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Behzadipour Y, Hemmati S. Covalent conjugation and non-covalent complexation strategies for intracellular delivery of proteins using cell-penetrating peptides. Biomed Pharmacother 2024; 176:116910. [PMID: 38852512 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2024.116910] [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: 04/03/2024] [Revised: 06/03/2024] [Accepted: 06/06/2024] [Indexed: 06/11/2024] Open
Abstract
Therapeutic proteins provided new opportunities for patients and high sales volumes. However, they are formulated for extracellular targets. The lipophilic barrier of the plasma membrane renders the vast array of intracellular targets out of reach. Peptide-based delivery systems, namely cell-penetrating peptides (CPPs), have few safety concerns, and low immunogenicity, with control over administered doses. This study investigates CPP-based protein delivery systems by classifying them into CPP-protein "covalent conjugation" and CPP: protein "non-covalent complexation" categories. Covalent conjugates ensure the proximity of the CPP to the cargo, which can improve cellular uptake and endosomal escape. We will discuss various aspects of covalent conjugates through non-cleavable (stable) or cleavable bonds. Non-cleavable CPP-protein conjugates are produced by recombinant DNA technology to express the complete fusion protein in a host cell or by chemical ligation of CPP and protein, which ensures stability during the delivery process. CPP-protein cleavable bonds are classified into pH-sensitive and redox-sensitive bonds, enzyme-cleavable bonds, and physical stimuli cleavable linkers (light radiation, ultrasonic waves, and thermo-responsive). We have highlighted the key characteristics of non-covalent complexes through electrostatic and hydrophobic interactions to preserve the conformational integrity of the CPP and cargo. CPP-mediated protein delivery by non-covalent complexation, such as zippers, CPP adaptor methods, and avidin-biotin technology, are featured. Conclusively, non-covalent complexation methods are appropriate when a high number of CPP or protein samples are to be screened. In contrast, when the high biological activity of the protein is critical in the intracellular compartment, conjugation protocols are preferred.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yasaman Behzadipour
- Student Research Committee, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Islamic Republic of Iran; Department of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, School of Pharmacy, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Islamic Republic of Iran
| | - Shiva Hemmati
- Department of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, School of Pharmacy, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Islamic Republic of Iran; Biotechnology Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Islamic Republic of Iran.
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2
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Kulhankova K, Traore S, Cheng X, Benk-Fortin H, Hallée S, Harvey M, Roberge J, Couture F, Kohli S, Gross TJ, Meyerholz DK, Rettig GR, Thommandru B, Kurgan G, Wohlford-Lenane C, Hartigan-O'Connor DJ, Yates BP, Newby GA, Liu DR, Tarantal AF, Guay D, McCray PB. Shuttle peptide delivers base editor RNPs to rhesus monkey airway epithelial cells in vivo. Nat Commun 2023; 14:8051. [PMID: 38052872 PMCID: PMC10698009 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-43904-w] [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: 02/01/2023] [Accepted: 11/23/2023] [Indexed: 12/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Gene editing strategies for cystic fibrosis are challenged by the complex barrier properties of airway epithelia. We previously reported that the amphiphilic S10 shuttle peptide non-covalently combined with CRISPR-associated (Cas) ribonucleoprotein (RNP) enabled editing of human and mouse airway epithelial cells. Here, we derive the S315 peptide as an improvement over S10 in delivering base editor RNP. Following intratracheal aerosol delivery of Cy5-labeled peptide in rhesus macaques, we confirm delivery throughout the respiratory tract. Subsequently, we target CCR5 with co-administration of ABE8e-Cas9 RNP and S315. We achieve editing efficiencies of up-to 5.3% in rhesus airway epithelia. Moreover, we document persistence of edited epithelia for up to 12 months in mice. Finally, delivery of ABE8e-Cas9 targeting the CFTR R553X mutation restores anion channel function in cultured human airway epithelia. These results demonstrate the therapeutic potential of base editor delivery with S315 to functionally correct the CFTR R553X mutation in respiratory epithelia.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Soumba Traore
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Sajeev Kohli
- Merkin Institute of Transformative Technologies in Healthcare, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Thomas J Gross
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA
| | | | | | | | - Gavin Kurgan
- Integrated DNA Technologies, Coralville, IA, USA
| | | | - Dennis J Hartigan-O'Connor
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, School of Medicine, UC Davis, Davis, CA, USA
- California National Primate Research Center, UC Davis, Davis, CA, USA
| | - Bradley P Yates
- Department of Genetic Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Gregory A Newby
- Merkin Institute of Transformative Technologies in Healthcare, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Department of Genetic Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - David R Liu
- Merkin Institute of Transformative Technologies in Healthcare, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Alice F Tarantal
- California National Primate Research Center, UC Davis, Davis, CA, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, UC Davis, Davis, CA, USA
- Department of Cell Biology and Human Anatomy, School of Medicine, UC Davis, Davis, CA, USA
| | | | - Paul B McCray
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA.
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3
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Greschner AA, Brahiti N, Auger M, Hu L, Soleymani Abyaneh H, Barbeau X, Parent V, Gaillet B, Guay D, Soultan AH, Gauthier MA. PEGylation of a Peptide-Based Amphiphilic Delivery Agent and Influence on Protein Delivery to Cells. Biomacromolecules 2023; 24:4890-4900. [PMID: 37862236 DOI: 10.1021/acs.biomac.3c00603] [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: 10/22/2023]
Abstract
The cell membrane is a restrictive biological barrier, especially for large, charged molecules, such as proteins. The use of cell-penetrating peptides (CPPs) can facilitate the delivery of proteins, protein complexes, and peptides across the membrane by a variety of mechanisms that are all limited by endosomal sequestration. To improve CPP-mediated delivery, we previously reported the rapid and effective cytosolic delivery of proteins in vitro and in vivo by their coadministration with the peptide S10, which combines a CPP and an endosomal leakage domain. Amphiphilic peptides with hydrophobic properties, such as S10, can interact with lipids to destabilize the cell membrane, thus promoting cargo internalization or escape from endosomal entrapment. However, acute membrane destabilization can result in a dose-limiting cytotoxicity. In this context, the partial or transient deactivation of S10 by modification with methoxy poly(ethylene glycol) (mPEG; i.e., PEGylation) may provide the means to alter membrane destabilization kinetics, thereby attenuating the impact of acute permeabilization on cell viability. This study investigates the influence of PEGylation parameters (molecular weight, architecture, and conjugation chemistry) on the delivery efficiency of a green fluorescent protein tagged with a nuclear localization signal (GFP-NLS) and cytotoxicity on cells in vitro. Results suggest that PEGylation mostly interferes with adsorption and secondary structure formation of S10 at the cell membrane, and this effect is exacerbated by the mPEG molecular weight. This effect can be compensated for by increasing the concentration of conjugates prepared with lower molecular weight mPEG (5 to ∼20 kDa) but not for conjugates prepared with higher molecular weight mPEG (40 kDa). For conjugates prepared with moderate-to-high molecular weight mPEG (10 to 20 kDa), partial compensation of inactivation could be achieved by the inclusion of a reducible disulfide bond, which provides a mechanism to liberate the S10 from the polymer. Grafting multiple copies of S10 to a high-molecular-weight multiarmed PEG (40 kDa) improved GFP-NLS delivery efficiency. However, these constructs were more cytotoxic than the native peptide. Considering that PEGylation could be harnessed for altering the pharmacokinetics and biodistribution profiles of peptide-based delivery agents in vivo, the trends observed herein provide new perspectives on how to manipulate the membrane permeabilization process, which is an important variable for achieving delivery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea A Greschner
- Institut National de la Recherche Scientifique (INRS),EMT Research Center, 1650 boulevard Lionel-Boulet, Varennes, QC J3X 1P7, Canada
| | - Nadine Brahiti
- Feldan Therapeutics, 2666 boulevard du Parc Technologique Suite 290, Québec QC G1P 4S6, Canada
| | - Maud Auger
- Feldan Therapeutics, 2666 boulevard du Parc Technologique Suite 290, Québec QC G1P 4S6, Canada
- Département de génie chimique Université Laval, Room #3570, 1065 avenue de la Médecine, Pavillon Adrien-Pouliot, Québec QC G1V 0A6, Canada
| | - Lei Hu
- Institut National de la Recherche Scientifique (INRS),EMT Research Center, 1650 boulevard Lionel-Boulet, Varennes, QC J3X 1P7, Canada
| | - Hoda Soleymani Abyaneh
- Institut National de la Recherche Scientifique (INRS),EMT Research Center, 1650 boulevard Lionel-Boulet, Varennes, QC J3X 1P7, Canada
| | - Xavier Barbeau
- Feldan Therapeutics, 2666 boulevard du Parc Technologique Suite 290, Québec QC G1P 4S6, Canada
| | - Victor Parent
- Feldan Therapeutics, 2666 boulevard du Parc Technologique Suite 290, Québec QC G1P 4S6, Canada
| | - Bruno Gaillet
- Département de génie chimique Université Laval, Room #3570, 1065 avenue de la Médecine, Pavillon Adrien-Pouliot, Québec QC G1V 0A6, Canada
| | - David Guay
- Feldan Therapeutics, 2666 boulevard du Parc Technologique Suite 290, Québec QC G1P 4S6, Canada
- Département de génie chimique Université Laval, Room #3570, 1065 avenue de la Médecine, Pavillon Adrien-Pouliot, Québec QC G1V 0A6, Canada
| | - Al-Halifa Soultan
- Feldan Therapeutics, 2666 boulevard du Parc Technologique Suite 290, Québec QC G1P 4S6, Canada
| | - Marc A Gauthier
- Institut National de la Recherche Scientifique (INRS),EMT Research Center, 1650 boulevard Lionel-Boulet, Varennes, QC J3X 1P7, Canada
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Kauke-Navarro M, Noel OF, Knoedler L, Knoedler S, Panayi AC, Stoegner VA, Huelsboemer L, Pomahac B. Novel Strategies in Transplantation: Genetic Engineering and Vascularized Composite Allotransplantation. J Surg Res 2023; 291:176-186. [PMID: 37429217 DOI: 10.1016/j.jss.2023.04.028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2022] [Revised: 02/18/2023] [Accepted: 04/30/2023] [Indexed: 07/12/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Despite the clinical success in vascularized composite allotransplantation (VCA), systemic immunosuppression remains necessary to prevent allograft rejection. Even with potent immunosuppressive regimens (tacrolimus, mycophenolate mofetil, and steroids), most patients experience several rejection episodes, often within the same year. The risk of systemic side effects must constantly be weighed against the risk of under-immunosuppression and, thus, acute and chronic rejection. In this context, genomic editing has emerged as a potential tool to minimize the need for toxic immunosuppressive regimens and has gained attention in the fields of solid organ transplantation and xenotransplantation. This strategy may also be relevant for the future of VCA. METHODS We discuss the topic of genetic engineering and review recent developments in this field that justify investigating tools such as clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats/Cas9 in the context of VCA. RESULTS We propose specific strategies for VCA based on the most recent gene expression data. This includes the well-known strategy of tolerance induction. Specifically, targeting the interaction between antigen-presenting cells and recipient-derived T cells by CD40 knockout may be effective. The novelty for VCA is a discovery that donor-derived T lymphocytes may play a special role in allograft rejection of facial transplants. We suggest targeting these cells prior to transplantation (e.g., by ex vivo perfusion of the transplant) by knocking out genes necessary for the long-term persistence of donor-derived immune cells in the allograft. CONCLUSION Despite the demonstrated feasibility of VCA in recent years, continued improvements to immunomodulatory strategies using tools like clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats/Cas9 could lead to the development of approaches that mitigate the limitations associated with rejection of this life-giving procedure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martin Kauke-Navarro
- Department of Surgery, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts; Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Department of Surgery, Yale New Haven Hospital, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut
| | - Olivier F Noel
- Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Department of Surgery, Yale New Haven Hospital, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut
| | - Leonard Knoedler
- Department of Plastic, Hand and Reconstructive Surgery, University Hospital Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Samuel Knoedler
- Department of Surgery, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Adriana C Panayi
- Department of Surgery, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Viola A Stoegner
- Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Department of Surgery, Yale New Haven Hospital, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut; Department of Plastic, Aesthetic, Hand and Reconstructive Surgery, Burn Center, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Lioba Huelsboemer
- Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Department of Surgery, Yale New Haven Hospital, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut; Institute of Musculoskeletal Medicine, University Hospital Muenster, Münster, Germany
| | - Bohdan Pomahac
- Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Department of Surgery, Yale New Haven Hospital, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut.
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Öktem M, Mastrobattista E, de Jong OG. Amphipathic Cell-Penetrating Peptide-Aided Delivery of Cas9 RNP for In Vitro Gene Editing and Correction. Pharmaceutics 2023; 15:2500. [PMID: 37896260 PMCID: PMC10609989 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics15102500] [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: 09/15/2023] [Revised: 10/11/2023] [Accepted: 10/16/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023] Open
Abstract
The therapeutic potential of the CRISPR-Cas9 gene editing system in treating numerous genetic disorders is immense. To fully realize this potential, it is crucial to achieve safe and efficient delivery of CRISPR-Cas9 components into the nuclei of target cells. In this study, we investigated the applicability of the amphipathic cell-penetrating peptide LAH5, previously employed for DNA delivery, in the intracellular delivery of spCas9:sgRNA ribonucleoprotein (RNP) and the RNP/single-stranded homology-directed repair (HDR) template. Our findings reveal that the LAH5 peptide effectively formed nanocomplexes with both RNP and RNP/HDR cargo, and these nanocomplexes demonstrated successful cellular uptake and cargo delivery. The loading of all RNP/HDR components into LAH5 nanocomplexes was confirmed using an electrophoretic mobility shift assay. Functional screening of various ratios of peptide/RNP nanocomplexes was performed on fluorescent reporter cell lines to assess gene editing and HDR-mediated gene correction. Moreover, targeted gene editing of the CCR5 gene was successfully demonstrated across diverse cell lines. This LAH5-based delivery strategy represents a significant advancement toward the development of therapeutic delivery systems for CRISPR-Cas-based genetic engineering in in vitro and ex vivo applications.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Olivier G. de Jong
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Utrecht Institute for Pharmaceutical Sciences (UIPS), Utrecht University, Universiteitsweg 99, 3584 CG Utrecht, The Netherlands; (M.Ö.); (E.M.)
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Mac Donald A, Guipouy D, Lemieux W, Harvey M, Bordeleau LJ, Guay D, Roméro H, Li Y, Dion R, Béland K, Haddad E. KLRC1 knockout overcomes HLA-E-mediated inhibition and improves NK cell antitumor activity against solid tumors. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1231916. [PMID: 37675109 PMCID: PMC10478211 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1231916] [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: 05/31/2023] [Accepted: 07/24/2023] [Indexed: 09/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Natural Killer (NK) cells hold the potential to shift cell therapy from a complex autologous option to a universal off-the-shelf one. Although NK cells have demonstrated efficacy and safety in the treatment of leukemia, the limited efficacy of NK cell-based immunotherapies against solid tumors still represents a major hurdle. In the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment (TME), inhibitory interactions between cancer and immune cells impair antitumoral immunity. KLRC1 gene encodes the NK cell inhibitory receptor NKG2A, which is a potent NK cell immune checkpoint. NKG2A specifically binds HLA-E, a non-classical HLA class I molecule frequently overexpressed in tumors, leading to the transmission of inhibitory signals that strongly impair NK cell function. Methods To restore NK cell cytotoxicity against HLA-E+ tumors, we have targeted the NKG2A/HLA-E immune checkpoint by using a CRISPR-mediated KLRC1 gene editing. Results KLRC1 knockout resulted in a reduction of 81% of NKG2A+ cell frequency in ex vivo expanded human NK cells post-cell sorting. In vitro, the overexpression of HLA-E by tumor cells significantly inhibited wild-type (WT) NK cell cytotoxicity with p-values ranging from 0.0071 to 0.0473 depending on tumor cell lines. In contrast, KLRC1 KO NK cells exhibited significantly higher cytotoxicity when compared to WT NK cells against four different HLA-E+ solid tumor cell lines, with p-values ranging from<0.0001 to 0.0154. Interestingly, a proportion of 43.5% to 60.2% of NKG2A- NK cells within the edited NK cell population was sufficient to reverse at its maximum the HLA-E-mediated inhibition of NK cell cytotoxicity. The expression of the activating receptor NKG2C was increased in KLRC1 KO NK cells and contributed to the improved NK cell cytotoxicity against HLA-E+ tumors. In vivo, the adoptive transfer of human KLRC1 KO NK cells significantly delayed tumor progression and increased survival in a xenogeneic mouse model of HLA-E+ metastatic breast cancer, as compared to WT NK cells (p = 0.0015). Conclusions Our results demonstrate that KLRC1 knockout is an effective strategy to improve NK cell antitumor activity against HLA-E+ tumors and could be applied in the development of NK cell therapy for solid tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alice Mac Donald
- Centre Hospitalier Universitaire (CHU) Sainte-Justine Research Center, Montréal, QC, Canada
- Department of Microbiology, Infectiology and Immunology, University of Montréal, Montréal, QC, Canada
| | - Delphine Guipouy
- Centre Hospitalier Universitaire (CHU) Sainte-Justine Research Center, Montréal, QC, Canada
- Department of Microbiology, Infectiology and Immunology, University of Montréal, Montréal, QC, Canada
| | - William Lemieux
- Centre Hospitalier Universitaire (CHU) Sainte-Justine Research Center, Montréal, QC, Canada
- Department of Microbiology, Infectiology and Immunology, University of Montréal, Montréal, QC, Canada
| | | | | | | | - Hugo Roméro
- Centre Hospitalier Universitaire (CHU) Sainte-Justine Research Center, Montréal, QC, Canada
| | - Yuanyi Li
- Centre Hospitalier Universitaire (CHU) Sainte-Justine Research Center, Montréal, QC, Canada
| | - Renaud Dion
- Centre Hospitalier Universitaire (CHU) Sainte-Justine Research Center, Montréal, QC, Canada
| | - Kathie Béland
- Centre Hospitalier Universitaire (CHU) Sainte-Justine Research Center, Montréal, QC, Canada
| | - Elie Haddad
- Centre Hospitalier Universitaire (CHU) Sainte-Justine Research Center, Montréal, QC, Canada
- Department of Microbiology, Infectiology and Immunology, University of Montréal, Montréal, QC, Canada
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Montreal, Montreal, QC, Canada
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Luo M, Ma J, Cheng X, Wu S, Bartels DJ, Guay D, Engelhardt JF, Liu X. Genome Editing in Ferret Airway Epithelia Mediated by CRISPR/Nucleases Delivered with Amphiphilic Shuttle Peptides. Hum Gene Ther 2023; 34:705-718. [PMID: 37335046 PMCID: PMC10457657 DOI: 10.1089/hum.2023.016] [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: 02/07/2023] [Accepted: 06/08/2023] [Indexed: 06/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Gene editing strategies are attractive for treating genetic pulmonary diseases such as cystic fibrosis (CF). However, challenges have included the development of safe and effective vector systems for gene editing of airway epithelia and model systems to report their efficiency and durability. The domestic ferret (Mustela putorius furo) has a high degree of conservation in lung cellular anatomy with humans, and has served as an excellent model for many types of lung diseases, including CF. In this study, we evaluated the efficiency of amphiphilic shuttle peptide S10 for protein delivery and gene editing using SpCas9, and AsCas12a (Cpf1) ribonucleoproteins (RNPs). These approaches were evaluated in proliferating ferret airway basal cells, polarized airway epithelia in vitro, and lungs in vivo, by accessing the editing efficiency using reporter ferrets and measuring indels at the ferret CFTR locus. Our results demonstrate that shuttle peptides efficiently enable delivery of reporter proteins/peptides and gene editing SpCas9 or Cpf1 RNP complexes to ferret airway epithelial cells in vitro and in vivo. We measured S10 delivery efficiency of green fluorescent protein (GFP)-nuclear localization signal (NLS) protein or SpCas9 RNP into ferret airway basal cells and fully differentiated ciliated and nonciliated epithelial cells in vitro. In vitro and in vivo gene editing efficiencies were determined by Cas/LoxP-gRNA RNP-mediated conversion of a ROSA-TG Cre recombinase reporter using transgenic primary cells and ferrets. S10/Cas9 RNP was more effective, relative to S10/Cpf1 RNP at gene editing of the ROSA-TG locus. Intratracheal lung delivery of the S10 shuttle combined with GFP-NLS protein or D-Retro-Inverso (DRI)-NLS peptide demonstrated efficiencies of protein delivery that were ∼3-fold or 14-fold greater, respectively, than the efficiency of gene editing at the ROSA-TG locus using S10/Cas9/LoxP-gRNA. Cpf1 RNPs was less effective than SpCas9 at gene editing of LoxP locus. These data demonstrate the feasibility of shuttle peptide delivery of Cas RNPs to the ferret airways and the potential utility for developing ex vivo stem cell-based and in vivo gene editing therapies for genetic pulmonary diseases such as CF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meihui Luo
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa, USA
| | - Jia Ma
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa, USA
- College of Life Science, Ningxia University, Yinchuan, China
| | | | - Shuang Wu
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa, USA
- College of Life Science, Ningxia University, Yinchuan, China
| | - Douglas J. Bartels
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa, USA
| | | | - John F. Engelhardt
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa, USA
| | - Xiaoming Liu
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa, USA
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8
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Reveret L, Leclerc M, Morin F, Émond V, Calon F. Pharmacokinetics, biodistribution and toxicology of novel cell-penetrating peptides. Sci Rep 2023; 13:11081. [PMID: 37422520 PMCID: PMC10329699 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-37280-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2022] [Accepted: 06/19/2023] [Indexed: 07/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Cell-penetrating peptides (CPPs) have been used in basic and preclinical research in the past 30 years to facilitate drug delivery into target cells. However, translation toward the clinic has not been successful so far. Here, we studied the pharmacokinetic (PK) and biodistribution profiles of Shuttle cell-penetrating peptides (S-CPP) in rodents, combined or not with an immunoglobulin G (IgG) cargo. We compared two enantiomers of S-CPP that contain both a protein transduction domain and an endosomal escape domain, with previously shown capacity for cytoplasmic delivery. The plasma concentration versus time curve of both radiolabelled S-CPPs required a two-compartment PK analytical model, which showed a fast distribution phase (t1/2α ranging from 1.25 to 3 min) followed by a slower elimination phase (t1/2β ranging from 5 to 15 h) after intravenous injection. Cargo IgG combined to S-CPPs displayed longer elimination half-life, of up to 25 h. The fast decrease in plasma concentration of S-CPPs was associated with an accumulation in target organs assessed at 1 and 5 h post-injection, particularly in the liver. In addition, in situ cerebral perfusion (ISCP) of L-S-CPP yielded a brain uptake coefficient of 7.2 ± 1.1 µl g-1 s-1, consistent with penetration across the blood-brain barrier (BBB), without damaging its integrity in vivo. No sign of peripheral toxicity was detected either by examining hematologic and biochemical blood parameters, or by measuring cytokine levels in plasma. In conclusion, S-CPPs are promising non-toxic transport vectors for improved tissue distribution of drug cargos in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- L Reveret
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Université Laval, Quebec City, QC, Canada
- Neurosciences Axis, CHU de Québec-Université Laval Research Center, 2705, Boulevard Laurier, Room T2-67, Quebec City, QC, G1V 4G2, Canada
| | - M Leclerc
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Université Laval, Quebec City, QC, Canada
- Neurosciences Axis, CHU de Québec-Université Laval Research Center, 2705, Boulevard Laurier, Room T2-67, Quebec City, QC, G1V 4G2, Canada
| | - F Morin
- Neurosciences Axis, CHU de Québec-Université Laval Research Center, 2705, Boulevard Laurier, Room T2-67, Quebec City, QC, G1V 4G2, Canada
| | - V Émond
- Neurosciences Axis, CHU de Québec-Université Laval Research Center, 2705, Boulevard Laurier, Room T2-67, Quebec City, QC, G1V 4G2, Canada
| | - F Calon
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Université Laval, Quebec City, QC, Canada.
- Neurosciences Axis, CHU de Québec-Université Laval Research Center, 2705, Boulevard Laurier, Room T2-67, Quebec City, QC, G1V 4G2, Canada.
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9
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Yan AL, Du SW, Palczewski K. Genome editing, a superior therapy for inherited retinal diseases. Vision Res 2023; 206:108192. [PMID: 36804635 PMCID: PMC10460145 DOI: 10.1016/j.visres.2023.108192] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2022] [Revised: 12/26/2022] [Accepted: 12/27/2022] [Indexed: 02/17/2023]
Abstract
Gene augmentation and genome editing are promising strategies for the treatment of monogenic inherited retinal diseases. Although gene augmentation treatments are commercially available for inherited retinal diseases, there are many shortcomings that need to be addressed, like progressive retinal degeneration and diminishing efficacy over time. Innovative CRISPR-Cas9-based genome editing technologies have broadened the proportion of treatable genetic disorders and can greatly improve or complement treatment outcomes from gene augmentation. Progress in this relatively new field involves the development of therapeutics including gene disruption, ablate-and-replace strategies, and precision gene correction techniques, such as base editing and prime editing. By making direct edits to endogenous DNA, genome editing theoretically guarantees permanent gene correction and long-lasting treatment effects. Improvements to delivery modalities aimed at limiting persistent gene editor activity have displayed an improved safety profile and minimal off-target editing. Continued progress to advance precise gene correction and associated delivery strategies will establish genome editing as the preferred treatment for genetic retinal disorders. This commentary describes the applications, strengths, and drawbacks of conventional gene augmentation approaches, recent advances in precise genome editing in the retina, and promising preclinical strategies to facilitate the use of robust genome editing therapies in human patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander L Yan
- Gavin Herbert Eye Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, University of California Irvine, Irvine, CA 92697, USA; Program in Neuroscience, Amherst College, Amherst, MA 01002, USA
| | - Samuel W Du
- Gavin Herbert Eye Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, University of California Irvine, Irvine, CA 92697, USA; Department of Physiology and Biophysics, University of California Irvine, Irvine, CA 92697, USA.
| | - Krzysztof Palczewski
- Gavin Herbert Eye Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, University of California Irvine, Irvine, CA 92697, USA; Department of Physiology and Biophysics, University of California Irvine, Irvine, CA 92697, USA; Department of Chemistry, University of California Irvine, Irvine, CA 92697, USA; Department of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, University of California Irvine, Irvine, CA 92697, USA.
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10
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Foss DV, Muldoon JJ, Nguyen DN, Carr D, Sahu SU, Hunsinger JM, Wyman SK, Krishnappa N, Mendonsa R, Schanzer EV, Shy BR, Vykunta VS, Allain V, Li Z, Marson A, Eyquem J, Wilson RC. Peptide-mediated delivery of CRISPR enzymes for the efficient editing of primary human lymphocytes. Nat Biomed Eng 2023; 7:647-660. [PMID: 37147433 PMCID: PMC10129304 DOI: 10.1038/s41551-023-01032-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 25.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2022] [Accepted: 03/26/2023] [Indexed: 05/07/2023]
Abstract
CRISPR-mediated genome editing of primary human lymphocytes is typically carried out via electroporation, which can be cytotoxic, cumbersome and costly. Here we show that the yields of edited primary human lymphocytes can be increased substantially by delivering a CRISPR ribonucleoprotein mixed with an amphiphilic peptide identified through screening. We evaluated the performance of this simple delivery method by knocking out genes in T cells, B cells and natural killer cells via the delivery of Cas9 or Cas12a ribonucleoproteins or an adenine base editor. We also show that peptide-mediated ribonucleoprotein delivery paired with an adeno-associated-virus-mediated homology-directed repair template can introduce a chimaeric antigen receptor gene at the T-cell receptor α constant locus, and that the engineered cells display antitumour potency in mice. The method is minimally perturbative, does not require dedicated hardware, and is compatible with multiplexed editing via sequential delivery, which minimizes the risk of genotoxicity. The peptide-mediated intracellular delivery of ribonucleoproteins may facilitate the manufacturing of engineered T cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dana V Foss
- Innovative Genomics Institute, University of California Berkeley, Berkeley, CA, USA
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of California Berkeley, Berkeley, CA, USA
- California Institute for Quantitative Biosciences at University of California Berkeley, Berkeley, CA, USA
| | - Joseph J Muldoon
- Gladstone-UCSF Institute of Genomic Immunology, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Department of Medicine, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - David N Nguyen
- Innovative Genomics Institute, University of California Berkeley, Berkeley, CA, USA
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of California Berkeley, Berkeley, CA, USA
- Gladstone-UCSF Institute of Genomic Immunology, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Department of Medicine, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Daniel Carr
- Innovative Genomics Institute, University of California Berkeley, Berkeley, CA, USA
- Gladstone-UCSF Institute of Genomic Immunology, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Department of Medicine, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Srishti U Sahu
- Innovative Genomics Institute, University of California Berkeley, Berkeley, CA, USA
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of California Berkeley, Berkeley, CA, USA
- California Institute for Quantitative Biosciences at University of California Berkeley, Berkeley, CA, USA
| | - John M Hunsinger
- Innovative Genomics Institute, University of California Berkeley, Berkeley, CA, USA
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of California Berkeley, Berkeley, CA, USA
- California Institute for Quantitative Biosciences at University of California Berkeley, Berkeley, CA, USA
| | - Stacia K Wyman
- Innovative Genomics Institute, University of California Berkeley, Berkeley, CA, USA
| | | | - Rima Mendonsa
- Innovative Genomics Institute, University of California Berkeley, Berkeley, CA, USA
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of California Berkeley, Berkeley, CA, USA
- California Institute for Quantitative Biosciences at University of California Berkeley, Berkeley, CA, USA
| | - Elaine V Schanzer
- Innovative Genomics Institute, University of California Berkeley, Berkeley, CA, USA
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of California Berkeley, Berkeley, CA, USA
| | - Brian R Shy
- Gladstone-UCSF Institute of Genomic Immunology, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Department of Medicine, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Vivasvan S Vykunta
- Gladstone-UCSF Institute of Genomic Immunology, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Department of Medicine, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Vincent Allain
- Gladstone-UCSF Institute of Genomic Immunology, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Department of Medicine, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Université de Paris, INSERM UMR976, Hôpital Saint-Louis, Paris, France
| | - Zhongmei Li
- Gladstone-UCSF Institute of Genomic Immunology, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Alexander Marson
- Innovative Genomics Institute, University of California Berkeley, Berkeley, CA, USA.
- Gladstone-UCSF Institute of Genomic Immunology, San Francisco, CA, USA.
- Department of Medicine, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA.
- Parker Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA.
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA.
- Diabetes Center, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA.
- UCSF Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA.
- Institute for Human Genetics, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA.
| | - Justin Eyquem
- Gladstone-UCSF Institute of Genomic Immunology, San Francisco, CA, USA.
- Department of Medicine, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA.
- Parker Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA.
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA.
- UCSF Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA.
- Institute for Human Genetics, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA.
| | - Ross C Wilson
- Innovative Genomics Institute, University of California Berkeley, Berkeley, CA, USA.
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of California Berkeley, Berkeley, CA, USA.
- California Institute for Quantitative Biosciences at University of California Berkeley, Berkeley, CA, USA.
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11
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Sinclair F, Begum AA, Dai CC, Toth I, Moyle PM. Recent advances in the delivery and applications of nonviral CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing. Drug Deliv Transl Res 2023; 13:1500-1519. [PMID: 36988873 PMCID: PMC10052255 DOI: 10.1007/s13346-023-01320-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/21/2023] [Indexed: 03/30/2023]
Abstract
The CRISPR (clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats)/Cas9 genome editing system has been a major technological breakthrough that has brought revolutionary changes to genome editing for therapeutic and diagnostic purposes and precision medicine. With the advent of the CRISPR/Cas9 system, one of the critical limiting factors has been the safe and efficient delivery of this system to cells or tissues of interest. Several approaches have been investigated to find delivery systems that can attain tissue-targeted delivery, lowering the chances of off-target editing. While viral vectors have shown promise for in vitro, in vivo and ex vivo delivery of CRISPR/Cas9, their further clinical applications have been restricted due to shortcomings including limited cargo packaging capacity, difficulties with large-scale production, immunogenicity and insertional mutagenesis. Rapid progress in nonviral delivery vectors, including the use of lipid, polymer, peptides, and inorganic nanoparticle-based delivery systems, has established nonviral delivery approaches as a viable alternative to viral vectors. This review will introduce the molecular mechanisms of the CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing system, current strategies for delivering CRISPR/Cas9-based tools, an overview of strategies for overcoming off-target genome editing, and approaches for improving genome targeting and tissue targeting. We will also highlight current developments and recent clinical trials for the delivery of CRISPR/Cas9. Finally, future directions for overcoming the limitations and adaptation of this technology for clinical trials will be discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Frazer Sinclair
- School of Pharmacy, The University of Queensland, Woolloongabba, QLD, 4102, Australia
| | - Anjuman A Begum
- School of Pharmacy, The University of Queensland, Woolloongabba, QLD, 4102, Australia.
| | - Charles C Dai
- School of Pharmacy, The University of Queensland, Woolloongabba, QLD, 4102, Australia
| | - Istvan Toth
- School of Pharmacy, The University of Queensland, Woolloongabba, QLD, 4102, Australia
- School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD, 4072, Australia
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD, 4072, Australia
| | - Peter M Moyle
- School of Pharmacy, The University of Queensland, Woolloongabba, QLD, 4102, Australia.
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12
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Chen D, Kong N, Wang H. Leading‐Edge Pulmonary Gene Therapy Approached by Barrier‐Permeable Delivery System: A Concise Review on Peptide System. ADVANCED NANOBIOMED RESEARCH 2022. [DOI: 10.1002/anbr.202200113] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Dinghao Chen
- Key Laboratory of Precise Synthesis of Functional Molecules of Zhejiang Province School of Science Department of Chemistry Westlake University 18 Shilongshan Road Hangzhou Zhejiang Province 310024 China
- Institute of Natural Sciences Westlake Institute for Advanced Study 18 Shilongshan Road Hangzhou Zhejiang Province 310024 China
| | - Nan Kong
- Key Laboratory of Precise Synthesis of Functional Molecules of Zhejiang Province School of Science Department of Chemistry Westlake University 18 Shilongshan Road Hangzhou Zhejiang Province 310024 China
- Institute of Natural Sciences Westlake Institute for Advanced Study 18 Shilongshan Road Hangzhou Zhejiang Province 310024 China
| | - Huaimin Wang
- Key Laboratory of Precise Synthesis of Functional Molecules of Zhejiang Province School of Science Department of Chemistry Westlake University 18 Shilongshan Road Hangzhou Zhejiang Province 310024 China
- Institute of Natural Sciences Westlake Institute for Advanced Study 18 Shilongshan Road Hangzhou Zhejiang Province 310024 China
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13
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Shalaby KE, Aouida M, Gupta V, Abdesselem H, El-Agnaf OMA. Development of non-viral vectors for neuronal-targeted delivery of CRISPR-Cas9 RNA-proteins as a therapeutic strategy for neurological disorders. Biomater Sci 2022; 10:4959-4977. [PMID: 35880637 DOI: 10.1039/d2bm00368f] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
The aging population contributes to an increase in the prevalence of neurodegenerative diseases, such as Parkinson's disease (PD). Due to the progressive nature of these diseases and an incomplete understanding of their pathophysiology, current drugs are inefficient, with a limited efficacy and major side effects. In this study, CRISPR-Cas9 RNA-proteins (RNP) composed of a Cas9 nuclease and single-guide RNA were delivered with a non-viral targeted delivery system to rescue the PD-associated phenotype in neuronal cells. Here, we fused the cell-penetrating amphipathic peptide, PepFect14 (PF14), with a short fragment of the rabies virus glycoprotein (C2) previously shown to have an affinity towards nicotinic acetylcholine receptors expressed on neuronal cells and on the blood-brain barrier. The resultant peptide, C2-PF14, was used to complex with and deliver RNPs to neuronal cells. We observed that RNP/C2-PF14 complexes formed nanosized, monodispersed, and nontoxic nanoparticles that led to a specific delivery into neuronal cells. α-Synuclein (α-syn) plays a major role in the pathology of PD and is considered to be a target for therapy. We demonstrated that CRISPR/Cas9 RNP delivered by C2-PF14 achieved α-syn gene (SNCA) editing in neuronal cells as determined by T7EI assay and western blotting. Furthermore, RNP/C2-PF14 relieved PD-associated toxicity in neuronal cells in vitro. This is a proof-of-concept towards simple and safe targeted genome-editing for treating PD and other neurological disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karim E Shalaby
- Biological and Biomedical Sciences Division, College of Health & Life Sciences, Hamad Bin Khalifa University, Doha, Qatar. .,Neurological Disorder Research Center, Qatar Biomedical Research Institute (QBRI), Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU), Qatar Foundation, Doha, Qatar
| | - Mustapha Aouida
- Biological and Biomedical Sciences Division, College of Health & Life Sciences, Hamad Bin Khalifa University, Doha, Qatar.
| | - Vijay Gupta
- Neurological Disorder Research Center, Qatar Biomedical Research Institute (QBRI), Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU), Qatar Foundation, Doha, Qatar
| | - Houari Abdesselem
- Neurological Disorder Research Center, Qatar Biomedical Research Institute (QBRI), Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU), Qatar Foundation, Doha, Qatar
| | - Omar M A El-Agnaf
- Biological and Biomedical Sciences Division, College of Health & Life Sciences, Hamad Bin Khalifa University, Doha, Qatar. .,Neurological Disorder Research Center, Qatar Biomedical Research Institute (QBRI), Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU), Qatar Foundation, Doha, Qatar
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14
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Polli JR, Balthasar JP. Cell Penetrating Peptides Conjugated to Anti-Carcinoembryonic Antigen "Catch-and-Release" Monoclonal Antibodies Alter Plasma and Tissue Pharmacokinetics in Colorectal Cancer Xenograft Mice. Bioconjug Chem 2022; 33:1456-1466. [PMID: 35867869 DOI: 10.1021/acs.bioconjchem.2c00152] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Cell penetrating peptides conjugated to delivery vehicles, such as nanoparticles or antibodies, can enhance the cytosolic delivery of macromolecules. The present study examines the effects of conjugation to cell penetrating and endosomal escape peptides (i.e., TAT, GALA, and H6CM18) on the pharmacokinetics and distribution of an anti-carcinoembryonic antigen "catch-and-release" monoclonal antibody, 10H6, in a murine model of colorectal cancer. GALA and TAT were conjugated to 10H6 using SoluLINK technology that allowed the evaluation of peptide-to-antibody ratio by ultraviolet spectroscopy. H6CM18 was conjugated to either NHS or maleimide-modified 10H6 using an azide-modified valine-citrulline linker and copper-free click chemistry. Unmodified and peptide-conjugated 10H6 preparations were administered intravenously at 6.67 nmol/kg to mice-bearing MC38CEA+ tumors. Unconjugated 10H6 demonstrated a clearance of 19.9 ± 1.36 mL/day/kg, with an apparent volume of distribution of 62.4 ± 7.78 mL/kg. All antibody-peptide conjugates exhibited significantly decreased plasma and tissue exposure, increased plasma clearance, and increased distribution volume. Examination of tissue-to-plasma exposure ratios showed an enhanced selectivity of 10H6-TAT for the GI tract (+25%), kidney (+24%), liver (+38%), muscle (+3%), and spleen (+33%). 10H6-GALA and 10H6-H6CM18 conjugates demonstrated decreased exposure in all tissues, relative to unmodified 10H6. All conjugates demonstrated decreased tumor exposure and selectivity; however, differences in tumor selectivity between 10H6 and 10H6-H6CM18 (maleimide) were not statistically significant. Relationships between the predicted peptide conjugate isoelectric point (pI) and pharmacokinetic parameters were bell-shaped, where pI values around 6.8-7 exhibit the slowest plasma clearance and smallest distribution volume. The data and analyses presented in this work may guide future efforts to develop immunoconjugates with cell penetrating and endosomal escape peptides.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joseph Ryan Polli
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University at Buffalo, Buffalo, New York 14215, United States
| | - Joseph P Balthasar
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University at Buffalo, Buffalo, New York 14215, United States
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15
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Polli JR, Chen P, Bordeau BM, Balthasar JP. Targeted Delivery of Endosomal Escape Peptides to Enhance Immunotoxin Potency and Anti-cancer Efficacy. AAPS J 2022; 24:47. [PMID: 35338415 DOI: 10.1208/s12248-022-00698-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2022] [Accepted: 03/05/2022] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
This work describes use of anti-carcinoembryonic antigen antibodies (10H6, T84.66) for targeted delivery of an endosomal escape peptide (H6CM18) and gelonin, a type I ribosome inactivating protein. The viability of colorectal cancer cells (LS174T, LoVo) was assessed following treatment with gelonin or gelonin immunotoxins, with or without co-treatment with T84.66-H6CM18. Fluorescent microscopy was used to visualize the escape of immunoconjugates from endosomes of treated cells, and efficacy and toxicity were assessed in vivo in xenograft tumor-bearing mice following single- and multiple-dose regimens. Application of 25 pM T84.66-H6CM18 combined with T84.66-gelonin increased gelonin potency by ~ 1,000-fold and by ~ 6,000-fold in LS174T and LoVo cells. Intravenous 10H6-gelonin at 1.0 mg/kg was well tolerated by LS174T tumor-bearing mice, while 10 and 25 mg/kg doses led to signs of toxicity. Single-dose administration of PBS, gelonin conjugated to T84.66 or 10H6, T84.66-H6CM18, or gelonin immunotoxins co-administered with T84.66-H6CM18 were evaluated. The combinations of T84.66-gelonin + 1.0 mg/kg T84.66-H6CM18 and 10H6-gelonin + 0.1 mg/kg T84.66-H6CM18 led to significant delays in LS174T growth. Use of a multiple-dose regimen allowed further anti-tumor effects, significantly extending median survival time by 33% and by 69%, for mice receiving 1 mg/kg 10H6-gelonin + 0.1 mg/kg T84.66-H6CM18 (p = 0.0072) and 1 mg/kg 10H6-gelonin + 1 mg/kg T84.66-H6CM18 (p = 0.0017). Combined administration of gelonin immunoconjugates with antibody-targeted endosomal escape peptides increased the delivery of gelonin to the cytoplasm of targeted cells, increased gelonin cell killing in vitro by 1,000-6,000 fold, and significantly increased in vivo efficacy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joseph Ryan Polli
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University at Buffalo, Buffalo, New York, 14214, USA
| | - Ping Chen
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University at Buffalo, Buffalo, New York, 14214, USA
| | - Brandon M Bordeau
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University at Buffalo, Buffalo, New York, 14214, USA
| | - Joseph P Balthasar
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University at Buffalo, Buffalo, New York, 14214, USA.
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16
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Genome editing via non-viral delivery platforms: current progress in personalized cancer therapy. Mol Cancer 2022; 21:71. [PMID: 35277177 PMCID: PMC8915502 DOI: 10.1186/s12943-022-01550-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2021] [Accepted: 02/24/2022] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Cancer is a severe disease that substantially jeopardizes global health. Although considerable efforts have been made to discover effective anti-cancer therapeutics, the cancer incidence and mortality are still growing. The personalized anti-cancer therapies present themselves as a promising solution for the dilemma because they could precisely destroy or fix the cancer targets based on the comprehensive genomic analyses. In addition, genome editing is an ideal way to implement personalized anti-cancer therapy because it allows the direct modification of pro-tumor genes as well as the generation of personalized anti-tumor immune cells. Furthermore, non-viral delivery system could effectively transport genome editing tools (GETs) into the cell nucleus with an appreciable safety profile. In this manuscript, the important attributes and recent progress of GETs will be discussed. Besides, the laboratory and clinical investigations that seek for the possibility of combining non-viral delivery systems with GETs for the treatment of cancer will be assessed in the scope of personalized therapy.
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17
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Feng S, Wang Z, Li A, Xie X, Liu J, Li S, Li Y, Wang B, Hu L, Yang L, Guo T. Strategies for High-Efficiency Mutation Using the CRISPR/Cas System. Front Cell Dev Biol 2022; 9:803252. [PMID: 35198566 PMCID: PMC8860194 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.803252] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2021] [Accepted: 12/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR)-associated systems have revolutionized traditional gene-editing tools and are a significant tool for ameliorating gene defects. Characterized by high target specificity, extraordinary efficiency, and cost-effectiveness, CRISPR/Cas systems have displayed tremendous potential for genetic manipulation in almost any organism and cell type. Despite their numerous advantages, however, CRISPR/Cas systems have some inherent limitations, such as off-target effects, unsatisfactory efficiency of delivery, and unwanted adverse effects, thereby resulting in a desire to explore approaches to address these issues. Strategies for improving the efficiency of CRISPR/Cas-induced mutations, such as reducing off-target effects, improving the design and modification of sgRNA, optimizing the editing time and the temperature, choice of delivery system, and enrichment of sgRNA, are comprehensively described in this review. Additionally, several newly emerging approaches, including the use of Cas variants, anti-CRISPR proteins, and mutant enrichment, are discussed in detail. Furthermore, the authors provide a deep analysis of the current challenges in the utilization of CRISPR/Cas systems and the future applications of CRISPR/Cas systems in various scenarios. This review not only serves as a reference for improving the maturity of CRISPR/Cas systems but also supplies practical guidance for expanding the applicability of this technology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuying Feng
- Medical College, Henan University of Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Zilong Wang
- Medical College, Henan University of Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Aifang Li
- Medical College, Henan University of Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Xin Xie
- Medical College, Henan University of Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Junjie Liu
- Medical College, Henan University of Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Shuxuan Li
- Medical College, Henan University of Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Yalan Li
- Medical College, Henan University of Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Baiyan Wang
- Medical College, Henan University of Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Lina Hu
- Medical College, Henan University of Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Lianhe Yang
- Medical College, Henan University of Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Tao Guo
- Department of Pharmacy, Henan University of Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou, China
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18
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Ubiparipovic S, Christ D, Rouet R. Antibody-mediated delivery of CRISPR-Cas9 ribonucleoproteins in human cells. Protein Eng Des Sel 2022; 35:gzac011. [PMID: 36336952 DOI: 10.1093/protein/gzac011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2022] [Revised: 10/18/2022] [Accepted: 10/19/2022] [Indexed: 01/05/2024] Open
Abstract
The CRISPR genome editing technology holds great clinical potential for the treatment of monogenetic disorders such as sickle cell disease. The therapeutic in vivo application of the technology relies on targeted delivery methods of the Cas9 and gRNA complex to specific cells or tissues. However, such methods are currently limited to direct organ delivery, preventing clinical application. Here, we show that monoclonal antibodies can be employed to deliver the Cas9/gRNA complex directly into human cells via cell-surface receptors. Using the SpyCatcher/SpyTag system, we conjugated the Fab fragment of the therapeutic antibodies Trastuzumab and Pertuzumab directly to the Cas9 enzyme and observed HER2-specific uptake of the ribonucleoprotein in a human HER2 expressing cell line. Following cellular uptake in the presence of an endosomolytic peptide, modest gene editing was also observed. This finding provides a blueprint for the targeted delivery of the CRISPR technology into specific cells using monoclonal antibodies.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Daniel Christ
- Garvan Institute of Medical Research, Sydney, NSW 2010, Australia
- UNSW Sydney, Faculty of Medicine, St Vincent's Clinical School, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Romain Rouet
- Garvan Institute of Medical Research, Sydney, NSW 2010, Australia
- UNSW Sydney, Faculty of Medicine, St Vincent's Clinical School, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- AbCellera, Sydney NSW 2015, Australia
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19
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Akache B, Stark FC, Agbayani G, Renner TM, McCluskie MJ. Adjuvants: Engineering Protective Immune Responses in Human and Veterinary Vaccines. Methods Mol Biol 2022; 2412:179-231. [PMID: 34918246 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-1892-9_9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Adjuvants are key components of many vaccines, used to enhance the level and breadth of the immune response to a target antigen, thereby enhancing protection from the associated disease. In recent years, advances in our understanding of the innate and adaptive immune systems have allowed for the development of a number of novel adjuvants with differing mechanisms of action. Herein, we review adjuvants currently approved for human and veterinary use, describing their use and proposed mechanisms of action. In addition, we will discuss additional promising adjuvants currently undergoing preclinical and/or clinical testing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bassel Akache
- Human Health Therapeutics, National Research Council Canada, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Felicity C Stark
- Human Health Therapeutics, National Research Council Canada, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Gerard Agbayani
- Human Health Therapeutics, National Research Council Canada, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Tyler M Renner
- Human Health Therapeutics, National Research Council Canada, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Michael J McCluskie
- Human Health Therapeutics, National Research Council Canada, Ottawa, ON, Canada.
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20
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Falato L, Vunk B, Langel Ü. CRISPR/Cas9 Plasmid Delivery Through the CPP: PepFect14. Methods Mol Biol 2021; 2383:587-593. [PMID: 34766316 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-1752-6_38] [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: 03/03/2023]
Abstract
Gene editing is increasing its popularity day by day especially as an essential tool for the research. It is based on two recombination mechanisms in mammalian cells: nonhomologous end-joining (NHEJ) and homology-directed repair (HDR). The first one can be used to silence a specific gene or a portion of it and the second one to insert new DNA, in presence of a donor template, in a targeted position in the genome. In order to exploit one of these two mechanisms, three major targeted nucleases have been developed: zinc-finger nucleases (ZFN), transcription activator-like effector nucleases (TALEN), and CRISPR-Cas (clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR)-associated protein). The last one seems to be the most promising tool among the others for gene editing. By using the properties and versatility of the Cell Penetrating Peptide (CPP) PepFect14, we developed a protocol to deliver a plasmid encoding for CRISPR-Cas9 and Green Fluorescent Protein (GFP) in BHM cell line expressing luciferase (Bomirsky Hamster Melanoma pLuc). Aiming to knocking down the luciferase gene in the cell line and to expressing GFP. Having two fast and easy read-outs of the plasmid's activity at the same time. Furthermore, by labeling the CRISPR plasmid with Cy5 it is possible to have a visual confirmation of the cellular uptake of the pDNA/CPP complex, via fluorescent microscopy, as described.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luca Falato
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Arrhenius Laboratories for Natural Sciences, Stockholm University, Stockholm, Sweden.
| | - Birgit Vunk
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Arrhenius Laboratories for Natural Sciences, Stockholm University, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Ülo Langel
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Arrhenius Laboratories for Natural Sciences, Stockholm University, Stockholm, Sweden.,Laboratory of Molecular Biotechnology, Institute of Technology, University of Tartu, Tartu, Estonia
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21
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Coiled coil exposure and histidine tags drive function of an intracellular protein drug carrier. J Control Release 2021; 339:248-258. [PMID: 34563592 DOI: 10.1016/j.jconrel.2021.09.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2021] [Revised: 09/09/2021] [Accepted: 09/20/2021] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
In recent years, protein engineering efforts have yielded a diverse set of binding proteins that hold promise for various therapeutic applications. Despite this, their inability to reach intracellular targets limits their applications to cell surface or soluble targets. To address this challenge, we previously reported a protein carrier that binds antibodies and delivers them to therapeutic targets inside cancer cells. This carrier, known as the Hex carrier, is comprised of a self-assembling coiled coil hexamer at the core, with each alpha helix fused to a linker, an antibody binding domain, and a six Histidine-tag (His-tag). In this work, we designed different versions of the carrier to determine the role of each building block in cytosolic protein delivery. We found that increasing exposure of the Hex coiled coil on the carriers, through molecular design or removing antibodies, increased internalization, pointing to a role of the coiled coil in promoting endocytosis. We observed a clear increase in endosomal disruption events when His-tags were present on the carrier relative to when they were removed, due to an endosomal buffering effect. Finally, we found that the antibody binding domains of the Hex carrier could be replaced with monomeric ultra-stable GFP for intracellular delivery and endosomal escape. Our results demonstrate that the Hex coiled coil, in conjunction with His-tags, could be a generalizable vehicle for delivering small and large proteins to intracellular targets. This work also highlights new biological applications for oligomeric coiled coils and shows the direct and quantifiable impact of histidine residues on endosomal disruption. These findings could inform the design of future drug delivery vehicles in applications beyond intracellular protein delivery.
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22
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Newby GA, Liu DR. In vivo somatic cell base editing and prime editing. Mol Ther 2021; 29:3107-3124. [PMID: 34509669 PMCID: PMC8571176 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymthe.2021.09.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 72] [Impact Index Per Article: 24.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2021] [Revised: 08/26/2021] [Accepted: 09/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Recent advances in genome editing technologies have magnified the prospect of single-dose cures for many genetic diseases. For most genetic disorders, precise DNA correction is anticipated to best treat patients. To install desired DNA changes with high precision, our laboratory developed base editors (BEs), which can correct the four most common single-base substitutions, and prime editors, which can install any substitution, insertion, and/or deletion over a stretch of dozens of base pairs. Compared to nuclease-dependent editing approaches that involve double-strand DNA breaks (DSBs) and often result in a large percentage of uncontrolled editing outcomes, such as mixtures of insertions and deletions (indels), larger deletions, and chromosomal rearrangements, base editors and prime editors often offer greater efficiency with fewer byproducts in slowly dividing or non-dividing cells, such as those that make up most of the cells in adult animals. Both viral and non-viral in vivo delivery methods have now been used to deliver base editors and prime editors in animal models, establishing that base editors and prime editors can serve as effective agents for in vivo therapeutic genome editing in animals. This review summarizes examples of in vivo somatic cell (post-natal) base editing and prime editing and prospects for future development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gregory A Newby
- Merkin Institute of Transformative Technologies in Healthcare, Broad Institute of Harvard and MIT, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA; Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA; Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA 02142 USA.
| | - David R Liu
- Merkin Institute of Transformative Technologies in Healthcare, Broad Institute of Harvard and MIT, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA; Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA; Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA 02142 USA.
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23
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Krishnamurthy S, Traore S, Cooney AL, Brommel CM, Kulhankova K, Sinn P, Newby G, Liu D, McCray P. Functional correction of CFTR mutations in human airway epithelial cells using adenine base editors. Nucleic Acids Res 2021; 49:10558-10572. [PMID: 34520545 PMCID: PMC8501978 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkab788] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2020] [Revised: 08/26/2021] [Accepted: 09/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Mutations in the CFTR gene that lead to premature stop codons or splicing defects cause cystic fibrosis (CF) and are not amenable to treatment by small-molecule modulators. Here, we investigate the use of adenine base editor (ABE) ribonucleoproteins (RNPs) that convert A•T to G•C base pairs as a therapeutic strategy for three CF-causing mutations. Using ABE RNPs, we corrected in human airway epithelial cells premature stop codon mutations (R553X and W1282X) and a splice-site mutation (3849 + 10 kb C > T). Following ABE delivery, DNA sequencing revealed correction of these pathogenic mutations at efficiencies that reached 38-82% with minimal bystander edits or indels. This range of editing was sufficient to attain functional correction of CFTR-dependent anion channel activity in primary epithelial cells from CF patients and in a CF patient-derived cell line. These results demonstrate the utility of base editor RNPs to repair CFTR mutations that are not currently treatable with approved therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Soumba Traore
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA
| | - Ashley L Cooney
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA
| | - Christian M Brommel
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA
- Molecular Medicine Graduate Program, Pappajohn Biomedical Institute, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA
| | | | - Patrick L Sinn
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA
- Molecular Medicine Graduate Program, Pappajohn Biomedical Institute, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA
| | - Gregory A Newby
- Merkin Institute of Transformative Technologies in Healthcare, Broad Institute of Harvard and MIT, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - David R Liu
- Merkin Institute of Transformative Technologies in Healthcare, Broad Institute of Harvard and MIT, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Paul B McCray
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA
- Molecular Medicine Graduate Program, Pappajohn Biomedical Institute, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA
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24
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Yu S, Yang H, Li T, Pan H, Ren S, Luo G, Jiang J, Yu L, Chen B, Zhang Y, Wang S, Tian R, Zhang T, Zhang S, Chen Y, Yuan Q, Ge S, Zhang J, Xia N. Efficient intracellular delivery of proteins by a multifunctional chimaeric peptide in vitro and in vivo. Nat Commun 2021; 12:5131. [PMID: 34446736 PMCID: PMC8390694 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-021-25448-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2020] [Accepted: 08/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Protein delivery with cell-penetrating peptide is opening up the possibility of using targets inside cells for therapeutic or biological applications; however, cell-penetrating peptide-mediated protein delivery commonly suffers from ineffective endosomal escape and low tolerance in serum, thereby limiting in vivo efficacy. Here, we present an intracellular protein delivery system consisting of four modules in series: cell-penetrating peptide, pH-dependent membrane active peptide, endosome-specific protease sites and a leucine zipper. This system exhibits enhanced delivery efficiency and serum tolerance, depending on proteolytic cleavage-facilitated endosomal escape and leucine zipper-based dimerisation. Intravenous injection of protein phosphatase 1B fused with this system successfully suppresses the tumour necrosis factor-α-induced systemic inflammatory response and acetaminophen-induced acute liver failure in a mouse model. We believe that the strategy of using multifunctional chimaeric peptides is valuable for the development of cell-penetrating peptide-based protein delivery systems, and facilitate the development of biological macromolecular drugs for use against intracellular targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Siyuan Yu
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Vaccinology and Molecular Diagnostics, National Institute of Diagnostics and Vaccine Development in Infectious Diseases, Collaborative Innovation Centers of Biological Products, School of Public Health, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Han Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Vaccinology and Molecular Diagnostics, National Institute of Diagnostics and Vaccine Development in Infectious Diseases, Collaborative Innovation Centers of Biological Products, School of Public Health, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Tingdong Li
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Vaccinology and Molecular Diagnostics, National Institute of Diagnostics and Vaccine Development in Infectious Diseases, Collaborative Innovation Centers of Biological Products, School of Public Health, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Haifeng Pan
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Vaccinology and Molecular Diagnostics, National Institute of Diagnostics and Vaccine Development in Infectious Diseases, Collaborative Innovation Centers of Biological Products, School of Public Health, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Shuling Ren
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Vaccinology and Molecular Diagnostics, National Institute of Diagnostics and Vaccine Development in Infectious Diseases, Collaborative Innovation Centers of Biological Products, School of Public Health, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Guoxing Luo
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Vaccinology and Molecular Diagnostics, National Institute of Diagnostics and Vaccine Development in Infectious Diseases, Collaborative Innovation Centers of Biological Products, School of Public Health, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Jinlu Jiang
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Vaccinology and Molecular Diagnostics, National Institute of Diagnostics and Vaccine Development in Infectious Diseases, Collaborative Innovation Centers of Biological Products, School of Public Health, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Linqi Yu
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Vaccinology and Molecular Diagnostics, National Institute of Diagnostics and Vaccine Development in Infectious Diseases, Collaborative Innovation Centers of Biological Products, School of Public Health, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Binbing Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Vaccinology and Molecular Diagnostics, National Institute of Diagnostics and Vaccine Development in Infectious Diseases, Collaborative Innovation Centers of Biological Products, School of Public Health, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Yali Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Vaccinology and Molecular Diagnostics, National Institute of Diagnostics and Vaccine Development in Infectious Diseases, Collaborative Innovation Centers of Biological Products, School of Public Health, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Shaojuan Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Vaccinology and Molecular Diagnostics, National Institute of Diagnostics and Vaccine Development in Infectious Diseases, Collaborative Innovation Centers of Biological Products, School of Public Health, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Rui Tian
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Vaccinology and Molecular Diagnostics, National Institute of Diagnostics and Vaccine Development in Infectious Diseases, Collaborative Innovation Centers of Biological Products, School of Public Health, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Tianying Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Vaccinology and Molecular Diagnostics, National Institute of Diagnostics and Vaccine Development in Infectious Diseases, Collaborative Innovation Centers of Biological Products, School of Public Health, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Shiyin Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Vaccinology and Molecular Diagnostics, National Institute of Diagnostics and Vaccine Development in Infectious Diseases, Collaborative Innovation Centers of Biological Products, School of Public Health, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Yixin Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Vaccinology and Molecular Diagnostics, National Institute of Diagnostics and Vaccine Development in Infectious Diseases, Collaborative Innovation Centers of Biological Products, School of Public Health, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Quan Yuan
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Vaccinology and Molecular Diagnostics, National Institute of Diagnostics and Vaccine Development in Infectious Diseases, Collaborative Innovation Centers of Biological Products, School of Public Health, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China.
| | - Shengxiang Ge
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Vaccinology and Molecular Diagnostics, National Institute of Diagnostics and Vaccine Development in Infectious Diseases, Collaborative Innovation Centers of Biological Products, School of Public Health, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China.
| | - Jun Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Vaccinology and Molecular Diagnostics, National Institute of Diagnostics and Vaccine Development in Infectious Diseases, Collaborative Innovation Centers of Biological Products, School of Public Health, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Ningshao Xia
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Vaccinology and Molecular Diagnostics, National Institute of Diagnostics and Vaccine Development in Infectious Diseases, Collaborative Innovation Centers of Biological Products, School of Public Health, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China.
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25
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Targeted delivery of CRISPR-Cas9 and transgenes enables complex immune cell engineering. Cell Rep 2021; 35:109207. [PMID: 34077734 PMCID: PMC8236216 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2021.109207] [Citation(s) in RCA: 76] [Impact Index Per Article: 25.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2020] [Revised: 03/09/2021] [Accepted: 05/11/2021] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
As genome engineering advances cell-based therapies, a versatile approach to introducing both CRISPR-Cas9 ribonucleoproteins (RNPs) and therapeutic transgenes into specific cells would be transformative. Autologous T cells expressing a chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) manufactured by viral transduction are approved to treat multiple blood cancers, but additional genetic modifications to alter cell programs will likely be required to treat solid tumors and for allogeneic cellular therapies. We have developed a one-step strategy using engineered lentiviral particles to introduce Cas9 RNPs and a CAR transgene into primary human T cells without electroporation. Furthermore, programming particle tropism allows us to target a specific cell type within a mixed cell population. As a proof-of-concept, we show that HIV-1 envelope targeted particles to edit CD4+ cells while sparing co-cultured CD8+ cells. This adaptable approach to immune cell engineering ex vivo provides a strategy applicable to the genetic modification of targeted somatic cells in vivo.
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26
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Charge-altering releasable transporters enable phenotypic manipulation of natural killer cells for cancer immunotherapy. Blood Adv 2021; 4:4244-4255. [PMID: 32898247 DOI: 10.1182/bloodadvances.2020002355] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2020] [Accepted: 07/29/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) natural killer (NK) cells are an emerging cell therapy with promising results in oncology trials. However, primary human NK cells are difficult to transfect, hampering both mechanistic studies and clinical applications of NK cells. Currently, NK cell CAR modification relies on viral vectors or cell activation. The former raises cost and tolerability issues, while the latter alters NK cell biology. Here, we report that readily synthesized and inexpensive nonviral charge-altering releasable transporters (CARTs) efficiently transfect primary human NK cells with messenger RNA without relying on NK cell activation. Compared with electroporation, CARTs transfect NK cells more efficiently, better preserve cell viability, and cause minimal reconfiguration of NK cell phenotype and function. We use CARTs to generate cytotoxic primary anti-CD19 CAR NK cells, demonstrating this technology can drive clinical applications of NK cells. To our knowledge, CARTs represent the first efficacious transfection technique for resting primary human NK cells that preserves NK cell phenotype and can enable new biological discoveries and therapeutic applications of this understudied lymphocyte subset.
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27
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Reissmann S, Filatova MP. New generation of cell‐penetrating peptides: Functionality and potential clinical application. J Pept Sci 2021; 27:e3300. [DOI: 10.1002/psc.3300] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2020] [Revised: 01/06/2021] [Accepted: 01/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Siegmund Reissmann
- Faculty of Biological Sciences, Institute of Biochemistry and Biophysics Friedrich Schiller University Dornburger Str. 25 Jena Thueringia 07743 Germany
| | - Margarita P. Filatova
- Shemyakin‐Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry Russian Academy of Sciences Moscow Russia
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28
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Mckay A, Burgio G. Harnessing CRISPR-Cas system diversity for gene editing technologies. J Biomed Res 2021; 35:91-106. [PMID: 33797415 PMCID: PMC8038530 DOI: 10.7555/jbr.35.20200184] [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] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
The discovery and utilization of RNA-guided surveillance complexes, such as CRISPR-Cas9, for sequence-specific DNA or RNA cleavage, has revolutionised the process of gene modification or knockdown. To optimise the use of this technology, an exploratory race has ensued to discover or develop new RNA-guided endonucleases with the most flexible sequence targeting requirements, coupled with high cleavage efficacy and specificity. Here we review the constraints of existing gene editing and assess the merits of exploiting the diversity of CRISPR-Cas effectors as a methodology for surmounting these limitations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander Mckay
- Department of Immunology and Infectious Diseases, John Curtin School of Medical Research, Australian National University, Canberra, ACT 2601, Australia
| | - Gaetan Burgio
- Department of Immunology and Infectious Diseases, John Curtin School of Medical Research, Australian National University, Canberra, ACT 2601, Australia
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29
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Zhang S, Shen J, Li D, Cheng Y. Strategies in the delivery of Cas9 ribonucleoprotein for CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing. Theranostics 2021; 11:614-648. [PMID: 33391496 PMCID: PMC7738854 DOI: 10.7150/thno.47007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 168] [Impact Index Per Article: 56.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2020] [Accepted: 08/31/2020] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing has gained rapidly increasing attentions in recent years, however, the translation of this biotechnology into therapy has been hindered by efficient delivery of CRISPR/Cas9 materials into target cells. Direct delivery of CRISPR/Cas9 system as a ribonucleoprotein (RNP) complex consisting of Cas9 protein and single guide RNA (sgRNA) has emerged as a powerful and widespread method for genome editing due to its advantages of transient genome editing and reduced off-target effects. In this review, we summarized the current Cas9 RNP delivery systems including physical approaches and synthetic carriers. The mechanisms and beneficial roles of these strategies in intracellular Cas9 RNP delivery were reviewed. Examples in the development of stimuli-responsive and targeted carriers for RNP delivery are highlighted. Finally, the challenges of current Cas9 RNP delivery systems and perspectives in rational design of next generation materials for this promising field will be discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Song Zhang
- South China Advanced Institute for Soft Matter Science and Technology, School of Molecular Science and Engineering, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou 510640, China
| | - Jiangtao Shen
- The Second People's Hospital of Taizhou affiliated to Yangzhou University, Taizhou, 225500, China
| | - Dali Li
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Regulatory Biology, East China Normal University, Shanghai 200241, China
| | - Yiyun Cheng
- South China Advanced Institute for Soft Matter Science and Technology, School of Molecular Science and Engineering, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou 510640, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Regulatory Biology, East China Normal University, Shanghai 200241, China
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30
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Freen-van Heeren JJ. Using CRISPR to enhance T cell effector function for therapeutic applications. Cytokine X 2020; 3:100049. [PMID: 33604565 PMCID: PMC7885876 DOI: 10.1016/j.cytox.2020.100049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2020] [Accepted: 12/15/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
T cells are critical to fight pathogenic microbes and combat malignantly transformed cells in the fight against cancer. To exert their effector function, T cells produce effector molecules, such as the pro-inflammatory cytokines IFN-γ, TNF-α and IL-2. Tumors possess many inhibitory mechanisms that dampen T cell effector function, limiting the secretion of cytotoxic molecules. As a result, the control and elimination of tumors is impaired. Through recent advances in genomic editing, T cells can now be successfully modified via CRISPR/Cas9 technology. For instance, engaging (post-)transcriptional mechanisms to enhance T cell cytokine production, the retargeting of T cell antigen specificity or rendering T cells refractive to inhibitory receptor signaling can augment T cell effector function. Therefore, CRISPR/Cas9-mediated genome editing might provide novel strategies for cancer immunotherapy. Recently, the first-in-patient clinical trial was successfully performed with CRISPR/Cas9-modified human T cell therapy. In this review, a brief overview of currently available techniques is provided, and recent advances in T cell genomic engineering for the enhancement of T cell effector function for therapeutic purposes are discussed.
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Key Words
- AP-1, activator protein 1
- ARE, AU-rich element
- ARE-Del, deletion of the 3′UTR AREs from the Ifng/IFNG gene
- CAR T cells
- CAR, Chimeric Antigen Receptor
- CRISPR
- CRISPR, Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeat
- CRS, cytokine release syndrome
- CTLA-4, cytotoxic T-lymphocyte-associated protein 4
- Cas, CRISPR-associated
- Cas9
- Cytokines
- DGK, Diacylglycerol kinase
- DHX37, DEAH-box helicase 37
- EBV, Epstein Barr virus
- FOXP3, Forkhead box P3
- GATA, GATA binding protein
- Genome editing
- IFN, interferon
- IL, interleukin
- LAG-3, Lymphocyte Activating 3
- NF-κB, nuclear factor of activated B cells
- PD-1, Programmed cell Death 1
- PD-L1, Programmed Death Ligand 1
- PTPN2, Protein Tyrosine Phosphatase Non-Receptor 2
- Pdia3, Protein Disulfide Isomerase Family A Member 3
- RBP, RNA-binding protein
- RNP, ribonuclear protein
- T cell effector function
- T cells
- TCR, T cell receptor
- TGF, transforming growth factor
- TIL, Tumor Infiltrating Lymphocyte
- TLRs, Toll-like receptors
- TNF, tumor necrosis factor
- TRAC, TCR-α chain
- TRBC, TCR-β chain
- UTR, untranslated region
- tTCR, transgenic TCR
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Hu G, Miao Y, Luo X, Chu W, Fu Y. Identification of a novel cell-penetrating peptide derived from the capsid protein of chicken anemia virus and its application in gene delivery. Appl Microbiol Biotechnol 2020; 104:10503-10513. [PMID: 33141296 DOI: 10.1007/s00253-020-10988-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2020] [Revised: 10/15/2020] [Accepted: 10/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Cell membranes are a great obstacle for entrance of gene therapeutic agents. Cell-penetrating peptides (CPPs) have been proven as a promising gene delivery tool. However, the early TAT peptide derived from the HIV transcription activator protein has been proven that the sequence contains Furin protease cleaved motifs which limited the TAT application in delivery of exogenous active molecules. In the present study, through the bioinformatics and experimental approach, we have identified a novel CPP derived from the N terminus of VP1 protein of chicken anemia virus (CAV), designated as CVP1-N2, which is rich in arginine residues and contains α-helical structure. Then, the ability of CVP1-N2 cell penetrating was detected using confocal imaging and flow cytometry. FITC-labeled CVP1-N2 peptide could rapidly internalize into different types of live cells with dose dependence and without cytotoxic effects by MTT assay. Surprisingly, CVP1-N2 with a pattern of nuclear sub-location has shown the higher uptake efficiency than TAT. At 10, 1, and 0.1 μM, the mean relative internalization of CVP1-N2 was respectively 1.08-, 12-, and 75-fold higher than that of CVP1, as well as 1.6-, 56-, and 75-fold higher than that of TAT. Moreover, using endocytic inhibitors along with low-temperature stress validated that the CVP1-N2 internalization route is direct translocation pathway. Finally, the capacity of CVP1-N2 for delivery of gene into cells was determined, where it was able to carry red fluorescent protein (RFP) and apoptin genes into cells respectively and induce the apoptosis. All these data indicate that CVP1-N2 could be used as a novel gene delivery vehicle for gene therapy in the future. KEY POINTS: • 1CVP1-N2 was identified as a novel more efficient cell-penetrating peptide. • 2. CVP1-N2 localized to the nucleus through the direct transduction pathway. • 3. CVP1-N2 was able to deliver the apoptin gene into HCT116 cells and induce apoptosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gaowei Hu
- Institute of Biomass Resources, Taizhou University, Taizhou, Zhejiang, 318000, China.,College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, 225009, Jiangsu, China
| | - Yingjie Miao
- Institute of Biomass Resources, Taizhou University, Taizhou, Zhejiang, 318000, China
| | - Xi Luo
- Institute of Biomass Resources, Taizhou University, Taizhou, Zhejiang, 318000, China
| | - Wenhui Chu
- Institute of Biomass Resources, Taizhou University, Taizhou, Zhejiang, 318000, China
| | - Yongqian Fu
- Institute of Biomass Resources, Taizhou University, Taizhou, Zhejiang, 318000, China.
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32
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Lv W, Champion JA. Demonstration of intracellular trafficking, cytosolic bioavailability, and target manipulation of an antibody delivery platform. NANOMEDICINE-NANOTECHNOLOGY BIOLOGY AND MEDICINE 2020; 32:102315. [PMID: 33065253 DOI: 10.1016/j.nano.2020.102315] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2020] [Revised: 09/30/2020] [Accepted: 10/07/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Intracellular antibody delivery into live cells has significant implications for research and therapeutic applications. However, many delivery systems lack potency due to low uptake and/or endosomal entrapment and understanding of intracellular delivery processes is lacking. Herein, we studied the cellular uptake, intracellular trafficking and targeting of antibodies using our previously developed Hex antibody nanocarrier. We demonstrated Hex-antibodies were internalized through multiple endocytic routes into lysosomes and provide evidence of endo/lysosomal disruption and Hex-antibody release to the cytosol. Cytosolic antibodies retained their bioactivity for at least 24 h. Functional effect of Hex delivered anti-STAT3 antibodies was evidenced by inhibition of nuclear translocation of cytosolic transcription factor STAT3. This study has generated understanding of key steps in the Hex intracellular antibody delivery system and will facilitate the development of effective cytosolic antibody delivery and applications in both the therapeutic and research domains.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Lv
- School of Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering and Petit Institute for Bioengineering and Bioscience, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA, United States
| | - Julie A Champion
- School of Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering and Petit Institute for Bioengineering and Bioscience, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA, United States.
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33
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Tissue-Specific Delivery of CRISPR Therapeutics: Strategies and Mechanisms of Non-Viral Vectors. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21197353. [PMID: 33027946 PMCID: PMC7583726 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21197353] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2020] [Revised: 09/24/2020] [Accepted: 09/27/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats (CRISPR) genome editing system has been the focus of intense research in the last decade due to its superior ability to desirably target and edit DNA sequences. The applicability of the CRISPR-Cas system to in vivo genome editing has acquired substantial credit for a future in vivo gene-based therapeutic. Challenges such as targeting the wrong tissue, undesirable genetic mutations, or immunogenic responses, need to be tackled before CRISPR-Cas systems can be translated for clinical use. Hence, there is an evident gap in the field for a strategy to enhance the specificity of delivery of CRISPR-Cas gene editing systems for in vivo applications. Current approaches using viral vectors do not address these main challenges and, therefore, strategies to develop non-viral delivery systems are being explored. Peptide-based systems represent an attractive approach to developing gene-based therapeutics due to their specificity of targeting, scale-up potential, lack of an immunogenic response and resistance to proteolysis. In this review, we discuss the most recent efforts towards novel non-viral delivery systems, focusing on strategies and mechanisms of peptide-based delivery systems, that can specifically deliver CRISPR components to different cell types for therapeutic and research purposes.
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Naeimi Kararoudi M, Tullius BP, Chakravarti N, Pomeroy EJ, Moriarity BS, Beland K, Colamartino ABL, Haddad E, Chu Y, Cairo MS, Lee DA. Genetic and epigenetic modification of human primary NK cells for enhanced antitumor activity. Semin Hematol 2020; 57:201-212. [PMID: 33256913 PMCID: PMC7809645 DOI: 10.1053/j.seminhematol.2020.11.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2020] [Revised: 11/16/2020] [Accepted: 11/16/2020] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Cancer immunotherapy using genetically modified immune cells such as those expressing chimeric antigen receptors has shown dramatic outcomes in patients with refractory and relapsed malignancies. Natural killer (NK) cells as a member of the innate immune system, possessing both anticancer (cytotoxic) and proinflammatory (cytokine) responses to cancers and rare off-target toxicities have great potential for a wide range of cancer therapeutic settings. Therefore, improving NK cell antitumor activity through genetic modification is of high interest in the field of cancer immunotherapy. However, gene manipulation in primary NK cells has been challenging because of broad resistance to many genetic modification methods that work well in T cells. Here we review recent successful approaches for genetic and epigenetic modification of NK cells including epigenetic remodeling, transposons, mRNA-mediated gene delivery, lentiviruses, and CRISPR gene targeting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meisam Naeimi Kararoudi
- Center for Childhood Cancer and Blood Disorders, Abigail Wexner Research Institute of Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, OH
| | - Brian P Tullius
- Center for Childhood Cancer and Blood Disorders, Abigail Wexner Research Institute of Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, OH
| | - Nitin Chakravarti
- Department of Medical Oncology, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA
| | - Emily J Pomeroy
- Center for Genome Engineering, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN
| | | | - Kathie Beland
- CHU Sainte-Justine Research Center, Montréal, QC, Canada
| | | | - Elie Haddad
- CHU Sainte-Justine Research Center, Montréal, QC, Canada
| | - Yaya Chu
- Department of Pediatrics, New York Medical College, Valhalla, NY
| | - Mitchell S Cairo
- Department of Pediatrics, New York Medical College, Valhalla, NY
| | - Dean A Lee
- Center for Childhood Cancer and Blood Disorders, Abigail Wexner Research Institute of Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, OH.
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Taylor RE, Zahid M. Cell Penetrating Peptides, Novel Vectors for Gene Therapy. Pharmaceutics 2020; 12:E225. [PMID: 32138146 PMCID: PMC7150854 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics12030225] [Citation(s) in RCA: 90] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2020] [Revised: 02/27/2020] [Accepted: 03/01/2020] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Cell penetrating peptides (CPPs), also known as protein transduction domains (PTDs), first identified ~25 years ago, are small, 6-30 amino acid long, synthetic, or naturally occurring peptides, able to carry variety of cargoes across the cellular membranes in an intact, functional form. Since their initial description and characterization, the field of cell penetrating peptides as vectors has exploded. The cargoes they can deliver range from other small peptides, full-length proteins, nucleic acids including RNA and DNA, liposomes, nanoparticles, and viral particles as well as radioisotopes and other fluorescent probes for imaging purposes. In this review, we will focus briefly on their history, classification system, and mechanism of transduction followed by a summary of the existing literature on use of CPPs as gene delivery vectors either in the form of modified viruses, plasmid DNA, small interfering RNA, oligonucleotides, full-length genes, DNA origami or peptide nucleic acids.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca E. Taylor
- Mechanical Engineering, Biomedical Engineering and Electrical and Computer Engineering, Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA;
| | - Maliha Zahid
- Department of Developmental Biology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA 15201, USA
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36
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Jain PK, Lo JH, Rananaware S, Downing M, Panda A, Tai M, Raghavan S, Fleming HE, Bhatia SN. Non-viral delivery of CRISPR/Cas9 complex using CRISPR-GPS nanocomplexes. NANOSCALE 2019; 11:21317-21323. [PMID: 31670340 PMCID: PMC7709491 DOI: 10.1039/c9nr01786k] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
There is a critical need for the development of safe and efficient delivery technologies for CRISPR/Cas9 to advance translation of genome editing to the clinic. Non-viral methods that are simple, efficient, and completely based on biologically-derived materials could offer such potential. Here we report a simple and modular tandem peptide-based nanocomplex system with cell-targeting capacity that efficiently combines guide RNA (sgRNA) with Cas9 protein, and facilitates internalization of sgRNA/Cas9 ribonucleoprotein complexes to yield robust genome editing across multiple cell lines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Piyush K Jain
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32611, USA and Marble Center for Cancer Nanomedicine, Institute for Medical Engineering & Science, Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA and UF Health Cancer Center, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32608.
| | - Justin H Lo
- Marble Center for Cancer Nanomedicine, Institute for Medical Engineering & Science, Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA and Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN 37232, USA
| | - Santosh Rananaware
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32611, USA
| | - Marco Downing
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32611, USA
| | - Apekshya Panda
- Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA and Broad Institute of Massachusetts Institute of Technology and Harvard, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | - Michelle Tai
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | - Srivatsan Raghavan
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA 02115, USA and Broad Institute of Massachusetts Institute of Technology and Harvard, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | - Heather E Fleming
- Marble Center for Cancer Nanomedicine, Institute for Medical Engineering & Science, Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | - Sangeeta N Bhatia
- Marble Center for Cancer Nanomedicine, Institute for Medical Engineering & Science, Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA and Broad Institute of Massachusetts Institute of Technology and Harvard, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA and Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA and Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA.
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37
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Engineered amphiphilic peptides enable delivery of proteins and CRISPR-associated nucleases to airway epithelia. Nat Commun 2019; 10:4906. [PMID: 31659165 PMCID: PMC6817825 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-019-12922-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 72] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2019] [Accepted: 09/30/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The delivery of biologic cargoes to airway epithelial cells is challenging due to the formidable barriers imposed by its specialized and differentiated cells. Among cargoes, recombinant proteins offer therapeutic promise but the lack of effective delivery methods limits their development. Here, we achieve protein and SpCas9 or AsCas12a ribonucleoprotein (RNP) delivery to cultured human well-differentiated airway epithelial cells and mouse lungs with engineered amphiphilic peptides. These shuttle peptides, non-covalently combined with GFP protein or CRISPR-associated nuclease (Cas) RNP, allow rapid entry into cultured human ciliated and non-ciliated epithelial cells and mouse airway epithelia. Instillation of shuttle peptides combined with SpCas9 or AsCas12a RNP achieves editing of loxP sites in airway epithelia of ROSAmT/mG mice. We observe no evidence of short-term toxicity with a widespread distribution restricted to the respiratory tract. This peptide-based technology advances potential therapeutic avenues for protein and Cas RNP delivery to refractory airway epithelial cells. Delivering biological cargo to airway epithelial cells is very challenging. Here, the authors use engineered amphiphilic peptides to shuttle proteins and CRISPR RNPs into airway cells in vivo.
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Abstract
The emergence of the CRISPR-Cas9 gene editing system has brought much hope and excitement to the field of gene therapy and the larger scientific community. However, in order for CRISPR-based therapies to be translated to the clinical setting, there is an urgent need to develop optimized vectors for their delivery. The delivery vector is a crucial determinant of the therapeutic efficacy of gene editing and should be designed to accommodate various factors including the form of the payload, the physiological environment, and the potential immune responses. Recently, biomaterials have become an attractive option for the delivery of Cas9 due to their tunability, biocompatibility and increasing efficacy at drug delivery. Biomaterials offer a unique solution for creating tailored vectors to meet the demands of various applications that cannot be easily met by other delivery methods. In this review, we will discuss the various biomaterial systems that have been used to deliver Cas9 in its plasmid, mRNA and protein forms. In addition, the functions of these materials will be reviewed to understand their roles in Cas9 delivery. Finally, the immune challenges associated with Cas9 and the delivery materials will be discussed as an understanding of the immune responses along with the functions of biomaterials will ultimately guide the field in designing new delivery systems for the clinical applications of CRISPR-Cas9.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joon Eoh
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Institute for NanoBioTechnology, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland 21218, USA.
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Campbell LA, Richie CT, Maggirwar NS, Harvey BK. Cas9 Ribonucleoprotein Complex Delivery: Methods and Applications for Neuroinflammation. J Neuroimmune Pharmacol 2019; 14:565-577. [PMID: 31172397 DOI: 10.1007/s11481-019-09856-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2019] [Accepted: 05/02/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
The CRISPR/Cas9 system is a revolutionary gene editing technology that combines simplicity of use and efficiency of mutagenesis. As this technology progresses toward human therapies, valid concerns including off-target mutations and immunogenicity must be addressed. One approach to address these issues is to minimize the presence of the CRISPR/Cas9 components by maintaining a tighter temporal control of Cas9 endonuclease and reducing the time period of activity. This has been achieved to some degree by delivering the CRISPR/Cas9 system via pre-formed Cas9 + gRNA ribonucleoprotein (RNP) complexes. In this review, we first discuss the molecular modifications that can be made using CRISPR/Cas9 and provide an overview of current methods for delivering Cas9 RNP complexes both in vitro and in vivo. We conclude with examples of how Cas9 RNP delivery may be used to target neuroinflammatory processes, namely in regard to viral infections of the central nervous system and neurodegenerative diseases. We propose that Cas9 RNP delivery is a viable approach when considering the CRISPR/Cas9 system for both experimentation and the treatment of disease. Graphical Abstract.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lee A Campbell
- Intramural Research Program, Biomedical Research Center, National Institute on Drug Abuse, Suite 200, 251 Bayview Blvd, Baltimore, MD, 21224, USA.
| | - Christopher T Richie
- Intramural Research Program, Biomedical Research Center, National Institute on Drug Abuse, Suite 200, 251 Bayview Blvd, Baltimore, MD, 21224, USA
| | - Nishad S Maggirwar
- Intramural Research Program, Biomedical Research Center, National Institute on Drug Abuse, Suite 200, 251 Bayview Blvd, Baltimore, MD, 21224, USA
| | - Brandon K Harvey
- Intramural Research Program, Biomedical Research Center, National Institute on Drug Abuse, Suite 200, 251 Bayview Blvd, Baltimore, MD, 21224, USA.
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40
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Safari F, Zare K, Negahdaripour M, Barekati-Mowahed M, Ghasemi Y. CRISPR Cpf1 proteins: structure, function and implications for genome editing. Cell Biosci 2019; 9:36. [PMID: 31086658 PMCID: PMC6507119 DOI: 10.1186/s13578-019-0298-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 92] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2019] [Accepted: 04/20/2019] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
CRISPR and CRISPR-associated (Cas) protein, as components of microbial adaptive immune system, allows biologists to edit genomic DNA in a precise and specific way. CRISPR-Cas systems are classified into two main classes and six types. Cpf1 is a putative type V (class II) CRISPR effector, which can be programmed with a CRISPR RNA to bind and cleave complementary DNA targets. Cpf1 has recently emerged as an alternative for Cas9, due to its distinct features such as the ability to target T-rich motifs, no need for trans-activating crRNA, inducing a staggered double-strand break and potential for both RNA processing and DNA nuclease activity. In this review, we attempt to discuss the evolutionary origins, basic architectures, and molecular mechanisms of Cpf1 family proteins, as well as crRNA designing and delivery strategies. We will also describe the novel Cpf1 variants, which have broadened the versatility and feasibility of this system in genome editing, transcription regulation, epigenetic modulation, and base editing. Finally, we will be reviewing the recent studies on utilization of Cpf1as a molecular tool for genome editing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fatemeh Safari
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, School of Advanced Medical Sciences and Technologies, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Khadijeh Zare
- Department of Basic Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Manica Negahdaripour
- Pharmaceutical Sciences Research Center, School of Pharmacy, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Mazyar Barekati-Mowahed
- Department of Physiology & Biophysics, School of Medicine, Case Western Reserve University, Ohio, USA
| | - Younes Ghasemi
- Department of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, School of Pharmacy, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
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41
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Safe CRISPR: Challenges and Possible Solutions. Trends Biotechnol 2019; 37:389-401. [DOI: 10.1016/j.tibtech.2018.09.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2018] [Revised: 09/24/2018] [Accepted: 09/28/2018] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
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Brock DJ, Kondow-McConaghy HM, Hager EC, Pellois JP. Endosomal Escape and Cytosolic Penetration of Macromolecules Mediated by Synthetic Delivery Agents. Bioconjug Chem 2018; 30:293-304. [PMID: 30462487 DOI: 10.1021/acs.bioconjchem.8b00799] [Citation(s) in RCA: 66] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Cell delivery reagents often exploit the endocytic pathway as a route of cell entry. Once endocytosed, these reagents must overcome endosomal entrapment to ensure the release of their macromolecular cargo into the cytosol of cells. In this review, we describe several examples of prototypical synthetic reagents that are capable of endosomal escape and examine their mechanisms of action, their efficiencies, and their effects on cells. Although these delivery systems are chemically distinct, some commonalities in how they interact with cellular membranes can be inferred. This, in turn, sheds some light on the process of endosomal escape, and may help guide the development and optimization of next-generation delivery tools.
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43
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Rouet R, de Oñate L, Li J, Murthy N, Wilson RC. Engineering CRISPR-Cas9 RNA–Protein Complexes for Improved Function and Delivery. CRISPR J 2018; 1:367-378. [DOI: 10.1089/crispr.2018.0037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Romain Rouet
- Garvan Institute of Medical Research, Darlinghurst, New South Wales 2010, Australia
- St Vincent's Clinical School, UNSW Medicine Sydney, Darlinghurst, New South Wales 2010, Australia
| | - Lorena de Oñate
- Innovative Genomics Institute, University of California, Berkeley, CA 94720
- California Institute for Quantitative Biosciences, University of California, Berkeley, CA 94720
| | - Jie Li
- Innovative Genomics Institute, University of California, Berkeley, CA 94720
- Department of Bioengineering, University of California, Berkeley, CA 94720
| | - Niren Murthy
- Innovative Genomics Institute, University of California, Berkeley, CA 94720
- Department of Bioengineering, University of California, Berkeley, CA 94720
| | - Ross C. Wilson
- Innovative Genomics Institute, University of California, Berkeley, CA 94720
- California Institute for Quantitative Biosciences, University of California, Berkeley, CA 94720
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44
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Dominguez-Monedero A, Davies JA. Tamoxifen- and Mifepristone-Inducible Versions of CRISPR Effectors, Cas9 and Cpf1. ACS Synth Biol 2018; 7:2160-2169. [PMID: 30138555 DOI: 10.1021/acssynbio.8b00145] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Methods for making specific modifications to the genomes of living cells are powerful research tools. Two methods currently dominate, CRISPR and Cre recombinase. CRISPR has the advantage that it can act on unmodified target genes; Cre has the advantage of being available in drug-inducible versions, allowing temporal control, but it requires engineering ("floxing") of the target gene. Here, we have combined these advantages by constructing drug (tamoxifen/mifepristone)-inducible Cas9 and Cpf1 CRISPR effectors. We demonstrate their low background activity and robust activation with drugs, by using gRNAs to target them to TetR, in a cell carrying a Tet-repressed reporter gene. As well as being useful in their own right, the research tools generated here will pave the way to making further drug-inducible effector proteins.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Jamie A Davies
- Deanery of Biomedical Sciences , University of Edinburgh , Edinburgh , EH8 9XD , U.K
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45
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Keller AA, Scheiding B, Breitling R, Licht A, Hemmerich P, Lorkowski S, Reissmann S. Transduction and transfection of difficult-to-transfect cells: Systematic attempts for the transfection of protozoa Leishmania. J Cell Biochem 2018; 120:14-27. [PMID: 30216507 DOI: 10.1002/jcb.27463] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2018] [Accepted: 07/25/2018] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Cell-penetrating peptides (CPPs) are used to internalize different cargoes, including DNA, into live mammalian and plant cells. Despite many cells being easily transfected with this approach, other cells are rather "difficult" or "hard to transfect," including protist cells of the genus Leishmania. Based on our previous results in successfully internalizing proteins into Leishmania tarentolae cells, we used single CPPs and three different DNA-binding proteins to form protein-like complexes with plasmids covered with CPPs. We attempted magnetofection, electroporation, and transfection using a number of commercially available detergents. While complex formation with negatively charged DNA required substantially higher amounts of CPPs than those necessary for mostly neutral proteins, the cytotoxicity of the required amounts of CPPs and auxiliaries was thoroughly studied. We found that Leishmania cells were indeed susceptible to high concentrations of some CPPs and auxiliaries, although in a different manner compared with that for mammalian cells. The lack of successful transfections implies the necessity to accept certain general limitations regarding DNA internalization into difficult-to-transfect cells. Only electroporation allowed reproducible internalization of large and rigid plasmid DNA molecules through electrically disturbed extended membrane areas, known as permeable membrane macrodomains.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea-Anneliese Keller
- Friedrich Schiller University, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Institute of Nutritional Sciences and Abbe Centre of Photonics, Jena, Germany
| | - Berith Scheiding
- Friedrich Schiller University, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Institute of Nutritional Sciences and Abbe Centre of Photonics, Jena, Germany
| | | | | | - Peter Hemmerich
- Leibniz Institute for Aging Research, Fritz Lipmann Institute, Jena, Germany
| | - Stefan Lorkowski
- Friedrich Schiller University, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Institute of Nutritional Sciences and Abbe Centre of Photonics, Jena, Germany.,Competence Cluster for Nutrition and Cardiovascular Health (nutriCARD), Halle-Jena-Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Siegmund Reissmann
- Friedrich Schiller University, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Institute of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Jena, Germany
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