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Li Q, Gao C, Shen X, Xing D. Graphene oxide-functionalized molecular beacon for real-time interference-free detection of Ki-67 mRNA in living cells. Talanta 2024; 278:126538. [PMID: 39002264 DOI: 10.1016/j.talanta.2024.126538] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2024] [Revised: 06/08/2024] [Accepted: 07/09/2024] [Indexed: 07/15/2024]
Abstract
Molecular beacons (MBs) based on hairpin-shaped oligonucleotides are captivating owing to their capability to enable effective real-time detection of cytosolic mRNA in living cells. However, DNase in the nucleus and lysosome could induce the degradation of oligonucleotides in MBs, leading to the generation of false-positive signals. Herein, a graphene oxide (GO) nanosheet was applied as a nanocarrier for MBs to greatly enhance the anti-interference of the easily designed nanoprobe. Advantageously, the absorption capacity of GO for MBs increased with the decrease in pH values, providing the MB-GO nanoprobe with the ability to detect the expression of cytosolic Ki-67 mRNA without interference from DNase Ⅱ in lysosomes. Moreover, the size of GO nanosheets was considerably higher than that of the nuclear pore complex (NPC), which prevented nanoprobes from transition through the NPCs, thereby avoiding the generation of false-positive signals in the nucleus. Altogether, the present work affords a convenient approach for the successful detection of Ki-67 mRNA expression in the cytosol without interference from DNase Ⅰ/Ⅱ in the nucleus/lysosome, which may be potentially further applied for the detection of other cytosolic RNAs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qian Li
- Cancer Institute, the Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao University, Qingdao, 266071, China; Qingdao Cancer Institute, Qingdao, 266071, China.
| | - Chihao Gao
- State Key Laboratory Base of Eco-chemical Engineering, College of Chemical Engineering, Qingdao University of Science and Technology, Qingdao, 266042, China; Institute of High Performance Polymers, Qingdao University of Science and Technology, Qingdao, 266042, China
| | - Xin Shen
- State Key Laboratory Base of Eco-chemical Engineering, College of Chemical Engineering, Qingdao University of Science and Technology, Qingdao, 266042, China; Institute of High Performance Polymers, Qingdao University of Science and Technology, Qingdao, 266042, China
| | - Dongming Xing
- Cancer Institute, the Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao University, Qingdao, 266071, China; Qingdao Cancer Institute, Qingdao, 266071, China; School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China
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2
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Yang Q, Peng Y, Deng Z, Zhang D, Long CY, Zhang GR, Li J, Wang XQ, Tan W. Regulating the properties of XQ-2d for targeted delivery of therapeutic agents to pancreatic cancers. Natl Sci Rev 2023; 10:nwad113. [PMID: 37731726 PMCID: PMC10508320 DOI: 10.1093/nsr/nwad113] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2021] [Revised: 04/06/2023] [Accepted: 04/06/2023] [Indexed: 09/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Enhanced recognition ability, cell uptake capacity, and biostability are characteristics attributed to aptamer-based targeted anticancer agents, and are possibly associated with increased accumulation at the tumor site, improved therapeutic efficacy and reduced negative side effects. Herein, a phosphorothioate backbone modification strategy was applied to regulate the biomedical properties of pancreatic cancer cell-targeting aptamer for efficient in vivo drug delivery. Specifically, the CD71- targeting aptamer XQ-2d was modified into a fully thio-substituted aptamer S-XQ-2d, improving the plasma stability of S-XQ-2d and mitomycin C (MMC)-functionalized S-XQ-2d (MFSX), thus considerably prolonging their half-life in mice. Moreover, the binding and uptake capacities of S-XQ-2d were significantly enhanced. MFSX showed the same level of cytotoxicity as that of MMC against targeted cancer cells, but lower toxicity to non-targeted cells, highlighting its specificity and biosafety. Brief mechanistic studies demonstrated that XQ-2d and S-XQ-2d had different interaction modes and internalization pathways with the targeted cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiuxia Yang
- Zhejiang Cancer Hospital, Hangzhou Institute of Medicine (HIM), Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou 310022, China
| | - Yongbo Peng
- Molecular Science and Biomedicine Laboratory (MBL), State Key Laboratory of Chemo/Biosensing and Chemometrics, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, College of Biology, Aptamer Engineering Center of Hunan Province, Hunan University, Changsha 410082, China
| | - Zhengyu Deng
- Molecular Science and Biomedicine Laboratory (MBL), State Key Laboratory of Chemo/Biosensing and Chemometrics, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, College of Biology, Aptamer Engineering Center of Hunan Province, Hunan University, Changsha 410082, China
| | - Dailiang Zhang
- Zhejiang Cancer Hospital, Hangzhou Institute of Medicine (HIM), Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou 310022, China
| | - Cheng-Yu Long
- Molecular Science and Biomedicine Laboratory (MBL), State Key Laboratory of Chemo/Biosensing and Chemometrics, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, College of Biology, Aptamer Engineering Center of Hunan Province, Hunan University, Changsha 410082, China
| | - Guo-Rong Zhang
- Molecular Science and Biomedicine Laboratory (MBL), State Key Laboratory of Chemo/Biosensing and Chemometrics, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, College of Biology, Aptamer Engineering Center of Hunan Province, Hunan University, Changsha 410082, China
| | - Juan Li
- Zhejiang Cancer Hospital, Hangzhou Institute of Medicine (HIM), Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou 310022, China
| | - Xue-Qiang Wang
- Zhejiang Cancer Hospital, Hangzhou Institute of Medicine (HIM), Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou 310022, China
- Molecular Science and Biomedicine Laboratory (MBL), State Key Laboratory of Chemo/Biosensing and Chemometrics, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, College of Biology, Aptamer Engineering Center of Hunan Province, Hunan University, Changsha 410082, China
| | - Weihong Tan
- Zhejiang Cancer Hospital, Hangzhou Institute of Medicine (HIM), Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou 310022, China
- Molecular Science and Biomedicine Laboratory (MBL), State Key Laboratory of Chemo/Biosensing and Chemometrics, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, College of Biology, Aptamer Engineering Center of Hunan Province, Hunan University, Changsha 410082, China
- Institute of Molecular Medicine (IMM), Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200127, China
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3
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Babanejad N, Mfoafo K, Thumma A, Omidi Y, Omidian H. Advances in cryostructures and their applications in biomedical and pharmaceutical products. Polym Bull (Berl) 2023. [DOI: 10.1007/s00289-023-04683-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
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4
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Paul A, Muralidharan A, Biswas A, Venkatesh Kamath B, Joseph A, Alex AT. siRNA Therapeutics and its Challenges: Recent Advances in Effective Delivery for Cancer Therapy. OPENNANO 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.onano.2022.100063] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/16/2022]
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5
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Klabenkova K, Fokina A, Stetsenko D. Chemistry of Peptide-Oligonucleotide Conjugates: A Review. Molecules 2021; 26:5420. [PMID: 34500849 PMCID: PMC8434111 DOI: 10.3390/molecules26175420] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2021] [Revised: 08/30/2021] [Accepted: 09/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Peptide-oligonucleotide conjugates (POCs) represent one of the increasingly successful albeit costly approaches to increasing the cellular uptake, tissue delivery, bioavailability, and, thus, overall efficiency of therapeutic nucleic acids, such as, antisense oligonucleotides and small interfering RNAs. This review puts the subject of chemical synthesis of POCs into the wider context of therapeutic oligonucleotides and the problem of nucleic acid drug delivery, cell-penetrating peptide structural types, the mechanisms of their intracellular transport, and the ways of application, which include the formation of non-covalent complexes with oligonucleotides (peptide additives) or covalent conjugation. The main strategies for the synthesis of POCs are viewed in detail, which are conceptually divided into (a) the stepwise solid-phase synthesis approach and (b) post-synthetic conjugation either in solution or on the solid phase, especially by means of various click chemistries. The relative advantages and disadvantages of both strategies are discussed and compared.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristina Klabenkova
- Faculty of Physics, Novosibirsk State University, 630090 Novosibirsk, Russia; (K.K.); (D.S.)
- Institute of Cytology and Genetics, Russian Academy of Sciences, Siberian Branch, 630090 Novosibirsk, Russia
| | - Alesya Fokina
- Faculty of Physics, Novosibirsk State University, 630090 Novosibirsk, Russia; (K.K.); (D.S.)
- Institute of Cytology and Genetics, Russian Academy of Sciences, Siberian Branch, 630090 Novosibirsk, Russia
| | - Dmitry Stetsenko
- Faculty of Physics, Novosibirsk State University, 630090 Novosibirsk, Russia; (K.K.); (D.S.)
- Institute of Cytology and Genetics, Russian Academy of Sciences, Siberian Branch, 630090 Novosibirsk, Russia
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Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death globally, with the number of deaths rising every year. Much effort has gone into development of new treatment strategies. Many RNA species have important regulatory functions in disease initiation and progression, providing interesting new treatment options. This review focuses on different classes of RNA-based therapeutics and provides examples of current clinical and preclinical studies. Current challenges that prevent clinical translation and possibilities to overcome them will be discussed. RECENT FINDINGS Different RNA-based molecules have been developed, such as antisense oligos, microRNA mimics and small interfering RNAs. Modifications are used to prevent degradation and immune activation and improve affinity. Additionally, in order to improve delivery of the RNA molecules to the target tissues, viral or nonviral vectors can be used. SUMMARY RNA-based therapy has been shown to be a promising new treatment strategy for different disorders. However, several challenges, such as delivery problems and low efficacy remain. Future research will likely focus on effective delivery to target tissues in order to improve efficacy and avoid harmful side-effects.
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Linnane E, Davey P, Zhang P, Puri S, Edbrooke M, Chiarparin E, Revenko AS, Macleod A, Norman JC, Ross SJ. Differential uptake, kinetics and mechanisms of intracellular trafficking of next-generation antisense oligonucleotides across human cancer cell lines. Nucleic Acids Res 2019; 47:4375-4392. [PMID: 30927008 PMCID: PMC6511877 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkz214] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2018] [Revised: 03/11/2019] [Accepted: 03/18/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Antisense oligonucleotides (ASOs) modulate cellular target gene expression through direct binding to complementary RNA. Advances in ASO chemistry have led to the development of phosphorothioate (PS) ASOs with constrained-ethyl modifications (cEt). These next-generation cEt-ASOs can enter cells without transfection reagents. Factors involved in intracellular uptake and trafficking of cEt-ASOs leading to successful target knockdown are highly complex and not yet fully understood. AZD4785 is a potent and selective therapeutic KRAS cEt-ASO currently under clinical development for the treatment of cancer. Therefore, we used this to investigate mechanisms of cEt-ASO trafficking across a panel of cancer cells. We found that the extent of ASO-mediated KRAS mRNA knockdown varied significantly between cells and that this did not correlate with bulk levels of intracellular accumulation. We showed that in cells with good productive uptake, distribution of ASO was perinuclear and in those with poor productive uptake distribution was peripheral. Furthermore, ASO rapidly trafficked to the late endosome/lysosome in poor productive uptake cells compared to those with more robust knockdown. An siRNA screen identified several factors mechanistically involved in productive ASO uptake, including the endosomal GTPase Rab5C. This work provides novel insights into the trafficking of cEt-ASOs and mechanisms that may determine their cellular fate.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily Linnane
- Bioscience, Oncology, IMED Biotech Unit, AstraZeneca, Cambridge, CB10 1XL, UK
| | - Paul Davey
- Chemistry, Oncology, IMED Biotech Unit, AstraZeneca, Cambridge, CB4 0WG, UK
| | - Pei Zhang
- Bioscience, Oncology, IMED Biotech Unit, AstraZeneca, Cambridge, CB10 1XL, UK
| | - Sanyogitta Puri
- Advanced Drug Delivery, Pharmaceutical Sciences, IMED Biotech Unit, AstraZeneca, Cambridge, CB21 6GH, UK
| | - Mark Edbrooke
- Bioscience, Oncology, IMED Biotech Unit, AstraZeneca, Cambridge, CB10 1XL, UK
| | | | | | | | - Jim C Norman
- Cancer Research UK Beatson Institute, Glasgow, G61 1BD, UK
- Institute of Cancer Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow G61 1QH, UK
| | - Sarah J Ross
- Bioscience, Oncology, IMED Biotech Unit, AstraZeneca, Cambridge, CB10 1XL, UK
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Pal C, Velusamy A, Sunkari YK, Chakraborty TK. Studies on sugar puckering and glycosidic stabilities of 3'-amino-5'-carboxymethyl-3',5'-dideoxy nucleoside mimics. Org Biomol Chem 2019; 16:6735-6740. [PMID: 30187064 DOI: 10.1039/c8ob01788c] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
The synthesis of nucleoside amino acid monomers and dimers has been carried out to evaluate and characterize the impact of the neutral amide backbone on key attributes like puckering of the sugar rings and glycosidic bond strengths of these analogs. The conformational analysis suggests that amide-linked nucleotides have a high predilection towards N-type conformers. The glycosidic bond strength was found to be slightly weaker compared to ribonucleosides under acidic conditions at high temperatures. The results will be helpful to explore in future the development of fully amide-linked oligonucleotides for therapeutic purposes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chandan Pal
- Department of Organic Chemistry, Indian Institute of Science, Bengaluru 560 012, India.
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9
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Gatta AK, Hariharapura RC, Udupa N, Reddy MS, Josyula VR. Strategies for improving the specificity of siRNAs for enhanced therapeutic potential. Expert Opin Drug Discov 2018; 13:709-725. [PMID: 29902093 DOI: 10.1080/17460441.2018.1480607] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION RNA interference has become a tool of choice in the development of drugs in various therapeutic areas of Post Transcriptional Gene Silencing (PTGS). The critical element in developing successful RNAi therapeutics lies in designing small interfering RNA (siRNA) using an efficient algorithm satisfying the designing criteria. Further, translation of siRNA from bench-side to bedside needs an efficient delivery system and/or chemical modification. Areas covered: This review emphasizes the importance of dicer, the criteria for efficient siRNA design, the currently available algorithms and strategies to overcome off-target effects, immune stimulatory effects and endosomal trap. Expert opinion: Specificity and stability are the primary concerns for siRNA therapeutics. The design criteria and algorithms should be chosen rationally to have a siRNA sequence that binds to the corresponding mRNA as it happens in the Watson and Crick base pairing. However, it must evade a few more hurdles (Endocytosis, Serum stability etc.) to be functional in the cytosol.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aditya Kiran Gatta
- a Cell and Molecular Biology lab, Department of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology , Manipal College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Manipal Academy of Higher Education , Manipal , Karnataka , India
| | - Raghu Chandrashekhar Hariharapura
- a Cell and Molecular Biology lab, Department of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology , Manipal College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Manipal Academy of Higher Education , Manipal , Karnataka , India
| | - Nayanabhirama Udupa
- b Research Directorate of Health Sciences , Manipal Academy of Higher Education , Manipal , Karnataka , India
| | - Meka Sreenivasa Reddy
- c Department of Pharmaceutics, Manipal College of Pharmaceutical Sciences , Manipal Academy of Higher Education , Manipal , Karnataka , India
| | - Venkata Rao Josyula
- a Cell and Molecular Biology lab, Department of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology , Manipal College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Manipal Academy of Higher Education , Manipal , Karnataka , India
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10
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Yang J, Sun JF, Wang TT, Guo XH, Wei JX, Jia LT, Yang AG. Targeted inhibition of hantavirus replication and intracranial pathogenesis by a chimeric protein-delivered siRNA. Antiviral Res 2017; 147:107-115. [DOI: 10.1016/j.antiviral.2017.10.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2017] [Revised: 10/01/2017] [Accepted: 10/06/2017] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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11
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Sun Y, Zhao Y, Zhao X, Lee RJ, Teng L, Zhou C. Enhancing the Therapeutic Delivery of Oligonucleotides by Chemical Modification and Nanoparticle Encapsulation. Molecules 2017; 22:E1724. [PMID: 29027965 PMCID: PMC6158866 DOI: 10.3390/molecules22101724] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2017] [Revised: 09/22/2017] [Accepted: 10/09/2017] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Oligonucleotide (ON) drugs, including small interfering RNA (siRNA), microRNA (miRNA) and antisense oligonucleotides, are promising therapeutic agents. However, their low membrane permeability and sensitivity to nucleases present challenges to in vivo delivery. Chemical modifications of the ON offer a potential solution to improve the stability and efficacy of ON drugs. Combined with nanoparticle encapsulation, delivery at the site of action and gene silencing activity of chemically modified ON drugs can be further enhanced. In the present review, several types of ON drugs, selection of chemical modification, and nanoparticle-based delivery systems to deliver these ON drugs are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yating Sun
- School of Life Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun 130012, China.
| | - Yarong Zhao
- School of Life Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun 130012, China.
| | - Xiuting Zhao
- School of Life Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun 130012, China.
| | - Robert J Lee
- School of Life Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun 130012, China.
- College of Pharmacy, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA.
| | - Lesheng Teng
- School of Life Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun 130012, China.
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González-Barriga A, Nillessen B, Kranzen J, van Kessel IDG, Croes HJE, Aguilera B, de Visser PC, Datson NA, Mulders SAM, van Deutekom JCT, Wieringa B, Wansink DG. Intracellular Distribution and Nuclear Activity of Antisense Oligonucleotides After Unassisted Uptake in Myoblasts and Differentiated Myotubes In Vitro. Nucleic Acid Ther 2017; 27:144-158. [PMID: 28375678 PMCID: PMC5467152 DOI: 10.1089/nat.2016.0641] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Clinical efficacy of antisense oligonucleotides (AONs) for the treatment of neuromuscular disorders depends on efficient cellular uptake and proper intracellular routing to the target. Selection of AONs with highest in vitro efficiencies is usually based on chemical or physical methods for forced cellular delivery. Since these methods largely bypass existing natural mechanisms for membrane passage and intracellular trafficking, spontaneous uptake and distribution of AONs in cells are still poorly understood. Here, we report on the unassisted uptake of naked AONs, so-called gymnosis, in muscle cells in culture. We found that gymnosis works similarly well for proliferating myoblasts as for terminally differentiated myotubes. Cell biological analyses combined with microscopy imaging showed that a phosphorothioate backbone promotes efficient gymnosis, that uptake is clathrin mediated and mainly results in endosomal-lysosomal accumulation. Nuclear localization occurred at a low level, but the gymnotically delivered AONs effectively modulated the expression of their nuclear RNA targets. Chloroquine treatment after gymnotic delivery helped increase nuclear AON levels. In sum, we demonstrate that gymnosis is feasible in proliferating and non-proliferating muscle cells and we confirm the relevance of AON chemistry for uptake and intracellular trafficking with this method, which provides a useful means for bio-activity screening of AONs in vitro.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anchel González-Barriga
- 1 Department of Cell Biology, Radboud Institute for Molecular Life Sciences, Radboud University Medical Center , Nijmegen, the Netherlands .,2 BioMarin Nederland B.V., Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Bram Nillessen
- 1 Department of Cell Biology, Radboud Institute for Molecular Life Sciences, Radboud University Medical Center , Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - Julia Kranzen
- 1 Department of Cell Biology, Radboud Institute for Molecular Life Sciences, Radboud University Medical Center , Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - Ingeborg D G van Kessel
- 1 Department of Cell Biology, Radboud Institute for Molecular Life Sciences, Radboud University Medical Center , Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - Huib J E Croes
- 1 Department of Cell Biology, Radboud Institute for Molecular Life Sciences, Radboud University Medical Center , Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Bé Wieringa
- 1 Department of Cell Biology, Radboud Institute for Molecular Life Sciences, Radboud University Medical Center , Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - Derick G Wansink
- 1 Department of Cell Biology, Radboud Institute for Molecular Life Sciences, Radboud University Medical Center , Nijmegen, the Netherlands
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Onishi R, Watanabe A, Nakajima M, Sekiguchi M, Kugimiya A, Kinouchi H, Nihashi Y, Kamimori H. Surface Plasmon Resonance Assay of Binding Properties of Antisense Oligonucleotides to Serum Albumins and Lipoproteins. ANAL SCI 2016; 31:1255-60. [PMID: 26656814 DOI: 10.2116/analsci.31.1255] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
In the present study, we developed an assay to evaluate the kinetic binding properties of the unconjugated antisense oligonucleotide (ASO) and lipophilic and hydrophilic ligands conjugated ASOs to mouse and human serum albumin, and lipoproteins using surface plasmon resonance (SPR). The lipophilic ligands conjugated ASOs showed clear affinity to the albumins and lipoproteins, while the unconjugated and hydrophilic ligand conjugated ASOs showed no interaction. The SPR method showed reproducible immobilization of albumins and lipoproteins as ligands on the sensor chip, and reproducible affinity kinetic parameters of interaction of ASOs conjugated with the ligands could be obtained. The kinetic binding data of these ASOs to albumin and lipoproteins by SPR were related with the distributions in the whole liver in mice after administration of these conjugated ASOs. The results demonstrated that our SPR method could be a valuable tool for predicting the mechanism of the properties of delivery of conjugated ASOs to the organs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Reina Onishi
- Pharmaceutical Research Division, Shionogi & Co., Ltd
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14
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Wu L, Mao C, Ming X. Modulation of Bcl-x Alternative Splicing Induces Apoptosis of Human Hepatic Stellate Cells. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2016; 2016:7478650. [PMID: 27579319 PMCID: PMC4992517 DOI: 10.1155/2016/7478650] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2016] [Revised: 06/20/2016] [Accepted: 06/21/2016] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Liver fibrosis is a major cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide due to chronic viral hepatitis and, more recently, from fatty liver diseases. Activation and proliferation of hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) represent a key aspect of fibrogenesis and are associated with progressive reduction of HSC apoptosis. Bcl-x, an antiapoptotic member of Bcl-2 gene family, plays a role in apoptosis regulation in mammalian cells. Through alternative splicing, the Bcl-x gene yields two major protein isoforms with opposing functions, antiapoptotic Bcl-xL and proapoptotic Bcl-xS. This study aimed to investigate the role of Bcl-x and its alternate splicing in HSC apoptosis. The results indicated that the expression of Bcl-xL was dramatically higher than Bcl-2 in activated human HSCs. The relative expression of Bcl-xL over Bcl-xS increased gradually when HSCs were activated in cell culture, which was consistent with the increase in apoptosis resistance of activated HSCs. Redirection of Bcl-x splicing by an antisense oligonucleotide from the antiapoptotic isoform to the proapoptotic isoform induced death of HSCs without other apoptosis stimuli. We conclude that Bcl-x plays a role in regulation of HSC apoptosis and modulation of Bcl-x alternative splicing may become a novel molecular therapy for liver fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lin Wu
- Division of Molecular Pharmaceutics, UNC Eshelman School of Pharmacy, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - Chengqiong Mao
- Division of Molecular Pharmaceutics, UNC Eshelman School of Pharmacy, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - Xin Ming
- Division of Molecular Pharmaceutics, UNC Eshelman School of Pharmacy, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
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15
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Zhou Y, Yang SX, Yue YN, Wei XF, Liu Y. N-ethylmaleimide‑sensitive factor siRNA inhibits the release of Weibel-Palade bodies in endothelial cells. Mol Med Rep 2016; 14:1061-6. [PMID: 27277949 PMCID: PMC4940057 DOI: 10.3892/mmr.2016.5372] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2015] [Accepted: 04/01/2016] [Indexed: 01/29/2023] Open
Abstract
The aim of the present study was to examine the effect of small interfering RNA (siRNA) methods on the expression of N‑ethylmaleimide sensitive factor (NSF) and Weibel‑Palade body (WPB) release in endothelial cells. A small hairpin RNA (shRNA), mediated with an adenovirus vector, was designed to target the N‑terminal functional area of NSF. Subsequently, viruses were transfected into human aortic endothelial cells. The mRNA and protein expression levels of NSF were detected using reverse transcription‑quantitative polymerase chain reaction and Western blot analyses, respectively, and the release of WPBs in the endothelial cells was examined using immunofluorescence. The mRNA expression of NSF in the endothelial cells, which were transfected with the adenoviruses carrying the NSF‑shRNA was significantly decreased, compared with the negative control group (P=0.035) and blank control group (P=0.02). In addition, the mRNA expression of NSF was gradually decreased as duration increased; there were marked differences between the 24, 48 and 72 h groups (P<0.05). The protein expression of NSF was significantly decreased in the experimental group, compared with the negative control group (P=0.004) and blank control group (P=0.031), however, no difference was observed between the negative control and blank control groups (P=0.249). The immunofluorescence staining showed that the release of WPBs in the endothelial cells induced with thrombin was inhibited markedly following transfection with the virus carrying the NSF‑shRNA. Therefore NSF‑siRNA inhibited the mRNA and protein expression levels of NSF, and inhibited the release of WPBs in endothelial cells induced with thrombin. These results suggested that NSF-siRNA may be valuable for preventing and treating atherosclerosis and acute coronary syndrome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yong Zhou
- Department of Cardiology, Beijing Shijitan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100038, P.R. China
| | - Shui-Xiang Yang
- Emergency Department, Beijing Shijitan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100038, P.R. China
| | - Yu-Nan Yue
- Emergency Department, Beijing Shijitan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100038, P.R. China
| | - Xiao-Fei Wei
- Emergency Department, Beijing Shijitan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100038, P.R. China
| | - Yan Liu
- Emergency Department, The 302 Hospital of People's Liberation Army, Beijing 100039, P.R. China
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16
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Jadhav S, Käkelä M, Bourgery M, Rimpilä K, Liljenbäck H, Siitonen R, Mäkilä J, Laitala-Leinonen T, Poijärvi-Virta P, Lönnberg H, Roivainen A, Virta P. In Vivo Bone-Targeting of Bis(phosphonate)-Conjugated Double Helical RNA Monitored by Positron Emission Tomography. Mol Pharm 2016; 13:2588-95. [DOI: 10.1021/acs.molpharmaceut.6b00261] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Satish Jadhav
- Department
of Chemistry, University of Turku, FI-20014 Turku, Finland
| | - Meeri Käkelä
- Turku
PET Centre, University of Turku, FI-20521 Turku, Finland
- Turku PET Centre, Turku University Hospital, FI-20521 Turku, Finland
| | - Matthieu Bourgery
- Department
of Cell Biology and Anatomy, University of Turku, FI-20520 Turku, Finland
| | - Kiira Rimpilä
- Department
of Chemistry, University of Turku, FI-20014 Turku, Finland
| | - Heidi Liljenbäck
- Turku
PET Centre, University of Turku, FI-20521 Turku, Finland
- Turku PET Centre, Turku University Hospital, FI-20521 Turku, Finland
- Turku
Center for Disease Modeling, University of Turku, FI-20520 Turku, Finland
| | - Riikka Siitonen
- Turku
PET Centre, University of Turku, FI-20521 Turku, Finland
- Turku PET Centre, Turku University Hospital, FI-20521 Turku, Finland
| | - Jussi Mäkilä
- Turku
PET Centre, University of Turku, FI-20521 Turku, Finland
- Turku PET Centre, Turku University Hospital, FI-20521 Turku, Finland
- Department
of Cell Biology and Anatomy, University of Turku, FI-20520 Turku, Finland
| | | | | | - Harri Lönnberg
- Department
of Chemistry, University of Turku, FI-20014 Turku, Finland
| | - Anne Roivainen
- Turku
PET Centre, University of Turku, FI-20521 Turku, Finland
- Turku PET Centre, Turku University Hospital, FI-20521 Turku, Finland
- Turku
Center for Disease Modeling, University of Turku, FI-20520 Turku, Finland
| | - Pasi Virta
- Department
of Chemistry, University of Turku, FI-20014 Turku, Finland
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17
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Lu Y, Wang Y, Zhang M, Liu L, Li F, Zhang J, Ye M, Zhao H, Zhao J, Yan B, Yang A, Zhang R, Li X, Ren X. HER2-siRNA delivered by EGFR-specific single chain antibody inhibits NSCLC cell proliferation and tumor growth. Oncotarget 2016; 7:23594-607. [PMID: 26988752 PMCID: PMC5029650 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.8053] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2015] [Accepted: 02/29/2016] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Overexpression of human epidermal growth factor receptor type2 (HER2) is closely associated with aggressive progression and poor prognosis in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Here, we generated an EGFR-scFv-arginine nonamer peptide fusion protein (scFv-9R) as a cargo to deliver HER2 specific siRNA into HER2-positive NSCLC cells both in vitro and in vivo. HER2-siRNAs delivered by scFv-9R effeciently silenced HER2 expression in EGFR-positive NSCLC cells, and consequently resulted in G1 arrest and cell growth inhibition. Importantly, intravenous injection of scFv-9R/HER2-siRNA complex markedly suppressed growth of EGFR-positive NSCLC xenograft in nude mice, resulting from downregulated HER2 expression, reduced cell proliferation and enhanced cell apoptosis. Collectively, our study provides a novel therapeutic strategy for the treatment of EGFR-positive, HER2-overexpressed NSCLC.
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MESH Headings
- Adenocarcinoma/genetics
- Adenocarcinoma/prevention & control
- Adenocarcinoma/secondary
- Animals
- Apoptosis
- Biomarkers, Tumor
- Carcinoma, Non-Small-Cell Lung/genetics
- Carcinoma, Non-Small-Cell Lung/prevention & control
- Carcinoma, Non-Small-Cell Lung/secondary
- Carcinoma, Squamous Cell/genetics
- Carcinoma, Squamous Cell/prevention & control
- Carcinoma, Squamous Cell/secondary
- Cell Cycle
- Cell Proliferation
- ErbB Receptors/immunology
- Female
- Follow-Up Studies
- Humans
- Lung Neoplasms/genetics
- Lung Neoplasms/pathology
- Lung Neoplasms/prevention & control
- Lymphatic Metastasis
- Male
- Mice
- Mice, Inbred BALB C
- Mice, Nude
- Middle Aged
- Neoplasm Invasiveness
- Prognosis
- RNA, Small Interfering/administration & dosage
- RNA, Small Interfering/genetics
- Receptor, ErbB-2/antagonists & inhibitors
- Receptor, ErbB-2/genetics
- Single-Chain Antibodies/pharmacology
- Survival Rate
- Tumor Cells, Cultured
- Xenograft Model Antitumor Assays
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuan Lu
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi’an, China
| | - Yuan Wang
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi’an, China
| | - Mi Zhang
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Li Liu
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi’an, China
- Department of Geriatrics, Xianyang Central Hospital, Xianyang, China
| | - Fakai Li
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi’an, China
| | - Jian Zhang
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi’an, China
| | - Mingxiang Ye
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi’an, China
| | - Hu Zhao
- Organ Transplant Institute, Fuzhou General Hospital (DongFang Hospital), Xiamen University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Jing Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Cancer Biology, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi’an, China
| | - Bo Yan
- State Key Laboratory of Cancer Biology, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi’an, China
| | - Angang Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Cancer Biology, Department of Immunology, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi’an, China
| | - Rui Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Cancer Biology, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi’an, China
| | - Xia Li
- State Key Laboratory of Cancer Biology, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi’an, China
| | - Xinling Ren
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi’an, China
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18
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Evaluation of the effects of chemically different linkers on hepatic accumulations, cell tropism and gene silencing ability of cholesterol-conjugated antisense oligonucleotides. J Control Release 2016; 226:57-65. [PMID: 26855051 DOI: 10.1016/j.jconrel.2016.02.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2015] [Revised: 01/14/2016] [Accepted: 02/04/2016] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
Cholesterol conjugation of oligonucleotides is an attractive way to deliver the oligonucleotides specifically to the liver. However cholesterol-conjugated antisense oligonucleotides (ASOs) mainly accumulate in non-parenchymal cells (NPCs) such as Kupffer cells. In this study, to increase the hepatic accumulation of cholesterol-conjugated ASOs, we prepared a variety of linkers for cholesterol conjugation to anti-Pcsk9 ASOs and examined their effects on pharmacological parameters. Hepatic accumulation of ASO was dramatically increased with cholesterol conjugation. The increase in hepatic accumulation depended largely on the linker chemistry of each cholesterol-conjugated ASO. In addition to hepatic accumulation, the cell tropism of each cholesterol-conjugated ASO tended to depend on their linker. Although a linker bearing a disulfide bond accumulated mainly in NPCs, hexamethylene succinimide linker accumulated mainly in hepatocytes. To estimate the benefits of releasing ASO from the conjugated cholesterol in hepatocyte, we designed another linker based on hexamethylene succinimide, which has a phosphodiester bond between the linker and the ASO. The cholesterol-conjugated ASO bearing such a phosphodiester bond showed a significantly improved Pcsk9 mRNA inhibitory effect compared to its counterpart, cholesterol-conjugated ASO with a phosphorothioate bond, while the hepatic accumulation of both cholesterol-conjugated ASOs was comparable, indicating the effectiveness of removing the conjugated cholesterol for ASO activity. In toxicity analysis, some of the linkers induced lethal toxicities when they were injected at high concentrations (>600μM). These toxicities were attributed to decreased platelet levels in the blood, suggesting an interaction between cholesterol-conjugated ASO and platelets. Our findings may provide a guideline for the design of molecule-conjugated ASOs.
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19
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Oligonucleotide therapeutics: chemistry, delivery and clinical progress. Future Med Chem 2015; 7:2221-42. [PMID: 26510815 DOI: 10.4155/fmc.15.144] [Citation(s) in RCA: 77] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Oligonucleotide therapeutics have the potential to become a third pillar of drug development after small molecules and protein therapeutics. However, the three approved oligonucleotide drugs over the past 17 years have not proven to be highly successful in a commercial sense. These trailblazer drugs have nonetheless laid the foundations for entire classes of drug candidates to follow. This review will examine further advances in chemistry that are earlier in the pipeline of oligonucleotide drug candidates. Finally, we consider the possible effect of delivery systems that may provide extra footholds to improve the potency and specificity of oligonucleotide drugs. Our overview focuses on strategies to imbue antisense oligonucleotides with more drug-like properties and their applicability to other nucleic acid therapeutics.
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20
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Niemietz C, Chandhok G, Schmidt H. Therapeutic Oligonucleotides Targeting Liver Disease: TTR Amyloidosis. Molecules 2015; 20:17944-75. [PMID: 26437390 PMCID: PMC6332041 DOI: 10.3390/molecules201017944] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2015] [Revised: 09/23/2015] [Accepted: 09/23/2015] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The liver has become an increasingly interesting target for oligonucleotide therapy. Mutations of the gene encoding transthyretin (TTR), expressed in vast amounts by the liver, result in a complex degenerative disease, termed familial amyloid polyneuropathy (FAP). Misfolded variants of TTR are linked to the establishment of extracellular protein deposition in various tissues, including the heart and the peripheral nervous system. Recent progress in the chemistry and formulation of antisense (ASO) and small interfering RNA (siRNA) designed for a knockdown of TTR mRNA in the liver has allowed to address the issue of gene-specific molecular therapy in a clinical setting of FAP. The two therapeutic oligonucleotides bind to RNA in a sequence specific manner but exploit different mechanisms. Here we describe major developments that have led to the advent of therapeutic oligonucleotides for treatment of TTR-related disease.
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MESH Headings
- Amyloid Neuropathies, Familial/genetics
- Amyloid Neuropathies, Familial/therapy
- Animals
- Clinical Studies as Topic
- Drug Evaluation, Preclinical
- Gene Silencing
- Genetic Therapy
- Humans
- Liver Diseases/genetics
- Liver Diseases/therapy
- Mutation
- Oligonucleotides/administration & dosage
- Oligonucleotides/chemistry
- Oligonucleotides/genetics
- Oligonucleotides/therapeutic use
- Oligonucleotides, Antisense/administration & dosage
- Oligonucleotides, Antisense/chemistry
- Oligonucleotides, Antisense/genetics
- Oligonucleotides, Antisense/therapeutic use
- Prealbumin/genetics
- RNA Interference
- RNA, Small Interfering/administration & dosage
- RNA, Small Interfering/chemistry
- RNA, Small Interfering/genetics
- RNA, Small Interfering/therapeutic use
- Treatment Outcome
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Affiliation(s)
- Christoph Niemietz
- Klinik für Transplantationsmedizin, Universitätsklinikum Münster, Albert-Schweitzer-Campus 1, Gebäude A14, D-48149 Münster, Germany.
| | - Gursimran Chandhok
- Klinik für Transplantationsmedizin, Universitätsklinikum Münster, Albert-Schweitzer-Campus 1, Gebäude A14, D-48149 Münster, Germany.
| | - Hartmut Schmidt
- Klinik für Transplantationsmedizin, Universitätsklinikum Münster, Albert-Schweitzer-Campus 1, Gebäude A14, D-48149 Münster, Germany.
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21
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Ming X, Wu L, Carver K, Yuan A, Min Y. Dendritic nanoconjugates for intracellular delivery of neutral oligonucleotides. NANOSCALE 2015; 7:12302-6. [PMID: 26134311 PMCID: PMC4598944 DOI: 10.1039/c5nr01665g] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
Dendrimer-based gene delivery has been constrained by intrinsic toxicity and suboptimal nanostructure. Conjugation of neutral morpholino oligonucleotides (ONs) with PAMAM dendrimers resulted in neutral, uniform, and ultra-small (∼10 nm) nanoconjugates. The nanoconjugates dramatically enhanced cellular delivery of the ONs in cancer cells. After release from the dendrimer in the cytosol, the ONs produced potent functional activity without causing significant cytotoxicity. When carrying an apoptosis-promoting ON, the nanoconjugates produced cancer cell killing directly. Thus, the dendritic nanoconjugates may provide an effective tool for delivering ONs to tumors and other diseased tissues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin Ming
- Division of Molecular Pharmaceutics, UNC Eshelman School of Pharmacy, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA.
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22
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Ming X, Laing B. Bioconjugates for targeted delivery of therapeutic oligonucleotides. Adv Drug Deliv Rev 2015; 87:81-9. [PMID: 25689735 DOI: 10.1016/j.addr.2015.02.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2014] [Revised: 02/04/2015] [Accepted: 02/06/2015] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
Bioconjugates have been used to deliver therapeutic oligonucleotides to their pharmacological targets in diseased cells. Molecular-scale conjugates can be prepared by directly linking targeting ligands with oligonucleotides and the resultant conjugates can selectively bind to cell surface receptors in target cells in diseased tissues. Besides targeted delivery, additional functionality can be incorporated in the conjugates by utilization of carrier molecules, and these larger conjugates are called carrier-associated conjugates. Both molecular and carrier-associated conjugates have achieved initial successes in clinical trials for treating liver diseases; therefore, currently the greater challenge is to deliver oligonucleotides to extrahepatic tissues such as tumors. This review will provide an update on the application of oligonucleotide conjugates for targeted delivery during the last decade. By identifying key elements for successful delivery, it is suggested that oligonucleotide conjugates with intermediate size, cell targeting ability, and endosomal release functionality are superior systems to advance oligonucleotides to achieve their full therapeutic potentials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin Ming
- Division of Molecular Pharmaceutics, UNC Eshelman School of Pharmacy, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA.
| | - Brian Laing
- Division of Molecular Pharmaceutics, UNC Eshelman School of Pharmacy, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
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23
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Zeller S, Choi CS, Uchil PD, Ban HS, Siefert A, Fahmy TM, Mothes W, Lee SK, Kumar P. Attachment of cell-binding ligands to arginine-rich cell-penetrating peptides enables cytosolic translocation of complexed siRNA. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2014; 22:50-62. [PMID: 25544044 DOI: 10.1016/j.chembiol.2014.11.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2014] [Revised: 10/15/2014] [Accepted: 11/03/2014] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Cell-penetrating peptides (CPPs), such as nona-arginine (9R), poorly translocate siRNA into cells. Our studies demonstrate that attaching 9R to ligands that bind cell surface receptors quantitatively increases siRNA uptake and importantly, allows functional delivery of complexed siRNA. The mechanism involved accumulation of ligand-9R:siRNA microparticles on the cell membrane, which induced transient membrane inversion at the site of ligand-9R binding and rapid siRNA translocation into the cytoplasm. siRNA release also occurred late after endocytosis when the ligand was attached to the L isoform of 9R, but not the protease-resistant 9DR, prolonging mRNA knockdown. This critically depended on endosomal proteolytic activity, implying that partial CPP degradation is required for endosome-to-cytosol translocation. The data demonstrate that ligand attachment renders simple polycationic CPPs effective for siRNA delivery by restoring their intrinsic property of translocation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Skye Zeller
- Department of Internal Medicine, Section of Infectious Diseases, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06510, USA
| | - Chang Seon Choi
- Department of Internal Medicine, Section of Infectious Diseases, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06510, USA; Department of Bioengineering and Institute of Nanoscience and Technology, Hanyang University, Seoul 133-791, South Korea
| | - Pradeep D Uchil
- Department of Microbial Pathogenesis, Yale University, New Haven, CT 06510, USA
| | - Hong-Seok Ban
- Department of Internal Medicine, Section of Infectious Diseases, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06510, USA; Department of Bioengineering and Institute of Nanoscience and Technology, Hanyang University, Seoul 133-791, South Korea
| | - Alyssa Siefert
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06510, USA
| | - Tarek M Fahmy
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06510, USA
| | - Walther Mothes
- Department of Microbial Pathogenesis, Yale University, New Haven, CT 06510, USA
| | - Sang-Kyung Lee
- Department of Bioengineering and Institute of Nanoscience and Technology, Hanyang University, Seoul 133-791, South Korea.
| | - Priti Kumar
- Department of Internal Medicine, Section of Infectious Diseases, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06510, USA.
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24
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Borna H, Imani S, Iman M, Azimzadeh Jamalkandi S. Therapeutic face of RNAi: in vivo challenges. Expert Opin Biol Ther 2014; 15:269-85. [PMID: 25399911 DOI: 10.1517/14712598.2015.983070] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION RNA interference is a sequence-specific gene silencing phenomenon in which small interfering RNAs (siRNAs) can trigger gene transcriptional and post-transcriptional silencing. This phenomenon represents an emerging therapeutic approach for in vivo studies by efficient delivery of specific synthetic siRNAs against diseases. Therefore, simultaneous development of synthetic siRNAs along with novel delivery techniques is considered as novel and interesting therapeutic challenges. AREAS COVERED This review provides a basic explanation to siRNA signaling pathways and their therapeutic challenges. Here, we provide a comprehensive explanation to failed and successful trials and their in vivo challenges. EXPERT OPINION Specific, efficient and targeted delivery of siRNAs is the major concern for their in vivo administrations. Also, anatomical barriers, drug stability and availability, immunoreactivity and existence of various delivery routes, different genetic backgrounds are major clinical challenges. However, successful administration of siRNA-based drugs is expected during foreseeable features. But, their systemic applications will depend on strong targeted drug delivery strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hojat Borna
- Baqiyatallah University of Medical Sciences, Chemical Injuries Research Center , Tehran , Iran
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25
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Mäkilä J, Jadhav S, Kiviniemi A, Käkelä M, Liljenbäck H, Poijärvi-Virta P, Laitala-Leinonen T, Lönnberg H, Roivainen A, Virta P. Synthesis of multi-galactose-conjugated 2'-O-methyl oligoribonucleotides and their in vivo imaging with positron emission tomography. Bioorg Med Chem 2014; 22:6806-13. [PMID: 25464879 DOI: 10.1016/j.bmc.2014.10.034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2014] [Revised: 10/22/2014] [Accepted: 10/24/2014] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
(68)Ga labelled 2'-O-methyl oligoribonucleotides (anti-miR-15b) bearing one, three or seven d-galactopyranoside residues have been prepared and their distribution in healthy rats has been studied by positron emission tomography (PET). To obtain the heptavalent conjugate, an appropriately protected 1,4,7-triazacyclononane-1,4,7-triacetic acid (NOTA) precursor bearing a 4-[4-(4,4'-dimethoxytrityloxy)butoxy]phenyl side arm was first immobilized via a base labile linker to the support and the oligonucleotide was assembled on the detritylated hydroxyl function of this handle. A phosphoramidite building block bearing two phthaloyl protected aminooxy groups and one protected hydroxyl function was introduced into the 5'-terminus. One acetylated galactopyranoside was coupled as a phosphoramidite to the hydroxyl function, the phthaloyl protections were removed on-support and two trivalent galactopyranoside clusters were attached as aldehydes by on-support oximation. A two-step cleavage with aqueous alkali and ammonia released the conjugate in a fully deprotected form, allowing radiolabelling with (68)Ga in solution. The mono- and tri-galactose conjugates were obtained in a closely related manner. In vivo imaging in rats with PET showed remarkable galactose-dependent liver targeting of the conjugates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jussi Mäkilä
- Skeletal Biology Consortium, Department of Cell Biology and Anatomy, University of Turku, FI-20520 Turku, Finland
| | - Satish Jadhav
- Department of Chemistry, University of Turku, FI-20014 Turku, Finland
| | - Anu Kiviniemi
- Department of Chemistry, University of Turku, FI-20014 Turku, Finland
| | - Meeri Käkelä
- Turku PET Centre, University of Turku and Turku University Hospital, FI-20520 Turku, Finland
| | - Heidi Liljenbäck
- Turku PET Centre, University of Turku and Turku University Hospital, FI-20520 Turku, Finland; Turku Center for Disease Modelling, University of Turku, FI-20520 Turku, Finland
| | | | - Tiina Laitala-Leinonen
- Skeletal Biology Consortium, Department of Cell Biology and Anatomy, University of Turku, FI-20520 Turku, Finland
| | - Harri Lönnberg
- Department of Chemistry, University of Turku, FI-20014 Turku, Finland
| | - Anne Roivainen
- Turku PET Centre, University of Turku and Turku University Hospital, FI-20520 Turku, Finland; Turku Center for Disease Modelling, University of Turku, FI-20520 Turku, Finland
| | - Pasi Virta
- Department of Chemistry, University of Turku, FI-20014 Turku, Finland.
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26
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Juliano RL, Ming X, Carver K, Laing B. Cellular uptake and intracellular trafficking of oligonucleotides: implications for oligonucleotide pharmacology. Nucleic Acid Ther 2014; 24:101-13. [PMID: 24383421 DOI: 10.1089/nat.2013.0463] [Citation(s) in RCA: 86] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
One of the major constraints on the therapeutic use of oligonucleotides is inefficient delivery to their sites of action in the cytosol or nucleus. Recently it has become evident that the pathways of cellular uptake and intracellular trafficking of oligonucleotides can strongly influence their pharmacological actions. Here we provide background information on the basic processes of endocytosis and trafficking and then review recent literature on targeted delivery and subcellular trafficking of oligonucleotides in that context. A variety of approaches including molecular scale ligand-oligonucleotide conjugates, ligand-targeted nanocarriers, and the use of small molecules to enhance oligonucleotide effects are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- R L Juliano
- Division of Molecular Pharmaceutics, Eshelman School of Pharmacy, University of North Carolina , Chapel Hill, North Carolina
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27
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Albumin-based nanoconjugates for targeted delivery of therapeutic oligonucleotides. Biomaterials 2013; 34:7939-49. [PMID: 23876758 DOI: 10.1016/j.biomaterials.2013.06.066] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2013] [Accepted: 06/28/2013] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Nanoparticle-based delivery has become an important strategy to advance siRNA and antisense oligonucleotides into clinical reality. However, limited biodistribution of nanoparticles and the toxicity of some nanocarriers restrict the wider application of this strategy. To address these issues we aimed to construct oligonucleotide delivery systems which are non-cytotoxic and smaller than typical nanoparticles. Thus, a morpholino oligonucleotide was conjugated to a tumor-targeting RGD peptide, and then, multiple RGD-oligo conjugates were linked to a single molecule of human serum albumin via a reductively responsive linkage. The resultant nanoconjugates showed uniform and monodispersed size distribution with a diameter of 13 nm. A single nanoconjugate molecule contains 15 oligonucleotides as well as 15 targeting ligands on the surface of albumin. The nanoparticle demonstrated 61-fold enhancement in receptor-specific cellular delivery of oligonucleotides in integrin-expressing tumor cells compared to the non-targeted control nanoconjugates and were able to robustly enhance functional activity of the oligonucleotide at low nanomolar concentrations without causing cytotoxicity. Due to their small size, the targeted nanoconjugates could penetrate deeply and distribute throughout 3-D tumor spheroids, whereas the conventional nanoparticles with sizes over 300 nm could only deliver to the cells on the surface of the tumor spheroids. As a result of their greater cellular delivery, smaller size, and lack of cytotoxicity compared to conventional nanoparticles, the multivalent nanoconjugates may provide an effective tool for targeting oligonucleotides to tumors and other diseased tissues.
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28
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Boos JA, Kirk DW, Piccolotto ML, Zuercher W, Gfeller S, Neuner P, Dattler A, Wishart WL, Von Arx F, Beverly M, Christensen J, Litherland K, van de Kerkhof E, Swart PJ, Faller T, Beyerbach A, Morrissey D, Hunziker J, Beuvink I. Whole-body scanning PCR; a highly sensitive method to study the biodistribution of mRNAs, noncoding RNAs and therapeutic oligonucleotides. Nucleic Acids Res 2013; 41:e145. [PMID: 23766292 PMCID: PMC3753639 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkt515] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Abstract
Efficient tissue-specific delivery is a crucial factor in the successful development of therapeutic oligonucleotides. Screening for novel delivery methods with unique tissue-homing properties requires a rapid, sensitive, flexible and unbiased technique able to visualize the in vivo biodistribution of these oligonucleotides. Here, we present whole body scanning PCR, a platform that relies on the local extraction of tissues from a mouse whole body section followed by the conversion of target-specific qPCR signals into an image. This platform was designed to be compatible with a novel RT-qPCR assay for the detection of siRNAs and with an assay suitable for the detection of heavily chemically modified oligonucleotides, which we termed Chemical-Ligation qPCR (CL-qPCR). In addition to this, the platform can also be used to investigate the global expression of endogenous mRNAs and non-coding RNAs. Incorporation of other detection systems, such as aptamers, could even further expand the use of this technology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julien A Boos
- Novartis Institutes for Biomedical Research (NIBR), Novartis Pharma AG, Basel, Basel-Stadt CH-4056, Switzerland and NIBR, Novartis Pharma AG, Cambridge, Massachusetts, MA 02139, USA
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29
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Alam MR, Ming X, Nakagawa O, Jin J, Juliano RL. Covalent conjugation of oligonucleotides with cell-targeting ligands. Bioorg Med Chem 2013; 21:6217-23. [PMID: 23777829 DOI: 10.1016/j.bmc.2013.05.037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2013] [Revised: 04/30/2013] [Accepted: 05/17/2013] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
A continuing problem in the area of oligonucleotide-based therapeutics is the poor access of these molecules to their sites of action in the nucleus or cytosol. A number of approaches to this problem have emerged. One of the most interesting is the use of ligand-oligonucleotide conjugates to promote receptor mediated cell uptake and delivery. Here we provide an overview of recent developments regarding targeted conjugates, including use of peptides, carbohydrates and small molecules as ligands. Additionally we discuss our own experience with this approach and point out both advantages and limitations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Md Rowshon Alam
- Division of Molecular Pharmaceutics, UNC Eshelman School of Pharmacy, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, United States; NITTO DENKO Avecia, 8560 Reading Road, Cincinnati, OH 45215, United States
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30
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Jain HV, Takeda K, Tami C, Verthelyi D, Beaucage SL. Assessment of the cellular internalization of thermolytic phosphorothioate DNA oligonucleotide prodrugs. Bioorg Med Chem 2013; 21:6224-32. [PMID: 23755885 DOI: 10.1016/j.bmc.2013.04.071] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2012] [Revised: 04/06/2013] [Accepted: 04/19/2013] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
The bioactivity of a CpG-containing phosphorothioate DNA oligonucleotide with thermolytic 2-(N-formyl-N-methylamino)ethyl (fma) thiophosphate groups in mice led us to investigate the parameters affecting the internalization of these thermosensitive DNA prodrugs in various cell lines. Flow cytometry and confocal microscopy analyses indicate that 5'-fluoresceinated fma-phosphorothioate DNA sequences are poorly internalized in Vero, HeLa and GC-2 cells. However, when four fma-thiophosphate groups of a 15-nucleotide long oligothymidylate prodrug are replaced with 3-(N,N-dimethylamino)prop-1-yl thiophosphate functions, internalization of the positively charged prodrug, under physiological conditions, increased fourfold in HeLa and 40-fold in Vero or GC-2 cells. No cytotoxic effects are observed in Vero cells even at an extracellular prodrug concentration of 50 μM over a period of 72 h. Confocal microscopy studies show that internalization of the positively charged oligothymidylate prodrug in Vero cells is time-dependent with early trafficking of the DNA sequence through endosomal vesicles and, eventually, to the nucleus of the cells. Thus, the incorporation of four 3-(N,N-dimethylamino)prop-1-yl thiophosphate groups into thermosentive fma-phosphorothioate DNA prodrugs is an attractive strategy for efficient cellular internalization of these nucleic acid-based drugs for potential therapeutic indications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Harsh V Jain
- Laboratory of Chemistry, FDA-CDER, 8800 Rockville Pike, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
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31
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Liao F, Wang L, Yang LB, Zhang L, Peng X, Sun MX. Antisense oligodeoxynucleotide inhibition as an alternative and convenient method for gene function analysis in pollen tubes. PLoS One 2013; 8:e59112. [PMID: 23527102 PMCID: PMC3604054 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0059112] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2012] [Accepted: 02/11/2013] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Antisense oligodeoxynucleotide (A-ODN) inhibition works well in animal cells. However, there have been few successful examples to date of its application in plants, and more specifically whether the technique can be used in pollen tubes as a model of plant cell growth. NtGNL1 plays an important role in pollen tube development and was thus selected as an indicator to assess the biological effects of A-ODN. An A-ODN inhibition technique was used to down-regulate NtGNL1 expression in tobacco pollen tubes and showed that A-ODNs could quickly enter pollen tubes through the thick wall and cell membrane and effectively block NtGNL1 expression. Phenotype analysis revealed that the down-regulation of NtGNL1 by A-ODNs resulted in abnormalities in endocytosis and subsequent vesicle trafficking, similar to the phenotypes of pollen tubes treated with NtGNL1 RNAi. This investigation confirmed that A-ODNs could specifically inhibit target gene expression, and furthermore demonstrated that A-ODN functioned in a concentration- and duration-dependent manner, because A-ODNs could be degraded when incubated with pollen tubes. Thus, the A-ODN technique was successfully used for gene function analysis in pollen tubes and appears to be an alternative and convenient technique when the in vitro pollen tube is used as the study model. This technique will greatly facilitate investigations on the molecular mechanism(s) underlying pollen tube growth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fanglei Liao
- College of Chemistry and Life Science, Zhejiang Normal University, Jinhua, China
- College of Life Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
- * E-mail: (FL); (MXS)
| | - Lu Wang
- College of Life Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Li-Bo Yang
- College of Life Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Liyao Zhang
- College of Life Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Xiongbo Peng
- College of Life Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Meng-xiang Sun
- College of Life Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
- * E-mail: (FL); (MXS)
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32
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Vicentini FTMDC, Borgheti-Cardoso LN, Depieri LV, de Macedo Mano D, Abelha TF, Petrilli R, Bentley MVLB. Delivery systems and local administration routes for therapeutic siRNA. Pharm Res 2013; 30:915-31. [PMID: 23344907 PMCID: PMC7088712 DOI: 10.1007/s11095-013-0971-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 69] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2011] [Accepted: 01/03/2013] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
With the increasing number of studies proposing new and optimal delivery strategies for the efficacious silencing of gene-related diseases by the local administration of siRNAs, the present review aims to provide a broad overview of the most important and latest developments of non-viral siRNA delivery systems for local administration. Moreover, the main disease targets for the local delivery of siRNA to specific tissues or organs, including the skin, the lung, the eye, the nervous system, the digestive system and the vagina, were explored.
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33
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Uckun FM, Qazi S, Dibirdik I, Myers DE. Rational design of an immunoconjugate for selective knock-down of leukemia-specific E2A-PBX1 fusion gene expression in human Pre-B leukemia. Integr Biol (Camb) 2013; 5:122-32. [PMID: 22990208 DOI: 10.1039/c2ib20114c] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2023]
Abstract
The t(1;19)(q23;p13) is one of the most common chromosomal translocations in acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) and results in production of the transforming oncoprotein E2A-PBX1. Here we first report a novel, biomarker-guided biotherapy strategy for personalized treatment of t(1;19)(+) ALL. A supervised interrogation of the gene expression profiles of primary leukemic cells from a cohort of 207 children with high risk B-lineage ALL identified up-regulated CD19 gene expression as a biomarker for t(1;19)(+) ALL. A disulfide-linked immunoconjugate of a 5-amino-modified 24 mer phosphorothioate anti-sense E2A-PBX1 oligonucleotide (AON) with a mAb specific for a CD19 receptor (αCD19-AON) was prepared as a CD19-directed and leukemia-specific biotherapeutic agent against E2A-PBX1(+) B-lineage ALL. Treatment of E2A-PBX1(+) leukemia cells with low nanomolar concentrations of αCD19-AON resulted in selective depletion of E2A-PBX1 transcripts and caused apoptotic destruction and abrogation of clonogenic growth. Subcutaneously administered αCD19-AON at a total dose level of 93 nmol kg(-1) delivered over 14 days using a micro-osmotic pump more than doubled the leukemia-free survival time of SCID mice in a xenograft model of E2A-PBX1(+) human B-lineage ALL (82.0 ± 1.9 days vs. 37.0 ± 0.1 days, P < 0.0001). Both the AON moiety and the targeting CD19-specific mAb moiety were required for the in vitro as well as in vivo anti-leukemic activity of αCD19-AON. The observed in vitro and in vivo anti-leukemic potency of the αCD19-AON immunoconjugate provides the first preclinical proof-of-principle that t(1;19)(+) high risk B-lineage ALL can be treated with leukemia-specific biotherapeutic agents that knock-down E2A-PBX1 expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fatih M Uckun
- Developmental Therapeutics Program, Children's Hospital Los Angeles, Children's Center for Cancer and Blood Diseases, Los Angeles, CA 90027, USA
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34
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Abstract
Oligonucleotide delivery in vivo is commonly seen as the principal hurdle to the successful development of oligonucleotide drugs. In an analysis of 26 oligonucleotide drugs recently evaluated in late-stage clinical trials we found that to date at least half have demonstrated suppression of the target mRNA and/or protein levels in the relevant cell types in man, including those present in liver, muscle, bone marrow, lung, blood and solid tumors. Overall, this strongly implies that the drugs are being delivered to the appropriate disease tissues. Strikingly we also found that the majority of the drug targets of the oligonucleotides lie outside of the drugable genome and represent new mechanisms of action not previously investigated in a clinical setting. Despite the high risk of failure of novel mechanisms of action in the clinic, a subset of the targets has been validated by the drugs. While not wishing to downplay the technical challenges of oligonucleotide delivery in vivo, here we demonstrate that target selection and validation are of equal importance for the success of this field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Helen L Lightfoot
- Department of Chemistry and Applied Biosciences, Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, ETH Zürich, CH-8093 Zürich, Switzerland
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35
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Abstract
RNA interference (RNAi) is an important part of the cell's defenses against viruses and other foreign genes. Moreover, the biotechnological exploitation of RNAi offers therapeutic potential for a range of diseases for which drugs are currently unavailable. Unfortunately, the small interfering RNAs (siRNAs) that are central to RNAi in the cytoplasm are readily degradable by ubiquitous nucleases, are inefficiently targeted to desired organs and cell types, and are excreted quickly upon systemic injection. As a result, local administration techniques have been favored over the past few years, resulting in great success in the treatment of viral infections and other respiratory disorders. Because there are several advantages of pulmonary delivery over systemic administration, two of the four siRNA drugs currently in phase II clinical trials are delivered intranasally or by inhalation. The air-blood barrier, however, has only limited permeability toward large, hydrophilic biopharmaceuticals such as nucleic acids; in addition, the lung imposes intrinsic hurdles to efficient siRNA delivery. Thus, appropriate formulations and delivery devices are very much needed. Although many different formulations have been optimized for in vitro siRNA delivery to lung cells, only a few have been reported successful in vivo. In this Account, we discuss both obstacles to pulmonary siRNA delivery and the success stories that have been achieved thus far. The optimal pulmonary delivery vehicle should be neither cytotoxic nor immunogenic, should protect the payload from degradation by nucleases during the delivery process, and should mediate the intracellular uptake of siRNA. Further requirements include the improvement of the pharmacokinetics and lung distribution profiles of siRNA, the extension of lung retention times (through reduced recognition by macrophages), and the incorporation of reversible or stimuli-responsive binding of siRNA to allow for efficient release of the siRNAs at the target site. In addition, the ideal carrier would be biodegradable (to address difficulties with repeated administration for the treatment of chronic diseases) and would contain targeting moieties to enhance uptake by specific cell types. None of the currently available polymer- and lipid-based formulations meet every one of these requirements, but we introduce here several promising new approaches, including a biodegradable, nonimmunogenic polyester. We also discuss imaging techniques for following the biodistribution according to the administration route. This tracking is crucial for better understanding the translocation and clearance of nanoformulated siRNA subsequent to pulmonary delivery. In the literature, the success of pulmonary siRNA delivery is evaluated solely by relief from or prophylaxis against a disease; side effects are not studied in detail. It also remains unclear which cell types in the lung eventually take up siRNA. These are critical issues for the translational use of pulmonary siRNA formulations; accordingly, we present a flow cytometry technique that can be utilized to differentiate transfected cell populations in a mouse model that expresses transgenic enhanced green fluorescence protein (EGFP). This technique, in which different cell types are identified on the basis of their surface antigen expression, may eventually help in the development of safer carriers with minimized side effects in nontargeted tissues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olivia M. Merkel
- Department of Pharmaceutics and Biopharmacy, Philipps-Universität, Marburg, Germany
| | - Thomas Kissel
- Department of Pharmaceutics and Biopharmacy, Philipps-Universität, Marburg, Germany
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36
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Juliano RL, Ming X, Nakagawa O. The chemistry and biology of oligonucleotide conjugates. Acc Chem Res 2012; 45:1067-76. [PMID: 22353142 DOI: 10.1021/ar2002123] [Citation(s) in RCA: 97] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Short DNA or RNA oligonucleotides have tremendous potential as therapeutic agents. Because of their ability to engage in Watson-Crick base pairing, they can interact with mRNA or pre-mRNA targets with high selectivity. As a result, they could precisely manipulate gene expression. This possibility has engendered extensive efforts to develop oligonucleotides as drugs, and many candidates are already in clinical trials. However, a major impediment to the maturation of this field of oligonucleotide-based therapeutics remains: these relatively large and often highly charged molecules don't easily cross cellular membranes, making it difficult for them to reach their sites of action in the cytosol or nucleus. In this Account, we summarize some basic features of the biology of antisense and siRNA oligonucleotides. We then discuss chemical conjugation as an approach to improving the intracellular delivery and therapeutic potential of these agents. Instead of focusing on the details of conjugation chemistry, we emphasize the pharmacological ramifications of oligonucleotide conjugates. In one important approach to improving delivery and efficacy, researchers have conjugated oligonucleotides with ligands designed to bind to particular receptors and thus provide specific interactions with cells. In another strategy, researchers have coupled antisense or siRNA with agents such as cell penetrating peptides that are designed to provoke escape of the conjugate from intracellular vesicular compartments. Although both of these strategies have had some success, further research is needed before oligonucleotide conjugates can find an important place in human therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- R. L. Juliano
- Division of Molecular Pharmaceutics, UNC Eshelman School of Pharmacy, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599, United States
| | - Xin Ming
- Division of Molecular Pharmaceutics, UNC Eshelman School of Pharmacy, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599, United States
| | - Osamu Nakagawa
- Division of Molecular Pharmaceutics, UNC Eshelman School of Pharmacy, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599, United States
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37
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Aviñó A, Ocampo SM, Perales JC, Eritja R. Synthesis and in vitro inhibition properties of siRNA conjugates carrying acridine and quindoline moieties. Chem Biodivers 2012; 9:557-66. [PMID: 22422523 DOI: 10.1002/cbdv.201100321] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
The synthesis of RNA molecules carrying acridine or quindoline residues at their 3'- and 5'-termini is reported. These conjugates are fully characterized by MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry. Modified siRNA duplexes carrying acridine or quindoline moieties were evaluated for inhibition of the tumor necrosis factor. The conjugates showed inhibitory properties similar to those of unmodified RNA duplexes in HeLa cells transfected with oligofectamine. The fluorescent properties of acridine derivatives allow direct observation of the cytoplasmatic distribution of modified siRNA inside the cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Aviñó
- Institute for Research in Biomedicine (IRB Barcelona), IQAC-CSIC, CIBER-BBN Networking Centre on Bioengineering, Biomaterials and Nanomedicine, Baldiri Reixac 10, ES-08028 Barcelona
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38
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Ming X, Feng L. Targeted delivery of a splice-switching oligonucleotide by cationic polyplexes of RGD-oligonucleotide conjugate. Mol Pharm 2012; 9:1502-10. [PMID: 22497548 DOI: 10.1021/mp300113c] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Nanoparticle-based delivery has become an important strategy to advance therapeutic oligonucleotides into clinical reality. Delivery by nanocarriers can enhance access of oligonucleotides to their pharmacological targets within cells; preferably, targeting ligands are incorporated into nanoparticles for targeting oligonucleotides to disease sites, often by conjugation to delivery carriers. In this study, a splice-switching oligonucleotide (SSO) was conjugated to a bivalent RGD peptide, and then, the RGD-SSO conjugate was formulated into polyplexes with a cationic polymer polyethylenimine. The resultant polyplexes of RGD-oligonucleotide conjugate demonstrated dramatic increase in the pharmacological response of splicing correction compared to free RGD-SSO conjugate or the polyplexes of unconjugated SSO, through integrin-mediated endocytosis and rapid endosomal release. This study has shown that coupling a targeting ligand to cargo oligonucleotide can maintain the integrin targeting ability after the peptide-oligonucleotide conjugate is complexed with cationic polymer. Preliminary study also revealed that integrin targeting redirects intracellular trafficking of the polyplexes to caveolar pathway and thereby generates greater effectiveness of the oligonucleotide. This study provides a new platform technology to construct multifunctional delivery systems of therapeutic oligonucleotides.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin Ming
- Division of Molecular Pharmaceutics, UNC Eshelman School of Pharmacy, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599, United States.
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39
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Ke MR, Yeung SL, Fong WP, Ng DKP, Lo PC. A Phthalocyanine-Peptide Conjugate with High In Vitro Photodynamic Activity and Enhanced In Vivo Tumor-Retention Property. Chemistry 2012; 18:4225-33. [DOI: 10.1002/chem.201103516] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2011] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
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40
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Gindy ME, Leone AM, Cunningham JJ. Challenges in the pharmaceutical development of lipid-based short interfering ribonucleic acid therapeutics. Expert Opin Drug Deliv 2012; 9:171-82. [DOI: 10.1517/17425247.2012.642363] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
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41
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Threlfall RN, Torres AG, Krivenko A, Gait MJ, Caruthers MH. Synthesis and biological activity of phosphonoacetate- and thiophosphonoacetate-modified 2'-O-methyl oligoribonucleotides. Org Biomol Chem 2011; 10:746-54. [PMID: 22124653 DOI: 10.1039/c1ob06614e] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Chimeric 2'-O-methyl oligoribonucleotides (2'-OMe ORNs) containing internucleotide linkages which were modified with phosphonoacetate (PACE) or thiophosphonoacetate (thioPACE) were prepared by solid-phase synthesis. The modified 2'-OMe ORNs contained a central phosphate or phosphorothioate sequence with up to 4 PACE or thioPACE modifications, respectively, at either end of the ORN in a "gapmer" motif. Both PACE and thioPACE 2'-OMe ORNs formed stable duplexes with complementary RNA. The majority of these duplexes had higher thermal melting temperatures than an unmodified RNA:RNA duplex. The modified 2'-OMe ORNs were effective passenger strands with complementary, unmodified siRNAs, for inducing siRNA activity in a dual luciferase assay in the presence of a lipid transfecting agent. As single strands, thioPACE 2'-OMe ORNs were efficiently taken up by HeLa cells in the absence of a lipid transfecting agent. Furthermore, thioPACE modifications greatly improved the potency of a 2'-OMe phosphorothioate ORN as an inhibitor of microRNA-122 in Huh7 cells, without lipid transfection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard N Threlfall
- Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry, University of Colorado at Boulder, 215 UCB, Boulder, CO 80309-0215, USA
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42
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Juliano RL, Ming X, Nakagawa O. Cellular uptake and intracellular trafficking of antisense and siRNA oligonucleotides. Bioconjug Chem 2011; 23:147-57. [PMID: 21992697 DOI: 10.1021/bc200377d] [Citation(s) in RCA: 145] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Significant progress is being made concerning the development of oligonucleotides as therapeutic agents. Studies with antisense, siRNA, and other forms of oligonucleotides have shown promise in cellular and animal models and in some clinical studies. Nonetheless, our understanding of how oligonucleotides function in cells and tissues is really quite limited. One major issue concerns the modes of uptake and intracellular trafficking of oligonucleotides, whether as "free" molecules or linked to various delivery moieties such as nanoparticles or targeting ligands. In this review, we examine the recent literature on oligonucleotide internalization and subcellular trafficking in the context of current insights into the basic machinery for endocytosis and intracellular vesicular traffic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rudolph L Juliano
- Division of Molecular Pharmaceutics, UNC Eshelman School of Pharmacy, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599, USA.
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43
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Alam MR, Ming X, Fisher M, Lackey JG, Rajeev KG, Manoharan M, Juliano RL. Multivalent cyclic RGD conjugates for targeted delivery of small interfering RNA. Bioconjug Chem 2011; 22:1673-81. [PMID: 21755983 DOI: 10.1021/bc200235q] [Citation(s) in RCA: 99] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
We have designed, synthesized, and tested conjugates of chemically modified luciferase siRNA (Luc-siRNA) with bi-, tri-, and tetravalent cyclic(arginine-glycine-aspartic) (cRGD) peptides that selectively bind to the αvβ3 integrin. The cellular uptake, subcellular distribution, and pharmacological effects of the cRGD-conjugated Luc-siRNAs compared to those of unconjugated controls were examined using a luciferase reporter cassette stably transfected into αvβ3 positive M21(+) human melanoma cells. The M21(+) cells exhibited receptor-mediated uptake of cRGD-siRNA conjugates but not of unconjugated control siRNA. The fluorophore-tagged cRGD-siRNA conjugates were taken up by a caveolar endocytotic route and primarily accumulated in cytosolic vesicles. The bi-, tri-, and tetravalent cRGD conjugates were taken up by M21(+) cells to approximately the same degree. However, there were notable differences in their pharmacological effectiveness. The tri- and tetravalent versions produced progressive, dose-dependent reductions in the level of luciferase expression, while the bivalent version had little effect. The basis for this divergence of uptake and effect is currently unclear. Nonetheless, the high selectivity and substantial "knock down" effects of the multivalent cRGD-siRNA conjugates suggest that this targeting and delivery strategy deserves further exploration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Md Rowshon Alam
- Division of Molecular Pharmaceutics, UNC Eshelman School of Pharmacy, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599, United States
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44
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Ming X, Sato K, Juliano RL. Unconventional internalization mechanisms underlying functional delivery of antisense oligonucleotides via cationic lipoplexes and polyplexes. J Control Release 2011; 153:83-92. [PMID: 21571016 DOI: 10.1016/j.jconrel.2011.04.029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2011] [Revised: 04/22/2011] [Accepted: 04/27/2011] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
There is mounting interest in developing antisense and siRNA oligonucleotides into therapeutic entities; however, this potential has been limited by poor access of oligonucleotides to their pharmacological targets within cells. Transfection reagents, such as cationic lipids and polymers, are commonly utilized to improve functional delivery of nucleic acids including oligonucleotides. Cellular entry of large plasmid DNA molecules with the assistance of these polycationic carriers is mediated by some form of endocytosis; however, the mechanism for delivery of small oligonucleotide molecules has not been well established. In this study, splice-shifting oligonucleotides have been formulated into cationic lipoplexes and polyplexes, and their internalization mechanisms have been examined by using pharmacological and genetic inhibitors of endocytosis. The results showed that intercellular distribution of the oligonucleotides to the nucleus governs their pharmacological response. A mechanistic study revealed that oligonucleotides delivered by lipoplexes enter the cells partially by membrane fusion and this mechanism accounts for the functional induction of the target gene. In contrast, polyplexes are internalized by unconventional endocytosis pathways that do not require dynamin or caveolin. These studies may help rationally design novel delivery systems with superior transfection efficiency but lower toxicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin Ming
- Division of Molecular Pharmaceutics, UNC Eshelman School of Pharmacy, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA.
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