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Carreño A, Guerrero-Yagüe R, Casal E, Mendoza R, Corchero JL. Tuning plasmid DNA amounts for cost-effective transfections of mammalian cells: when less is more. Appl Microbiol Biotechnol 2024; 108:98. [PMID: 38212965 PMCID: PMC10784393 DOI: 10.1007/s00253-024-13003-x] [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] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2023] [Revised: 12/29/2023] [Accepted: 01/04/2024] [Indexed: 01/13/2024]
Abstract
Transient gene expression (TGE) in mammalian cells is a well-known approach to the fast expression of recombinant proteins. The human cell line HEK (human embryonic kidney) 293F is widely used in this field, due to its adaptability to grow in suspension to high cell densities in serum-free media, amenability to transfection, and production of recombinant proteins in satisfactory quantities for functional and structural analysis. Amounts of plasmid DNA (pDNA) required in transfections for TGE remain high (usually 1 µg pDNA/mL, or even higher), representing a noticeable proportion of the overall cost. Thus, there is an economic need to reduce amounts of coding pDNA in TGE processes. In this work, amounts of both pDNA and transfecting agent used for TGE in HEK 293F cells have been explored in order to reduce them without compromising (or even improving) the productivity of the process in terms of protein yield. In our hands, minimal polyethyleneimine (PEI) cytotoxicity and optimum protein yields were obtained when transfecting at 0.5 µg pDNA/mL (equal to 0.5 µg pDNA/million cells) and a DNA-to-PEI ratio of 1:3, a trend confirmed for several unrelated recombinant proteins. Thus, carefully tuning pDNA and transfecting agent amounts not only reduces the economic costs but also results in higher recombinant protein yields. These results surely have a direct application and interest for the biopharmaceutical industry, always concerned in increasing productivity while decreasing economic costs. KEY POINTS: • Mammalian cells are widely used to produce recombinant proteins in short times. • Tuning DNA and transfecting agent are of great interest to optimize economic costs. • Reducing DNA and transfecting agent amounts result in higher protein yields.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aida Carreño
- Institut de Biotecnologia i de Biomedicina, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08193, Bellaterra, Barcelona, Spain
- Institut de Ciència de Materials de Barcelona, ICMAB-CSIC, Campus UAB, 08193, Bellaterra, Spain
| | - Rubén Guerrero-Yagüe
- Institut de Biotecnologia i de Biomedicina, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08193, Bellaterra, Barcelona, Spain
- Gene Therapy for Neurometabolic Disorders, Edifici H, Institute of Neurosciences (INc) & Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08193, Bellaterra, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Enriqueta Casal
- Institut de Biotecnologia i de Biomedicina, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08193, Bellaterra, Barcelona, Spain
- Alderley Analytical Ltd. Alderley Park, Macclesfield, Cheshire, SK10 4TG, UK
| | - Rosa Mendoza
- Institut de Biotecnologia i de Biomedicina, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08193, Bellaterra, Barcelona, Spain
- CIBER de Bioingeniería, Biomateriales y Nanomedicina, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, 08193, Bellaterra, Barcelona, Spain
| | - José Luis Corchero
- Institut de Biotecnologia i de Biomedicina, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08193, Bellaterra, Barcelona, Spain.
- CIBER de Bioingeniería, Biomateriales y Nanomedicina, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, 08193, Bellaterra, Barcelona, Spain.
- Departament de Genètica i de Microbiologia, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08193, Bellaterra, Barcelona, Spain.
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2
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Ulaangerel T, Yi M, Budsuren U, Shen Y, Ren H, Demuul B, Bai D, Dorjgotov D, Davaakhuu G, Jambal T, Dugarjav M, Bou G. Condition optimization for electroporation transfection in horse skeletal muscle satellite cells. Anim Biotechnol 2024; 35:2280664. [PMID: 37982395 DOI: 10.1080/10495398.2023.2280664] [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] [Indexed: 11/21/2023]
Abstract
Satellite cells are an important cellular model for studying muscle growth and development and mammalian locomotion-related molecular mechanisms. In this study, we investigated the effects of voltage, pulse duration, and DNA dosage on horse skeletal muscle satellite cells' electroporation transfection efficiency using the eukaryotic expression plasmid Td Tomato-C1 (5.5 kb) encoding the red fluorescent protein gene mainly based on fluorescence-positive cell rate and cell survival rate. By comparison of different voltages, pulse durations, and DNA doses, horse skeletal muscle satellite cells have nearly 80% transfection efficiency under the condition of voltage 120 V, DNA dosage 7 µg/ml, and pulse duration 30 ms. This optimized electroporation condition would facilitate the application of horse skeletal muscle satellite cells in genetic studies of muscle function and related diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tseweendolmaa Ulaangerel
- lnner Mongolia Key Laboratory of Equine Science Research and Technology Innovation, College of Animal Science, Inner Mongolia Agricultural University, Hohhot, China
| | - Minna Yi
- lnner Mongolia Key Laboratory of Equine Science Research and Technology Innovation, College of Animal Science, Inner Mongolia Agricultural University, Hohhot, China
| | - Undarmaa Budsuren
- lnner Mongolia Key Laboratory of Equine Science Research and Technology Innovation, College of Animal Science, Inner Mongolia Agricultural University, Hohhot, China
- School of Animal Science and Biotechnology, Mongolian University of Life Sciences, Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia
| | - Yingchao Shen
- lnner Mongolia Key Laboratory of Equine Science Research and Technology Innovation, College of Animal Science, Inner Mongolia Agricultural University, Hohhot, China
| | - Hong Ren
- lnner Mongolia Key Laboratory of Equine Science Research and Technology Innovation, College of Animal Science, Inner Mongolia Agricultural University, Hohhot, China
| | - Bold Demuul
- lnner Mongolia Key Laboratory of Equine Science Research and Technology Innovation, College of Animal Science, Inner Mongolia Agricultural University, Hohhot, China
| | - Dongyi Bai
- lnner Mongolia Key Laboratory of Equine Science Research and Technology Innovation, College of Animal Science, Inner Mongolia Agricultural University, Hohhot, China
| | - Dulguun Dorjgotov
- School of Industrial Technology, Mongolian University of Science and Technology, Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia
| | - Gantulga Davaakhuu
- Institute of General and Experimental Biology, Mongolian Academy of Science, Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia
| | - Tuyatsetseg Jambal
- School of Industrial Technology, Mongolian University of Science and Technology, Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia
| | - Manglai Dugarjav
- lnner Mongolia Key Laboratory of Equine Science Research and Technology Innovation, College of Animal Science, Inner Mongolia Agricultural University, Hohhot, China
| | - Gerelchimeg Bou
- lnner Mongolia Key Laboratory of Equine Science Research and Technology Innovation, College of Animal Science, Inner Mongolia Agricultural University, Hohhot, China
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3
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Albérola G, Bellard E, Kolosnjaj-Tabi J, Guard J, Golzio M, Rols MP. Fibroblasts transfection by electroporation in 3D reconstructed human dermal tissue. Bioelectrochemistry 2024; 157:108670. [PMID: 38364517 DOI: 10.1016/j.bioelechem.2024.108670] [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: 11/27/2023] [Revised: 01/31/2024] [Accepted: 02/12/2024] [Indexed: 02/18/2024]
Abstract
The understanding of the mechanisms involved in DNA electrotransfer in human skin remains modest and limits the clinical development of various biomedical applications, such as DNA vaccination. To elucidate some mechanisms of DNA transfer in the skin following electroporation, we created a model of the dermis using a tissue engineering approach. This model allowed us to study the electrotransfection of fibroblasts in a three-dimensional environment that included multiple layers of fibroblasts as well as the self-secreted collagen matrix. With the aim of improving transfection yield, we applied electrical pulses with electric field lines perpendicular to the reconstructed model tissue. Our results indicate that the fibroblasts of the reconstructed skin tissue can be efficiently permeabilized by applied millisecond electrical pulses. However, despite efficient permeabilization, the transfected cells remain localized only on the surface of the microtissue, to which the plasmid was deposited. Second harmonic generation microscopy revealed the extensive extracellular collagen matrix around the fibroblasts, which might have affected the mobility of the plasmid into deeper layers of the skin tissue model. Our results show that the used skin tissue model reproduces the structural barriers that might be responsible for the limited gene electrotransfer in the skin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Géraldine Albérola
- Institut de Pharmacologie et de Biologie Structurale (IPBS), Université de Toulouse, CNRS, Université Toulouse III - Paul Sabatier (UT3), Toulouse, France
| | - Elisabeth Bellard
- Institut de Pharmacologie et de Biologie Structurale (IPBS), Université de Toulouse, CNRS, Université Toulouse III - Paul Sabatier (UT3), Toulouse, France
| | - Jelena Kolosnjaj-Tabi
- Institut de Pharmacologie et de Biologie Structurale (IPBS), Université de Toulouse, CNRS, Université Toulouse III - Paul Sabatier (UT3), Toulouse, France
| | - Jorgan Guard
- Institut de Pharmacologie et de Biologie Structurale (IPBS), Université de Toulouse, CNRS, Université Toulouse III - Paul Sabatier (UT3), Toulouse, France
| | - Muriel Golzio
- Institut de Pharmacologie et de Biologie Structurale (IPBS), Université de Toulouse, CNRS, Université Toulouse III - Paul Sabatier (UT3), Toulouse, France.
| | - Marie-Pierre Rols
- Institut de Pharmacologie et de Biologie Structurale (IPBS), Université de Toulouse, CNRS, Université Toulouse III - Paul Sabatier (UT3), Toulouse, France.
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4
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Zhou X, Cao Y, Li R, Di X, Wang Y, Wang K. PEI, a new transfection method, augments the inhibitory effect of RBM5 on prostate cancer. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2024; 704:149703. [PMID: 38402723 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2024.149703] [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: 02/14/2024] [Accepted: 02/20/2024] [Indexed: 02/27/2024]
Abstract
PEI is a cationic polymer, serving as a non-viral transfection carrier grounded in nanotechnology that enhances transfection efficiency via the proton sponge effect. RBM5 is an RNA-binding protein that can inhibit tumor development. This study involved the transfection of RBM5 in prostate cancer cells with PEI, Lipo2000, and their combination. Transwell and wound healing assays were used to observe invasion and migration of prostate cancer cells and flow cytometry was used to observe the apoptosis. Detect the expression of invasion and migration-related protein MMP9 through western blotting experiment. An activity detection kit was used to detect the activity of apoptotic protein caspase-3. We found that there was no significant difference in transfection efficiency when PEI and Lipo2000 were used alone but it significantly improved when they are combined. RBM5 reduced invasion, migration, and proliferation of prostate cancer and enhanced apoptosis. MMP9 expression was reduced, and the activity of caspase-3 was increased. PEI transfection could improve the inhibition of RBM5 on tumors more than Lipo2000. The inhibitory effect is more obvious when the two are used together. RBM5 transfected with PEI can amplify its inhibitory effect on prostate cancer, and this effect is more evident when combined with Lipo2000.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xijia Zhou
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Yingshu Cao
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Ranwei Li
- Department of Urinary Surgery, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Xin Di
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Yanqiao Wang
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Ke Wang
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China.
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5
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Suleman S, Fawaz S, Roberts T, Ellison S, Bigger B, Themis M. Optimised protocols to generate high titre lentiviral vectors using a novel transfection agent enabling extended HEK293T culture following transient transfection and suspension culture. J Virol Methods 2024; 325:114884. [PMID: 38218417 DOI: 10.1016/j.jviromet.2024.114884] [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: 06/06/2023] [Revised: 01/02/2024] [Accepted: 01/08/2024] [Indexed: 01/15/2024]
Abstract
HIV-1 based lentiviral viruses are considered powerful and versatile gene therapy vectors to deliver therapeutic genes to patients with hereditary or acquired diseases. These vectors can efficiently transduce a variety of cell types when dividing or non-dividing to provide permanent delivery and long-term gene expression. Demand for scalable manufacturing protocols able to generate enough high titre vector for widespread use of this technology is increasing and considerable efforts to improve vector production cost-effectively, is ongoing. Current methods for LV production mainly use transient transfection of producer cell lines. Cells can be grown at scale, either in 2D relying on culturing producer cells in multi-tray flask cell culture factories or in roller bottles or can be adapted to grow in 3D suspensions in large batch fermenters. This suits rapid production and testing of new vector constructs pre-clinically for their efficacy, particle titre and safety. In this study, we sought to improve lentiviral titre over time by testing two alternative commercially available transfection reagents Fugene® 6 and Genejuice® with the commonly used polycation, polyethyleneimine. Our aim was to identify less cytotoxic transfection reagents that could be used to generate LV particles at high titre past the often used 72 h period when vector is usually collected before producer cell death is caused due to post transfection cytotoxicity. We show that LV could be produced in extended culture using Genejuice® and even by transfected cells in glass flasks in suspension. Because this delivery agent is less toxic to 293 T producer cells, following optimisation of transfection we found that LV can be harvested for more than 10 days at high titre. Using our protocol, titres of 109 TU/ml and 108 TU/ml were routinely reached via traditional monolayer conditions or suspension cultures, respectively. We propose, this simple change in vector production enables large volumes of high titre vector to be produced, cost effectively for non-clinical in vivo and in vitro applications or for more stringent downstream clinical grade vector purification.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saqlain Suleman
- Department of Life Sciences, College of Health, Medicine & Life Sciences, Brunel University London, Uxbridge, UK
| | - Serena Fawaz
- Department of Life Sciences, College of Health, Medicine & Life Sciences, Brunel University London, Uxbridge, UK
| | - Terry Roberts
- Department of Life Sciences, College of Health, Medicine & Life Sciences, Brunel University London, Uxbridge, UK
| | - Stuart Ellison
- Division of Cell Matrix Biology & Regenerative Medicine, School of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Biology Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Brian Bigger
- Division of Cell Matrix Biology & Regenerative Medicine, School of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Biology Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Michael Themis
- Department of Life Sciences, College of Health, Medicine & Life Sciences, Brunel University London, Uxbridge, UK; Division of Ecology and Evolution, Department of Life Sciences, Imperial College London, London, UK; Testavec Ltd, Queensgate House, Maidenhead, UK.
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6
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Sedlmayr VL, Schobesberger S, Spitz S, Ertl P, Wurm DJ, Quehenberger J, Spadiut O. Archaeal ether lipids improve internalization and transfection with mRNA lipid nanoparticles. Eur J Pharm Biopharm 2024; 197:114213. [PMID: 38346479 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejpb.2024.114213] [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: 12/11/2023] [Revised: 01/19/2024] [Accepted: 02/06/2024] [Indexed: 03/19/2024]
Abstract
Neutral and positively charged archaeal ether lipids (AEL) have been studied for their utilization as novel delivery systems for pDNA, showing efficient immune response with a strong memory effect while lacking noticeable toxicity. Recent technological advances placed mRNA lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) at the forefront of next-generation delivery systems; however, no study has examined AELs in mRNA delivery yet. In this study, we investigated either a crude lipid extract or the purified tetraether lipid caldarchaeol from Sulfolobus acidocaldarius as potential novel excipients for mRNA LNPs. Depending on their molar share in the respective LNP, particle uptake, and mRNA expression levels could be increased by up to 10-fold in in vitro transfection experiments using both primary cell sources (HSMM) and established cell lines (Caco-2, C2C12) compared to a well-known reference formulation. This increased efficiency might be linked to a substantial effect on endosomal escape, indicating fusogenic and lyotropic features of AELs. This study shows the high value of archaeal ether lipids for mRNA delivery and provides a solid foundation for future in vivo experiments and further research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Viktor Laurin Sedlmayr
- Research Division Integrated Bioprocess Development, Institute of Chemical, Environmental and Bioscience Engineering, TU Wien, Gumpendorfer Straße 1a, Vienna 1060, Austria
| | - Silvia Schobesberger
- Research Division Organic & Biological Chemistry, Institute of Applied Synthetic Chemistry, TU Wien, Getreidemarkt 9/163, Vienna 1060, Austria
| | - Sarah Spitz
- Research Division Organic & Biological Chemistry, Institute of Applied Synthetic Chemistry, TU Wien, Getreidemarkt 9/163, Vienna 1060, Austria
| | - Peter Ertl
- Research Division Organic & Biological Chemistry, Institute of Applied Synthetic Chemistry, TU Wien, Getreidemarkt 9/163, Vienna 1060, Austria
| | | | - Julian Quehenberger
- Research Division Integrated Bioprocess Development, Institute of Chemical, Environmental and Bioscience Engineering, TU Wien, Gumpendorfer Straße 1a, Vienna 1060, Austria; NovoArc GmbH, Pottendorfer Straße 23-25, Vienna 1120, Austria
| | - Oliver Spadiut
- Research Division Integrated Bioprocess Development, Institute of Chemical, Environmental and Bioscience Engineering, TU Wien, Gumpendorfer Straße 1a, Vienna 1060, Austria.
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7
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Nielsen AKR, Lilieholm-Røngren L, Schmid B, Holst B, Brodin B, Saaby L. Generation of an iPSC-line (BIONi010C-48) with restored P-glycoprotein functionality following transfection with the human MDR1 gene in the AAVS1 locus. Stem Cell Res 2024; 76:103348. [PMID: 38364505 DOI: 10.1016/j.scr.2024.103348] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2024] [Revised: 02/09/2024] [Accepted: 02/12/2024] [Indexed: 02/18/2024] Open
Abstract
The human MDR1 gene encodes the efflux transporter P-glycoprotein, which plays an important part of the blood-brain barrier function of brain microvascular endothelial cells (BMECs). Here, we report the generation of an iPSC line, where a construct of the human MDR1 gene was inserted into the safe-site locus AAVS1. This iPSC line (BIONi010-C-48) shows functional expression of P-gp and can further be differentiated and cultured into electrically tight BMEC-like monolayers exhibiting polarized expression of P-gp in the apical membrane.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Bjørn Holst
- Bioneer A/S, Kogle Alle 2, 2970 Hørsholm, Denmark
| | - Birger Brodin
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Copenhagen, Universitetsparken 2, Copenhagen DK-2100, Denmark
| | - Lasse Saaby
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Copenhagen, Universitetsparken 2, Copenhagen DK-2100, Denmark; Bioneer A/S, Kogle Alle 2, 2970 Hørsholm, Denmark.
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8
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Müller JA, Schäffler N, Kellerer T, Schwake G, Ligon TS, Rädler JO. Kinetics of RNA-LNP delivery and protein expression. Eur J Pharm Biopharm 2024; 197:114222. [PMID: 38387850 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejpb.2024.114222] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2023] [Revised: 01/23/2024] [Accepted: 02/08/2024] [Indexed: 02/24/2024]
Abstract
Lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) employing ionizable lipids are the most advanced technology for delivery of RNA, most notably mRNA, to cells. LNPs represent well-defined core-shell particles with efficient nucleic acid encapsulation, low immunogenicity and enhanced efficacy. While much is known about the structure and activity of LNPs, less attention is given to the timing of LNP uptake, cytosolic transfer and protein expression. However, LNP kinetics is a key factor determining delivery efficiency. Hence quantitative insight into the multi-cascaded pathway of LNPs is of interest to elucidate the mechanism of delivery. Here, we review experiments as well as theoretical modeling of the timing of LNP uptake, mRNA-release and protein expression. We describe LNP delivery as a sequence of stochastic transfer processes and review a mathematical model of subsequent protein translation from mRNA. We compile probabilities and numbers obtained from time resolved microscopy. Specifically, live-cell imaging on single cell arrays (LISCA) allows for high-throughput acquisition of thousands of individual GFP reporter expression time courses. The traces yield the distribution of mRNA life-times, expression rates and expression onset. Correlation analysis reveals an inverse dependence of gene expression efficiency and transfection onset-times. Finally, we discuss why timing of mRNA release is critical in the context of codelivery of multiple nucleic acid species as in the case of mRNA co-expression or CRISPR/Cas gene editing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Judith A Müller
- Faculty of Physics and Center for NanoScience, Ludwig Maximilians-University, Munich, Germany
| | - Nathalie Schäffler
- Faculty of Physics and Center for NanoScience, Ludwig Maximilians-University, Munich, Germany
| | - Thomas Kellerer
- Multiphoton Imaging Lab, Munich University of Applied Sciences, Munich, Germany
| | - Gerlinde Schwake
- Faculty of Physics and Center for NanoScience, Ludwig Maximilians-University, Munich, Germany
| | | | - Joachim O Rädler
- Faculty of Physics and Center for NanoScience, Ludwig Maximilians-University, Munich, Germany.
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9
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Zhang Y, Peng T, Ge Y, Li M, Li C, Xi J, Li Z, Wei Z, Hu Y. A flexible electrode Array for genetic transfection of different layers of the retina by electroporation. Lab Chip 2024; 24:1957-1964. [PMID: 38353261 DOI: 10.1039/d3lc01014g] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/27/2024]
Abstract
Electroporation (in which the permeability of a cell membrane is increased transiently by exposure to an appropriate electric field) has exhibited great potential of becoming an alternative to adeno-associated virus (AAV)-based retina gene delivery. Electroporation eliminates the safety concerns of employing exogenous viruses and exceeds the limit of AAV cargo size. Unfortunately, several concerns (e.g., relatively high electroporation voltage, poor surgical operability and a lack of spatial selectivity of retina tissue) have prevented electroporation from being approved for clinical application (or even clinical trials). In this study, a flexible micro-electrode array for retina electroporation (FERE) was developed for retina electroporation. A suitably shaped flexible substrate and well-placed micro-electrodes were designed to adapt to the retina curvature and generate an evenly distributed electric field on the retina with a significantly reduced electroporation voltage of 5 V. The FERE provided (for the first time) a capability of controlled gene delivery to the different structural layers of retina tissue by precise control of the distribution of the electrical field. After ensuring the surgical operability of the FERE on rabbit eyeballs, the FERE was verified to be capable of transfecting different layers of retina tissue with satisfactory efficiency and minimum damage. Our method bridges the technical gap between laboratory validation and clinical use of retina electroporation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu Zhang
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, School of Medical Technology, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing 100081, China.
| | - Tao Peng
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, School of Medical Technology, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing 100081, China.
| | - Yu Ge
- Eye Center, Beijing Tsinghua Changgung Hospital, School of Clinical Medicine, Tsinghua University, Beijing 102218, China.
| | - Mengda Li
- Eye Center, Beijing Tsinghua Changgung Hospital, School of Clinical Medicine, Tsinghua University, Beijing 102218, China.
- Institute for Precision Medicine, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Chendi Li
- Eye Center, Beijing Tsinghua Changgung Hospital, School of Clinical Medicine, Tsinghua University, Beijing 102218, China.
- Institute for Precision Medicine, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Jiyu Xi
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, School of Medical Technology, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing 100081, China.
| | - Zixi Li
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, School of Medical Technology, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing 100081, China.
| | - Zewen Wei
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, School of Medical Technology, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing 100081, China.
| | - Yuntao Hu
- Eye Center, Beijing Tsinghua Changgung Hospital, School of Clinical Medicine, Tsinghua University, Beijing 102218, China.
- Institute for Precision Medicine, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
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10
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Steffens RC, Folda P, Fendler NL, Höhn M, Bücher-Schossau K, Kempter S, Snyder NL, Hartmann L, Wagner E, Berger S. GalNAc- or Mannose-PEG-Functionalized Polyplexes Enable Effective Lectin-Mediated DNA Delivery. Bioconjug Chem 2024; 35:351-370. [PMID: 38440876 DOI: 10.1021/acs.bioconjchem.3c00546] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/06/2024]
Abstract
A cationic, dendrimer-like oligo(aminoamide) carrier with four-arm topology based on succinoyl tetraethylene pentamine and histidines, cysteines, and N-terminal azido-lysines was screened for plasmid DNA delivery on various cell lines. The incorporated azides allow modification with various shielding agents of different polyethylene glycol (PEG) lengths and/or different ligands by copper-free click reaction, either before or after polyplex formation. Prefunctionalization was found to be advantageous over postfunctionalization in terms of nanoparticle formation, stability, and efficacy. A length of 24 ethylene oxide repetition units and prefunctionalization of ≥50% of azides per carrier promoted optimal polyplex shielding. PEG shielding resulted in drastically reduced DNA transfer, which could be successfully restored by active lectin targeting via novel GalNAc or mannose ligands, enabling enhanced receptor-mediated endocytosis of the carrier system. The involvement of the asialoglycoprotein receptor (ASGPR) in the uptake of GalNAc-functionalized polyplexes was confirmed in the ASGPR-positive hepatocarcinoma cell lines HepG2 and Huh7. Mannose-modified polyplexes showed superior cellular uptake and transfection efficacy compared to unmodified and shielded polyplexes in mannose-receptor-expressing dendritic cell-like DC2.4 cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ricarda C Steffens
- Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Department of Pharmacy, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität (LMU) Munich, 81377 Munich, Germany
- Center for NanoScience (CeNS), LMU Munich, 80799 Munich, Germany
| | - Paul Folda
- Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Department of Pharmacy, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität (LMU) Munich, 81377 Munich, Germany
| | - Nikole L Fendler
- Department of Chemistry, Davidson College, Davidson, North Carolina 28035, United States
| | - Miriam Höhn
- Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Department of Pharmacy, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität (LMU) Munich, 81377 Munich, Germany
| | - Katharina Bücher-Schossau
- Institute of Organic Chemistry and Macromolecular Chemistry, Heinrich-Heine-University Düsseldorf, Universitätsstr. 1, 40225 Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Susanne Kempter
- Faculty of Physics, LMU Munich, 80539 Munich, Germany
- Center for NanoScience (CeNS), LMU Munich, 80799 Munich, Germany
| | - Nicole L Snyder
- Department of Chemistry, Davidson College, Davidson, North Carolina 28035, United States
| | - Laura Hartmann
- Institute of Organic Chemistry and Macromolecular Chemistry, Heinrich-Heine-University Düsseldorf, Universitätsstr. 1, 40225 Düsseldorf, Germany
- Institute for Macromolecular Chemistry, University Freiburg, Stefan-Meier-Str. 31, 79104 Freiburg im Breisgau, Germany
| | - Ernst Wagner
- Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Department of Pharmacy, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität (LMU) Munich, 81377 Munich, Germany
- Center for NanoScience (CeNS), LMU Munich, 80799 Munich, Germany
| | - Simone Berger
- Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Department of Pharmacy, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität (LMU) Munich, 81377 Munich, Germany
- Center for NanoScience (CeNS), LMU Munich, 80799 Munich, Germany
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11
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Wlodarczyk J, Leng A, Abadchi SN, Shababi N, Mokhtari-Esbuie F, Gheshlaghi S, Ravari MR, Pippenger EK, Afrasiabi A, Ha J, Abraham JM, Harmon JW. Transfection of hypoxia-inducible factor-1α mRNA upregulates the expression of genes encoding angiogenic growth factors. Sci Rep 2024; 14:6738. [PMID: 38509125 PMCID: PMC10954730 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-54941-w] [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] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2023] [Accepted: 02/19/2024] [Indexed: 03/22/2024] Open
Abstract
Hypoxia-Inducible Factor-1α (HIF-1α) has presented a new direction for ischemic preconditioning of surgical flaps to promote their survival. In a previous study, we demonstrated the effectiveness of HIF-1a DNA plasmids in this application. In this study, to avoid complications associated with plasmid use, we sought to express HIF-1α through mRNA transfection and determine its biological activity by measuring the upregulation of downstream angiogenic genes. We transfected six different HIF-1a mRNAs-one predominant, three variant, and two novel mutant isoforms-into primary human dermal fibroblasts using Lipofectamine, and assessed mRNA levels using RT-qPCR. At all time points examined after transfection (3, 6, and 10 h), the levels of HIF-1α transcript were significantly higher in all HIF-1α transfected cells relative to the control (all p < 0.05, unpaired Student's T-test). Importantly, the expression of HIF-1α transcription response genes (VEGF, ANG-1, PGF, FLT1, and EDN1) was significantly higher in the cells transfected with all isoforms than with the control at six and/or ten hours post-transfection. All isoforms were transfected successfully into human fibroblast cells, resulting in the rapid upregulation of all five downstream angiogenic targets tested. These findings support the potential use of HIF-1α mRNA for protecting ischemic dermal flaps.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jakub Wlodarczyk
- Department of Surgery, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, 4940 Eastern Avenue, 1550 Orleans Street, Baltimore, MD, 21224, USA
- Department of General and Oncological Surgery, Medical University of Lodz, Lodz, Poland
| | - Albert Leng
- Department of Surgery, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, 4940 Eastern Avenue, 1550 Orleans Street, Baltimore, MD, 21224, USA
| | - Sanaz Nourmohammadi Abadchi
- Department of Surgery, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, 4940 Eastern Avenue, 1550 Orleans Street, Baltimore, MD, 21224, USA
| | - Niloufar Shababi
- Department of Surgery, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, 4940 Eastern Avenue, 1550 Orleans Street, Baltimore, MD, 21224, USA
| | - Farzad Mokhtari-Esbuie
- Department of Surgery, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, 4940 Eastern Avenue, 1550 Orleans Street, Baltimore, MD, 21224, USA
| | - Shayan Gheshlaghi
- Department of Surgery, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, 4940 Eastern Avenue, 1550 Orleans Street, Baltimore, MD, 21224, USA
| | - Mohsen Rouhani Ravari
- Department of Surgery, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, 4940 Eastern Avenue, 1550 Orleans Street, Baltimore, MD, 21224, USA
- Department of Surgery, University of Chicago Medicine, Chicago, IL, 60637, USA
| | - Emma K Pippenger
- Department of Surgery, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, 4940 Eastern Avenue, 1550 Orleans Street, Baltimore, MD, 21224, USA
| | - Ali Afrasiabi
- Department of Surgery, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, 4940 Eastern Avenue, 1550 Orleans Street, Baltimore, MD, 21224, USA
| | - Jinny Ha
- Division of Thoracic Surgery, Department of Surgery, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21224, USA
| | - John M Abraham
- Department of Surgery, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, 4940 Eastern Avenue, 1550 Orleans Street, Baltimore, MD, 21224, USA
| | - John W Harmon
- Department of Surgery, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, 4940 Eastern Avenue, 1550 Orleans Street, Baltimore, MD, 21224, USA.
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12
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Ooi YJ, Huang C, Lau K, Chew SY, Park JG, Chan-Park MB. Nontoxic, Biodegradable Hyperbranched Poly(β-amino ester)s for Efficient siRNA Delivery and Gene Silencing. ACS Appl Mater Interfaces 2024; 16:14093-14112. [PMID: 38449351 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.3c10620] [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] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/08/2024]
Abstract
RNA interference (RNAi)-mediated gene silencing is a promising therapeutic approach to treat various diseases, but safe and efficient delivery remains a major challenge to its clinical application. Non-viral gene vectors, such as poly(β-amino esters) (pBAEs), have emerged as a potential candidate due to their biodegradability, low toxicity profile, ease of synthesis, and high gene transfection efficiency for both DNA and siRNA delivery. However, achieving significant gene silencing using pBAEs often requires a large amount of polymer carrier (with polymer/siRNA weight ratio >100) or high siRNA dose (>100 nM), which might potentially exacerbate toxicity concerns during delivery. To overcome these barriers, we designed and optimized a series of hyperbranched pBAEs capable of efficiently condensing siRNA and achieving excellent silencing efficiency at a lower polymer/siRNA weight ratio (w/w) and siRNA dose. Through modulation of monomer combinations and branching density, we identified the top-performing hyperbranched pBAEs, named as h(A2B3)-1, which possess good siRNA condensation ability, low cytotoxicity, and high cellular uptake efficiency. Compared with Lipofectamine 2000, h(A2B3)-1 achieved lower cytotoxicity and higher siRNA silencing efficiency in HeLa cells at a polymer/siRNA weight ratio of 30 and 30 nM siRNA dose. Notably, h(A2B3)-1 enhanced the gene uptake in primary neural cells and effectively silenced the target gene in hard-to-transfect primary cortical neurons and oligodendrocyte progenitor cells, with gene knockdown efficiencies of 34.8 and 53.4% respectively. By incorporating a bioreducible disulfide compartment into the polymer backbone, the cytocompatibility of the h(A2B3)-1 was greatly enhanced while maintaining their good transfection efficiency. Together, the low cytotoxicity and high siRNA transfection efficiency of hyperbranched h(A2B3)-1 in this study demonstrated their great potential as a non-viral gene vector for efficient siRNA delivery and RNAi-mediated gene silencing. This provides valuable insight into the future development of safe and efficient non-viral siRNA delivery systems as well as their translation into clinical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying Jie Ooi
- School of Chemistry, Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore 637459, Singapore
| | - Chongquan Huang
- School of Chemistry, Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore 637459, Singapore
- Neuroscience@NTU, Interdisciplinary Graduate Programme, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore 637459, Singapore
| | - Kieran Lau
- School of Chemistry, Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore 637459, Singapore
| | - Sing Yian Chew
- School of Chemistry, Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore 637459, Singapore
- Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore 636921, Singapore
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore 639798, Singapore
| | - Jong Gu Park
- Welgene Inc, 693, Namcheon-ro, Namcheon-myeon, Gyeongsan-si, Gyeongsangbuk-do 38695, Republic of Korea
| | - Mary B Chan-Park
- School of Chemistry, Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore 637459, Singapore
- Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore 636921, Singapore
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13
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Mondal P, Roy S, Dey J, Dasgupta SB. Impact of Linker Groups on Self-Assembly, Gene Transfection, Antibacterial Activity, and In Vitro Cytotoxicity of Cationic Bolaamphiphiles. ACS Appl Bio Mater 2024; 7:1703-1712. [PMID: 38433388 DOI: 10.1021/acsabm.3c01142] [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] [Indexed: 03/05/2024]
Abstract
Cationic bolaamphiphiles have gained significant attention in various research fields, including materials science, drug delivery, and gene therapy, due to their unique properties and potential applications. The objective of the current research is to develop more effective cationic bolaamphiphiles. Thus, we have designed and synthesized two cationic bolaamphiphiles (-(CH2)12(2,3-dihydroxy-N,N-dimethyl-N-(3-ureidopropyl)propan-1-aminium chloride))2 (C12(DDUPPAC)2)) and (-(CH2)12(N-(3-(carbamoyloxy)propyl)-2,3-dihydroxy-N,N-dimethylpropan-1-aminium chloride)2 (C12(CPDDPAC)2) containing urea and urethane linkages, respectively. We have investigated their self-assembly properties in water using several techniques, including surface tension, electrical conductivity, fluorescence probe, calorimetry, dynamic light scattering, and atomic force microscopy. Their biological applications, e.g., in vitro gene transfection, antibacterial activity, and cytotoxicity, were studied. Both bolaamphiphiles were observed to produce aggregates larger than spherical micelles above a relatively low critical aggregation concentration (cac). The calorimetric experiments suggested the thermodynamically favorable spontaneous aggregation of both bolaforms in water. The results of interaction studies led to the conclusion that C12(CPDDPAC)2 binds DNA with a greater affinity than C12(DDUPPAC)2. Also, C12(CPDDPAC)2 is found to act as a more efficient gene transfection vector than C12(DDUPPAC)2 in 264.7 cell lines. The in vitro cytotoxicity assay using MTT, however, revealed that neither of the bolaamphiphiles was toxic, even at higher quantities. Additionally, both bolaforms show beneficial antibacterial activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pabitra Mondal
- Department of Chemistry, Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur, Kharagpur 721302, India
| | - Sadhana Roy
- Department of Biotechnology, Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur, Kharagpur 721302, India
| | - Joykrishna Dey
- Department of Chemistry, Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur, Kharagpur 721302, India
| | - Somdeb Bose Dasgupta
- Department of Biotechnology, Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur, Kharagpur 721302, India
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14
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Irie M, Kabata H, Fukunaga K. Protocol for lentiviral vector-based gene transfection in human ILC2s. STAR Protoc 2024; 5:102854. [PMID: 38294912 PMCID: PMC10846376 DOI: 10.1016/j.xpro.2024.102854] [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: 10/06/2023] [Revised: 12/17/2023] [Accepted: 01/12/2024] [Indexed: 02/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Modifying gene expression in lymphocytes is essential for immunological research; however, gene transfection methods for group 2 innate lymphoid cells (ILC2s) are not well established. Here, we present a protocol utilizing lentiviral vectors to introduce genes into human ILC2s. We detail steps for lentiviral solution preparation, transfection, and selection of transfected cells. This protocol allows overexpression or suppression of specific genes and evaluation of the changes in ILC2 biology. For complete details on the use and execution of this protocol, please refer to Irie et al. (2023).1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Misato Irie
- Keio University School of Medicine, Department of Medicine, Division of Pulmonary Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Hiroki Kabata
- Keio University School of Medicine, Department of Medicine, Division of Pulmonary Medicine, Tokyo, Japan.
| | - Koichi Fukunaga
- Keio University School of Medicine, Department of Medicine, Division of Pulmonary Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
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15
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Mandal S, Mallik S, Bhoumick A, Bhattacharya A, Sen P. Synthesis of Amino Acid-Based Cationic Lipids and Study of the Role of the Cationic Head Group for Enhanced Drug and Nucleic Acid Delivery. Chembiochem 2024; 25:e202300834. [PMID: 38284327 DOI: 10.1002/cbic.202300834] [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: 12/10/2023] [Revised: 01/17/2024] [Accepted: 01/26/2024] [Indexed: 01/30/2024]
Abstract
Leveraging liposomes for drug and nucleic acid delivery, though promising due to reduced toxicity and ease of preparation, faces challenges in stability and efficiency. To address this, we synthesized cationic amphiphiles from amino acids (arginine, lysine, and histidine). Histidine emerged as the superior candidate, leading to the development of three histidine-rich cationic amphiphiles for liposomes. Using the hydration method, we have prepared the liposomes and determined the optimal N/P ratios for lipoplex formation via gel electrophoresis. In vitro transfection assays compared the efficacy of our lipids to Fugene, while MTT assays gauged biocompatibility across cancer cell lines (MDA-MB 231 and MCF-7). The histidine-based lipid demonstrated marked potential in enhancing drug and nucleic acid delivery. This improvement stemmed from increased zeta potential, enhancing electrostatic interactions with nucleic acids and cellular uptake. Our findings underscore histidine's crucial role over lysine and arginine for effective delivery, revealing a significant correlation between histidine abundance and optimal performance. This study paves the way for histidine-enriched lipids as promising candidates for efficient drug and nucleic acid delivery, addressing key challenges in the field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Subhasis Mandal
- Indian Association for the Cultivation of Science, School of Biological Sciences, 2 A & 2B Raja S C Mullick Road, Kolkata, 700032
| | - Suman Mallik
- Indian Association for the Cultivation of Science, School of Biological Sciences, 2 A & 2B Raja S C Mullick Road, Kolkata, 700032
| | - Avinandan Bhoumick
- Indian Association for the Cultivation of Science, School of Biological Sciences, 2 A & 2B Raja S C Mullick Road, Kolkata, 700032
| | | | - Prosenjit Sen
- Indian Association for the Cultivation of Science, School of Biological Sciences, 2 A & 2B Raja S C Mullick Road, Kolkata, 700032
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16
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Nabar N, Dacoba TG, Covarrubias G, Romero-Cruz D, Hammond PT. Electrostatic adsorption of polyanions onto lipid nanoparticles controls uptake, trafficking, and transfection of RNA and DNA therapies. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2024; 121:e2307809121. [PMID: 38437543 PMCID: PMC10945854 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2307809121] [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] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2023] [Accepted: 11/09/2023] [Indexed: 03/06/2024] Open
Abstract
Rapid advances in nucleic acid therapies highlight the immense therapeutic potential of genetic therapeutics. Lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) are highly potent nonviral transfection agents that can encapsulate and deliver various nucleic acid therapeutics, including but not limited to messenger RNA (mRNA), silencing RNA (siRNA), and plasmid DNA (pDNA). However, a major challenge of targeted LNP-mediated systemic delivery is the nanoparticles' nonspecific uptake by the liver and the mononuclear phagocytic system, due partly to the adsorption of endogenous serum proteins onto LNP surfaces. Tunable LNP surface chemistries may enable efficacious delivery across a range of organs and cell types. Here, we describe a method to electrostatically adsorb bioactive polyelectrolytes onto LNPs to create layered LNPs (LLNPs). LNP cores varying in nucleic acid cargo and component lipids were stably layered with four biologically relevant polyanions: hyaluronate (HA), poly-L-aspartate (PLD), poly-L-glutamate (PLE), and polyacrylate (PAA). We further investigated the impact of the four surface polyanions on the transfection and uptake of mRNA- and pDNA-loaded LNPs in cell cultures. PLD- and PLE-LLNPs increased mRNA transfection twofold over unlayered LNPs in immune cells. HA-LLNPs increased pDNA transfection rates by more than twofold in epithelial and immune cells. In a healthy C57BL/6 murine model, PLE- and HA-LLNPs increased transfection by 1.8-fold to 2.5-fold over unlayered LNPs in the liver and spleen. These results suggest that LbL assembly is a generalizable, highly tunable platform to modify the targeting specificity, stability, and transfection efficacy of LNPs, as well as incorporate other charged targeting and therapeutic molecules into these systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Namita Nabar
- Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA02139
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA02139
- Broad Institute of Massachusetts Institute of Technology and Harvard, Cambridge, MA02139
| | - Tamara G. Dacoba
- Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA02139
- Broad Institute of Massachusetts Institute of Technology and Harvard, Cambridge, MA02139
| | - Gil Covarrubias
- Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA02139
| | - Denisse Romero-Cruz
- Department of Chemistry, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA02139
- Department of Biology, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA02139
| | - Paula T. Hammond
- Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA02139
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA02139
- Broad Institute of Massachusetts Institute of Technology and Harvard, Cambridge, MA02139
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17
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Rajendran AP, Morales LC, Meenakshi Sundaram DN, Kucharski C, Uludağ H. Tuning the Potency of Farnesol-Modified Polyethylenimine with Polyanionic Trans-Booster to Enhance DNA Delivery. ACS Biomater Sci Eng 2024; 10:1589-1606. [PMID: 38336625 DOI: 10.1021/acsbiomaterials.4c00033] [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] [Indexed: 02/12/2024]
Abstract
Low molecular weight polyethylenimine (PEI) based lipopolymers become an attractive strategy to construct nonviral therapeutic carriers with promising transfection efficiency and minimal toxicity. Herein, this paper presents the design and synthesis of novel farnesol (Far) conjugated PEI, namely PEI1.2k-SA-Far7. The polymers had quick DNA complexation, effective DNA unpacking (dissociation), and cellular uptake abilities when complexed with plasmid DNA. However, they were unable to provide robust transfection in culture, indicating inability of Far grafting to improve the transfection efficacy significantly. To overcome this limitation, the commercially available polyanionic Trans-Booster additive, which is capable of displaying electrostatic interaction with PEI1.2k-SA-Far7, has been used to enhance the uptake of pDNA polyplexes and transgene expression. pDNA condensation was successfully achieved in the presence of the Trans-Booster with more stable polyplexes, and in vitro transfection efficacy of the polyplexes was improved to be comparable to that obtained with an established reference reagent. The PEI1.2k-SA-Far7/pDNA/Trans-Booster ternary complex exhibited good compatibility with cells and minimal hemolysis activity. This work demonstrates the exemplary potency of using additives in polyplexes and the potential of resultant ternary complexes for effective pDNA delivery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amarnath Praphakar Rajendran
- Department of Chemical and Materials Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta T6G 1H9, Canada
| | - Luis Carlos Morales
- Department of Chemical and Materials Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta T6G 1H9, Canada
| | | | - Cezary Kucharski
- Department of Chemical and Materials Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta T6G 1H9, Canada
| | - Hasan Uludağ
- Department of Chemical and Materials Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta T6G 1H9, Canada
- Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta T6G 2H1, Canada
- Department of Biomedical Engineering and Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta T6G 2R3, Canada
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18
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Liu W, Ma C, Cao J, Zhou H, Guo T. Tet1 peptide and zinc (II)-adenine multifunctional module functionalized polycations as efficient siRNA carriers for Parkinson's disease. J Control Release 2024; 367:316-326. [PMID: 38253202 DOI: 10.1016/j.jconrel.2024.01.042] [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: 12/28/2023] [Accepted: 01/19/2024] [Indexed: 01/24/2024]
Abstract
A bioreducible Zn (II)-adenine multifunctional module (BS) and Tet1 peptide were used to modify low-molecular-weight PEI3.5k (polyethyleneimine with molecular weight of 3.5 kDa)into a siRNA vector Zn-PB-T with high transfection efficiency in neurons. A GSH-responsive breakable disulfide spacer was introduced into BS to realize the controlled release of siRNA from the polyplexes in cytoplasm. Zn-PB showed >90% transfection rates in multiple cell lines (3 T3, HK-2, HepG2, 293 T, HeLa, PANC-1),and 1.8-folds higher EGFP knockdown rates than commercial Lipo2k in normal cell line 293 T and cancer cell line HepG2. And Zn-PB-T1 showed 4.7-4.9- and 8.0-8.1-folds higher transfection efficiency comparing to commercial Lipo2k and PEI25k (polyethyleneimine with molecular weight of 25 kDa) in PC12 cells respectively, 2.1-fold EGFP gene silencing efficiency (96.6% EGFP knockdown rates) superior to commercial Lipo2k in neurons. In Parkinson's model, Zn-PB-T1/SNCA-siRNA can effectively protect neurons against MPP+-induced cell death and apoptosis, increasing the cell survival rate to 84.6% and reducing the cell apoptosis rate to 10.8%. This work demonstrated the promising application prospects of the resulting efficient siRNA carriers in siRNA-mediated gene therapy of Parkinson's disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weijie Liu
- Key Laboratory of Functional Polymer Materials, Ministry of Education, Institute of Polymer Chemistry, College of Chemistry, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, China
| | - Chunchao Ma
- Department of Neurology, Tianjin First Central Hospital, School of Medicine, Nankai University, Tianjin 300192, China.
| | - Junpeng Cao
- Key Laboratory of Functional Polymer Materials, Ministry of Education, Institute of Polymer Chemistry, College of Chemistry, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, China
| | - Hao Zhou
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, College of Life Science, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, China
| | - Tianying Guo
- Key Laboratory of Functional Polymer Materials, Ministry of Education, Institute of Polymer Chemistry, College of Chemistry, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, China.
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19
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Fattahi N, Gorgannezhad L, Masoule SF, Babanejad N, Ramazani A, Raoufi M, Sharifikolouei E, Foroumadi A, Khoobi M. PEI-based functional materials: Fabrication techniques, properties, and biomedical applications. Adv Colloid Interface Sci 2024; 325:103119. [PMID: 38447243 DOI: 10.1016/j.cis.2024.103119] [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: 09/29/2023] [Revised: 01/15/2024] [Accepted: 02/22/2024] [Indexed: 03/08/2024]
Abstract
Cationic polymers have recently attracted considerable interest as research breakthroughs for various industrial and biomedical applications. They are particularly interesting due to their highly positive charges, acceptable physicochemical properties, and ability to undergo further modifications, making them attractive candidates for biomedical applications. Polyethyleneimines (PEIs), as the most extensively utilized polymers, are one of the valuable and prominent classes of polycations. Owing to their flexible polymeric chains, broad molecular weight (MW) distribution, and repetitive structural units, their customization for functional composites is more feasible. The specific beneficial attributes of PEIs could be introduced by purposeful functionalization or modification, long service life, biocompatibility, and distinct geometry. Therefore, PEIs have significant potential in biotechnology, medicine, and bioscience. In this review, we present the advances in PEI-based nanomaterials, their transfection efficiency, and their toxicity over the past few years. Furthermore, the potential and suitability of PEIs for various applications are highlighted and discussed in detail. This review aims to inspire readers to investigate innovative approaches for the design and development of next-generation PEI-based nanomaterials possessing cutting-edge functionalities and appealing characteristics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nadia Fattahi
- Drug Design and Development Research Center, The Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences (TIPS), Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran 1417614411, Iran; Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, University of Zanjan, Zanjan 45371-38791, Iran
| | - Lena Gorgannezhad
- Queensland Micro- and Nanotechnology Centre, Nathan Campus, Griffith University, 170 Kessels Road, Brisbane, QLD 4111, Australia
| | - Shabnam Farkhonde Masoule
- Drug Design and Development Research Center, The Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences (TIPS), Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran 1417614411, Iran
| | - Niloofar Babanejad
- College of Pharmacy, Nova Southeastern University, Fort Lauderdale, FL, USA
| | - Ali Ramazani
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, University of Zanjan, Zanjan 45371-38791, Iran.
| | - Mohammad Raoufi
- Nanotechnology Research Center, Faculty of Pharmacy, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran 13169-43551, Iran
| | - Elham Sharifikolouei
- Department of Applied Science and Technology, Politecnico di Torino, Corso Duca Degli Abruzzi 24, 10129, Turin (TO), Italy
| | - Alireza Foroumadi
- Drug Design and Development Research Center, The Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences (TIPS), Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran 1417614411, Iran; Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Tehran University of Medical Science, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mehdi Khoobi
- Drug Design and Development Research Center, The Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences (TIPS), Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran 1417614411, Iran; Department of Radiopharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
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20
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Billingsley MM, Gong N, Mukalel AJ, Thatte AS, El-Mayta R, Patel SK, Metzloff AE, Swingle KL, Han X, Xue L, Hamilton AG, Safford HC, Alameh MG, Papp TE, Parhiz H, Weissman D, Mitchell MJ. In Vivo mRNA CAR T Cell Engineering via Targeted Ionizable Lipid Nanoparticles with Extrahepatic Tropism. Small 2024; 20:e2304378. [PMID: 38072809 DOI: 10.1002/smll.202304378] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [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: 05/25/2023] [Revised: 10/16/2023] [Indexed: 03/16/2024]
Abstract
With six therapies approved by the Food and Drug Association, chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cells have reshaped cancer immunotherapy. However, these therapies rely on ex vivo viral transduction to induce permanent CAR expression in T cells, which contributes to high production costs and long-term side effects. Thus, this work aims to develop an in vivo CAR T cell engineering platform to streamline production while using mRNA to induce transient, tunable CAR expression. Specifically, an ionizable lipid nanoparticle (LNP) is utilized as these platforms have demonstrated clinical success in nucleic acid delivery. Though LNPs often accumulate in the liver, the LNP platform used here achieves extrahepatic transfection with enhanced delivery to the spleen, and it is further modified via antibody conjugation (Ab-LNPs) to target pan-T cell markers. The in vivo evaluation of these Ab-LNPs confirms that targeting is necessary for potent T cell transfection. When using these Ab-LNPs for the delivery of CAR mRNA, antibody and dose-dependent CAR expression and cytokine release are observed along with B cell depletion of up to 90%. In all, this work conjugates antibodies to LNPs with extrahepatic tropism, evaluates pan-T cell markers, and develops Ab-LNPs capable of generating functional CAR T cells in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Ningqiang Gong
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - Alvin J Mukalel
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - Ajay S Thatte
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - Rakan El-Mayta
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
- Department of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - Savan K Patel
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - Ann E Metzloff
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - Kelsey L Swingle
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - Xuexiang Han
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - Lulu Xue
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - Alex G Hamilton
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - Hannah C Safford
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - Mohamad-Gabriel Alameh
- Department of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
- Abramson Cancer Center, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - Tyler E Papp
- Department of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - Hamideh Parhiz
- Department of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
- Abramson Cancer Center, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - Drew Weissman
- Department of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
- Abramson Cancer Center, Perelman School of Medicine, 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
- Penn Institute for RNA Innovation, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
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21
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Chu Z, Li Z, Yong H, Che D, Li B, Yan C, Zhou T, Wang X, Feng Y, Guo K, Geng S. Enhanced gene transfection and induction of apoptosis in melanoma cells by branched poly(β-amino ester)s with uniformly distributed branching units. J Control Release 2024; 367:197-208. [PMID: 38246205 DOI: 10.1016/j.jconrel.2024.01.026] [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: 11/09/2023] [Revised: 01/05/2024] [Accepted: 01/13/2024] [Indexed: 01/23/2024]
Abstract
Melanoma, one of the most devastating forms of skin cancer, currently lacks effective clinical treatments. Delivery of functional genes to modulate specific protein expression to induce melanoma cell apoptosis could be a promising therapeutic approach. However, transfecting melanoma cells using non-viral methods, particularly with cationic polymers, presents significant challenges. In this study, we synthesized three branched poly(β-amino ester)s (HPAEs) with evenly distributed branching units but varying space lengths through a two-step "oligomer combination" strategy. The unique topological structure enables HPAEs to condense DNA to form nano-sized polyplexes with favorable physiochemical properties. Notably, HPAEs, especially HPAE-2 with intermediate branching unit space length, demonstrated significantly higher gene transfection efficiency than the leading commercial gene transfection reagent, jetPRIME, in human melanoma cells. Furthermore, HPAE-2 efficiently delivered the Bax-encoding plasmid into melanoma cells, leading to a pronounced pro-apoptotic effect without causing noticeable cytotoxicity. This study establishes a potent non-viral platform for gene transfection of melanoma cells by harnessing the distribution of branching units, paving the way for potential clinical applications of gene therapy in melanoma treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhaowei Chu
- Department of Dermatology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an 710061, China
| | - Zhili Li
- School of Chemical Engineering and Technology, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an 710049, China.
| | - Haiyang Yong
- School of Chemical Engineering and Technology, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an 710049, China
| | - Delu Che
- Department of Dermatology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an 710061, China
| | - Bingjie Li
- Department of Dermatology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an 710061, China
| | - Cong Yan
- Department of Dermatology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an 710061, China
| | - Tong Zhou
- Department of Dermatology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an 710061, China
| | - Xi Wang
- Department of Dermatology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an 710061, China
| | - Yuqing Feng
- Department of Dermatology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an 710061, China
| | - Kun Guo
- Department of Dermatology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an 710061, China
| | - Songmei Geng
- Department of Dermatology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an 710061, China.
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22
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Wang Y, Fu Q, Park SY, Lee YS, Park SY, Lee DY, Yoon S. Decoding cellular mechanism of recombinant adeno-associated virus (rAAV) and engineering host-cell factories toward intensified viral vector manufacturing. Biotechnol Adv 2024; 71:108322. [PMID: 38336188 DOI: 10.1016/j.biotechadv.2024.108322] [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: 06/11/2023] [Revised: 01/22/2024] [Accepted: 02/06/2024] [Indexed: 02/12/2024]
Abstract
Recombinant adeno-associated virus (rAAV) is one of the prominent gene delivery vehicles that has opened promising opportunities for novel gene therapeutic approaches. However, the current major viral vector production platform, triple transfection in mammalian cells, may not meet the increasing demand. Thus, it is highly required to understand production bottlenecks from the host cell perspective and engineer the cells to be more favorable and tolerant to viral vector production, thereby effectively enhancing rAAV manufacturing. In this review, we provided a comprehensive exploration of the intricate cellular process involved in rAAV production, encompassing various stages such as plasmid entry to the cytoplasm, plasmid trafficking and nuclear delivery, rAAV structural/non-structural protein expression, viral capsid assembly, genome replication, genome packaging, and rAAV release/secretion. The knowledge in the fundamental biology of host cells supporting viral replication as manufacturing factories or exhibiting defending behaviors against viral production is summarized for each stage. The control strategies from the perspectives of host cell and materials (e.g., AAV plasmids) are proposed as our insights based on the characterization of molecular features and our existing knowledge of the AAV viral life cycle, rAAV and other viral vector production in the Human embryonic kidney (HEK) cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yongdan Wang
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Massachusetts Lowell, Lowell, MA 01854, United States of America
| | - Qiang Fu
- Department of Biomedical Engineering and Biotechnology, University of Massachusetts Lowell, Lowell, MA 01854, United States of America
| | - So Young Park
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Massachusetts Lowell, Lowell, MA 01854, United States of America
| | - Yong Suk Lee
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Massachusetts Lowell, Lowell, MA 01854, United States of America
| | - Seo-Young Park
- School of Chemical Engineering, Sungkyunkwan University, 2066 Seobu-ro, Jangan-gu, Suwon, Gyeonggi-do 16419, Republic of Korea
| | - Dong-Yup Lee
- School of Chemical Engineering, Sungkyunkwan University, 2066 Seobu-ro, Jangan-gu, Suwon, Gyeonggi-do 16419, Republic of Korea
| | - Seongkyu Yoon
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Massachusetts Lowell, Lowell, MA 01854, United States of America.
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23
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So RB, Li G, Brentville V, Daly JM, Dixon JE. Combined biolistic and cell penetrating peptide delivery for the development of scalable intradermal DNA vaccines. J Control Release 2024; 367:209-222. [PMID: 38244841 DOI: 10.1016/j.jconrel.2024.01.031] [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: 06/26/2023] [Revised: 01/09/2024] [Accepted: 01/15/2024] [Indexed: 01/22/2024]
Abstract
Physical-based gene delivery via biolistic methods (such as the Helios gene gun) involve precipitation of nucleic acids onto microparticles and direct transfection through cell membranes of exposed tissue (e.g. skin) by high velocity acceleration. The glycosaminoglycan (GAG)-binding enhanced transduction (GET) system exploits novel fusion peptides consisting of cell-binding, nucleic acid condensing, and cell-penetrating domains, which enable enhanced transfection across multiple cell types. In this study, we combined chemical (GET) and physical (gene gun) DNA delivery systems, and hypothesized the combination would generate enhanced distribution and effective uptake in cells not initially transfected by biolistic penetration. Physicochemical characterization, optimization of bullet contents and transfection experiments in vitro in cell monolayers and engineered tissue demonstrated these formulations transfected efficiently, including DC2.4 dendritic cells. We incorporated these formulations into a biolistic format for gene gun by forming fireable dry bullets obtained via lyophilization (freeze drying). This system is simple and with enhanced scalability compared to conventional methods to generate bullets. Flushed GET bullet contents retained their ability to mediate transfection (17-fold greater and 13-fold greater reporter gene expression than standard spermidine bullets in the absence and presence of serum, respectively). Fired GET bullets in vitro (in cells and collagen gels) and in vivo (mice) showed increased reporter gene transfection compared to untreated controls, whilst maintaining cell viability in vitro and having no obvious toxicity in vivo. Lastly, a SARS-CoV-2 plasmid DNA vaccine with spike (S) protein-receptor binding domain (S-RBD) was delivered by gene gun using GET bullets. Specific T cell and antibody responses comparable to the conventional system were generated. The non-physical and physical combination of GET‑gold-DNA carriers using gene gun shows potential as an alternative DNA delivery method that is scalable for mass deployable vaccination and intradermal gene delivery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roizza Beth So
- Regenerative Medicine & Cellular Therapies (RMCT), Biodiscovery Institute (BDI), School of Pharmacy, University of Nottingham, Nottingham NG7 2RD, UK
| | - Gang Li
- Regenerative Medicine & Cellular Therapies (RMCT), Biodiscovery Institute (BDI), School of Pharmacy, University of Nottingham, Nottingham NG7 2RD, UK
| | - Victoria Brentville
- Scancell Ltd, University of Nottingham Biodiscovery Institute, University Park, Nottingham NG7 2RD, UK
| | - Janet M Daly
- One Virology, Wolfson Centre for Global Virus Research, School of Veterinary Medicine and Science, University of Nottingham, Sutton Bonington, Loughborough LE12 5RD, UK
| | - James E Dixon
- Regenerative Medicine & Cellular Therapies (RMCT), Biodiscovery Institute (BDI), School of Pharmacy, University of Nottingham, Nottingham NG7 2RD, UK; NIHR Nottingham Biomedical Research Centre, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK.
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24
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Huang S, Suo NJ, Henderson TR, Macgregor RB, Henderson JT. Cellular transfection using rapid decrease in hydrostatic pressure. Sci Rep 2024; 14:4631. [PMID: 38409237 PMCID: PMC10897145 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-54463-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2023] [Accepted: 02/13/2024] [Indexed: 02/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Of all methods exercised in modern molecular biology, modification of cellular properties through the introduction or removal of nucleic acids is one of the most fundamental. As such, several methods have arisen to promote this process; these include the condensation of nucleic acids with calcium, polyethylenimine or modified lipids, electroporation, viral production, biolistics, and microinjection. An ideal transfection method would be (1) low cost, (2) exhibit high levels of biological safety, (3) offer improved efficacy over existing methods, (4) lack requirements for ongoing consumables, (5) work efficiently at any scale, (6) work efficiently on cells that are difficult to transfect by other methods, and (7) be capable of utilizing the widest array of existing genetic resources to facilitate its utility in research, biotechnical and clinical settings. To address such issues, we describe here Pressure-jump-poration (PJP), a method using rapid depressurization to transfect even difficult to modify primary cell types such as embryonic stem cells. The results demonstrate that PJP can be used to introduce an array of genetic modifiers in a safe, sterile manner. Finally, PJP-induced transfection in primary versus transformed cells reveals a surprising dichotomy between these classes which may provide further insight into the process of cellular transformation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shudi Huang
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, M5S 3M2, Canada
| | - Nan Ji Suo
- Department of Cell and Systems Biology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, M5S 3G5, Canada
| | - Tyler R Henderson
- Department of Medical Genetics, Lunenfeld-Tanenbaum Research Institute, Mount Sinai Hospital, Toronto, ON, M5G 1X5, Canada
| | - Robert B Macgregor
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, M5S 3M2, Canada
| | - Jeffrey T Henderson
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, M5S 3M2, Canada.
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25
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Reshma G B, Miglani C, Pal A, Ganguli M. Sugar alcohol-modified polyester nanoparticles for gene delivery via selective caveolae-mediated endocytosis. Nanoscale 2024; 16:4114-4124. [PMID: 38353098 DOI: 10.1039/d3nr05300h] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/23/2024]
Abstract
Nucleic acid-based drugs are changing the scope of emerging medicine in preventing and treating diseases. Nanoparticle systems based on lipids and polymers developed to navigate tissue-level and cellular-level barriers are now emerging as vector systems that can be translated to clinical settings. A class of polymers, poly(β-amino esters) (PBAEs) known for their chemical flexibility and biodegradability, has been explored for gene delivery. These polymers are sensitive to changes in the monomer composition affecting transfection efficiency. Hence to add functionality to these polymers, we partially substituted ligands to an identified effective polymer chemistry. We report here a new series of statistical copolymers based on PBAEs where the backbone is modified with sugar alcohols to selectively facilitate the caveolae-mediated endocytosis pathway of cellular transport. These ligands are grafted at the polymer's backbone, thereby establishing a new strategy of modification in PBAEs. We demonstrate that these polymers form nanoparticles with DNA, show effective complexation and cargo release, enter the cell via selective caveolae-mediated endocytosis, exhibit low cytotoxicity, and increase transfection in neuronal cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Betsy Reshma G
- CSIR-Institute of Genomics and Integrative Biology, Mathura Road, New Delhi 110025, India.
- Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad 201002, India
| | - Chirag Miglani
- Chemical Biology Unit, Institute of Nanoscience and Technology, Sector 81, Mohali, Punjab 140306, India
| | - Asish Pal
- Chemical Biology Unit, Institute of Nanoscience and Technology, Sector 81, Mohali, Punjab 140306, India
| | - Munia Ganguli
- CSIR-Institute of Genomics and Integrative Biology, Mathura Road, New Delhi 110025, India.
- Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad 201002, India
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26
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Howe G, Wasmuth M, Emanuelle P, Massaro G, Rahim AA, Ali S, Rivera M, Ward J, Keshavarz-Moore E, Mason C, Nesbeth DN. Engineering an Autonucleolytic Mammalian Suspension Host Cell Line to Reduce DNA Impurity Levels in Serum-Free Lentiviral Process Streams. ACS Synth Biol 2024; 13:466-473. [PMID: 38266181 PMCID: PMC10877604 DOI: 10.1021/acssynbio.3c00682] [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] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2023] [Revised: 01/17/2024] [Accepted: 01/18/2024] [Indexed: 01/26/2024]
Abstract
We engineered HEK293T cells with a transgene encoding tetracycline-inducible expression of a Staphylococcus aureus nuclease incorporating a translocation signal. We adapted the unmodified and nuclease-engineered cell lines to grow in suspension in serum-free media, generating the HEK293TS and NuPro-2S cell lines, respectively. Transient transfection yielded 1.19 × 106 lentiviral transducing units per milliliter (TU/mL) from NuPro-2S cells and 1.45 × 106 TU/mL from HEK293TS cells. DNA ladder disappearance revealed medium-resident nuclease activity arising from NuPro-2S cells in a tetracycline-inducible manner. DNA impurity levels in lentiviral material arising from NuPro-2S and HEK293TS cells were undetectable by SYBR Safe agarose gel staining. Direct measurement by PicoGreen reagent revealed DNA to be present at 636 ng/mL in lentiviral material from HEK293TS cells, an impurity level reduced by 89% to 70 ng/mL in lentiviral material from NuPro-2S cells. This reduction was comparable to the 23 ng/mL achieved by treating HEK293TS-derived lentiviral material with 50 units/mL Benzonase.
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Affiliation(s)
- Geoffrey Howe
- Department
of Biochemical Engineering, University College
London, Bernard Katz
Building, London WC1E 6BT, United Kingdom
| | - Matthew Wasmuth
- Department
of Biochemical Engineering, University College
London, Bernard Katz
Building, London WC1E 6BT, United Kingdom
| | - Pamela Emanuelle
- Department
of Biochemical Engineering, University College
London, Bernard Katz
Building, London WC1E 6BT, United Kingdom
| | - Giulia Massaro
- UCL
School of Pharmacy, University College London, London WC1N 1AX, U.K.
| | - Ahad A. Rahim
- UCL
School of Pharmacy, University College London, London WC1N 1AX, U.K.
| | - Sadfer Ali
- Department
of Biochemical Engineering, University College
London, Bernard Katz
Building, London WC1E 6BT, United Kingdom
| | - Milena Rivera
- Department
of Biochemical Engineering, University College
London, Bernard Katz
Building, London WC1E 6BT, United Kingdom
| | - John Ward
- Department
of Biochemical Engineering, University College
London, Bernard Katz
Building, London WC1E 6BT, United Kingdom
| | - Eli Keshavarz-Moore
- Department
of Biochemical Engineering, University College
London, Bernard Katz
Building, London WC1E 6BT, United Kingdom
| | - Chris Mason
- Department
of Biochemical Engineering, University College
London, Bernard Katz
Building, London WC1E 6BT, United Kingdom
| | - Darren N. Nesbeth
- Department
of Biochemical Engineering, University College
London, Bernard Katz
Building, London WC1E 6BT, United Kingdom
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27
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Rigoulot SB, Park J, Fabish J, Seaberry EM, Parrish A, Meier KA, Whinna R, Dong S. Enabling High-throughput Transgene Expression Studies Using Automated Liquid Handling for Etiolated Maize Leaf Protoplasts. J Vis Exp 2024. [PMID: 38436377 DOI: 10.3791/65989] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/05/2024] Open
Abstract
The field of plant biotechnology has witnessed remarkable advancements in recent years, revolutionizing the ability to manipulate and engineer plants for various purposes. However, as research in this field increases in diversity and becomes increasingly sophisticated, the need for early, efficient, dependable, and high-throughput transient screening solutions to narrow down strategies proceeding to stable transformation is more apparent. One method that has re-emerged in recent years is the utilization of plant protoplast, for which methods of isolation and transfection are available in numerous species, tissues, and developmental stages. This work describes a simple automated protocol for the randomized preparation of plasmid within a 96-well plate, a method for the isolation of etiolated maize leaf protoplast, and an automated transfection procedure. The adoption of automated solutions in plant biotechnology, exemplified by these novel liquid handling protocols for plant protoplast transfection, represents a significant advancement over manual methods. By leveraging automation, researchers can easily overcome the limitations of traditional methods, enhance efficiency, and accelerate scientific progress.
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28
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Chen JJ, Guo Y, Wang R, Yang HZ, Yu XQ, Zhang J. Cationic lipids from multi-component Passerini reaction for non-viral gene delivery: A structure-activity relationship study. Bioorg Med Chem 2024; 100:117635. [PMID: 38340641 DOI: 10.1016/j.bmc.2024.117635] [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: 01/03/2024] [Revised: 02/03/2024] [Accepted: 02/05/2024] [Indexed: 02/12/2024]
Abstract
Although many types of cationic lipids have been developed as efficient gene vectors, the construction of lipid molecules with simple procedures remains challenging. Passerini reaction, as a classic multicomponent reaction, could directly give the α-acyloxycarboxamide products with biodegradable ester and amide bonds. Herein, two series of novel cationic lipids with heterocyclic pyrrolidine and piperidine as headgroups were synthesized through Passerini reaction (P-series) and amide condensation (A-series), and relevant structure-activity relationships on their gene delivery capability was studied. It was found that although both of the two series of lipids could form lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) which could effectively condense DNA, the LNP derived from P-series lipids showed higher transfection efficiency, serum tolerance, cellular uptake, and lower cytotoxicity. Unlike the A-series LNPs, the P-series LNPs showed quite different structure-activity relationship, in which the relative site of the secondary amine had significant effect on the transfection performance. The othro-isomers of the P-series lipids had lower cytotoxicity, but poor transfection efficiency, which was probably due to their unstable nature. Taken together, this study not only validated the feasibility of Passerini reaction for the construction of cationic lipids for gene delivery, but also afforded some clues for the rational design of effective non-viral lipidic gene vectors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jia-Jia Chen
- College of Chemistry, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610064, PR China
| | - Yu Guo
- College of Chemistry, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610064, PR China
| | - Rong Wang
- College of Chemistry, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610064, PR China
| | - Hui-Zhen Yang
- College of Chemistry, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610064, PR China
| | - Xiao-Qi Yu
- College of Chemistry, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610064, PR China
| | - Ji Zhang
- College of Chemistry, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610064, PR China.
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29
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Bhattacharya D, Bharati MR, Sakhare K, Khandelia P, Banerjee R, Narayan KP. Steroid hormone receptor based gene delivery systems as potential oral cancer therapeutics. Biomed Mater 2024; 19:025036. [PMID: 38290150 DOI: 10.1088/1748-605x/ad2407] [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: 09/29/2023] [Accepted: 01/30/2024] [Indexed: 02/01/2024]
Abstract
Glucocorticoid and Mineralocorticoid receptors are principally ligand-dependent intracellular transcription factors that are known to influence the development and growth of many human cancers. Our study investigates the potential of these receptors to act as a target for oral cancer treatment since findings in this regard are sparse till date. Leveraging the aberrant behavior of steroid hormone receptors (SHRs) in cancer, we have targeted oral cancer cells in 2D-culture using liposomes containing both synthetic as well as crude, natural SHR ligands isolated from an aqueous Indian medicinal plant. Lipoplexes thus formulated demonstrated targeted transfectability as indicated by expression of green fluorescent protein. Transfection of oral squamous cell carcinoma cells with exogenous, anticancer gene p53 lipoplexed with crude saponin-based liposome induced apoptosis of cancer cells via regulation of BAX and B-cell leukemia/lymphoma-2 (BCL2) protein levels at levels comparable with pre-established delivery systems based on synthetic SHR ligands. Our findings strongly indicate a possibility of developing plant saponin-based inexpensive delivery systems which would target cancer cells selectively with reduced risks of off target delivery and its side effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dwaipayan Bhattacharya
- Department of Biological Science, Birla Institute of Technology & Science Pilani, Hyderabad Campus, Jawaharnagar, Kapra Mandal, Hyderabad, Telangana 500078, India
| | - Madhu Rani Bharati
- Department of Biological Science, Birla Institute of Technology & Science Pilani, Hyderabad Campus, Jawaharnagar, Kapra Mandal, Hyderabad, Telangana 500078, India
| | - Kalyani Sakhare
- Department of Biological Science, Birla Institute of Technology & Science Pilani, Hyderabad Campus, Jawaharnagar, Kapra Mandal, Hyderabad, Telangana 500078, India
| | - Piyush Khandelia
- Department of Biological Science, Birla Institute of Technology & Science Pilani, Hyderabad Campus, Jawaharnagar, Kapra Mandal, Hyderabad, Telangana 500078, India
| | - Rajkumar Banerjee
- Division of Oils, Lipid Science & Technology, CSIR-Indian Institute of Chemical Technology, Uppal Road, Hyderabad, Telangana 500076, India
| | - Kumar Pranav Narayan
- Department of Biological Science, Birla Institute of Technology & Science Pilani, Hyderabad Campus, Jawaharnagar, Kapra Mandal, Hyderabad, Telangana 500078, India
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30
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Chao YW, Lee YL, Tseng CS, Wang LUH, Hsia KC, Chen H, Fustin JM, Azeem S, Chang TT, Chen CY, Kung FC, Hsueh YP, Huang YS, Chao HW. Improved CaP Nanoparticles for Nucleic Acid and Protein Delivery to Neural Primary Cultures and Stem Cells. ACS Nano 2024; 18:4822-4839. [PMID: 38285698 PMCID: PMC10867895 DOI: 10.1021/acsnano.3c09608] [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] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2023] [Revised: 01/21/2024] [Accepted: 01/23/2024] [Indexed: 01/31/2024]
Abstract
Efficiently delivering exogenous materials into primary neurons and neural stem cells (NSCs) has long been a challenge in neurobiology. Existing methods have struggled with complex protocols, unreliable reproducibility, high immunogenicity, and cytotoxicity, causing a huge conundrum and hindering in-depth analyses. Here, we establish a cutting-edge method for transfecting primary neurons and NSCs, named teleofection, by a two-step process to enhance the formation of biocompatible calcium phosphate (CaP) nanoparticles. Teleofection enables both nucleic acid and protein transfection into primary neurons and NSCs, eliminating the need for specialized skills and equipment. It can easily fine-tune transfection efficiency by adjusting the incubation time and nanoparticle quantity, catering to various experimental requirements. Teleofection's versatility allows for the delivery of different cargos into the same cell culture, whether simultaneously or sequentially. This flexibility proves invaluable for long-term studies, enabling the monitoring of neural development and synapse plasticity. Moreover, teleofection ensures the consistent and robust expression of delivered genes, facilitating molecular and biochemical investigations. Teleofection represents a significant advancement in neurobiology, which has promise to transcend the limitations of current gene delivery methods. It offers a user-friendly, cost-effective, and reproducible approach for researchers, potentially revolutionizing our understanding of brain function and development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu-Wen Chao
- Department
of Physiology, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 110301, Taiwan
- Graduate
Institute of Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 110301, Taiwan
| | - Yen-Lurk Lee
- Institute
of Molecular Biology, Academia Sinica, Taipei 115201, Taiwan
- Institute
of Biomedical Sciences, Academia Sinica, Taipei 115201, Taiwan
| | - Ching-San Tseng
- Department
of Anatomy, School of Medicine, China Medical
University, Taichung 40402, Taiwan
| | - Lily Ueh-Hsi Wang
- Institute
of Molecular Biology, Academia Sinica, Taipei 115201, Taiwan
| | - Kuo-Chiang Hsia
- Institute
of Molecular Biology, Academia Sinica, Taipei 115201, Taiwan
| | - Huatao Chen
- Department
of Clinical Veterinary Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi 712100, China
- Key
Laboratory of Animal Biotechnology of the Ministry of Agriculture
and Rural Affairs, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi 712100, China
| | - Jean-Michel Fustin
- The
University of Manchester, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, Oxford Road, Manchester M13 9PL, U.K.
| | - Sayma Azeem
- Institute
of Biomedical Sciences, Academia Sinica, Taipei 115201, Taiwan
- Taiwan
International Graduate Program in Interdisciplinary Neuroscience, National Yang-Ming Chao-Tung University and Academia
Sinica, Taipei 115201, Taiwan
| | - Tzu-Tung Chang
- Institute
of Biomedical Sciences, Academia Sinica, Taipei 115201, Taiwan
| | - Chiung-Ya Chen
- Institute
of Molecular Biology, Academia Sinica, Taipei 115201, Taiwan
| | - Fan-Che Kung
- Institute
of Biomedical Sciences, Academia Sinica, Taipei 115201, Taiwan
| | - Yi-Ping Hsueh
- Institute
of Molecular Biology, Academia Sinica, Taipei 115201, Taiwan
| | - Yi-Shuian Huang
- Institute
of Biomedical Sciences, Academia Sinica, Taipei 115201, Taiwan
- Taiwan
International Graduate Program in Interdisciplinary Neuroscience, National Yang-Ming Chao-Tung University and Academia
Sinica, Taipei 115201, Taiwan
- Institute
of Molecular Medicine, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei 10002, Taiwan
| | - Hsu-Wen Chao
- Department
of Physiology, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 110301, Taiwan
- Graduate
Institute of Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 110301, Taiwan
- Department
of Biomedical Science and Environmental Biology, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 80708, Taiwan
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31
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Pan J, Wang X, Chiang CL, Ma Y, Cheng J, Bertani P, Lu W, Lee LJ. Joule heating and electroosmotic flow in cellular micro/nano electroporation. Lab Chip 2024; 24:819-831. [PMID: 38235543 DOI: 10.1039/d3lc00568b] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/19/2024]
Abstract
Localized micro/nano-electroporation (MEP/NEP) shows tremendous potential in cell transfection with high cell viability, precise dose control, and good transfection efficacy. In MEP/NEP, micro or nanochannels are used to tailor the electric field distribution. Cells are positioned tightly by a micron or nanochannel, and the cargoes are delivered into the cell via the channel by electrophoresis (EP). Such confined geometries with micro and nanochannels are also widely used in sorting, isolation, and condensing of biomolecules and cells. Theoretical studies on the electrokinetic phenomena in these applications have been well established. However, for MEP/NEP applications, electrokinetic phenomena and their impact on the cell transfection efficiency and cell survival rate have not been studied comprehensively. In this work, we reveal the coupling between electric field, Joule heating, electroosmosis (EO), and EP in MEP/NEP at different channel sizes. A microfluidic biochip is used to investigate the electrokinetic phenomena in MEP/NEP on a single cell level. Bubble formation is observed at a threshold voltage due to Joule heating. The bubble is pushed to the cargo side due to EO and grows at the outlet of the nanochannel. As the voltage increases, the cargo transport efficiency decreases due to more intense EO, particularly for plasmid DNAs (3.5 kbp) with a low EP mobility. An 'electroporation zone' is defined for NEP/MEP systems with different channel sizes to avoid bubble formation and excessive EO velocity that may reduce the cargo delivery efficiency.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junjie Pan
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio 43210, USA.
| | - Xinyu Wang
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio 43210, USA.
| | - Chi-Ling Chiang
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio 43210, USA.
| | - Yifan Ma
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio 43210, USA
| | - Junao Cheng
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio 43210, USA.
| | - Paul Bertani
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio 43210, USA.
| | - Wu Lu
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio 43210, USA.
| | - L James Lee
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio 43210, USA.
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32
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Pattipeiluhu R, Zeng Y, Hendrix MMRM, Voets IK, Kros A, Sharp TH. Liquid crystalline inverted lipid phases encapsulating siRNA enhance lipid nanoparticle mediated transfection. Nat Commun 2024; 15:1303. [PMID: 38347001 PMCID: PMC10861598 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-45666-5] [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] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2021] [Accepted: 01/31/2024] [Indexed: 02/15/2024] Open
Abstract
Efficient cytosolic delivery of RNA molecules remains a formidable barrier for RNA therapeutic strategies. Lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) serve as state-of-the-art carriers that can deliver RNA molecules intracellularly, as exemplified by the recent implementation of several vaccines against SARS-CoV-2. Using a bottom-up rational design approach, we assemble LNPs that contain programmable lipid phases encapsulating small interfering RNA (siRNA). A combination of cryogenic transmission electron microscopy, cryogenic electron tomography and small-angle X-ray scattering reveals that we can form inverse hexagonal structures, which are present in a liquid crystalline nature within the LNP core. Comparison with lamellar LNPs reveals that the presence of inverse hexagonal phases enhances the intracellular silencing efficiency over lamellar structures. We then demonstrate that lamellar LNPs exhibit an in situ transition from a lamellar to inverse hexagonal phase upon interaction with anionic membranes, whereas LNPs containing pre-programmed liquid crystalline hexagonal phases bypass this transition for a more efficient one-step delivery mechanism, explaining the increased silencing effect. This rational design of LNPs with defined lipid structures aids in the understanding of the nano-bio interface and adds substantial value for LNP design, optimization and use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roy Pattipeiluhu
- Supramolecular and Biomaterials Chemistry, Leiden Institute of Chemistry, Leiden University, Einsteinweg 55, 2333 CC, Leiden, The Netherlands
- Department of Cell and Chemical Biology, Leiden University Medical Center, Einthovenweg 20, 2333 ZC, Leiden, The Netherlands
- BioNTech SE, An der Goldgrube 12, 55131, Mainz, Germany
| | - Ye Zeng
- Supramolecular and Biomaterials Chemistry, Leiden Institute of Chemistry, Leiden University, Einsteinweg 55, 2333 CC, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Marco M R M Hendrix
- Self-Organizing Soft Matter, Department of Chemical Engineering and Chemistry & Institute of Complex Molecular Systems, Eindhoven University of Technology, P.O. Box 513, 5600 MB, Eindhoven, The Netherlands
| | - Ilja K Voets
- Self-Organizing Soft Matter, Department of Chemical Engineering and Chemistry & Institute of Complex Molecular Systems, Eindhoven University of Technology, P.O. Box 513, 5600 MB, Eindhoven, The Netherlands
| | - Alexander Kros
- Supramolecular and Biomaterials Chemistry, Leiden Institute of Chemistry, Leiden University, Einsteinweg 55, 2333 CC, Leiden, The Netherlands.
| | - Thomas H Sharp
- Department of Cell and Chemical Biology, Leiden University Medical Center, Einthovenweg 20, 2333 ZC, Leiden, The Netherlands.
- School of Biochemistry, University of Bristol, Bristol, BS8 1TD, United Kingdom.
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33
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Yokoo H, Dirisala A, Uchida S, Oba M. Oligosarcosine Conjugation of Arginine-Rich Peptides Improves the Intracellular Delivery of Peptide/pDNA Complexes. ACS Biomater Sci Eng 2024; 10:890-896. [PMID: 38159284 DOI: 10.1021/acsbiomaterials.3c01542] [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] [Indexed: 01/03/2024]
Abstract
Cell-penetrating peptides (CPPs), for example, arginine (Arg) rich peptides, are used for the intracellular delivery of nucleic acids. In this study, oligosarcosine-conjugated Arg-rich peptides were designed as plasmid DNA (pDNA) carriers, and the physicochemical parameters and transfection efficiency of the peptide/pDNA complexes were evaluated. Oligosarcosine with different lengths were conjugated to a base sequence composed of arginine and α-aminoisobutyric acid (Aib) [(Aib-Arg-Arg)3]. Oligosarcosine conjugation inhibited the aggregation of the complexes after mixing with pDNA, shielded the positive charge of the complexes, and provided efficient pDNA transfection in cultured cells. The efficiency of the pDNA transfection was improved by varying the length of the oligosarcosine moiety (10-15 units were optimal). The cellular uptake efficiency and intracellular distribution of pDNA were the same regardless of oligosarcosine conjugation. These results implied that intracellular processes, including the decondensation of pDNA, contributed to the efficiency of the protein expression from pDNA. This study demonstrated the advantages of oligosarcosine conjugation to Arg-rich CPPs and provided valuable insight into the future design of CPPs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hidetomo Yokoo
- Medical Chemistry, Graduate School of Medical Science, Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine, 1-5 Shimogamohangi-cho, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto 606-0823, Japan
- Innovation Center of Nanomedicine, Kawasaki Institute of Industrial Promotion, 3-25-14 Tonomachi, Kawasaki-ku, Kawasaki 210-0821, Japan
| | - Anjaneyulu Dirisala
- Innovation Center of Nanomedicine, Kawasaki Institute of Industrial Promotion, 3-25-14 Tonomachi, Kawasaki-ku, Kawasaki 210-0821, Japan
| | - Satoshi Uchida
- Medical Chemistry, Graduate School of Medical Science, Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine, 1-5 Shimogamohangi-cho, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto 606-0823, Japan
- Innovation Center of Nanomedicine, Kawasaki Institute of Industrial Promotion, 3-25-14 Tonomachi, Kawasaki-ku, Kawasaki 210-0821, Japan
- Department of Advanced Nanomedical Engineering, Medical Research Institute, Tokyo Medical and Dental University (TMDU), Tokyo 113-8510, Japan
| | - Makoto Oba
- Medical Chemistry, Graduate School of Medical Science, Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine, 1-5 Shimogamohangi-cho, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto 606-0823, Japan
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34
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Moazzam M, Zhang M, Hussain A, Yu X, Huang J, Huang Y. The landscape of nanoparticle-based siRNA delivery and therapeutic development. Mol Ther 2024; 32:284-312. [PMID: 38204162 PMCID: PMC10861989 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymthe.2024.01.005] [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: 05/23/2023] [Revised: 10/01/2023] [Accepted: 01/05/2024] [Indexed: 01/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Five small interfering RNA (siRNA)-based therapeutics have been approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), namely patisiran, givosiran, lumasiran, inclisiran, and vutrisiran. Besides, siRNA delivery to the target site without toxicity is a big challenge for researchers, and naked-siRNA delivery possesses several challenges, including membrane impermeability, enzymatic degradation, mononuclear phagocyte system (MPS) entrapment, fast renal excretion, endosomal escape, and off-target effects. The siRNA therapeutics can silence any disease-specific gene, but their intracellular and extracellular barriers limit their clinical applications. For this purpose, several modifications have been employed to siRNA for better transfection efficiency. Still, there is a quest for better delivery systems for siRNA delivery to the target site. In recent years, nanoparticles have shown promising results in siRNA delivery with minimum toxicity and off-target effects. Patisiran is a lipid nanoparticle (LNP)-based siRNA formulation for treating hereditary transthyretin-mediated amyloidosis that ultimately warrants the use of nanoparticles from different classes, especially lipid-based nanoparticles. These nanoparticles may belong to different categories, including lipid-based, polymer-based, and inorganic nanoparticles. This review briefly discusses the lipid, polymer, and inorganic nanoparticles and their sub-types for siRNA delivery. Finally, several clinical trials related to siRNA therapeutics are addressed, followed by the future prospects and conclusions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muhammad Moazzam
- Faculty of Engineering and Science, University of Greenwich, Medway Campus, Chatham Maritime, Kent ME4 4TB, UK
| | - Mengjie Zhang
- School of Life Science, Advanced Research Institute of Multidisciplinary Science, School of Medical Technology, Key Laboratory of Molecular Medicine and Biotherapy, Key Laboratory of Medical Molecule Science and Pharmaceutics Engineering, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing 100081, China
| | - Abid Hussain
- School of Life Science, Advanced Research Institute of Multidisciplinary Science, School of Medical Technology, Key Laboratory of Molecular Medicine and Biotherapy, Key Laboratory of Medical Molecule Science and Pharmaceutics Engineering, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing 100081, China
| | - Xiaotong Yu
- Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Key Laboratory of Medical Immunology of Ministry of Health, Peking University, Beijing 100191, China.
| | - Jia Huang
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, China-Japan Friendship Hospital, Beijing 100029, China.
| | - Yuanyu Huang
- School of Life Science, Advanced Research Institute of Multidisciplinary Science, School of Medical Technology, Key Laboratory of Molecular Medicine and Biotherapy, Key Laboratory of Medical Molecule Science and Pharmaceutics Engineering, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing 100081, China; Rigerna Therapeutics Co. Ltd., Suzhou 215127, China.
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35
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Han EL, Padilla MS, Palanki R, Kim D, Mrksich K, Li JJ, Tang S, Yoon IC, Mitchell MJ. Predictive High-Throughput Platform for Dual Screening of mRNA Lipid Nanoparticle Blood-Brain Barrier Transfection and Crossing. Nano Lett 2024; 24:1477-1486. [PMID: 38259198 DOI: 10.1021/acs.nanolett.3c03509] [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] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/24/2024]
Abstract
Lipid nanoparticle (LNP)-mediated nucleic acid therapies, including mRNA protein replacement and gene editing therapies, hold great potential in treating neurological disorders including neurodegeneration, brain cancer, and stroke. However, delivering LNPs across the blood-brain barrier (BBB) after systemic administration remains underexplored. In this work, we engineered a high-throughput screening transwell platform for the BBB (HTS-BBB), specifically optimized for screening mRNA LNPs. Unlike most transwell assays, which only assess transport across an endothelial monolayer, HTS-BBB simultaneously measures LNP transport and mRNA transfection of the endothelial cells themselves. We then use HTS-BBB to screen a library of 14 LNPs made with structurally diverse ionizable lipids and demonstrate it is predictive of in vivo performance by validating lead candidates for mRNA delivery to the mouse brain after intravenous injection. Going forward, this platform could be used to screen large libraries of brain-targeted LNPs for a range of protein replacement and gene editing applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily L Han
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104, United States
| | - Marshall S Padilla
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104, United States
| | - Rohan Palanki
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104, United States
- Center for Fetal Research, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104, United States
| | - Dongyoon Kim
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104, United States
| | - Kaitlin Mrksich
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104, United States
| | - Jacqueline J Li
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104, United States
| | - Sophia Tang
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104, United States
| | - Il-Chul Yoon
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104, United States
| | - Michael J Mitchell
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104, United States
- Institute for Immunology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104, United States
- Cardiovascular Institute, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104, United States
- Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104, United States
- Abramson Cancer Center, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104, United States
- Penn Institute for RNA Innovation, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104, United States
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36
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Pylaev TE, Avdeeva ES, Khlebtsov BN, Lomova MV, Khlebtsov NG. High-throughput cell optoporation system based on Au nanoparticle layers mediated by resonant irradiation for precise and controllable gene delivery. Sci Rep 2024; 14:3044. [PMID: 38321124 PMCID: PMC10847436 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-53126-9] [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] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2023] [Accepted: 01/29/2024] [Indexed: 02/08/2024] Open
Abstract
The development of approaches based on genetically modified cells is accompanied by a constant intensive search for new effective and safe delivery systems and the study of existing ones. Recently, we developed a new plasmonic nanoparticle layers-mediated optoporation system that can be proposed for precisely controlled, high-performance laser transfection compatible with broad types of cells and delivered objects of interest. The main goal of the present study is to demonstrate the broad possibilities and advantages of our system for optoporation of several mammalian cells, classified as "easy-to-transfect" cells, namely HeLa and CHO lines, and "hard-to-transfect" cells, namely A431 and RAW 264.7 cells. We show the efficient delivery of various sized cargo molecules: from small molecular dyes propidium iodide (PI) with molecular mass 700 Da, control plasmids (3-10 kb) to fluorophore-labeled dextranes with masses ranging from 10 kDa up to 100 kDa. The performance of optoporation was investigated for two types of laser sources, 800-nm continuous-wave laser, and 1064-nm ns pulsed laser. We provided a comparative study between our system and commercial agent Lipofectamine for transient transfection and stable transfection of HeLa cells with plasmids encoding fluorescent proteins. The quantitative data analysis using flow cytometry, Alamar blue viability assay, and direct fluorescence microscopy revealed higher optoporation efficacy for hard-to-transfect A431 cells and Raw 264.7 cells than lipofection efficacy. Finally, we demonstrated the optoporation performance at the single-cell level by successful delivering PI to the individual CHO cells with revealed high viability for at least 72 h post-irradiation.
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Affiliation(s)
- T E Pylaev
- Saratov Medical State University N.a. V.I. Razumovsky, 112 Ulitsa Bolshaya Kazachya, Saratov, Russia, 410012.
- Institute of Biochemistry and Physiology of Plants and Microorganisms - Subdivision of the Federal State Budgetary Research Institution Saratov Federal Scientific Centre of the Russian Academy of Sciences, 13 Prospect Entuziastov, Saratov, Russia, 410049.
- Saratov National Research State University, 83 Ulitsa Astrakhanskaya, Saratov, Russia, 410012.
| | - E S Avdeeva
- Saratov Medical State University N.a. V.I. Razumovsky, 112 Ulitsa Bolshaya Kazachya, Saratov, Russia, 410012
- Institute of Biochemistry and Physiology of Plants and Microorganisms - Subdivision of the Federal State Budgetary Research Institution Saratov Federal Scientific Centre of the Russian Academy of Sciences, 13 Prospect Entuziastov, Saratov, Russia, 410049
| | - B N Khlebtsov
- Institute of Biochemistry and Physiology of Plants and Microorganisms - Subdivision of the Federal State Budgetary Research Institution Saratov Federal Scientific Centre of the Russian Academy of Sciences, 13 Prospect Entuziastov, Saratov, Russia, 410049
| | - M V Lomova
- Saratov National Research State University, 83 Ulitsa Astrakhanskaya, Saratov, Russia, 410012
| | - N G Khlebtsov
- Institute of Biochemistry and Physiology of Plants and Microorganisms - Subdivision of the Federal State Budgetary Research Institution Saratov Federal Scientific Centre of the Russian Academy of Sciences, 13 Prospect Entuziastov, Saratov, Russia, 410049
- Saratov National Research State University, 83 Ulitsa Astrakhanskaya, Saratov, Russia, 410012
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37
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Huang CH, Chiu SY, Chou YC, Wu KJ. A refined Uni-vector prime editing system improves genome editing outcomes in mammalian cells. Biotechnol J 2024; 19:e2300353. [PMID: 38403398 DOI: 10.1002/biot.202300353] [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] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2023] [Revised: 01/30/2024] [Accepted: 01/31/2024] [Indexed: 02/27/2024]
Abstract
Prime editing is an advanced technology in CRISPR/Cas research with increasing numbers of improved methodologies. The original multi-vector method hampers the efficiency and precision of prime editing and also has inherent difficulty in generating homozygous mutations in mammalian cells. To overcome these technical issues, we developed a Uni-vector prime editing system, wherein the major components for prime editing were constructed in all-in-one plasmids, pPE3-pPuro and pePEmax-pPuro. The Uni-vector prime editing plasmids enhance the editing efficiency of prime editing and improved the generation of homozygous mutated mammalian cell lines. The editing efficiency is dependent of the transfection efficiency. Remarkably, the Uni-vector ePE5max system achieved an impressive editing rate approximately 79% in average, even in cell lines that are traditionally difficult to transfect, such as FaDu cell line. Furthermore, it resulted in a high frequency of homozygous knocked-in cells, with a rate of 99% in HeLa and 85% in FaDu cells. Together, our Uni-vector approach simplifies the delivery of editing components and improves the editing efficiency, especially in cells with low transfection efficiency. This approach presents an advancement in the field of prime editing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ching-Hui Huang
- Cancer Genome Research Center, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Taoyuan City, Taiwan
| | - Szu-Ying Chiu
- Cancer Genome Research Center, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Taoyuan City, Taiwan
| | - Yu-Chi Chou
- Biomedical Translation Research Center, Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Kou-Juey Wu
- Cancer Genome Research Center, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Taoyuan City, Taiwan
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38
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Guéguen C, Ben Chimol T, Briand M, Renaud K, Seiler M, Ziesel M, Erbacher P, Hellal M. Evaluating how cationic lipid affects mRNA-LNP physical properties and biodistribution. Eur J Pharm Biopharm 2024; 195:114077. [PMID: 37579889 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejpb.2023.08.002] [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: 05/30/2023] [Revised: 08/02/2023] [Accepted: 08/07/2023] [Indexed: 08/16/2023]
Abstract
RNA therapeutics represents a powerful strategy for diseases where other approaches have failed, especially given the recent successes of mRNA vaccines against the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and small interfering (siRNA) therapeutics. However, further developments are still required to reduce toxicity, improve stability and biodistribution of mRNA-LNPs (lipid nanoparticles). Here, we show a rational combinatorial approach to select the best formulation based on a new cationic lipid molecule (IM21.7c), which includes an imidazolium polar head. The study allowed us to select the optimal 5 lipids composition for in vivo mRNA delivery. IM21.7c based mRNA-LNPs measuring less than 100 nm had high encapsulation efficiency, protected mRNA from degradation, and exhibited sustained release kinetics for effective in vitro transfection. Most interestingly the biodistribution was significantly different from other clinically approved LNPs, with increased targeting to the lung. Further studies are now required to expand the possible applications of these new molecules.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claire Guéguen
- Polyplus, 75 rue Marguerite Perey, 67400 Illkirch-Graffenstaden, France
| | | | - Margaux Briand
- Polyplus, 75 rue Marguerite Perey, 67400 Illkirch-Graffenstaden, France
| | - Kassandra Renaud
- Polyplus, 75 rue Marguerite Perey, 67400 Illkirch-Graffenstaden, France
| | - Mélodie Seiler
- Polyplus, 75 rue Marguerite Perey, 67400 Illkirch-Graffenstaden, France
| | - Morgane Ziesel
- Polyplus, 75 rue Marguerite Perey, 67400 Illkirch-Graffenstaden, France
| | - Patrick Erbacher
- Polyplus, 75 rue Marguerite Perey, 67400 Illkirch-Graffenstaden, France
| | - Malik Hellal
- Polyplus, 75 rue Marguerite Perey, 67400 Illkirch-Graffenstaden, France.
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39
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Mohammadi N, Fayazi Hosseini N, Nemati H, Moradi-Sardareh H, Nabi-Afjadi M, Kardar GA. Revisiting of Properties and Modified Polyethylenimine-Based Cancer Gene Delivery Systems. Biochem Genet 2024; 62:18-39. [PMID: 37394575 DOI: 10.1007/s10528-023-10416-7] [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: 04/23/2023] [Accepted: 06/06/2023] [Indexed: 07/04/2023]
Abstract
A new era of medical technology in cancer treatment is a directly specific modification of gene expression in tumor cells by nucleic acid delivery. Currently, the main challenge to achieving this goal is to find a non-toxic, safe, and effective strategy for gene transfer to cancer cells. Synthetic composites based on cationic polymers have historically been favored in bioengineering due to their ability to mimic bimolecular structures. Among them, polyethylenimines (PEIs) with superior properties such as a wide range of molecular weight and a flexible structure may propel the development of functional combinations in the biomedical and biomaterial fields. Here, in this review, we will focus on the recent progressions in the formulation optimization of PEI-based polyplex in gene delivery to treat cancer. Also, the effect of PEI's intrinsic characteristics such as structure, molecular weight, and positive charges which influence the gene delivery efficiency will be discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nejad Mohammadi
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, School of Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- Immunology Asthma and Allergy Research Institute, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Nashmin Fayazi Hosseini
- Research Center for Molecular Medicine, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran
| | - Hossein Nemati
- Genetics Department, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran
| | | | - Mohsen Nabi-Afjadi
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Gholam Ali Kardar
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, School of Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
- Immunology Asthma and Allergy Research Institute, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
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40
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Li L, Li C, Miao F, Chen W, Kong X, Ye R, Feng R. The role of polyethylenimine-functionalized gold nanoclusters carrying plasmid CMTM5 in impeding the malignant progression of prostate cancer cells by promoting EGFR endocytosis. Neoplasma 2024; 71:48-59. [PMID: 38295104 DOI: 10.4149/neo_2024_231018n544] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2023] [Accepted: 01/25/2024] [Indexed: 02/02/2024]
Abstract
In this research, polyethylenimine-functionalized gold nanoclusters (PEI-AuNCs) were synthesized for the delivery of plasmid CMTM5 (pCMTM5) to prostate cancer (PCa) cells, with the objective of elucidating the mechanism underlying its anticancer efficacy. The PEI-AuNCs loaded with pCMTM5 (PEI-AuNCs@pCMTM5) tumor-targeting drug delivery system was established. Subsequently, both the obtained PEI-AuNCs and PEI-AuNCs@pCMTM5 underwent characterization through a transmission electron microscope (TEM) and dynamic light scattering (DLS). Employing RT-qPCR, western blot, flow cytometry, immunofluorescence, and co-immunoprecipitation (co-IP) assays, the consequences of CMTM5 overexpression on the expression of EGFR were investigated. Moreover, the influence of PEI-AuNCs@pCMTM5 on PC-3 cells was assessed through CCK-8, wound healing assay, and Transwell experiments. As a result, the PEI-AuNCs and PEI-AuNCs@pCMTM5 were presented as uniformly dispersed spherical with stable particle sizes and positive charges, showcasing favorable dispersion within the solution. In comparison to Lip2000, the PEI-AuNCs demonstrated superior transfection efficiency and lower cellular toxicity. Following the overexpression of CMTM5, the proliferative capacity of PC-3 cells was markedly suppressed, while both migratory and invasive abilities exhibited noteworthy reduction, with the efficacy of PEI-AuNCs@pCMTM5 consistently outperforming that of free pCMTM5. Subsequent mechanistic investigations unveiled that CMTM5 does not directly inhibit the synthesis of EGFR or facilitate its degradation, but rather influences the endocytic process of EGFR. In conclusion, the PEI-AuNCs nano-delivery system exhibits good biocompatibility and efficaciously conveys pCMTM5 to PCa cells. Crucially, pCMTM5 does not directly interact with EGFR, and CMTM5 governs the malignant progression of PC3 cells by promoting EGFR endocytosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Linjin Li
- Department of Urology, The Third Clinical Institute Affiliated to Wenzhou Medical University, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Shanghai University, Wenzhou People's Hospital, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Chengpeng Li
- Department of Urology, The Third Clinical Institute Affiliated to Wenzhou Medical University, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Shanghai University, Wenzhou People's Hospital, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Feilong Miao
- Department of Urology, The Third Clinical Institute Affiliated to Wenzhou Medical University, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Shanghai University, Wenzhou People's Hospital, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Wu Chen
- Department of Urology, The Third Clinical Institute Affiliated to Wenzhou Medical University, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Shanghai University, Wenzhou People's Hospital, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Xianghui Kong
- Department of Urology, The Third Clinical Institute Affiliated to Wenzhou Medical University, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Shanghai University, Wenzhou People's Hospital, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Ruxian Ye
- Department of Urology, The Third Clinical Institute Affiliated to Wenzhou Medical University, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Shanghai University, Wenzhou People's Hospital, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Rui Feng
- Department of Urology, Zhenjiang Hospital of Chinese Traditional and Western Medicine, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu, China
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Albuquerque LJC, de Oliveira FA, Christoffolete MA, Nascimento-Sales M, Berger S, Wagner E, Lächelt U, Giacomelli FC. Nucleic acid delivery to retinal cells using lipopeptides as a potential tool towards ocular gene therapies. J Colloid Interface Sci 2024; 655:346-356. [PMID: 37948808 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcis.2023.11.003] [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: 08/16/2023] [Revised: 10/11/2023] [Accepted: 11/01/2023] [Indexed: 11/12/2023]
Abstract
We evaluated the use of lipopeptides capable to bind to nucleic acids towards plasmid DNA (pDNA) delivery. The investigations were particularly focused on arising retinal pigment epithelial cells (ARPE-19) as motivated by the considerable number of ocular disorders linked to gene aberrations. The lipopeptides comprised the artificial oligoamino acid succinyl-tetraethylene pentamine (Stp) as well as incorporated lysines, histidines, cysteines, fatty acids, and tyrosine trimers. Regardless of the structural differences, the lipopeptides demonstrated to efficiently condense pDNA at nitrogen-to-phosphate molar ratio (N/P) ≥ 6. Spheric nanoparticles were observed by cryo-TEM and dynamic light scattering determined hydrodynamic sizes ranging from 50 to 130 nm. The biological assays evidenced highly efficient pDNA delivery with a lower degree of cytotoxicity compared to the well-known transfecting agent linear polyethylenimine (LPEI). Although more efficient than LPEI, cysteine-containing carriers were demonstrated to be less efficient than the other counterparts possibly due to exceeding polyplex stabilization via disulfide cross links, which could hamper pDNA unpacking at the target site. Therefore, clearly a balance between complex stability and cargo release should be taken into account to optimize the transfection efficiency of the non-viral vectors. The gene transfer activity in ARPE-19 cells suggests the applicability of this kind of carrier for ocular treatments based on retinal gene delivery.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Simone Berger
- Department of Pharmacy and Center for NanoScience (CeNs), Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität, Munich, Germany
| | - Ernst Wagner
- Department of Pharmacy and Center for NanoScience (CeNs), Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität, Munich, Germany
| | - Ulrich Lächelt
- Department of Pharmacy and Center for NanoScience (CeNs), Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität, Munich, Germany; Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Fernando C Giacomelli
- Centro de Ciências Naturais e Humanas, Universidade Federal do ABC, Santo André, Brazil.
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42
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Friesen JJ, Blakney AK. Trends in the synthetic polymer delivery of RNA. J Gene Med 2024; 26:e3672. [PMID: 38380796 DOI: 10.1002/jgm.3672] [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] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2023] [Revised: 11/27/2023] [Accepted: 01/27/2024] [Indexed: 02/22/2024] Open
Abstract
Ribonucleic acid (RNA) has emerged as one of the most promising therapeutic payloads in the field of gene therapy. There are many unique types of RNA that allow for a range of applications including vaccination, protein replacement therapy, autoimmune disease treatment, gene knockdown and gene editing. However, RNA triggers the host immune system, is vulnerable to degradation and has a low proclivity to enter cells spontaneously. Therefore, a delivery vehicle is required to facilitate the protection and uptake of RNA therapeutics into the desired host cells. Lipid nanoparticles have emerged as one of the only clinically approved vehicles for genetic payloads, including in the COVID-19 messenger RNA vaccines. While lipid nanoparticles have distinct advantages, they also have drawbacks, including strong immune stimulation, complex manufacturing and formulation heterogeneity. In contrast, synthetic polymers are a widely studied group of gene delivery vehicles and boast distinct advantages, including biocompatibility, tunability, inexpensiveness, simple formulation and ease of modification. Some classes of polymers enhance efficient transfection efficiency, and lead to lower stimulation of the host immune system, making them more viable candidates for non-vaccine-related applications of RNA medicines. This review aims to identify the most promising classes of synthetic polymers, summarize recent research aimed at moving them into the clinic and postulate the future steps required for unlocking their full potential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Josh J Friesen
- Michael Smith Laboratories, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
- School of Biomedical Engineering, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Anna K Blakney
- Michael Smith Laboratories, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
- School of Biomedical Engineering, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
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43
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Nair VS, Watson K. A Novel, Fully Automated, and Reagent-Agnostic Transient Transfection Protocol. Curr Protoc 2024; 4:e968. [PMID: 38314959 DOI: 10.1002/cpz1.968] [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] [Indexed: 02/07/2024]
Abstract
Transfection is a potent technique to introduce foreign nucleic acids into eukaryotic cells. The capacity of the technique to alter the genetic content of host cells means it is useful for a wide range of applications, including the study of typical cellular processes, disease molecular mechanisms, and gene therapy effects. Here, we discuss a highly reliable and fully automated transient transfection protocol that utilizes an open-source liquid handler and accompanying HEPA Module. Two commonly used transfection reagents are employed to study the transfection efficiency in two cell lines with a GFP plasmid construct. The detailed method of the protocol, image acquisition, and analysis for evaluating transfection efficacy is provided. With HeLa cells, the transfection efficiency of the reagents ranges from 40.92% to 73.26%, while with the difficult-to-transfect A549 cells, the transfection efficiency is between 42.15% and 54%. The efficiency achieved is comparable to similar experiments performed manually. © 2024 Wiley Periodicals LLC. Basic Protocol 1: Seeding of adherent cells (A549 and HeLa) for transient transfection on a Costar 6-well plate using a liquid handler on Day 0 Basic Protocol 2: Transfection of the cell lines using the transfection reagents Lipofectamine 3000 and FuGENE HD on Day 1 Support Protocol: Image acquisition and semi-quantitative analysis of transfection after 24 hr to calculate the transfection efficiency.
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An J, Zhang CP, Qiu HY, Zhang HX, Chen QB, Zhang YM, Lei XL, Zhang CX, Yin H, Zhang Y. Enhancement of the viability of T cells electroporated with DNA via osmotic dampening of the DNA-sensing cGAS-STING pathway. Nat Biomed Eng 2024; 8:149-164. [PMID: 37500747 DOI: 10.1038/s41551-023-01073-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2021] [Accepted: 06/27/2023] [Indexed: 07/29/2023]
Abstract
Viral delivery of DNA for the targeted reprogramming of human T cells can lead to random genomic integration, and electroporation is inefficient and can be toxic. Here we show that electroporation-induced toxicity in primary human T cells is mediated by the cytosolic pathway cGAS-STING (cyclic guanosine monophosphate-adenosine monophosphate (cGAMP) synthase-stimulator of interferon genes). We also show that an isotonic buffer, identified by screening electroporation conditions, that reduces cGAS-STING surveillance allowed for the production of chimaeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cells with up to 20-fold higher CAR T cell numbers than standard electroporation and with higher antitumour activity in vivo than lentivirally generated CAR T cells. The osmotic pressure of the electroporation buffer dampened cGAS-DNA interactions, affecting the production of the STING activator 2'3'-cGAMP. The buffer also led to superior efficiencies in the transfection of therapeutically relevant primary T cells and human haematopoietic stem cells. Our findings may facilitate the optimization of electroporation-mediated DNA delivery for the production of genome-engineered T cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing An
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Frontier Science Center for Immunology and Metabolism, Medical Research Institute, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Chuan-Ping Zhang
- State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Bio-Resources in Yunnan, School of Life Sciences, Yunnan University, Kunming, China
| | - Hou-Yuan Qiu
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Frontier Science Center for Immunology and Metabolism, Medical Research Institute, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Hong-Xia Zhang
- Department of Urology, Department of Pathology, Frontier Science Center for Immunology and Metabolism, Medical Research Institute, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Qiu-Bing Chen
- Department of Urology, Department of Pathology, Frontier Science Center for Immunology and Metabolism, Medical Research Institute, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Yu-Ming Zhang
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Frontier Science Center for Immunology and Metabolism, Medical Research Institute, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Xin-Lin Lei
- Department of Urology, Department of Pathology, Frontier Science Center for Immunology and Metabolism, Medical Research Institute, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Cai-Xiang Zhang
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Frontier Science Center for Immunology and Metabolism, Medical Research Institute, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Hao Yin
- Department of Urology, Department of Pathology, Frontier Science Center for Immunology and Metabolism, Medical Research Institute, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China.
- TaiKang Centre for Life and Medical Sciences, TaiKang Medical School, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China.
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China.
- RNA Institute, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China.
| | - Ying Zhang
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Frontier Science Center for Immunology and Metabolism, Medical Research Institute, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China.
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China.
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Wang H, Yuan Y, Qin L, Yue M, Xue J, Cui Z, Zhan X, Gai J, Zhang X, Guan J, Mao S. Tunable rigidity of PLGA shell-lipid core nanoparticles for enhanced pulmonary siRNA delivery in 2D and 3D lung cancer cell models. J Control Release 2024; 366:746-760. [PMID: 38237688 DOI: 10.1016/j.jconrel.2024.01.029] [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: 10/19/2023] [Revised: 01/12/2024] [Accepted: 01/15/2024] [Indexed: 01/23/2024]
Abstract
Faced with the threat of lung cancer-related deaths worldwide, small interfering RNA (siRNA) can silence tumor related messenger RNA (mRNA) to tackle the issue of drug resistance with enhanced anti-tumor effects. However, how to increase lung tumor targeting and penetration with enhanced gene silencing are the issues to be addressed. Thus, the objective of this study is to explore the feasibility of designing non-viral siRNA vectors for enhanced lung tumor therapy via inhalation. Here, shell-core based polymer-lipid hybrid nanoparticles (HNPs) were prepared via microfluidics by coating PLGA on siRNA-loaded cationic liposomes (Lipoplexes). Transmission electron microscopy and energy dispersive spectroscopy study demonstrated that HNP consists of a PLGA shell and a lipid core. Atomic force microscopy study indicated that the rigidity of HNPs could be well tuned by changing thickness of the PLGA shell. The designed HNPs were muco-inert with increased stability in mucus and BALF, good safety, enhanced mucus penetration and cellular uptake. Crucially, HNP1 with the thinnest PLGA shell exhibited superior transfection efficiency (84.83%) in A549 cells, which was comparable to that of lipoplexes and Lipofectamine 2000, and its tumor permeability was 1.88 times that of lipoplexes in A549-3T3 tumor spheroids. After internalization of the HNPs, not only endosomal escape but also lysosomal exocytosis was observed. The transfection efficiency of HNP1 (39.33%) was 2.26 times that of lipoplexes in A549-3T3 tumor spheroids. Moreover, HNPs exhibited excellent stability during nebulization via soft mist inhaler. In conclusion, our study reveals the great potential of HNP1 in siRNA delivery for lung cancer therapy via inhalation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hezhi Wang
- School of Pharmacy, Shenyang Key Laboratory of Intelligent Mucosal Drug Delivery Systems, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang 110016, China
| | - Ye Yuan
- School of Pharmacy, Shenyang Key Laboratory of Intelligent Mucosal Drug Delivery Systems, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang 110016, China
| | - Lu Qin
- School of Pharmacy, Shenyang Key Laboratory of Intelligent Mucosal Drug Delivery Systems, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang 110016, China
| | - Mengmeng Yue
- School of Pharmacy, Shenyang Key Laboratory of Intelligent Mucosal Drug Delivery Systems, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang 110016, China
| | - Jingwen Xue
- School of Pharmacy, Shenyang Key Laboratory of Intelligent Mucosal Drug Delivery Systems, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang 110016, China
| | - Zhixiang Cui
- School of Pharmacy, Shenyang Key Laboratory of Intelligent Mucosal Drug Delivery Systems, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang 110016, China
| | - Xuanguang Zhan
- School of Pharmacy, Shenyang Key Laboratory of Intelligent Mucosal Drug Delivery Systems, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang 110016, China
| | - Jiayi Gai
- School of Pharmacy, Shenyang Key Laboratory of Intelligent Mucosal Drug Delivery Systems, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang 110016, China
| | - Xin Zhang
- School of Pharmacy, Shenyang Key Laboratory of Intelligent Mucosal Drug Delivery Systems, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang 110016, China; Joint International Research Laboratory of Intelligent Drug Delivery Systems, Ministry of Education, China
| | - Jian Guan
- School of Pharmacy, Shenyang Key Laboratory of Intelligent Mucosal Drug Delivery Systems, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang 110016, China; Joint International Research Laboratory of Intelligent Drug Delivery Systems, Ministry of Education, China
| | - Shirui Mao
- School of Pharmacy, Shenyang Key Laboratory of Intelligent Mucosal Drug Delivery Systems, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang 110016, China; Joint International Research Laboratory of Intelligent Drug Delivery Systems, Ministry of Education, China.
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46
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Dahal H, Roy S, Dey J, Bose Dasgupta S. Impact of the Hydrocarbon Chain Length of Biodegradable Ester-Bonded Cationic Gemini Surfactants on Self-Assembly, In Vitro Gene Transfection, Cytotoxicity, and Antimicrobial Activity. Langmuir 2024; 40:2242-2253. [PMID: 38221732 DOI: 10.1021/acs.langmuir.3c03290] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/16/2024]
Abstract
Gemini surfactants, due to their unique structural features and enhanced properties compared to conventional surfactants, are becoming more popular in the domain of colloid and interface science, drug delivery, and gene delivery science. This distinct class of surfactants forms a wide range of self-assembled aggregates depending on their chemical structure and environmental conditions. The present work aims to develop Gemini with three distinct chain lengths linked through the ester group and quaternary nitrogen head groups that can bind DNA molecules and ultimately serve as vectors for DNA transfection. Thus, we synthesized three distinct cationic Gemini with 12, 14, and 16 carbons in their tails and studied the effect of the hydrocarbon chain length on their physicochemical properties and biological applications. The self-assembly of these Geminis in aqueous solution was investigated by a number of techniques, including surface tension, electrical conductivity, fluorescence probe, calorimetry, dynamic light scattering, and atomic force microscopy. All three Gemini were extremely surface active and self-assembled above a very low critical micelle concentration. Calorimetric studies suggested the formation of thermodynamically favorable aggregates in an aqueous medium. Chain length dependence was observed in the size as well as the morphology of the aggregates. These Gemini ions were found to bind DNA strongly, as indicated by the high binding constant values. In vitro gene transfection studies using the RAW 264.7 cell line suggested that all three cationic Gemini had transfection efficiencies comparable to that of commercial standard turbofectamine. MTT assay was also performed for concentration selection while using these Gemini as transfection vectors. Overall, it was observed that Gemini had very little cytotoxicity within the investigated concentration range, highlighting the significance of the ester link within the structure. When compared with known antimicrobials such as kanamycin and ampicillin, all three Gemini furnished excellent antimicrobial activity in both Gram-positive (Staphylococcus aureus) and Gram-negative (Escherichia coli) microorganisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Homen Dahal
- Department of Chemistry, Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur, Kharagpur 721302, India
| | - Sadhana Roy
- Department of Biotechnology, Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur, Kharagpur 721302, India
| | - Joykrishna Dey
- Department of Chemistry, Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur, Kharagpur 721302, India
| | - Somdeb Bose Dasgupta
- Department of Biotechnology, Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur, Kharagpur 721302, India
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47
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Su M, Hu Z, Sun Y, Qi Y, Yu B, Xu FJ. Hydroxyl-rich branched polycations for nucleic acid delivery. Biomater Sci 2024; 12:581-595. [PMID: 38014423 DOI: 10.1039/d3bm01394d] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2023]
Abstract
Recently, nucleic acid delivery has become an amazing route for the treatment of various malignant diseases, and polycationic vectors are attracting more and more attention among gene vectors. However, conventional polycationic vectors still face many obstacles in nucleic acid delivery, such as significant cytotoxicity, high protein absorption behavior, and unsatisfactory blood compatibility caused by a high positive charge density. To solve these problems, the fabrication of hydroxyl-rich branched polycationic vectors has been proposed. For the synthesis of hydroxyl-rich branched polycations, a one-pot method is considered as the preferred method due to its simple preparation process. In this review, typical one-pot methods for fabricating hydroxyl-rich polycations are presented. In particular, amine-epoxide ring-opening polymerization as a novel approach is mainly introduced. In addition, various therapeutic scenarios of hydroxyl-rich branched polycations via one-pot fabrication are also generalized. We believe that this review will motivate the optimized design of hydroxyl-rich branched polycations for potential nucleic acid delivery and their bio-applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mengrui Su
- Key Laboratory of Biomedical Materials of Natural Macromolecules (Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Ministry of Education), Beijing Laboratory of Biomedical Materials, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing 100029, PR China.
| | - Zichen Hu
- Key Laboratory of Biomedical Materials of Natural Macromolecules (Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Ministry of Education), Beijing Laboratory of Biomedical Materials, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing 100029, PR China.
| | - Yujie Sun
- Key Laboratory of Biomedical Materials of Natural Macromolecules (Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Ministry of Education), Beijing Laboratory of Biomedical Materials, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing 100029, PR China.
| | - Yu Qi
- China Meat Food Research Center, Beijing Academy of Food Sciences, Beijing 100068, PR China.
- Beijing Forestry University, Beijing, 100083, PR China
| | - Bingran Yu
- Key Laboratory of Biomedical Materials of Natural Macromolecules (Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Ministry of Education), Beijing Laboratory of Biomedical Materials, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing 100029, PR China.
| | - Fu-Jian Xu
- Key Laboratory of Biomedical Materials of Natural Macromolecules (Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Ministry of Education), Beijing Laboratory of Biomedical Materials, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing 100029, PR China.
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Wang C, He W, Wang F, Yong H, Bo T, Yao D, Zhao Y, Pan C, Cao Q, Zhang S, Li M. Recent progress of non-linear topological structure polymers: synthesis, and gene delivery. J Nanobiotechnology 2024; 22:40. [PMID: 38280987 PMCID: PMC10821314 DOI: 10.1186/s12951-024-02299-6] [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] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2023] [Accepted: 01/03/2024] [Indexed: 01/29/2024] Open
Abstract
Currently, many types of non-linear topological structure polymers, such as brush-shaped, star, branched and dendritic structures, have captured much attention in the field of gene delivery and nanomedicine. Compared with linear polymers, non-linear topological structural polymers offer many advantages, including multiple terminal groups, broad and complicated spatial architecture and multi-functionality sites to enhance gene delivery efficiency and targeting capabilities. Nevertheless, the complexity of their synthesis process severely hampers the development and applications of nonlinear topological polymers. This review aims to highlight various synthetic approaches of non-linear topological architecture polymers, including reversible-deactivation radical polymerization (RDRP) including atom-transfer radical polymerization (ATRP), nitroxide-mediated polymerization (NMP), reversible addition-fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) polymerization, click chemistry reactions and Michael addition, and thoroughly discuss their advantages and disadvantages, as well as analyze their further application potential. Finally, we comprehensively discuss and summarize different non-linear topological structure polymers for genetic materials delivering performance both in vitro and in vivo, which indicated that topological effects and nonlinear topologies play a crucial role in enhancing the transfection performance of polymeric vectors. This review offered a promising guideline for the design and development of novel nonlinear polymers and facilitated the development of a new generation of polymer-based gene vectors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chenfei Wang
- Department of Dermatology, Children's Hospital of Fudan University, National Children's Medical Center, Shanghai, 201102, China.
| | - Wei He
- School of Medicine, Anhui University of Science and Technology, Huainan, 232000, Anhui, China
| | - Feifei Wang
- Department of Anesthesiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Air Force Medical University, Xi'an, 710032, Shaanxi, China
| | - Haiyang Yong
- School of Chemical Engineering and Technology, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, 710049, Shaanxi, China
| | - Tao Bo
- Key Laboratory of Glycoconjugate Research Ministry of Public Health, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Dingjin Yao
- Shanghai EditorGene Technology Co., Ltd, Shanghai, 200000, China
| | - Yitong Zhao
- School of Medicine, Anhui University of Science and Technology, Huainan, 232000, Anhui, China
| | - Chaolan Pan
- Department of Dermatology, Children's Hospital of Fudan University, National Children's Medical Center, Shanghai, 201102, China
| | - Qiaoyu Cao
- Department of Dermatology, Children's Hospital of Fudan University, National Children's Medical Center, Shanghai, 201102, China
| | - Si Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Glycoconjugate Research Ministry of Public Health, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China.
| | - Ming Li
- Department of Dermatology, Children's Hospital of Fudan University, National Children's Medical Center, Shanghai, 201102, China.
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Choi KC, Lee DH, Lee JW, Lee JS, Lee YK, Choi MJ, Jeong HY, Kim MW, Lee CG, Park YS. Novel Lipid Nanoparticles Stable and Efficient for mRNA Transfection to Antigen-Presenting Cells. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:1388. [PMID: 38338667 PMCID: PMC10855810 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25031388] [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] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2024] [Revised: 01/19/2024] [Accepted: 01/21/2024] [Indexed: 02/12/2024] Open
Abstract
mRNA vaccines have emerged as a pivotal tool in combating COVID-19, offering an advanced approach to immunization. A key challenge with these vaccines is their need for extremely-low-temperature storage, which affects their stability and shelf life. Our research addresses this issue by enhancing the stability of mRNA vaccines through a novel cationic lipid, O,O'-dimyristyl-N-lysyl aspartate (DMKD). DMKD effectively binds with mRNA, improving vaccine stability. We also integrated phosphatidylserine (PS) into the formulation to boost immune response by promoting the uptake of these nanoparticles by immune cells. Our findings reveal that DMKD-PS nanoparticles maintain structural integrity under long-term refrigeration and effectively protect mRNA. When tested, these nanoparticles containing green fluorescent protein (GFP) mRNA outperformed other commercial lipid nanoparticles in protein expression, both in immune cells (RAW 264.7 mouse macrophage) and non-immune cells (CT26 mouse colorectal carcinoma cells). Importantly, in vivo studies show that DMKD-PS nanoparticles are safely eliminated from the body within 48 h. The results suggest that DMKD-PS nanoparticles present a promising alternative for mRNA vaccine delivery, enhancing both the stability and effectiveness of these vaccines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kang Chan Choi
- Department of Biomedical Laboratory Science, Yonsei University, Wonju 26493, Republic of Korea; (K.C.C.); (D.H.L.); (J.W.L.); (Y.K.L.); (C.-G.L.)
| | - Do Hyun Lee
- Department of Biomedical Laboratory Science, Yonsei University, Wonju 26493, Republic of Korea; (K.C.C.); (D.H.L.); (J.W.L.); (Y.K.L.); (C.-G.L.)
| | - Ji Won Lee
- Department of Biomedical Laboratory Science, Yonsei University, Wonju 26493, Republic of Korea; (K.C.C.); (D.H.L.); (J.W.L.); (Y.K.L.); (C.-G.L.)
| | - Jin Suk Lee
- Regeneration Medicine Research Center, Yonsei University Wonju College of Medicine, Wonju 26426, Republic of Korea;
| | - Yeon Kyung Lee
- Department of Biomedical Laboratory Science, Yonsei University, Wonju 26493, Republic of Korea; (K.C.C.); (D.H.L.); (J.W.L.); (Y.K.L.); (C.-G.L.)
| | - Moon Jung Choi
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Brown University and Rhode Island Hospital, Providence, RI 02903, USA;
| | - Hwa Yeon Jeong
- Department of Biotechnology, College of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Korea University, Seoul 02841, Republic of Korea;
| | - Min Woo Kim
- Division of Breast Surgery, Department of Surgery, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul 03722, Republic of Korea;
| | - Chang-Gun Lee
- Department of Biomedical Laboratory Science, Yonsei University, Wonju 26493, Republic of Korea; (K.C.C.); (D.H.L.); (J.W.L.); (Y.K.L.); (C.-G.L.)
| | - Yong Serk Park
- Department of Biomedical Laboratory Science, Yonsei University, Wonju 26493, Republic of Korea; (K.C.C.); (D.H.L.); (J.W.L.); (Y.K.L.); (C.-G.L.)
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50
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Maeki M, Uno S, Sugiura K, Sato Y, Fujioka Y, Ishida A, Ohba Y, Harashima H, Tokeshi M. Development of Polymer-Lipid Hybrid Nanoparticles for Large-Sized Plasmid DNA Transfection. ACS Appl Mater Interfaces 2024; 16:2110-2119. [PMID: 38141015 PMCID: PMC10798250 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.3c14714] [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] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2023] [Revised: 12/05/2023] [Accepted: 12/06/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023]
Abstract
RNA and DNA delivery technologies using lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) have advanced significantly, as demonstrated by their successful application in mRNA vaccines. To date, commercially available RNA therapeutics include Onpattro, a 21 bp siRNA, and mRNA vaccines comprising 4300 nucleotides for COVID-19. However, a significant challenge remains in achieving efficient transfection, as the size of the delivered RNA and DNA increases. In contrast to RNA transfection, plasmid DNA (pDNA) transfection requires multiple steps, including cellular uptake, endosomal escape, nuclear translocation, transcription, and translation. The low transfection efficiency of large pDNA is a critical limitation in the development of artificial cells and their cellular functionalization. Here, we introduce polymer-lipid hybrid nanoparticles designed for efficient, large-sized pDNA transfection. We demonstrated that LNPs loaded with positively charged pDNA-polycation core nanoparticles exhibited a 4-fold increase in transfection efficiency for 15 kbp pDNA compared with conventional LNPs, which encapsulate a negatively charged pDNA-polycation core. Based on assessments of the size and internal structure of the polymer-lipid nanoparticles as well as hemolysis and cellular uptake analysis, we propose a strategy to enhance large-sized pDNA transfection using LNPs. This approach holds promise for accelerating the in vivo delivery of large-sized pDNA and advancing the development of artificial cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Masatoshi Maeki
- Division
of Applied Chemistry, Faculty of Engineering, Hokkaido University, Kita 13 Nishi 8, Kita-ku, Sapporo 060-8628, Japan
- JST
PRESTO, 4-1-8 Honcho, Kawaguchi, Saitama 332-0012, Japan
- Institute
of Materials Structure Science, High Energy
Accelerator Research Organization (KEK), Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-0801, Japan
| | - Shuya Uno
- Graduate
School of Chemical Sciences and Engineering, Hokkaido University, Kita 13 Nishi 8, Kita-ku, Sapporo 060-8628, Japan
| | - Kaisei Sugiura
- Graduate
School of Chemical Sciences and Engineering, Hokkaido University, Kita 13 Nishi 8, Kita-ku, Sapporo 060-8628, Japan
| | - Yusuke Sato
- Faculty
of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Hokkaido University, Kita 12 Nishi 8, Kita-ku, Sapporo 060-0812, Japan
| | - Yoichiro Fujioka
- Department
of Cell Physiology, Faculty of Medicine and Graduate School of Medicine, Hokkaido University, Kita 15 Nishi 7, Kita-ku, Sapporo 060-8638, Japan
| | - Akihiko Ishida
- Division
of Applied Chemistry, Faculty of Engineering, Hokkaido University, Kita 13 Nishi 8, Kita-ku, Sapporo 060-8628, Japan
| | - Yusuke Ohba
- Department
of Cell Physiology, Faculty of Medicine and Graduate School of Medicine, Hokkaido University, Kita 15 Nishi 7, Kita-ku, Sapporo 060-8638, Japan
| | - Hideyoshi Harashima
- Graduate
School of Chemical Sciences and Engineering, Hokkaido University, Kita 13 Nishi 8, Kita-ku, Sapporo 060-8628, Japan
| | - Manabu Tokeshi
- JST
PRESTO, 4-1-8 Honcho, Kawaguchi, Saitama 332-0012, Japan
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