of CNS genetic interventions are addressed, and we present lessons learned from failed clinical trials that may guide the future development of gene therapies for the treatment and management of CNS disorders.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jingjing Gao
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA, USA.
- Center for Bioactive Delivery, Institute for Applied Life Sciences, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA, USA.
| | - Swetharajan Gunasekar
- Center for Nanomedicine, Department of Anesthesiology, Perioperative and Pain Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Ziting Judy Xia
- Center for Nanomedicine, Department of Anesthesiology, Perioperative and Pain Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Kiruba Shalin
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA, USA
| | - Christopher Jiang
- Center for Nanomedicine, Department of Anesthesiology, Perioperative and Pain Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Hao Chen
- Marine College, Shandong University, Weihai, China
| | - Dongtak Lee
- Center for Nanomedicine, Department of Anesthesiology, Perioperative and Pain Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Sohyung Lee
- Center for Nanomedicine, Department of Anesthesiology, Perioperative and Pain Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Nishkal D Pisal
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA, USA
| | - James N Luo
- Center for Nanomedicine, Department of Anesthesiology, Perioperative and Pain Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Surgery, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Ana Griciuc
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.
- Genetics and Aging Research Unit, McCance Center for Brain Health, Mass General Institute for Neurodegenerative Disease and Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA.
| | - Jeffrey M Karp
- Center for Nanomedicine, Department of Anesthesiology, Perioperative and Pain Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA.
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.
- Harvard-MIT Program in Health Sciences and Technology, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA.
- Harvard Stem Cell Institute, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA.
- Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA.
| | - Rudolph Tanzi
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.
- Genetics and Aging Research Unit, McCance Center for Brain Health, Mass General Institute for Neurodegenerative Disease and Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA.
| | - Nitin Joshi
- Center for Nanomedicine, Department of Anesthesiology, Perioperative and Pain Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA.
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
44
|
Greitens C, Leroux JC, Burger M. The intracellular visualization of exogenous DNA in fluorescence microscopy. Drug Deliv Transl Res 2024; 14:2242-2261. [PMID: 38526634 PMCID: PMC11208204 DOI: 10.1007/s13346-024-01563-4] [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] [Accepted: 02/28/2024] [Indexed: 03/27/2024]
Abstract
In the development of non-viral gene delivery vectors, it is essential to reliably localize and quantify transfected DNA inside the cell. To track DNA, fluorescence microscopy methods are commonly applied. These mostly rely on fluorescently labeled DNA, DNA binding proteins fused to a fluorescent protein, or fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH). In addition, co-stainings are often used to determine the colocalization of the DNA in specific cellular compartments, such as the endolysosomes or the nucleus. We provide an overview of these DNA tracking methods, advice on how they should be combined, and indicate which co-stainings or additional methods are required to draw precise conclusions from a DNA tracking experiment. Some emphasis is given to the localization of exogenous DNA inside the nucleus, which is the last step of DNA delivery. We argue that suitable tools which allow for the nuclear detection of faint signals are still missing, hampering the rational development of more efficient non-viral transfection systems.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Christina Greitens
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Department of Chemistry and Applied Biosciences, ETH Zurich, 8093, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Jean-Christophe Leroux
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Department of Chemistry and Applied Biosciences, ETH Zurich, 8093, Zurich, Switzerland.
| | - Michael Burger
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Department of Chemistry and Applied Biosciences, ETH Zurich, 8093, Zurich, Switzerland.
| |
Collapse
|
45
|
Kashefi S, Mohammadi-Yeganeh S, Ghorbani-Bidkorpeh F, Shabani M, Koochaki A, Haji Molla Hoseini M. The anti-cancer properties of miR-340 plasmid-chitosan complexes (miR-340 CC) on murine model of breast cancer. J Drug Target 2024; 32:838-847. [PMID: 38805391 DOI: 10.1080/1061186x.2024.2361675] [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: 03/11/2024] [Revised: 05/14/2024] [Accepted: 05/24/2024] [Indexed: 05/30/2024]
Abstract
MiRNA-340 (miR-340) has been found to have tumour-suppressing effects in breast cancer (BC). However, for clinical use, miRNAs need to be delivered safely and effectively to protect them from degradation. In our previous study, we used chitosan complexes as a safe carrier with anti-cancer properties to deliver miR-340 plasmid into 4T1 cells. This study explored further information concerning the anti-cancer impacts of both chitosan and miR-340 plasmid in a murine model of BC. Mice bearing 4T1 cells were intra-tumorally administered miR-340 plasmid-chitosan complexes (miR-340 CC). Afterwards, the potential of miR-340 CC in promoting anti-tumour immune responses was evaluated. MiR-340 CC significantly reduced tumour size, inhibited metastasis, and prolonged the survival of mice. MiR-340 CC up-regulates P-27 gene expression related to cancer cell apoptosis, and down-regulates gene expressions involved in angiogenesis and metastasis (breast regression protein-39 (BRP-39)) and CD163 as an anti-inflammatory macrophages (MQs) marker. Furthermore, CD47 expression as a MQs immune check-point was remarkably decreased after miR-340 CC treatment. The level of IL-12 in splenocytes of miR-340 CC treated mice increased, while the level of IL-10 decreased, indicating anti-cancer immune responses. Our findings display that miR-340 CC can be considered as a promising therapy in BC.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sarvenaz Kashefi
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Samira Mohammadi-Yeganeh
- Medical Nanotechnology and Tissue Engineering Research Center, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, School of Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Fatemeh Ghorbani-Bidkorpeh
- Department of Pharmaceutics and Pharmaceutical Nanotechnology, School of Pharmacy, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mahdi Shabani
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Ameneh Koochaki
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mostafa Haji Molla Hoseini
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- Medical Nanotechnology and Tissue Engineering Research Center, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| |
Collapse
|
46
|
Zhou X, Liu J, Xiao S, Liang X, Li Y, Mo F, Xin X, Yang Y, Gao C. Adeno-Associated Virus Engineering and Load Strategy for Tropism Modification, Immune Evasion and Enhanced Transgene Expression. Int J Nanomedicine 2024; 19:7691-7708. [PMID: 39099791 PMCID: PMC11296317 DOI: 10.2147/ijn.s459905] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2024] [Accepted: 06/21/2024] [Indexed: 08/06/2024] Open
Abstract
Gene therapy aims to add, replace or turn off genes to help treat disease. To date, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved 14 gene therapy products. With the increasing interest in gene therapy, feasible gene delivery vectors are necessary for inserting new genes into cells. There are different kinds of gene delivery vectors including viral vectors like lentivirus, adenovirus, retrovirus, adeno-associated virus et al, and non-viral vectors like naked DNA, lipid vectors, polymer nanoparticles, exosomes et al, with viruses being the most commonly used. Among them, the most concerned vector is adeno-associated virus (AAV) because of its safety, natural ability to efficiently deliver gene into cells and sustained transgene expression in multiple tissues. In addition, the AAV genome can be engineered to generate recombinant AAV (rAAV) containing transgene sequences of interest and has been proven to be a safe gene vector. Recently, rAAV vectors have been approved for the treatment of various rare diseases. Despite these approvals, some major limitations of rAAV remain, namely nonspecific tissue targeting and host immune response. Additional problems include neutralizing antibodies that block transgene delivery, a finite transgene packaging capacity, high viral titer used for per dose and high cost. To deal with these challenges, several techniques have been developed. Based on differences in engineering methods, this review proposes three strategies: gene engineering-based capsid modification (capsid modification), capsid surface tethering through chemical conjugation (surface tethering), and other formulations loaded with AAV (virus load). In addition, the major advantages and limitations encountered in rAAV engineering strategies are summarized.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xun Zhou
- School of Pharmacy, Henan University, Kaifeng, People’s Republic of China
- State Key Laboratory of Toxicology and Medical Countermeasures, Beijing Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Beijing, People’s Republic of China
| | - Jingzhou Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Toxicology and Medical Countermeasures, Beijing Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Beijing, People’s Republic of China
| | - Shuang Xiao
- State Key Laboratory of Toxicology and Medical Countermeasures, Beijing Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Beijing, People’s Republic of China
- School of Pharmacy, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, People’s Republic of China
| | - Xiaoqing Liang
- School of Pharmacy, Henan University, Kaifeng, People’s Republic of China
- State Key Laboratory of Toxicology and Medical Countermeasures, Beijing Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Beijing, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yi Li
- State Key Laboratory of Toxicology and Medical Countermeasures, Beijing Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Beijing, People’s Republic of China
| | - Fengzhen Mo
- School of Pharmacy, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, People’s Republic of China
| | - Xin Xin
- State Key Laboratory of Toxicology and Medical Countermeasures, Beijing Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Beijing, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yang Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Toxicology and Medical Countermeasures, Beijing Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Beijing, People’s Republic of China
| | - Chunsheng Gao
- School of Pharmacy, Henan University, Kaifeng, People’s Republic of China
- State Key Laboratory of Toxicology and Medical Countermeasures, Beijing Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Beijing, People’s Republic of China
| |
Collapse
|
47
|
Peterman EL, Ploessl DS, Galloway KE. Accelerating Diverse Cell-Based Therapies Through Scalable Design. Annu Rev Chem Biomol Eng 2024; 15:267-292. [PMID: 38594944 DOI: 10.1146/annurev-chembioeng-100722-121610] [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] [Indexed: 04/11/2024]
Abstract
Augmenting cells with novel, genetically encoded functions will support therapies that expand beyond natural capacity for immune surveillance and tissue regeneration. However, engineering cells at scale with transgenic cargoes remains a challenge in realizing the potential of cell-based therapies. In this review, we introduce a range of applications for engineering primary cells and stem cells for cell-based therapies. We highlight tools and advances that have launched mammalian cell engineering from bioproduction to precision editing of therapeutically relevant cells. Additionally, we examine how transgenesis methods and genetic cargo designs can be tailored for performance. Altogether, we offer a vision for accelerating the translation of innovative cell-based therapies by harnessing diverse cell types, integrating the expanding array of synthetic biology tools, and building cellular tools through advanced genome writing techniques.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Emma L Peterman
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA;
| | - Deon S Ploessl
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA;
| | - Kate E Galloway
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA;
| |
Collapse
|
48
|
Lu C, Rohilla P, Felner EI, Byagathvalli G, Azizoglu E, Bhamla MS, Prausnitz MR. Tolerability of a piezoelectric microneedle electroporator in human subjects. Bioeng Transl Med 2024; 9:e10662. [PMID: 39036075 PMCID: PMC11256137 DOI: 10.1002/btm2.10662] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2023] [Revised: 02/08/2024] [Accepted: 02/27/2024] [Indexed: 07/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Electroporation, or the use of electric pulses to facilitate the intracellular delivery of DNA, RNA, and other molecules, is a well-established technique, that has been demonstrated to significantly augment the immunogenicity of DNA/mRNA vaccines and therapeutics. However, the clinical translation of traditional electroporators has been limited due to high costs, large size, complex user operation, and poor tolerability in humans due to nerve stimulation. In prior work, we introduced ePatch: an ultra-low-cost, handheld, battery-free electroporator employing a piezoelectric pulser coupled with a microneedle electrode array that showed enhanced immunogenic responses to an intradermal SARS-CoV-2 DNA vaccine in mice. The current study shifts focus from efficacy to tolerability, hypothesizing that ePatch's microneedle array, which localizes the electric field to the superficial skin strata, will minimize nerve stimulation and improve patient comfort. We tested this hypothesis in 14 healthy adults, monitoring pain and other potential adverse effects associated with electroporation. Compared to the insertion of a traditional hypodermic needle, the ePatch was less painful. Adverse effects such as pain, tenderness, erythema and swelling at the application sites were minimal, transient, and statistically indistinguishable between the experimental and placebo ePatch application, suggesting excellent tolerability towards electroporation. In summary, ePatch has a favorable tolerability profile in humans and offers the potential for the safe use of electroporation in a variety of clinical settings, including DNA and mRNA vaccination.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chao‐Yi Lu
- Wallace H. Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering at Georgia Tech and Emory University, Georgia Institute of TechnologyAtlantaGeorgiaUSA
| | - Pankaj Rohilla
- School of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Georgia Institute of TechnologyAtlantaGeorgiaUSA
| | - Eric I. Felner
- School of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Georgia Institute of TechnologyAtlantaGeorgiaUSA
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of EndocrinologyEmory University School of MedicineAtlantaGeorgiaUSA
| | - Gaurav Byagathvalli
- School of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Georgia Institute of TechnologyAtlantaGeorgiaUSA
| | - Erkan Azizoglu
- School of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Georgia Institute of TechnologyAtlantaGeorgiaUSA
| | - M. Saad Bhamla
- School of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Georgia Institute of TechnologyAtlantaGeorgiaUSA
| | - Mark R. Prausnitz
- Wallace H. Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering at Georgia Tech and Emory University, Georgia Institute of TechnologyAtlantaGeorgiaUSA
- School of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Georgia Institute of TechnologyAtlantaGeorgiaUSA
| |
Collapse
|
49
|
Antoniou V, Mourelatou EA, Galatou E, Avgoustakis K, Hatziantoniou S. Gene Therapy with Chitosan Nanoparticles: Modern Formulation Strategies for Enhancing Cancer Cell Transfection. Pharmaceutics 2024; 16:868. [PMID: 39065565 PMCID: PMC11280172 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics16070868] [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: 05/15/2024] [Revised: 06/21/2024] [Accepted: 06/25/2024] [Indexed: 07/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Gene therapy involves the introduction of exogenous genetic material into host tissues to modify gene expression or cellular properties for therapeutic purposes. Initially developed to address genetic disorders, gene therapy has expanded to encompass a wide range of conditions, notably cancer. Effective delivery of nucleic acids into target cells relies on carriers, with non-viral systems gaining prominence due to their enhanced safety profile compared to viral vectors. Chitosan, a biopolymer, is frequently utilized to fabricate nanoparticles for various biomedical applications, particularly nucleic acid delivery, with recent emphasis on targeting cancer cells. Chitosan's positively charged amino groups enable the formation of stable nanocomplexes with nucleic acids and facilitate interaction with cell membranes, thereby promoting cellular uptake. Despite these advantages, chitosan-based nanoparticles face challenges such as poor solubility at physiological pH, non-specificity for cancer cells, and inefficient endosomal escape, limiting their transfection efficiency. To address these limitations, researchers have focused on enhancing the functionality of chitosan nanoparticles. Strategies include improving stability, enhancing targeting specificity, increasing cellular uptake efficiency, and promoting endosomal escape. This review critically evaluates recent formulation approaches within these categories, aiming to provide insights into advancing chitosan-based gene delivery systems for improved efficacy, particularly in cancer therapy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Varvara Antoniou
- Pharmacy Program, Department of Health Sciences, School of Life and Health Sciences, University of Nicosia, Nicosia 2417, Cyprus; (V.A.); (E.G.)
| | - Elena A. Mourelatou
- Pharmacy Program, Department of Health Sciences, School of Life and Health Sciences, University of Nicosia, Nicosia 2417, Cyprus; (V.A.); (E.G.)
- Bioactive Molecules Research Center, School of Life and Health Sciences, University of Nicosia, Nicosia 2417, Cyprus
| | - Eleftheria Galatou
- Pharmacy Program, Department of Health Sciences, School of Life and Health Sciences, University of Nicosia, Nicosia 2417, Cyprus; (V.A.); (E.G.)
- Bioactive Molecules Research Center, School of Life and Health Sciences, University of Nicosia, Nicosia 2417, Cyprus
| | - Konstantinos Avgoustakis
- Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Technology, Department of Pharmacy, School of Health Sciences, University of Patras, 26 504 Rion, Greece; (K.A.); (S.H.)
| | - Sophia Hatziantoniou
- Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Technology, Department of Pharmacy, School of Health Sciences, University of Patras, 26 504 Rion, Greece; (K.A.); (S.H.)
| |
Collapse
|
50
|
Hamilton AG, Swingle KL, Thatte AS, Mukalel AJ, Safford HC, Billingsley MM, El-Mayta RD, Han X, Nachod BE, Joseph RA, Metzloff AE, Mitchell MJ. High-Throughput In Vivo Screening Identifies Differential Influences on mRNA Lipid Nanoparticle Immune Cell Delivery by Administration Route. ACS NANO 2024; 18:16151-16165. [PMID: 38861479 DOI: 10.1021/acsnano.4c01171] [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: 06/13/2024]
Abstract
Immune modulation through the intracellular delivery of nucleoside-modified mRNA to immune cells is an attractive approach for in vivo immunoengineering, with applications in infectious disease, cancer immunotherapy, and beyond. Lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) have come to the fore as a promising nucleic acid delivery platform, but LNP design criteria remain poorly defined, making the rate-limiting step for LNP discovery the screening process. In this study, we employed high-throughput in vivo LNP screening based on molecular barcoding to investigate the influence of LNP composition on immune tropism with applications in vaccines and systemic immunotherapies. Screening a large LNP library under both intramuscular (i.m.) and intravenous (i.v.) injection, we observed differential influences on LNP uptake by immune populations across the two administration routes, gleaning insight into LNP design criteria for in vivo immunoengineering. In validation studies, the lead LNP formulation for i.m. administration demonstrated substantial mRNA translation in the spleen and draining lymph nodes with a more favorable biodistribution profile than LNPs formulated with the clinical standard ionizable lipid DLin-MC3-DMA (MC3). The lead LNP formulations for i.v. administration displayed potent immune transfection in the spleen and peripheral blood, with one lead LNP demonstrating substantial transfection of splenic dendritic cells and another inducing substantial transfection of circulating monocytes. Altogether, the immunotropic LNPs identified by high-throughput in vivo screening demonstrated significant promise for both locally- and systemically-delivered mRNA and confirmed the value of the LNP design criteria gleaned from our screening process, which could potentially inform future endeavors in mRNA vaccine and immunotherapy applications.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alex G Hamilton
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104, United States
| | - Kelsey L Swingle
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104, United States
| | - Ajay S Thatte
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104, United States
| | - Alvin J Mukalel
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104, United States
| | - Hannah C Safford
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104, United States
| | - Margaret M Billingsley
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104, United States
| | - Rakan D El-Mayta
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104, United States
| | - Xuexiang Han
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104, United States
| | - Benjamin E Nachod
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104, United States
| | - Ryann A Joseph
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104, United States
| | - Ann E Metzloff
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104, United States
| | - Michael J Mitchell
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104, United States
- Center for Precision Engineering for Health, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104, United States
- Institute for RNA Innovation, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104, United States
- Abramson Cancer Center, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104, United States
- Center for Cellular Immunotherapies, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104, United States
- Institute for Immunology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104, United States
- Cardiovascular Institute, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104, United States
- Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104, United States
| |
Collapse
|