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Asimakidou E, Tan JKS, Zeng J, Lo CH. Blood-Brain Barrier-Targeting Nanoparticles: Biomaterial Properties and Biomedical Applications in Translational Neuroscience. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2024; 17:612. [PMID: 38794182 PMCID: PMC11123901 DOI: 10.3390/ph17050612] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2024] [Revised: 05/01/2024] [Accepted: 05/04/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Overcoming the blood-brain barrier (BBB) remains a significant hurdle in effective drug delivery to the brain. While the BBB serves as a crucial protective barrier, it poses challenges in delivering therapeutic agents to their intended targets within the brain parenchyma. To enhance drug delivery for the treatment of neurological diseases, several delivery technologies to circumvent the BBB have been developed in the last few years. Among them, nanoparticles (NPs) are one of the most versatile and promising tools. Here, we summarize the characteristics of NPs that facilitate BBB penetration, including their size, shape, chemical composition, surface charge, and importantly, their conjugation with various biological or synthetic molecules such as glucose, transferrin, insulin, polyethylene glycol, peptides, and aptamers. Additionally, we discuss the coating of NPs with surfactants. A comprehensive overview of the common in vitro and in vivo models of the BBB for NP penetration studies is also provided. The discussion extends to discussing BBB impairment under pathological conditions and leveraging BBB alterations under pathological conditions to enhance drug delivery. Emphasizing the need for future studies to uncover the inherent therapeutic properties of NPs, the review advocates for their role beyond delivery systems and calls for efforts translating NPs to the clinic as therapeutics. Overall, NPs stand out as a highly promising therapeutic strategy for precise BBB targeting and drug delivery in neurological disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Evridiki Asimakidou
- Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 0QQ, UK;
| | - Justin Kok Soon Tan
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, College of Design and Engineering, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117575, Singapore;
- The N.1 Institute for Health, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117456, Singapore
| | - Jialiu Zeng
- Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore 308232, Singapore
| | - Chih Hung Lo
- Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore 308232, Singapore
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2
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Maffeis V, Skowicki M, Wolf KMP, Chami M, Schoenenberger CA, Vogel V, Palivan CG. Advancing the Design of Artificial Nano-organelles for Targeted Cellular Detoxification of Reactive Oxygen Species. NANO LETTERS 2024; 24:2698-2704. [PMID: 38408754 PMCID: PMC10921454 DOI: 10.1021/acs.nanolett.3c03888] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2023] [Revised: 01/09/2024] [Accepted: 01/10/2024] [Indexed: 02/28/2024]
Abstract
Artificial organelles (AnOs) are in the spotlight as systems to supplement biochemical pathways in cells. While polymersome-based artificial organelles containing enzymes to reduce reactive oxygen species (ROS) are known, applications requiring control of their enzymatic activity and cell-targeting to promote intracellular ROS detoxification are underexplored. Here, we introduce advanced AnOs where the chemical composition of the membrane supports the insertion of pore-forming melittin, enabling molecular exchange between the AnO cavity and the environment, while the encapsulated lactoperoxidase (LPO) maintains its catalytic function. We show that H2O2 outside AnOs penetrates through the melittin pores and is rapidly degraded by the encapsulated enzyme. As surface attachment of cell-penetrating peptides facilitates AnOs uptake by cells, electron spin resonance revealed a remarkable enhancement in intracellular ROS detoxification by these cell-targeted AnOs compared to nontargeted AnOs, thereby opening new avenues for a significant reduction of oxidative stress in cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Viviana Maffeis
- Department
of Chemistry, University of Basel, Mattenstrasse 22, 4002 Basel, Switzerland
- NCCR-Molecular
Systems Engineering, 4002 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Michal Skowicki
- Department
of Chemistry, University of Basel, Mattenstrasse 22, 4002 Basel, Switzerland
- NCCR-Molecular
Systems Engineering, 4002 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Konstantin M. P. Wolf
- NCCR-Molecular
Systems Engineering, 4002 Basel, Switzerland
- Laboratory
of Applied Mechanobiology, Institute of Translational Medicine, Department
of Health Sciences and Technology, ETH Zurich, 8092 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Mohamed Chami
- BioEM
lab, Biozentrum, University of Basel, 4056 Basel, Switzerland
| | | | - Viola Vogel
- NCCR-Molecular
Systems Engineering, 4002 Basel, Switzerland
- Laboratory
of Applied Mechanobiology, Institute of Translational Medicine, Department
of Health Sciences and Technology, ETH Zurich, 8092 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Cornelia G. Palivan
- Department
of Chemistry, University of Basel, Mattenstrasse 22, 4002 Basel, Switzerland
- NCCR-Molecular
Systems Engineering, 4002 Basel, Switzerland
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Maffeis V, Heuberger L, Nikoletić A, Schoenenberger C, Palivan CG. Synthetic Cells Revisited: Artificial Cells Construction Using Polymeric Building Blocks. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2024; 11:e2305837. [PMID: 37984885 PMCID: PMC10885666 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202305837] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2023] [Revised: 10/06/2023] [Indexed: 11/22/2023]
Abstract
The exponential growth of research on artificial cells and organelles underscores their potential as tools to advance the understanding of fundamental biological processes. The bottom-up construction from a variety of building blocks at the micro- and nanoscale, in combination with biomolecules is key to developing artificial cells. In this review, artificial cells are focused upon based on compartments where polymers are the main constituent of the assembly. Polymers are of particular interest due to their incredible chemical variety and the advantage of tuning the properties and functionality of their assemblies. First, the architectures of micro- and nanoscale polymer assemblies are introduced and then their usage as building blocks is elaborated upon. Different membrane-bound and membrane-less compartments and supramolecular structures and how they combine into advanced synthetic cells are presented. Then, the functional aspects are explored, addressing how artificial organelles in giant compartments mimic cellular processes. Finally, how artificial cells communicate with their surrounding and each other such as to adapt to an ever-changing environment and achieve collective behavior as a steppingstone toward artificial tissues, is taken a look at. Engineering artificial cells with highly controllable and programmable features open new avenues for the development of sophisticated multifunctional systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Viviana Maffeis
- Department of ChemistryUniversity of BaselMattenstrasse 22BaselCH‐4002Switzerland
- NCCR‐Molecular Systems EngineeringBPR 1095, Mattenstrasse 24aBaselCH‐4058Switzerland
| | - Lukas Heuberger
- Department of ChemistryUniversity of BaselMattenstrasse 22BaselCH‐4002Switzerland
| | - Anamarija Nikoletić
- Department of ChemistryUniversity of BaselMattenstrasse 22BaselCH‐4002Switzerland
- Swiss Nanoscience InstituteUniversity of BaselKlingelbergstrasse 82BaselCH‐4056Switzerland
| | | | - Cornelia G. Palivan
- Department of ChemistryUniversity of BaselMattenstrasse 22BaselCH‐4002Switzerland
- NCCR‐Molecular Systems EngineeringBPR 1095, Mattenstrasse 24aBaselCH‐4058Switzerland
- Swiss Nanoscience InstituteUniversity of BaselKlingelbergstrasse 82BaselCH‐4056Switzerland
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4
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Lei H, Fang F, Yang C, Chen X, Li Q, Shen X. Lifting the veils on transmembrane proteins: Potential anticancer targets. Eur J Pharmacol 2024; 963:176225. [PMID: 38040080 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2023.176225] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2023] [Revised: 11/08/2023] [Accepted: 11/24/2023] [Indexed: 12/03/2023]
Abstract
Cancer, as a prevalent cause of mortality, poses a substantial global health burden and hinders efforts to enhance life expectancy. Nevertheless, the prognosis of patients with malignant tumors remains discouraging, owing to the lack of specific diagnostic and therapeutic targets. Therefore, the development of early diagnostic indicators and novel therapeutic drugs for the prevention and treatment of cancer is essential. Transmembrane proteins (TMEMs) are a class of proteins that can span the phospholipid bilayer and are stably anchored. They are associated with fibrotic diseases, neurodegenerative diseases, autoimmune diseases, developmental disorders, and cancer. It has been found that the expression levels of TMEMs were elevated or reduced in cancer cells, exerting pro/anticancer effects. These aberrant expression levels have also been linked to the prognostic and clinicopathological features of diverse tumors. In this review, the structures, functions, and roles of TMEMs in cancer were discussed, and the scientific perspectives were described. This review also explored the potential of TMEMs as tumor drug candidates from the perspective of targeted therapies, and the challenges that need to be overcome in a wide range of preclinical and clinical anticancer research were summarized.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huan Lei
- Department of Epidemiology and Health Statistics, School of Public Health, Southeast University, Nanjing, China; Key Laboratory of Environmental Medicine Engineering, Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Southeast University, Nanjing, China
| | - Fujin Fang
- Department of Epidemiology and Health Statistics, School of Public Health, Southeast University, Nanjing, China
| | - Chuanli Yang
- Department of Epidemiology and Health Statistics, School of Public Health, Southeast University, Nanjing, China
| | - Xiaowei Chen
- Department of Epidemiology and Health Statistics, School of Public Health, Southeast University, Nanjing, China
| | - Qiong Li
- Department of Epidemiology and Health Statistics, School of Public Health, Southeast University, Nanjing, China
| | - Xiaobing Shen
- Department of Epidemiology and Health Statistics, School of Public Health, Southeast University, Nanjing, China; Key Laboratory of Environmental Medicine Engineering, Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Southeast University, Nanjing, China.
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Quick JD, Silva C, Wong JH, Lim KL, Reynolds R, Barron AM, Zeng J, Lo CH. Lysosomal acidification dysfunction in microglia: an emerging pathogenic mechanism of neuroinflammation and neurodegeneration. J Neuroinflammation 2023; 20:185. [PMID: 37543564 PMCID: PMC10403868 DOI: 10.1186/s12974-023-02866-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2023] [Accepted: 07/30/2023] [Indexed: 08/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Microglia are the resident innate immune cells in the brain with a major role in orchestrating immune responses. They also provide a frontline of host defense in the central nervous system (CNS) through their active phagocytic capability. Being a professional phagocyte, microglia participate in phagocytic and autophagic clearance of cellular waste and debris as well as toxic protein aggregates, which relies on optimal lysosomal acidification and function. Defective microglial lysosomal acidification leads to impaired phagocytic and autophagic functions which result in the perpetuation of neuroinflammation and progression of neurodegeneration. Reacidification of impaired lysosomes in microglia has been shown to reverse neurodegenerative pathology in Alzheimer's disease. In this review, we summarize key factors and mechanisms contributing to lysosomal acidification impairment and the associated phagocytic and autophagic dysfunction in microglia, and how these defects contribute to neuroinflammation and neurodegeneration. We further discuss techniques to monitor lysosomal pH and therapeutic agents that can reacidify impaired lysosomes in microglia under disease conditions. Finally, we propose future directions to investigate the role of microglial lysosomal acidification in lysosome-mitochondria crosstalk and in neuron-glia interaction for more comprehensive understanding of its broader CNS physiological and pathological implications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joseph D Quick
- Department of Integrative Biology and Physiology, Medical School, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - Cristian Silva
- Faculty of Graduate Studies, University of Kelaniya, Kelaniya, Sri Lanka
| | - Jia Hui Wong
- Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Kah Leong Lim
- Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, Singapore
- Department of Brain Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Richard Reynolds
- Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, Singapore
- Department of Brain Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Anna M Barron
- Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Jialiu Zeng
- Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, Singapore.
| | - Chih Hung Lo
- Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, Singapore.
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Zhang Y, Obuchi H, Toyota T. A Practical Guide to Preparation and Applications of Giant Unilamellar Vesicles Formed via Centrifugation of Water-in-Oil Emulsion Droplets. MEMBRANES 2023; 13:440. [PMID: 37103867 PMCID: PMC10144487 DOI: 10.3390/membranes13040440] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2023] [Revised: 04/11/2023] [Accepted: 04/14/2023] [Indexed: 06/19/2023]
Abstract
Giant vesicles (GVs), which are closed lipid bilayer membranes with a diameter of more than 1 μm, have attracted attention not only as model cell membranes but also for the construction of artificial cells. For encapsulating water-soluble materials and/or water-dispersible particles or functionalizing membrane proteins and/or other synthesized amphiphiles, giant unilamellar vesicles (GUVs) have been applied in various fields, such as supramolecular chemistry, soft matter physics, life sciences, and bioengineering. In this review, we focus on a preparation technique for GUVs that encapsulate water-soluble materials and/or water-dispersible particles. It is based on the centrifugation of a water-in-oil emulsion layered on water and does not require special equipment other than a centrifuge, which makes it the first choice for laboratory use. Furthermore, we review recent studies on GUV-based artificial cells prepared using this technique and discuss their future applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yiting Zhang
- Department of Basic Science, Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, The University of Tokyo, 3-8-1 Komaba, Meguro, Tokyo 153-8902, Japan
| | - Haruto Obuchi
- Department of Basic Science, Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, The University of Tokyo, 3-8-1 Komaba, Meguro, Tokyo 153-8902, Japan
| | - Taro Toyota
- Department of Basic Science, Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, The University of Tokyo, 3-8-1 Komaba, Meguro, Tokyo 153-8902, Japan
- Universal Biology Institute, The University of Tokyo, 3-8-1 Komaba, Meguro, Tokyo 153-8902, Japan
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7
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Hirschi S, Ward TR, Meier WP, Müller DJ, Fotiadis D. Synthetic Biology: Bottom-Up Assembly of Molecular Systems. Chem Rev 2022; 122:16294-16328. [PMID: 36179355 DOI: 10.1021/acs.chemrev.2c00339] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
The bottom-up assembly of biological and chemical components opens exciting opportunities to engineer artificial vesicular systems for applications with previously unmet requirements. The modular combination of scaffolds and functional building blocks enables the engineering of complex systems with biomimetic or new-to-nature functionalities. Inspired by the compartmentalized organization of cells and organelles, lipid or polymer vesicles are widely used as model membrane systems to investigate the translocation of solutes and the transduction of signals by membrane proteins. The bottom-up assembly and functionalization of such artificial compartments enables full control over their composition and can thus provide specifically optimized environments for synthetic biological processes. This review aims to inspire future endeavors by providing a diverse toolbox of molecular modules, engineering methodologies, and different approaches to assemble artificial vesicular systems. Important technical and practical aspects are addressed and selected applications are presented, highlighting particular achievements and limitations of the bottom-up approach. Complementing the cutting-edge technological achievements, fundamental aspects are also discussed to cater to the inherently diverse background of the target audience, which results from the interdisciplinary nature of synthetic biology. The engineering of proteins as functional modules and the use of lipids and block copolymers as scaffold modules for the assembly of functionalized vesicular systems are explored in detail. Particular emphasis is placed on ensuring the controlled assembly of these components into increasingly complex vesicular systems. Finally, all descriptions are presented in the greater context of engineering valuable synthetic biological systems for applications in biocatalysis, biosensing, bioremediation, or targeted drug delivery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephan Hirschi
- Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, University of Bern, Bühlstrasse 28, 3012 Bern, Switzerland.,Molecular Systems Engineering, National Centre of Competence in Research (NCCR), 4002 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Thomas R Ward
- Department of Chemistry, University of Basel, St. Johanns-Ring 19, 4056 Basel, Switzerland.,Molecular Systems Engineering, National Centre of Competence in Research (NCCR), 4002 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Wolfgang P Meier
- Department of Chemistry, University of Basel, St. Johanns-Ring 19, 4056 Basel, Switzerland.,Molecular Systems Engineering, National Centre of Competence in Research (NCCR), 4002 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Daniel J Müller
- Department of Biosystems Science and Engineering, ETH Zürich, Mattenstrasse 26, 4058 Basel, Switzerland.,Molecular Systems Engineering, National Centre of Competence in Research (NCCR), 4002 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Dimitrios Fotiadis
- Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, University of Bern, Bühlstrasse 28, 3012 Bern, Switzerland.,Molecular Systems Engineering, National Centre of Competence in Research (NCCR), 4002 Basel, Switzerland
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