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Niazi SK, Magoola M, Mariam Z. Innovative Therapeutic Strategies in Alzheimer's Disease: A Synergistic Approach to Neurodegenerative Disorders. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2024; 17:741. [PMID: 38931409 PMCID: PMC11206655 DOI: 10.3390/ph17060741] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/29/2024] [Revised: 05/31/2024] [Accepted: 06/04/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) remains a significant challenge in the field of neurodegenerative disorders, even nearly a century after its discovery, due to the elusive nature of its causes. The development of drugs that target multiple aspects of the disease has emerged as a promising strategy to address the complexities of AD and related conditions. The immune system's role, particularly in AD, has gained considerable interest, with nanobodies representing a new frontier in biomedical research. Advances in targeting antibodies against amyloid-β (Aβ) and using messenger RNA for genetic translation have revolutionized the production of antibodies and drug development, opening new possibilities for treatment. Despite these advancements, conventional therapies for AD, such as Cognex, Exelon, Razadyne, and Aricept, often have limited long-term effectiveness, underscoring the need for innovative solutions. This necessity has led to the incorporation advanced technologies like artificial intelligence and machine learning into the drug discovery process for neurodegenerative diseases. These technologies help identify therapeutic targets and optimize lead compounds, offering a more effective approach to addressing the challenges of AD and similar conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Zamara Mariam
- Centre for Health and Life Sciences, Coventry University, Coventry CV1 5FB, UK
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2
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Wei Y, He T, Bi Q, Yang H, Hu X, Jin R, Liang H, Zhu Y, Tong R, Nie Y. A cationic lipid with advanced membrane fusion performance for pDNA and mRNA delivery. J Mater Chem B 2023; 11:2095-2107. [PMID: 36810919 DOI: 10.1039/d2tb02783f] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
The success of mRNA vaccines for COVID-19 prevention raised global awareness of the importance of nucleic acid drugs. The approved systems for nucleic acid delivery were mainly formulations of different lipids, yielding lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) with complex internal structures. Due to the multiple components, the relationship between the structure of each component and the overall biological activity of LNPs is hard to study. However, ionizable lipids have been extensively explored. In contrast to former studies on the optimization of hydrophilic parts in single-component self-assemblies, we report in this study on structural alterations of the hydrophobic segment. We synthesize a library of amphiphilic cationic lipids by varying the lengths (C = 8-18), numbers (N = 2, 4), and unsaturation degrees (Ω = 0, 1) of hydrophobic tails. Notably, all self-assemblies with nucleic acid have significant differences in particle size, stability in serum, membrane fusion, and fluidity. Moreover, the novel mRNA/pDNA formulations are characterized by overall low cytotoxicity, efficient compaction, protection, and release of nucleic acids. We find that the length of hydrophobic tails dominates the formation and stability of the assembly. And at a certain length, the unsaturated hydrophobic tails enhance the membrane fusion and fluidity of assemblies and thus significantly affect the transgene expression, followed by the number of hydrophobic tails.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu Wei
- National Engineering Research Center for Biomaterials/College of Biomedical Engineering, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610064, China.
| | - Ting He
- National Engineering Research Center for Biomaterials/College of Biomedical Engineering, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610064, China.
| | - Qunjie Bi
- National Engineering Research Center for Biomaterials/College of Biomedical Engineering, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610064, China.
| | - Huan Yang
- National Engineering Research Center for Biomaterials/College of Biomedical Engineering, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610064, China.
| | - Xueyi Hu
- National Engineering Research Center for Biomaterials/College of Biomedical Engineering, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610064, China.
| | - Rongrong Jin
- National Engineering Research Center for Biomaterials/College of Biomedical Engineering, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610064, China.
| | - Hong Liang
- Department of Pharmacy, Sichuan Academy of Medical Sciences & Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, School of Medicine, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu 610072, China. .,Personalized Drug Therapy Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, School of Medicine, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu 610072, China
| | - Yongqun Zhu
- Life Sciences Institute and Innovation Center for Cell Signaling Network, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Rongsheng Tong
- Department of Pharmacy, Sichuan Academy of Medical Sciences & Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, School of Medicine, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu 610072, China. .,Personalized Drug Therapy Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, School of Medicine, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu 610072, China
| | - Yu Nie
- National Engineering Research Center for Biomaterials/College of Biomedical Engineering, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610064, China.
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3
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Bechinger P, Serrano Sponton L, Grützner V, Musyanovych A, Jussen D, Krenzlin H, Eldahaby D, Riede N, Kempski O, Ringel F, Alessandri B. In-vivo time course of organ uptake and blood-brain-barrier permeation of poly(L-lactide) and poly(perfluorodecyl acrylate) nanoparticles with different surface properties in unharmed and brain-traumatized rats. Front Neurol 2023; 14:994877. [PMID: 36814997 PMCID: PMC9939480 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2023.994877] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2022] [Accepted: 01/20/2023] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Traumatic brain injury (TBI) has a dramatic impact on mortality and quality of life and the development of effective treatment strategies is of great socio-economic relevance. A growing interest exists in using polymeric nanoparticles (NPs) as carriers across the blood-brain barrier (BBB) for potentially effective drugs in TBI. However, the effect of NP material and type of surfactant on their distribution within organs, the amount of the administrated dose that reaches the brain parenchyma in areas with intact and opened BBB after trauma, and a possible elicited inflammatory response are still to be clarified. Methods The organ distribution, BBB permeation and eventual inflammatory activation of polysorbate-80 (Tw80) and sodiumdodecylsulfate (SDS) stabilized poly(L-lactide) (PLLA) and poly(perfluorodecyl acrylate) (PFDL) nanoparticles were evaluated in rats after intravenous administration. The NP uptake into the brain was assessed under intact conditions and after controlled cortical impact (CCI). Results A significantly higher NP uptake at 4 and 24 h after injection was observed in the liver and spleen, followed by the brain and kidney, with minimal concentrations in the lungs and heart for all NPs. A significant increase of NP uptake at 4 and 24 h after CCI was observed within the traumatized hemisphere, especially in the perilesional area, but NPs were still found in areas away from the injury site and the contralateral hemisphere. NPs were internalized in brain capillary endothelial cells, neurons, astrocytes, and microglia. Immunohistochemical staining against GFAP, Iba1, TNFα, and IL1β demonstrated no glial activation or neuroinflammatory changes. Conclusions Tw80 and SDS coated biodegradable PLLA and non-biodegradable PFDL NPs reach the brain parenchyma with and without compromised BBB by TBI, even though a high amount of NPs are retained in the liver and spleen. No inflammatory reaction is elicited by these NPs within 24 h after injection. Thus, these NPs could be considered as potentially effective carriers or markers of newly developed drugs with low or even no BBB permeation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrick Bechinger
- Department of Neurosurgery, Johannes Gutenberg University Medical Centre, Mainz, Germany,Department of Anesthesiology, Helios Dr. Horst Schmidt Clinic, Wiesbaden, Germany
| | - Lucas Serrano Sponton
- Department of Neurosurgery, Johannes Gutenberg University Medical Centre, Mainz, Germany,Department of Neurosurgery, Sana Clinic Offenbach, Offenbach, Germany,*Correspondence: Lucas Serrano Sponton ✉
| | - Verena Grützner
- Fraunhofer Institute for Microengineering and Microsystems, Mainz, Germany
| | - Anna Musyanovych
- Fraunhofer Institute for Microengineering and Microsystems, Mainz, Germany
| | - Daniel Jussen
- Department of Neurosurgery, Johann Wolfgang Goethe University Frankfurt am Main, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Harald Krenzlin
- Department of Neurosurgery, Johannes Gutenberg University Medical Centre, Mainz, Germany
| | - Daniela Eldahaby
- Department of Neurosurgery, Johannes Gutenberg University Medical Centre, Mainz, Germany,San Paolo Medical School, Department of Health Sciences, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Nicole Riede
- Department of Neurosurgery, Johannes Gutenberg University Medical Centre, Mainz, Germany
| | - Oliver Kempski
- Department of Neurosurgery, Johannes Gutenberg University Medical Centre, Mainz, Germany
| | - Florian Ringel
- Department of Neurosurgery, Johannes Gutenberg University Medical Centre, Mainz, Germany
| | - Beat Alessandri
- Department of Neurosurgery, Johannes Gutenberg University Medical Centre, Mainz, Germany
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4
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Feng Y, Li Y, Shen PP, Wang B. Gene-Modified Stem Cells for Spinal Cord Injury: a Promising Better Alternative Therapy. Stem Cell Rev Rep 2022; 18:2662-2682. [PMID: 35587330 DOI: 10.1007/s12015-022-10387-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/07/2022] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Stem cell therapy holds great promise for the treatment of spinal cord injury (SCI), which can reverse neurodegeneration and promote tissue regeneration via its pluripotency and ability to secrete neurotrophic factors. Although various stem cell-based approaches have shown certain therapeutic effects when applied to the treatment of SCI, their clinical efficacies have been disappointing. Thus, it is an urgent need to further enhance the neurological benefits of stem cells through bioengineering strategies including genetic engineering. In this review, we summarize the progress of stem cell therapy for SCI and the prospect of genetically modified stem cells, focusing on the genome editing tools and functional molecules involved in SCI repair, trying to provide a deeper understanding of genetically modified stem cell therapy and more applicable clinical strategies for SCI repair.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yirui Feng
- Clinical Stem Cell Center, the Affiliated Drum Tower Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, School of Life Science, Nanjing University, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Yu Li
- Clinical Stem Cell Center, the Affiliated Drum Tower Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, School of Life Science, Nanjing University, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Ping-Ping Shen
- State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology and the Comprehensive Cancer Center, the Affiliated Drum Tower Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, School of Life Science, Nanjing University, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, China.
| | - Bin Wang
- Clinical Stem Cell Center, the Affiliated Drum Tower Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, China.
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5
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Yun CK, Hwang JW, Kwak TJ, Chang WJ, Ha S, Han K, Lee S, Choi YS. Nanoinjection system for precise direct delivery of biomolecules into single cells. LAB ON A CHIP 2019; 19:580-588. [PMID: 30623953 DOI: 10.1039/c8lc00709h] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Intracellular delivery of functional molecules such as proteins, transcription factors and DNA is effective and promising in cell biology. However, existing transfection methods are often unsuitable to deliver big molecules into cells or require carriers such as viruses and peptides specific to the target molecules. In addition, the nature of bulk processing does not generally provide accurate dose control of individual cells. The concept of single-cell-based material injection based on electrokinetic pumping through nanocapillaries could overcome these problems, yet the fabrication and operation of nanoscale 3-dimensional structures have remained unsolved. In this research, a hybrid (PDMS/glass) microfluidic chip with a true 3-dimensional nanoinjection structure (called "nanoinjection system") is presented. The nanoinjection structure was fabricated by femtosecond-laser (fs-laser) ablation in a single solid glass, which showed very successful delivery of red fluorescent protein (RFP) and expression of plasmid DNA in several different types of cells. This system is promising in that the amount of molecules to be delivered is controllable and the processed cells are systematically separated into a harvesting chamber, which can radically improve the purity of the processed cells. In addition, it was confirmed that the cells were healthy even after the molecule injection for a few seconds, indicating that the injection time can be significantly elongated, further improving the delivery efficiency of biomolecules without affecting the cell viability. We envision that the nanoinjection system having the major features of being carrier-free and dose-controllable, having an unlimited injection period, and ease of harvesting will greatly contribute to the next-generation research studies in the fields of cell biology and cell therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chang-Koo Yun
- Department of Biotechnology, CHA University, 335 Pankyoro, Bundang-gu, Seongnam, Gyeonggi-do 13488, Republic of Korea. and Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, Milwaukee, WI 53211, USA
| | - Jung Wook Hwang
- Department of Biotechnology, CHA University, 335 Pankyoro, Bundang-gu, Seongnam, Gyeonggi-do 13488, Republic of Korea.
| | - Tae Joon Kwak
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, Milwaukee, WI 53211, USA
| | - Woo-Jin Chang
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, Milwaukee, WI 53211, USA
| | - Sungjae Ha
- Femtobiomed Inc., Seongnam, 13487, Republic of Korea.
| | - Kyuboem Han
- Paean Biotechnology Inc., Daejeon, 34028, Republic of Korea
| | - Sanghyun Lee
- Femtobiomed Inc., Seongnam, 13487, Republic of Korea.
| | - Yong-Soo Choi
- Department of Biotechnology, CHA University, 335 Pankyoro, Bundang-gu, Seongnam, Gyeonggi-do 13488, Republic of Korea.
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6
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Controlled Non-Viral Gene Delivery in Cartilage and Bone Repair: Current Strategies and Future Directions. ADVANCED THERAPEUTICS 2018. [DOI: 10.1002/adtp.201800038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
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7
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Tonazzini I, Moffa M, Pisignano D, Cecchini M. Neuregulin 1 functionalization of organic fibers for Schwann cell guidance. NANOTECHNOLOGY 2017; 28:155303. [PMID: 28303795 DOI: 10.1088/1361-6528/aa6316] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
The repair of peripheral nerve lesions is a clinical problem where the functional recovery is often far from being satisfactory, although peripheral nerves generally retain good potential for regeneration. Here, we develop a novel scaffold approach based on bioactive fibers of poly(ε-caprolactone) where nanotopographical guidance and neuregulin 1 (NRG1) cues are combined. We interface them with rat primary Schwann cells (SCs), the peripheral glial cells that drive initial regeneration of injured nerves, and found that the combination of NRG1 with parallel nano-fibrous topographies is effective in improving SC growth up to 72 h, alignment to fiber topography, and bipolar differentiation, opening original perspectives for nerve repair applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ilaria Tonazzini
- NEST, Istituto Nanoscienze-CNR and Scuola Normale Superiore, Piazza San Silvestro 12, Pisa I-56127, Italy. Fondazione Umberto Veronesi, Piazza Velasca 5, Milan I-20122, Italy
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8
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Shahriari D, Koffler JY, Tuszynski MH, Campana WM, Sakamoto JS. Hierarchically Ordered Porous and High-Volume Polycaprolactone Microchannel Scaffolds Enhanced Axon Growth in Transected Spinal Cords. Tissue Eng Part A 2017; 23:415-425. [PMID: 28107810 DOI: 10.1089/ten.tea.2016.0378] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
The goal of this work was to design nerve guidance scaffolds with a unique architecture to maximize the open volume available for nerve growth. Polycaprolactone (PCL) was selected as the scaffold material based on its biocompatibility and month-long degradation. Yet, dense PCL does not exhibit suitable properties such as porosity, stiffness, strength, and cell adhesion to function as an effective nerve guidance scaffold. To address these shortcomings, PCL was processed using a modified salt-leaching technique to create uniquely controlled interconnected porosity. By controlling porosity, we demonstrated that the elastic modulus could be controlled between 2.09 and 182.1 MPa. In addition, introducing porosity and/or coating with fibronectin enhanced the PCL cell attachment properties. To produce PCL scaffolds with maximized open volume, porous PCL microtubes were fabricated and translated into scaffolds with 60 volume percent open volume. The scaffolds were tested in transected rat spinal cords. Linear axon growth within both the microtubes as well as the interstitial space between the tubes was observed, demonstrating that the entire open volume of the scaffold was available for nerve growth. Overall, a novel scaffold architecture and fabrication technique are presented. The scaffolds exhibit significantly higher volume than state-of-the-art scaffolds for promising spinal cord nerve repair.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dena Shahriari
- 1 Department of Macromolecular Science and Engineering, University of Michigan , Ann Arbor, Michigan
| | - Jacob Y Koffler
- 2 Department of Neuroscience, University of California San Diego , La Jolla, California
| | - Mark H Tuszynski
- 2 Department of Neuroscience, University of California San Diego , La Jolla, California.,3 Veterans Administration Medical Center , La Jolla, California
| | - Wendy M Campana
- 4 Department of Anesthesiology, University of California San Diego , La Jolla, California.,5 Program in Neuroscience, University of California San Diego , La Jolla, California
| | - Jeff S Sakamoto
- 1 Department of Macromolecular Science and Engineering, University of Michigan , Ann Arbor, Michigan.,6 Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Michigan , Ann Arbor, Michigan
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9
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Jakus AE, Secor EB, Rutz AL, Jordan SW, Hersam MC, Shah RN. Three-dimensional printing of high-content graphene scaffolds for electronic and biomedical applications. ACS NANO 2015; 9:4636-48. [PMID: 25858670 DOI: 10.1021/acsnano.5b01179] [Citation(s) in RCA: 311] [Impact Index Per Article: 34.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/20/2023]
Abstract
The exceptional properties of graphene enable applications in electronics, optoelectronics, energy storage, and structural composites. Here we demonstrate a 3D printable graphene (3DG) composite consisting of majority graphene and minority polylactide-co-glycolide, a biocompatible elastomer, 3D-printed from a liquid ink. This ink can be utilized under ambient conditions via extrusion-based 3D printing to create graphene structures with features as small as 100 μm composed of as few as two layers (<300 μm thick object) or many hundreds of layers (>10 cm thick object). The resulting 3DG material is mechanically robust and flexible while retaining electrical conductivities greater than 800 S/m, an order of magnitude increase over previously reported 3D-printed carbon materials. In vitro experiments in simple growth medium, in the absence of neurogenic stimuli, reveal that 3DG supports human mesenchymal stem cell (hMSC) adhesion, viability, proliferation, and neurogenic differentiation with significant upregulation of glial and neuronal genes. This coincides with hMSCs adopting highly elongated morphologies with features similar to axons and presynaptic terminals. In vivo experiments indicate that 3DG has promising biocompatibility over the course of at least 30 days. Surgical tests using a human cadaver nerve model also illustrate that 3DG has exceptional handling characteristics and can be intraoperatively manipulated and applied to fine surgical procedures. With this unique set of properties, combined with ease of fabrication, 3DG could be applied toward the design and fabrication of a wide range of functional electronic, biological, and bioelectronic medical and nonmedical devices.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adam E Jakus
- †Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Northwestern University, 2220 Campus Drive, Evanston, Illinois 60208, United States
- §Simpson Querrey Institute for BioNanotechnology, Northwestern University, 303 East Superior Street, Chicago, Illinois 60611, United States
| | - Ethan B Secor
- †Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Northwestern University, 2220 Campus Drive, Evanston, Illinois 60208, United States
| | - Alexandra L Rutz
- ‡Department of Biomedical Engineering, Northwestern University, 2145 Sheridan Road, Evanston, Illinois 60208, United States
- §Simpson Querrey Institute for BioNanotechnology, Northwestern University, 303 East Superior Street, Chicago, Illinois 60611, United States
| | - Sumanas W Jordan
- ⊥Department of Surgery, Northwestern University, 251 East Huron Street, Galter 3-150, Illinois 60611, United States
| | - Mark C Hersam
- †Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Northwestern University, 2220 Campus Drive, Evanston, Illinois 60208, United States
- ∥Department of Chemistry, Northwestern University, 2220 Campus Drive, Evanston Illinois 60208, United States
| | - Ramille N Shah
- †Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Northwestern University, 2220 Campus Drive, Evanston, Illinois 60208, United States
- §Simpson Querrey Institute for BioNanotechnology, Northwestern University, 303 East Superior Street, Chicago, Illinois 60611, United States
- ⊥Department of Surgery, Northwestern University, 251 East Huron Street, Galter 3-150, Illinois 60611, United States
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10
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Monteiro N, Martins A, Reis RL, Neves NM. Liposomes in tissue engineering and regenerative medicine. J R Soc Interface 2014; 11:20140459. [PMID: 25401172 PMCID: PMC4223894 DOI: 10.1098/rsif.2014.0459] [Citation(s) in RCA: 211] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2014] [Accepted: 10/02/2014] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Liposomes are vesicular structures made of lipids that are formed in aqueous solutions. Structurally, they resemble the lipid membrane of living cells. Therefore, they have been widely investigated, since the 1960s, as models to study the cell membrane, and as carriers for protection and/or delivery of bioactive agents. They have been used in different areas of research including vaccines, imaging, applications in cosmetics and tissue engineering. Tissue engineering is defined as a strategy for promoting the regeneration of tissues for the human body. This strategy may involve the coordinated application of defined cell types with structured biomaterial scaffolds to produce living structures. To create a new tissue, based on this strategy, a controlled stimulation of cultured cells is needed, through a systematic combination of bioactive agents and mechanical signals. In this review, we highlight the potential role of liposomes as a platform for the sustained and local delivery of bioactive agents for tissue engineering and regenerative medicine approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nelson Monteiro
- 3B's Research Group—Biomaterials, Biodegradables and Biomimetics Department of Polymer Engineering, University of Minho, Headquarters of the European Institute of Excellence on Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine, AvePark, Zona Industrial da Gandra S. Cláudio do Barco, 4806-909, Caldas das Taipas, Guimarães, Portugal
- ICVS/3B's, PT Government Associate Laboratory, Braga/Guimarães, Portugal
| | - Albino Martins
- 3B's Research Group—Biomaterials, Biodegradables and Biomimetics Department of Polymer Engineering, University of Minho, Headquarters of the European Institute of Excellence on Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine, AvePark, Zona Industrial da Gandra S. Cláudio do Barco, 4806-909, Caldas das Taipas, Guimarães, Portugal
- ICVS/3B's, PT Government Associate Laboratory, Braga/Guimarães, Portugal
| | - Rui L. Reis
- 3B's Research Group—Biomaterials, Biodegradables and Biomimetics Department of Polymer Engineering, University of Minho, Headquarters of the European Institute of Excellence on Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine, AvePark, Zona Industrial da Gandra S. Cláudio do Barco, 4806-909, Caldas das Taipas, Guimarães, Portugal
- ICVS/3B's, PT Government Associate Laboratory, Braga/Guimarães, Portugal
| | - Nuno M. Neves
- 3B's Research Group—Biomaterials, Biodegradables and Biomimetics Department of Polymer Engineering, University of Minho, Headquarters of the European Institute of Excellence on Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine, AvePark, Zona Industrial da Gandra S. Cláudio do Barco, 4806-909, Caldas das Taipas, Guimarães, Portugal
- ICVS/3B's, PT Government Associate Laboratory, Braga/Guimarães, Portugal
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11
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Xu W, Hu X, Pan W. Tissue engineering concept in the research of the tumor biology. Technol Cancer Res Treat 2013; 13:149-59. [PMID: 23862747 DOI: 10.7785/tcrt.2012.500363] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Tumor is a heterogeneous complex, which lives in a three-dimensional environment flush with biopathophysiological and biomechanical signals. This signaling abundant extracellular milieu co-evolving from cell-cell and cell-host interaction guides the development and the generation of the tumor. There has been a recent surge of interest in studying the tumor biology that more closely mirror what happens in living organisms, especially in cancer research. Incorporating cancer cells in the 3D mimicking environment instead of monolayers is reasonable for maintaining in vivo cancer behaviors in spatial and temporal context. However, 3D culture for cancer still presents a challenge for researchers in this field. Tissue engineering, originally aiming at designing the artificial organs, provided a feasible approach to recreate such complex mechanical and biochemical interplay. Aside from reproducing bionic environment, tissue engineering has been routinely introduced into cancer study to build three dimensional structures not only to develop molecular therapeutics, but also to screen for toxic effects of drugs or radiotherapy sensitivity. In this article, we focused on the recent advances of the well-defined tissue-engineering biomaterials in the application in tumor biology. We also discussed the fabrications of the scaffolds from different materials, which might contribute to future cancer research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wen Xu
- Gastroenterology Department, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University, School of Medicine, #88 Jiefang Road, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310009 China.
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12
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Rajaram A, Chen XB, Schreyer DJ. Strategic Design and Recent Fabrication Techniques for Bioengineered Tissue Scaffolds to Improve Peripheral Nerve Regeneration. TISSUE ENGINEERING PART B-REVIEWS 2012; 18:454-67. [DOI: 10.1089/ten.teb.2012.0006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Ajay Rajaram
- Division of Biomedical Engineering, College of Engineering, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Canada
| | - Xiong-Biao Chen
- Division of Biomedical Engineering, College of Engineering, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Canada
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, College of Engineering, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Canada
| | - David J. Schreyer
- Division of Biomedical Engineering, College of Engineering, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Canada
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, College of Medicine, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Canada
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13
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Yao L, Yao S, Daly W, Hendry W, Windebank A, Pandit A. Non-viral gene therapy for spinal cord regeneration. Drug Discov Today 2012; 17:998-1005. [PMID: 22634187 DOI: 10.1016/j.drudis.2012.05.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2012] [Revised: 04/13/2012] [Accepted: 05/17/2012] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
Spinal cord injury (SCI) normally results in life-long disabilities and a broad range of secondary complications. Advances in therapeutic delivery during the past few decades offer hope for such victims. However, the limited functional improvement shown in in vivo studies hinders effective therapeutic application in clinical practice. Recent studies showed that gene vectors can transfect cells present in the lesion of an injured spinal cord (endogenous cells) and thereby produce therapeutic molecules with long-lasting biological effects that promote neural tissue regeneration. In this article we review recent advances in non-viral gene delivery into neural cells and their use for gene therapy in SCI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li Yao
- Department of Biological Sciences, Wichita State University, Wichita, KS, USA.
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14
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Pabari A, Yang SY, Mosahebi A, Seifalian AM. Recent advances in artificial nerve conduit design: Strategies for the delivery of luminal fillers. J Control Release 2011; 156:2-10. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jconrel.2011.07.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2010] [Accepted: 06/29/2011] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
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15
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Shah DA, Kwon SJ, Bale SS, Banerjee A, Dordick JS, Kane RS. Regulation of stem cell signaling by nanoparticle-mediated intracellular protein delivery. Biomaterials 2011; 32:3210-9. [DOI: 10.1016/j.biomaterials.2010.11.077] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2010] [Accepted: 11/30/2010] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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16
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Kulkarni MM, Greiser U, O'Brien T, Pandit A. A temporal gene delivery system based on fibrin microspheres. Mol Pharm 2011; 8:439-46. [PMID: 21171649 DOI: 10.1021/mp100295z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Combining complementary nonviral gene delivery vehicles such as tissue engineering scaffolds and liposomes not only is a promising avenue for development of safe and effective gene delivery system but also provides an opportunity to design dynamic extended release systems with spatiotemporal control. However, the DNA loading capacity of scaffolds such as fibrin is limited. Fibrin microspheres carrying DNA complexes can be utilized to extend the capacity of fibrin scaffold. Here, in a proof of concept study, the feasibility of fibrin microspheres for extending gene delivery capacity is described. Toward this goal, fibrin microspheres encapsulating lipoplexes were fabricated. The structural and functional integrity of DNA was assessed respectively by gel electrophoresis and an in vivo pilot study, using endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) as a model therapeutic gene in a rabbit ear ulcer model of compromised wound healing. The results confirmed structural integrity and successful delivery and functional integrity, assessed qualitatively by angiogenic effect of eNOS. Finally, as a step toward development of a "fibrin in fibrin" temporal release system, fibrin microspheres were shown to degrade and release DNA differentially compared to fibrin scaffold. It can thus be concluded that fibrin microspheres can be utilized for gene delivery to extend the capacity of a fibrin scaffold and can form a component of a "fibrin in fibrin" temporal release system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mangesh M Kulkarni
- Network of Excellence for Functional Biomaterials, National University of Ireland, Galway, Ireland
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17
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Shin S, Salvay DM, Shea LD. Lentivirus delivery by adsorption to tissue engineering scaffolds. J Biomed Mater Res A 2010; 93:1252-9. [PMID: 19827108 DOI: 10.1002/jbm.a.32619] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Biomaterial scaffolds capable of localized gene delivery are being investigated for numerous regenerative medicine applications and as model systems for fundamental studies of tissue formation. In this manuscript, we investigate the delivery of lentivirus from a tissue engineering scaffold using a surface immobilization strategy. Poly(lactide-co-glycolide) (PLG) was employed as the biomaterial for delivery, which has been widely used for a number of tissue engineering applications. The virus was immobilized by freezing and subsequent lyophilization of the virus with the scaffold. The presence of sucrose during freezing and lyophilization maintained the activity of the lentivirus, and was similar to an adenovirus control. Collagen and fibronectin were investigated for their ability to enhance surface immobilization. Fibronectin modestly increased binding and transduction of the adenovirus, yet did not significantly impact the lentivirus delivery. Most of the immobilized lentivirus was released from the scaffold within 24 h. In vivo implantation of the scaffolds yielded transgene expression that persisted for at least 4 weeks. These findings indicate the potential for delivering lentivirus from tissue engineering scaffolds using a surface immobilization strategy. To our knowledge, this report is the first to investigate lentivirus delivery from porous tissue engineering scaffolds. Delivery of lentiviral vectors from PLG scaffolds could provide an efficient and versatile gene delivery system for use with in vitro and in vivo models of tissue formation, and ultimately for therapeutic applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seungjin Shin
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Northwestern University, 2145 Sheridan Road E156, Evanston, Illinois 60208-3120, USA
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18
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Liposomal gene delivery mediated by tissue-engineered scaffolds. Trends Biotechnol 2010; 28:28-36. [DOI: 10.1016/j.tibtech.2009.10.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2009] [Revised: 10/06/2009] [Accepted: 10/07/2009] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
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19
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Subramanian A, Krishnan UM, Sethuraman S. Development of biomaterial scaffold for nerve tissue engineering: Biomaterial mediated neural regeneration. J Biomed Sci 2009; 16:108. [PMID: 19939265 PMCID: PMC2790452 DOI: 10.1186/1423-0127-16-108] [Citation(s) in RCA: 329] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2009] [Accepted: 11/25/2009] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Neural tissue repair and regeneration strategies have received a great deal of attention because it directly affects the quality of the patient's life. There are many scientific challenges to regenerate nerve while using conventional autologous nerve grafts and from the newly developed therapeutic strategies for the reconstruction of damaged nerves. Recent advancements in nerve regeneration have involved the application of tissue engineering principles and this has evolved a new perspective to neural therapy. The success of neural tissue engineering is mainly based on the regulation of cell behavior and tissue progression through the development of a synthetic scaffold that is analogous to the natural extracellular matrix and can support three-dimensional cell cultures. As the natural extracellular matrix provides an ideal environment for topographical, electrical and chemical cues to the adhesion and proliferation of neural cells, there exists a need to develop a synthetic scaffold that would be biocompatible, immunologically inert, conducting, biodegradable, and infection-resistant biomaterial to support neurite outgrowth. This review outlines the rationale for effective neural tissue engineering through the use of suitable biomaterials and scaffolding techniques for fabrication of a construct that would allow the neurons to adhere, proliferate and eventually form nerves.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anuradha Subramanian
- Center for Nanotechnology & Advanced Biomaterials, SASTRA University, Thanjavur, India.
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20
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Norman LL, Stroka K, Aranda-Espinoza H. Guiding Axons in the Central Nervous System: A Tissue Engineering Approach. TISSUE ENGINEERING PART B-REVIEWS 2009; 15:291-305. [DOI: 10.1089/ten.teb.2009.0114] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Leann L. Norman
- Fischell Department of Bioengineering, University of Maryland, College Park, Maryland
| | - Kimberly Stroka
- Fischell Department of Bioengineering, University of Maryland, College Park, Maryland
| | - Helim Aranda-Espinoza
- Fischell Department of Bioengineering, University of Maryland, College Park, Maryland
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21
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Peng L, Cheng X, Zhuo R, Lan J, Wang Y, Shi B, Li S. Novel gene-activated matrix with embedded chitosan/plasmid DNA nanoparticles encoding PDGF for periodontal tissue engineering. J Biomed Mater Res A 2009; 90:564-76. [DOI: 10.1002/jbm.a.32117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
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22
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Hasadsri L, Kreuter J, Hattori H, Iwasaki T, George JM. Functional protein delivery into neurons using polymeric nanoparticles. J Biol Chem 2009; 284:6972-81. [PMID: 19129199 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m805956200] [Citation(s) in RCA: 108] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
An efficient route for delivering specific proteins and peptides into neurons could greatly accelerate the development of therapies for various diseases, especially those involving intracellular defects such as Parkinson disease. Here we report the novel use of polybutylcyanoacrylate nanoparticles for delivery of intact, functional proteins into neurons and neuronal cell lines. Uptake of these particles is primarily dependent on endocytosis via the low density lipoprotein receptor. The nanoparticles are rapidly turned over and display minimal toxicity to cultured neurons. Delivery of three different functional cargo proteins is demonstrated. When primary neuronal cultures are treated with recombinant Escherichia coli beta-galactosidase as nanoparticle cargo, persistent enzyme activity is measured beyond the period of nanoparticle degradation. Delivery of the small GTPase rhoG induces neurite outgrowth and differentiation in PC12 cells. Finally, a monoclonal antibody directed against synuclein is capable of interacting with endogenous alpha-synuclein in cultured neurons following delivery via nanoparticles. Polybutylcyanoacrylate nanoparticles are thus useful for intracellular protein delivery in vitro and have potential as carriers of therapeutic proteins for treatment of neuronal disorders in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Linda Hasadsri
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, College of Medicine, Medical Scholars Program, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois 61801, USA
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23
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Hu CH, Zhang L, Wu DQ, Cheng SX, Zhang XZ, Zhuo RX. Heparin-modified PEI encapsulated in thermosensitive hydrogels for efficient gene delivery and expression. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2009. [DOI: 10.1039/b817956e] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
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24
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Hu CH, Zhang XZ, Zhang L, Xu XD, Zhuo RX. Temperature- and pH-sensitive hydrogels to immobilize heparin-modified PEI/DNA complexes for sustained gene delivery. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2009. [DOI: 10.1039/b916310g] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
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25
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Heyde M, Partridge KA, Oreffo ROC, Howdle SM, Shakesheff KM, Garnett MC. Gene therapy used for tissue engineering applications. J Pharm Pharmacol 2007; 59:329-50. [PMID: 17331336 DOI: 10.1211/jpp.59.3.0002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
This review highlights the advances at the interface between tissue engineering and gene therapy. There are a large number of reports on gene therapy in tissue engineering, and these cover a huge range of different engineered tissues, different vectors, scaffolds and methodology. The review considers separately in-vitro and in-vivo gene transfer methods. The in-vivo gene transfer method is described first, using either viral or non-viral vectors to repair various tissues with and without the use of scaffolds. The use of a scaffold can overcome some of the challenges associated with delivery by direct injection. The ex-vivo method is described in the second half of the review. Attempts have been made to use this therapy for bone, cartilage, wound, urothelial, nerve tissue regeneration and for treating diabetes using viral or non-viral vectors. Again porous polymers can be used as scaffolds for cell transplantation. There are as yet few comparisons between these many different variables to show which is the best for any particular application. With few exceptions, all of the results were positive in showing some gene expression and some consequent effect on tissue growth and remodelling. Some of the principal advantages and disadvantages of various methods are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mieke Heyde
- Division of Advanced Drug Delivery and Tissue Engineering, School of Pharmacy, University of Nottingham, University Park, Nottingham NG7 2RD, UK
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Houchin-Ray T, Whittlesey KJ, Shea LD. Spatially patterned gene delivery for localized neuron survival and neurite extension. Mol Ther 2007; 15:705-712. [PMID: 17299403 PMCID: PMC2648834 DOI: 10.1038/mt.sj.6300106] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Natural tissues can have complex architectures, which arise in part from spatial patterns in gene expression. Regenerative strategies for damaged tissue must recreate these architectures to restore function. In this article, we demonstrate spatially controlled gene delivery from a substrate for directing cellular processes. Non-viral vectors were immobilized to substrates in linear patterns using microfluidic techniques, and cells cultured on the surface had localized gene expression within the cell population. Transfection was achieved in pattern widths as low as 100 mum, with efficiencies dependent on the microchannel treatment and vector concentration. The ability of patterned expression to localize cellular processes was investigated using a neuronal co-culture model. Patterned expression of the diffusible neurotrophic factor nerve growth factor initiated neuron survival and neurite out-growth primarily within the pattern, which decreased significantly in regions directly adjacent to the pattern. Primary neurite density was significantly greater on patterned substrates than on surfaces without patterns. This approach demonstrates the basic technology to create patterns of gene expression that can direct tissue formation and could be employed in regenerative strategies to recreate the complex cellular architectures observed in tissues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tiffany Houchin-Ray
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Northwestern University, Evanston, Illinois, USA
| | - Kevin J Whittlesey
- Interdepartmental Biological Sciences, Northwestern University, Evanston, Illinois, USA
| | - Lonnie D Shea
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Northwestern University, Evanston, Illinois, USA
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Northwestern University, Evanston, Illinois, USA
- Institute for BioNanotechnology in Medicine, Northwestern University, Evanston, Illinois, USA
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27
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Houchin-Ray T, Whittlesey KJ, Shea LD. Spatially patterned gene delivery for localized neuron survival and neurite extension. Mol Ther 2007; 15:705-12. [PMID: 17299403 PMCID: PMC2648834 DOI: 10.1038/sj.mt.6300106] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Natural tissues can have complex architectures, which arise in part from spatial patterns in gene expression. Regenerative strategies for damaged tissue must recreate these architectures to restore function. In this article, we demonstrate spatially controlled gene delivery from a substrate for directing cellular processes. Non-viral vectors were immobilized to substrates in linear patterns using microfluidic techniques, and cells cultured on the surface had localized gene expression within the cell population. Transfection was achieved in pattern widths as low as 100 mum, with efficiencies dependent on the microchannel treatment and vector concentration. The ability of patterned expression to localize cellular processes was investigated using a neuronal co-culture model. Patterned expression of the diffusible neurotrophic factor nerve growth factor initiated neuron survival and neurite out-growth primarily within the pattern, which decreased significantly in regions directly adjacent to the pattern. Primary neurite density was significantly greater on patterned substrates than on surfaces without patterns. This approach demonstrates the basic technology to create patterns of gene expression that can direct tissue formation and could be employed in regenerative strategies to recreate the complex cellular architectures observed in tissues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tiffany Houchin-Ray
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Northwestern University, Evanston, Illinois, USA
| | - Kevin J Whittlesey
- Interdepartmental Biological Sciences, Northwestern University, Evanston, Illinois, USA
| | - Lonnie D Shea
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Northwestern University, Evanston, Illinois, USA
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Northwestern University, Evanston, Illinois, USA
- Institute for BioNanotechnology in Medicine, Northwestern University, Evanston, Illinois, USA
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28
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Houchin-Ray T, Swift LA, Jang JH, Shea LD. Patterned PLG substrates for localized DNA delivery and directed neurite extension. Biomaterials 2007; 28:2603-11. [PMID: 17324456 PMCID: PMC1876731 DOI: 10.1016/j.biomaterials.2007.01.042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2006] [Accepted: 01/23/2007] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Tissue engineering strategies that enable nerve regeneration will require methods that can promote and direct neurite extension across the lesion. In this report, we investigate an in vitro combinatorial approach to directed neurite outgrowth using gene delivery from topographically patterned substrates, which can induce expression of neurotrophic factors to promote neurite extension and direct the extending neurites. Poly(lactide-co-glycolide) (PLG), which has been used to fabricate conduits or bridges for regeneration, was compression molded to create channels with 100, 150, and 250 microm widths. DNA complexes were immobilized to the PLG, and cells cultured on the substrate were transfected with efficiencies dependent on channel width and DNA amount. A co-culture model consisting of primary neurons and accessory cells was employed to investigate neurite outgrowth within the channels. Localized secretion of nerve growth factor (NGF) by the accessory cells promoted neuron survival and neurite extension. Neurons cultured in channels with NGF expression exhibited longer primary neurites than in the absence of channels. Neurons cultured in smaller width PLG microchannels exhibited a greater degree of directionality and less secondary sprouting than larger channels. Finally, surface immobilization allowed for the delivery of distinct plasmids from each channel, which may enable channels to be tailored for specific nerve tracts. This approach demonstrates the ability to combine gene delivery with physical guidance, and can be tailored to target specific axonal populations with varying neurotrophic factor requirements.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tiffany Houchin-Ray
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Northwestern University, 2145 Sheridan Rd./E156, Evanston, IL 60208-3120, USA
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