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Sun F, Peers de Nieuwburgh M, Hubinont C, Debiève F, Colson A. Gene therapy in preeclampsia: the dawn of a new era. Hypertens Pregnancy 2024; 43:2358761. [PMID: 38817101 DOI: 10.1080/10641955.2024.2358761] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2024] [Accepted: 05/16/2024] [Indexed: 06/01/2024]
Abstract
Preeclampsia is a severe complication of pregnancy, affecting an estimated 4 million women annually. It is one of the leading causes of maternal and fetal mortality worldwide, and it has life-long consequences. The maternal multisystemic symptoms are driven by poor placentation, which causes syncytiotrophoblastic stress and the release of factors into the maternal bloodstream. Amongst them, the soluble fms-like tyrosine kinase-1 (sFLT-1) triggers extensive endothelial dysfunction by acting as a decoy receptor for the vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and the placental growth factor (PGF). Current interventions aim to mitigate hypertension and seizures, but the only definite treatment remains induced delivery. Thus, there is a pressing need for novel therapies to remedy this situation. Notably, CBP-4888, a siRNA drug delivered subcutaneously to knock down sFLT1 expression in the placenta, has recently obtained Fast Track approval from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and is undergoing a phase 1 clinical trial. Such advance highlights a growing interest and significant potential in gene therapy to manage preeclampsia. This review summarizes the advances and prospects of gene therapy in treating placental dysfunction and illustrates crucial challenges and considerations for these emerging treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fengxuan Sun
- Department of Reproduction Physiopathology, Institute of Experimental and Clinical Research, Université catholique de Louvain, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Maureen Peers de Nieuwburgh
- Department of Reproduction Physiopathology, Institute of Experimental and Clinical Research, Université catholique de Louvain, Brussels, Belgium
- Department of Neonatology, Cliniques universitaires Saint-Luc, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Corinne Hubinont
- Department of Obstetrics, Cliniques universitaires Saint-Luc, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Frédéric Debiève
- Department of Reproduction Physiopathology, Institute of Experimental and Clinical Research, Université catholique de Louvain, Brussels, Belgium
- Department of Obstetrics, Cliniques universitaires Saint-Luc, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Arthur Colson
- Department of Reproduction Physiopathology, Institute of Experimental and Clinical Research, Université catholique de Louvain, Brussels, Belgium
- Department of Obstetrics, Cliniques universitaires Saint-Luc, Brussels, Belgium
- Department of Pharmacotherapy and Therapeutics, Institute of Experimental and Clinical Research, Université catholique de Louvain, Brussels, Belgium
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2
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Baylot V, Le TK, Taïeb D, Rocchi P, Colleaux L. Between hope and reality: treatment of genetic diseases through nucleic acid-based drugs. Commun Biol 2024; 7:489. [PMID: 38653753 PMCID: PMC11039704 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-024-06121-9] [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: 08/22/2023] [Accepted: 03/28/2024] [Indexed: 04/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Rare diseases (RD) affect a small number of people compared to the general population and are mostly genetic in origin. The first clinical signs often appear at birth or in childhood, and patients endure high levels of pain and progressive loss of autonomy frequently associated with short life expectancy. Until recently, the low prevalence of RD and the gatekeeping delay in their diagnosis have long hampered research. The era of nucleic acid (NA)-based therapies has revolutionized the landscape of RD treatment and new hopes arise with the perspectives of disease-modifying drugs development as some NA-based therapies are now entering the clinical stage. Herein, we review NA-based drugs that were approved and are currently under investigation for the treatment of RD. We also discuss the recent structural improvements of NA-based therapeutics and delivery system, which overcome the main limitations in their market expansion and the current approaches that are developed to address the endosomal escape issue. We finally open the discussion on the ethical and societal issues that raise this new technology in terms of regulatory approval and sustainability of production.
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Affiliation(s)
- Virginie Baylot
- Aix Marseille Univ, CNRS, CINAM, ERL INSERM U 1326, CERIMED, Marseille, France.
| | - Thi Khanh Le
- Aix Marseille Univ, CNRS, CINAM, ERL INSERM U 1326, CERIMED, Marseille, France
| | - David Taïeb
- Aix Marseille Univ, CNRS, CINAM, ERL INSERM U 1326, CERIMED, Marseille, France
| | - Palma Rocchi
- Aix Marseille Univ, CNRS, CINAM, ERL INSERM U 1326, CERIMED, Marseille, France.
| | - Laurence Colleaux
- Aix Marseille Univ, CNRS, CINAM, ERL INSERM U 1326, CERIMED, Marseille, France
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3
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Medaer L, Veys K, Gijsbers R. Current Status and Prospects of Viral Vector-Based Gene Therapy to Treat Kidney Diseases. Hum Gene Ther 2024; 35:139-150. [PMID: 38386502 DOI: 10.1089/hum.2023.184] [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] [Indexed: 02/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Inherited kidney diseases are among the leading causes of chronic kidney disease, reducing the quality of life and resulting in substantial socioeconomic impact. The advent of early genetic testing and the growing understanding of the molecular basis and pathophysiology of these disorders have opened avenues for novel treatment strategies. Viral vector-based gene therapies have evolved from experimental treatments for rare diseases to potent platforms that carry the intrinsic potential to provide a cure with a single application. Several gene therapy products have reached the market, and the numbers are only expected to increase. Still, none target inherited kidney diseases. Gene transfer to the kidney has lagged when compared to other tissue-directed therapies such as hepatic, neuromuscular, and ocular tissues. Systemic delivery of genetic information to tackle kidney disease is challenging. The pharma industry is taking steps to take on kidney disease and to translate the current research into the therapeutic arena. In this review, we provide an overview of the current viral vector-based approaches and their potential. We discuss advances in platforms and injection routes that have been explored to enhance gene delivery toward kidney cells in animal models, and how these can fuel the development of viable gene therapy products for humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Louise Medaer
- Laboratory of Molecular Virology and Gene Therapy, Department of Pharmacological and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine
| | - Koenraad Veys
- Laboratory of Paediatric Nephrology, Department of Development and Regeneration, Faculty of Medicine
| | - Rik Gijsbers
- Laboratory of Molecular Virology and Gene Therapy, Department of Pharmacological and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine
- Leuven Viral Vector Core, Faculty of Medicine; KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
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4
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Jiao L, Sun Z, Sun Z, Liu J, Deng G, Wang X. Nanotechnology-based non-viral vectors for gene delivery in cardiovascular diseases. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2024; 12:1349077. [PMID: 38303912 PMCID: PMC10830866 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2024.1349077] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2023] [Accepted: 01/08/2024] [Indexed: 02/03/2024] Open
Abstract
Gene therapy is a technique that rectifies defective or abnormal genes by introducing exogenous genes into target cells to cure the disease. Although gene therapy has gained some accomplishment for the diagnosis and therapy of inherited or acquired cardiovascular diseases, how to efficiently and specifically deliver targeted genes to the lesion sites without being cleared by the blood system remains challenging. Based on nanotechnology development, the non-viral vectors provide a promising strategy for overcoming the difficulties in gene therapy. At present, according to the physicochemical properties, nanotechnology-based non-viral vectors include polymers, liposomes, lipid nanoparticles, and inorganic nanoparticles. Non-viral vectors have an advantage in safety, efficiency, and easy production, possessing potential clinical application value when compared with viral vectors. Therefore, we summarized recent research progress of gene therapy for cardiovascular diseases based on commonly used non-viral vectors, hopefully providing guidance and orientation for future relevant research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liping Jiao
- The Affiliated Yantai Yuhuangding Hospital of Qingdao University, Yantai, China
| | - Zhuokai Sun
- Queen Mary School, Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
| | - Zhihong Sun
- The Affiliated Yantai Yuhuangding Hospital of Qingdao University, Yantai, China
| | - Jie Liu
- The Affiliated Yantai Yuhuangding Hospital of Qingdao University, Yantai, China
| | - Guanjun Deng
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences (Shenzhen), Sun Yat-Sen University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Xiaozhong Wang
- The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
- School of Public Health, Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
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5
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Li J, Lin Y, Liu B, Zhou X, Chen W, Shen G. Alkylated Sulfonium Modification of Low Molecular Weight Polyethylenimine to Form Lipopolymers as Gene Vectors. ACS OMEGA 2024; 9:2339-2349. [PMID: 38250374 PMCID: PMC10795143 DOI: 10.1021/acsomega.3c06255] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2023] [Revised: 12/14/2023] [Accepted: 12/18/2023] [Indexed: 01/23/2024]
Abstract
Hydrophobic modification of low molecular weight polyethylenimine (PEI) is an efficient method to form ideal gene-transfer carriers. Sulfonium-a combination of three different functional groups, was conjugated onto PEI 1.8k at a conjugation ratio of 1:0.1 to form a series of sulfonium PEI (SPs). These SPs were hydrophobically modified and characterized by Fourier transform infrared and HNMR. DNA-condensing abilities of SPs were tested with gel retardation experiment, and their cytotoxicity was evaluated via the MTT assay. The particle size and zeta potential of SP/DNA nanoparticles were measured and evaluated for cellular uptake and transfection ability on HepG2 cell line. The results showed that the sulfonium moiety was attached to PEI 1.8k with a high yield at a conjugation ratio of 1:0.1. SPs containing longer alkyl chains condensed DNA completely at an SP/DNA weight ratio of 2:1. The formed nanoparticle size was in the range of 168-265 nm, and the zeta potential was +16-45 mV. The IC50 values of SPs were 6.5-43.2 μg/mL. The cytotoxicity of SPs increased as the hydrophobic chain got longer. SP/DNA showed much stronger cellular uptakes than PEI 25k; however, pure SPs presented almost no gene transfection on cells. Heparin release experiment showed that SP's strong binding of DNA resulted in low release of DNA and thus hindered the gene transfection process. By mixing SP with PEI 1.8k, the mixture presented adjustable DNA binding and releasing. The mixture formed by 67% SP and 33% PEI 1.8k showed strong gene transfection. In conclusion, sulfonium is an effective linkage to carry hydrophobic groups to adjust cell compatibilities and gene transfection capabilities of PEI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Li
- College
of Life Science and Biotechnology, Heilongjiang
Bayi Agricultural University, Daqing, Heilongjiang 163319, China
- Heilongjiang
Provincial Key Laboratory of Environmental Microbiology and Recycling
of Argo-Waste in Cold Region, College of Life Science and Biotechnology, Heilongjiang Bayi Agricultural University, Daqing, Heilongjiang 163319, China
- Key
Laboratory of Low-carbon Green Agriculture in Northeastern China,
Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs P. R. China, College of
Life Science and Biotechnology, Heilongjiang
Bayi Agricultural University, Daqing 163319, China
| | - Yue Lin
- College
of Life Science and Biotechnology, Heilongjiang
Bayi Agricultural University, Daqing, Heilongjiang 163319, China
| | - Bingling Liu
- College
of Life Science and Biotechnology, Heilongjiang
Bayi Agricultural University, Daqing, Heilongjiang 163319, China
| | - Xiaodong Zhou
- College
of Life Science and Biotechnology, Heilongjiang
Bayi Agricultural University, Daqing, Heilongjiang 163319, China
| | - Wenyang Chen
- College
of Life Science and Biotechnology, Heilongjiang
Bayi Agricultural University, Daqing, Heilongjiang 163319, China
| | - Guinan Shen
- College
of Life Science and Biotechnology, Heilongjiang
Bayi Agricultural University, Daqing, Heilongjiang 163319, China
- Heilongjiang
Provincial Key Laboratory of Environmental Microbiology and Recycling
of Argo-Waste in Cold Region, College of Life Science and Biotechnology, Heilongjiang Bayi Agricultural University, Daqing, Heilongjiang 163319, China
- Key
Laboratory of Low-carbon Green Agriculture in Northeastern China,
Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs P. R. China, College of
Life Science and Biotechnology, Heilongjiang
Bayi Agricultural University, Daqing 163319, China
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6
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Dogbey DM, Torres VES, Fajemisin E, Mpondo L, Ngwenya T, Akinrinmade OA, Perriman AW, Barth S. Technological advances in the use of viral and non-viral vectors for delivering genetic and non-genetic cargos for cancer therapy. Drug Deliv Transl Res 2023; 13:2719-2738. [PMID: 37301780 PMCID: PMC10257536 DOI: 10.1007/s13346-023-01362-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/29/2023] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
The burden of cancer is increasing globally. Several challenges facing its mainstream treatment approaches have formed the basis for the development of targeted delivery systems to carry and distribute anti-cancer payloads to their defined targets. This site-specific delivery of drug molecules and gene payloads to selectively target druggable biomarkers aimed at inducing cell death while sparing normal cells is the principal goal for cancer therapy. An important advantage of a delivery vector either viral or non-viral is the cumulative ability to penetrate the haphazardly arranged and immunosuppressive tumour microenvironment of solid tumours and or withstand antibody-mediated immune response. Biotechnological approaches incorporating rational protein engineering for the development of targeted delivery systems which may serve as vehicles for packaging and distribution of anti-cancer agents to selectively target and kill cancer cells are highly desired. Over the years, these chemically and genetically modified delivery systems have aimed at distribution and selective accumulation of drug molecules at receptor sites resulting in constant maintenance of high drug bioavailability for effective anti-tumour activity. In this review, we highlighted the state-of-the art viral and non-viral drug and gene delivery systems and those under developments focusing on cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dennis Makafui Dogbey
- South African Research Chair in Cancer Biotechnology, Division of Chemical and Systems Biology, Department of Integrative Biomedical Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | | | - Emmanuel Fajemisin
- South African Research Chair in Cancer Biotechnology, Division of Chemical and Systems Biology, Department of Integrative Biomedical Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Liyabona Mpondo
- South African Research Chair in Cancer Biotechnology, Division of Chemical and Systems Biology, Department of Integrative Biomedical Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Takunda Ngwenya
- South African Research Chair in Cancer Biotechnology, Division of Chemical and Systems Biology, Department of Integrative Biomedical Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Olusiji Alex Akinrinmade
- South African Research Chair in Cancer Biotechnology, Division of Chemical and Systems Biology, Department of Integrative Biomedical Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Adam W Perriman
- School of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of Bristol, BS8 1TD, Bristol, UK
| | - Stefan Barth
- South African Research Chair in Cancer Biotechnology, Division of Chemical and Systems Biology, Department of Integrative Biomedical Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa.
- Medical Biotechnology and Immunotherapy Research Unit, Institute of Infectious Diseases and Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa.
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7
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Kojima C, Sawada M, Nakase I, Matsumoto A. Gene Delivery into T-Cells Using Ternary Complexes of DNA, Lipofectamine, and Carboxy-Terminal Phenylalanine-Modified Dendrimers. Macromol Biosci 2023; 23:e2300139. [PMID: 37285588 DOI: 10.1002/mabi.202300139] [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: 03/31/2023] [Revised: 06/05/2023] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
T-cells play critical roles in various immune reactions, and genetically engineered T-cells have attracted attention for the treatment of cancer and autoimmune diseases. Previously, it is shown that a polyamidoamine dendrimer of generation 4 (G4), modified with 1,2-cyclohexanedicarboxylic anhydride (CHex) and phenylalanine (Phe) (G4-CHex-Phe), is useful for delivery into T-cells and their subsets. In this study, an efficient non-viral gene delivery system is constructed using this dendrimer. Ternary complexes are prepared using different ratios of plasmid DNA, Lipofectamine, and G4-CHex-Phe. A carboxy-terminal dendrimer lacking Phe (G3.5) is used for comparison. These complexes are characterized using agarose gel electrophoresis, dynamic light scattering, and ζpotential measurements. In Jurkat cells, the ternary complex with G4-CHex-Phe at a P/COOH ratio of 1/5 shows higher transfection activity than other complexes, such as binary and ternary complexes with G3.5, without any significant cytotoxicity. The transfection efficiency of the G4-CHex-Phe ternary complexes decreases considerably in the presence of free G4-CHex-Phe and upon altering the complex preparation method. These results suggest that G4-CHex-Phe promotes the cellular internalization of the complexes, which is useful for gene delivery into T-cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chie Kojima
- Department of Applied Chemistry, Graduate School of Engineering, Osaka Metropolitan University, 1-1 Gakuen-cho, Naka-ku, Sakai, Osaka, 599-8531, Japan
| | - Mei Sawada
- Department of Applied Chemistry, Graduate School of Engineering, Osaka Metropolitan University, 1-1 Gakuen-cho, Naka-ku, Sakai, Osaka, 599-8531, Japan
| | - Ikuhiko Nakase
- Department of Biological Chemistry, Graduate School of Science, Osaka Metropolitan University, 1-1 Gakuen-cho, Naka-ku, Sakai, Osaka, 599-8531, Japan
| | - Akikazu Matsumoto
- Department of Applied Chemistry, Graduate School of Engineering, Osaka Metropolitan University, 1-1 Gakuen-cho, Naka-ku, Sakai, Osaka, 599-8531, Japan
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8
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Liu B, Zhang C, Zhao H, Gao J, Hu J. Chitosan Hydrogel-Delivered ABE8e Corrects PAX9 Mutant in Dental Pulp Stem Cells. Gels 2023; 9:436. [PMID: 37367107 DOI: 10.3390/gels9060436] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2023] [Revised: 05/19/2023] [Accepted: 05/23/2023] [Indexed: 06/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Hypodontia (dental agenesis) is a genetic disorder, and it has been identified that the mutation C175T in PAX9 could lead to hypodontia. Cas9 nickase (nCas9)-mediated homology-directed repair (HDR) and base editing were used for the correction of this mutated point. This study aimed to investigate the effect of HDR and the base editor ABE8e in editing PAX9 mutant. It was found that the chitosan hydrogel was efficient in delivering naked DNA into dental pulp stem cells (DPSCs). To explore the influence of the C175T mutation in PAX9 on the proliferation of DPSCs, hydrogel was employed to deliver PAX9 mutant vector into DPSCs, finding that the PAX9-containing C175T mutation failed to promote the proliferation of DPSCs. Firstly, DPSCs stably carrying PAX9 mutant were constructed. Either an HDR or ABE8e system was delivered into the above-mentioned stable DPSCs, and then the correction efficiency using Sanger sequencing and Western blotting was determined. Meanwhile, the ABE8e presented significantly higher efficiency in correcting C175T compared with HDR. Furthermore, the corrected PAX9 presented enhanced viability and differentiation capacity for osteogenic and neurogenic lineages; the corrected PAX9 even possessed extremely enhanced transcriptional activation ability. In summary, this study has powerful implications for studies into base editors, chitosan hydrogel, and DPSCs in treating hypodontia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bowen Liu
- Outpatient Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Beijing Stomatological Hospital, School of Stomatology, Capital Medical University, Tian Tan Xi Li No. 4, Beijing 100050, China
| | - Chenjiao Zhang
- Department of General, Beijing Stomatological Hospital, School of Stomatology, Capital Medical University, Tian Tan Xi Li No. 4, Beijing 100050, China
| | - Han Zhao
- Multi-Disciplinary Treatment Center, Beijing Stomatological Hospital, School of Stomatology, Capital Medical University, Tian Tan Xi Li No. 4, Beijing 100050, China
| | - Jian Gao
- State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and Related Genes, Shanghai Cancer Institute, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200011, China
| | - Jingchao Hu
- Department of Periodontics, Beijing Stomatological Hospital, School of Stomatology, Capital Medical University, Tian Tan Xi Li No. 4, Beijing 100050, China
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9
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Yi JY, Kim M, Ahn JH, Kim BG, Son J, Sung C. CRISPR/deadCas9-based high-throughput gene doping analysis (HiGDA): A proof of concept for exogenous human erythropoietin gene doping detection. Talanta 2023; 258:124455. [PMID: 36933297 DOI: 10.1016/j.talanta.2023.124455] [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: 11/30/2022] [Revised: 03/07/2023] [Accepted: 03/11/2023] [Indexed: 03/17/2023]
Abstract
A genetic approach targeted toward improving athletic performance is called gene doping and is prohibited by the World Anti-Doping Agency. Currently, the clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats-associated protein (Cas)-related assays have been utilized to detect genetic deficiencies or mutations. Among the Cas proteins, deadCas9 (dCas9), a nuclease-deficient mutant of Cas9, acts as a DNA binding protein with a target-specific single guide RNA. On the basis of the principles, we developed a dCas9-based high-throughput gene doping analysis for exogenous gene detection. The assay comprises two distinctive dCas9s, a magnetic bead immobilized capture dCas9 for exogenous gene isolation and a biotinylated dCas9 with streptavidin-polyHRP that enables rapid signal amplification. For efficient biotin labeling via maleimide-thiol chemistry, two cysteine residues of dCas9 were structurally validated, and the Cys574 residue was identified as an essential labeling site. As a result, we succeeded in detecting the target gene in a concentration as low as 12.3 fM (7.41 × 105 copies) and up to 10 nM (6.07 × 1011 copies) in a whole blood sample within 1 h with HiGDA. Assuming an exogenous gene transfer scenario, we added a direct blood amplification step to establish a rapid analytical procedure while detecting target genes with high sensitivity. Finally, we detected the exogenous human erythropoietin gene at concentrations as low as 2.5 copies within 90 min in 5 μL of the blood sample. Herein, we propose that HiGDA is a very fast, highly sensitive, and practical detection method for actual doping field in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joon-Yeop Yi
- Doping Control Center, Korea Institute of Science and Technology, Seoul, 02792, South Korea; Interdisciplinary Program of Bioengineering, Seoul National University, Seoul, 08826, South Korea; Institute of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Seoul National University, Seoul, 08826, South Korea
| | - Minyoung Kim
- Doping Control Center, Korea Institute of Science and Technology, Seoul, 02792, South Korea
| | - Jung Ho Ahn
- Clean Energy Research Center, Korea Institute of Science and Technology, Seoul, 02792, South Korea
| | - Byung-Gee Kim
- Interdisciplinary Program of Bioengineering, Seoul National University, Seoul, 08826, South Korea; Institute of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Seoul National University, Seoul, 08826, South Korea; Bio-Max/N-Bio Institute, Seoul National University, Seoul, 08826, South Korea; School of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Seoul National University, Seoul, 08826, South Korea; Institute for Sustainable Development (ISD), Seoul National University, Seoul, 08826, South Korea
| | - Junghyun Son
- Doping Control Center, Korea Institute of Science and Technology, Seoul, 02792, South Korea
| | - Changmin Sung
- Doping Control Center, Korea Institute of Science and Technology, Seoul, 02792, South Korea.
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10
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Yang J, Luly KM, Green JJ. Nonviral nanoparticle gene delivery into the CNS for neurological disorders and brain cancer applications. WILEY INTERDISCIPLINARY REVIEWS. NANOMEDICINE AND NANOBIOTECHNOLOGY 2023; 15:e1853. [PMID: 36193561 PMCID: PMC10023321 DOI: 10.1002/wnan.1853] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2022] [Revised: 05/24/2022] [Accepted: 08/11/2022] [Indexed: 03/15/2023]
Abstract
Nonviral nanoparticles have emerged as an attractive alternative to viral vectors for gene therapy applications, utilizing a range of lipid-based, polymeric, and inorganic materials. These materials can either encapsulate or be functionalized to bind nucleic acids and protect them from degradation. To effectively elicit changes to gene expression, the nanoparticle carrier needs to undergo a series of steps intracellularly, from interacting with the cellular membrane to facilitate cellular uptake to endosomal escape and nucleic acid release. Adjusting physiochemical properties of the nanoparticles, such as size, charge, and targeting ligands, can improve cellular uptake and ultimately gene delivery. Applications in the central nervous system (CNS; i.e., neurological diseases, brain cancers) face further extracellular barriers for a gene-carrying nanoparticle to surpass, with the most significant being the blood-brain barrier (BBB). Approaches to overcome these extracellular challenges to deliver nanoparticles into the CNS include systemic, intracerebroventricular, intrathecal, and intranasal administration. This review describes and compares different biomaterials for nonviral nanoparticle-mediated gene therapy to the CNS and explores challenges and recent preclinical and clinical developments in overcoming barriers to nanoparticle-mediated delivery to the brain. This article is categorized under: Therapeutic Approaches and Drug Discovery > Nanomedicine for Neurological Disease Therapeutic Approaches and Drug Discovery > Emerging Technologies Nanotechnology Approaches to Biology > Nanoscale Systems in Biology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joanna Yang
- Departments of Biomedical Engineering, Ophthalmology, Oncology, Neurosurgery, Materials Science & Engineering, and Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Kathryn M Luly
- Departments of Biomedical Engineering, Ophthalmology, Oncology, Neurosurgery, Materials Science & Engineering, and Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Jordan J Green
- Departments of Biomedical Engineering, Ophthalmology, Oncology, Neurosurgery, Materials Science & Engineering, and Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
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11
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Research Status and Prospect of Non-Viral Vectors Based on siRNA: A Review. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24043375. [PMID: 36834783 PMCID: PMC9962405 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24043375] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2022] [Revised: 02/01/2023] [Accepted: 02/06/2023] [Indexed: 02/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Gene therapy has attracted much attention because of its unique mechanism of action, non-toxicity, and good tolerance, which can kill cancer cells without damaging healthy tissues. siRNA-based gene therapy can downregulate, enhance, or correct gene expression by introducing some nucleic acid into patient tissues. Routine treatment of hemophilia requires frequent intravenous injections of missing clotting protein. The high cost of combined therapy causes most patients to lack the best treatment resources. siRNA therapy has the potential of lasting treatment and even curing diseases. Compared with traditional surgery and chemotherapy, siRNA has fewer side effects and less damage to normal cells. The available therapies for degenerative diseases can only alleviate the symptoms of patients, while siRNA therapy drugs can upregulate gene expression, modify epigenetic changes, and stop the disease. In addition, siRNA also plays an important role in cardiovascular diseases, gastrointestinal diseases, and hepatitis B. However, free siRNA is easily degraded by nuclease and has a short half-life in the blood. Research has found that siRNA can be delivered to specific cells through appropriate vector selection and design to improve the therapeutic effect. The application of viral vectors is limited because of their high immunogenicity and low capacity, while non-viral vectors are widely used because of their low immunogenicity, low production cost, and high safety. This paper reviews the common non-viral vectors in recent years and introduces their advantages and disadvantages, as well as the latest application examples.
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12
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da Silva TN, de Lima EV, Barradas TN, Testa CG, Picciani PH, Figueiredo CP, do Carmo FA, Clarke JR. Nanosystems for gene therapy targeting brain damage caused by viral infections. Mater Today Bio 2023; 18:100525. [PMID: 36619201 PMCID: PMC9816812 DOI: 10.1016/j.mtbio.2022.100525] [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: 10/04/2022] [Revised: 12/07/2022] [Accepted: 12/16/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Several human pathogens can cause long-lasting neurological damage. Despite the increasing clinical knowledge about these conditions, most still lack efficient therapeutic interventions. Gene therapy (GT) approaches comprise strategies to modify or adjust the expression or function of a gene, thus providing therapy for human diseases. Since recombinant nucleic acids used in GT have physicochemical limitations and can fail to reach the desired tissue, viral and non-viral vectors are applied to mediate gene delivery. Although viral vectors are associated to high levels of transfection, non-viral vectors are safer and have been further explored. Different types of nanosystems consisting of lipids, polymeric and inorganic materials are applied as non-viral vectors. In this review, we discuss potential targets for GT intervention in order to prevent neurological damage associated to infectious diseases as well as the role of nanosized non-viral vectors as agents to help the selective delivery of these gene-modifying molecules. Application of non-viral vectors for delivery of GT effectors comprise a promising alternative to treat brain inflammation induced by viral infections.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Emanuelle V. de Lima
- Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, 21941-902, Brazil
| | - Thaís Nogueira Barradas
- Departamento de Ciências Farmacêuticas, Universidade Federal de Juiz de Fora, Juiz de Fora, MG, 36036-900, Brazil
| | - Carla G. Testa
- Faculdade de Farmácia, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, 21941-902, Brazil
| | - Paulo H.S. Picciani
- Instituto de Macromoléculas Professora Eloisa Mano, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro (IMA/UFRJ), Rio de Janeiro, RJ, 21941-598, Brazil
| | - Claudia P. Figueiredo
- Faculdade de Farmácia, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, 21941-902, Brazil
| | - Flavia A. do Carmo
- Faculdade de Farmácia, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, 21941-902, Brazil
- Corresponding author.
| | - Julia R. Clarke
- Faculdade de Farmácia, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, 21941-902, Brazil
- Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, 21941-902, Brazil
- Corresponding author. Faculdade de Farmácia, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, 21941-902, Brazil.
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13
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Expansion of Single Chains Released from a Spherical Cavity. Polymers (Basel) 2022; 15:polym15010198. [PMID: 36616547 PMCID: PMC9824584 DOI: 10.3390/polym15010198] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2022] [Revised: 12/18/2022] [Accepted: 12/23/2022] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
A two-stage model is developed to explain the phenomena of chain expansion, released from a confining cavity. In the first stage, the chain is assumed to expand as a sphere, while in the second stage it expands like a coil. The kinetic equations for the variation of chain size are derived in the two stages by balancing the rate of the free energy change with the rate of the energy dissipation. Langevin dynamics simulations are then performed to examine the theory. We find that the expansion process is dominated by the second stage and the evolution of chain size follows, mainly, the predicted curve for coil expansion, which depends on the chain length and is not sensitive to the confining volume fraction. It permits to define the expansion time for the process. Further study reveals that the chain does undergo a spherical expansion in the first stage with the characteristic time much shorter than the one for the second stage. As a consequence, the first-stage variation of chain size can be regarded as an add-on to the principal curve of expansion designated by the second stage. The scaling behaviors and the associated scaling exponents are analyzed in details. The simulation results well support the theory.
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Wang H, Qin L, Zhang X, Guan J, Mao S. Mechanisms and challenges of nanocarriers as non-viral vectors of therapeutic genes for enhanced pulmonary delivery. J Control Release 2022; 352:970-993. [PMID: 36372386 PMCID: PMC9671523 DOI: 10.1016/j.jconrel.2022.10.061] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2022] [Revised: 10/31/2022] [Accepted: 10/31/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
With the rapid development of biopharmaceuticals and the outbreak of COVID-19, the world has ushered in a frenzy to develop gene therapy. Therefore, therapeutic genes have received enormous attention. However, due to the extreme instability and low intracellular gene expression of naked genes, specific vectors are required. Viral vectors are widely used attributed to their high transfection efficiency. However, due to the safety concerns of viral vectors, nanotechnology-based non-viral vectors have attracted extensive investigation. Still, issues of low transfection efficiency and poor tissue targeting of non-viral vectors need to be addressed. Especially, pulmonary gene delivery has obvious advantages for the treatment of inherited lung diseases, lung cancer, and viral pneumonia, which can not only enhance lung targeting and but also reduce enzymatic degradation. For systemic diseases therapy, pulmonary gene delivery can enhance vaccine efficacy via inducing not only cellular, humoral immunity but also mucosal immunity. This review provides a comprehensive overview of nanocarriers as non-viral vectors of therapeutic genes for enhanced pulmonary delivery. First of all, the characteristics and therapeutic mechanism of DNA, mRNA, and siRNA are provided. Thereafter, the advantages and challenges of pulmonary gene delivery in exerting local and systemic effects are discussed. Then, the inhalation dosage forms for nanoparticle-based drug delivery systems are introduced. Moreover, a series of materials used as nanocarriers for pulmonary gene delivery are presented, and the endosomal escape mechanisms of nanocarriers based on different materials are explored. The application of various non-viral vectors for pulmonary gene delivery are summarized in detail, with the perspectives of nano-vectors for pulmonary gene delivery.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Xin Zhang
- Corresponding authors at: School of Pharmacy, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, 103 Wenhua Road, 110016 Shenyang, China
| | | | - Shirui Mao
- Corresponding authors at: School of Pharmacy, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, 103 Wenhua Road, 110016 Shenyang, China
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15
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Li H, Zha S, Li H, Liu H, Wong KL, All AH. Polymeric Dendrimers as Nanocarrier Vectors for Neurotheranostics. SMALL (WEINHEIM AN DER BERGSTRASSE, GERMANY) 2022; 18:e2203629. [PMID: 36084240 DOI: 10.1002/smll.202203629] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2022] [Revised: 08/01/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Dendrimers are polymers with well-defined 3D branched structures that are vastly utilized in various neurotheranostics and biomedical applications, particularly as nanocarrier vectors. Imaging agents can be loaded into dendrimers to improve the accuracy of diagnostic imaging processes. Likewise, combining pharmaceutical agents and anticancer drugs with dendrimers can enhance their solubility, biocompatibility, and efficiency. Practically, by modifying ligands on the surface of dendrimers, effective therapeutic and diagnostic platforms can be constructed and implemented for targeted delivery. Dendrimer-based nanocarriers also show great potential in gene delivery. Since enzymes can degrade genetic materials during their blood circulation, dendrimers exhibit promising packaging and delivery alternatives, particularly for central nervous system (CNS) treatments. The DNA and RNA encapsulated in dendrimers represented by polyamidoamine that are used for targeted brain delivery, via chemical-structural adjustments and appropriate generation, significantly improve the correlation between transfection efficiency and cytotoxicity. This article reports a comprehensive review of dendrimers' structures, synthesis processes, and biological applications. Recent progress in diagnostic imaging processes and therapeutic applications for cancers and other CNS diseases are presented. Potential challenges and future directions in the development of dendrimers, which provide the theoretical basis for their broader applications in healthcare, are also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hengde Li
- Department of Chemistry, Hong Kong Baptist University, 224 Waterloo Road, Kowloon, Hong Kong SAR, P. R. China
| | - Shuai Zha
- Department of Chemistry, Hong Kong Baptist University, 224 Waterloo Road, Kowloon, Hong Kong SAR, P. R. China
- Department of Applied Biology and Chemical Technology, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hung Hom, Hong Kong SAR, P. R. China
| | - Haolan Li
- Department of Chemistry, Hong Kong Baptist University, 224 Waterloo Road, Kowloon, Hong Kong SAR, P. R. China
| | - Haitao Liu
- Department of Chemistry, Hong Kong Baptist University, 224 Waterloo Road, Kowloon, Hong Kong SAR, P. R. China
| | - Ka-Leung Wong
- Department of Chemistry, Hong Kong Baptist University, 224 Waterloo Road, Kowloon, Hong Kong SAR, P. R. China
| | - Angelo H All
- Department of Chemistry, Hong Kong Baptist University, 224 Waterloo Road, Kowloon, Hong Kong SAR, P. R. China
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16
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Leask F. Technology digest: non-viral vectors. Regen Med 2022; 17:789-791. [PMID: 35916084 DOI: 10.2217/rme-2022-0115] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
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17
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Arabi F, Mansouri V, Ahmadbeigi N. Gene therapy clinical trials, where do we go? An overview. Biomed Pharmacother 2022; 153:113324. [PMID: 35779421 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2022.113324] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 30.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2022] [Revised: 06/14/2022] [Accepted: 06/20/2022] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
There have been many ups and downs since the introduction of gene therapy as a therapeutic modality for diseases. However, the journey of gene therapy has reached a fundamental milestone, as evidenced by the increasing number of gene therapy products on the market. Looking at the currently approved and under-approval products, as well as the numerous clinical trials in this field, gene therapy has a promising future. Trend of changes in gene therapy strategies, vectors, and targets could be insightful for pharmaceutical companies, policymakers, and researchers. In this paper, following a brief history of gene therapy, we reviewed current gene therapy products as well as gene therapies that may be approved in the near future. We also looked at ten-year changes in gene therapy clinical trials strategies, such as the use of vectors, target cells, transferred genes, and ex-vivo/in-vivo methods, as well as the major fields that gene therapy has entered. Although gene therapy was initially used to treat genetic diseases, cancer now has the greatest number of gene therapy clinical trials. Changes in gene therapy strategies, particularly in pioneering countries in this field, may point to the direction of future clinical products.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fatemeh Arabi
- Gene Therapy Research Center, Digestive Diseases Research Institute, Shariati Hospital, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran 1411713135, Iran
| | - Vahid Mansouri
- Gene Therapy Research Center, Digestive Diseases Research Institute, Shariati Hospital, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran 1411713135, Iran
| | - Naser Ahmadbeigi
- Gene Therapy Research Center, Digestive Diseases Research Institute, Shariati Hospital, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran 1411713135, Iran.
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18
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Kida H, Feril LB, Irie Y, Endo H, Itaka K, Tachibana K. Influence of Nanobubble Size Distribution on Ultrasound-Mediated Plasmid DNA and Messenger RNA Gene Delivery. Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:855495. [PMID: 35721213 PMCID: PMC9198282 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.855495] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2022] [Accepted: 05/17/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The use of nanobubbles (NBs) for ultrasound-mediated gene therapy has recently attracted much attention. However, few studies have evaluated the effect of different NB size distribution to the efficiency of gene delivery into cells. In this study, various size of albumin stabilized sub-micron bubbles were examined in an in vitro ultrasound (1 MHz) irradiation setup in the aim to compare and optimize gene transfer efficiency. Results with pDNA showed that gene transfer efficiency in the presence of NB size of 254.7 ± 3.8 nm was 2.5 fold greater than those with 187.3 ± 4.8 nm. Similarly, carrier-free mRNA transfer efficiency increased in the same conditions. It is suggested that NB size greater than 200 nm contributed more to the delivery of genes into the cytoplasm with ultrasound. Although further experiments are needed to understand the underlying mechanism for this phenomenon, the present results offer valuable information in optimizing of NB for future ultrasound-mediate gene therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hiroshi Kida
- Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine, Fukuoka University, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Loreto B Feril
- Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine, Fukuoka University, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Yutaka Irie
- Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine, Fukuoka University, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Hitomi Endo
- Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine, Fukuoka University, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Keiji Itaka
- Department of Biofunction Research, Institute of Biomaterials and Bioengineering, Tokyo Medical and Dental University (TMDU), Tokyo, Japan
| | - Katsuro Tachibana
- Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine, Fukuoka University, Fukuoka, Japan
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19
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Ghidini M, Silva SG, Evangelista J, do Vale MLC, Farooqi AA, Pinheiro M. Nanomedicine for the Delivery of RNA in Cancer. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14112677. [PMID: 35681657 PMCID: PMC9179531 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14112677] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2022] [Revised: 05/23/2022] [Accepted: 05/25/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Cancer is a multifaceted, life-threatening, and genomically complex disease. The worldwide prevalence of cancer is so high that one in three people will develop cancer during their lifetime. Although the use of RNA therapy is promising to fight cancer, its efficient and safe delivery is still one of the significant challenges hampering its therapeutic application. Thus, the aim of the present review was to highlight the most recent developments in the field of nanomedicine RNA-associated therapies to fight cancer. Abstract The complexity, and the diversity of the different types of cancers allied to the tendency to form metastasis make treatment efficiency so tricky and often impossible due to the advanced stage of the disease in the diagnosis. In recent years, due to tremendous scientific breakthroughs, we have witnessed exponential growth in the elucidation of mechanisms that underlie carcinogenesis and metastasis. The development of more selective therapies made it possible to improve cancer treatment. Although interdisciplinary research leads to encouraging results, scientists still have a long exploration journey. RNA technology represents a promise as a therapeutic intervention for targeted gene silencing in cancer, and there are already some RNA-based formulations in clinical trials. However, the use of RNA as a therapeutic tool presents severe limitations, mainly related to its low stability and poor cellular uptake. Thus, the use of nanomedicine employing nanoparticles to encapsulate RNA may represent a suitable platform to address the major challenges hampering its therapeutic application. In this review, we have revisited the potential of RNA and RNA-associated therapies to fight cancer, also providing, as support, a general overview of nanoplatforms for RNA delivery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michele Ghidini
- Medical Oncology Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Ca’ Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, 20122 Milan, Italy;
| | - Sandra G. Silva
- LAQV/REQUIMTE, Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Faculty of Sciences, University of Porto, 4169-007 Porto, Portugal; (S.G.S.); (M.L.C.d.V.)
| | - Jessica Evangelista
- Thoracic Surgery, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Largo F. Vito 1, 00168 Rome, Italy;
| | - Maria Luísa C. do Vale
- LAQV/REQUIMTE, Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Faculty of Sciences, University of Porto, 4169-007 Porto, Portugal; (S.G.S.); (M.L.C.d.V.)
| | - Ammad Ahmad Farooqi
- Institute of Biomedical and Genetic Engineering (IBGE), Islamabad 44000, Pakistan;
| | - Marina Pinheiro
- REQUIMTE, University of Porto, 4169-007 Porto, Portugal
- ICVS, Life and Health Sciences Research Institute, School of Medicine, University of Minho, 4710-057 Braga, Portugal
- Correspondence:
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20
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Tang F, Wang Q, Gao YN, Zhang YS, Liang YX, Lu ZL, Liu R, Ding AX. A NIR Aggregation-Induced Emission Fluoroamphiphile as Visually Trackable and Serum-Tolerant Nonviral Gene Carrier. Bioconjug Chem 2022; 33:929-937. [DOI: 10.1021/acs.bioconjchem.2c00140] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Fang Tang
- Key Laboratory of Radiopharmaceuticals, Ministry of Education, College of Chemistry, Beijing Normal University, Beijing 100875, China
| | - Qian Wang
- Key Laboratory of Radiopharmaceuticals, Ministry of Education, College of Chemistry, Beijing Normal University, Beijing 100875, China
| | - Yi-Nan Gao
- Key Laboratory of Radiopharmaceuticals, Ministry of Education, College of Chemistry, Beijing Normal University, Beijing 100875, China
| | - Yu-Shan Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Radiopharmaceuticals, Ministry of Education, College of Chemistry, Beijing Normal University, Beijing 100875, China
| | - Ya-Xuan Liang
- Key Laboratory of Radiopharmaceuticals, Ministry of Education, College of Chemistry, Beijing Normal University, Beijing 100875, China
| | - Zhong-Lin Lu
- Key Laboratory of Radiopharmaceuticals, Ministry of Education, College of Chemistry, Beijing Normal University, Beijing 100875, China
| | - Rui Liu
- Key Laboratory of Radiopharmaceuticals, Ministry of Education, College of Chemistry, Beijing Normal University, Beijing 100875, China
| | - Ai-Xiang Ding
- College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Xinyang Normal University, Xinyang 464000, China
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21
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The DREADDful Hurdles and Opportunities of the Chronic Chemogenetic Toolbox. Cells 2022; 11:cells11071110. [PMID: 35406674 PMCID: PMC8998042 DOI: 10.3390/cells11071110] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2022] [Revised: 03/10/2022] [Accepted: 03/23/2022] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
The chronic character of chemogenetics has been put forward as one of the assets of the technique, particularly in comparison to optogenetics. Yet, the vast majority of chemogenetic studies have focused on acute applications, while repeated, long-term neuromodulation has only been booming in the past few years. Unfortunately, together with the rising number of studies, various hurdles have also been uncovered, especially in relation to its chronic application. It becomes increasingly clear that chronic neuromodulation warrants caution and that the effects of acute neuromodulation cannot be extrapolated towards chronic experiments. Deciphering the underlying cellular and molecular causes of these discrepancies could truly unlock the chronic chemogenetic toolbox and possibly even pave the way for chemogenetics towards clinical application. Indeed, we are only scratching the surface of what is possible with chemogenetic research. For example, most investigations are concentrated on behavioral read-outs, whereas dissecting the underlying molecular signature after (chronic) neuromodulation could reveal novel insights in terms of basic neuroscience and deregulated neural circuits. In this review, we highlight the hurdles associated with the use of chemogenetic experiments, as well as the unexplored research questions for which chemogenetics offers the ideal research platform, with a particular focus on its long-term application.
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22
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Zhang C, Chen J, Song Y, Luo J, Jin P, Wang X, Xin L, Qiu F, Yao J, Wang G, Huang P. Ultrasound-Enhanced Reactive Oxygen Species Responsive Charge-Reversal Polymeric Nanocarriers for Efficient Pancreatic Cancer Gene Delivery. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2022; 14:2587-2596. [PMID: 34982524 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.1c20030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Inefficient intracellular gene release and transfection limit nonviral gene delivery applications in cancer therapy. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) responsive nonviral gene delivery is the most widely explored strategy for such applications, yet the development of fast and safe ROS responsive nanocarriers proves to be a challenge because of the intracellular chemical equilibrium of high ROS and glutathione levels. Here, we report an ultrasound-enhanced ROS responsive charge-reversal polymeric nanocarrier (BTIL) for fast and efficient pancreatic cancer gene delivery. The BTIL is composed of B-PDEAEA/DNA polyplex-based cores and IR780-loaded liposome coatings. The IR780 is able to produce an excess of ROS under low intensity ultrasound irradiation, thus disequilibrating the chemical equilibrium of ROS and glutathione, and promoting the ROS-responsive positive-to-negative charge-reversal of the B-PDEAEA polymer. This charge conversion results in fast polyplex dissociation and intracellular gene release, inducing efficient gene transfection and cancer cell apoptosis. Moreover, following the intravenous administration, BTIL maintains a stable and long circulation in the bloodstream, achieves orthotopic pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma distribution, and exhibits potent antitumor activity with negligible side effects. Our results reveal the proposed strategy to be both promising and universal for the development of fast and safe ROS responsive nonviral gene delivery in cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cong Zhang
- Department of Ultrasound in Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310009, China
- Research Center of Ultrasound in Medicine and Biomedical Engineering, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310009, China
| | - Jifan Chen
- Department of Ultrasound in Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310009, China
- Research Center of Ultrasound in Medicine and Biomedical Engineering, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310009, China
| | - Yue Song
- Department of Ultrasound in Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310009, China
- Research Center of Ultrasound in Medicine and Biomedical Engineering, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310009, China
| | - Jiali Luo
- Department of Ultrasound in Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310009, China
- Research Center of Ultrasound in Medicine and Biomedical Engineering, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310009, China
| | - Peile Jin
- Department of Ultrasound in Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310009, China
- Research Center of Ultrasound in Medicine and Biomedical Engineering, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310009, China
| | - Xue Wang
- Department of Ultrasound in Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310009, China
- Research Center of Ultrasound in Medicine and Biomedical Engineering, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310009, China
| | - Lei Xin
- Department of Ultrasound in Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310009, China
- Research Center of Ultrasound in Medicine and Biomedical Engineering, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310009, China
| | - Fuqiang Qiu
- Department of Ultrasound in Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310009, China
- Research Center of Ultrasound in Medicine and Biomedical Engineering, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310009, China
| | - Jianting Yao
- Department of Ultrasound in Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310009, China
- Research Center of Ultrasound in Medicine and Biomedical Engineering, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310009, China
| | - Guowei Wang
- Department of Ultrasound in Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310009, China
- Research Center of Ultrasound in Medicine and Biomedical Engineering, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310009, China
- Hangzhou Global Scientific and Technological Innovation Center, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 311200, China
| | - Pintong Huang
- Department of Ultrasound in Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310009, China
- Research Center of Ultrasound in Medicine and Biomedical Engineering, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310009, China
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Braga LAM, Conte Filho CG, Mota FB. Future of genetic therapies for rare genetic diseases: what to expect for the next 15 years? THERAPEUTIC ADVANCES IN RARE DISEASE 2022; 3:26330040221100840. [PMID: 37180410 PMCID: PMC10032453 DOI: 10.1177/26330040221100840] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2021] [Accepted: 04/22/2022] [Indexed: 05/16/2023]
Abstract
Introduction Rare genetic diseases affect millions of people worldwide. Most of them are caused by defective genes that impair quality of life and can lead to premature death. As genetic therapies aim to fix or replace defective genes, they are considered the most promising treatment for rare genetic diseases. Yet, as these therapies are still under development, it is still unclear whether they will be successful in treating these diseases. This study aims to address this gap by assessing researchers' opinions on the future of genetic therapies for the treatment of rare genetic diseases. Methods We conducted a global cross-sectional web-based survey of researchers who recently authored peer-reviewed articles related to rare genetic diseases. Results We assessed the opinions of 1430 researchers with high and good knowledge about genetic therapies for the treatment of rare genetic diseases. Overall, the respondents believed that genetic therapies would be the standard of care for rare genetic diseases before 2036, leading to cures after this period. CRISPR-Cas9 was considered the most likely approach to fixing or replacing defective genes in the next 15 years. The respondents with good knowledge believed that genetic therapies would only have long-lasting effects after 2036, while those with high knowledge were divided on this issue. The respondents with good knowledge on the subject believed that non-viral vectors are more likely to be successful in fixing or replacing defective genes in the next 15 years, while most of the respondents with high knowledge believed viral vectors would be more successful. Conclusion Overall, the researchers who participated in this study expect that in the future genetic therapies will greatly benefit the treatment of patients with rare genetic diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Fabio Batista Mota
- Laboratory of Cellular Communication, Oswaldo
Cruz Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Av. Brasil, 4.365, Pavilhão 108,
Manguinhos, Rio de Janeiro RJ 21040-360, Brazil
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24
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Tortajada L, Felip C, Vicent MJ. Polymer-based Non-viral Vectors for Gene Therapy in the Skin. Polym Chem 2022. [DOI: 10.1039/d1py01485d] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Gene therapy has emerged as a versatile technique with the potential to treat a range of human diseases; however, examples of the topical application of gene therapy as a treatment...
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25
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Ouranidis A, Vavilis T, Mandala E, Davidopoulou C, Stamoula E, Markopoulou CK, Karagianni A, Kachrimanis K. mRNA Therapeutic Modalities Design, Formulation and Manufacturing under Pharma 4.0 Principles. Biomedicines 2021; 10:50. [PMID: 35052730 PMCID: PMC8773365 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines10010050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2021] [Revised: 12/17/2021] [Accepted: 12/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
In the quest for a formidable weapon against the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic, mRNA therapeutics have stolen the spotlight. mRNA vaccines are a prime example of the benefits of mRNA approaches towards a broad array of clinical entities and druggable targets. Amongst these benefits is the rapid cycle "from design to production" of an mRNA product compared to their peptide counterparts, the mutability of the production line should another target be chosen, the side-stepping of safety issues posed by DNA therapeutics being permanently integrated into the transfected cell's genome and the controlled precision over the translated peptides. Furthermore, mRNA applications are versatile: apart from vaccines it can be used as a replacement therapy, even to create chimeric antigen receptor T-cells or reprogram somatic cells. Still, the sudden global demand for mRNA has highlighted the shortcomings in its industrial production as well as its formulation, efficacy and applicability. Continuous, smart mRNA manufacturing 4.0 technologies have been recently proposed to address such challenges. In this work, we examine the lab and upscaled production of mRNA therapeutics, the mRNA modifications proposed that increase its efficacy and lower its immunogenicity, the vectors available for delivery and the stability considerations concerning long-term storage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andreas Ouranidis
- Department of Pharmaceutical Technology, School of Pharmacy, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54124 Thessaloniki, Greece
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54124 Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Theofanis Vavilis
- Laboratory of Biology and Genetics, School of Medicine, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54124 Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Evdokia Mandala
- Fourth Department of Internal Medicine, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54124 Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Christina Davidopoulou
- Department of Pharmaceutical Technology, School of Pharmacy, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54124 Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Eleni Stamoula
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54124 Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Catherine K Markopoulou
- Department of Pharmaceutical Technology, School of Pharmacy, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54124 Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Anna Karagianni
- Department of Pharmaceutical Technology, School of Pharmacy, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54124 Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Kyriakos Kachrimanis
- Department of Pharmaceutical Technology, School of Pharmacy, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54124 Thessaloniki, Greece
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Jerzykiewicz J, Czogalla A. Polyethyleneimine-Based Lipopolyplexes as Carriers in Anticancer Gene Therapies. MATERIALS 2021; 15:ma15010179. [PMID: 35009324 PMCID: PMC8746209 DOI: 10.3390/ma15010179] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2021] [Revised: 12/06/2021] [Accepted: 12/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Recent years have witnessed rapidly growing interest in application of gene therapies for cancer treatment. However, this strategy requires nucleic acid carriers that are both effective and safe. In this context, non-viral vectors have advantages over their viral counterparts. In particular, lipopolyplexes—nanocomplexes consisting of nucleic acids condensed with polyvalent molecules and enclosed in lipid vesicles—currently offer great promise. In this article, we briefly review the major aspects of developing such non-viral vectors based on polyethyleneimine and outline their properties in light of anticancer therapeutic strategies. Finally, examples of current in vivo studies involving such lipopolyplexes and possibilities for their future development are presented.
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