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Fazeli A, Godakumara K. The evolving roles of extracellular vesicles in embryo-maternal communication. Commun Biol 2024; 7:754. [PMID: 38906986 PMCID: PMC11192758 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-024-06442-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2024] [Accepted: 06/12/2024] [Indexed: 06/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Mammalian reproduction relies on precise maternal-fetal communication, wherein immune modifications foster tolerance toward the semi-allogeneic embryo. Extracellular vesicles (EVs), including exosomes and microvesicles, have emerged as crucial mediators, transporting molecules like microRNAs securely. EVs influence various reproductive stages, from gamete maturation to implantation, and impact pathologies like pregnancy loss. In the embryo-maternal dialogue, EVs notably affect oviductal interactions, gene expression, and the embryo-endometrial interface, crucial for successful implantation. Key queries persist about EV uptake, cargo delivery, and the specific biomolecules driving communication. Their potential in diagnostics, therapeutics, and understanding environmental impacts on fertility signals an exciting future, reliant on collaborative efforts for transformative strides in reproductive health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alireza Fazeli
- Institute of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences, Estonian University of Life Sciences, Tartu, Estonia.
- Department of Pathophysiology, Institute of Biomedicine and Translational Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Tartu University, Tartu, Estonia.
- Division of Clinical Medicine, School of Medicine & Population Health, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK.
| | - Kasun Godakumara
- Institute of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences, Estonian University of Life Sciences, Tartu, Estonia
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2
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Won Lee J, Kyu Shim M, Kim H, Jang H, Lee Y, Hwa Kim S. RNAi therapies: Expanding applications for extrahepatic diseases and overcoming delivery challenges. Adv Drug Deliv Rev 2023; 201:115073. [PMID: 37657644 DOI: 10.1016/j.addr.2023.115073] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2023] [Revised: 07/31/2023] [Accepted: 08/20/2023] [Indexed: 09/03/2023]
Abstract
The era of RNA medicine has become a reality with the success of messenger RNA (mRNA) vaccines against COVID-19 and the approval of several RNA interference (RNAi) agents in recent years. Particularly, therapeutics based on RNAi offer the promise of targeting intractable and previously undruggable disease genes. Recent advances have focused in developing delivery systems to enhance the poor cellular uptake and insufficient pharmacokinetic properties of RNAi therapeutics and thereby improve its efficacy and safety. However, such approach has been mainly achieved via lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) or chemical conjugation with N-Acetylgalactosamine (GalNAc), thus current RNAi therapy has been limited to liver diseases, most likely to encounter liver-targeting limitations. Hence, there is a huge unmet medical need for intense evolution of RNAi therapeutics delivery systems to target extrahepatic tissues and ultimately extend their indications for treating various intractable diseases. In this review, challenges of delivering RNAi therapeutics to tumors and major organs are discussed, as well as their transition to clinical trials. This review also highlights innovative and promising preclinical RNAi-based delivery platforms for the treatment of extrahepatic diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jong Won Lee
- KU-KIST Graduate School of Converging Science and Technology, Korea University, Seoul 02841, Republic of Korea; Medicinal Materials Research Center, Biomedical Research Division, Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST), Seoul 02792, Republic of Korea
| | - Man Kyu Shim
- Medicinal Materials Research Center, Biomedical Research Division, Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST), Seoul 02792, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyosuk Kim
- Medicinal Materials Research Center, Biomedical Research Division, Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST), Seoul 02792, Republic of Korea
| | - Hochung Jang
- Medicinal Materials Research Center, Biomedical Research Division, Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST), Seoul 02792, Republic of Korea; Division of Bio-Medical Science and Technology, KIST School, Korea University of Science and Technology, Seoul 02792, Republic of Korea
| | - Yuhan Lee
- Department of Anesthesiology, Perioperative, and Pain Medicine, Center for Accelerated Medical Innovation & Center for Nanomedicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA.
| | - Sun Hwa Kim
- KU-KIST Graduate School of Converging Science and Technology, Korea University, Seoul 02841, Republic of Korea; Medicinal Materials Research Center, Biomedical Research Division, Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST), Seoul 02792, Republic of Korea.
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3
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Kang M, Hisey C, Tsai B, Nursalim Y, Blenkiron C, Chamley LW. Placental Extracellular Vesicles Can Be Loaded with Plasmid DNA. Mol Pharm 2023; 20:1898-1913. [PMID: 36919912 DOI: 10.1021/acs.molpharmaceut.2c00533] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/16/2023]
Abstract
Recently, extracellular vesicles (EVs) have garnered considerable interest as potential vehicles for drug delivery, including gene therapy. Although EVs from diverse sources have been investigated, current techniques used in the field for EV generation limit large-scale EV production. The placenta is essentially a tissue transplant and has unique properties that allow it to avoid the maternal immune system making it likely that placental EVs will not generate inflammatory responses and will avoid clearance by the immune system. We propose that placental EVs produced from explant cultures are an efficient method to produce considerable quantities of EVs that would be safe to administer, and we hypothesize that placental EVs can be loaded with large exogenous plasmids. To this end, we trialed three strategies to load plasmid DNA into placental EVs, including loading via electroporation of placental tissue prior to EV isolation and loading directly into placental EVs via electroporation or direct incubation of the EVs in plasmid solution. We report that the placenta releases vast quantities of EVs compared to placental cells in monolayer cultures. We show successful loading of plasmid DNA into both large- and small-EVs following both exogenous loading strategies with more plasmid encapsulated in large-EVs. Importantly, direct incubation did not alter EV size nor quantity. Further, we showed that the loading efficiency into EVs was dependent on the exogenous plasmid DNA dose and the DNA size. These results provide realistic estimates of plasmid loading capacity into placental EVs using current technologies and showcase the potential of placental EVs as DNA delivery vehicles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew Kang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Auckland, Auckland, 1023 New Zealand
| | - Colin Hisey
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Auckland, Auckland, 1023 New Zealand
- Department of biomedical Engineering, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, 43210 United States
| | - Bridget Tsai
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Auckland, Auckland, 1023 New Zealand
| | - Yohanes Nursalim
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Auckland, Auckland, 1023 New Zealand
| | - Cherie Blenkiron
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Auckland, Auckland, 1023 New Zealand
- Auckland Cancer Society Research Center (ACSRC), University of Auckland, Auckland, 1023 New Zealand
- Molecular Medicine and Pathology, University of Auckland, Auckland, 1023 New Zealand
| | - Lawrence W Chamley
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Auckland, Auckland, 1023 New Zealand
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van der Koog L, Gandek TB, Nagelkerke A. Liposomes and Extracellular Vesicles as Drug Delivery Systems: A Comparison of Composition, Pharmacokinetics, and Functionalization. Adv Healthc Mater 2022; 11:e2100639. [PMID: 34165909 DOI: 10.1002/adhm.202100639] [Citation(s) in RCA: 132] [Impact Index Per Article: 66.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2021] [Revised: 05/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Over the past decades, lipid-based nanoparticle drug delivery systems (DDS) have caught the attention of researchers worldwide, encouraging the field to rapidly develop improved ways for effective drug delivery. One of the most prominent examples is liposomes, which are spherical shaped artificial vesicles composed of lipid bilayers and able to encapsulate both hydrophilic and hydrophobic materials. At the same time, biological nanoparticles naturally secreted by cells, called extracellular vesicles (EVs), have emerged as promising more complex biocompatible DDS. In this review paper, the differences and similarities in the composition of both vesicles are evaluated, and critical mediators that affect their pharmacokinetics are elucidate. Different strategies that have been assessed to tweak the pharmacokinetics of both liposomes and EVs are explored, detailing the effects on circulation time, targeting capacity, and cytoplasmic delivery of therapeutic cargo. Finally, whether a hybrid system, consisting of a combination of only the critical constituents of both vesicles, could offer the best of both worlds is discussed. Through these topics, novel leads for further research are provided and, more importantly, gain insight in what the liposome field and the EV field can learn from each other.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luke van der Koog
- Molecular Pharmacology Groningen Research Institute of Pharmacy GRIAC Research Institute, University Medical Center Groningen University of Groningen P.O. Box 196, XB10 Groningen 9700 AD The Netherlands
| | - Timea B. Gandek
- Pharmaceutical Analysis Groningen Research Institute of Pharmacy University of Groningen P.O. Box 196, XB20 Groningen 9700 AD The Netherlands
| | - Anika Nagelkerke
- Pharmaceutical Analysis Groningen Research Institute of Pharmacy University of Groningen P.O. Box 196, XB20 Groningen 9700 AD The Netherlands
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Kubczak M, Michlewska S, Bryszewska M, Aigner A, Ionov M. Nanoparticles for local delivery of siRNA in lung therapy. Adv Drug Deliv Rev 2021; 179:114038. [PMID: 34742826 DOI: 10.1016/j.addr.2021.114038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2021] [Revised: 10/26/2021] [Accepted: 11/01/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
An overview of the application of natural and synthetic, non-viral vectors for oligonucleotide delivery into the lung is presented in this review, with a special focus on lung cancer. Due to the specificity of the respiratory tract, its structure and natural barriers, the administration of drugs (especially those based on nucleic acids) is a particular challenge. Among widely tested non-viral drug and oligonucleotides carriers, synthetic polymers seem to be most promising. Unique properties of these nanoparticles allow for essentially unlimited possibilities regarding their design and modification. This gives hope that optimal nanoparticles with ideal nucleic acid carrier properties for lung cancer therapy will eventually emanate.
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Peswani Sajnani SL, Zhang Y, Vllasaliu D. Exosome-based therapies for mucosal delivery. Int J Pharm 2021; 608:121087. [PMID: 34530100 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpharm.2021.121087] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2021] [Revised: 09/07/2021] [Accepted: 09/09/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Exosomes are membrane-bound extracellular nanovesicles secreted by most cells and found in multiple sources, including bodily fluids, plants, fruit, and bovine milk. They play an important role as mediators of intercellular communication, having a distinct ability to carry small molecules, proteins, and nucleic acids to recipient cells over large distances. Moreover, competency in crossing usually poorly permeable biological barriers has led to their promising use in diagnostics and in therapeutics, either as therapeutic entities on their own or as drug delivery vehicles, with superior stability, biocompatibility, circulation time and target specificity in comparison to conventional drug delivery systems. The aim of this review is to summarise and critically discuss the current literature on the use of exosomes in a therapeutic setting, with a particular focus on their use as drug delivery vehicles for mucosal drug delivery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shilpa Lekhraj Peswani Sajnani
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Science, School of Cancer & Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Life Sciences & Medicine, King's College London, SE1 9NH London, United Kingdom.
| | - Yunyue Zhang
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Science, School of Cancer & Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Life Sciences & Medicine, King's College London, SE1 9NH London, United Kingdom.
| | - Driton Vllasaliu
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Science, School of Cancer & Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Life Sciences & Medicine, King's College London, SE1 9NH London, United Kingdom.
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Allan KM, Farrow N, Donnelley M, Jaffe A, Waters SA. Treatment of Cystic Fibrosis: From Gene- to Cell-Based Therapies. Front Pharmacol 2021; 12:639475. [PMID: 33796025 PMCID: PMC8007963 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2021.639475] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2020] [Accepted: 01/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Prognosis of patients with cystic fibrosis (CF) varies extensively despite recent advances in targeted therapies that improve CF transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) function. Despite being a multi-organ disease, extensive lung tissue destruction remains the major cause of morbidity and mortality. Progress towards a curative treatment strategy that implements a CFTR gene addition-technology to the patients’ lungs has been slow and not yet developed beyond clinical trials. Improved delivery vectors are needed to overcome the body’s defense system and ensure an efficient and consistent clinical response before gene therapy is suitable for clinical care. Cell-based therapy–which relies on functional modification of allogenic or autologous cells ex vivo, prior to transplantation into the patient–is now a therapeutic reality for various diseases. For CF, pioneering research has demonstrated proof-of-principle for allogenic transplantation of cultured human airway stem cells into mouse airways. However, applying a cell-based therapy to the human airways has distinct challenges. We review CF gene therapies using viral and non-viral delivery strategies and discuss current advances towards autologous cell-based therapies. Progress towards identification, correction, and expansion of a suitable regenerative cell, as well as refinement of pre-cell transplant lung conditioning protocols is discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katelin M Allan
- School of Women's and Children's Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia.,Molecular and Integrative Cystic Fibrosis Research Centre (miCF_RC), University of New South Wales and Sydney Children's Hospital, Sydney, Australia
| | - Nigel Farrow
- Respiratory and Sleep Medicine, Women's and Children's Health Network, Adelaide, Australia.,Robinson Research Institute, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, Australia.,Adelaide Medical School, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, Australia
| | - Martin Donnelley
- Respiratory and Sleep Medicine, Women's and Children's Health Network, Adelaide, Australia.,Robinson Research Institute, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, Australia.,Adelaide Medical School, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, Australia
| | - Adam Jaffe
- School of Women's and Children's Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia.,Molecular and Integrative Cystic Fibrosis Research Centre (miCF_RC), University of New South Wales and Sydney Children's Hospital, Sydney, Australia.,Department of Respiratory Medicine, Sydney Children's Hospital, Sydney, Australia
| | - Shafagh A Waters
- School of Women's and Children's Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia.,Molecular and Integrative Cystic Fibrosis Research Centre (miCF_RC), University of New South Wales and Sydney Children's Hospital, Sydney, Australia.,Department of Respiratory Medicine, Sydney Children's Hospital, Sydney, Australia
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Villamizar O, Waters SA, Scott T, Grepo N, Jaffe A, Morris KV. Mesenchymal Stem Cell exosome delivered Zinc Finger Protein activation of cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator. J Extracell Vesicles 2021; 10:e12053. [PMID: 33532041 PMCID: PMC7825549 DOI: 10.1002/jev2.12053] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2020] [Revised: 12/13/2020] [Accepted: 12/16/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Cystic fibrosis is a genetic disorder that results in a multi-organ disease with progressive respiratory decline which leads to premature death. Mutations in the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) gene disrupts the capacity of the protein to function as a channel, transporting chloride ions and bicarbonate across epithelial cell membranes. Small molecule treatments targeted at potentiating or correcting CFTR have shown clinical benefits, but are only effective for a small percentage of individuals with specific CFTR mutations. To overcome this limitation, we engineered stromal-derived mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) and HEK293 cells to produce exosomes containing a novel CFTR Zinc Finger Protein fusion with transcriptional activation domains VP64, P65 and Rta to target the CFTR promoter (CFZF-VPR) and activate transcription. Treatment with CFZF-VPR results in robust activation of CFTR transcription in patient derived Human Bronchial Epithelial cells (HuBEC). We also find that CFZF-VPR can be packaged into MSC and HEK293 cell exosomes and delivered to HuBEC cells to potently activate CFTR expression. Connexin 43 appeared to be required for functional release of CFZF-VPR from exosomes. The observations presented here demonstrate that MSC derived exosomes can be used to deliver a packaged zinc finger activator to target cells and activate CFTR. The novel approach presented here offers a next-generation genetic therapy that may one day prove effective in treating patients afflicted with Cystic fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olga Villamizar
- Center for Gene Therapy City of Hope-Beckman Research Institute at the City of Hope Duarte California USA
| | - Shafagh A Waters
- Faculty of Medicine School of Women's & Children's Health University of New South Wales (UNSW) Sydney NSW Australia.,Molecular and Integrative Cystic Fibrosis Research Centre (miCF_RC) Faculty of Medicine University of New South Wales Sydney NSW Australia.,Department of Respiratory Medicine Sydney Children's Hospital Sydney NSW Australia
| | - Tristan Scott
- Center for Gene Therapy City of Hope-Beckman Research Institute at the City of Hope Duarte California USA
| | - Nicole Grepo
- Center for Gene Therapy City of Hope-Beckman Research Institute at the City of Hope Duarte California USA
| | - Adam Jaffe
- Faculty of Medicine School of Women's & Children's Health University of New South Wales (UNSW) Sydney NSW Australia.,Molecular and Integrative Cystic Fibrosis Research Centre (miCF_RC) Faculty of Medicine University of New South Wales Sydney NSW Australia.,Department of Respiratory Medicine Sydney Children's Hospital Sydney NSW Australia
| | - Kevin V Morris
- Center for Gene Therapy City of Hope-Beckman Research Institute at the City of Hope Duarte California USA.,School of Medical Science Griffith University, Gold Coast Campus 1 Parklands Dr Southport QLD Australia
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Da Silva Sanchez A, Paunovska K, Cristian A, Dahlman JE. Treating Cystic Fibrosis with mRNA and CRISPR. Hum Gene Ther 2020; 31:940-955. [PMID: 32799680 PMCID: PMC7495921 DOI: 10.1089/hum.2020.137] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2020] [Accepted: 08/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Less than 20% of the protein coding genome is thought to be targetable using small molecules. mRNA therapies are not limited in the same way since in theory, they can silence or edit any gene by encoding CRISPR nucleases, or alternatively, produce any missing protein. Yet not all mRNA therapies are equally likely to succeed. Over the past several years, an increasing number of clinical trials with siRNA- and antisense oligonucleotide-based drugs have revealed three key concepts that will likely extend to mRNA therapies delivered by nonviral systems. First, scientists have come to understand that some genes make better targets for RNA therapies than others. Second, scientists have learned that the type and position of chemical modifications made to an RNA drug can alter its therapeutic window, toxicity, and bioavailability. Third, scientists have found that safe and targeted drug delivery vehicles are required to ferry mRNA therapies into diseased cells. In this study, we apply these learnings to cystic fibrosis (CF). We also describe lessons learned from a subset of CF gene therapies that have already been tested in patients. Finally, we highlight the scientific advances that are still required for nonviral mRNA- or CRISPR-based drugs to treat CF successfully in patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alejandro Da Silva Sanchez
- Petit Institute for Bioengineering and Biosciences, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
- School of Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Kalina Paunovska
- Wallace H. Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Ana Cristian
- Wallace H. Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - James E. Dahlman
- Petit Institute for Bioengineering and Biosciences, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
- Wallace H. Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
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