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Berdecka D, De Smedt SC, De Vos WH, Braeckmans K. Non-viral delivery of RNA for therapeutic T cell engineering. Adv Drug Deliv Rev 2024; 208:115215. [PMID: 38401848 DOI: 10.1016/j.addr.2024.115215] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2023] [Revised: 02/07/2024] [Accepted: 02/14/2024] [Indexed: 02/26/2024]
Abstract
Adoptive T cell transfer has shown great success in treating blood cancers, resulting in a growing number of FDA-approved therapies using chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-engineered T cells. However, the effectiveness of this treatment for solid tumors is still not satisfactory, emphasizing the need for improved T cell engineering strategies and combination approaches. Currently, CAR T cells are mainly manufactured using gammaretroviral and lentiviral vectors due to their high transduction efficiency. However, there are concerns about their safety, the high cost of producing them in compliance with current Good Manufacturing Practices (cGMP), regulatory obstacles, and limited cargo capacity, which limit the broader use of engineered T cell therapies. To overcome these limitations, researchers have explored non-viral approaches, such as membrane permeabilization and carrier-mediated methods, as more versatile and sustainable alternatives for next-generation T cell engineering. Non-viral delivery methods can be designed to transport a wide range of molecules, including RNA, which allows for more controlled and safe modulation of T cell phenotype and function. In this review, we provide an overview of non-viral RNA delivery in adoptive T cell therapy. We first define the different types of RNA therapeutics, highlighting recent advancements in manufacturing for their therapeutic use. We then discuss the challenges associated with achieving effective RNA delivery in T cells. Next, we provide an overview of current and emerging technologies for delivering RNA into T cells. Finally, we discuss ongoing preclinical and clinical studies involving RNA-modified T cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dominika Berdecka
- Laboratory of General Biochemistry and Physical Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ghent University, Ottergemsesteenweg 460, 9000 Ghent, Belgium; Laboratory of Cell Biology and Histology, Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Antwerp, Universiteitsplein 1, 2610 Wilrijk, Belgium
| | - Stefaan C De Smedt
- Laboratory of General Biochemistry and Physical Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ghent University, Ottergemsesteenweg 460, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Winnok H De Vos
- Laboratory of Cell Biology and Histology, Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Antwerp, Universiteitsplein 1, 2610 Wilrijk, Belgium
| | - Kevin Braeckmans
- Laboratory of General Biochemistry and Physical Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ghent University, Ottergemsesteenweg 460, 9000 Ghent, Belgium.
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Goraltchouk A, Lourie J, Hollander JM, Grace Rosen H, Fujishiro AA, Luppino F, Zou K, Seregin A. Development and characterization of a first-in-class adjustable-dose gene therapy system. Gene 2024; 919:148500. [PMID: 38663689 DOI: 10.1016/j.gene.2024.148500] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2023] [Revised: 04/11/2024] [Accepted: 04/22/2024] [Indexed: 05/06/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Despite significant potential, gene therapy has been relegated to the treatment of rare diseases, due in part to an inability to adjust dosage following initial administration. Other significant constraints include cost, specificity, antigenicity, and systemic toxicity of current generation technologies. To overcome these challenges, we developed a first-in-class adjustable-dose gene therapy system, with optimized biocompatibility, localization, durability, and cost. METHODS A lipid nanoparticle (LNP) delivery system was developed and characterized by dynamic light scattering for size, zeta potential, and polydispersity. Cytocompatibility and transfection efficiency were optimized in vitro using primary human adipocytes and preadipocytes. Durability, immunogenicity, and adjustment of expression were evaluated in C57BL/6 and B6 albino mice using in vivo bioluminescence imaging. Biodistribution was assessed by qPCR and immunohistochemistry; therapeutic protein expression was quantified by ELISA. RESULTS Following LNP optimization, in vitro transfection efficiency of primary human adipocytes reached 81.3 % ± 8.3 % without compromising cytocompatibility. Critical physico-chemical properties of the system (size, zeta potential, polydispersity) remained stable over a broad range of genetic cassette sizes (1,871-6,203 bp). Durable expression was observed in vivo over 6 months, localizing to subcutaneous adipose tissues at the injection site with no detectable transgene in the liver, heart, spleen, or kidney. Gene expression was adjustable using several physical and pharmacological approaches, including cryolipolysis, focused ultrasound, and pharmacologically inducible apoptosis. The ability of transfected adipocytes to express therapeutic transgenes ranging from peptides to antibodies, at potentially clinically relevant levels, was confirmed in vitro and in vivo. CONCLUSION We report the development of a novel, low-cost therapeutic platform, designed to enable the replacement of subcutaneously administered protein treatments with a single-injection, adjustable-dose gene therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alex Goraltchouk
- Remedium Bio, Inc. 1116 Great Plain Ave, Suite 203, Needham, MA 02492, United States of America
| | - Jared Lourie
- Department of Exercise and Health Sciences, University of Massachusetts Boston, 100 Morrissey Blvd, Boston, MA 02125, United States of America
| | - Judith M Hollander
- Remedium Bio, Inc. 1116 Great Plain Ave, Suite 203, Needham, MA 02492, United States of America
| | - H Grace Rosen
- Department of Biology, University of Massachusetts Boston, 100 Morrissey Blvd, Boston, MA 02125, United States of America
| | - Atsutaro A Fujishiro
- Department of Exercise and Health Sciences, University of Massachusetts Boston, 100 Morrissey Blvd, Boston, MA 02125, United States of America
| | - Francesco Luppino
- Remedium Bio, Inc. 1116 Great Plain Ave, Suite 203, Needham, MA 02492, United States of America
| | - Kai Zou
- Department of Exercise and Health Sciences, University of Massachusetts Boston, 100 Morrissey Blvd, Boston, MA 02125, United States of America
| | - Alexey Seregin
- Remedium Bio, Inc. 1116 Great Plain Ave, Suite 203, Needham, MA 02492, United States of America.
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Zhang Y, Huang YX, Jin X, Chen J, Peng L, Wang DL, Li Y, Yao XY, Liao JY, He JH, Hu K, Lu D, Guo Y, Yin D. Overexpression of lncRNAs with endogenous lengths and functions using a lncRNA delivery system based on transposon. J Nanobiotechnology 2021; 19:303. [PMID: 34600532 PMCID: PMC8487477 DOI: 10.1186/s12951-021-01044-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2021] [Accepted: 09/15/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) play important roles in many physiological and pathological processes, this indicates that lncRNAs can serve as potential targets for gene therapy. Stable expression is a fundamental technology in the study of lncRNAs. The lentivirus is one of the most widely used delivery systems for stable expression. However, it was initially designed for mRNAs, and the applicability of lentiviral vectors for lncRNAs is largely unknown. Results We found that the lentiviral vector produces lncRNAs with improper termination, appending an extra fragment of ~ 2 kb to the 3ʹ-end. Consequently, the secondary structures were changed, the RNA–protein interactions were blocked, and the functions were impaired in certain lncRNAs, which indicated that lentiviral vectors are not ideal delivery systems of lncRNAs. Here, we developed a novel lncRNA delivery method called the Expression of LncRNAs with Endogenous Characteristics using the Transposon System (ELECTS). By inserting a termination signal after the lncRNA sequence, ELECTS produces transcripts without 3ʹ-flanking sequences and retains the native features and function of lncRNAs, which cannot be achieved by lentiviral vectors. Moreover, ELECTS presents no potential risk of infection for the operators and it takes much less time. ELECTS provides a reliable, convenient, safe, and efficient delivery method for stable expression of lncRNAs. Conclusions Our study demonstrated that improper transcriptional termination from lentiviral vectors have fundamental effects on molecular action and cellular function of lncRNAs. The ELECTS system developed in this study will provide a convenient and reliable method for the lncRNA study. Graphic Abstract ![]()
Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12951-021-01044-7.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yin Zhang
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Malignant Tumor Epigenetics and Gene Regulation, Research Center of Medicine, Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510120, People's Republic of China.,Guangdong-Hong Kong Joint Laboratory for RNA Medicine, Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510120, People's Republic of China
| | - Yong-Xin Huang
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Malignant Tumor Epigenetics and Gene Regulation, Research Center of Medicine, Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510120, People's Republic of China.,Guangdong-Hong Kong Joint Laboratory for RNA Medicine, Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510120, People's Republic of China
| | - Xin Jin
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Malignant Tumor Epigenetics and Gene Regulation, Research Center of Medicine, Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510120, People's Republic of China
| | - Jie Chen
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Malignant Tumor Epigenetics and Gene Regulation, Research Center of Medicine, Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510120, People's Republic of China.,Guangdong-Hong Kong Joint Laboratory for RNA Medicine, Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510120, People's Republic of China
| | - Li Peng
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Malignant Tumor Epigenetics and Gene Regulation, Research Center of Medicine, Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510120, People's Republic of China.,Guangdong-Hong Kong Joint Laboratory for RNA Medicine, Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510120, People's Republic of China
| | - Dan-Lan Wang
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Malignant Tumor Epigenetics and Gene Regulation, Research Center of Medicine, Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510120, People's Republic of China
| | - Yun Li
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Malignant Tumor Epigenetics and Gene Regulation, Research Center of Medicine, Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510120, People's Republic of China.,Guangdong-Hong Kong Joint Laboratory for RNA Medicine, Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510120, People's Republic of China
| | - Xin-Yi Yao
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Malignant Tumor Epigenetics and Gene Regulation, Research Center of Medicine, Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510120, People's Republic of China.,Guangdong-Hong Kong Joint Laboratory for RNA Medicine, Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510120, People's Republic of China
| | - Jian-You Liao
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Malignant Tumor Epigenetics and Gene Regulation, Research Center of Medicine, Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510120, People's Republic of China.,Guangdong-Hong Kong Joint Laboratory for RNA Medicine, Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510120, People's Republic of China
| | - Jie-Hua He
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Malignant Tumor Epigenetics and Gene Regulation, Research Center of Medicine, Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510120, People's Republic of China.,Guangdong-Hong Kong Joint Laboratory for RNA Medicine, Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510120, People's Republic of China
| | - KaiShun Hu
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Malignant Tumor Epigenetics and Gene Regulation, Research Center of Medicine, Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510120, People's Republic of China.,Guangdong-Hong Kong Joint Laboratory for RNA Medicine, Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510120, People's Republic of China
| | - Daning Lu
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Malignant Tumor Epigenetics and Gene Regulation, Research Center of Medicine, Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510120, People's Republic of China.,Guangdong-Hong Kong Joint Laboratory for RNA Medicine, Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510120, People's Republic of China
| | - Yabin Guo
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Malignant Tumor Epigenetics and Gene Regulation, Research Center of Medicine, Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510120, People's Republic of China. .,Guangdong-Hong Kong Joint Laboratory for RNA Medicine, Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510120, People's Republic of China.
| | - Dong Yin
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Malignant Tumor Epigenetics and Gene Regulation, Research Center of Medicine, Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510120, People's Republic of China. .,Guangdong-Hong Kong Joint Laboratory for RNA Medicine, Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510120, People's Republic of China.
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Atsavapranee ES, Billingsley MM, Mitchell MJ. Delivery technologies for T cell gene editing: Applications in cancer immunotherapy. EBioMedicine 2021; 67:103354. [PMID: 33910123 PMCID: PMC8099660 DOI: 10.1016/j.ebiom.2021.103354] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2021] [Revised: 04/08/2021] [Accepted: 04/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
While initial approaches to adoptive T cell therapy relied on the identification and expansion of rare tumour-reactive T cells, genetic engineering has transformed cancer immunotherapy by enabling the modification of primary T cells to increase their therapeutic potential. Specifically, gene editing technologies have been utilized to create T cell populations with improved responses to antigens, lower rates of exhaustion, and potential for use in allogeneic applications. In this review, we provide an overview of T cell therapy gene editing strategies and the delivery technologies utilized to genetically engineer T cells. We also discuss recent investigations and clinical trials that have utilized gene editing to enhance the efficacy of T cells and broaden the application of cancer immunotherapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ella S Atsavapranee
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | | | - Michael J Mitchell
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA; Abramson Cancer Center, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA; Institute for Immunology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA; Cardiovascular Institute, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA; Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA.
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Batabyal S, Kim S, Wright W, Mohanty S. Layer-specific nanophotonic delivery of therapeutic opsin-encoding genes into retina. Exp Eye Res 2021; 205:108444. [PMID: 33516760 DOI: 10.1016/j.exer.2021.108444] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2020] [Revised: 11/17/2020] [Accepted: 01/10/2021] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
In recent time, gene therapy has proven to be a promising remedial approach for treating visual disorders either by replacement of nonfunctioning gene(s) or by introduction of light sensitive proteins (opsins) as artificial photoreceptors in retinal cells. Conventional viral vector-based gene delivery method is often confronted with limitations due to immunogenetic reaction, unintended non-targeted delivery, non-feasibility of repeated re-dosing due to immunorejection, and complicated manufacturing process, leading to significant roadblock in translational success. In this regard, non-viral delivery provides a safer, simpler and cost-effective alternative. However, most of the non-viral approaches lack spatial and/or cellular specificity and limited by low transfection efficacy and cytotoxicity. Here, we present a minimally invasive, non-viral and clinically translatable safe targeted gene delivery method utilizing functionalized plasmonic gold nanorods (fGNRs, targeted to attach to specific cell types of the organ of interest) and spatially targeted controlled light irradiation. Targeted in-vivo delivery and expression of opsin-encoding gene in bipolar and ganglion cell layers were achieved by use of cell specific fGNRs concurrent with light irradiation. Evaluation of safety and toxicity associated with the transduction of opsin-encoding genes by use of fGNRs and light irradiation were examined by electrophysiology, Optical coherence tomography, intra-ocular pressure and other analytical methods (confocal microscopy, immunohistochemistry). The non-viral light-based opsin-gene delivery provides a safe and effective alternative to viral-vector based gene delivery and holds promise for corrective cell-specific gene therapies for retinal degenerative diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Subrata Batabyal
- Nanoscope Technologies LLC, 1312 Brown Trail, Bedford, TX, USA, 76022
| | - Sanghoon Kim
- Nanoscope Technologies LLC, 1312 Brown Trail, Bedford, TX, USA, 76022
| | - Weldon Wright
- Nanoscope Technologies LLC, 1312 Brown Trail, Bedford, TX, USA, 76022
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Bharadwaz A, Jayasuriya AC. Osteogenic differentiation cues of the bone morphogenetic protein-9 (BMP-9) and its recent advances in bone tissue regeneration. Mater Sci Eng C Mater Biol Appl 2021; 120:111748. [PMID: 33545890 PMCID: PMC7867678 DOI: 10.1016/j.msec.2020.111748] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2020] [Revised: 11/14/2020] [Accepted: 11/21/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Bone regeneration using bioactive molecules and biocompatible materials is growing steadily with the advent of the new findings in cellular signaling. Bone Morphogenetic Protein (BMP)-9 is a considerably recent discovery from the BMP family that delivers numerous benefits in osteogenesis. The Smad cellular signaling pathway triggered by BMPs is often inhibited by Noggin. However, BMP-9 is resistant to Noggin, thus, facilitating a more robust cellular differentiation of osteoprogenitor cells into preosteoblasts and osteoblasts. This review encompasses a general understanding of the Smad signaling pathway activated by the BMP-9 ligand molecule with its specific receptors. The robust osteogenic cellular differentiation cue provided by BMP-9 has been reviewed from a bone regeneration perspective with several in vitro as well as in vivo studies reporting promising results for future research. The effect of the biomaterial, chosen in such studies as the scaffold or carrier matrix, on the activity of BMP-9 and subsequent bone regeneration has been highlighted in this review. The non-viral delivery technique for BMP-9 induced bone regeneration is a safer alternative to its viral counterpart. The recent advances in non-viral BMP-9 delivery have also highlighted the efficacy of the protein molecule at a low dosage. This opens a new horizon as a more efficient and safer alternative to BMP-2, which was prevalent among clinical trials; however, BMP-2 applications have reported its downsides during bone defect healing such as cystic bone formation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angshuman Bharadwaz
- Biomedical Engineering Program, Department of Bioengineering, College of Engineering, The University of Toledo, Toledo, OH, USA
| | - Ambalangodage C Jayasuriya
- Biomedical Engineering Program, Department of Bioengineering, College of Engineering, The University of Toledo, Toledo, OH, USA; Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, College of Medicine and Life Sciences, The University of Toledo, Toledo, OH, USA.
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Valencia-Serna J, Kucharski C, Chen M, Kc R, Jiang X, Brandwein J, Uludağ H. siRNA-mediated BCR-ABL silencing in primary chronic myeloid leukemia cells using lipopolymers. J Control Release 2019; 310:141-154. [PMID: 31430499 DOI: 10.1016/j.jconrel.2019.08.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2019] [Accepted: 08/16/2019] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
Despite development of effective tyrosine kinase inhibitors for treatment of chronic myeloid leukemia (CML), some patients do not effectively respond to the therapy and can display resistance in response to the drug therapy. To develop an alternative approach to CML therapy, we are exploring siRNA mediated silencing of the primary CML oncogene, BCR-ABL, by using non-viral (polymeric) delivery systems. In this study, a group of lipopolymers derived from low molecular PEIs substituted with linoleic acid (LA), α-linolenic acid (αLA) and cholesterol (Chol) was investigated for the first time for siRNA delivery to CML primary samples. The delivery efficiency in primary cells was equivalent to CML K562 cell line, and the lipopolymers gave effective internalization of siRNA depending on the nature of lipid substituent. The PEI-αLA (2.5 αLA/PEI), PEI-Chol (2.2 Chol/PEI), and PEI-LA (2.6 LA/PEI) lipopolymers used as BCR-ABL siRNA carriers (at 60 nM siRNA) reduced the BCR-ABL mRNA expression by 17% to 45%, and inhibited the formation of colonies by 24% to 41% in comparison with control siRNA in mononuclear cells. BCR-ABL siRNA treatment reduced the BCR-ABL mRNA expression by 50% in one of two CD34+ samples tested, and combination of BCR-ABL siRNA with imatinib (IM) treatment decreased the colony formation by 65% in one of two samples evaluated. The fact that no single polymer was universally effective in all patient samples may suggest patient-to-patient variability in terms of therapeutic responses to siRNA therapy. These results showed that a low dose of BCR-ABL siRNA could be used with lipopolymers to reduce BCR-ABL mRNA expression, CML cell survival and colony formation. This proof of principle study in CML primary cells can be applied to silencing of other therapeutic targets besides BCR-ABL and a study with larger patient samples is warranted for better identification of effective siRNA carriers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juliana Valencia-Serna
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Faculty of Medicine & Dentistry, University of Alberta, AB, Canada.
| | - Cezary Kucharski
- Department of Chemical & Materials Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, University of Alberta, AB, Canada
| | - Min Chen
- Terry Fox Laboratory, British Columbia Cancer Agency, Department of Medical Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, BC, Canada
| | - Remant Kc
- Department of Chemical & Materials Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, University of Alberta, AB, Canada
| | - Xiaoyan Jiang
- Terry Fox Laboratory, British Columbia Cancer Agency, Department of Medical Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, BC, Canada
| | - Joseph Brandwein
- Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine & Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Hasan Uludağ
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Faculty of Medicine & Dentistry, University of Alberta, AB, Canada; Department of Chemical & Materials Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, University of Alberta, AB, Canada; Faculty of Pharmacy & Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Alberta, AB, Canada.
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Abstract
Discovery of small interfering RNA as a tool for specific gene inhibition led to the development of new therapeutic strategy for the treatment of cancers. The efficacious delivery of therapeutic siRNAs into the cells is a crucial step in RNA interference (RNAi) application, but it remains challenging. Non-viral vectors can provide specific cellular uptake, stable siRNA complex formation, and intracellular siRNA release. Recently, we evaluated modular peptide carrier L1 bearing CXCR4 targeting ligand for its ability to condense siRNA and facilitate endosomal escape and VEGFA gene silencing in CXCR4-expressing endothelial and glioblastoma cells. The present chapter showcases the ability of L1 targeted peptide carrier to form complexes with siRNA and provide efficient VEGFA gene knockdown. We showed that siRNA delivery by means of L1 peptide carrier can result in significant decrease of VEGFA gene expression in A172 glioblastoma cells and in EA.hy 926 endothelial cells. Also, delivery of anti-VEGFA siRNA/peptide complexes led to significant inhibition of endothelial cell migration. Our results showed that L1 peptide carrier modified with CXCR4 ligand is a promising tool for targeted siRNA delivery into CXCR4-expressing cancer and endothelial cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna A Egorova
- D.O. Ott Research Institute of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductology, Saint-Petersburg, Russia
| | - Marianna A Maretina
- D.O. Ott Research Institute of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductology, Saint-Petersburg, Russia
- Saint-Petersburg State University, Saint-Petersburg, Russia
| | - Anton V Kiselev
- D.O. Ott Research Institute of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductology, Saint-Petersburg, Russia.
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Li L, Hu S, Chen X. Non-viral delivery systems for CRISPR/Cas9-based genome editing: Challenges and opportunities. Biomaterials 2018; 171:207-218. [PMID: 29704747 DOI: 10.1016/j.biomaterials.2018.04.031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 228] [Impact Index Per Article: 38.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2018] [Revised: 04/13/2018] [Accepted: 04/14/2018] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
In recent years, CRISPR (clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeat)/Cas (CRISPR-associated) genome editing systems have become one of the most robust platforms in basic biomedical research and therapeutic applications. To date, efficient in vivo delivery of the CRISPR/Cas9 system to the targeted cells remains a challenge. Although viral vectors have been widely used in the delivery of the CRISPR/Cas9 system in vitro and in vivo, their fundamental shortcomings, such as the risk of carcinogenesis, limited insertion size, immune responses and difficulty in large-scale production, severely limit their further applications. Alternative non-viral delivery systems for CRISPR/Cas9 are urgently needed. With the rapid development of non-viral vectors, lipid- or polymer-based nanocarriers have shown great potential for CRISPR/Cas9 delivery. In this review, we analyze the pros and cons of delivering CRISPR/Cas9 systems in the form of plasmid, mRNA, or protein and then discuss the limitations and challenges of CRISPR/Cas9-based genome editing. Furthermore, current non-viral vectors that have been applied for CRISPR/Cas9 delivery in vitro and in vivo are outlined in details. Finally, critical obstacles for non-viral delivery of CRISPR/Cas9 system are highlighted and promising strategies to overcome these barriers are proposed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ling Li
- Department of PET Center, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410008, China; Laboratory of Molecular Imaging and Nanomedicine (LOMIN), National Institute of Biomedical Imaging and Bioengineering (NIBIB), National Institutes of Health (NIH), Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Shuo Hu
- Department of PET Center, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410008, China.
| | - Xiaoyuan Chen
- Laboratory of Molecular Imaging and Nanomedicine (LOMIN), National Institute of Biomedical Imaging and Bioengineering (NIBIB), National Institutes of Health (NIH), Bethesda, MD 20892, USA.
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Meng Z, Zhou D, Gao Y, Zeng M, Wang W. miRNA delivery for skin wound healing. Adv Drug Deliv Rev 2018; 129:308-18. [PMID: 29273517 DOI: 10.1016/j.addr.2017.12.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 81] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2017] [Revised: 11/24/2017] [Accepted: 12/16/2017] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
The wound healing has remained a worldwide challenge as one of significant public health problems. Pathological scars and chronic wounds caused by injury, aging or diabetes lead to impaired tissue repair and regeneration. Due to the unique biological wound environment, the wound healing is a highly complicated process, efficient and targeted treatments are still lacking. Hence, research-driven to discover more efficient therapeutics is a highly urgent demand. Recently, the research results have revealed that microRNA (miRNA) is a promising tool in therapeutic and diagnostic fields because miRNA is an essential regulator in cellular physiology and pathology. Therefore, new technologies for wound healing based on miRNA have been developed and miRNA delivery has become a significant research topic in the field of gene delivery.
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Liu C, Zhang L, Liu H, Cheng K. Delivery strategies of the CRISPR-Cas9 gene-editing system for therapeutic applications. J Control Release 2017; 266:17-26. [PMID: 28911805 DOI: 10.1016/j.jconrel.2017.09.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 311] [Impact Index Per Article: 44.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2017] [Revised: 09/05/2017] [Accepted: 09/10/2017] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
The CRISPR-Cas9 genome-editing system is a part of the adaptive immune system in archaea and bacteria to defend against invasive nucleic acids from phages and plasmids. The single guide RNA (sgRNA) of the system recognizes its target sequence in the genome, and the Cas9 nuclease of the system acts as a pair of scissors to cleave the double strands of DNA. Since its discovery, CRISPR-Cas9 has become the most robust platform for genome engineering in eukaryotic cells. Recently, the CRISPR-Cas9 system has triggered enormous interest in therapeutic applications. CRISPR-Cas9 can be applied to correct disease-causing gene mutations or engineer T cells for cancer immunotherapy. The first clinical trial using the CRISPR-Cas9 technology was conducted in 2016. Despite the great promise of the CRISPR-Cas9 technology, several challenges remain to be tackled before its successful applications for human patients. The greatest challenge is the safe and efficient delivery of the CRISPR-Cas9 genome-editing system to target cells in human body. In this review, we will introduce the molecular mechanism and different strategies to edit genes using the CRISPR-Cas9 system. We will then highlight the current systems that have been developed to deliver CRISPR-Cas9 in vitro and in vivo for various therapeutic purposes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chang Liu
- Division of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, University of Missouri-Kansas City, Kansas City, MO 64108, United States
| | - Li Zhang
- Division of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, University of Missouri-Kansas City, Kansas City, MO 64108, United States
| | - Hao Liu
- Division of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, University of Missouri-Kansas City, Kansas City, MO 64108, United States
| | - Kun Cheng
- Division of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, University of Missouri-Kansas City, Kansas City, MO 64108, United States.
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Kim H, Kim D, Ku SH, Kim K, Kim SH, Kwon IC. MicroRNA-mediated non-viral direct conversion of embryonic fibroblasts to cardiomyocytes: comparison of commercial and synthetic non-viral vectors. J Biomater Sci Polym Ed 2017; 28:1070-1085. [PMID: 28277007 DOI: 10.1080/09205063.2017.1287537] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Technological advances opened up new ways of directing cell fate conversion from one cell lineage to another. The direct cell conversion technique has recently attracted much attention in regenerative medicine to treat devastated organs and tissues, particularly having limited regenerative capacity such as the heart and brain. Unfortunately, its clinical application is severely limited due to a safety concern and immunogenicity of viral vectors, as human gene therapy did in the beginning stages. In this study, we examined the possibility of adopting non-viral vectors to direct cell conversion from mouse embryonic fibroblasts to induced cardiomyocytes (iCM) by transient transfection of four types of chemically synthesized micro-RNA mimics (miRNA-1, 133, 208, and 499). Herein, we tested several commercial and synthetic non-viral gene delivery carriers, which could be divided into three different categories: polymers [branched PEI (bPEI), bioreducible PEI (PEI-SS), deoxycholic acid-conjugated PEI (DA-PEI), jetPEI™, SuperFect™], lipids (Lipofectamine 2000™), and peptides (PepMute™). According to the analyses of physicochemical properties, cellular uptake, and cytotoxicity of the carrier/miRNA complexes, DA-PEI exhibited excellent miRNA delivery efficiency to mouse embryonic fibroblasts. One week after a single treatment of DA-PEI/miRNA without other adjuvants, the cells started to express cardiomyocyte-specific markers, such as α-actinin and α-MHC, indicating the formation of cardiomyocyte-like cells. Although the overall frequency of non-viral vector induced cardiomyogenic transdifferentiation was quite low (ca. 0.2%), this study can provide compelling support to develop clinically applicable transdifferentiation techniques.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hyosuk Kim
- a Center for Theragnosis, Biomedical Research Institute , Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST) , Seoul , South Korea.,b KU-KIST Graduate School of Converging Science and Technology , Korea University , Seoul , South Korea
| | - Dongkyu Kim
- a Center for Theragnosis, Biomedical Research Institute , Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST) , Seoul , South Korea
| | - Sook Hee Ku
- c Technology Convergence R&BD Group , Korea Institute of Industrial Technology , Daegu , South Korea
| | - Kwangmeyung Kim
- a Center for Theragnosis, Biomedical Research Institute , Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST) , Seoul , South Korea
| | - Sun Hwa Kim
- a Center for Theragnosis, Biomedical Research Institute , Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST) , Seoul , South Korea
| | - Ick Chan Kwon
- a Center for Theragnosis, Biomedical Research Institute , Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST) , Seoul , South Korea.,b KU-KIST Graduate School of Converging Science and Technology , Korea University , Seoul , South Korea
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Lee JS, Chang EH, Koo OJ, Jwa DH, Mo WM, Kwak G, Moon HW, Park HT, Hong YB, Choi BO. Pmp22 mutant allele-specific siRNA alleviates demyelinating neuropathic phenotype in vivo. Neurobiol Dis 2017; 100:99-107. [PMID: 28108290 DOI: 10.1016/j.nbd.2017.01.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2016] [Revised: 12/21/2016] [Accepted: 01/16/2017] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease (CMT) is a genetic disorder that can be caused by aberrations in >80 genes. CMT has heterogeneous modes of inheritance, including autosomal dominant, autosomal recessive, X-linked dominant, and X-linked recessive. Over 95% of cases are dominantly inherited. In this study, we investigated whether regulation of a mutant allele by an allele-specific small interfering RNA (siRNA) can alleviate the demyelinating neuropathic phenotype of CMT. We designed 19 different allele-specific siRNAs for Trembler J (Tr-J) mice harboring a naturally occurring mutation (Leu16Pro) in Pmp22. Using a luciferase assay, we identified an siRNA that specifically and selectively reduced the expression level of the mutant allele and reversed the low viability of Schwann cells caused by mutant Pmp22 over-expression in vitro. The in vivo efficacy of the allele-specific siRNA was assessed by its intraperitoneal injection to postnatal day 6 of Tr-J mice. Administration of the allele-specific siRNA to Tr-J mice significantly enhanced motor function and muscle volume, as assessed by the rotarod test and magnetic resonance imaging analysis, respectively. Increases in motor nerve conduction velocity and compound muscle action potentials were also observed in the treated mice. In addition, myelination, as evidenced by toluidine blue staining and electron microscopy, was augmented in the sciatic nerves of the mice after allele-specific siRNA treatment. After validating suppression of the Pmp22 mutant allele at the mRNA level in the Schwann cells of Tr-J mice, we observed increased expression levels of myelinating proteins such as myelin basic protein and myelin protein zero. These data indicate that selective suppression of the Pmp22 mutant allele by non-viral delivery of siRNA alleviates the demyelinating neuropathic phenotypes of CMT in vivo, implicating allele-specific siRNA treatment as a potent therapeutic strategy for dominantly inherited peripheral neuropathies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ji-Su Lee
- Neuroscience Center, Samsung Medical Center, Seoul, Republic of Korea; Department of Health Sciences and Technology, SAIHST, Sungkyunkwan University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Eun Hyuk Chang
- Stem Cell & Regenerative Medicine Institute, Samsung Medical Center, Seoul, Republic of Korea; Samsung Biomedical Research Institute, Samsung Advanced Institute of Technology, Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd., Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Ok Jae Koo
- Samsung Biomedical Research Institute, Samsung Advanced Institute of Technology, Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd., Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Dong Hwan Jwa
- Neuroscience Center, Samsung Medical Center, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Won Min Mo
- Neuroscience Center, Samsung Medical Center, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Geon Kwak
- Neuroscience Center, Samsung Medical Center, Seoul, Republic of Korea; Department of Health Sciences and Technology, SAIHST, Sungkyunkwan University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyo Won Moon
- Neuroscience Center, Samsung Medical Center, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Hwan Tae Park
- Department of Physiology, College of Medicine, Dong-A University, Busan, Republic of Korea
| | - Young Bin Hong
- Stem Cell & Regenerative Medicine Institute, Samsung Medical Center, Seoul, Republic of Korea; Department of Neurology, Samsung Medical Center, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea.
| | - Byung-Ok Choi
- Neuroscience Center, Samsung Medical Center, Seoul, Republic of Korea; Department of Health Sciences and Technology, SAIHST, Sungkyunkwan University, Seoul, Republic of Korea; Department of Neurology, Samsung Medical Center, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea.
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Voronina N, Lemcke H, Wiekhorst F, Kühn JP, Rimmbach C, Steinhoff G, David R. Non-viral magnetic engineering of endothelial cells with microRNA and plasmid-DNA-An optimized targeting approach. Nanomedicine 2016; 12:2353-2364. [PMID: 27389150 DOI: 10.1016/j.nano.2016.06.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2016] [Revised: 05/27/2016] [Accepted: 06/23/2016] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Genetic modulation of angiogenesis is a powerful tool for the treatment of multiple disorders. Here, we describe a strategy to produce modified endothelial cells, which can be efficiently magnetically guided. First, we defined optimal transfection conditions with both plasmid and microRNA, using a polyethyleneimine/magnetic nanoparticle-based vector (PEI/MNP), previously designed in our group. Further, two approaches were assessed in vitro: direct vector guidance and magnetic targeting of transfected cells. Due to its higher efficiency, including simulated dynamic conditions, production of miR/PEI/MNP-modified magnetically responsive cells was selected for further detailed investigation. In particular, we have studied internalization of transfection complexes, functional capacities and intercellular communication of engineered cells and delivery of therapeutic miR. Moreover, we demonstrated that 104 miRNA/PEI/MNP-modified magnetically responsive cells loaded with 0.37pg iron/cell are detectable with MRI. Taken together, our in vitro findings show that PEI/MNP is highly promising as a multifunctional tool for magnetically guided angiogenesis regulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natalia Voronina
- Reference and Translation Center for Cardiac Stem Cell Therapy (RTC), Department of Cardiac Surgery, University of Rostock, Rostock, Germany.
| | - Heiko Lemcke
- Reference and Translation Center for Cardiac Stem Cell Therapy (RTC), Department of Cardiac Surgery, University of Rostock, Rostock, Germany.
| | | | - Jens-Peter Kühn
- Department of Radiology and Neuroradiology, Ernst-Moritz-Arndt-University Greifswald, Greifswald, Germany;.
| | - Christian Rimmbach
- Reference and Translation Center for Cardiac Stem Cell Therapy (RTC), Department of Cardiac Surgery, University of Rostock, Rostock, Germany
| | - Gustav Steinhoff
- Reference and Translation Center for Cardiac Stem Cell Therapy (RTC), Department of Cardiac Surgery, University of Rostock, Rostock, Germany.
| | - Robert David
- Reference and Translation Center for Cardiac Stem Cell Therapy (RTC), Department of Cardiac Surgery, University of Rostock, Rostock, Germany.
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