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Shalaby KE, Aouida M, Gupta V, Abdesselem H, El-Agnaf OMA. Development of non-viral vectors for neuronal-targeted delivery of CRISPR-Cas9 RNA-proteins as a therapeutic strategy for neurological disorders. Biomater Sci 2022; 10:4959-4977. [PMID: 35880637 DOI: 10.1039/d2bm00368f] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
The aging population contributes to an increase in the prevalence of neurodegenerative diseases, such as Parkinson's disease (PD). Due to the progressive nature of these diseases and an incomplete understanding of their pathophysiology, current drugs are inefficient, with a limited efficacy and major side effects. In this study, CRISPR-Cas9 RNA-proteins (RNP) composed of a Cas9 nuclease and single-guide RNA were delivered with a non-viral targeted delivery system to rescue the PD-associated phenotype in neuronal cells. Here, we fused the cell-penetrating amphipathic peptide, PepFect14 (PF14), with a short fragment of the rabies virus glycoprotein (C2) previously shown to have an affinity towards nicotinic acetylcholine receptors expressed on neuronal cells and on the blood-brain barrier. The resultant peptide, C2-PF14, was used to complex with and deliver RNPs to neuronal cells. We observed that RNP/C2-PF14 complexes formed nanosized, monodispersed, and nontoxic nanoparticles that led to a specific delivery into neuronal cells. α-Synuclein (α-syn) plays a major role in the pathology of PD and is considered to be a target for therapy. We demonstrated that CRISPR/Cas9 RNP delivered by C2-PF14 achieved α-syn gene (SNCA) editing in neuronal cells as determined by T7EI assay and western blotting. Furthermore, RNP/C2-PF14 relieved PD-associated toxicity in neuronal cells in vitro. This is a proof-of-concept towards simple and safe targeted genome-editing for treating PD and other neurological disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karim E Shalaby
- Biological and Biomedical Sciences Division, College of Health & Life Sciences, Hamad Bin Khalifa University, Doha, Qatar. .,Neurological Disorder Research Center, Qatar Biomedical Research Institute (QBRI), Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU), Qatar Foundation, Doha, Qatar
| | - Mustapha Aouida
- Biological and Biomedical Sciences Division, College of Health & Life Sciences, Hamad Bin Khalifa University, Doha, Qatar.
| | - Vijay Gupta
- Neurological Disorder Research Center, Qatar Biomedical Research Institute (QBRI), Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU), Qatar Foundation, Doha, Qatar
| | - Houari Abdesselem
- Neurological Disorder Research Center, Qatar Biomedical Research Institute (QBRI), Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU), Qatar Foundation, Doha, Qatar
| | - Omar M A El-Agnaf
- Biological and Biomedical Sciences Division, College of Health & Life Sciences, Hamad Bin Khalifa University, Doha, Qatar. .,Neurological Disorder Research Center, Qatar Biomedical Research Institute (QBRI), Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU), Qatar Foundation, Doha, Qatar
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Lehto T, Ezzat K, Wood MJA, El Andaloussi S. Peptides for nucleic acid delivery. Adv Drug Deliv Rev 2016; 106:172-182. [PMID: 27349594 DOI: 10.1016/j.addr.2016.06.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 151] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2016] [Revised: 06/08/2016] [Accepted: 06/15/2016] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Nucleic acids and their synthetic oligonucleotide (ON) analogs are a group of gene therapeutic compounds which hold enormous clinical potential. Despite their undoubted potential, clinical translation of these molecules, however, has been largely held back by their limited bioavailability in the target tissues/cells. To overcome this, many different drug delivery systems have been devised. Among others, short delivery peptides, called cell-penetrating peptides (CPPs), have been demonstrated to allow for efficient delivery of nucleic acids and their ON analogs, in both cell culture and animal models. In this review, we provide brief overview of the latest advances in nucleic acid delivery with CPPs, covering the two main vectorization strategies, covalent conjugation and nanoparticle formation-based approach. In conclusion, CPP-based drug delivery systems have the capacity to overcome the hurdle of delivery and thus have the potential to facilitate the clinical translation of nucleic acid-based therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Taavi Lehto
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm SE-171 77, Sweden; Institute of Technology, University of Tartu, Nooruse 1, 50411 Tartu, Estonia.
| | - Kariem Ezzat
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm SE-171 77, Sweden
| | - Matthew J A Wood
- Department of Physiology, Anatomy, and Genetics, University of Oxford, OX13QX Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Samir El Andaloussi
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm SE-171 77, Sweden; Department of Physiology, Anatomy, and Genetics, University of Oxford, OX13QX Oxford, United Kingdom
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Roberts TC, Ezzat K, El Andaloussi S, Weinberg MS. Synthetic SiRNA Delivery: Progress and Prospects. Methods Mol Biol 2016; 1364:291-310. [PMID: 26472459 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-4939-3112-5_23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
Small interfering RNA (siRNA) is a powerful tool for modulating gene expression by RNA interference (RNAi). Duplex RNA oligonucleotides induce cleavage of homologous target transcripts, thereby enabling posttranscriptional silencing of potentially any gene. As such, siRNAs may have utility as novel pharmaceuticals for a wide range of diseases. However, a lack of "drug-likeness," physiological barriers, and potential toxicities have meant that systemic delivery of SiRNAs in vivo remains a major challenge. Here we discuss various strategies that have been employed to solve the problem of SiRNA delivery. These include chemical modification of the SiRNA, direct conjugation to bioactive moieties, and nanoparticle formulations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas C Roberts
- Department of Molecular and Experimental Medicine, The Scripps Research Institute, 10550 N. Torrey Pines Road, La Jolla, CA, 92037, USA
- Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Genetics, University of Oxford, South Parks Road, Oxford, OX1 3QX, UK
- Development, Aging and Regeneration Program, Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute, 10901 N. Torrey Pines Road, La Jolla, CA, 92037, USA
| | - Kariem Ezzat
- Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Genetics, University of Oxford, South Parks Road, Oxford, OX1 3QX, UK
| | - Samir El Andaloussi
- Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Genetics, University of Oxford, South Parks Road, Oxford, OX1 3QX, UK
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Huddinge, Sweden
| | - Marc S Weinberg
- Department of Molecular and Experimental Medicine, The Scripps Research Institute, 10550 N. Torrey Pines Road, La Jolla, CA, 92037, USA.
- Antiviral Gene Therapy Research Unit, Department of Molecular Medicine and Haematology, University of the Witwatersrand Medical School, Johannesburg, WITS 2050, South Africa.
- HIV Pathogenesis Research Unit, Department of Molecular Medicine and Haematology, University of the Witwatersrand Medical School, Johannesburg, WITS 2050, South Africa.
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Kivelä AM, Huusko J, Ylä-Herttuala S. Prospect and progress of gene therapy in treating atherosclerosis. Expert Opin Biol Ther 2015; 15:1699-712. [PMID: 26328616 DOI: 10.1517/14712598.2015.1084282] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Despite considerable improvements in therapies, atherosclerotic cardiovascular diseases remain the leading cause of death worldwide. Therefore, in addition to current treatment options, new therapeutic approaches are still needed. AREAS COVERED In this review, novel gene and RNA interference-based therapy approaches and promising target genes for treating atherosclerosis are addressed. In addition, relevant animal models for the demonstration of the efficacy of different gene therapy applications, and current progress toward more efficient, targeted and safer gene transfer vectors are reviewed. EXPERT OPINION Atherosclerosis represents a complex multifactorial disease that is dependent on the interplay between lipoprotein metabolism, cellular reactions and inflammation. Recent advances and novel targets, especially in the field of RNA interference-based therapies, are very promising. However, it should be noted that the modulation of a particular gene is not as clearly associated with a complex polygenic disease as it is in the case of monogenic diseases. A deeper understanding of molecular mechanisms of atherosclerosis, further progress in vector development and the demonstration of treatment efficacy in relevant animal models will be required before gene therapy of atherosclerosis meets its clinical reality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annukka M Kivelä
- a 1 University of Eastern Finland, A.I. Virtanen Institute for Molecular Sciences, Department of Biotechnology and Molecular Medicine , Kuopio, Finland +358 403 552 075 ;
| | - Jenni Huusko
- a 1 University of Eastern Finland, A.I. Virtanen Institute for Molecular Sciences, Department of Biotechnology and Molecular Medicine , Kuopio, Finland +358 403 552 075 ;
| | - Seppo Ylä-Herttuala
- a 1 University of Eastern Finland, A.I. Virtanen Institute for Molecular Sciences, Department of Biotechnology and Molecular Medicine , Kuopio, Finland +358 403 552 075 ; .,b 2 Science Service Center , Kuopio, Finland.,c 3 Kuopio University Hospital, Gene Therapy Unit , Kuopio, Finland
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Vasconcelos L, Madani F, Arukuusk P, Pärnaste L, Gräslund A, Langel U. Effects of cargo molecules on membrane perturbation caused by transportan10 based cell-penetrating peptides. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA-BIOMEMBRANES 2014; 1838:3118-29. [PMID: 25135660 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbamem.2014.08.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2014] [Revised: 07/30/2014] [Accepted: 08/08/2014] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Cell-penetrating peptides with the ability to escape endosomes and reach the target are of great value as delivery vectors for different bioactive cargoes and future treatment of human diseases. We have studied two such peptides, NickFect1 and NickFect51, both originated from stearylated transportan10 (PF3). To obtain more insight into the mechanism(s) of peptide delivery and the biophysical properties of an efficient vector system, we investigated the effect of different bioactive oligonucleotide cargoes on peptide-membrane perturbation and peptide structural induction. We studied the membrane interactions of the peptides with large unilamellar vesicles and compared their effects with parent peptides transportan10 and PF3. In addition, cellular uptake and peptide-mediated oligonucleotide delivery were analyzed. Calcein leakage experiments showed that similar to transportan10, NickFect51 caused a significant degree of membrane leakage, whereas NickFect1, similar to PF3, was less membrane perturbing. The results are in agreement with previously published results indicating that NickFect51 is a more efficient endosomal escaper. However, the presence of a large cargo like plasmid DNA inhibited NickFect's membrane perturbation and cellular uptake efficiency of the peptide was reduced. We conclude that the pathway for cellular uptake of peptide complexes is cargo dependent, whereas the endosomal escape efficacy depends on peptide hydrophobicity and chemical structure. For small interfering RNA delivery, NickFect51 appears to be optimal. The biophysical signature shows that the peptide alone causes membrane perturbation, but the cargo complex does not. These two biophysical characteristics of the peptide and its cargo complex may be the signature of an efficient delivery vector system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luís Vasconcelos
- Department of Neurochemistry, Arrhenius Laboratories for Natural Sciences, Stockholm University, Sweden.
| | - Fatemeh Madani
- Department of Neurochemistry, Arrhenius Laboratories for Natural Sciences, Stockholm University, Sweden
| | - Piret Arukuusk
- Laboratory of Molecular Biotechnology, Institute of Technology, University of Tartu, Estonia
| | - Ly Pärnaste
- Laboratory of Molecular Biotechnology, Institute of Technology, University of Tartu, Estonia
| | - Astrid Gräslund
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Arrhenius Laboratories for Natural Sciences, Stockholm University, Sweden
| | - Ulo Langel
- Department of Neurochemistry, Arrhenius Laboratories for Natural Sciences, Stockholm University, Sweden; Laboratory of Molecular Biotechnology, Institute of Technology, University of Tartu, Estonia
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Raad MD, Teunissen EA, Mastrobattista E. Peptide vectors for gene delivery: from single peptides to multifunctional peptide nanocarriers. Nanomedicine (Lond) 2014; 9:2217-32. [DOI: 10.2217/nnm.14.90] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
The therapeutic use of nucleic acids relies on the availability of sophisticated delivery systems for targeted and intracellular delivery of these molecules. Such a gene delivery should possess essential characteristics to overcome several extracellular and intracellular barriers. Peptides offer an attractive platform for nonviral gene delivery, as several functional peptide classes exist capable of overcoming these barriers. However, none of these functional peptide classes contain all the essential characteristics required to overcome all of the barriers associated with successful gene delivery. Combining functional peptides into multifunctional peptide vectors will be pivotal for improving peptide-based gene delivery systems. By using combinatorial strategies and high-throughput screening, the identification of multifunctional peptide vectors will accelerate the optimization of peptide-based gene delivery systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Markus de Raad
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Utrecht Institute for Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Science, University of Utrecht, Universiteitsweg 99, 3584 CG Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Erik A Teunissen
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Utrecht Institute for Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Science, University of Utrecht, Universiteitsweg 99, 3584 CG Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Enrico Mastrobattista
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Utrecht Institute for Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Science, University of Utrecht, Universiteitsweg 99, 3584 CG Utrecht, The Netherlands
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Shu Y, Pi F, Sharma A, Rajabi M, Haque F, Shu D, Leggas M, Evers BM, Guo P. Stable RNA nanoparticles as potential new generation drugs for cancer therapy. Adv Drug Deliv Rev 2014; 66:74-89. [PMID: 24270010 DOI: 10.1016/j.addr.2013.11.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 181] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2013] [Revised: 10/11/2013] [Accepted: 11/13/2013] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Human genome sequencing revealed that only ~1.5% of the DNA sequence coded for proteins. More and more evidence has uncovered that a substantial part of the 98.5% so-called "junk" DNAs actually code for noncoding RNAs. Two milestones, chemical drugs and protein drugs, have already appeared in the history of drug development, and it is expected that the third milestone in drug development will be RNA drugs or drugs that target RNA. This review focuses on the development of RNA therapeutics for potential cancer treatment by applying RNA nanotechnology. A therapeutic RNA nanoparticle is unique in that its scaffold, ligand, and therapeutic component can all be composed of RNA. The special physicochemical properties lend to the delivery of siRNA, miRNA, ribozymes, or riboswitches; imaging using fluogenenic RNA; and targeting using RNA aptamers. With recent advances in solving the chemical, enzymatic, and thermodynamic stability issues, RNA nanoparticles have been found to be advantageous for in vivo applications due to their uniform nano-scale size, precise stoichiometry, polyvalent nature, low immunogenicity, low toxicity, and target specificity. In vivo animal studies have revealed that RNA nanoparticles can specifically target tumors with favorable pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic parameters without unwanted accumulation in normal organs. This review summarizes the key studies that have led to the detailed understanding of RNA nanoparticle formation as well as chemical and thermodynamic stability issue. The methods for RNA nanoparticle construction, and the current challenges in the clinical application of RNA nanotechnology, such as endosome trapping and production costs, are also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi Shu
- Markey Cancer Center, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40536, USA; Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40536, USA
| | - Fengmei Pi
- Markey Cancer Center, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40536, USA; Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40536, USA
| | - Ashwani Sharma
- Markey Cancer Center, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40536, USA; Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40536, USA
| | - Mehdi Rajabi
- Markey Cancer Center, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40536, USA; Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40536, USA
| | - Farzin Haque
- Markey Cancer Center, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40536, USA; Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40536, USA
| | - Dan Shu
- Markey Cancer Center, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40536, USA; Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40536, USA
| | - Markos Leggas
- Markey Cancer Center, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40536, USA; Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40536, USA
| | - B Mark Evers
- Markey Cancer Center, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40536, USA
| | - Peixuan Guo
- Markey Cancer Center, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40536, USA; Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40536, USA.
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8
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Zhao N, You J, Zeng Z, Li C, Zu Y. An ultra pH-sensitive and aptamer-equipped nanoscale drug-delivery system for selective killing of tumor cells. SMALL (WEINHEIM AN DER BERGSTRASSE, GERMANY) 2013; 9:3477-84. [PMID: 23609964 PMCID: PMC3800505 DOI: 10.1002/smll.201202694] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2012] [Revised: 12/03/2012] [Indexed: 05/29/2023]
Abstract
Nanotechnology has often been applied in the development of targeted drug-delivery systems for the treatment of cancer. An ideal nanoscale system for drug delivery should be able to selectively deliver and rapidly release the carried therapeutic drug(s) in cancer cells and, more importantly, not react to off-target cells so as to eliminate unwanted toxicity on normal tissues. To reach this goal, a selective chemotherapeutic is formulated using a hollow gold nanosphere (HAuNS) equipped with a biomarker-specific aptamer (Apt), and loaded with the chemotherapy drug doxorubicin (DOX). The formed Apt-HAuNS-Dox, approximately 42 nm in diameter, specifically binds to lymphoma tumor cells and does not react to control cells that do not express the biomarker. Through aptamer-mediated selective cell binding, the Apt-HAuNS-Dox is internalized exclusively into the targeted tumor cells, and then released the DOX intracellularly. Of note, although the formed Apt-HAuNS-Dox is stable under normal biological conditions (pH 7.4), it appears ultrasensitive to pH change and rapidly releases 80% of the loaded DOX within 2 h at pH 5.0, a condition seen in cell lysosomes. Functional assays using cell mixtures show that the Apt-HAuNS-Dox selectively kills lymphoma tumor cells, but has no effect on the growth of the off-target cells in the same cultures, indicating that this ultra pH-sensitive Apt-HAuNS-Dox can selectively treat cancer through specific aptamer guidance, and will have minimal side effects on normal tissue.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nianxi Zhao
- Department of Pathology and Genomic Medicine, The Methodist Hospital, and Cancer Pathology Laboratory, The Methodist Hospital Research Institute, 6565 Fannin Street, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Jian You
- Department of Experimental Diagnostic Imaging, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, 1515 Holcombe Blvd., Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Zihua Zeng
- Department of Pathology and Genomic Medicine, The Methodist Hospital, and Cancer Pathology Laboratory, The Methodist Hospital Research Institute, 6565 Fannin Street, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Chun Li
- Department of Experimental Diagnostic Imaging, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, 1515 Holcombe Blvd., Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Youli Zu
- Department of Pathology and Genomic Medicine, The Methodist Hospital, and Cancer Pathology Laboratory, The Methodist Hospital Research Institute, 6565 Fannin Street, Houston, TX 77030, USA
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Abstract
The ability of cell-penetrating peptides to cross plasma membranes has been used for various applications, including the delivery of bioactive molecules to inhibit disease-producing cellular mechanisms. Selective drug delivery into target cells improves drug distribution and decreases dosing and toxicity. In this review, the authors outline the main challenges in the field, namely clarification of mechanisms of entry into cells, as well as current and future perspectives regarding cell-penetrating peptides application for human therapeutics. Here, the authors discuss some of the factors that influence efficacy of delivery and review the current status of preclinical studies and clinical trials involving the use of cell-penetrating peptide-mediated delivery of therapeutics.
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10
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Deshayes S, Divita G. Fluorescence technologies for monitoring interactions between biological molecules in vitro. PROGRESS IN MOLECULAR BIOLOGY AND TRANSLATIONAL SCIENCE 2013; 113:109-43. [PMID: 23244790 DOI: 10.1016/b978-0-12-386932-6.00004-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Over the last two centuries, the discovery and understanding of the principle of fluorescence have provided new means of characterizing physical/biological/chemical processes in a noninvasive manner. Fluorescence spectroscopy has become one of the most powerful and widely applied methods in the life sciences, from fundamental research to clinical applications. In vitro, fluorescence approaches offer the potential to sense in real-time extra and intracellular molecular interactions and enzymatic reactions, which constitutes a major advantage over other approaches to the study of biomolecular interactions. This technology has been used for the characterization of protein/protein, protein/nucleic acid, protein/substrate, and biomembrane/biomolecule interactions, which play crucial roles in the regulation of cellular pathways. This chapter reviews the different fluorescence strategies that have been developed for sensing molecular interactions in vitro at both steady- and pre-steady-state levels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sebastien Deshayes
- Centre de Recherches de Biochimie Macromoléculaire, Department of Chemical Biology and Nanotechnology for Therapeutics, CRBM-CNRS, UMR-5237, UM1-UM2, University of Montpellier, 1919 Route de Mende, Montpellier, France
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Veiman KL, Mäger I, Ezzat K, Margus H, Lehto T, Langel K, Kurrikoff K, Arukuusk P, Suhorutšenko J, Padari K, Pooga M, Lehto T, Langel Ü. PepFect14 peptide vector for efficient gene delivery in cell cultures. Mol Pharm 2012. [PMID: 23186360 DOI: 10.1021/mp3003557] [Citation(s) in RCA: 73] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
The successful applicability of gene therapy approaches will heavily rely on the development of efficient and safe nonviral gene delivery vectors, for example, cell-penetrating peptides (CPPs). CPPs can condense oligonucleotides and plasmid DNA (pDNA) into nanoparticles, thus allowing the transfection of genetic material into cells. However, despite few promising attempts, CPP-mediated pDNA delivery has been relatively inefficient due to the unfavorable nanoparticle characteristics or the nanoparticle entrapment to endocytic compartments. In many cases, both of these drawbacks could be alleviated by modifying CPPs with a stearic acid residue, as demonstrated in the delivery of both the pDNA and the short oligonucleotides. In this study, PepFect14 (PF14) peptide, previously used for the transport of shorter oligonucleotides, is demonstrated to be suited also for the delivery of pDNA. It is shown that PF14 forms stable nanoparticles with pDNA with a negative surface charge and size of around 130-170 nm. These nanoparticles facilitate efficient gene delivery and expression in a variety of regular adherent cell lines and also in difficult-to-transfect primary cells. Uptake studies indicate that PF14/pDNA nanoparticles are utilizing class A scavenger receptors (SCARA) and caveolae-mediated endocytosis as the main route for cellular internalization. Conclusively, PF14 is an efficient nonviral vector for gene delivery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kadi-Liis Veiman
- Laboratory of Molecular Biotechnology, Institute of Technology, University of Tartu, Nooruse 1, 50411 Tartu, Estonia
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Ezzat K, Zaghloul EM, El Andaloussi S, Lehto T, El-Sayed R, Magdy T, Smith CIE, Langel U. Solid formulation of cell-penetrating peptide nanocomplexes with siRNA and their stability in simulated gastric conditions. J Control Release 2012; 162:1-8. [PMID: 22698942 PMCID: PMC7126485 DOI: 10.1016/j.jconrel.2012.06.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2012] [Revised: 05/21/2012] [Accepted: 06/04/2012] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Cell-penetrating peptides (CPPs) are short cationic peptides that have been extensively studied as drug delivery vehicles for proteins, nucleic acids and nanoparticles. However, the formulation of CPP-based therapeutics into different pharmaceutical formulations and their stability in relevant biological environments have not been given the same attention. Here, we show that a newly developed CPP, PepFect 14 (PF14), forms non-covalent nanocomplexes with short interfering RNA (siRNA), which are able to elicit efficient RNA-interference (RNAi) response in different cell-lines. RNAi effect is obtained at low siRNA doses with a unique kinetic profile. Furthermore, the solid dispersion technique is utilized to formulate PF14/siRNA nanocomplexes into solid formulations that are as active as the freshly prepared nanocomplexes in solution. Importantly, the nanocomplexes are stable and active in mediating RNAi response after incubation with simulated gastric fluid (SGF) that is highly acidic. These results demonstrate the activity of PF14 in delivering and protecting siRNA in different pharmaceutical forms and biological environments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kariem Ezzat
- Stockholm University, Department of Neurochemistry, Stockholm, Sweden.
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