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Wang R, Xuan Y, Zhao Y, Wang W, Ma P, Ju B, Zhen Y, Zhang S. Cationic Nanoparticulate System for Codelivery of MicroRNA-424 and Podophyllotoxin as a Multimodal Anticancer Therapy. Mol Pharm 2022; 19:2092-2104. [PMID: 35533302 DOI: 10.1021/acs.molpharmaceut.1c00962] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Because of the complexity of cancer ecosystems, the efficacy of single-agent chemotherapy is limited. Herein, we report the use of cationic nanoparticles (designated PPCNs) generated from a chemically modified form of the chemotherapeutic agent podophyllotoxin (PPT) to deliver both microRNA-424 (miR-424) and PPT to tumor cells, thus combining chemotherapy and gene therapy. We evaluated the optimal loading ratio of miR-424─which targets programmed cell death ligand 1 (PD-L1) mRNA and reduces PD-L1 production, thus promoting the attack of tumor cells by T cells─for effective delivery of miR-424 and PPCNs into nonsmall-cell lung cancer cells (H460). Because miR-424 can reverse chemotherapy resistance, treatment of the tumor cells with the combination of miR-424 and PPT enhanced their sensitivity to PPT. Because miR-424 and the PPCNs regulated PD-L1 production in different ways, the miR-424@PPCN complexes were significantly more efficacious than either miR-424 or PPCNs alone. We also demonstrated that treatment of tumor-bearing mice with these complexes significantly inhibited tumor growth and extended survival. Moreover, additional in vitro experiments revealed that the complexes could remodel the tumor immune microenvironment, relieve immunosuppression, and achieve immune normalization. This novel system for delivering a combination of PPT and miR-424 shows great potential for the multimodal treatment of lung cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rui Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Fine Chemicals, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian 116024, China.,Key Laboratory of Biotechnology and Bioresources Utilization of Ministry of Education, Dalian Minzu University, Dalian 116600, China
| | - Yang Xuan
- Key Laboratory of Biotechnology and Bioresources Utilization of Ministry of Education, Dalian Minzu University, Dalian 116600, China
| | - Yinan Zhao
- Key Laboratory of Biotechnology and Bioresources Utilization of Ministry of Education, Dalian Minzu University, Dalian 116600, China
| | - Wei Wang
- College of Pharmacy, Dalian Medical University, Dalian 116044, China
| | - Pengfei Ma
- College of Pharmacy, Dalian Medical University, Dalian 116044, China
| | - Benzhi Ju
- State Key Laboratory of Fine Chemicals, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian 116024, China
| | - Yuhong Zhen
- College of Pharmacy, Dalian Medical University, Dalian 116044, China
| | - Shubiao Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Biotechnology and Bioresources Utilization of Ministry of Education, Dalian Minzu University, Dalian 116600, China
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Zhang X, Cai A, Gao Y, Zhang Y, Duan X, Men K. Treatment of Melanoma by Nano-conjugate-Delivered Wee1 siRNA. Mol Pharm 2021; 18:3387-3400. [PMID: 34375118 DOI: 10.1021/acs.molpharmaceut.1c00316] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Small interfering RNA (siRNA)-based drugs have shown tremendous potential to date in cancer gene therapy. Despite the considerable efforts in siRNA design and manufacturing, unsatisfactory delivery systems persist as a limitation for the application of siRNA-based drugs. In this work, the cholesterol, cell-penetrating peptide conjugate cRGD (R8-cRGD), and polyethylene glycol (PEG) were introduced into low-molecular-weight polyethyleneimine (LMW PEI) to form cRGD-R9-cholesterol-PEI-PEG (RRCPP) nanoparticles with specific targeting and highly penetrating abilities. The enhanced siRNA uptake efficiency of the RRCPP delivery system benefited from R8-cRGD modification. Wee1 is an oncogenic nuclear kinase that can regulate the cell cycle as a crucial G2/M checkpoint. Overexpression of Wee1 in melanoma may lead to a poor prognosis. In the present study, RRCPP nanoparticles were designed for Wee1 siRNA delivery to form an RRCPP/siWee1 complex, which significantly silenced the expression of the WEE1 gene (>60% inhibition) and induced B16 tumor cell apoptosis by abrogating the G2M checkpoint and DNA damage in vitro. Furthermore, the RRCPP/siWee1 complex suppressed B16 tumor growth in a subcutaneous xenograft model (nearly 85% inhibition rate) and lung metastasis (nearly 66% inhibition rate) with ideal in vivo safety. Briefly, our results support the validity of RRCPP as a potential Wee1 siRNA carrier for melanoma gene therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xueyan Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, People's Republic of China
| | - Anqi Cai
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, People's Republic of China
| | - Yan Gao
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, People's Republic of China
| | - Yuanfa Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, People's Republic of China
| | - Xingmei Duan
- Department of Pharmacy, Sichuan Academy of Medical Sciences & Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, Personalized Drug Therapy Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, School of Medicine, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu 610072, People's Republic of China
| | - Ke Men
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, People's Republic of China
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3
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Hibbitts AJ, Ramsey JM, Barlow J, MacLoughlin R, Cryan SA. In Vitro and In Vivo Assessment of PEGylated PEI for Anti-IL-8/CxCL-1 siRNA Delivery to the Lungs. NANOMATERIALS 2020; 10:nano10071248. [PMID: 32605011 PMCID: PMC7407419 DOI: 10.3390/nano10071248] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2020] [Revised: 06/19/2020] [Accepted: 06/24/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Inhalation offers a means of rapid, local delivery of siRNA to treat a range of autoimmune or inflammatory respiratory conditions. This work investigated the potential of a linear 10 kDa Poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG)-modified 25 kDa branched polyethyleneimine (PEI) (PEI-LPEG) to effectively deliver siRNA to airway epithelial cells. Following optimization with anti- glyceraldehyde 3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPDH) siRNA, PEI and PEI-LPEG anti-IL8 siRNA nanoparticles were assessed for efficacy using polarised Calu-3 human airway epithelial cells and a twin stage impinger (TSI) in vitro lung model. Studies were then advanced to an in vivo lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated rodent model of inflammation. In parallel, the suitability of the siRNA-loaded nanoparticles for nebulization using a vibrating mesh nebuliser was assessed. The siRNA nanoparticles were nebulised using an Aerogen® Pro vibrating mesh nebuliser and characterised for aerosol output, droplet size and fine particle fraction. Only PEI anti-IL8 siRNA nanoparticles were capable of significant levels of IL-8 knockdown in vitro in non-nebulised samples. However, on nebulization through a TSI, only PEI-PEG siRNA nanoparticles demonstrated significant decreases in gene and protein expression in polarised Calu-3 cells. In vivo, both anti-CXCL-1 (rat IL-8 homologue) nanoparticles demonstrated a decreased CXCL-1 gene expression in lung tissue, but this was non-significant. However, PEI anti-CXCL-1 siRNA-treated rats were found to have significantly less infiltrating macrophages in their bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) fluid. Overall, the in vivo gene and protein inhibition findings indicated a result more reminiscent of the in vitro bolus delivery rather than the in vitro nebulization data. This work demonstrates the potential of nebulised PEI-PEG siRNA nanoparticles in modulating pulmonary inflammation and highlights the need to move towards more relevant in vitro and in vivo models for respiratory drug development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alan J. Hibbitts
- School of Pharmacy & Biomolecular Sciences, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, Dublin D02 YN77, Ireland; (A.J.H.); (J.M.R.); (R.M.)
- Trinity Centre for Biomedical Engineering, Trinity College, Dublin D02 R590, Ireland
| | - Joanne M. Ramsey
- School of Pharmacy & Biomolecular Sciences, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, Dublin D02 YN77, Ireland; (A.J.H.); (J.M.R.); (R.M.)
| | - James Barlow
- Department of Chemistry, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, Dublin D02 YN77, Ireland;
| | - Ronan MacLoughlin
- School of Pharmacy & Biomolecular Sciences, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, Dublin D02 YN77, Ireland; (A.J.H.); (J.M.R.); (R.M.)
- School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Trinity College, Dublin D02 PN40, Ireland
- Aerogen Ltd. Galway Business Park, Galway H91 HE94, Ireland
| | - Sally-Ann Cryan
- School of Pharmacy & Biomolecular Sciences, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, Dublin D02 YN77, Ireland; (A.J.H.); (J.M.R.); (R.M.)
- Trinity Centre for Biomedical Engineering, Trinity College, Dublin D02 R590, Ireland
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +353-14022741
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Petrova-Brodskaya AV, Bondarenko AB, Timin AS, Plotnikova MA, Afanas'Ev MV, Semenova AA, Lebedev KI, Gorshkov AN, Gorshkova MY, Egorov VV, Klotchenko SA, Vasin AV. COMPARISON OF INFLUENZA A VIRUS INHIBITION IN VITRO BY SIRNA COMPLEXES WITH CHITOSAN DERIVATIVES, POLYETHYLENEIMINE AND HYBRID POLYARGININE-INORGANIC MICROCAPSULES. Vopr Virusol 2017; 62:259-265. [PMID: 36494957 DOI: 10.18821/0507-4088-2017-62-6-259-265] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Anti-influenza drugs and vaccines have a limited effect due to the high mutation rate of virus genome. The direct impact on the conservative virus genome regions should significantly improve therapeutic effectiveness. The RNA interference mechanism (RNAi) is one of the modern approaches used to solve this problem. In this work, we have investigated the antiviral activity of small interfering RNA (siRNA) against the influenza A/PR/8/34 (H1N1), targeting conserved regions of NP and PA. Polycations were used for intracellular siRNA delivery: chitosan's derivatives (methylglycol and quaternized chitosan), polyethyleneimine, lipofectamine, and hybrid organic/non-organic microcapsules. A comparative study of these delivery systems with fluorescent labeled siRNA was conducted. The antiviral activity of three small interfering RNAs targeting the NP (NP-717, NP-1496) and PA (PA-1630) influenza A viruses genes was demonstrated, depending on the chosen carrier. The most effective intracellular delivery and antiviral activity were observed for hybrid microcapsules.
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Affiliation(s)
- A V Petrova-Brodskaya
- Research Institute of Influenza.,Peter the Great St. Petersburg Polytechnic University
| | - A B Bondarenko
- Research Institute of Influenza.,St. Petersburg State University
| | - A S Timin
- Peter the Great St. Petersburg Polytechnic University.,National Research Tomsk Polytechnic University
| | | | - M V Afanas'Ev
- Research Institute of Influenza.,St. Petersburg State University
| | - A A Semenova
- St. Petersburg State Chemical Pharmaceutical Academy
| | | | - A N Gorshkov
- Research Institute of Influenza.,Institute of Cytology
| | | | | | | | - A V Vasin
- Research Institute of Influenza.,Peter the Great St. Petersburg Polytechnic University
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5
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Di Gioia S, Trapani A, Castellani S, Carbone A, Belgiovine G, Craparo EF, Puglisi G, Cavallaro G, Trapani G, Conese M. Nanocomplexes for gene therapy of respiratory diseases: Targeting and overcoming the mucus barrier. Pulm Pharmacol Ther 2015; 34:8-24. [PMID: 26192479 DOI: 10.1016/j.pupt.2015.07.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2015] [Revised: 06/04/2015] [Accepted: 07/06/2015] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Gene therapy, i.e. the delivery and expression of therapeutic genes, holds great promise for congenital and acquired respiratory diseases. Non-viral vectors are less toxic and immunogenic than viral vectors, although they are characterized by lower efficiency. However, they have to overcome many barriers, including inflammatory and immune mediators and cells. The respiratory and airway epithelial cells, the main target of these vectors, are coated with a layer of mucus, which hampers the effective reaching of gene therapy vectors carrying either plasmid DNA or small interfering RNA. This barrier is thicker in many lung diseases, such as cystic fibrosis. This review summarizes the most important advancements in the field of non-viral vectors that have been achieved with the use of nanoparticulate (NP) systems, composed either of polymers or lipids, in the lung gene delivery. In particular, different strategies of targeting of respiratory and airway lung cells will be described. Then, we will focus on the two approaches that attempt to overcome the mucus barrier: coating of the nanoparticulate system with poly(ethylene glycol) and treatment with mucolytics. Our conclusions are: 1) Ligand and physical targeting can direct therapeutic gene expression in specific cell types in the respiratory tract; 2) Mucopenetrating NPs are endowed with promising features to be useful in treating respiratory diseases and should be now advanced in pre-clinical trials. Finally, we discuss the development of such polymer- and lipid-based NPs in the context of in vitro and in vivo disease models, such as lung cancer, as well as in clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sante Di Gioia
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Foggia, Viale L. Pinto 1, 71122 Foggia, Italy
| | - Adriana Trapani
- Department of Pharmacy-Drug Sciences, University of Bari "Aldo Moro", Via Orabona, 4, 70125 Bari, Italy
| | - Stefano Castellani
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Foggia, Viale L. Pinto 1, 71122 Foggia, Italy
| | - Annalucia Carbone
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Foggia, Viale L. Pinto 1, 71122 Foggia, Italy; Medical Genetics Laboratory, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Via Commenda 12, 20122 Milan, Italy
| | - Giuliana Belgiovine
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Foggia, Viale L. Pinto 1, 71122 Foggia, Italy
| | - Emanuela Fabiola Craparo
- Biological Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technologies (STEBICEF), Laboratory of Biocompatible Polymers, University of Palermo, Via Archirafi 32, 90123 Palermo, Italy
| | - Giovanni Puglisi
- Dipartimento di Scienze del Farmaco, Università degli Studi di Catania, Viale A. Doria, 6, 95125 Catania, Italy
| | - Gennara Cavallaro
- Biological Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technologies (STEBICEF), Laboratory of Biocompatible Polymers, University of Palermo, Via Archirafi 32, 90123 Palermo, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Trapani
- Department of Pharmacy-Drug Sciences, University of Bari "Aldo Moro", Via Orabona, 4, 70125 Bari, Italy
| | - Massimo Conese
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Foggia, Viale L. Pinto 1, 71122 Foggia, Italy.
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Impact of atomization technique on the stability and transport efficiency of nebulized liposomes harboring different surface characteristics. Eur J Pharm Biopharm 2014; 88:1076-85. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ejpb.2014.10.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2014] [Revised: 10/13/2014] [Accepted: 10/15/2014] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
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7
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Kelly C, Yadav AB, Lawlor C, Nolan K, O’Dwyer J, Greene CM, McElvaney NG, Sivadas N, Ramsey JM, Cryan SA. Therapeutic Aerosol Bioengineering of siRNA for the Treatment of Inflammatory Lung Disease by TNFα Gene Silencing in Macrophages. Mol Pharm 2014; 11:4270-9. [DOI: 10.1021/mp500473d] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - Catherine M. Greene
- Department
of Medicine, Respiratory Research Division, RCSI Education and Research
Centre, Beaumont Hospital, Dublin 9, Ireland
| | - Noel G. McElvaney
- Department
of Medicine, Respiratory Research Division, RCSI Education and Research
Centre, Beaumont Hospital, Dublin 9, Ireland
| | | | - Joanne M. Ramsey
- Tissue Engineering
Research Group, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, Dublin 2, Ireland
| | - Sally-Ann Cryan
- Trinity
Centre for Bioengineering, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin 2, Ireland
- Tissue Engineering
Research Group, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, Dublin 2, Ireland
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8
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Rubin BK, Williams RW. Emerging aerosol drug delivery strategies: from bench to clinic. Adv Drug Deliv Rev 2014; 75:141-8. [PMID: 24993613 DOI: 10.1016/j.addr.2014.06.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2014] [Revised: 06/18/2014] [Accepted: 06/19/2014] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Patients with tracheostomies, those requiring mechanical ventilation, and those too small or compromised for conventional devices, are realizing the benefits of increasingly sophisticated aerosol delivery systems. New medicines and novel aerosol formulations, have enhanced our ability to treat lung disease, and are opening the doors for therapy to treat diseases like diabetes, pulmonary hypertension, and cancer. Progress in the aerosol delivery of drugs has been spurred by the significant benefits, including ease of use, patient comfort, greater selectivity of effect, and the potential to decrease side effects.
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9
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Arif T, Vasilkovsky L, Refaely Y, Konson A, Shoshan-Barmatz V. Silencing VDAC1 Expression by siRNA Inhibits Cancer Cell Proliferation and Tumor Growth In Vivo. MOLECULAR THERAPY. NUCLEIC ACIDS 2014; 3:e159. [PMID: 24781191 PMCID: PMC4011124 DOI: 10.1038/mtna.2014.9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 101] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2013] [Accepted: 02/16/2014] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Alterations in cellular metabolism and bioenergetics are vital for cancer cell growth and motility. Here, the role of the mitochondrial protein voltage-dependent anion channel (VDAC1), a master gatekeeper regulating the flux of metabolites and ions between mitochondria and the cytoplasm, in regulating the growth of several cancer cell lines was investigated by silencing VDAC1 expression using small interfering RNA (siRNA). A single siRNA specific to the human VDAC1 sequence at nanomolar concentrations led to some 90% decrease in VDAC1 levels in the lung A549 and H358, prostate PC-3, colon HCT116, glioblastoma U87, liver HepG2, and pancreas Panc-1 cancer cell lines. VDAC1 silencing persisted 144 hours post-transfection and resulted in profound inhibition of cell growth in cancer but not in noncancerous cells, with up to 90% inhibition being observed over 5 days that was prolonged by a second transfection. Cells expressing low VDAC1 levels showed decreased mitochondrial membrane potential and adenoside triphosphate (ATP) levels, suggesting limited metabolite exchange between mitochondria and cytosol. Moreover, cells silenced for VDAC1 expression showed decreased migration, even in the presence of the wound healing accelerator basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF). VDAC1-siRNA inhibited cancer cell growth in a Matrigel-based assay in host nude mice. Finally, in a xenograft lung cancer mouse model, chemically modified VDAC1-siRNA not only inhibited tumor growth but also resulted in tumor regression. This study thus shows that VDAC1 silencing by means of RNA interference (RNAi) dramatically inhibits cancer cell growth and tumor development by disabling the abnormal metabolic behavior of cancer cells, potentially paving the way for a more effective pipeline of anticancer drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tasleem Arif
- Department of Life Sciences and, The National Institute for Biotechnology in the Negev, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva, Israel
| | - Lilia Vasilkovsky
- Department of Life Sciences and, The National Institute for Biotechnology in the Negev, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva, Israel
| | - Yael Refaely
- Department of Cardio-Thoracic Surgery, Soroka University Medical Center and the Faculty of Health Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva, Israel
| | - Alexander Konson
- Department of Life Sciences and, The National Institute for Biotechnology in the Negev, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva, Israel
| | - Varda Shoshan-Barmatz
- Department of Life Sciences and, The National Institute for Biotechnology in the Negev, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva, Israel
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10
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Current progress on aptamer-targeted oligonucleotide therapeutics. Ther Deliv 2014; 4:1527-46. [PMID: 24304250 DOI: 10.4155/tde.13.118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 81] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Exploiting the power of the RNAi pathway through the use of therapeutic siRNA drugs has remarkable potential for treating a vast array of human disease conditions. However, difficulties in delivery of these and similar nucleic acid-based pharmacological agents to appropriate organs or tissues, remains a major impediment to their broad clinical application. Synthetic nucleic acid ligands (aptamers) have emerged as effective delivery vehicles for therapeutic oligonucleotides, including siRNAs. In this review, we summarize recent attractive developments in creatively employing cell-internalizing aptamers to deliver therapeutic oligonucleotides (e.g., siRNAs, miRNAs, anti-miRs and antisense oligos) to target cells. We also discuss advancements in aptamer-siRNA chimera technology, as well as, aptamer-functionalized nanoparticles for siRNA delivery. In addition, the challenges and future prospects of aptamer-targeted oligonucleotide drugs for clinical translation are further highlighted.
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Grzesik BA, Vohwinkel CU, Morty RE, Mayer K, Herold S, Seeger W, Vadász I. Efficient gene delivery to primary alveolar epithelial cells by nucleofection. Am J Physiol Lung Cell Mol Physiol 2013; 305:L786-94. [PMID: 24077946 DOI: 10.1152/ajplung.00191.2013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Primary alveolar epithelial cells play a pivotal role in lung research, particularly when focusing on gas exchange, barrier function, and transepithelial transport processes. However, efficient transfection of primary alveolar epithelial cells continues to be a major challenge. In the present study, we applied nucleofection, a novel method of gene and oligonucleotide delivery to the nucleus of cells by electroporation, to achieve highly efficient transfection of primary alveolar epithelial type II (ATII) cells. To quantify the amount of ATII cells effectively transfected, we applied a plasmid expressing GFP and assessed the amount of GFP-expressing cells by flow cytometry. Analysis of the nucleofected ATII cells revealed a concentration-dependent transfection efficiency of up to 50% when using 3-8 μg plasmid DNA without affecting cell viability. Nucleofection of cultured A549 and H441 cells yielded similar transfection rates. Importantly, nucleofection of ATII cells did not interfere with the integrity of ATII monolayers even with use of relatively high concentrations of plasmid DNA. In subsequent studies, we also efficiently delivered small interfering RNAs to ATII cells by nucleofection, thereby silencing Akt and the multiligand receptor megalin, which has been recently shown to play a key role in removal of excess protein from the alveolar space, and effectively inhibited megalin-driven uptake and transcellular transport of albumin in ATII cells. Thus we report successful transfection of primary rat alveolar epithelial cells with both plasmids and oligonucleotides via nucleofection with high viability and consistently good transfection rates without impairing key physiological properties of the cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benno A Grzesik
- Dept. of Internal Medicine, Justus Liebig Univ., Universities of Giessen and Marburg Lung Center, Klinikstrasse 33, 35392 Giessen, Germany.
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