Preliminary study of a novel transfection modality for in vivo siRNA delivery to vocal fold fibroblasts

Nano-based techniques: A revolutionary approach to prevent covid-19 and enhancing human awareness

In every century of history, there are many new diseases emerged, which are not even cured by many developed countries. Today, despite of scientific development, new deadly pandemic diseases are caused by microorganisms. Hygiene is considered to be one of the best methods of avoiding such communicable diseases, especially viral diseases. Illness caused by SARS-CoV-2 was termed COVID-19 by the WHO, the acronym derived from "coronavirus disease 2019. The globe is living in the worst epidemic era, with the highest infection and mortality rate owing to COVID-19 reaching 6.89% (data up to March 2023). In recent years, nano biotechnology has become a promising and visible field of nanotechnology. Interestingly, nanotechnology is being used to cure many ailments and it has revolutionized many aspects of our lives. Several COVID-19 diagnostic approaches based on nanomaterial have been developed. The various metal NPs, it is highly anticipated that could be viable and economical alternatives for treating drug resistant in many deadly pandemic diseases in near future. This review focuses on an overview of nanotechnology's increasing involvement in the diagnosis, prevention, and therapy of COVID-19, also this review provides readers with an awareness and knowledge of importance of hygiene.

EGFR-Targeted Cellular Delivery of Therapeutic Nucleic Acids Mediated by Boron Clusters

New boron carriers with high boron content and targeted cancer-cell delivery are considered the first choice for boron neutron capture therapy (BNCT) for cancer treatment. Previously, we have shown that composites of antisense oligonucleotide and boron clusters are functional nanoparticles for the downregulation of expression of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) and can be loaded into EGFR-overexpressing cancer cells without a transfection factor. In this study, we hypothesize that free cellular uptake is mediated by binding and activation of the EGFR by boron clusters. Proteomic analysis of proteins pulled-down from various EGFR-overexpressing cancer cells using short oligonucleotide probes, conjugated to 1,2-dicarba-closo-dodecaborane (1,2-DCDDB, [C₂B₁₀H₁₂]) and [(3,3'-Iron-1,2,1',2'-dicarbollide)^-] (FESAN, [Fe(C₂B₉H₁₁)₂]^-), evidenced that boron cage binds to EGFR subdomains. Moreover, inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP MS) and fluorescence microscopy analyses confirmed that FESANs-highly decorated B-ASOs were efficiently delivered and internalized by EGFR-overexpressing cells. Antisense reduction of EGFR in A431 and U87-MG cells resulted in decreased boron accumulation compared to control cells, indicating that cellular uptake of B-ASOs is related to EGFR-dependent internalization. The data obtained suggest that EGFR-mediated cellular uptake of B-ASO represents a novel strategy for cellular delivery of therapeutic nucleic acids (and possibly other medicines) conjugated to boron clusters.

Photochemical Internalization of siRNA for Cancer Therapy

Simple Summary

The objective of this review is to focus on the different nanovectors capable of transporting genetic material such as small-interfering RNA (siRNA) in order to block the expression of genes responsible for the development of cancer. Usually, these nanovectors are internalized by cancer cells via the endo-lysosomal pathway. To increase the lysosomal cargo escape, excitation using a lamp or a laser, can be applied to induce a more efficient leakage of siRNA to the cytoplasm, which is the site of action of the siRNA to block the translation of RNA into proteins. This is the mechanism of photochemical internalization.

Abstract

In the race to design ever more effective therapy with ever more focused and controlled actions, nanomedicine and phototherapy seem to be two allies of choice. Indeed, the use of nanovectors making it possible to transport and protect genetic material is becoming increasingly important. In addition, the use of a method allowing the release of genetic material in a controlled way in space and time is also a strategy increasingly studied thanks to the use of lasers. In parallel, the use of interfering RNA and, more particularly, of small-interfering RNA (siRNA) has demonstrated significant potential for gene therapy. In this review, we focused on the design of the different nanovectors capable of transporting siRNAs and releasing them so that they can turn off the expression of deregulated genes in cancers through controlled photoexcitation with high precision. This mechanism, called photochemical internalization (PCI), corresponds to the lysosomal leakage of the cargo (siRNA in this case) after destabilization of the lysosomal membrane under light excitation.

Liposomal siRNA Formulations for the Treatment of Herpes Simplex Virus-1: In Vitro Characterization of Physicochemical Properties and Activity, and In Vivo Biodistribution and Toxicity Studies

Herpes simplex virus-1 (HSV-1) is highly contagious, and there is a need for a therapeutic means to eradicate it. We have identified an siRNA (siHSV) that knocks down gene expression of the infected cell protein 0 (ICP0), which is important in the regulation of HSV infection. The selected siHSV was encapsulated in liposomes to overcome its poor stability, increase cell permeability, and prolonging siRNA circulation time. Several siRNAs against ICP0 have been designed and identified. We examined the role of various parameters, including formulation technique, lipids composition, and ratio. An optimal liposomal siHSV formulation (LipDOPE-siHSV) was characterized with desirable physiochemical properties, in terms of nano-size, low polydispersity index (PDI), neutral surface charge, high siHSV loading, spherical shape, high stability in physiologic conditions in vitro, and long-term shelf-life stability (>1 year, 4 °C). The liposomes exhibited profound internalization by human keratinocytes, no cytotoxicity in cell cultures, no detrimental effect on mice liver enzymes, and a gradual endo-lysosomal escape. Mice biodistribution studies in intact mice revealed accumulation, mainly in visceral organs but also in the trigeminal ganglion. The therapeutic potential of siHSV liposomes was demonstrated by significant antiviral activity both in the plaque reduction assay and in the 3D epidermis model, and the mechanism of action was validated by the reduction of ICP0 expression levels.

Current approaches to management of vocal fold scar

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Vocal fold (VF) fibrosis remains an insoluble problem in most cases, with a severe impact on vocal quality and effort. This review examines current investigations and research strands that explore the understanding of VF wound healing and applied treatments for the management of VF scar.

RECENT FINDINGS

Recent work focused on VF fibrosis has examined wound healing in the glottis, fibrosis-modifying medication, and tissue engineering approaches that span cytokine and growth factor therapy, scaffold and cell delivery platforms, seeded scaffolds, conditioned media and stem cell therapy. Many show promise and may deliver improvements in the wound bed favouring less fibrogenic healing patterns, ultimately with the goal of preserving or restoring VF vibration. Further collaborative research is required that examines combined approaches, long term outcomes, better three-dimensional modelling of cell-cell interactions and delivery modalities for molecular therapies.

SUMMARY

VF fibrosis research continues to expand and explore a variety of mechanistic pathways in order to understand VF healing and identify novel and complementary targets for manipulation. Many different approaches show promise and may also offer synergistic benefits. Research continues to strive for healing that more closely resembles true VF architecture and function.

Nanotechnology against COVID-19: Immunization, diagnostic and therapeutic studies

The emergence of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) in early 2020 soon led to the global pandemic of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19). Since then, the clinical and scientific communities have been closely collaborating to develop effective strategies for controlling the ongoing pandemic. The game-changing fields of recent years, nanotechnology and nanomedicine have the potential to not only design new approaches, but also to improve existing methods for the fight against COVID-19. Nanomaterials can be used in the development of highly efficient, reusable personal protective equipment, and antiviral nano-coatings in public settings could prevent the spread of SARS-CoV-2. Smart nanocarriers have accelerated the design of several therapeutic, prophylactic, or immune-mediated approaches against COVID-19. Some nanovaccines have even entered Phase IΙ/IIΙ clinical trials. Several rapid and cost-effective COVID-19 diagnostic techniques have also been devised based on nanobiosensors, lab-on-a-chip systems, or nanopore technology. Here, we provide an overview of the emerging role of nanotechnology in the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of COVID-19.

Special Focus Issue Part II: Recruitment of solid lipid nanoparticles for the delivery of CRISPR/Cas9: primary evaluation of anticancer gene editing

Aim: The CRISPR/Cas9 system is a promising gene-editing tool for various anticancer therapies; however, development of a biocompatible, nonviral and efficient delivery of CRISPR/Cas9 expression systems remains a challenge. Materials & methods: Solid lipid nanoparticles (SLNs) were produced based on pseudo and 3D ternary plots. Obtained SLNs and their complexes with PX458 plasmid DNA were characterized and evaluated in terms of cytotoxicity and transfection efficiency. Results: SLNs were found to be nanosized, monodispersed, stable and nontoxic. Furthermore, they revealed similar transfection efficiency as the positive control. Conclusion: Overall, we have achieved a good SLN basis for CRISPR/Cas9 delivery and have the potential to produce SLNs with targeted anticancer properties by modifying production parameters and components to facilitate translating CRISPR/Cas9 into preclinical studies.

Implementing Efficient Peptoid-Mediated Delivery of RNA-Based Therapeutics to the Vocal Folds

Objective

We hypothesize that Smad3 is a master regulator of fibrosis in the vocal folds (VFs) and RNA-based therapeutics targeting Smad3 hold therapeutic promise. Delivery remains challenging. We previously described a novel synthetic peptoid oligomer, lipitoid L0, complexed with siRNA to improve stability and cellular uptake. An advantage of these peptoids, however, is tremendous structural and chemical malleability to optimize transfection efficiency. Modifications of L0 were assayed to optimize siRNA-mediated alteration of gene expression.

Methods

In vitro, Smad3 knockdown by various lipitoid variants was evaluated via quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction in human VF fibroblasts. Cytotoxicity was quantified via colorimetric assays. In vivo, a rabbit model of VF injury was employed to evaluate the temporal dynamics of Smad3 knockdown following injection of the L0-siRNA complex.

Results

In vitro, similar reductions in Smad3 expression were established by all lipitoid variants, with one exception. Sequence variants also exhibited similar nontoxic characteristics; no statistically significant differences in cell proliferation were observed. In vivo, Smad3 expression was significantly reduced in injured VFs following injection of L0-complexed Smad3 siRNA at 1 day postinjection. Qualitative suppression of Smad3 expression persisted to 3 days following injury, but did not achieve statistical significance.

Conclusions

In spite of the chemical diversity of these peptoid transfection reagents, the sequence variants generally provided consistently efficient reductions in Smad3 expression. L0 yielded effective, yet temporally limited knockdown of Smad3 in vivo. Peptoids may provide a versatile platform for the discovery of siRNA delivery vehicles optimized for clinical application.

Level of Evidence

NA.

Pathophysiology of Fibrosis in the Vocal Fold: Current Research, Future Treatment Strategies, and Obstacles to Restoring Vocal Fold Pliability

Communication by voice depends on symmetrical vibrations within the vocal folds (VFs) and is indispensable for various occupations. VF scarring is one of the main reasons for permanent dysphonia and results from injury to the unique layered structure of the VFs. The increased collagen and decreased hyaluronic acid within VF scars lead to a loss of pliability of the VFs and significantly decreases their capacity to vibrate. As there is currently no definitive treatment for VF scarring, regenerative medicine and tissue engineering have become increasingly important research areas within otolaryngology. Several recent reviews have described the problem of VF scarring and various possible solutions, including tissue engineered cells and tissues, biomaterial implants, stem cells, growth factors, anti-inflammatory cytokines antifibrotic agents. Despite considerable research progress, these technical advances have not been established as routine clinical procedures. This review focuses on emerging techniques for restoring VF pliability using various approaches. We discuss our studies on interactions among adipose-derived stem/stromal cells, antifibrotic agents, and VF fibroblasts using an in vitro model. We also identify some obstacles to advances in research.

Nanoparticle delivery of RNA-based therapeutics to alter the vocal fold tissue response to injury

OBJECTIVES/HYPOTHESIS

Our laboratory and others hypothesized that Smad3 is a principle mediator of the fibrotic phenotype in the vocal folds (VFs), and we further posited that alteration of Smad3 expression through short interfering (si)RNA holds therapeutic promise, yet delivery remains challenging. To address this issue, we employed a novel synthetic oligomer, lipitoid, complexed with siRNA to improve stability and cellular uptake with the goal of increased efficiency of RNA-based therapeutics.

STUDY DESIGN

In vitro study and in vivo animal model.

METHODS

In vitro, lipitoid cytotoxicity was quantified via colorimetric and LIVE/DEAD assays in immortalized human VF fibroblasts and primary rabbit VF fibroblasts. In addition, optimal incubation interval and solution for binding siRNA to lipitoid for intracellular delivery were determined. In vivo, a rabbit model of VF injury was employed to evaluate Smad3 knockdown following locally injected lipitoid-complexed siRNA.

RESULTS

In vitro, lipitoid did not confer additional toxicity compared to commercially available reagents. In addition, 20-minute incubation in 1× phosphate-buffered saline resulted in maximal Smad3 knockdown. In vivo, Smad3 expression increased following VF injury. This response was significantly reduced in injured VFs at 4 and 24 hours following injection (P = .035 and .034, respectively).

CONCLUSIONS

The current study is the first to demonstrate targeted gene manipulation in the VFs as well as the potential utility of lipitoid for localized delivery of genetic material in vivo. Ideally, these data will serve as a platform for future investigation regarding the functional implications of therapeutic gene manipulation in the VFs.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

NA. Laryngoscope, 128:E178-E183, 2018.

SMAD3 expression and regulation of fibroplasia in vocal fold injury

OBJECTIVE

Recent reports highlight the efficacy of small interfering RNA (siRNA) targeting SMAD3 to regulate transforming growth factor β (TGF-β)-mediated fibroplasia in vocal fold fibroblasts. The current study sought to investigate SMAD3 expression during wound healing in vivo and quantify the downstream transcriptional events associated with SMAD3 knockdown in vitro.

STUDY DESIGN

In vivo and in vitro.

METHODS

Unilateral vocal fold injury was created in a rabbit model. SMAD3 and SMAD7 mRNA expression was quantified at 1 hour and 1, 3, 7, 14, 30, 60, and 90 days following injury. In vitro, multi-gene analysis technology was employed in our immortalized human vocal-fold fibroblast cell line following TGF-β1 stimulation ± SMAD3 knockdown across time points.

RESULTS

SMAD3 mRNA expression increased following injury; upregulation was significant at 3 and 7 days compared to control (both P < 0.001). SMAD7 mRNA was also upregulated at 3, 7, and 14 days (P = 0.02, P < 0.001, and P < 0.001, respectively). In vitro, SMAD3 knockdown reduced the expression of multiple profibrotic, TGF-β signaling, and extracellular matrix metabolism genes at 6 and 24 hours following TGF-β1 stimulation.

CONCLUSION

Cumulatively, these data support SMAD3 as a potential master regulator of TGF-β-mediated fibrosis. SMAD3 transcription peaked 7 days following injury. Multi-gene analysis indicated that the therapeutic effectiveness of SMAD3 knockdown may be related to regulation of downstream mediators of fibroplasia and altered TGF-β signaling.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

NA. Laryngoscope, 127:E308-E316, 2017.