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Directing the Way-Receptor and Chemical Targeting Strategies for Nucleic Acid Delivery. Pharm Res 2023; 40:47-76. [PMID: 36109461 PMCID: PMC9483255 DOI: 10.1007/s11095-022-03385-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2022] [Accepted: 08/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Nucleic acid therapeutics have shown great potential for the treatment of numerous diseases, such as genetic disorders, cancer and infections. Moreover, they have been successfully used as vaccines during the COVID-19 pandemic. In order to unfold full therapeutical potential, these nano agents have to overcome several barriers. Therefore, directed transport to specific tissues and cell types remains a central challenge to receive carrier systems with enhanced efficiency and desired biodistribution profiles. Active targeting strategies include receptor-targeting, mediating cellular uptake based on ligand-receptor interactions, and chemical targeting, enabling cell-specific delivery as a consequence of chemically and structurally modified carriers. With a focus on synthetic delivery systems including polyplexes, lipid-based systems such as lipoplexes and lipid nanoparticles, and direct conjugates optimized for various types of nucleic acids (DNA, mRNA, siRNA, miRNA, oligonucleotides), we highlight recent achievements, exemplified by several nucleic acid drugs on the market, and discuss challenges for targeted delivery to different organs such as brain, eye, liver, lung, spleen and muscle in vivo.
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Panikker P, Roy S, Ghosh A, Poornachandra B, Ghosh A. Advancing precision medicines for ocular disorders: Diagnostic genomics to tailored therapies. Front Med (Lausanne) 2022; 9:906482. [PMID: 35911417 PMCID: PMC9334564 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2022.906482] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2022] [Accepted: 06/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Successful sequencing of the human genome and evolving functional knowledge of gene products has taken genomic medicine to the forefront, soon combining broadly with traditional diagnostics, therapeutics, and prognostics in patients. Recent years have witnessed an extraordinary leap in our understanding of ocular diseases and their respective genetic underpinnings. As we are entering the age of genomic medicine, rapid advances in genome sequencing, gene delivery, genome surgery, and computational genomics enable an ever-increasing capacity to provide a precise and robust diagnosis of diseases and the development of targeted treatment strategies. Inherited retinal diseases are a major source of blindness around the world where a large number of causative genes have been identified, paving the way for personalized diagnostics in the clinic. Developments in functional genetics and gene transfer techniques has also led to the first FDA approval of gene therapy for LCA, a childhood blindness. Many such retinal diseases are the focus of various clinical trials, making clinical diagnoses of retinal diseases, their underlying genetics and the studies of natural history important. Here, we review methodologies for identifying new genes and variants associated with various ocular disorders and the complexities associated with them. Thereafter we discuss briefly, various retinal diseases and the application of genomic technologies in their diagnosis. We also discuss the strategies, challenges, and potential of gene therapy for the treatment of inherited and acquired retinal diseases. Additionally, we discuss the translational aspects of gene therapy, the important vector types and considerations for human trials that may help advance personalized therapeutics in ophthalmology. Retinal disease research has led the application of precision diagnostics and precision therapies; therefore, this review provides a general understanding of the current status of precision medicine in ophthalmology.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Shomereeta Roy
- Grow Research Laboratory, Narayana Nethralaya Foundation, Bengaluru, India
| | - Anuprita Ghosh
- Grow Research Laboratory, Narayana Nethralaya Foundation, Bengaluru, India
| | | | - Arkasubhra Ghosh
- Grow Research Laboratory, Narayana Nethralaya Foundation, Bengaluru, India
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3
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Advances in Ophthalmic Optogenetics: Approaches and Applications. Biomolecules 2022; 12:biom12020269. [PMID: 35204770 PMCID: PMC8961521 DOI: 10.3390/biom12020269] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2022] [Revised: 02/03/2022] [Accepted: 02/05/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Recent advances in optogenetics hold promise for vision restoration in degenerative eye diseases. Optogenetics refers to techniques that use light to control the cellular activity of targeted cells. Although optogenetics is a relatively new technology, multiple therapeutic options are already being explored in pre-clinical and phase I/II clinical trials with the aim of developing novel, safe, and effective treatments for major blinding eye diseases, such as glaucoma and retinitis pigmentosa. Optogenetic approaches to visual restoration are primarily aimed at replacing lost or dysfunctional photoreceptors by inserting light-sensitive proteins into downstream retinal neurons that have no intrinsic light sensitivity. Such approaches are attractive because they are agnostic to the genetic causes of retinal degeneration, which raises hopes that all forms of retinal dystrophic and degenerative diseases could become treatable. Optogenetic strategies can also have a far-reaching impact on translational research by serving as important tools to study the pathogenesis of retinal degeneration and to identify clinically relevant therapeutic targets. For example, the CRY-CIBN optogenetic system has been recently applied to animal models of glaucoma, suggesting a potential role of OCRL in the regulation of intraocular pressure in trabecular meshwork. As optogenetic strategies are being intensely investigated, it appears crucial to consider the opportunities and challenges such therapies may offer. Here, we review the more recent promising optogenetic molecules, vectors, and applications of optogenetics for the treatment of retinal degeneration and glaucoma. We also summarize the preliminary results of ongoing clinical trials for visual restoration.
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Delivery of Genetic Information: Viral Vector and Nonviral Vector Gene Therapies. Int Ophthalmol Clin 2021; 61:35-57. [PMID: 34196317 DOI: 10.1097/iio.0000000000000360] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
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Xu D, Khan MA, Klufas MA, Ho AC. Administration of Ocular Gene Therapy. Int Ophthalmol Clin 2021; 61:131-149. [PMID: 34196321 DOI: 10.1097/iio.0000000000000365] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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Scheive M, Yazdani S, Hajrasouliha AR. The utility and risks of therapeutic nanotechnology in the retina. Ther Adv Ophthalmol 2021; 13:25158414211003381. [PMID: 33817552 PMCID: PMC7989128 DOI: 10.1177/25158414211003381] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2020] [Accepted: 02/23/2021] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The clinical application of nanotechnology in medicine is promising for therapeutic, diagnostic, and surgical improvements in the near future. Nanotechnologies in nano-ophthalmology are in the early stages of application in clinical contexts, including ocular drug and gene delivery systems addressing eye disorders, particularly retinopathies. Retinal diseases are challenging to treat as current interventions, such as intravitreal injections, are limited by their invasive nature. This review examines nanotechnological approaches to retinal diseases in a clinical context. Nanotechnology has the potential to transform pharmacological and surgical interventions by overcoming limitations posed by the protective anatomical and physiological barriers that limit access to the retina. Preclinical research in the application of nanoparticles in diagnostics indicates that nanoparticles can enhance existing diagnostic and screening tools to detect diseases earlier and more easily and improve disease progression monitoring precision.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melanie Scheive
- Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA
| | - Saeed Yazdani
- Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis, Indianapolis, IN, USA
| | - Amir R Hajrasouliha
- Assistant Professor of Ophthalmology, Eugene and Marilyn Glick Eye Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, Indiana University School of Medicine, 1160 W Michigan St., Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA
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Kansara VS, Cooper M, Sesenoglu-Laird O, Muya L, Moen R, Ciulla TA. Suprachoroidally Delivered DNA Nanoparticles Transfect Retina and Retinal Pigment Epithelium/Choroid in Rabbits. Transl Vis Sci Technol 2020; 9:21. [PMID: 33364076 PMCID: PMC7745627 DOI: 10.1167/tvst.9.13.21] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2020] [Accepted: 10/16/2020] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Purpose This study evaluated ocular tolerability and transfectability of nonviral DNA nanoparticles (DNPs) after microneedle-based suprachoroidal (SC) administration, in comparison to subretinal (SR) administration. Methods The DNPs consisted of a single copy of plasmid DNA with a polyubiquitin C/luciferase transcriptional cassette compacted with 10 kDa PEG-substituted lysine 30-mer peptides (CK30PEG10k). New Zealand White rabbits (n = 4 per group) received a unilateral SC injection (0.1 mL via a microneedle technique) of ellipsoid-shaped DNPs, rod-shaped DNPs, or saline (negative control). A cohort of rabbits (n = 4) also received a single unilateral SR injection (0.05 mL via a transvitreal approach) of rod-shaped DNPs. At day 7, luciferase activity was measured in the retina and retinal pigment epithelium (RPE)–choroid via bioluminescence assay. A cohort of rabbits received a SC injection of analogous DNPs to assess spread of DNP injectate in the suprachoroidal space (SCS) via optical coherent tomography and histology. Results Suprachoroidal injection of DNPs resulted in reversible opening of the SCS circumferentially and posteriorly and was generally well tolerated, with no significant ocular examination score changes, intraocular pressure abnormalities, or changes in electroretinography amplitudes on day 7 compared to the baseline. High luciferase activity was observed in the retina and RPE-choroid of eyes that received SC DNPs (rod and ellipsoid shape) and SR DNPs (rod shape) compared to controls. The mean luciferase activity in RPE-choroid and retina was comparable between SC and SR administrations. Transfection in the RPE-choroid was approximately 10-fold higher than in the retina after either SC or SR administration of DNPs. Conclusions Suprachoroidal and SR administration of DNPs resulted in comparable transfection of retina and RPE-choroid. Translational Relevance Suprachoroidal delivery of DNPs offers the potential to precisely target chorioretinal tissues while avoiding surgical risks associated with SR injection, and it may offer an office-based nonsurgical gene therapy option for the treatment of retinal diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Mark Cooper
- Copernicus Therapeutics, Inc., Cleveland, OH, USA
| | | | - Leroy Muya
- Clearside Biomedical, Inc., Alpharetta, GA, USA
| | - Robert Moen
- Copernicus Therapeutics, Inc., Cleveland, OH, USA
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Batabyal S, Gajjeraman S, Bhattacharya S, Wright W, Mohanty S. Nano-enhanced Optical Gene Delivery to Retinal Degenerated Mice. Curr Gene Ther 2020; 19:318-329. [PMID: 31625475 DOI: 10.2174/1566523219666191017114044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2019] [Revised: 08/19/2019] [Accepted: 09/19/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The efficient and targeted delivery of genes and other impermeable therapeutic molecules into retinal cells is of immense importance for the therapy of various visual disorders. Traditional methods for gene delivery require viral transfection, or chemical methods that suffer from one or many drawbacks, such as low efficiency, lack of spatially targeted delivery, and can generally have deleterious effects, such as unexpected inflammatory responses and immunological reactions. METHODS We aim to develop a continuous wave near-infrared laser-based Nano-enhanced Optical Delivery (NOD) method for spatially controlled delivery of ambient-light-activatable Muti-Characteristic opsin-encoding genes into retina in-vivo and ex-vivo. In this method, the optical field enhancement by gold nanorods is utilized to transiently permeabilize cell membrane, enabling delivery of exogenous impermeable molecules to nanorod-binding cells in laser-irradiated regions. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION With viral or other non-viral (e.g. electroporation, lipofection) methods, gene is delivered everywhere, causing uncontrolled expression over the whole retina. This will cause complications in the functioning of non-degenerated areas of the retina. In the NOD method, the contrast in temperature rise in laser-irradiated nanorod-attached cells at nano-hotspots is significant enough to allow site-specific delivery of large genes. The in-vitro and in-vivo results using NOD, clearly demonstrate in-vivo gene delivery and functional cellular expression in targeted retinal regions without compromising the structural integrity of the eye or causing immune response. CONCLUSION The successful delivery and expression of MCO in the targeted retina after in-vivo NOD in the mice models of retinal degeneration opens a new vista for re-photosensitizing retina with geographic atrophies, such as in dry age-related macular degeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Subrata Batabyal
- Nanoscope Technologies LLC, 1312 Brown Trail, Bedford, TX, 76022, United States
| | | | | | - Weldon Wright
- Nanoscope Technologies LLC, 1312 Brown Trail, Bedford, TX, 76022, United States
| | - Samarendra Mohanty
- Nanoscope Technologies LLC, 1312 Brown Trail, Bedford, TX, 76022, United States
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Kansara V, Muya L, Wan CR, Ciulla TA. Suprachoroidal Delivery of Viral and Nonviral Gene Therapy for Retinal Diseases. J Ocul Pharmacol Ther 2020; 36:384-392. [PMID: 32255727 PMCID: PMC7404827 DOI: 10.1089/jop.2019.0126] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Retinal gene therapy is a rapidly growing field with numerous clinical trials underway, and route of delivery is a critical contributor to its success. Subretinal administration, which involves pars plana vitrectomy in the operating room, offers targeted delivery to retinal-pigment epithelium cells and photoreceptors. Due to the immune-privileged nature of the subretinal space, the risk of an immune reaction against viral capsid antigens is minimized, an advantage of subretinal administration in patients with preexisting neutralizing antibodies. Intravitreal administration, with fewer procedure-related complications, is challenged by potential immune response and incomplete vector penetration through the internal limiting membrane. However, novel vectors, optimized by "directed evolution" may address these issues. Nonsurgical in-office suprachoroidal gene delivery offers the potential for greater surface-area coverage of the posterior segment compared to focal subretinal injection, and is not hindered by the internal limiting membrane. However, the vector must pass through multiple layers to reach the targeted retinal layers, and there is a risk of immune response. This review highlights recent developments, challenges, and future opportunities associated with viral and nonviral suprachoroidal gene delivery for the treatment of chorioretinal diseases. While ocular tolerability and short-term effectiveness of suprachoroidal gene delivery have been demonstrated in preclinical models, durability of gene expression, long-term safety, potential systemic exposure, and effective delivery to the macula require further exploration. Although the safety and efficacy of suprachoroidal gene delivery are yet to be proven in clinical trials, further optimization could facilitate nonsurgical in-office suprachoroidal gene therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Leroy Muya
- Clearside Biomedical, Inc., Alpharetta, Georgia
| | | | - Thomas A. Ciulla
- Clearside Biomedical, Inc., Alpharetta, Georgia
- Address correspondence to: Dr. Thomas A. Ciulla, Clearside Biomedical, Inc., 900 Northpoint Parkway Suite 200, Alpharetta, GA 30005
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The Interplay between Peripherin 2 Complex Formation and Degenerative Retinal Diseases. Cells 2020; 9:cells9030784. [PMID: 32213850 PMCID: PMC7140794 DOI: 10.3390/cells9030784] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2020] [Revised: 03/11/2020] [Accepted: 03/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Peripherin 2 (Prph2) is a photoreceptor-specific tetraspanin protein present in the outer segment (OS) rims of rod and cone photoreceptors. It shares many common features with other tetraspanins, including a large intradiscal loop which contains several cysteines. This loop enables Prph2 to associate with itself to form homo-oligomers or with its homologue, rod outer segment membrane protein 1 (Rom1) to form hetero-tetramers and hetero-octamers. Mutations in PRPH2 cause a multitude of retinal diseases including autosomal dominant retinitis pigmentosa (RP) or cone dominant macular dystrophies. The importance of Prph2 for photoreceptor development, maintenance and function is underscored by the fact that its absence results in a failure to initialize OS formation in rods and formation of severely disorganized OS membranous structures in cones. Although the exact role of Rom1 has not been well studied, it has been concluded that it is not necessary for disc morphogenesis but is required for fine tuning OS disc size and structure. Pathogenic mutations in PRPH2 often result in complex and multifactorial phenotypes, involving not just photoreceptors, as has historically been reasoned, but also secondary effects on the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) and retinal/choroidal vasculature. The ability of Prph2 to form complexes was identified as a key requirement for the development and maintenance of OS structure and function. Studies using mouse models of pathogenic Prph2 mutations established a connection between changes in complex formation and disease phenotypes. Although progress has been made in the development of therapeutic approaches for retinal diseases in general, the highly complex interplay of functions mediated by Prph2 and the precise regulation of these complexes made it difficult, thus far, to develop a suitable Prph2-specific therapy. Here we describe the latest results obtained in Prph2-associated research and how mouse models provided new insights into the pathogenesis of its related diseases. Furthermore, we give an overview on the current status of the development of therapeutic solutions.
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Ocular gene therapies in clinical practice: viral vectors and nonviral alternatives. Drug Discov Today 2019; 24:1685-1693. [PMID: 31173914 DOI: 10.1016/j.drudis.2019.05.038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2018] [Revised: 02/17/2019] [Accepted: 05/31/2019] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Ocular gene therapy has entered into clinical practice. Although viral vectors are currently the best option to replace and/or correct genes, the optimal method to deliver these treatments to the retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) cells and/or photoreceptor cells remains to be improved to increase transduction efficacy and reduce iatrogenic risks. Beyond viral-mediated gene replacement therapies, nonviral gene delivery approaches offer the promise of sustained fine-tuned expression of secreted therapeutic proteins that can be adapted to the evolving stage of the disease course and can address more common nongenetic retinal diseases, such as age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Here, we review current gene therapy strategies for ocular diseases, with a focus on clinical stage products.
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Aly AEE, Harmon B, Padegimas L, Sesenoglu-Laird O, Cooper MJ, Yurek DM, Waszczak BL. Intranasal delivery of hGDNF plasmid DNA nanoparticles results in long-term and widespread transfection of perivascular cells in rat brain. NANOMEDICINE-NANOTECHNOLOGY BIOLOGY AND MEDICINE 2018; 16:20-33. [PMID: 30472323 DOI: 10.1016/j.nano.2018.11.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2018] [Revised: 10/31/2018] [Accepted: 11/13/2018] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
The intranasal route of administration allows large therapeutics to circumvent the blood-brain barrier and be delivered directly to the CNS. Here we examined the distribution and pattern of cellular transfection, and the time course of transgene expression, in the rat brain after intranasal delivery of plasmid DNA nanoparticles (NPs) encoding hGDNF fused with eGFP. Intranasal administration of these NPs resulted in transfection and transgene expression throughout the rat brain, as indicated by eGFP ELISA and eGFP-positive cell counts. Most of the transfected cells were abluminal and immediately adjacent to capillaries and are likely pericytes, consistent with their distribution by perivascular transport. Intranasal administration of these plasmid DNA NPs resulted in significant, long-term transgene expression in rat brain, with highest levels at 1 week and continued expression for 6 months. These results provide evidence in support of intranasal DNA NPs as a non-invasive, long-term gene therapy approach for various CNS disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amirah E-E Aly
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Northeastern University, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Brendan Harmon
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Northeastern University, Boston, MA, USA
| | | | | | | | - David M Yurek
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Kentucky and University of Kentucky Nanobiotechnology Center, Lexington, KY, USA
| | - Barbara L Waszczak
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Northeastern University, Boston, MA, USA.
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Kelley RA, Conley SM, Makkia R, Watson JN, Han Z, Cooper MJ, Naash MI. DNA nanoparticles are safe and nontoxic in non-human primate eyes. Int J Nanomedicine 2018; 13:1361-1379. [PMID: 29563793 PMCID: PMC5849385 DOI: 10.2147/ijn.s157000] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION DNA nanoparticles (NPs) comprising polylysine conjugated to polyethylene glycol efficiently target murine photoreceptors and the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) and lead to long-term phenotypic improvement in models of retinal degeneration. Advancing this technology requires testing in a large animal model, particularly with regard to safety. So, herein we evaluate NPs in non-human primates (baboon). METHODS AND RESULTS NPs with plasmids carrying GFP and a ubiquitous, RPE-specific, or photoreceptor-specific promoter were delivered by either subretinal or intravitreal injection. We detected GFP message and protein in the retina/RPE from eyes dosed with NPs carrying ubiquitously expressed and RPE-specific vectors, and GFP message in eyes injected with NPs carrying photoreceptor-specific vectors. Importantly, we observed NP DNA in the retina/RPE following intravitreal injection, indicating the inner limiting membrane does not prevent NP diffusion into the outer retina. We did not observe any adverse events in any baboon, and there were no NP-associated changes in retinal function. Furthermore, no systemic or local inflammatory reaction to the vectors/injections was observed, and no NP DNA was found outside the eye. CONCLUSION Taken together with the well-established rodent safety and efficacy data, these findings suggest that DNA NPs may be a safe and potentially clinically viable nonviral ocular therapy platform for retinal diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryan A Kelley
- Department of Cell Biology, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK, USA
| | - Shannon M Conley
- Department of Cell Biology, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK, USA
| | - Rasha Makkia
- Department of Cell Biology, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK, USA
| | - Jamie N Watson
- Department of Cell Biology, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK, USA
| | - Zongchao Han
- Department of Cell Biology, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK, USA
| | | | - Muna I Naash
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Houston, Houston, TX, USA
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Mitra RN, Zheng M, Weiss ER, Han Z. Genomic form of rhodopsin DNA nanoparticles rescued autosomal dominant Retinitis pigmentosa in the P23H knock-in mouse model. Biomaterials 2017; 157:26-39. [PMID: 29232624 DOI: 10.1016/j.biomaterials.2017.12.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2017] [Revised: 11/27/2017] [Accepted: 12/02/2017] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Retinitis pigmentosa (RP) is a group of inherited retinal degenerative conditions and a leading cause of irreversible blindness. 25%-30% of RP cases are caused by inherited autosomal dominant (ad) mutations in the rhodopsin (Rho) protein of the retina, which impose a barrier for developing therapeutic treatments for this genetically heterogeneous disorder, as simple gene replacement is not sufficient to overcome dominant disease alleles. Previously, we have explored using the genomic short-form of Rho (sgRho) for gene augmentation therapy of RP in a Rho knockout mouse model. We have shown improved gene expression and fewer epigenetic modifications compared with the use of a Rho cDNA expression construct. In the current study, we altered our strategy by delivering a codon-optimized genomic form of Rho (co-sgRho) (for gene replacement) in combination with an RNAi-based inactivation of endogenous Rho alleles (gene suppression of both mutant Rho alleles, but mismatched with the co-sgRho) into a homozygous RhoP23H/P23H knock-in (KI) RP mouse model, which has a severe phenotype of adRP. In addition, we have conjugated a cell penetrating TAT peptide sequence to our previously established CK30PEG10 diblock co-polymer. The DNAs were compacted with CK30PEG10-TAT diblock co-polymer to form DNA nanoparticles (NPs). These NPs were injected into the sub-retinal space of the KI mouse eyes. As a proof of concept, we demonstrated the efficiency of this strategy in the partial improvement of visual function in the RhoP23H/P23H KI mouse model.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Min Zheng
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - Ellen R Weiss
- Department of Cell Biology and Physiology, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - Zongchao Han
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA; Carolina Institute for NanoMedicine, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA; Division of Molecular Pharmaceutics, Eshelman School of Pharmacy, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA.
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Gupta PR, Huckfeldt RM. Gene therapy for inherited retinal degenerations: initial successes and future challenges. J Neural Eng 2017; 14:051002. [DOI: 10.1088/1741-2552/aa7a27] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
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Mitra RN, Nichols CA, Guo J, Makkia R, Cooper MJ, Naash MI, Han Z. Nanoparticle-mediated miR200-b delivery for the treatment of diabetic retinopathy. J Control Release 2016; 236:31-7. [PMID: 27297781 DOI: 10.1016/j.jconrel.2016.06.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2016] [Revised: 06/03/2016] [Accepted: 06/10/2016] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
We recently reported that the Ins2(Akita) mouse is a good model for late-onset diabetic retinopathy. Here, we investigated the effect of miR200-b, a potential anti-angiogenic factor, on VEGF receptor 2 (VEGFR-2) expression and to determine the underlying angiogenic response in mouse endothelial cells, and in retinas from aged Ins2(Akita) mice. MiR200-b and its native flanking sequences were amplified and cloned into a pCAG-eGFP vector directed by the ubiquitous CAG promoter (namely pCAG-miR200-b-IRES-eGFP). The plasmid was compacted by CK30PEG10K into DNA nanoparticles (NPs) for in vivo delivery. Murine endothelial cell line, SVEC4-10, was first transfected with the plasmid. The mRNA levels of VEGF and VEGFR-2 were quantified by qRT-PCR and showed significant reduction in message expression compared with lipofectamine-transfected cells. Transfection of miR200-b suppressed the migration of SVEC4-10 cells. There was a significant inverse correlation between the level of expression of miR200-b and VEGFR-2. Intravitreal injection of miR200-b DNA NPs significantly reduced protein levels of VEGFR-2 as revealed by western blot and markedly suppressed angiogenesis as evaluated by fundus imaging in aged Ins2(Akita) mice even after 3months of post-injection. These findings suggest that NP-mediated miR200-b delivery has negatively regulated VEGFR-2 expression in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Chance A Nichols
- Department of Cell Biology, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK 73104, USA
| | - Junjing Guo
- Department of Cell Biology, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK 73104, USA
| | - Rasha Makkia
- Department of Cell Biology, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK 73104, USA
| | - Mark J Cooper
- Copernicus Therapeutics, Incorporated, Cleveland, OH 44106, USA
| | - Muna I Naash
- Department of Cell Biology, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK 73104, USA; Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Houston, Houston, TX 77204, USA
| | - Zongchao Han
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA; Carolina Institute for NanoMedicine, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA; Division of Molecular Pharmaceutics, Eshelman School of Pharmacy, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA.
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Mitra RN, Zheng M, Han Z. Nanoparticle-motivated gene delivery for ophthalmic application. WILEY INTERDISCIPLINARY REVIEWS. NANOMEDICINE AND NANOBIOTECHNOLOGY 2016; 8:160-74. [PMID: 26109528 PMCID: PMC4688250 DOI: 10.1002/wnan.1356] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2015] [Revised: 05/21/2015] [Accepted: 05/23/2015] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Ophthalmic gene therapy is an intellectual and intentional manipulation of desired gene expression into the specific cells of an eye for the treatment of ophthalmic (ocular) genetic dystrophies and pathological conditions. Exogenous nucleic acids such as DNA, small interfering RNA, micro RNA, and so on, are used for the purpose of managing expression of the desired therapeutic proteins in ocular tissues. The delivery of unprotected nucleic acids into the cells is limited because of exogenous and endogenous degradation modalities. Nanotechnology, a promising and sophisticated cutting edge tool, works as a protective shelter for these therapeutic nucleic acids. They can be safely delivered to the required cells in order to modulate anticipated protein expression. To this end, nanotechnology is seen as a potential and promising strategy in the field of ocular gene delivery. This review focused on current nanotechnology modalities and other promising nonviral strategies being used to deliver therapeutic genes in order to treat various devastating ocular diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Min Zheng
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - Zongchao Han
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
- Carolina Institute for NanoMedicine, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
- Division of Molecular Pharmaceutics, Eshelman School of Pharmacy, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
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Zulliger R, Conley SM, Naash MI. Non-viral therapeutic approaches to ocular diseases: An overview and future directions. J Control Release 2015; 219:471-487. [PMID: 26439665 PMCID: PMC4699668 DOI: 10.1016/j.jconrel.2015.10.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2015] [Revised: 10/01/2015] [Accepted: 10/02/2015] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Currently there are no viable treatment options for patients with debilitating inherited retinal degeneration. The vast variability in disease-inducing mutations and resulting phenotypes has hampered the development of therapeutic interventions. Gene therapy is a logical approach, and recent work has focused on ways to optimize vector design and packaging to promote optimized expression and phenotypic rescue after intraocular delivery. In this review, we discuss ongoing ocular clinical trials, which currently use viral gene delivery, but focus primarily on new advancements in optimizing the efficacy of non-viral gene delivery for ocular diseases. Non-viral delivery systems are highly customizable, allowing functionalization to improve cellular and nuclear uptake, bypassing cellular degradative machinery, and improving gene expression in the nucleus. Non-viral vectors often yield transgene expression levels lower than viral counterparts, however their favorable safety/immune profiles and large DNA capacity (critical for the delivery of large ocular disease genes) make their further development a research priority. Recent work on particle coating and vector engineering presents exciting ways to overcome limitations of transient/low gene expression levels, but also highlights the fact that further refinements are needed before use in the clinic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rahel Zulliger
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Houston, Houston, TX 77204-5060, United States
| | - Shannon M Conley
- Department of Cell Biology, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK 73104, United States
| | - Muna I Naash
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Houston, Houston, TX 77204-5060, United States.
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Zheng M, Mitra RN, Filonov NA, Han Z. Nanoparticle-mediated rhodopsin cDNA but not intron-containing DNA delivery causes transgene silencing in a rhodopsin knockout model. FASEB J 2015; 30:1076-86. [PMID: 26564956 DOI: 10.1096/fj.15-280511] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2015] [Accepted: 10/28/2015] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Previously, we compared the efficacy of nanoparticle (NP)-mediated intron-containing rhodopsin (sgRho) vs. intronless cDNA in ameliorating retinal disease phenotypes in a rhodopsin knockout (RKO) mouse model of retinitis pigmentosa. We showed that NP-mediated sgRho delivery achieved long-term expression and phenotypic improvement in RKO mice, but not NP housing cDNA. However, the protein level of the NP-sgRho construct was only 5-10% of wild-type at 8 mo postinjection. To have a better understanding of the reduced levels of long-term expression of the vectors, in the present study, we evaluated the epigenetic changes of subretinal delivering NP-cDNA vs. NP-sgRho in the RKO mouse eyes. Following the administration, DNA methylation and histone status of specific regions (bacteria plasmid backbone, promoter, rhodopsin gene, and scaffold/matrix attachment region) of the vectors were evaluated at various time points. We documented that epigenetic transgene silencing occurred in vector-mediated gene transfer, which were caused by the plasmid backbone and the cDNA of the transgene, but not the intron-containing transgene. No toxicity or inflammation was found in the treated eyes. Our results suggest that cDNA of the rhodopsin transgene and bacteria backbone interfered with the host defense mechanism of DNA methylation-mediated transgene silencing through heterochromatin-associated modifications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Min Zheng
- *Department of Ophthalmology and Carolina Institute for NanoMedicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA; and Molecular Therapeutics, University of North Carolina Eshelman School of Pharmacy, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
| | - Rajendra N Mitra
- *Department of Ophthalmology and Carolina Institute for NanoMedicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA; and Molecular Therapeutics, University of North Carolina Eshelman School of Pharmacy, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
| | - Nazar A Filonov
- *Department of Ophthalmology and Carolina Institute for NanoMedicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA; and Molecular Therapeutics, University of North Carolina Eshelman School of Pharmacy, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
| | - Zongchao Han
- *Department of Ophthalmology and Carolina Institute for NanoMedicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA; and Molecular Therapeutics, University of North Carolina Eshelman School of Pharmacy, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
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Han Z, Banworth MJ, Makkia R, Conley SM, Al-Ubaidi MR, Cooper MJ, Naash MI. Genomic DNA nanoparticles rescue rhodopsin-associated retinitis pigmentosa phenotype. FASEB J 2015; 29:2535-44. [PMID: 25713057 DOI: 10.1096/fj.15-270363] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2015] [Accepted: 02/09/2015] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
Mutations in the rhodopsin gene cause retinal degeneration and clinical phenotypes including retinitis pigmentosa (RP) and congenital stationary night blindness. Effective gene therapies have been difficult to develop, however, because generating precise levels of rhodopsin expression is critical; overexpression causes toxicity, and underexpression would result in incomplete rescue. Current gene delivery strategies routinely use cDNA-based vectors for gene targeting; however, inclusion of noncoding components of genomic DNA (gDNA) such as introns may help promote more endogenous regulation of gene expression. Here we test the hypothesis that inclusion of genomic sequences from the rhodopsin gene can improve the efficacy of rhodopsin gene therapy in the rhodopsin knockout (RKO) mouse model of RP. We utilize our compacted DNA nanoparticles (NPs), which have the ability to transfer larger and more complex genetic constructs, to deliver murine rhodopsin cDNA or gDNA. We show functional and structural improvements in RKO eyes for up to 8 months after NP-mediated gDNA but not cDNA delivery. Importantly, in addition to improvements in rod function, we observe significant preservation of cone function at time points when cones in the RKO model are degenerated. These results suggest that inclusion of native expression elements, such as introns, can significantly enhance gene expression and therapeutic efficacy and may become an essential option in the array of available gene delivery tools.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zongchao Han
- *Department of Cell Biology, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA; and Copernicus Therapeutics, Incorporated, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
| | - Marcellus J Banworth
- *Department of Cell Biology, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA; and Copernicus Therapeutics, Incorporated, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
| | - Rasha Makkia
- *Department of Cell Biology, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA; and Copernicus Therapeutics, Incorporated, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
| | - Shannon M Conley
- *Department of Cell Biology, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA; and Copernicus Therapeutics, Incorporated, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
| | - Muayyad R Al-Ubaidi
- *Department of Cell Biology, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA; and Copernicus Therapeutics, Incorporated, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
| | - Mark J Cooper
- *Department of Cell Biology, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA; and Copernicus Therapeutics, Incorporated, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
| | - Muna I Naash
- *Department of Cell Biology, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA; and Copernicus Therapeutics, Incorporated, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
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Nanoparticle-based technologies for retinal gene therapy. Eur J Pharm Biopharm 2015; 95:353-67. [PMID: 25592325 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejpb.2014.12.028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2014] [Revised: 12/15/2014] [Accepted: 12/22/2014] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
For patients with hereditary retinal diseases, retinal gene therapy offers significant promise for the prevention of retinal degeneration. While adeno-associated virus (AAV)-based systems remain the most popular gene delivery method due to their high efficiency and successful clinical results, other delivery systems, such as non-viral nanoparticles (NPs) are being developed as additional therapeutic options. NP technologies come in several categories (e.g., polymer, liposomes, peptide compacted DNA), several of which have been tested in mouse models of retinal disease. Here, we discuss the key biochemical features of the different NPs that influence how they are internalized into cells, escape from endosomes, and are delivered into the nucleus. We review the primary mechanism of NP uptake by retinal cells and highlight various NPs that have been successfully used for in vivo gene delivery to the retina and RPE. Finally, we consider the various strategies that can be implemented in the plasmid DNA to generate persistent, high levels of gene expression.
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Conley SM, Naash MI. Gene therapy for PRPH2-associated ocular disease: challenges and prospects. Cold Spring Harb Perspect Med 2014; 4:a017376. [PMID: 25167981 DOI: 10.1101/cshperspect.a017376] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
The peripherin-2 (PRPH2) gene encodes a photoreceptor-specific tetraspanin protein called peripherin-2/retinal degeneration slow (RDS), which is critical for the formation and maintenance of rod and cone outer segments. Over 90 different disease-causing mutations in PRPH2 have been identified, which cause a variety of forms of retinitis pigmentosa and macular degeneration. Given the disease burden associated with PRPH2 mutations, the gene has long been a focus for preclinical gene therapy studies. Adeno-associated viruses and compacted DNA nanoparticles carrying PRPH2 have been successfully used to mediate improvement in the rds(-/-) and rds(+/-) mouse models. However, complexities in the pathogenic mechanism for PRPH2-associated macular disease coupled with the need for a precise dose of peripherin-2 to combat a severe haploinsufficiency phenotype have delayed the development of clinically viable genetic treatments. Here we discuss the progress and prospects for PRPH2-associated gene therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shannon M Conley
- Department of Cell Biology, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma 73104
| | - Muna I Naash
- Department of Cell Biology, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma 73104
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23
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Nanotherapy for posterior eye diseases. J Control Release 2014; 193:100-12. [PMID: 24862316 DOI: 10.1016/j.jconrel.2014.05.031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 116] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2014] [Revised: 05/12/2014] [Accepted: 05/17/2014] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
It is assumed that more than 50% of the most enfeebling ocular diseases have their origin in the posterior segment. Furthermore, most of these diseases lead to partial or complete blindness, if left untreated. After cancer, blindness is the second most dreaded disease world over. However, treatment of posterior eye diseases is more challenging than the anterior segment ailments due to a series of anatomical barriers and physiological constraints confronted for delivery to this segment. In this regard, nanostructured drug delivery systems are proposed to defy ocular barriers, target retina, and act as permeation enhancers in addition to providing a controlled release. Since an important step towards developing effective treatment strategies is to understand the course or a route a drug molecule needs to follow to reach the target site, the first part of the present review discusses various pathways available for effective delivery to and clearance from the posterior eye. Promise held by nanocarrier systems, viz. liposomes, nanoparticles, and nanoemulsion, for effective delivery and selective targeting is also discussed with illustrative examples, tables, and flowcharts. However, the applicability of these nanocarrier systems as self-administration ocular drops is still an unrealized dream which is in itself a huge technological challenge.
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Episomal Maintenance of S/MAR-Containing Non-Viral Vectors for RPE-Based Diseases. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2014; 801:703-9. [DOI: 10.1007/978-1-4614-3209-8_88] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/21/2023]
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Han Z, Conley SM, Naash MI. Gene Therapy for Stargardt Disease Associated with ABCA4 Gene. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2014; 801:719-24. [DOI: 10.1007/978-1-4614-3209-8_90] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
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Zarbin MA, Arlow T, Ritch R. Regenerative nanomedicine for vision restoration. Mayo Clin Proc 2013; 88:1480-90. [PMID: 24290123 DOI: 10.1016/j.mayocp.2013.05.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2013] [Revised: 05/27/2013] [Accepted: 05/30/2013] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Herein, we discuss recent applications of nanotechnology to ophthalmology, including nanoparticles for drug, gene, and trophic factor delivery; regenerative medicine (in the areas of optogenetics and optic nerve regeneration); and diagnostics (eg, minimally invasive biometric monitoring). Specific applications for the management of choroidal neovascularization, retinal neovascularization, oxidative damage, optic nerve damage, and retinal degenerative disease are considered. Nanotechnology will play an important role in early- and late-stage interventions in the management of blinding diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marco A Zarbin
- Institute of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, New Jersey Medical School, Rutgers University, Newark, NJ.
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Koirala A, Conley SM, Makkia R, Liu Z, Cooper MJ, Sparrow JR, Naash MI. Persistence of non-viral vector mediated RPE65 expression: case for viability as a gene transfer therapy for RPE-based diseases. J Control Release 2013; 172:745-52. [PMID: 24035979 DOI: 10.1016/j.jconrel.2013.08.299] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2013] [Accepted: 08/22/2013] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Mutations in the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) gene RPE65 are associated with multiple blinding diseases including Leber's Congenital Amaurosis (LCA). Our goal has been to develop persistent, effective non-viral genetic therapies to treat this condition. Using precisely engineered DNA vectors and high capacity compacted DNA nanoparticles (NP), we previously demonstrated that both plasmid and NP forms of VMD2-hRPE65-S/MAR improved the disease phenotypes in an rpe65(-/-) model of LCA up to 6 months post-injection (PI), however the duration of this treatment efficacy was not established. Here, we test the ability of these vectors to sustain gene expression and phenotypic improvement for the life of the animal. NPs or naked DNA were subretinally injected in rpe65(-/-) mice at postnatal day (P) 16 and evaluated at 15 months PI. Quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) and immunofluorescence were performed at PI-15 months and demonstrated appreciable expression of transferred RPE65 (levels were 32% of wild-type [WT] for NPs and 44% of WT for naked DNA). No reduction in expression at the message level was observed from PI-6 month data. Spectral electroretinography (ERG) demonstrated significant improvement in cone ERG amplitudes in treated versus uninjected animals. Most importantly, we also observed reduced fundus autofluorescence in the eyes injected with NP and naked DNA compared to uninjected counterparts. Consistent with these observations, biochemical studies showed a reduction in the accumulation of toxic retinyl esters in treated mice, suggesting that the transferred hRPE65 was functional. These critical results indicate that both NP and uncompacted plasmid VMD2-hRPE65-S/MAR can mediate persistent, long-term improvement in an RPE-associated disease phenotype, and suggest that DNA NPs, which are non-toxic and have a large payload capacity, expand the treatment repertoire available for ocular gene therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adarsha Koirala
- Department of Cell Biology, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, 940 Stanton L. Young Boulevard, BMSB 781, Oklahoma City, OK 73104, USA
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Koirala A, Conley SM, Naash MI. A review of therapeutic prospects of non-viral gene therapy in the retinal pigment epithelium. Biomaterials 2013; 34:7158-67. [PMID: 23796578 DOI: 10.1016/j.biomaterials.2013.06.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2013] [Accepted: 06/02/2013] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
Ocular gene therapy has been extensively explored in recent years as a therapeutic avenue to target diseases of the cornea, retina and retinal pigment epithelium (RPE). Adeno-associated virus (AAV)-mediated gene therapy has shown promise in several RPE clinical trials but AAVs have limited payload capacity and potential immunogenicity. Traditionally however, non-viral alternatives have been plagued by low transfection efficiency, short-term expression and low expression levels. Recently, these drawbacks have begun to be overcome by the use of specialty carriers such as polylysine, liposomes, or polyethyleneimines, and by inclusion of suitable DNA elements to enhance gene expression and longevity. Recent advancements in the field have yielded non-viral vectors that have favorable safety profiles, lack immunogenicity, exhibit long-term elevated gene expression, and show efficient transfection in the retina and RPE, making them poised to transition to clinical applications. Here we discuss the advancements in nanotechnology and vector engineering that have improved the prospects for clinical application of non-viral gene therapy in the RPE.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adarsha Koirala
- Department of Cell Biology, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK 73104, USA
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Koirala A, Makkia RS, Conley SM, Cooper MJ, Naash MI. S/MAR-containing DNA nanoparticles promote persistent RPE gene expression and improvement in RPE65-associated LCA. Hum Mol Genet 2013; 22:1632-42. [PMID: 23335596 DOI: 10.1093/hmg/ddt013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Mutations in genes in the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) cause or contribute to debilitating ocular diseases, including Leber's congenital amaurosis (LCA). Genetic therapies, particularly adeno-associated viruses (AAVs), are a popular choice for monogenic diseases; however, the limited payload capacity of AAVs combined with the large number of retinal disease genes exceeding that capacity make the development of alternative delivery methods critical. Here, we test the ability of compacted DNA nanoparticles (NPs) containing a plasmid with a scaffold matrix attachment region (S/MAR) and vitelliform macular dystrophy 2 (VMD2) promoter to target the RPE, drive long-term, tissue-specific gene expression and mediate proof-of-principle rescue in the rpe65(-/-) model of LCA. We show that the S/MAR-containing plasmid exhibited reporter gene expression levels several fold higher than plasmid or NPs without S/MARs. Importantly, this expression was highly persistent, lasting up to 2 years (last timepoint studied). We therefore selected this plasmid for testing in the rpe65(-/-) mouse model and observe that NP or plasmid VMD2-hRPE65-S/MAR led to structural and functional improvements in the LCA disease phenotype. These results indicate that the non-viral delivery of hRPE65 vectors can result in persistent, therapeutically efficacious gene expression in the RPE.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adarsha Koirala
- Department of Cell Biology, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, 940 Stanton L. Young Boulevard, BMSB 781, Oklahoma City, OK 73104, USA
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Han Z, Guo J, Conley SM, Naash MI. Retinal angiogenesis in the Ins2(Akita) mouse model of diabetic retinopathy. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci 2013; 54:574-84. [PMID: 23221078 DOI: 10.1167/iovs.12-10959] [Citation(s) in RCA: 73] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is the leading cause of blindness among working age adults and does not have any curative treatments. Although chemical- and injury-induced models of retinal neovascularization exist, the need for a genetic model that closely simulates the DR pathologic process is great. METHODS Here we characterize the development of the retinal disease phenotype in a genetic model of type 1 diabetes, the Ins2(Akita) mouse, using structural, biochemical, molecular biological, and functional techniques. RESULTS This model exhibits hyperglycemia by 2 months of age and by 6 months we detect retinal complications in Ins2(Akita) males, including early signs of vascular damage consistent with DR, specifically the appearance of pericyte ghosts, vascular leakage, and microaneurysm formation. By 9 months of age, these changes are accompanied by later vascular signs of DR, specifically retinal neovascularization, formation of new capillary beds, and the presence of new blood vessels abnormally localized in the outer plexiform layer. Consistent with the debilitating effects of such vasculopathy, we also observe increased retinal apoptosis and decreased retinal function measured by electroretinogram. CONCLUSIONS These data indicate that the Ins2(Akita) mouse is a good model for later-onset DR, modeling both early and some late disease signs. Furthermore, this work suggests that this model may be suitable for testing and development of targeted DR therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zongchao Han
- Department of Cell Biology, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma 73104, USA
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Han Z, Conley SM, Makkia R, Guo J, Cooper MJ, Naash MI. Comparative analysis of DNA nanoparticles and AAVs for ocular gene delivery. PLoS One 2012; 7:e52189. [PMID: 23272225 PMCID: PMC3525534 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0052189] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2012] [Accepted: 11/13/2012] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Gene therapy is a critical tool for the treatment of monogenic retinal diseases. However, the limited vector capacity of the current benchmark delivery strategy, adeno-associated virus (AAV), makes development of larger capacity alternatives, such as compacted DNA nanoparticles (NPs), critical. Here we conduct a side-by-side comparison of self-complementary AAV and CK30PEG NPs using matched ITR plasmids. We report that although AAVs are more efficient per vector genome (vg) than NPs, NPs can drive gene expression on a comparable scale and longevity to AAV. We show that subretinally injected NPs do not leave the eye while some of the AAV-injected animals exhibited vector DNA and GFP expression in the visual pathways of the brain from PI-60 onward. As a result, these NPs have the potential to become a successful alternative for ocular gene therapy, especially for the multitude of genes too large for AAV vectors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zongchao Han
- Department of Cell Biology, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, United States of America
| | - Shannon M. Conley
- Department of Cell Biology, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, United States of America
| | - Rasha Makkia
- Department of Cell Biology, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, United States of America
| | - Junjing Guo
- Department of Cell Biology, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, United States of America
| | - Mark J. Cooper
- Copernicus Therapeutics, Inc., Cleveland, Ohio, United States of America
| | - Muna I. Naash
- Department of Cell Biology, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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Han Z, Conley SM, Makkia RS, Cooper MJ, Naash MI. DNA nanoparticle-mediated ABCA4 delivery rescues Stargardt dystrophy in mice. J Clin Invest 2012; 122:3221-6. [PMID: 22886305 PMCID: PMC3428101 DOI: 10.1172/jci64833] [Citation(s) in RCA: 113] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2012] [Accepted: 07/12/2012] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Mutations in the photoreceptor-specific flippase ABCA4 are associated with Stargardt disease and many other forms of retinal degeneration that currently lack curative therapies. Gene replacement is a logical strategy for ABCA4-associated disease, particularly given the current success of traditional viral-mediated gene delivery, such as with adeno-associated viral (AAV) vectors. However, the large size of the ABCA4 cDNA (6.8 kbp) has hampered progress in the development of genetic treatments. Nonviral DNA nanoparticles (NPs) can accommodate large genes, unlike traditional viral vectors, which have capacity limitations. We utilized an optimized DNA NP technology to subretinally deliver ABCA4 to Abca4-deficient mice. We detected persistent ABCA4 transgene expression for up to 8 months after injection and found marked correction of functional and structural Stargardt phenotypes, such as improved recovery of dark adaptation and reduced lipofuscin granules. These data suggest that DNA NPs may be an excellent, clinically relevant gene delivery approach for genes too large for traditional viral vectors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zongchao Han
- Department of Cell Biology, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA.
Copernicus Therapeutics Inc., Cleveland, Ohio, USA
| | - Shannon M. Conley
- Department of Cell Biology, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA.
Copernicus Therapeutics Inc., Cleveland, Ohio, USA
| | - Rasha S. Makkia
- Department of Cell Biology, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA.
Copernicus Therapeutics Inc., Cleveland, Ohio, USA
| | - Mark J. Cooper
- Department of Cell Biology, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA.
Copernicus Therapeutics Inc., Cleveland, Ohio, USA
| | - Muna I. Naash
- Department of Cell Biology, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA.
Copernicus Therapeutics Inc., Cleveland, Ohio, USA
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