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Intrabiliary infusion of naked DNA vectors targets periportal hepatocytes in mice. MOLECULAR THERAPY - METHODS & CLINICAL DEVELOPMENT 2022; 27:352-367. [DOI: 10.1016/j.omtm.2022.10.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2022] [Accepted: 10/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
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Chan T, Grisch-Chan HM, Schmierer P, Subotic U, Rimann N, Scherer T, Hetzel U, Bozza M, Harbottle R, Williams JA, Steblaj B, Ringer SK, Häberle J, Sidler X, Thöny B. Delivery of non-viral naked DNA vectors to liver in small weaned pigs by hydrodynamic retrograde intrabiliary injection. Mol Ther Methods Clin Dev 2022; 24:268-279. [PMID: 35211639 PMCID: PMC8829443 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtm.2022.01.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2021] [Accepted: 01/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Hepatic gene therapy by delivering non-integrating therapeutic vectors in newborns remains challenging due to the risk of dilution and loss of efficacy in the growing liver. Previously we reported on hepatocyte transfection in piglets by intraportal injection of naked DNA vectors. Here, we established delivery of naked DNA vectors to target periportal hepatocytes in weaned pigs by hydrodynamic retrograde intrabiliary injection (HRII). The surgical procedure involved laparotomy and transient isolation of the liver. For vector delivery, a catheter was placed within the common bile duct by enterotomy. Under optimal conditions, no histological abnormalities were observed in liver tissue upon pressurized injections. The transfection of hepatocytes in all tested liver samples was observed with vectors expressing luciferase from a liver-specific promoter. However, vector copy number and luciferase expression were low compared to hydrodynamic intraportal injection. A 10-fold higher number of vector genomes and luciferase expression was observed in pigs using a non-integrating naked DNA vector with the potential for replication. In summary, the HRII application was less efficient (i.e., lower luciferase activity and vector copy numbers) than the intraportal delivery method but was significantly less distressful for the piglets and has the potential for injection (or re-injection) of vector DNA by endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tatjana Chan
- Department of Farm Animals, Division of Swine Medicine of the Vetsuisse Faculty University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Hiu Man Grisch-Chan
- Division of Metabolism and Children's Research Center, University Children's Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Philipp Schmierer
- Department of Small Animal Surgery, Vetsuisse Faculty University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Ulrike Subotic
- Department of Surgery, University Children's Hospital Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Nicole Rimann
- Division of Metabolism and Children's Research Center, University Children's Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Tanja Scherer
- Division of Metabolism and Children's Research Center, University Children's Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Udo Hetzel
- Department of Pathology, Vetsuisse Faculty University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Matthias Bozza
- DNA Vector Laboratory, DKFZ Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | | | | | - Barbara Steblaj
- Department of Diagnostics and Clinical Services, Section of Anesthesiology, Vetsuisse Faculty University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Simone K Ringer
- Department of Diagnostics and Clinical Services, Section of Anesthesiology, Vetsuisse Faculty University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Johannes Häberle
- Division of Metabolism and Children's Research Center, University Children's Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Xaver Sidler
- Department of Farm Animals, Division of Swine Medicine of the Vetsuisse Faculty University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Beat Thöny
- Division of Metabolism and Children's Research Center, University Children's Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
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Liu M, Guo Z, Liu J, Ren H, Guo J, Liao S, Zhang Z. Preparing PAMAM- NK4 nano complexes and examining their in vitro growth suppression effects in breast cancer. Gland Surg 2021; 10:2695-2704. [PMID: 34733719 PMCID: PMC8514297 DOI: 10.21037/gs-21-443] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2021] [Accepted: 09/17/2021] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND This study sought to examine the suppression of the NK4 (which is a fragment that originates from the trypsin digestion of the hepatocyte growth factor) gene as mediated by new nano material polyamidoamine (PAMAM) dendrimers in the growth of breast cancer cells MDA-MB-231 and MCF-7, and the therapeutic effects in a nude mice model of transplanted tumor cell MDA-MB-231. METHODS We built PAMAM-NK4 nano particles and detected the in vitro transfection rate. Nano complexes and blank plasmid PAMAM dendrimers were transfected to MDA-MB-231 and MCF-7 cells, respectively. The western-blotting method, MTT experiment method, and bead method were used to detect the effects of the nano complexes on NK4 protein expression, cell proliferation, and cell apoptosis. The nude mice model of transplanted tumor cell MDA-MB-231 comprised 40 nude female mice who were subject to injections. The mice were randomly divided into four groups, comprising 10 mice per group. The control, blank plasmid and treatment groups were subcutaneously injected with 0.2 mL of 0.9% NaCl (Sodium chloride) solution, 0.2 mL of plasmid solution (including 100 µg PAMAM pcDNA3.1(-) blank plasmid nano complexes) and 0.2 mL of plasmid solution (including PAMAM-NK4 100 µg) beside the tumor inoculation spot, respectively. The positive control group was intraperitoneally injected with 0.2 mL of doxorubicin solution, including 100 µg doxorubicin. Western blotting was used to detect the NK4 protein expression of the transplanted tumor tissues of the various groups. RESULTS NK4 protein was successfully expressed in MDA-MB-231 and MCF-7 cells transfected with PAMAM-NK4 nano particles, and cell proliferation was suppressed and cell apoptosis was induced. The tumor volumes and masses of the treatment and positive control groups were obviously smaller than those of the control group. The differences were statistically significant (P<0.05). The treatment group had an obviously higher mean value of NK4 protein expression than the control group. The differences were statistically significant (P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS PAMAM-NK4 nano complexes suppress the growth of the breast cancer cells MDA-MB-231 and MCF-7, and had a treatment effect on this tumor nude mice model of breast cancer cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Minfeng Liu
- Breast Center, Department of General Surgery, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zhaoze Guo
- Breast Center, Department of General Surgery, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jiangqin Liu
- Breast Center, Department of General Surgery, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Hui Ren
- Transfusion Medicine, School of Laboratory Medicine and Biotechnology, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jingyun Guo
- Breast Center, Department of General Surgery, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Shijun Liao
- Breast Center, Department of General Surgery, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zicheng Zhang
- Breast Center, Department of General Surgery, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
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Kumbhari V, Li L, Piontek K, Ishida M, Fu R, Khalil B, Garrett CM, Liapi E, Kalloo AN, Selaru FM. Successful liver-directed gene delivery by ERCP-guided hydrodynamic injection (with videos). Gastrointest Endosc 2018; 88:755-763.e5. [PMID: 30220303 PMCID: PMC6249687 DOI: 10.1016/j.gie.2018.06.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2018] [Accepted: 06/21/2018] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS A simple, safe, targeted, and efficient in vivo DNA delivery system is necessary for clinical-grade liver-targeted gene therapy in humans. Intravascular hydrodynamic gene delivery has been investigated in large animal models, but translation to humans has been hampered by its technical challenges, invasiveness, and potential for significant cardiovascular adverse events. We posited that intrabiliary delivery of DNA plasmids via ERCP-guided hydrodynamic injection could overcome these obstacles. METHODS Twelve pigs (40-50 kg) were divided into 3 groups (4 per group) and survived 21, 30, or 60 days. ERCP was performed by inflating a balloon catheter in the common hepatic duct and creating a closed space between it and the liver parenchyma. Last, a solution composed of plasmid/sleeping beauty (SB) mix was injected under pressure through the catheter into the closed space. Swine were killed at the 3 different time points and liver tissue harvested. Plasmid DNA expression and functional translated protein expression were assessed. RESULTS ERCP-guided hydrodynamic delivery of naked plasmid DNA facilitated by pCytomegalovirus-Sleep Beauty (pCMV-SB) transposons was technically feasible and devoid of cardiovascular and local adverse events in all 12 pigs. Furthermore, plasmid DNA (both single and combination) was successfully transferred into swine hepatocytes in all 12 pigs. Additionally, stable integration of the DNA constructs in hepatocyte genomic DNA was reliably noted at all 3 time points. In the 4 swine that were kept alive to 60 days, successful genomic integration and subsequent protein expression was observed in the targeted liver tissue. CONCLUSIONS ERCP-guided hydrodynamic delivery of gene therapy may usher in the next chapter in gene therapy with the potential to impact a variety of single-gene, complex genetic, and epigenetic liver diseases. It also raises the possibility that other nucleic acid therapeutics (microRNA, lncRNA, siRNA, shRNA) could similarly be delivered.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vivek Kumbhari
- Department of Medicine and Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, The Johns Hopkins Medical Institutions, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Ling Li
- Department of Medicine and Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, The Johns Hopkins Medical Institutions, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Klaus Piontek
- Department of Medicine and Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, The Johns Hopkins Medical Institutions, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Masaharu Ishida
- Department of Medicine and Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, The Johns Hopkins Medical Institutions, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Rongdang Fu
- Department of Medicine and Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, The Johns Hopkins Medical Institutions, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Bassem Khalil
- Department of Medicine and Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, The Johns Hopkins Medical Institutions, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Caroline M Garrett
- Department of Molecular and Comparative Pathobiology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Eleni Liapi
- Department of Radiology and Radiological Sciences, Johns Hopkins Medical Institutions, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Anthony N Kalloo
- Department of Medicine and Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, The Johns Hopkins Medical Institutions, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Florin M Selaru
- Department of Medicine and Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, The Johns Hopkins Medical Institutions, Baltimore, Maryland, USA; Department of Oncology, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, USA; The Institute for NanoBio Technology, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
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Narmada BC, Kang Y, Venkatraman L, Peng Q, Sakban RB, Nugraha B, Jiang X, Bunte RM, So PTC, Tucker-Kellogg L, Mao HQ, Yu H. Hepatic stellate cell-targeted delivery of hepatocyte growth factor transgene via bile duct infusion enhances its expression at fibrotic foci to regress dimethylnitrosamine-induced liver fibrosis. Hum Gene Ther 2013; 24:508-19. [PMID: 23527815 DOI: 10.1089/hum.2012.158] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Liver fibrosis generates fibrotic foci with abundant activated hepatic stellate cells and excessive collagen deposition juxtaposed with healthy regions. Targeted delivery of antifibrotic therapeutics to hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) might improve treatment outcomes and reduce adverse effects on healthy tissue. We delivered the hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) gene specifically to activated hepatic stellate cells in fibrotic liver using vitamin A-coupled liposomes by retrograde intrabiliary infusion to bypass capillarized hepatic sinusoids. The antifibrotic effects of DsRed2-HGF vector encapsulated within vitamin A-coupled liposomes were validated by decreases in fibrotic markers in vitro. Fibrotic cultures transfected with the targeted transgene showed a significant decrease in fibrotic markers such as transforming growth factor-β1. In rats, dimethylnitrosamine-induced liver fibrosis is manifested by an increase in collagen deposition and severe defenestration of sinusoidal endothelial cells. The HSC-targeted transgene, administered via retrograde intrabiliary infusion in fibrotic rats, successfully reduced liver fibrosis markers alpha-smooth muscle actin and collagen, accompanied by an increase in the expression of DsRed2-HGF near the fibrotic foci. Thus, targeted delivery of HGF gene to hepatic stellate cells increased the transgene expression at the fibrotic foci and strongly enhanced its antifibrotic effects.
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Jiang X, Ren Y, Williford JM, Li Z, Mao HQ. Liver-targeted gene delivery through retrograde intrabiliary infusion. Methods Mol Biol 2013; 948:275-284. [PMID: 23070777 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-62703-140-0_19] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
Retrograde intrabiliary infusion (RII) has recently been characterized as a safe and effective administration route for liver-targeted gene delivery. Efficient transgene expression in the liver has been achieved by infusing a variety of gene vectors including adenovirus, retrovirus, lipoplexes, polyplexes, and naked DNA through the common bile duct. Here, we describe the RII technique and key infusion parameters for delivering plasmid DNA and DNA nanoparticles to the rat liver. After RII of plasmid DNA, the level of transgene expression in rat liver is comparable to that achieved by hydrodynamic injection of plasmid DNA, which is considered to be "gold standard" for liver-targeted gene delivery. RII has also been shown to significantly enhance the gene delivery efficiency by polymer/DNA nanoparticles in comparison with intravenous and intraportal infusions. This method induces minimal level of cytotoxicity and damage to the liver and bile duct. Due to these advantages, RII has the potential to be used for delivering various gene vectors in clinical setting through the endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography procedure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuan Jiang
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Whiting School of Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
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Patil RR, Yu J, Banerjee SR, Ren Y, Leong D, Jiang X, Pomper M, Tsui B, Kraitchman DL, Mao HQ. Probing in vivo trafficking of polymer/DNA micellar nanoparticles using SPECT/CT imaging. Mol Ther 2011; 19:1626-35. [PMID: 21750533 DOI: 10.1038/mt.2011.128] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Successful translation of nonviral gene delivery to therapeutic applications requires detailed understanding of in vivo trafficking of the vehicles. This report compares the pharmacokinetic and biodistribution profiles of polyethylene glycol-b-polyphosphoramidate (PEG-b-PPA)/DNA micellar nanoparticles after administration through intravenous infusion, intrabiliary infusion, and hydrodynamic injection using single photon emission computed tomography/computed tomography (SPECT/CT) imaging. Nanoparticles were labeled with (111)In using an optimized protocol to retain their favorable physicochemical properties. Quantitative imaging analysis revealed different in vivo trafficking kinetics for PEG-b-PPA/DNA nanoparticles after different routes of administration. The intrabiliary infusion resulted in the highest liver uptake of micelles compared with the other two routes. Analysis of intrabiliary infusion by the two-compartment pharmacokinetic modeling revealed efficient retention of micelles in the liver and minimal micelle leakage from the liver to the blood stream. This study demonstrates the utility of SPECT/CT as an effective noninvasive imaging modality for the characterization of nanoparticle trafficking in vivo and confirms that intrabiliary infusion is an effective route for liver-targeted delivery of DNA-containing nanoparticles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rajesh R Patil
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Whiting School of Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland 21218, USA
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String-like micellar nanoparticles formed by complexation of PEG-b-PPA and plasmid DNA and their transfection efficiency. Pharm Res 2011; 28:1317-27. [PMID: 21499836 DOI: 10.1007/s11095-011-0436-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2010] [Accepted: 03/18/2011] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE To investigate the gene delivery efficiency of string-like PEG-b-PPA/DNA micellar nanoparticles in the liver after intravenous injection and intrabiliary infusion. METHODS PEG-b-PPA/DNA micellar nanoparticles were prepared in aqueous solution through spontaneous self-assembly between plasmid DNA and PEG(10K)-b-PPA(4K) or PEG(10K)-b-PP(13K) polymer. The stability of these micellar nanoparticles in different physiological media was evaluated by monitoring the particle size change of micellar nanoparticles with dynamic light scattering (DLS). The transfection efficiency of string-like PEG-b-PPA/DNA micellar nanoparticles in the liver was examined and compared with that of PPA/DNA nanoparticles after intravenous and intrabiliary infusion. RESULTS These PEG-b-PPA/DNA micellar nanoparticles exhibited unique string-like morphology under TEM. The stability of these string-like nanoparticles in salt-, serum- or bile- containing media was significantly improved compared with PPA/DNA nanoparticles. More importantly, these PEG-b-PPA/DNA nanoparticles mediated 10-fold higher transfection efficiency than PPA/DNA nanoparticles in rat liver when delivered via intrabiliary infusion. In addition, histopathological data revealed that the PEG-b-PPA/DNA nanoparticles induced minimal level of liver toxicity or damage. CONCLUSIONS These string-like PEG-b-PPA/DNA micelles can mediate efficient transgene expression in the liver after bile duct infusion, and they have great potential to be used as effective gene carriers for liver-targeted gene delivery.
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Dai H, Jiang X, Leong KW, Mao HQ. Transient depletion of kupffer cells leads to enhanced transgene expression in rat liver following retrograde intrabiliary infusion of plasmid DNA and DNA nanoparticles. Hum Gene Ther 2010; 22:873-8. [PMID: 21091274 DOI: 10.1089/hum.2010.146] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
In this report, we have demonstrated that by temporarily removing Kupffer cells (KCs), the transgene expression levels mediated by retrograde intrabiliary infusion (RII) of plasmid DNA, polyethylenimine-DNA, and chitosan nanoparticles were enhanced by 1,927-, 131-, and 23,450-fold, respectively, in comparison with the respective groups without KC removal. KC removal also led to significantly prolonged transgene expression in the liver that received all three carriers. This increased transgene expression was correlated with significantly reduced serum tumor necrosis factor-α level as an indicator for KC activation. These results suggest that KC activation is a significant contributing factor to the lowered transgene expression by polycation-DNA nanoparticles delivered by RII. More importantly, the combination of RII and transient removal of KCs may be adopted as an effective approach to achieving high and persistent transgene expression in the liver mediated by nonviral nanoparticles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hui Dai
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
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Dai H, Jiang X, Tan GCY, Chen Y, Torbenson M, Leong KW, Mao HQ. Chitosan-DNA nanoparticles delivered by intrabiliary infusion enhance liver-targeted gene delivery. Int J Nanomedicine 2007; 1:507-22. [PMID: 17369870 PMCID: PMC1828073 DOI: 10.2147/nano.2006.1.4.507] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
The goal of this study was to examine the efficacy of liver-targeted gene delivery by chitosan-DNA nanoparticles through retrograde intrabiliary infusion (RII). The transfection efficiency of chitosan-DNA nanoparticles, as compared with PEI-DNA nanoparticles or naked DNA, was evaluated in Wistar rats by infusion into the common bile duct, portal vein, or tail vein. Chitosan-DNA nanoparticles administrated through the portal vein or tail vein did not produce detectable luciferase expression. In contrast, rats that received chitosan-DNA nanoparticles showed more than 500 times higher luciferase expression in the liver 3 days after RII; and transgene expression levels decreased gradually over 14 days. Luciferase expression in the kidney, lung, spleen, and heart was negligible compared with that in the liver. RII of chitosan-DNA nanoparticles did not yield significant toxicity and damage to the liver and biliary tree as evidenced by liver function analysis and histopathological examination. Luciferase expression by RII of PEI-DNA nanoparticles was 17-fold lower than that of chitosan-DNA nanoparticles on day 3, but it increased slightly over time. These results suggest that RII is a promising routine to achieve liver-targeted gene delivery by non-viral nanoparticles; and both gene carrier characteristics and mode of administration significantly influence gene delivery efficiency.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hui Dai
- Tissue and Therapeutic Engineering Lab, Division of Johns Hopkins in Singapore, Singapore
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Xijing Hospital, the Fourth Military Medical University, Xian, P. R. China
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Xuan Jiang
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Whiting School of Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Geoffrey CY Tan
- Tissue and Therapeutic Engineering Lab, Division of Johns Hopkins in Singapore, Singapore
| | - Yong Chen
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Xijing Hospital, the Fourth Military Medical University, Xian, P. R. China
| | - Michael Torbenson
- Department of Pathology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Kam W Leong
- Tissue and Therapeutic Engineering Lab, Division of Johns Hopkins in Singapore, Singapore
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Hai-Quan Mao
- Tissue and Therapeutic Engineering Lab, Division of Johns Hopkins in Singapore, Singapore
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Whiting School of Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Correspondence: Hai-Quan Mao 102 Maryland Hall, 3400 N. Charles Street, Baltimore, MD 21218, USA.
Kam W Leong, 136 Hudson Hall Box 90281 Duke University, Durham, NC 27708, USA, Email
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Jiang X, Dai H, Ke CY, Mo X, Torbenson MS, Li Z, Mao HQ. PEG-b-PPA/DNA micelles improve transgene expression in rat liver through intrabiliary infusion. J Control Release 2007; 122:297-304. [PMID: 17640758 PMCID: PMC2035949 DOI: 10.1016/j.jconrel.2007.06.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2007] [Revised: 06/14/2007] [Accepted: 06/14/2007] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
We have developed a new block copolymer gene carrier that comprises of a polyethylene glycol segment and a degradable cationic polyphosphoramidate (PPA) segment. This PEG-b-PPA copolymer carrier formed micelles upon condensation with plasmid DNA in aqueous solution. PEG-b-PPA/DNA micelles exhibited uniform and reduced particle size ranging from 80 to 100 nm and lowered surface charge, compared with complexes of DNA with the corresponding cationic PPA carrier. PEG-b-PPA/DNA micelles maintained similar transfection efficiency as PPA/DNA complexes, which was comparable to that of PEI/DNA complexes in HepG2 cells, but yielded about 16-fold lower transgene expression in primary rat hepatocytes than PPA/DNA complexes. Following bile duct infusion in Wistar rats, PEG-b-PPA/DNA micelles mediated 4-fold higher and more uniform gene expression in the liver than PPA/DNA complexes. Liver function tests and histopathological examination indicated that PEG-b-PPA/DNA micelles showed low toxicity and good biocompatibility in the liver. This study demonstrated the potential of PEG-b-PPA/DNA micelles as an efficient carrier for liver-targeted gene delivery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuan Jiang
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, and Whitaker Biomedical Engineering Institute, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21218, USA
| | - Hui Dai
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, 720 Rutland Avenue, Baltimore, MD 21231, USA
| | - Chyan-Ying Ke
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, 720 Rutland Avenue, Baltimore, MD 21231, USA
| | - Xiao Mo
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, and Whitaker Biomedical Engineering Institute, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21218, USA
| | - Michael S. Torbenson
- Department of Pathology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, 720 Rutland Avenue, Baltimore, MD 21231, USA
| | - Zhiping Li
- Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, 720 Rutland Avenue, Baltimore, MD 21231, USA
| | - Hai-Quan Mao
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, and Whitaker Biomedical Engineering Institute, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21218, USA
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Tsoulfas G, Takahashi Y, Liu D, Yagnik G, Wu T, Murase N, Geller DA. Hydrodynamic plasmid DNA gene therapy model in liver transplantation. J Surg Res 2006; 135:242-9. [PMID: 16926028 DOI: 10.1016/j.jss.2006.04.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2006] [Revised: 04/20/2006] [Accepted: 04/21/2006] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND There is great interest in the field of transplantation to genetically modify grafts to decrease preservation injury or allograft rejection. Although adenoviral gene transfer has been effective in experimental liver transplantation, viral toxicity and safety concerns limit potential use in clinical trials. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to develop a model of nonviral gene transfer in the liver transplant setting, allowing for efficient transgene expression. MATERIALS AND METHODS Orthotopic syngeneic rat liver transplantation was performed with 3 h cold ischemia using University of Wisconsin (UW) preservation. A hydrodynamic gene transfer technique was developed where plasmid DNA was delivered to the liver graft by ex vivo rapid infusion of DNA in UW via the IVC with other vessels clamped. Expression plasmids for the marker genes luciferase and secreted human alpha1-antitrypsin (alpha1-AT) were used. Hepatic injury was assessed by graft histology and liver transaminases. Transgene expression was determined by hepatic luciferase relative light units activity (RLU) and serum alpha1-AT protein levels. Variables examined included the effect of (a) volume injected on the intravenous pressure in the liver graft; (b) injury to the liver, as measured by hepatic enzymes and histopathology; (c) variable expression between lobes; (d) volume of UW that the plasmid is administered in; (e) amount of DNA plasmid; (f) type of the promoter used; (g) clamp time; as well as (h) the time course of the marker gene expression. RESULTS Control rats underwent standard orthotopic syngeneic rat liver transplantation and had no detectable hepatic luciferase activity or serum human alpha1-AT. The optimal DNA plasmid dose was found to be 400 mug/liver graft, as there was no increase in the luciferase expression by increasing the dose. Furthermore, cytomegalovirus promoter yielded greater expression than Rous sarcoma virus. A high injection pressure gradient allowed for more efficient transgene expression, but produced greater liver injury shown by elevated transaminases and centrilobular necrosis. Lowering injection volume from 75 to 50% of graft weight decreased liver injury by 4.5-fold. Although higher UW injection volumes were associated with increased expression, volumes of only 50% led to luciferase expression up to 10,000,000 RLU/mg; this expression was homogeneous between the different liver lobes. Human alpha1-AT was detected in recipient blood as early as 6 h, peaked at 24 h, and remained high for 5 days. CONCLUSIONS We have developed a nonviral gene transfer technique where hydrostatic pressure across the cold-preserved liver vascular bed allows for efficient plasmid DNA delivery. This simple strategy should prove useful to genetically modify liver grafts in the transplantation setting.
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Affiliation(s)
- George Tsoulfas
- Department of Surgery, T.E. Starzl Transplantation Institute, School of Pharmacy, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15213, USA
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Jiang X, Dai H, Leong KW, Goh SH, Mao HQ, Yang YY. Chitosan-g-PEG/DNA complexes deliver gene to the rat liver via intrabiliary and intraportal infusions. J Gene Med 2006; 8:477-87. [PMID: 16389625 DOI: 10.1002/jgm.868] [Citation(s) in RCA: 93] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Chitosan has been shown to be a non-toxic and efficient vector for in vitro gene transfection and in vivo gene delivery through pulmonary and oral administrations. Recently, we have shown that chitosan/DNA nanoparticles could mediate high levels of gene expression following intrabiliary infusion 1. In this study, we have examined the possibility of using polyethylene glycol (PEG)-grafted chitosan/DNA complexes to deliver genes to the liver through bile duct and portal vein infusions. METHODS PEG (Mw: 5 kDa) was grafted onto chitosan (Mw: 47 kDa, deacetylation degree: 94%) with grafting degrees of 3.6% and 9.6% (molar percentage of chitosan monosaccharide units grafted with PEG). The stability of chitosan-g-PEG/DNA complexes was studied by measuring the change in particle size and by agarose gel electrophoresis against bile or serum challenge. The influence of PEG grafting on gene transfection efficiency was evaluated in HepG2 cells using luciferase reporter gene. Chitosan and chitosan-g-PEG/DNA complexes were delivered to the liver through bile duct and portal vein infusions with a syringe pump. Gene expression in the liver and the distribution of gene expression in other organs were evaluated. The acute liver toxicity of chitosan and chitosan-g-PEG/DNA complexes was examined by measuring serum alanine aminotranferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) activities as a function of time. RESULTS Both chitosan and chitosan-g-PEG displayed comparable gene transfection efficiency in HepG2 cells. After challenge with serum and bile, chitosan-g-PEG/DNA complexes, especially those prepared with chitosan-g-PEG (GD = 9.6%), did not form large aggregates like chitosan/DNA complexes but remained stable for up to 30 min. In addition, chitosan-g-PEG prevented the degradation of DNA in the presence of serum and bile. On day 3 after bile duct infusion, chitosan-g-PEG (GD = 9.6%)/DNA complexes mediated three times higher gene expression in the liver than chitosan/DNA complexes and yielded background levels of gene expression in other organs. On day 1 following portal vein infusion, gene expression level induced by chitosan/DNA complexes was hardly detectable but chitosan-g-PEG (GD = 9.6%) mediated significant transgene expression. Interestingly, transgene expression by chitosan-g-PEG/DNA complexes in other organs after portal vein infusion increased with increasing grafting degree of PEG. The ALT and AST assays indicated that grafting of PEG to chitosan reduced the acute liver toxicity towards the complexes. CONCLUSION This study demonstrated the potential of chitosan-g-PEG as a safe and more stable gene carrier to the liver.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuan Jiang
- Institute of Bioengineering and Nanotechnology, Singapore 138669, Singapore
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Hu J, Zhang X, Dong X, Collins L, Sawyer GJ, Fabre JW. A remarkable permeability of canalicular tight junctions might facilitate retrograde, non-viral gene delivery to the liver via the bile duct. Gut 2005; 54:1473-9. [PMID: 15985562 PMCID: PMC1774706 DOI: 10.1136/gut.2005.070904] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/08/2022]
Abstract
AIMS To establish the extent of retrograde bile duct infusion at an ultrastructural level, as a preliminary step before evaluating the efficacy of gene delivery to the rat liver via a branch of the bile duct. METHODS The extent of retrograde infusion into the biliary tree was established by light and electron microscopy, following infusion of 10 nm gold particles into the right lateral lobe. Canalicular permeability was further assessed by the infusion of a 67 kDa protein. For gene delivery, both naked DNA and a synthetic peptide vector system were evaluated. Because canalicular tight junction permeability can be compromised in damaged livers, both normal rats and rats recovering from the hepatotoxin D-galactosamine were studied. RESULTS The gold particles penetrated the peripheral one third of the hepatic lobules and, surprisingly, reached the space of Disse in normal rats. Equally surprisingly, blood levels of a 67 kDa protein were identical after bile duct infusion and portal vein injection. Gene delivery with peptide/DNA complexes was much more effective in rats treated with D-galactosamine. However, gene delivery with naked DNA was equally effective in normal and damaged livers. Localisation of gene expression showed a scattering of positive hepatocytes restricted to the right lateral lobe. CONCLUSIONS Retrograde infusion into the bile duct advances well into the hepatic lobule and reveals a remarkable permeability of the canalicular or cholangiole tight junctions in normal rats. It is an effective approach for delivering genes to a small population (approximately 1%) of hepatocytes.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Hu
- Department of Hepatology and Transplantation, Guys, Kings and St Thomas School of Medicine, The Rayne Institute, London, UK
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Bruckheimer E, Harvie P, Orthel J, Dutzar B, Furstoss K, Mebel E, Anklesaria P, Paul R. In vivo efficacy of folate-targeted lipid-protamine-DNA (LPD-PEG-Folate) complexes in an immunocompetent syngeneic model for breast adenocarcinoma. Cancer Gene Ther 2004; 11:128-34. [PMID: 14671672 DOI: 10.1038/sj.cgt.7700662] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Gene therapy utilizing lipid-based delivery systems holds tremendous promise for the treatment of cancer. However, due to the potential adverse inflammatory and/or immune effects upon systemic administration, treatments thus far have been predominantly limited to intratumoral or regional treatment. Previous studies from our group have demonstrated the antitumor efficacy of systemically administered, folate-targeted, lipid-protamine-DNA complexes (LPD-PEG-Folate) against breast cancer using an immunodeficient xenogenic murine model. In the current study, the antitumor efficacy of LPD-PEG-Folate in a syngeneic, immune competent, murine model of breast cancer was examined. In this model, the potential inflammatory or immune responses and their effects on systemic delivery can be addressed. The 410.4 murine breast adenocarcinoma cell line was initially evaluated in vitro for its interactions with LPD-PEG-Folate and control LPD-PEG formulations. Utilizing fluorescently labeled formulations and fluorescence-activated cell sorting (FACS) analysis, a 1.6-fold enhancement of binding and internalization of LPD-PEG-Folate over LPD-PEG formulations was observed, suggestive of specific receptor interaction. Increased binding was manifested as 5-26-fold increases in luciferase gene expression in 410.4 cell transfection when comparing LPD-PEG-Folate to LPD-PEG. Moreover, in vivo treatment of 410.4 breast tumors in BALB/c mice with i.v. injected LPD-PEG-Folate delivering the HSV-1 thymidine kinase (TK) gene, in combination with gancyclovir treatment, resulted in a significant reduction in mean tumor volume (260.1 mm3) compared to the LPD-PEG-TK (914.1 mm3), as well as the vehicle (749.7 mm3) and untreated (825.3 mm3) control groups (day 25, P<.019). In addition to a reduced tumor volume, LPD-PEG-Folate-TK treatment also increased median survival from 25 days in the nontargeted LPD-PEG-TK groups to 31 days (P=.0011), which correlated with the termination of treatment. Together, these results demonstrate that in the context of a fully functional immune system, LPD-PEG-Folate-TK treatment possesses significant specific antitumor efficacy and the potential for further preclinical development.
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Wang L, MacDonald RC. Effects of Microtubule-Depolymerizing Agents on the Transfection of Cultured Vascular Smooth Muscle Cells: Enhanced Expression with Free Drug and Especially with Drug–Gene Lipoplexes. Mol Ther 2004; 9:729-37. [PMID: 15120334 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymthe.2004.02.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2003] [Accepted: 02/10/2004] [Indexed: 10/26/2022] Open
Abstract
The microtubule-depolymerizing agents colchicine, vinblastine (VB), vincristine, nocodazole, and podophyllotoxin were found to increase dramatically the transfection of cationic phospholipid-DNA (CMV-beta-gal) complexes on cultured vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs). Pretreatment of cells with free colchicine before addition of lipoplexes increased transgene expression both in the presence and in the absence of serum. Free vinblastine had similar effects; however, vinblastine was more effective (approximately 30-fold maximal stimulation) when incorporated into the lipoplexes. Under optimal conditions, vincristine, nocodazole, and podophyllotoxin produced 25- and 39-, 31- and 14-, and 26- and 14-fold increases in the absence and presence of serum, respectively. Taxol, which stabilizes microtubules, had no effect on transfection, but it blocked the positive effect of colchicine. Cytochalasin B, which inhibits microfilament polymerization, had no effect on transgene expression. By fluorescence microscopy, normal lipoplexes colocalized with lysosomes. In contrast, there was little, if any, colocalization of VB lipoplexes with lysosomes. Because depolymerization of microtubules induces NF-kappaB-dependent gene expression, the effects of pyrrolidinedithiocarbamate and Nalpha-p-tosyl-L-lysine chloromethyl ketone, inhibitors of NF-kappaB activation, were tested; inhibition of vinblastine stimulation of transfection was 85 and 66%, respectively. Also, immunofluorescence microscopy showed that vinblastine induced the translocation of NF-kappaB from the cytoplasm to the nucleus. It is concluded that microtubule-depolymerizing agents, especially when incorporated into lipoplexes, dramatically increase transfection of VSMCs, probably by two mechanisms: (i) inhibition of transport of lipoplexes to lysosomes and (ii) activation of transcription (via NF-kappaB). There have been some reports on the use of pharmaceutical agents to enhance gene expression, but generally these have involved separate applications of drug and gene. The ability to deliver a drug and a gene in a single therapeutic formulation could have significant clinical implications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li Wang
- Department of Biochemistry, Molecular Biology and Cell Biology, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL 60208, USA
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Zhdanov RI, Podobed OV, Vlassov VV. Cationic lipid-DNA complexes-lipoplexes-for gene transfer and therapy. Bioelectrochemistry 2002; 58:53-64. [PMID: 12401571 DOI: 10.1016/s1567-5394(02)00132-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 120] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
Cationic lipid-mediated gene transfer and delivery still attract great attention of many gene therapy laboratories. From the point of view of the most important characteristics of lipoplex particles, e.g. its charge and size, we reviewed recent studies available. In general, the paper deals with non-viral systems of gene transfer into eukaryotic cell based on various lipids. Having usually less efficiency in gene transfer, lipid-based gene transfer vehicles (lipoplexes/genosomes) are characterized with certain advantages even over viral ones: they are less toxic and immunogenic, could be targetable and are easy for large-scale production, a size of transferred DNA being quite high. Conditions of DNA condensation during interactions with lipids are described. Results of the studies of mechanism of DNA-lipid complex interactions with the cell membrane and their transport into the nucleus are summarized. Dependence of efficiency of gene transfer on lipoplex structure and physical-chemical properties is reviewed. Advantages and disadvantages of different macromolecule complexes from the point of view of transfection efficiency, possibility of use in vivo, cytotoxicity and targeted gene transfer in certain organs and tissues are also discussed. Results of transfection of different cells using neutral, anion and cation liposomes are reviewed. The conclusion reached was that efficiency and specificity of gene transfer may grow considerably when mixed macromolecule lipid systems including polycations and glycolipids are used.
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Affiliation(s)
- R I Zhdanov
- V N Orekhovich Institute of Biomedical Chemistry, Russian Academy of Medical Sciences, 10, Pogodinskaya Street, 119832, Moscow, Russian Federation.
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Zhang X, Collins L, Sawyer GJ, Dong X, Qiu Y, Fabre JW. In vivo gene delivery via portal vein and bile duct to individual lobes of the rat liver using a polylysine-based nonviral DNA vector in combination with chloroquine. Hum Gene Ther 2001; 12:2179-90. [PMID: 11779402 DOI: 10.1089/10430340152710522] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The objective of this study was to evaluate a bifunctional synthetic peptide as a DNA vector for regional gene delivery to the rat liver by the portal vein and bile duct routes. The 31-amino-acid peptide (polylysine-molossin) comprises an amino-terminal chain of 16 lysines for electrostatic binding of DNA, and the 15 amino acid integrin-binding domain of the venom of the American pit viper, Crotalus molossus molossus. Initial in vitro evaluation demonstrated that polylysine-molossin/DNA complexes were much smaller (approximately 50-100nm versus 500-1300nm), more positively charged, and more stable in isotonic dextrose in comparisons with salt-containing solutions. However, polylysine-molossin/DNA complexes in any solution other than complete culture medium were ineffective for gene delivery in vitro. Vector localization studies demonstrated that both the portal vein and bile duct routes provided excellent access of polylysine-molossin/DNA complexes to the liver. However, complexes delivered by the portal vein were rapidly lost (<15 min) following re-establishment of the portal circulation, whereas complexes delivered by the bile duct persisted much longer. Polylysine-molossin/DNA complexes in various isotonic solutions were delivered to the right lateral lobes either by perfusion through a branch of the portal vein or by infusion into appropriate branches of the bile duct. Two or three hours before gene delivery, rats were given a single injection of chloroquine. We report that the polylysine-molossin vector is much more effective (>10-fold) when delivered by the bile duct route with all isotonic solutions evaluated, and that polylysine-molossin/DNA complexes in isotonic dextrose are much more effective (>10-fold) than complexes in salt-containing solutions.
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Affiliation(s)
- X Zhang
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Institute of Liver Studies, Guy's, King's and St. Thomas' School of Medicine, King's College Hospital, Bessemer Road, London SE5 9PJ, UK
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