1
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Kabir AU, Zeng C, Subramanian M, Wu J, Kim M, Krchma K, Wang X, Halabi CM, Pan H, Wickline SA, Fremont DH, Artyomov MN, Choi K. ZBTB46 coordinates angiogenesis and immunity to control tumor outcome. Nat Immunol 2024; 25:1546-1554. [PMID: 39134750 DOI: 10.1038/s41590-024-01936-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2023] [Accepted: 07/16/2024] [Indexed: 09/01/2024]
Abstract
Tumor angiogenesis and immunity show an inverse correlation in cancer progression and outcome1. Here, we report that ZBTB46, a repressive transcription factor and a widely accepted marker for classical dendritic cells (DCs)2,3, controls both tumor angiogenesis and immunity. Zbtb46 was downregulated in both DCs and endothelial cells by tumor-derived factors to facilitate robust tumor growth. Zbtb46 downregulation led to a hallmark pro-tumor microenvironment (TME), including dysfunctional vasculature and immunosuppressive conditions. Analysis of human cancer data revealed a similar association of low ZBTB46 expression with an immunosuppressive TME and a worse prognosis. In contrast, enforced Zbtb46 expression led to TME changes to restrict tumor growth. Mechanistically, Zbtb46-deficient endothelial cells were highly angiogenic, and Zbtb46-deficient bone marrow progenitors upregulated Cebpb and diverted the DC program to immunosuppressive myeloid lineage output, potentially explaining the myeloid lineage skewing phenomenon in cancer4. Conversely, enforced Zbtb46 expression normalized tumor vessels and, by suppressing Cebpb, skewed bone marrow precursors toward immunostimulatory myeloid lineage output, leading to an immune-hot TME. Remarkably, Zbtb46 mRNA treatment synergized with anti-PD1 immunotherapy to improve tumor management in preclinical models. These findings identify ZBTB46 as a critical factor for angiogenesis and for myeloid lineage skewing in cancer and suggest that maintaining its expression could have therapeutic benefits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ashraf Ul Kabir
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Carisa Zeng
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Madhav Subramanian
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Jun Wu
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Minseo Kim
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Karen Krchma
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Xiaoli Wang
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Carmen M Halabi
- Department of Pediatrics, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Hua Pan
- Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Samuel A Wickline
- Health Heart Institute, Morsani College of Medicine, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL, USA
| | - Daved H Fremont
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Maxim N Artyomov
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Kyunghee Choi
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA.
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2
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Grau M, Wagner E. Strategies and mechanisms for endosomal escape of therapeutic nucleic acids. Curr Opin Chem Biol 2024; 81:102506. [PMID: 39096817 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbpa.2024.102506] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2024] [Revised: 06/25/2024] [Accepted: 07/12/2024] [Indexed: 08/05/2024]
Abstract
Despite impressive recent establishment of therapeutic nucleic acids as drugs and vaccines, their broader medical use is impaired by modest performance in intracellular delivery. Inefficient endosomal escape presents a major limitation responsible for inadequate cytosolic cargo release. Depending on the carrier, this endosomal barrier can strongly limit or even abolish nucleic acid delivery. Different recent endosomal escape strategies and their hypothesized mechanisms are reviewed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melina Grau
- Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Department of Pharmacy, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität Munich, Butenandtstrasse 5-13, 81377 Munich, Germany; CNATM - Cluster for Nucleic Acid Therapeutics Munich, Germany
| | - Ernst Wagner
- Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Department of Pharmacy, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität Munich, Butenandtstrasse 5-13, 81377 Munich, Germany; CNATM - Cluster for Nucleic Acid Therapeutics Munich, Germany; Center for Nanoscience (CeNS), LMU Munich, 80799 Munich, Germany.
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3
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Wang S, Kong H, Zhuo C, Liu L, Lv S, Cheng D, Lao YH, Tao Y, Li M. Functionalized extracellular nanovesicles as advanced CRISPR delivery systems. Biomater Sci 2024; 12:3480-3499. [PMID: 38808607 DOI: 10.1039/d4bm00054d] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/30/2024]
Abstract
The clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeat (CRISPR) system, an emerging tool for genome editing, has garnered significant public interest for its potential in treating genetic diseases. Despite the rapid advancements in CRISPR technology, the progress in developing effective delivery strategies lags, impeding its clinical application. Extracellular nanovesicles (EVs), either in their endogenous forms or with engineered modifications, have emerged as a promising solution for CRISPR delivery. These EVs offer several advantages, including high biocompatibility, biological permeability, negligible immunogenicity, and straightforward production. Herein, we first summarize various types of functional EVs for CRISPR delivery, such as unmodified, modified, engineered virus-like particles (VLPs), and exosome-liposome hybrid vesicles, and examine their distinct intracellular pathways. Then, we outline the cutting-edge techniques for functionalizing extracellular vesicles, involving producer cell engineering, vesicle engineering, and virus-like particle engineering, emphasizing the diverse CRISPR delivery capabilities of these nanovesicles. Lastly, we address the current challenges and propose rational design strategies for their clinical translation, offering future perspectives on the development of functionalized EVs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Siqing Wang
- Laboratory of Biomaterials and Translational Medicine, Center for Nanomedicine, The Third Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510630, China.
| | - Huimin Kong
- Laboratory of Biomaterials and Translational Medicine, Center for Nanomedicine, The Third Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510630, China.
| | - Chenya Zhuo
- Laboratory of Biomaterials and Translational Medicine, Center for Nanomedicine, The Third Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510630, China.
| | - Li Liu
- Department of Gynecology, The Seventh Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen 518000, China
| | - Shixian Lv
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, Peking University, Beijing, 100871, China
| | - Du Cheng
- PCFM Lab of Ministry of Education, School of Material Science and Engineering, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou 510275, China
| | - Yeh-Hsing Lao
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University at Buffalo, The State University of New York, Buffalo, NY 14214, USA.
| | - Yu Tao
- Laboratory of Biomaterials and Translational Medicine, Center for Nanomedicine, The Third Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510630, China.
| | - Mingqiang Li
- Laboratory of Biomaterials and Translational Medicine, Center for Nanomedicine, The Third Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510630, China.
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Liver Disease Research, Guangzhou 510630, China
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4
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Desai N, Rana D, Salave S, Benival D, Khunt D, Prajapati BG. Achieving Endo/Lysosomal Escape Using Smart Nanosystems for Efficient Cellular Delivery. Molecules 2024; 29:3131. [PMID: 38999083 PMCID: PMC11243486 DOI: 10.3390/molecules29133131] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2024] [Revised: 06/27/2024] [Accepted: 06/28/2024] [Indexed: 07/14/2024] Open
Abstract
The delivery of therapeutic agents faces significant hurdles posed by the endo-lysosomal pathway, a bottleneck that hampers clinical effectiveness. This comprehensive review addresses the urgent need to enhance cellular delivery mechanisms to overcome these obstacles. It focuses on the potential of smart nanomaterials, delving into their unique characteristics and mechanisms in detail. Special attention is given to their ability to strategically evade endosomal entrapment, thereby enhancing therapeutic efficacy. The manuscript thoroughly examines assays crucial for understanding endosomal escape and cellular uptake dynamics. By analyzing various assessment methods, we offer nuanced insights into these investigative approaches' multifaceted aspects. We meticulously analyze the use of smart nanocarriers, exploring diverse mechanisms such as pore formation, proton sponge effects, membrane destabilization, photochemical disruption, and the strategic use of endosomal escape agents. Each mechanism's effectiveness and potential application in mitigating endosomal entrapment are scrutinized. This paper provides a critical overview of the current landscape, emphasizing the need for advanced delivery systems to navigate the complexities of cellular uptake. Importantly, it underscores the transformative role of smart nanomaterials in revolutionizing cellular delivery strategies, leading to a paradigm shift towards improved therapeutic outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nimeet Desai
- Indian Institute of Technology Hyderabad, Kandi 502285, Telangana, India;
| | - Dhwani Rana
- National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPER), Ahmedabad 382355, Gujarat, India; (D.R.); (S.S.); (D.B.)
| | - Sagar Salave
- National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPER), Ahmedabad 382355, Gujarat, India; (D.R.); (S.S.); (D.B.)
| | - Derajram Benival
- National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPER), Ahmedabad 382355, Gujarat, India; (D.R.); (S.S.); (D.B.)
| | - Dignesh Khunt
- School of Pharmacy, Gujarat Technological University, Gandhinagar 382027, Gujarat, India
| | - Bhupendra G. Prajapati
- Shree S. K. Patel College of Pharmaceutical Education and Research, Ganpat University, Kherva 384012, Gujarat, India
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Silpakorn University, Nakhon Pathom 73000, Thailand
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5
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Sandra L, T'jollyn H, Vermeulen A, Ackaert O, Perez‐Ruixo J. Model-based meta-analysis to quantify the effects of short interfering RNA therapeutics on hepatitis B surface antigen turnover in hepatitis B-infected mice. CPT Pharmacometrics Syst Pharmacol 2024; 13:729-742. [PMID: 38522000 PMCID: PMC11098160 DOI: 10.1002/psp4.13129] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2023] [Revised: 02/24/2024] [Accepted: 03/08/2024] [Indexed: 03/25/2024] Open
Abstract
The objective of this study was to compare the efficacy of short interfering RNA therapeutics (siRNAs) in reducing hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) levels in hepatitis B-infected (HBV) mice across multiple siRNA therapeutic classes using model-based meta-analysis (MBMA) techniques. Literature data from 10 studies in HBV-infected mice were pooled, including 13 siRNAs, formulated as liposomal nanoparticles (LNPs) or conjugated to either cholesterol (chol) or N-acetylgalactosamine (GalNAc). Time course of the baseline- and placebo-corrected mean HBsAg profiles were modeled using kinetics of drug effect (KPD) model coupled to an indirect response model (IRM) within a longitudinal non-linear mixed-effects MBMA framework. Single and multiple dose simulations were performed exploring the role of dosing regimens across evaluated siRNA classes. The HBsAg degradation rate (0.72 day-1) was consistent across siRNAs but exhibited a large between-study variability of 31.4% (CV%). The siRNA biophase half-life was dependent on the siRNA class and was highest for GalNAc-siRNAs (21.06 days) and lowest for chol-siRNAs (2.89 days). ID50 estimates were compound-specific and were lowest for chol-siRNAs and highest for GalNAc-siRNAs. Multiple dose simulations suggest GalNAc-siRNAs may require between 4 and 7 times less frequent dosing at higher absolute dose levels compared to LNP-siRNAs and chol-siRNAs, respectively, to reach equipotent HBsAg-lowering effects in HBV mice. In conclusion, non-clinical HBsAg concentration-time data after siRNA administration can be described using the presented KPD-IRM MBMA framework. This framework allows to quantitatively compare the effects of siRNAs on the HBsAg time course and inform dose and regimen selection across siRNA classes. These results may support siRNA development, optimize preclinical study designs, and inform data analysis methodology of future anti-HBV siRNAs; and ultimately, support siRNA model-informed drug development (MIDD) strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Louis Sandra
- Janssen Research and Development, a Johnson & Johnson CompanyBeerseBelgium
- Laboratory of Medical Biochemistry and Clinical Analysis, Faculty of Pharmaceutical SciencesGhent UniversityGhentBelgium
| | - Huybrecht T'jollyn
- Janssen Research and Development, a Johnson & Johnson CompanyBeerseBelgium
| | - An Vermeulen
- Janssen Research and Development, a Johnson & Johnson CompanyBeerseBelgium
- Laboratory of Medical Biochemistry and Clinical Analysis, Faculty of Pharmaceutical SciencesGhent UniversityGhentBelgium
| | - Oliver Ackaert
- Janssen Research and Development, a Johnson & Johnson CompanyBeerseBelgium
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6
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Huang S, Gao Y, Ma L, Jia B, Zhao W, Yao Y, Li W, Lin T, Wang R, Song J, Zhang W. Design of pH-responsive antimicrobial peptide melittin analog-camptothecin conjugates for tumor therapy. Asian J Pharm Sci 2024; 19:100890. [PMID: 38419760 PMCID: PMC10900806 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajps.2024.100890] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2022] [Revised: 12/13/2023] [Accepted: 01/16/2024] [Indexed: 03/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Melittin, a classical antimicrobial peptide, is a highly potent antitumor agent. However, its significant toxicity seriously hampers its application in tumor therapy. In this study, we developed novel melittin analogs with pH-responsive, cell-penetrating and membrane-lytic activities by replacing arginine and lysine with histidine. After conjugation with camptothecin (CPT), CPT-AAM-1 and CPT-AAM-2 were capable of killing tumor cells by releasing CPT at low concentrations and disrupting cell membranes at high concentrations under acidic conditions. Notably, we found that the C-terminus of the melittin analogs was more suitable for drug conjugation than the N-terminus. CPT-AAM-1 significantly suppressed melanoma growth in vivo with relatively low toxicity. Collectively, the present study demonstrates that the development of antitumor drugs based on pH-responsive antimicrobial peptide-drug conjugates is a promising strategy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sujie Huang
- Institute of Pharmacology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, China
- Key Laboratory of Preclinical Study for New Drugs of Gansu Province, School of Basic Medical Sciences & Research Unit of Peptide Science, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, China
| | - Yuxuan Gao
- Institute of Pharmacology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, China
- Key Laboratory of Preclinical Study for New Drugs of Gansu Province, School of Basic Medical Sciences & Research Unit of Peptide Science, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, China
| | - Ling Ma
- Institute of Pharmacology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, China
- Key Laboratory of Preclinical Study for New Drugs of Gansu Province, School of Basic Medical Sciences & Research Unit of Peptide Science, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, China
| | - Bo Jia
- Key Laboratory of Preclinical Study for New Drugs of Gansu Province, School of Basic Medical Sciences & Research Unit of Peptide Science, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, China
| | - Wenhao Zhao
- Lanzhou University Second Hospital, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, China
| | - Yufan Yao
- Key Laboratory of Preclinical Study for New Drugs of Gansu Province, School of Basic Medical Sciences & Research Unit of Peptide Science, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, China
| | - Wenyuan Li
- Key Laboratory of Preclinical Study for New Drugs of Gansu Province, School of Basic Medical Sciences & Research Unit of Peptide Science, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, China
| | - Tongyi Lin
- Lanzhou University Second Hospital, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, China
| | - Rui Wang
- Key Laboratory of Preclinical Study for New Drugs of Gansu Province, School of Basic Medical Sciences & Research Unit of Peptide Science, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, China
| | - Jingjing Song
- Institute of Pharmacology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, China
- Key Laboratory of Preclinical Study for New Drugs of Gansu Province, School of Basic Medical Sciences & Research Unit of Peptide Science, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, China
| | - Wei Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Preclinical Study for New Drugs of Gansu Province, School of Basic Medical Sciences & Research Unit of Peptide Science, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, China
- State Key Laboratory of Veterinary Etiological Biology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, China
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7
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Guo S, Zhang M, Huang Y. Three 'E' challenges for siRNA drug development. Trends Mol Med 2024; 30:13-24. [PMID: 37951790 DOI: 10.1016/j.molmed.2023.10.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2023] [Revised: 10/10/2023] [Accepted: 10/11/2023] [Indexed: 11/14/2023]
Abstract
siRNA therapeutics have gained extensive attention, and to date six siRNAs are approved for clinical use. Despite being investigated for the treatment of metabolic, cardiovascular, infectious, and rare genetic diseases, cancer, and central nervous system (CNS) disorders, there exist several druggability challenges. Here, we provide insightful discussions concerning these challenges, comprising targeted accumulation and cellular uptake ('entry'), endolysosomal escape ('escape'), and in vivo pharmaceutical performance ('efficacy') - the three 'E' challenges - while also shedding light on siRNA drug development. Moreover, we propose several promising strategies that hold great potential in facilitating the clinical translation of siRNA therapeutics, including the exploration of diverse ligand-siRNA conjugates, expansion of potential disease targets, and excavation of novel modification geometries, as well as the development of combination therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuai Guo
- School of Life Science, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing 100081, China; Advanced Research Institute of Multidisciplinary Science, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing 100081, China; Key Laboratory of Molecular Medicine and Biotherapy, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing 100081, China
| | - Mengjie Zhang
- School of Life Science, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing 100081, China; Advanced Research Institute of Multidisciplinary Science, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing 100081, China; Key Laboratory of Molecular Medicine and Biotherapy, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing 100081, China
| | - Yuanyu Huang
- School of Life Science, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing 100081, China; Advanced Research Institute of Multidisciplinary Science, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing 100081, China; Key Laboratory of Molecular Medicine and Biotherapy, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing 100081, China; Key Laboratory of Medical Molecule Science and Pharmaceutics Engineering, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing 100081, China; Rigerna Therapeutics, Suzhou, Jiangsu 215127, China; Rigerna Therapeutics, Beijing 102629, China.
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8
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Godbole N, Quinn A, Carrion F, Pelosi E, Salomon C. Extracellular vesicles as a potential delivery platform for CRISPR-Cas based therapy in epithelial ovarian cancer. Semin Cancer Biol 2023; 96:64-81. [PMID: 37820858 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcancer.2023.10.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2023] [Revised: 08/27/2023] [Accepted: 10/03/2023] [Indexed: 10/13/2023]
Abstract
Ovarian Cancer (OC) is the most common gynecological malignancy and the eighth most diagnosed cancer in females worldwide. Presently, it ranks as the fifth leading cause of cancer-related mortality among patients globally. Major factors contributing to the lethality of OC worldwide include delayed diagnosis, chemotherapy resistance, high metastatic rates, and the heterogeneity of subtypes. Despite continuous efforts to develop novel targeted therapies and chemotherapeutic agents, challenges persist in the form of OC resistance and recurrence. In the last decade, CRISPR-Cas-based genome editing has emerged as a powerful tool for modifying genetic and epigenetic mechanisms, holding potential for treating numerous diseases. However, a significant challenge for therapeutic applications of CRISPR-Cas technology is the absence of an optimal vehicle for delivering CRISPR molecular machinery into targeted cells or tissues. Recently, extracellular vesicles (EVs) have gained traction as potential delivery vehicles for various therapeutic agents. These heterogeneous, membrane-derived vesicles are released by nearly all cells into extracellular spaces. They carry a molecular cargo of proteins and nucleic acids within their intraluminal space, encased by a cholesterol-rich phospholipid bilayer membrane. EVs actively engage in cell-to-cell communication by delivering cargo to both neighboring and distant cells. Their inherent ability to shield molecular cargo from degradation and cross biological barriers positions them ideally for delivering CRISPR-Cas ribonucleoproteins (RNP) to target cells. Furthermore, they exhibit higher biocompatibility, lower immunogenicity, and reduced toxicity compared to classical delivery platforms such as adeno-associated virus, lentiviruses, and synthetic nanoparticles. This review explores the potential of employing different CRISPR-Cas systems to target specific genes in OC, while also discussing various methods for engineering EVs to load CRISPR components and enhance their targeting capabilities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nihar Godbole
- Translational Extracellular Vesicles in Obstetrics and Gynae-Oncology Group, UQ Centre for Clinical Research, Royal Brisbane and Women's Hospital, Faculty of Medicine, The University of Queensland, Australia
| | - Alexander Quinn
- Centre for Clinical Research, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia; CSIRO Agriculture and Food, Queensland Bioscience Precinct, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Flavio Carrion
- Departamento de Investigación, Postgrado y Educación Continua (DIPEC), Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad del Alba, Santiago, Chile
| | - Emanuele Pelosi
- Centre for Clinical Research, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia; Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Carlos Salomon
- Translational Extracellular Vesicles in Obstetrics and Gynae-Oncology Group, UQ Centre for Clinical Research, Royal Brisbane and Women's Hospital, Faculty of Medicine, The University of Queensland, Australia; Departamento de Investigación, Postgrado y Educación Continua (DIPEC), Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad del Alba, Santiago, Chile.
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9
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Casper J, Schenk SH, Parhizkar E, Detampel P, Dehshahri A, Huwyler J. Polyethylenimine (PEI) in gene therapy: Current status and clinical applications. J Control Release 2023; 362:667-691. [PMID: 37666302 DOI: 10.1016/j.jconrel.2023.09.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 26.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2023] [Revised: 08/24/2023] [Accepted: 09/01/2023] [Indexed: 09/06/2023]
Abstract
Polyethlyenimine (PEI) was introduced 1995 as a cationic polymer for nucleic acid delivery. PEI and its derivatives are extensively used in basic research and as reference formulations in the field of polymer-based gene delivery. Despite its widespread use, the number of clinical applications to date is limited. Thus, this review aims to consolidate the past applications of PEI in DNA delivery, elucidate the obstacles that hinder its transition to clinical use, and highlight potential prospects for novel iterations of PEI derivatives. The present review article is divided into three sections. The first section examines the mechanism of action employed by PEI, examining fundamental aspects of cellular delivery including uptake mechanisms, release from endosomes, and transport into the cell nucleus, along with potential strategies for enhancing these delivery phases. Moreover, an in-depth analysis is conducted concerning the mechanism underlying cellular toxicity, accompanied with approaches to overcome this major challenge. The second part is devoted to the in vivo performance of PEI and its application in various therapeutic indications. While systemic administration has proven to be challenging, alternative localized delivery routes hold promise, such as treatment of solid tumors, application as a vaccine, or serving as a therapeutic agent for pulmonary delivery. In the last section, the outcome of completed and ongoing clinical trials is summarized. Finally, an expert opinion is provided on the potential of PEI and its future applications. PEI-based formulations for nucleic acid delivery have a promising potential, it will be an important task for the years to come to introduce innovations that address PEI-associated shortcomings by introducing well-designed PEI formulations in combination with an appropriate route of administration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jens Casper
- Division of Pharmaceutical Technology, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Basel, Klingelbergstrasse 50, 4056 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Susanne H Schenk
- Division of Pharmaceutical Technology, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Basel, Klingelbergstrasse 50, 4056 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Elahehnaz Parhizkar
- Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmacy, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Pascal Detampel
- Division of Pharmaceutical Technology, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Basel, Klingelbergstrasse 50, 4056 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Ali Dehshahri
- Department of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, School of Pharmacy, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran.
| | - Jörg Huwyler
- Division of Pharmaceutical Technology, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Basel, Klingelbergstrasse 50, 4056 Basel, Switzerland.
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10
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Wickline SA, Hou KK, Pan H. Peptide-Based Nanoparticles for Systemic Extrahepatic Delivery of Therapeutic Nucleotides. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24119455. [PMID: 37298407 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24119455] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2023] [Revised: 05/18/2023] [Accepted: 05/19/2023] [Indexed: 06/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Peptide-based nanoparticles (PBN) for nucleotide complexation and targeting of extrahepatic diseases are gaining recognition as potent pharmaceutical vehicles for fine-tuned control of protein production (up- and/or down-regulation) and for gene delivery. Herein, we review the principles and mechanisms underpinning self-assembled formation of PBN, cellular uptake, endosomal release, and delivery to extrahepatic disease sites after systemic administration. Selected examples of PBN that have demonstrated recent proof of concept in disease models in vivo are summarized to offer the reader a comparative view of the field and the possibilities for clinical application.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samuel A Wickline
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Medical Engineering, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL 33602, USA
| | - Kirk K Hou
- Department of Ophthalmology, Stein and Doheny Eye Institutes, University of California, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Hua Pan
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO 63130, USA
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11
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Dowdy SF. Endosomal escape of RNA therapeutics: How do we solve this rate-limiting problem? RNA (NEW YORK, N.Y.) 2023; 29:396-401. [PMID: 36669888 PMCID: PMC10019367 DOI: 10.1261/rna.079507.122] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 30.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2022] [Accepted: 01/09/2023] [Indexed: 05/15/2023]
Abstract
With over 15 FDA approved drugs on the market and numerous ongoing clinical trials, RNA therapeutics, such as small interfering RNAs (siRNAs) and antisense oligonucleotides (ASOs), have shown great potential to treat human disease. Their mechanism of action is based entirely on the sequence of validated disease-causing genes without the prerequisite knowledge of protein structure, activity or cellular location. In contrast to small molecule therapeutics that passively diffuse across the cell membrane's lipid bilayer, RNA therapeutics are too large, too charged, and/or too hydrophilic to passively diffuse across the cellular membrane and instead are taken up into cells by endocytosis. However, endosomes are also composed of a lipid bilayer barrier that results in endosomal capture and retention of 99% of RNA therapeutics with 1% or less entering the cytoplasm. Although this very low level of endosomal escape has proven sufficient for liver and some CNS disorders, it is insufficient for the vast majority of extra-hepatic diseases. Unfortunately, there are currently no acceptable solutions to the endosomal escape problem. Consequently, before RNA therapeutics can be used to treat widespread human disease, the rate-limiting delivery problem of endosomal escape must be solved in a nontoxic manner.
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Affiliation(s)
- Steven F Dowdy
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, UCSD School of Medicine, La Jolla, California 92093, USA
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12
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Shin S, Lee P, Han J, Kim SN, Lim J, Park DH, Paik T, Min J, Park CG, Park W. Nanoparticle-Based Chimeric Antigen Receptor Therapy for Cancer Immunotherapy. Tissue Eng Regen Med 2023; 20:371-387. [PMID: 36867402 PMCID: PMC9983528 DOI: 10.1007/s13770-022-00515-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2022] [Revised: 12/17/2022] [Accepted: 12/20/2022] [Indexed: 03/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Adoptive cell therapy with chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-engineered T cells (CAR-Ts) has emerged as an innovative immunotherapy for hematological cancer treatment. However, the limited effect on solid tumors, complex processes, and excessive manufacturing costs remain as limitations of CAR-T therapy. Nanotechnology provides an alternative to the conventional CAR-T therapy. Owing to their unique physicochemical properties, nanoparticles can not only serve as a delivery platform for drugs but also target specific cells. Nanoparticle-based CAR therapy can be applied not only to T cells but also to CAR-natural killer and CAR-macrophage, compensating for some of their limitations. This review focuses on the introduction of nanoparticle-based advanced CAR immune cell therapy and future perspectives on immune cell reprogramming.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seungyong Shin
- grid.264381.a0000 0001 2181 989XDepartment of Integrative Biotechnology, College of Biotechnology and Bioengineering, Sungkyunkwan University, Seobu-ro 2066, Suwon, Gyeonggi 16419 Republic of Korea
| | - Pyunghwajun Lee
- grid.264381.a0000 0001 2181 989XDepartment of Global Biomedical Engineering, SKKU Institute for Convergence, Sungkyunkwan University (SKKU), Seobu-ro 2066, Suwon, Gyeonggi 16419 Republic of Korea
| | - Jieun Han
- grid.264381.a0000 0001 2181 989XDepartment of Integrative Biotechnology, College of Biotechnology and Bioengineering, Sungkyunkwan University, Seobu-ro 2066, Suwon, Gyeonggi 16419 Republic of Korea ,grid.264381.a0000 0001 2181 989XInstitute of Biotechnology and Bioengineering, College of Biotechnology and Bioengineering, Sungkyunkwan University, Seobu-ro 2066, Suwon, Gyeonggi 16419 Republic of Korea
| | - Se-Na Kim
- grid.31501.360000 0004 0470 5905Institute of Medical and Biological Engineering, Medical Research Center, Seoul National University, Seoul, 03080 Republic of Korea
| | - Jaesung Lim
- grid.264381.a0000 0001 2181 989XDepartment of Global Biomedical Engineering, SKKU Institute for Convergence, Sungkyunkwan University (SKKU), Seobu-ro 2066, Suwon, Gyeonggi 16419 Republic of Korea ,grid.264381.a0000 0001 2181 989XDepartment of Intelligent Precision Healthcare Convergence, SKKU Institute for Convergence, Sungkyunkwan University (SKKU), Seobu-ro 2066, Suwon, Gyeonggi 16419 Republic of Korea
| | - Dae-Hwan Park
- grid.254229.a0000 0000 9611 0917Department of Engineering Chemistry, Chungbuk National University, Cheongju, Chungbuk 28644 Republic of Korea
| | - Taejong Paik
- grid.254224.70000 0001 0789 9563School of Integrative Engineering, Chung-Ang University, 84 Heukseok-ro, Dongjak-gu, Seoul, 06974 Republic of Korea
| | - Junhong Min
- School of Integrative Engineering, Chung-Ang University, 84 Heukseok-ro, Dongjak-gu, Seoul, 06974, Republic of Korea.
| | - Chun Gwon Park
- Department of Global Biomedical Engineering, SKKU Institute for Convergence, Sungkyunkwan University (SKKU), Seobu-ro 2066, Suwon, Gyeonggi, 16419, Republic of Korea. .,Department of Intelligent Precision Healthcare Convergence, SKKU Institute for Convergence, Sungkyunkwan University (SKKU), Seobu-ro 2066, Suwon, Gyeonggi, 16419, Republic of Korea. .,Biomedical Institute for Convergence at SKKU (BICS), Sungkyunkwan University, Seobu-ro 2066, Suwon, Gyeonggi, 16419, Republic of Korea.
| | - Wooram Park
- Department of Integrative Biotechnology, College of Biotechnology and Bioengineering, Sungkyunkwan University, Seobu-ro 2066, Suwon, Gyeonggi, 16419, Republic of Korea. .,Institute of Biotechnology and Bioengineering, College of Biotechnology and Bioengineering, Sungkyunkwan University, Seobu-ro 2066, Suwon, Gyeonggi, 16419, Republic of Korea.
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13
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Pham TT, Chen H, Nguyen PHD, Jayasinghe MK, Le AH, Le MT. Endosomal escape of nucleic acids from extracellular vesicles mediates functional therapeutic delivery. Pharmacol Res 2023; 188:106665. [PMID: 36657503 DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2023.106665] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2022] [Revised: 01/06/2023] [Accepted: 01/15/2023] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
Extracellular vesicles hold great promise as a drug delivery platform for RNA-based therapeutics. However, there is a lack of experimental evidence for the intracellular trafficking of nucleic acid cargos, specifically, whether they are capable of escaping from the endolysosomal confinement in the recipient cells to be released into the cytosol and hence, interact with their cytoplasmic targets. Here, we demonstrated how red blood cell-derived extracellular vesicles (RBCEVs) release their therapeutic RNA/DNA cargos at specific intracellular compartments characteristic of late endosomes and lysosomes. The released cargos were functional and capable of knocking down genes of interest in recipient cells, resulting in tumor suppression in vitro and in an acute myeloid leukemia murine model without causing significant toxicity. Notably, surface functionalization of RBCEVs with an anti-human CXCR4 antibody facilitated their specific uptake by CXCR4+ leukemic cells, leading to enhanced gene silencing efficiency. Our results provide insights into the cellular uptake mechanisms and endosomal escape routes of nucleic acid cargos delivered by RBCEVs which have important implications for further improvements of the RBCEV-based delivery system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tuan Thach Pham
- Department of Pharmacology and Institute for Digital Medicine, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore
| | - Huan Chen
- Department of Pharmacology and Institute for Digital Medicine, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore; Department of Biomedical Sciences, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of China
| | - Phuong Hoang Diem Nguyen
- Department of Pharmacology and Institute for Digital Medicine, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore
| | - Migara Kavishka Jayasinghe
- Department of Pharmacology and Institute for Digital Medicine, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore
| | - Anh Hong Le
- Department of Pharmacology and Institute for Digital Medicine, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore
| | - Minh Tn Le
- Department of Pharmacology and Institute for Digital Medicine, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore.
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14
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Xie YL, Wang JY, He Y, Yu XM, Zheng QY, Ling C, Feng XL, Zhu LQ. The use of melittin to enhance transgene expression mediated by recombinant adeno-associated virus serotype 2 vectors both in vitro and in vivo. JOURNAL OF INTEGRATIVE MEDICINE 2023; 21:106-115. [PMID: 36333178 DOI: 10.1016/j.joim.2022.10.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2022] [Accepted: 06/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Melittin, a cell-penetrating peptide, improves the efficiency of many non-viral gene delivery vectors, yet its application in viral vectors has not been well studied. The non-pathogenic recombinant adeno-associated virus (rAAV) vector is an ideal in vivo gene delivery vector. However, its full potential will only be achieved after improvement of its transduction efficiency. To improve the transduction efficiency of rAAV2 vectors, we attempted to develop a melittin-based rAAV2 vector delivery strategy. METHODS The melittin peptide was inserted into the rAAV2 capsid either in the loop VIII of all viral proteins (VPs) or at the N terminus of VP2. Various rAAV2-gfp or -fluc vectors were subjected to quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction and Western blot assays to determine their titers and integrity of capsid proteins, respectively. Alternatively, the vectors based on wild-type capsid were pre-incubated with melittin, followed by transduction of cultured cells or tail vein administration of the mixture to C57BL/6 and BALB/c nude mice. In vivo bioluminescence imaging was performed to evaluate the transgene expression. RESULTS rAAV2 vectors with melittin peptide inserted in the loop VIII of VPs had low transduction efficiency, probably due to dramatically reduced ability to bind to the target cells. Fusing the melittin peptide at the N-terminus of VP2 produced vectors without the VP2 subunit. Interestingly, among the commonly used rAAV vectors, pre-incubation of rAAV2 and rAAV6 vectors with melittin significantly enhanced their transduction efficiency in HEK293 and Huh7 cells in vitro. Melittin also had the ability to increase the rAAV2-mediated transgene expression in mouse liver in vivo. Mechanistically, melittin did not change the vector-receptor interaction. Moreover, cell counting kit-8 assays of cultured cells and serum transaminase levels indicated melittin had little cytotoxicity. CONCLUSION Pre-incubation with melittin, but not insertion of melittin into the rAAV2 capsid, significantly enhanced rAAV2-mediated transgene expression. Although further in vivo evaluations are required, this research not only expands the pharmacological potential of melittin, but also provides a new strategy to improve gene therapy mediated by rAAV vectors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi-Lin Xie
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering and Engineering Research Center of Gene Technology (Ministry of Education), School of Life Sciences, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200438, China
| | - Ji-Yao Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering and Engineering Research Center of Gene Technology (Ministry of Education), School of Life Sciences, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200438, China; Department of Clinical Laboratory, the First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325000, Zhejiang Province, China; Key Laboratory of Clinical Laboratory Diagnosis and Translational Research of Zhejiang Province, Wenzhou 325000, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Yun He
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering and Engineering Research Center of Gene Technology (Ministry of Education), School of Life Sciences, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200438, China
| | - Xiao-Min Yu
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, the First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325000, Zhejiang Province, China; Key Laboratory of Clinical Laboratory Diagnosis and Translational Research of Zhejiang Province, Wenzhou 325000, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Qing-Yun Zheng
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering and Engineering Research Center of Gene Technology (Ministry of Education), School of Life Sciences, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200438, China
| | - Chen Ling
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering and Engineering Research Center of Gene Technology (Ministry of Education), School of Life Sciences, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200438, China; Department of Clinical Laboratory, the First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325000, Zhejiang Province, China; Key Laboratory of Clinical Laboratory Diagnosis and Translational Research of Zhejiang Province, Wenzhou 325000, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Xi-Lin Feng
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering and Engineering Research Center of Gene Technology (Ministry of Education), School of Life Sciences, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200438, China; Yantai Fuheng Biological Technology Co., Ltd., Yantai 264006, Shandong Province, China.
| | - Li-Qing Zhu
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, the First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325000, Zhejiang Province, China; Key Laboratory of Clinical Laboratory Diagnosis and Translational Research of Zhejiang Province, Wenzhou 325000, Zhejiang Province, China.
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15
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Samec T, Alatise KL, Boulos J, Gilmore S, Hazelton A, Coffin C, Alexander-Bryant A. Fusogenic peptide delivery of bioactive siRNAs targeting CSNK2A1 for treatment of ovarian cancer. MOLECULAR THERAPY. NUCLEIC ACIDS 2022; 30:95-111. [PMID: 36213692 PMCID: PMC9530961 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtn.2022.09.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2021] [Accepted: 09/15/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Ovarian cancer has shown little improvement in survival among advanced-stage patients over the past decade. Current treatment strategies have been largely unsuccessful in treating advanced disease, with many patients experiencing systemic toxicity and drug-resistant metastatic cancer. This study evaluates novel fusogenic peptide carriers delivering short interfering RNA (siRNA) targeting casein kinase II, CSNK2A1, for reducing the aggressiveness of ovarian cancer. The peptides were designed to address two significant barriers to siRNA delivery: insufficient cellular uptake and endosomal entrapment. The three peptide variants developed, DIVA3, DIV3H, and DIV3W, were able to form monodisperse nanoparticle complexes with siRNA and protect siRNAs from serum and RNase degradation. Furthermore, DIV3W demonstrated optimal delivery of bioactive siRNAs into ovarian cancer cells with high cellular uptake efficiency and mediated up to 94% knockdown of CSNK2A1 mRNA compared with non-targeting siRNAs, resulting in decreased cell migration and recolonization in vitro. Intratumoral delivery of DIV3W-siCSNK2A1 complexes to subcutaneous ovarian tumors resulted in reduced CSNK2A1 mRNA and CK2α protein expression after 48 h and reduced tumor growth and migration in a 2-week multi-dosing regimen. These results demonstrate the potential of the DIV3W peptide to deliver bioactive siRNAs and confirms the role of CSNK2A1 in cell-cell communication and proliferation in ovarian cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Timothy Samec
- Nanobiotechnology Laboratory, Department of Bioengineering, Clemson University, 301 Rhodes Research Center, Clemson, SC 29634-0905, USA
| | - Kharimat Lora Alatise
- Nanobiotechnology Laboratory, Department of Bioengineering, Clemson University, 301 Rhodes Research Center, Clemson, SC 29634-0905, USA
| | - Jessica Boulos
- Nanobiotechnology Laboratory, Department of Bioengineering, Clemson University, 301 Rhodes Research Center, Clemson, SC 29634-0905, USA
| | - Serena Gilmore
- Nanobiotechnology Laboratory, Department of Bioengineering, Clemson University, 301 Rhodes Research Center, Clemson, SC 29634-0905, USA
| | - Anthony Hazelton
- Nanobiotechnology Laboratory, Department of Bioengineering, Clemson University, 301 Rhodes Research Center, Clemson, SC 29634-0905, USA
| | - Carleigh Coffin
- Nanobiotechnology Laboratory, Department of Bioengineering, Clemson University, 301 Rhodes Research Center, Clemson, SC 29634-0905, USA
| | - Angela Alexander-Bryant
- Nanobiotechnology Laboratory, Department of Bioengineering, Clemson University, 301 Rhodes Research Center, Clemson, SC 29634-0905, USA
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16
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Dowdy SF, Setten RL, Cui XS, Jadhav SG. Delivery of RNA Therapeutics: The Great Endosomal Escape! Nucleic Acid Ther 2022; 32:361-368. [PMID: 35612432 PMCID: PMC9595607 DOI: 10.1089/nat.2022.0004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2022] [Accepted: 03/30/2022] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
RNA therapeutics, including siRNAs, antisense oligonucleotides, and other oligonucleotides, have great potential to selectively treat a multitude of human diseases, from cancer to COVID to Parkinson's disease. RNA therapeutic activity is mechanistically driven by Watson-Crick base pairing to the target gene RNA without the requirement of prior knowledge of the protein structure, function, or cellular location. However, before widespread use of RNA therapeutics becomes a reality, we must overcome a billion years of evolutionary defenses designed to keep invading RNAs from entering cells. Unlike small-molecule therapeutics that are designed to passively diffuse across the cell membrane, macromolecular RNA therapeutics are too large, too charged, and/or too hydrophilic to passively diffuse across the cellular membrane and are instead taken up into cells by endocytosis. However, similar to the cell membrane, endosomes comprise a lipid bilayer that entraps 99% or more of RNA therapeutics, even in semipermissive tissues such as the liver, central nervous system, and muscle. Consequently, before RNA therapeutics can achieve their ultimate clinical potential to treat widespread human disease, the rate-limiting delivery problem of endosomal escape must be solved in a clinically acceptable manner.
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Affiliation(s)
- Steven F. Dowdy
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA
| | - Ryan L. Setten
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA
| | - Xian-Shu Cui
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA
| | - Satish G. Jadhav
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA
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17
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Kubiatowicz LJ, Mohapatra A, Krishnan N, Fang RH, Zhang L. mRNA nanomedicine: Design and recent applications. EXPLORATION (BEIJING, CHINA) 2022; 2:20210217. [PMID: 36249890 PMCID: PMC9539018 DOI: 10.1002/exp.20210217] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2022] [Accepted: 08/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
The rational design and application of mRNA-based medicine have recently yielded some key successes in the clinical management of human diseases. mRNA technology allows for the facile and direct production of proteins in vivo, thus circumventing the need for lengthy drug development cycles and complex production workflows. As such, mRNA formulations can significantly improve upon the biological therapies that have become commonplace in modern medicine. Despite its many advantages, mRNA is inherently fragile and has specific delivery requirements. Leveraging the engineering flexibility of nanobiotechnology, mRNA payloads can be incorporated into nanoformulations such that they do not invoke unwanted immune responses, are targeted to tissues of interest, and can be delivered to the cytosol, resulting in improved safety while enhancing bioactivity. With the rapidly evolving landscape of nanomedicine, novel technologies that are under development have the potential to further improve the clinical utility of mRNA medicine. This review covers the design principles relevant to engineering mRNA-based nanomedicine platforms. It also details the current research on mRNA nanoformulations for addressing viral infections, cancers, and genetic diseases. Given the trends in the field, future mRNA-based nanomedicines have the potential to change how many types of diseases are managed in the clinic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luke J. Kubiatowicz
- Department of NanoEngineering, Chemical Engineering Program, and Moores Cancer CenterUniversity of California San DiegoLa JollaCaliforniaUSA
| | - Animesh Mohapatra
- Department of NanoEngineering, Chemical Engineering Program, and Moores Cancer CenterUniversity of California San DiegoLa JollaCaliforniaUSA
| | - Nishta Krishnan
- Department of NanoEngineering, Chemical Engineering Program, and Moores Cancer CenterUniversity of California San DiegoLa JollaCaliforniaUSA
| | - Ronnie H. Fang
- Department of NanoEngineering, Chemical Engineering Program, and Moores Cancer CenterUniversity of California San DiegoLa JollaCaliforniaUSA
| | - Liangfang Zhang
- Department of NanoEngineering, Chemical Engineering Program, and Moores Cancer CenterUniversity of California San DiegoLa JollaCaliforniaUSA
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18
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Torres-Vanegas JD, Cifuentes J, Puentes PR, Quezada V, Garcia-Brand AJ, Cruz JC, Reyes LH. Assessing cellular internalization and endosomal escape abilities of novel BUFII-Graphene oxide nanobioconjugates. Front Chem 2022; 10:974218. [PMID: 36186591 PMCID: PMC9521742 DOI: 10.3389/fchem.2022.974218] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2022] [Accepted: 08/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Cell-penetrating agents based on functionalized nanoplatforms have emerged as a promising approach for developing more efficient and multifunctional delivery vehicles for treating various complex diseases that require reaching different intracellular compartments. Our previous work has shown that achieving full cellular coverage and high endosomal escape rates is possible by interfacing magnetite nanoparticles with potent translocating peptides such as Buforin II (BUF-II). In this work, we extended such an approach to two graphene oxide (GO)-based nanoplatforms functionalized with different surface chemistries to which the peptide molecules were successfully conjugated. The developed nanobioconjugates were characterized via spectroscopic (FTIR, Raman), thermogravimetric, and microscopic (SEM, TEM, and AFM) techniques. Moreover, biocompatibility was assessed via standardized hemocompatibility and cytotoxicity assays in two cell lines. Finally, cell internalization and coverage and endosomal escape abilities were estimated with the aid of confocal microscopy analysis of colocalization of the nanobioconjugates with Lysotracker Green®. Our findings showed coverage values that approached 100% for both cell lines, high biocompatibility, and endosomal escape levels ranging from 30 to 45% and 12–24% for Vero and THP-1 cell lines. This work provides the first routes toward developing the next-generation, carbon-based, cell-penetrating nanovehicles to deliver therapeutic agents. Further studies will be focused on elucidating the intracellular trafficking pathways of the nanobioconjugates to reach different cellular compartments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julian Daniel Torres-Vanegas
- Department of Chemical and Food Engineering, Grupo de Diseño de Productos y Procesos (GDPP), Universidad de Los Andes, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Javier Cifuentes
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Universidad de Los Andes, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Paola Ruiz Puentes
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Universidad de Los Andes, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Valentina Quezada
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Universidad de Los Andes, Bogotá, Colombia
| | | | - Juan C. Cruz
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Universidad de Los Andes, Bogotá, Colombia
- *Correspondence: Juan C. Cruz, ; Luis H. Reyes,
| | - Luis H. Reyes
- Department of Chemical and Food Engineering, Grupo de Diseño de Productos y Procesos (GDPP), Universidad de Los Andes, Bogotá, Colombia
- *Correspondence: Juan C. Cruz, ; Luis H. Reyes,
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19
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Wu P, Zhang H, Sun M, Mao S, He Q, Shi Y, Deng Y, Dong Z, Xu Q, Zhao C, Zhang W, Sun B. Manipulating Offense and Defense Signaling to Fight Cold Tumors with Carrier-Free Nanoassembly of Fluorinated Prodrug and siRNA. ADVANCED MATERIALS (DEERFIELD BEACH, FLA.) 2022; 34:e2203019. [PMID: 35918816 DOI: 10.1002/adma.202203019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2022] [Revised: 07/25/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Chemoimmunotherapy has shown great potential to activate an immune response, but the immunosuppressive microenvironment associated with T cell exhaustion remains a challenge in cancer therapy. The proper immune-modulatory strategy to provoke a robust immune response is to simultaneously regulate T-cell exhaustion and infiltration. Here, a new kind of carrier-free nanoparticle is developed to simultaneously deliver chemotherapeutic drug (doxorubicin, DOX), cytolytic peptide (melittin, MPI), and anti-TOX small interfering RNA (thymocyte selection-associated high mobility group box protein, TOX) using a fluorinated prodrug strategy. In this way, the enhanced immunogenic cell death (ICD) induced by the combination of DOX and MPI can act as "offense" signaling to increase CD8+ T-cell infiltration, while the decreased TOX expression interfered with siTOX can serve as "defense" signaling to mitigate CD8+ T-cell exhaustion. As a result, the integration of DOX, MPI, and siTOX in such a bifunctional system produced a potent antitumor immune response in liver cancer and metastasis, making it a promising delivery platform and effective strategy for converting "cold" tumors into "hot" ones.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pengkai Wu
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, The Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, 210008, P.R. China
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui Province, 230022, P.R. China
| | - Haitian Zhang
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, The Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, 210008, P.R. China
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui Province, 230022, P.R. China
| | - Meiling Sun
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, The Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, 210008, P.R. China
| | - Shuai Mao
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, The Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, 210008, P.R. China
| | - Qifeng He
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, The Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, 210008, P.R. China
| | - Yuze Shi
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, The Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, 210008, P.R. China
| | - Yexuan Deng
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, The Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, 210008, P.R. China
| | - Zhongjun Dong
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui Province, 230022, P.R. China
| | - Qingxiang Xu
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, The Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, 210008, P.R. China
| | - Chen Zhao
- School of Pharmacy, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, 211166, P.R. China
| | - Wenjie Zhang
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, The Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, 210008, P.R. China
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui Province, 230022, P.R. China
| | - Beicheng Sun
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, The Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, 210008, P.R. China
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui Province, 230022, P.R. China
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20
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Zhou M, Zou X, Cheng K, Zhong S, Su Y, Wu T, Tao Y, Cong L, Yan B, Jiang Y. The role of cell-penetrating peptides in potential anti-cancer therapy. Clin Transl Med 2022; 12:e822. [PMID: 35593206 PMCID: PMC9121317 DOI: 10.1002/ctm2.822] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2021] [Revised: 03/28/2022] [Accepted: 04/04/2022] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Due to the complex physiological structure, microenvironment and multiple physiological barriers, traditional anti-cancer drugs are severely restricted from reaching the tumour site. Cell-penetrating peptides (CPPs) are typically made up of 5-30 amino acids, and can be utilised as molecular transporters to facilitate the passage of therapeutic drugs across physiological barriers. Up to now, CPPs have widely been used in many anti-cancer treatment strategies, serving as an excellent potential choice for oncology treatment. However, their drawbacks, such as the lack of cell specificity, short duration of action, poor stability in vivo, compatibility problems (i.e. immunogenicity), poor therapeutic efficacy and formation of unwanted metabolites, have limited their further application in cancer treatment. The cellular uptake mechanisms of CPPs involve mainly endocytosis and direct penetration, but still remain highly controversial in academia. The CPPs-based drug delivery strategy could be improved by clever design or chemical modifications to develop the next-generation CPPs with enhanced cell penetration capability, stability and selectivity. In addition, some recent advances in targeted cell penetration that involve CPPs provide some new ideas to optimise CPPs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meiling Zhou
- The Key Laboratory of Model Animal and Stem Cell Biology in Hunan Province, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, Hunan, China.,School of Medicine, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Xi Zou
- The Key Laboratory of Model Animal and Stem Cell Biology in Hunan Province, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, Hunan, China.,School of Medicine, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Kexin Cheng
- The Key Laboratory of Model Animal and Stem Cell Biology in Hunan Province, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, Hunan, China.,School of Medicine, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Suye Zhong
- The Key Laboratory of Model Animal and Stem Cell Biology in Hunan Province, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, Hunan, China.,School of Medicine, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Yangzhou Su
- The Key Laboratory of Model Animal and Stem Cell Biology in Hunan Province, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, Hunan, China.,School of Medicine, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Tao Wu
- The Key Laboratory of Model Animal and Stem Cell Biology in Hunan Province, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, Hunan, China.,School of Medicine, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Yongguang Tao
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion, Ministry of Education, Department of Pathology, Xiangya Hospital, School of Basic Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Li Cong
- The Key Laboratory of Model Animal and Stem Cell Biology in Hunan Province, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, Hunan, China.,School of Medicine, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Bin Yan
- Department of Pathology, The Second Clinical Medical College of Jinan University, The First Affiliated Hospital Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen People's Hospital, Shenzhen, China
| | - Yiqun Jiang
- The Key Laboratory of Model Animal and Stem Cell Biology in Hunan Province, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, Hunan, China.,School of Medicine, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, Hunan, China
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21
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Osteikoetxea X, Silva A, Lázaro-Ibáñez E, Salmond N, Shatnyeva O, Stein J, Schick J, Wren S, Lindgren J, Firth M, Madsen A, Mayr LM, Overman R, Davies R, Dekker N. Engineered Cas9 extracellular vesicles as a novel gene editing tool. J Extracell Vesicles 2022; 11:e12225. [PMID: 35585651 PMCID: PMC9117459 DOI: 10.1002/jev2.12225] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2021] [Revised: 04/13/2022] [Accepted: 04/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Extracellular vesicles (EVs) have shown promise as biological delivery vehicles, but therapeutic applications require efficient cargo loading. Here, we developed new methods for CRISPR/Cas9 loading into EVs through reversible heterodimerization of Cas9‐fusions with EV sorting partners. Cas9‐loaded EVs were collected from engineered Expi293F cells using standard methodology, characterized using nanoparticle tracking analysis, western blotting, and transmission electron microscopy and analysed for CRISPR/Cas9‐mediated functional gene editing in a Cre‐reporter cellular assay. Light‐induced dimerization using Cryptochrome 2 combined with CD9 or a Myristoylation‐Palmitoylation‐Palmitoylation lipid modification resulted in efficient loading with approximately 25 Cas9 molecules per EV and high functional delivery with 51% gene editing of the Cre reporter cassette in HEK293 and 25% in HepG2 cells, respectively. This approach was also effective for targeting knock‐down of the therapeutically relevant PCSK9 gene with 6% indel efficiency in HEK293. Cas9 transfer was detergent‐sensitive and associated with the EV fractions after size exclusion chromatography, indicative of EV‐mediated transfer. Considering the advantages of EVs over other delivery vectors we envision that this study will prove useful for a range of therapeutic applications, including CRISPR/Cas9 mediated genome editing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xabier Osteikoetxea
- Discovery Biology, Discovery Sciences, BioPharmaceuticals R&D, AstraZeneca, Alderley Park, UK.,HCEMM-SU Extracellular Vesicles Research Group, Budapest, Hungary.,Department of Genetics, Cell- and Immunobiology, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Andreia Silva
- Discovery Biology, Discovery Sciences, BioPharmaceuticals R&D, AstraZeneca, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Elisa Lázaro-Ibáñez
- Discovery Biology, Discovery Sciences, BioPharmaceuticals R&D, AstraZeneca, Gothenburg, Sweden.,Advanced Drug Delivery, Pharmaceutical Sciences, BioPharmaceuticals R&D, AstraZeneca, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Nikki Salmond
- Discovery Biology, Discovery Sciences, BioPharmaceuticals R&D, AstraZeneca, Alderley Park, UK
| | - Olga Shatnyeva
- Discovery Biology, Discovery Sciences, BioPharmaceuticals R&D, AstraZeneca, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Josia Stein
- Discovery Biology, Discovery Sciences, BioPharmaceuticals R&D, AstraZeneca, Alderley Park, UK
| | - Jan Schick
- Discovery Biology, Discovery Sciences, BioPharmaceuticals R&D, AstraZeneca, Alderley Park, UK
| | - Stephen Wren
- Global Product Development, Pharmaceutical Technology & Development, AstraZeneca, Macclesfield, UK
| | - Julia Lindgren
- Translational Genomics, Discovery Biology, Discovery Sciences, BioPharmaceuticals R&D, AstraZeneca, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Mike Firth
- Quantitative Biology, Discovery Sciences, BioPharmaceuticals R&D, AstraZeneca, Cambridge, UK
| | - Alexandra Madsen
- Genome Engineering, Discovery Biology, Discovery Sciences, BioPharmaceuticals R&D, AstraZeneca, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Lorenz M Mayr
- Discovery Biology, Discovery Sciences, BioPharmaceuticals R&D, AstraZeneca, Cambridge, UK
| | - Ross Overman
- Discovery Biology, Discovery Sciences, BioPharmaceuticals R&D, AstraZeneca, Alderley Park, UK
| | - Rick Davies
- Discovery Biology, Discovery Sciences, BioPharmaceuticals R&D, AstraZeneca, Alderley Park, UK
| | - Niek Dekker
- Discovery Biology, Discovery Sciences, BioPharmaceuticals R&D, AstraZeneca, Gothenburg, Sweden
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22
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Beals N, Farhath MM, Kharel P, Croos B, Mahendran T, Johnson J, Basu S. Rationally designed DNA therapeutics can modulate human TH expression by controlling specific GQ formation in its promoter. Mol Ther 2022; 30:831-844. [PMID: 33992806 PMCID: PMC8822133 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymthe.2021.05.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2020] [Revised: 05/05/2021] [Accepted: 05/11/2021] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) catalyzes the rate-limiting step in the catecholamine (CA) biosynthesis pathway, making TH a molecular target for controlling CA production, specifically dopamine. Dysregulation of dopamine is correlated with neurological diseases such as Parkinson's disease (PD) and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), among others. Previously, we showed that a 49-nucleotide guanine (G)-rich sequence within the human TH promoter adopts two different sets of G-quadruplex (GQ) structures (5'GQ and 3'GQ), where the 5'GQ uses G-stretches I, II, IV, and VI in TH49, which enhances TH transcription, while the 3'GQ utilizes G-stretches II, IV, VI, and VII, which represses transcription. Herein, we demonstrated targeted switching of these GQs to their active state using rationally designed DNA GQ Clips (5'GQ and 3'GQ Clips) to modulate endogenous TH gene expression and dopamine production. As a translational approach, we synthesized a targeted nanoparticle delivery system to effectively deliver the 5'GQ Clip in vivo. We believe this strategy could potentially be an improved approach for controlling dopamine production in a multitude of neurological disorders, including PD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nathan Beals
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Kent State University, Kent, OH 44242, USA,Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, New York University School of Medicine, New York, NY 10016, USA
| | - Mohamed M. Farhath
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Kent State University, Kent, OH 44242, USA,Department of Chemical Sciences, Faculty of Applied Sciences, South Eastern University of Sri Lanka, Oluvil, Sri Lanka
| | - Prakash Kharel
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Kent State University, Kent, OH 44242, USA,Division of Rheumatology, Inflammation, and Immunity, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston, MA 02115, USA,Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Brintha Croos
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Kent State University, Kent, OH 44242, USA
| | - Thulasi Mahendran
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Kent State University, Kent, OH 44242, USA
| | - John Johnson
- Department of Biological Sciences, Kent State University, Kent, OH 44242, USA
| | - Soumitra Basu
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Kent State University, Kent, OH 44242, USA,Corresponding author: Soumitra Basu, Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Kent State University, Kent, OH 44242, USA.
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23
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van Hees M, Slott S, Hansen AH, Kim HS, Ji HP, Astakhova K. New approaches to moderate CRISPR-Cas9 activity: Addressing issues of cellular uptake and endosomal escape. Mol Ther 2022; 30:32-46. [PMID: 34091053 PMCID: PMC8753288 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymthe.2021.06.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2020] [Revised: 03/15/2021] [Accepted: 05/27/2021] [Indexed: 02/09/2023] Open
Abstract
CRISPR-Cas9 is rapidly entering molecular biology and biomedicine as a promising gene-editing tool. A unique feature of CRISPR-Cas9 is a single-guide RNA directing a Cas9 nuclease toward its genomic target. Herein, we highlight new approaches for improving cellular uptake and endosomal escape of CRISPR-Cas9. As opposed to other recently published works, this review is focused on non-viral carriers as a means to facilitate the cellular uptake of CRISPR-Cas9 through endocytosis. The majority of non-viral carriers, such as gold nanoparticles, polymer nanoparticles, lipid nanoparticles, and nanoscale zeolitic imidazole frameworks, is developed with a focus toward optimizing the endosomal escape of CRISPR-Cas9 by taking advantage of the acidic environment in the late endosomes. Among the most broadly used methods for in vitro and ex vivo ribonucleotide protein transfection are electroporation and microinjection. Thus, other delivery formats are warranted for in vivo delivery of CRISPR-Cas9. Herein, we specifically revise the use of peptide and nanoparticle-based systems as platforms for CRISPR-Cas9 delivery in vivo. Finally, we highlight future perspectives of the CRISPR-Cas9 gene-editing tool and the prospects of using non-viral vectors to improve its bioavailability and therapeutic potential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maja van Hees
- Department of Chemistry, Technical University of Denmark, 2800 Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Sofie Slott
- Department of Chemistry, Technical University of Denmark, 2800 Lyngby, Denmark
| | | | - Heon Seok Kim
- School of Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94350, USA
| | - Hanlee P. Ji
- School of Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94350, USA
| | - Kira Astakhova
- Department of Chemistry, Technical University of Denmark, 2800 Lyngby, Denmark,Corresponding author: Kira Astakhova, Department of Chemistry, Technical University of Denmark, 2800 Lyngby, Denmark.
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24
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Li Y, Sun Y, Dong W, Zhu C, Guan Y, Shang D. Acylation of antimicrobial peptide-plasmid DNA vectors formulation for efficient gene delivery in cancer therapy. Colloids Surf B Biointerfaces 2021; 208:112069. [PMID: 34478957 DOI: 10.1016/j.colsurfb.2021.112069] [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: 06/11/2021] [Revised: 08/19/2021] [Accepted: 08/24/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Antimicrobial peptides/DNA complexes were designed based on AMPs chensinin-1b and its corresponding lipo-chensinin-1b conjugated with an aliphatic acid with different chain lengths and therapeutic genes. The main goal of such a complex includes two aspects: first, antimicrobial peptides deliver therapeutic genes to cancer cells and genes expressed in targeted tissue for cancer gene therapy, and, second, the antimicrobial peptide kills cancer cells when used alone as an anticancer agent. This study presents a model composed of chensinin-1b and its lipo-chensinin-1b and eGFP plasmids, which were used as reporter genes, and the final peptide/eGFP plasmid complexes were analyzed by TEM and DLS. The gene transfection efficiency of the complex was evaluated by a microplate reader, FACS and CLSM. Compared with Lipo2000, the antimicrobial peptide showed specific selectivity for transfection against cancer cells and mammalian cells. The peptides chensinin-1b and lipo-chensinin-1b binding with the eGFP plasmid displayed optimal transfection efficiencies at a mass ratio of 8. In addition, PA-C1b can deliver p53-eGFP plasmids into MCF-7 cancer cells, and the proliferation of cells was inhibited and even caused cell death. Overall, PA-C1b was screened and found to have the highest transfection efficiency for gene delivery and good cellular uptake capability. The in vivo transfection ability of PA-C1b was investigated using a tumor-bearing mouse model, and the transfection efficiency reflected by the fluorescence of expressed GFP was determined by in vivo imaging. Conclusively, the antimicrobial peptide PA-C1b could be used as the nonviral vector with high efficiency for cancer gene therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yue Li
- School of Life Science, Liaoning Normal University, Dalian 116081, China
| | - Yue Sun
- School of Life Science, Liaoning Normal University, Dalian 116081, China; Liaoning Provincial Key Laboratory of Biotechnology and Drug Discovery, Liaoning Normal University, Dalian 116081, China
| | - Weibing Dong
- School of Life Science, Liaoning Normal University, Dalian 116081, China; Liaoning Provincial Key Laboratory of Biotechnology and Drug Discovery, Liaoning Normal University, Dalian 116081, China.
| | - Chengdong Zhu
- School of Life Science, Liaoning Normal University, Dalian 116081, China; School of Physical Education, Liaoning Normal University, Dalian 116081, China
| | - Yue Guan
- School of Life Science, Liaoning Normal University, Dalian 116081, China
| | - Dejing Shang
- School of Life Science, Liaoning Normal University, Dalian 116081, China; Liaoning Provincial Key Laboratory of Biotechnology and Drug Discovery, Liaoning Normal University, Dalian 116081, China.
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25
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Tarvirdipour S, Skowicki M, Schoenenberger CA, Palivan CG. Peptide-Assisted Nucleic Acid Delivery Systems on the Rise. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:9092. [PMID: 34445799 PMCID: PMC8396486 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22169092] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2021] [Revised: 08/13/2021] [Accepted: 08/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Concerns associated with nanocarriers' therapeutic efficacy and side effects have led to the development of strategies to advance them into targeted and responsive delivery systems. Owing to their bioactivity and biocompatibility, peptides play a key role in these strategies and, thus, have been extensively studied in nanomedicine. Peptide-based nanocarriers, in particular, have burgeoned with advances in purely peptidic structures and in combinations of peptides, both native and modified, with polymers, lipids, and inorganic nanoparticles. In this review, we summarize advances on peptides promoting gene delivery systems. The efficacy of nucleic acid therapies largely depends on cell internalization and the delivery to subcellular organelles. Hence, the review focuses on nanocarriers where peptides are pivotal in ferrying nucleic acids to their site of action, with a special emphasis on peptides that assist anionic, water-soluble nucleic acids in crossing the membrane barriers they encounter on their way to efficient function. In a second part, we address how peptides advance nanoassembly delivery tools, such that they navigate delivery barriers and release their nucleic acid cargo at specific sites in a controlled fashion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shabnam Tarvirdipour
- Department of Chemistry, University of Basel, Mattenstrasse 24a, 4058 Basel, Switzerland; (S.T.); (M.S.)
- Department of Biosystem Science and Engineering, ETH Zurich, Mattenstrasse 26, 4058 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Michal Skowicki
- Department of Chemistry, University of Basel, Mattenstrasse 24a, 4058 Basel, Switzerland; (S.T.); (M.S.)
- NCCR-Molecular Systems Engineering, BPR1095, Mattenstrasse 24a, 4058 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Cora-Ann Schoenenberger
- Department of Chemistry, University of Basel, Mattenstrasse 24a, 4058 Basel, Switzerland; (S.T.); (M.S.)
- NCCR-Molecular Systems Engineering, BPR1095, Mattenstrasse 24a, 4058 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Cornelia G. Palivan
- Department of Chemistry, University of Basel, Mattenstrasse 24a, 4058 Basel, Switzerland; (S.T.); (M.S.)
- NCCR-Molecular Systems Engineering, BPR1095, Mattenstrasse 24a, 4058 Basel, Switzerland
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26
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Rauch DA, Harding JC, Ratner L, Wickline SA, Pan H. Targeting NF-κB with Nanotherapy in a Mouse Model of Adult T-Cell Leukemia/Lymphoma. NANOMATERIALS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2021; 11:1582. [PMID: 34208564 PMCID: PMC8234599 DOI: 10.3390/nano11061582] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2021] [Revised: 06/04/2021] [Accepted: 06/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Adult T-cell leukemia/lymphoma (ATLL) is an aggressive, clonal malignancy of mature T cells caused by human T-cell leukemia virus type 1. Although it is a rare tumor type, it serves as an excellent model of a virus driven process that transforms cells and engenders a highly malignant tumor that is extraordinarily difficult to treat. The viral transcriptional transactivator (Tax) in the HTLV-1 genome directly promotes tumorigenesis, and Tax-induced oncogenesis depends on its ability to constitutively activate NF-κB signaling. Accordingly, we developed and evaluated a nano-delivery system that simultaneously inhibits both canonical (p65) and noncanonical (p100) NF-κB signaling pathways locally in tumors after systemic administration. Our results demonstrate that siRNA is delivered rapidly to ATLL tumors after either i.p. or i.v. injection. The siRNA treatment significantly reduced both p65 and p100 mRNA and protein expression. Anti-NF-κB nanotherapy significantly inhibited tumor growth in two distinct tumor models in mice: a spontaneous Tax-driven tumor model, and a Tax tumor cell transplant model. Moreover, siRNA nanotherapy sensitized late-stage ATLL tumors to the conventional chemotherapeutic agent etoposide, indicating a pleiotropic benefit for localized siRNA nanotherapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel A. Rauch
- Department of Medicine, Division of Molecular Oncology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA; (J.C.H.); (L.R.)
| | - John C. Harding
- Department of Medicine, Division of Molecular Oncology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA; (J.C.H.); (L.R.)
| | - Lee Ratner
- Department of Medicine, Division of Molecular Oncology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA; (J.C.H.); (L.R.)
| | - Samuel A. Wickline
- USF Health Heart Institute, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL 33602, USA;
| | - Hua Pan
- USF Health Heart Institute, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL 33602, USA;
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27
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Melittin inhibits lung metastasis of human osteosarcoma: Evidence of wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway participation. Toxicon 2021; 198:132-142. [PMID: 33930393 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2021.04.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2021] [Revised: 04/14/2021] [Accepted: 04/23/2021] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Melittin is a major active peptide component of bee venom that has been demonstrated to show anti-tumor effects. Osteosarcoma is a type of bone tumor with a high degree of malignancy, and metastasis is the main challenge of osteosarcoma therapy. This study aimed to investigate the role of melittin in the lung metastasis of osteosarcoma. 143 B cells were treated with different concentrations of melittin in vitro. Wound-healing and transwell assays were performed to determine the cell migration and invasion potential. Quantitative real-time PCR and Western blot experiments were performed to evaluate the expression levels of Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway-related factors after treatment with melittin. The orthotopic implantation model and hematoxylin-eosin staining were used to investigate the effect of melittin treatment on tumor formation and lung metastasis. Immunohistochemical staining and Western blot experiments were performed to indicate the melittin-mediated expression changes in Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway-related factors. The cell migration and invasion potential were observed to be inhibited in a dose-dependent manner upon treatment with melittin. Treatment with medium and high concentrations of melittin attenuated the mRNA and protein expression of LRP5, β-catenin, MMP-2, cyclin D, c-Myc, survivin, MMP-9, and VEGF genes in vitro. Melittin significantly inhibited the growth of tibia xenografts in nude mice and decreased the number of lung metastatic nodules. Consistent with the results observed in vitro, treatment with melittin at medium and high concentrations attenuated the expression of Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway-related factors in vivo. In vitro, Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway was involved in Melittin-mediated -migration and invasion potential of 143 B cells. Similarly, as observed in the in vivo experiments, Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway was also associated with the role of melittin on lung metastasis of osteosarcomas.
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28
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The role of the multifunctional antimicrobial peptide melittin in gene delivery. Drug Discov Today 2021; 26:1053-1059. [DOI: 10.1016/j.drudis.2021.01.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2020] [Revised: 12/01/2020] [Accepted: 01/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
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29
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Andrian T, Riera R, Pujals S, Albertazzi L. Nanoscopy for endosomal escape quantification. NANOSCALE ADVANCES 2021; 3:10-23. [PMID: 36131870 PMCID: PMC9419860 DOI: 10.1039/d0na00454e] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2020] [Accepted: 10/26/2020] [Indexed: 05/04/2023]
Abstract
The successful cytosolic delivery of nanoparticles is hampered by their endosomal entrapment and degradation. To push forward the smart development of nanoparticles we must reliably detect and quantify their endosomal escape process. However, the current methods employed are not quantitative enough at the nanoscale to achieve this. Nanoscopy is a rapidly evolving field that has developed a diverse set of powerful techniques in the last two decades, opening the door to explore nanomedicine with an unprecedented resolution and specificity. The understanding of key steps in the drug delivery process - such as endosomal escape - would benefit greatly from the implementation of the most recent advances in microscopy. In this review, we provide the latest insights into endosomal escape of nanoparticles obtained by nanoscopy, and we discuss the features that would allow these techniques to make a great impact in the field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Teodora Andrian
- Nanoscopy for Nanomedicine, Institute for Bioengineering of Catalonia Barcelona Spain
| | - Roger Riera
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Institute for Complex Molecular Systems (ICMS), Eindhoven University of Technology Eindhoven Netherlands
| | - Silvia Pujals
- Nanoscopy for Nanomedicine, Institute for Bioengineering of Catalonia Barcelona Spain
- Department of Electronics and Biomedical Engineering, Faculty of Physics, Universitat de Barcelona Av. Diagonal 647 08028 Barcelona Spain
| | - Lorenzo Albertazzi
- Nanoscopy for Nanomedicine, Institute for Bioengineering of Catalonia Barcelona Spain
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Institute for Complex Molecular Systems (ICMS), Eindhoven University of Technology Eindhoven Netherlands
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30
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Brown CR, Gupta S, Qin J, Racie T, He G, Lentini S, Malone R, Yu M, Matsuda S, Shulga-Morskaya S, Nair AV, Theile CS, Schmidt K, Shahraz A, Goel V, Parmar RG, Zlatev I, Schlegel MK, Nair JK, Jayaraman M, Manoharan M, Brown D, Maier MA, Jadhav V. Investigating the pharmacodynamic durability of GalNAc-siRNA conjugates. Nucleic Acids Res 2020; 48:11827-11844. [PMID: 32808038 PMCID: PMC7708070 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkaa670] [Citation(s) in RCA: 144] [Impact Index Per Article: 36.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2020] [Revised: 07/27/2020] [Accepted: 07/31/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
One hallmark of trivalent N-acetylgalactosamine (GalNAc)-conjugated siRNAs is the remarkable durability of silencing that can persist for months in preclinical species and humans. Here, we investigated the underlying biology supporting this extended duration of pharmacological activity. We found that siRNA accumulation and stability in acidic intracellular compartments is critical for long-term activity. We show that functional siRNA can be liberated from these compartments and loaded into newly generated Argonaute 2 protein complexes weeks after dosing, enabling continuous RNAi activity over time. Identical siRNAs delivered in lipid nanoparticles or as GalNAc conjugates were dose-adjusted to achieve similar knockdown, but only GalNAc–siRNAs supported an extended duration of activity, illustrating the importance of receptor-mediated siRNA trafficking in the process. Taken together, we provide several lines of evidence that acidic intracellular compartments serve as a long-term depot for GalNAc–siRNA conjugates and are the major contributor to the extended duration of activity observed in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Swati Gupta
- Alnylam Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
| | - June Qin
- Alnylam Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
| | - Timothy Racie
- Alnylam Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
| | - Guo He
- Alnylam Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
| | - Scott Lentini
- Alnylam Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
| | - Ryan Malone
- Alnylam Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
| | - Mikyung Yu
- Alnylam Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
| | | | | | - Anil V Nair
- MGH Program in Membrane Biology, Division of Nephrology, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA
| | | | - Karyn Schmidt
- Alnylam Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
| | - Azar Shahraz
- Alnylam Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
| | - Varun Goel
- Alnylam Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
| | | | - Ivan Zlatev
- Alnylam Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
| | | | | | | | | | - Dennis Brown
- MGH Program in Membrane Biology, Division of Nephrology, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA
| | | | - Vasant Jadhav
- Alnylam Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
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31
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Kostyushev D, Kostyusheva A, Brezgin S, Smirnov V, Volchkova E, Lukashev A, Chulanov V. Gene Editing by Extracellular Vesicles. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:E7362. [PMID: 33028045 PMCID: PMC7582630 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21197362] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2020] [Revised: 09/23/2020] [Accepted: 10/03/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
CRISPR/Cas technologies have advanced dramatically in recent years. Many different systems with new properties have been characterized and a plethora of hybrid CRISPR/Cas systems able to modify the epigenome, regulate transcription, and correct mutations in DNA and RNA have been devised. However, practical application of CRISPR/Cas systems is severely limited by the lack of effective delivery tools. In this review, recent advances in developing vehicles for the delivery of CRISPR/Cas in the form of ribonucleoprotein complexes are outlined. Most importantly, we emphasize the use of extracellular vesicles (EVs) for CRISPR/Cas delivery and describe their unique properties: biocompatibility, safety, capacity for rational design, and ability to cross biological barriers. Available molecular tools that enable loading of desired protein and/or RNA cargo into the vesicles in a controllable manner and shape the surface of EVs for targeted delivery into specific tissues (e.g., using targeting ligands, peptides, or nanobodies) are discussed. Opportunities for both endogenous (intracellular production of CRISPR/Cas) and exogenous (post-production) loading of EVs are presented.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dmitry Kostyushev
- National Medical Research Center of Tuberculosis and Infectious Diseases, Ministry of Health, 127994 Moscow, Russia; (A.K.); (S.B.); (V.C.)
| | - Anastasiya Kostyusheva
- National Medical Research Center of Tuberculosis and Infectious Diseases, Ministry of Health, 127994 Moscow, Russia; (A.K.); (S.B.); (V.C.)
| | - Sergey Brezgin
- National Medical Research Center of Tuberculosis and Infectious Diseases, Ministry of Health, 127994 Moscow, Russia; (A.K.); (S.B.); (V.C.)
- Institute of Immunology, Federal Medical Biological Agency, 115522 Moscow, Russia;
| | - Valery Smirnov
- Institute of Immunology, Federal Medical Biological Agency, 115522 Moscow, Russia;
- Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University, 119146 Moscow, Russia; (E.V.); (A.L.)
| | - Elena Volchkova
- Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University, 119146 Moscow, Russia; (E.V.); (A.L.)
| | - Alexander Lukashev
- Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University, 119146 Moscow, Russia; (E.V.); (A.L.)
| | - Vladimir Chulanov
- National Medical Research Center of Tuberculosis and Infectious Diseases, Ministry of Health, 127994 Moscow, Russia; (A.K.); (S.B.); (V.C.)
- Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University, 119146 Moscow, Russia; (E.V.); (A.L.)
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Zhang SK, Gong L, Zhang X, Yun ZM, Li SB, Gao HW, Dai CJ, Yuan JJ, Chen JM, Gong F, Tan YX, Ji SP. Antimicrobial peptide AR-23 derivatives with high endosomal disrupting ability enhance poly(l-lysine)-mediated gene transfer. J Gene Med 2020; 22:e3259. [PMID: 32776410 PMCID: PMC7685122 DOI: 10.1002/jgm.3259] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2020] [Revised: 08/06/2020] [Accepted: 08/06/2020] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Background pH‐sensitive peptides are a relatively new strategy for conquering the poor endosomal release of cationic polymer‐mediated transfection. Modification of antimicrobial peptides by exchanging positively‐charged residues with negatively‐charged glutamic acid residues (Glu) greatly improves its lytic activity at the endosomal pH, which could improve cationic polymer‐mediated transfection. Methods In the present study, we investigated the effect of the number of Glu substituted for positively‐charged residues on the endosomal escape activity of AR‐23 and the ability of mutated AR‐23 with respect to enhancing cationic polymer‐mediated transfection. Three analogs were synthesized by replacing the positively‐charged residues in the AR‐23 sequence with Glu one‐by‐one. Results The pH‐sensitive lysis ability of the peptides, the effect of peptides on the physicochemical characteristics, the intracellular trafficking, the transfection efficiency and the cytotoxicity of the polyplexes were determined. Increased lytic activity of peptides was observed with the increased number of Glu replacement in the AR‐23 sequence at acidic pH. The number of Glu substituted for positively‐charged residues of AR‐23 dramatically affects its lysis ability at neutral pH. Triple‐Glu substitution in the AR‐23 sequence greatly improved poly(l‐lysine)‐mediated gene transfection efficiency at the same time as maintaining low cytotoxicity. Conclusions The results indicate that replacement of positively‐charged residues with sufficient Glu residues may be considered as a method for designing pH‐sensitive peptides, which could be applied as potential enhancers for improving cationic polymer‐mediated transfection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shi-Kun Zhang
- Department of Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Institute of Health Service and Transfusion Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Lin Gong
- Department of Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Institute of Health Service and Transfusion Medicine, Beijing, China.,PLA navy No. 971 Hospital, Qingdao, Shandong, China
| | - Xue Zhang
- Department of Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Institute of Health Service and Transfusion Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Zhi-Min Yun
- Department of Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Institute of Health Service and Transfusion Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Su-Bo Li
- Department of Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Institute of Health Service and Transfusion Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Hong-Wei Gao
- Department of Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Institute of Health Service and Transfusion Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Cong-Jie Dai
- College of Oceanology and Food Sciences, Quanzhou Normal University, Quanzhou, Fujian, China
| | - Jian-Jun Yuan
- College of Oceanology and Food Sciences, Quanzhou Normal University, Quanzhou, Fujian, China
| | - Jing-Ming Chen
- Quanzhou Preschool Education College, Quanzhou, Fujian, China
| | - Feng Gong
- Department of Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Institute of Health Service and Transfusion Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Ying-Xia Tan
- Department of Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Institute of Health Service and Transfusion Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Shou-Ping Ji
- Department of Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Institute of Health Service and Transfusion Medicine, Beijing, China.,College of Oceanology and Food Sciences, Quanzhou Normal University, Quanzhou, Fujian, China
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Gorabi AM, Kiaie N, Aslani S, Jamialahmadi T, Johnston TP, Sahebkar A. Prospects for the potential of RNA interference in the treatment of autoimmune diseases: Small interfering RNAs in the spotlight. J Autoimmun 2020; 114:102529. [PMID: 32782117 DOI: 10.1016/j.jaut.2020.102529] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2020] [Revised: 08/01/2020] [Accepted: 08/03/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
The identification of RNA interference (RNAi) has caused a growing interest in harnessing its potential in the treatment of different diseases. Modulation of dysregulated genes through targeting by RNAi represents a potential approach with which to alter the biological pathways at a post-transcriptional level, especially as it pertains to autoimmunity and malignancy. Short hairpin RNAs (shRNA), short interfering RNAs (siRNA), and microRNAs (miRNA) are mainly involved as effector mechanisms in the targeting of RNAi biological pathways. The manipulation and delivery of these molecules in an efficient way promotes the specificity and stability of RNAi-based systems, while minimizing the unwanted adverse reactions by the immune system and reducing cytotoxicity and off-target effects. Advances made to date in identifying the etiopathogenesis of autoimmune diseases has prompted the utilization of RNAi-based systems in vitro and in vivo. Future investigations aimed at deciphering the molecular basis of RNAi and optimizing the delivery of RNAi-based targeting systems will hopefully promote the applicability of such regulatory mechanisms and, ultimately, transfer the acquired knowledge from bench-to-bedside to ameliorate human diseases. In this review, we seek to clarify the potential of RNAi, with a focus on siRNAs, in designing therapeutics for potential treatment of human autoimmune disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Armita Mahdavi Gorabi
- Research Center for Advanced Technologies in Cardiovascular Medicine, Tehran Heart Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Nasim Kiaie
- Research Center for Advanced Technologies in Cardiovascular Medicine, Tehran Heart Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Saeed Aslani
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Tannaz Jamialahmadi
- Biotechnology Research Center, Pharmaceutical Technology Institute, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran; Department of Food Science and Technology, Quchan Branch, Islamic Azad University, Quchan, Iran; Department of Nutrition, Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Thomas P Johnston
- Division of Pharmacology and Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, University of Missouri-Kansas City, Kansas City, MO, USA
| | - Amirhossein Sahebkar
- Halal Research Center of IRI, FDA, Tehran, Iran; Neurogenic Inflammation Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran; Biotechnology Research Center, Pharmaceutical Technology Institute, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, 9177948564, Iran; Polish Mother's Memorial Hospital Research Institute (PMMHRI), Lodz, Poland.
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Song J, Ma P, Huang S, Wang J, Xie H, Jia B, Zhang W. Acylation of the antimicrobial peptide CAMEL for cancer gene therapy. Drug Deliv 2020; 27:964-973. [PMID: 32611259 PMCID: PMC8216477 DOI: 10.1080/10717544.2020.1787556] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Obtaining ideal gene delivery vectors is still a major goal in cancer gene therapy. CAMEL, a short hybrid antimicrobial peptide, can kill cancer cells by membrane lysis. In this study, we constructed a series of non-viral vectors by attaching fatty acids with different chain lengths to the N-terminus of CAMEL. Our results showed that the cellular uptake and transfection efficiency of acyl-CAMEL started to significantly increase from a chain length of 12 carbons. C18-CAMEL was screened for gene delivery because it had the highest transfection efficiency. Surprisingly, C18-CAMEL/plasmid complexes displayed strong endosomal escape activity after entering cells via endocytosis. Importantly, C18-CAMEL could deliver p53 plasmids to cancer cells and significantly inhibited cell proliferation by the expression of p53. In addition, the C18-CAMEL/p53 plasmid complexes and the MDM2 inhibitor nutlin-3a showed significantly synergistic anticancer activity against MCF-7 cells expressing wild-type p53. Conclusively, our study demonstrated that conjugation of stearic acid to antimicrobial peptides is a simple and successful approach for constructing efficient and economical non-viral vectors for cancer gene therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jingjing Song
- The Institute of Pharmacology, Key Laboratory of Preclinical Study for New Drugs of Gansu Province, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Panpan Ma
- Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Life Sciences, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Sujie Huang
- Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Life Sciences, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Juanli Wang
- Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Life Sciences, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Huan Xie
- The Institute of Pharmacology, Key Laboratory of Preclinical Study for New Drugs of Gansu Province, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Bo Jia
- Institute of Physiology, Key Laboratory of Preclinical Study for New Drugs of Gansu Province, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Wei Zhang
- Institute of Physiology, Key Laboratory of Preclinical Study for New Drugs of Gansu Province, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
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Role of Lipid-Based and Polymer-Based Non-Viral Vectors in Nucleic Acid Delivery for Next-Generation Gene Therapy. Molecules 2020; 25:molecules25122866. [PMID: 32580326 PMCID: PMC7356024 DOI: 10.3390/molecules25122866] [Citation(s) in RCA: 102] [Impact Index Per Article: 25.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2020] [Revised: 06/10/2020] [Accepted: 06/16/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The field of gene therapy has experienced an insurgence of attention for its widespread ability to regulate gene expression by targeting genomic DNA, messenger RNA, microRNA, and short-interfering RNA for treating malignant and non-malignant disorders. Numerous nucleic acid analogs have been developed to target coding or non-coding sequences of the human genome for gene regulation. However, broader clinical applications of nucleic acid analogs have been limited due to their poor cell or organ-specific delivery. To resolve these issues, non-viral vectors based on nanoparticles, liposomes, and polyplexes have been developed to date. This review is centered on non-viral vectors mainly comprising of cationic lipids and polymers for nucleic acid-based delivery for numerous gene therapy-based applications.
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Zou W, Rohatgi N, Brestoff JR, Moley JR, Li Y, Williams JW, Alippe Y, Pan H, Pietka TA, Mbalaviele G, Newberry EP, Davidson NO, Dey A, Shoghi KI, Head RD, Wickline SA, Randolph GJ, Abumrad NA, Teitelbaum SL. Myeloid-specific Asxl2 deletion limits diet-induced obesity by regulating energy expenditure. J Clin Invest 2020; 130:2644-2656. [PMID: 32310225 PMCID: PMC7190927 DOI: 10.1172/jci128687] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2019] [Accepted: 02/04/2020] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
We previously established that global deletion of the enhancer of trithorax and polycomb (ETP) gene, Asxl2, prevents weight gain. Because proinflammatory macrophages recruited to adipose tissue are central to the metabolic complications of obesity, we explored the role of ASXL2 in myeloid lineage cells. Unexpectedly, mice without Asxl2 only in myeloid cells (Asxl2ΔLysM) were completely resistant to diet-induced weight gain and metabolically normal despite increased food intake, comparable activity, and equivalent fecal fat. Asxl2ΔLysM mice resisted HFD-induced adipose tissue macrophage infiltration and inflammatory cytokine gene expression. Energy expenditure and brown adipose tissue metabolism in Asxl2ΔLysM mice were protected from the suppressive effects of HFD, a phenomenon associated with relatively increased catecholamines likely due to their suppressed degradation by macrophages. White adipose tissue of HFD-fed Asxl2ΔLysM mice also exhibited none of the pathological remodeling extant in their control counterparts. Suppression of macrophage Asxl2 expression, via nanoparticle-based siRNA delivery, prevented HFD-induced obesity. Thus, ASXL2 controlled the response of macrophages to dietary factors to regulate metabolic homeostasis, suggesting modulation of the cells' inflammatory phenotype may impact obesity and its complications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Zou
- Department of Pathology and Immunology and
| | | | | | | | - Yongjia Li
- Department of Pathology and Immunology and
| | | | - Yael Alippe
- Division of Bone and Mineral Diseases, Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
| | - Hua Pan
- Department of Cardiovascular Sciences, Morsani College of Medicine, University of South Florida, Tampa, Florida, USA
| | - Terri A. Pietka
- Division of Geriatrics and Nutritional Science, Department of Medicine, and
| | - Gabriel Mbalaviele
- Division of Bone and Mineral Diseases, Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
| | - Elizabeth P. Newberry
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
| | - Nicholas O. Davidson
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
| | - Anwesha Dey
- Department of Discovery Oncology, Genentech Inc., South San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Kooresh I. Shoghi
- Department of Radiology
- Department of Biomedical Engineering
- Division of Biology and Biomedical Sciences and
| | - Richard D. Head
- Department of Genetics, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
| | - Samuel A. Wickline
- Department of Cardiovascular Sciences, Morsani College of Medicine, University of South Florida, Tampa, Florida, USA
| | | | - Nada A. Abumrad
- Division of Geriatrics and Nutritional Science, Department of Medicine, and
| | - Steven L. Teitelbaum
- Department of Pathology and Immunology and
- Division of Bone and Mineral Diseases, Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
- Shriners Hospitals for Children, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
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Tamemoto N, Akishiba M, Sakamoto K, Kawano K, Noguchi H, Futaki S. Rational Design Principles of Attenuated Cationic Lytic Peptides for Intracellular Delivery of Biomacromolecules. Mol Pharm 2020; 17:2175-2185. [DOI: 10.1021/acs.molpharmaceut.0c00312] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Naoki Tamemoto
- Institute for Chemical Research, Kyoto University, Uji, Kyoto 611-0011, Japan
- Institute for Solid State Physics, University of Tokyo, Kashiwa, Chiba 277-8581, Japan
| | - Misao Akishiba
- Institute for Chemical Research, Kyoto University, Uji, Kyoto 611-0011, Japan
| | - Kentarou Sakamoto
- Institute for Chemical Research, Kyoto University, Uji, Kyoto 611-0011, Japan
| | - Kenichi Kawano
- Institute for Chemical Research, Kyoto University, Uji, Kyoto 611-0011, Japan
| | - Hiroshi Noguchi
- Institute for Solid State Physics, University of Tokyo, Kashiwa, Chiba 277-8581, Japan
| | - Shiroh Futaki
- Institute for Chemical Research, Kyoto University, Uji, Kyoto 611-0011, Japan
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Rai MF, Pan H, Yan H, Sandell LJ, Pham CTN, Wickline SA. Applications of RNA interference in the treatment of arthritis. Transl Res 2019; 214:1-16. [PMID: 31351032 PMCID: PMC6848781 DOI: 10.1016/j.trsl.2019.07.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2019] [Revised: 07/02/2019] [Accepted: 07/09/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
RNA interference (RNAi) is a cellular mechanism for post-transcriptional gene regulation mediated by small interfering RNA (siRNA) and microRNA. siRNA-based therapy holds significant promise for the treatment of a wide-range of arthritic diseases. siRNA selectively suppresses the expression of a gene product and can thus achieve the specificity that is lacking in small molecule inhibitors. The potential use of siRNA-based therapy in arthritis, however, has not progressed to clinical trials despite ample evidence for efficacy in preclinical studies. One of the main challenges to clinical translation is the lack of a suitable delivery vehicle to efficiently and safely access diverse pathologies. Moreover, the ideal targets in treatment of arthritides remain elusive given the complexity and heterogeneity of these disease pathogeneses. Herein, we review recent preclinical studies that use RNAi-based drug delivery systems to mitigate inflammation in models of rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis. We discuss a self-assembling peptide-based nanostructure that demonstrates the potential of overcoming many of the critical barriers preventing the translation of this technology to the clinic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muhammad Farooq Rai
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Musculoskeletal Research Center, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri; Department of Cell Biology & Physiology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri
| | - Hua Pan
- Department of Cardiovascular Sciences, University of South Florida Health Heart Institute, Morsani School of Medicine, Tampa, Florida
| | - Huimin Yan
- Department of Medicine, Division of Rheumatology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
| | - Linda J Sandell
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Musculoskeletal Research Center, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri; Department of Cell Biology & Physiology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri
| | - Christine T N Pham
- Department of Medicine, Division of Rheumatology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri, USA; Department of Pathology and Immunology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri.
| | - Samuel A Wickline
- Department of Cardiovascular Sciences, University of South Florida Health Heart Institute, Morsani School of Medicine, Tampa, Florida
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Abstract
The RNA interference (RNAi) pathway regulates mRNA stability and translation in nearly all human cells. Small double-stranded RNA molecules can efficiently trigger RNAi silencing of specific genes, but their therapeutic use has faced numerous challenges involving safety and potency. However, August 2018 marked a new era for the field, with the US Food and Drug Administration approving patisiran, the first RNAi-based drug. In this Review, we discuss key advances in the design and development of RNAi drugs leading up to this landmark achievement, the state of the current clinical pipeline and prospects for future advances, including novel RNAi pathway agents utilizing mechanisms beyond post-translational RNAi silencing.
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40
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Scheideler M, Vidakovic I, Prassl R. Lipid nanocarriers for microRNA delivery. Chem Phys Lipids 2019; 226:104837. [PMID: 31689410 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemphyslip.2019.104837] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2019] [Revised: 10/12/2019] [Accepted: 10/15/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) like microRNAs (miRNAs) or small interference RNAs (siRNAs) with their power to selectively silence any gene of interest enable the targeting of so far 'undruggable' proteins and diseases. Such RNA molecules have gained much attention from biotech and pharmaceutical companies, which led to the first Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved ncRNA therapeutic in 2018. However, the main barrier in clinical practice of ncRNAs is the lack of an effective delivery system that can protect the RNA molecules from nuclease degradation, deliver them to specific tissues and cell types, and release them into the cytoplasm of the targeted cells, all without inducing adverse effects. For that reason, drug delivery approaches, formulations, technologies and systems for transporting pharmacological ncRNA compounds to achieve a diagnostic or therapeutic effect in the human body are in demand. Here, we review the development of therapeutic lipid-based nanoparticles for delivery of miRNAs, one class of endogenous ncRNAs with specific regulatory functions. We outline challenges and opportunities for advanced miRNA-based therapies, and discuss the complexity associated with the delivery of functional miRNAs. Novel strategies are addressed how to deal with the most critical points in miRNA delivery, such as toxicity, specific targeting of disease sites, proper cellular uptake and endosomal escape of miRNAs. Current fields of application and various preclinical settings involving miRNA therapeutics are discussed, providing an outlook to future clinical approaches. Following the current trends and technological developments in nanomedicine exciting new delivery systems for ncRNA-based therapeutics can be expected in upcoming years.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marcel Scheideler
- Institute for Diabetes and Cancer (IDC), Helmholtz Zentrum München, German Research Center for Environmental Health, Neuherberg, Germany; Joint Heidelberg-IDC Translational Diabetes Program, Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany; German Center for Diabetes Research (DZD), Neuherberg, Germany.
| | - Ivan Vidakovic
- Gottfried Schatz Research Center for Cell Signaling, Metabolism and Aging, Biophysics, Medical University of Graz, Neue Stiftingtalstraße 6/IV, 8010 Graz, Austria.
| | - Ruth Prassl
- Gottfried Schatz Research Center for Cell Signaling, Metabolism and Aging, Biophysics, Medical University of Graz, Neue Stiftingtalstraße 6/IV, 8010 Graz, Austria.
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Schiroli D, Gómara MJ, Maurizi E, Atkinson SD, Mairs L, Christie KA, Cobice DF, McCrudden CM, Nesbit MA, Haro I, Moore T. Effective In Vivo Topical Delivery of siRNA and Gene Silencing in Intact Corneal Epithelium Using a Modified Cell-Penetrating Peptide. MOLECULAR THERAPY. NUCLEIC ACIDS 2019; 17:891-906. [PMID: 31476668 PMCID: PMC6723413 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtn.2019.07.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2019] [Revised: 07/18/2019] [Accepted: 07/19/2019] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
Autosomal dominantly inherited genetic disorders such as corneal dystrophies are amenable to allele-specific gene silencing with small interfering RNA (siRNA). siRNA delivered to the cornea by injection, although effective, is not suitable for a frequent long-term treatment regimen, whereas topical delivery of siRNA to the cornea is hampered by the eye surface's protective mechanisms. Herein we describe an attractive and innovative alternative for topical application using cell-penetrating peptide derivatives capable of complexing siRNA non-covalently and delivering them into the cornea. Through a rational design approach, we modified derivatives of a cell-penetrating peptide, peptide for ocular delivery (POD), already proved to diffuse into the corneal layers. These POD derivatives were able to form siRNA-peptide complexes (polyplexes) of size and ζ-potential similar to those reported able to undergo cellular internalization. Successful cytoplasmic release and gene silencing in vitro was obtained when an endosomal disruptor, chloroquine, was added. A palmitoylated-POD, displaying the best delivery properties, was covalently functionalized with trifluoromethylquinoline, an analog of chloroquine. This modified POD, named trifluoromethylquinoline-palmitoyl-POD (QN-Palm-POD), when complexed with siRNA and topically applied to the eye in vivo, resulted in up to 30% knockdown of luciferase reporter gene expression in the corneal epithelium. The methods developed within represent a valid standardized approach that is ideal for screening of a range of delivery formulations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Davide Schiroli
- Biomedical Sciences Research Institute, University of Ulster, Coleraine BT52 1SA, Northern Ireland
| | - María J Gómara
- Unit of Synthesis and Biomedical Applications of Peptides, Department of Biomedical Chemistry, Institute for Advanced Chemistry of Catalonia, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (IQAC-CSIC), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Eleonora Maurizi
- Biomedical Sciences Research Institute, University of Ulster, Coleraine BT52 1SA, Northern Ireland
| | - Sarah D Atkinson
- Biomedical Sciences Research Institute, University of Ulster, Coleraine BT52 1SA, Northern Ireland; Northern Ireland Centre for Stratified Medicine, University of Ulster, Londonderry BT47 6SB, UK
| | - Laura Mairs
- Biomedical Sciences Research Institute, University of Ulster, Coleraine BT52 1SA, Northern Ireland
| | - Kathleen A Christie
- Biomedical Sciences Research Institute, University of Ulster, Coleraine BT52 1SA, Northern Ireland
| | - Diego F Cobice
- Biomedical Sciences Research Institute, University of Ulster, Coleraine BT52 1SA, Northern Ireland
| | - Cian M McCrudden
- School of Pharmacy, Queen's University Belfast, 97 Lisburn Road, Belfast BT9 7BL, Northern Ireland
| | - M Andrew Nesbit
- Biomedical Sciences Research Institute, University of Ulster, Coleraine BT52 1SA, Northern Ireland
| | - Isabel Haro
- Unit of Synthesis and Biomedical Applications of Peptides, Department of Biomedical Chemistry, Institute for Advanced Chemistry of Catalonia, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (IQAC-CSIC), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Tara Moore
- Biomedical Sciences Research Institute, University of Ulster, Coleraine BT52 1SA, Northern Ireland.
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Lyu C, Fang F, Li B. Anti-Tumor Effects of Melittin and Its Potential Applications in Clinic. Curr Protein Pept Sci 2019; 20:240-250. [PMID: 29895240 DOI: 10.2174/1389203719666180612084615] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/01/2018] [Revised: 04/10/2018] [Accepted: 05/21/2018] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Melittin, a major component of bee venom, is a water-soluble toxic peptide of which a various biological effects have been identified to be useful in anti-tumor therapy. In addition, Melittin also has anti-parasitic, anti-bacterial, anti-viral, and anti-inflammatory activities. Therefore, it is a very attractive therapeutic candidate for human diseases. However, melittin induces extensive hemolysis, a severe side effect that dampens its future development and clinical application. Thus, studies of melittin derivatives and new drug delivery systems have been conducted to explore approaches for optimizing the efficacy of this compound, while reducing its toxicity. A number of reviews have focused on each side, respectively. In this review, we summarize the research progress on the anti-tumor effects of melittin and its derivatives, and discuss its future potential clinical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Can Lyu
- Changhai Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Fanfu Fang
- Changhai Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Bai Li
- Changhai Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China
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Matsusaka K, Ishima Y, Maeda H, Kinoshita R, Ichimizu S, Taguchi K, Giam Chuang VT, Nishi K, Yamasaki K, Otagiri M, Watanabe H, Maruyama T. α 1-Acid Glycoprotein Has the Potential to Serve as a Biomimetic Drug Delivery Carrier for Anticancer Agents. J Pharm Sci 2019; 108:3592-3598. [PMID: 31288036 DOI: 10.1016/j.xphs.2019.07.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2019] [Revised: 06/25/2019] [Accepted: 07/02/2019] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Nanosize plasma proteins could be used as a biomimetic drug delivery system (DDS) for cancer treatment when loaded with anticancer drugs based on the fact that plasma proteins can serve as a source of nutrients for cancer cells. This prompted us to investigate the potential of α1-acid glycoprotein (AGP) for this role because it is a nanosize plasma protein and binds a variety of anticancer agents. Pharmacokinetic analyses indicated that AGP is distributed more extensively in tumor tissue than human serum albumin, which was already established as a cancer DDS carrier. AGP is possibly being incorporated into tumor cells via endocytosis pathways. Moreover, a synthetic AGP-derived peptide which possesses a high ability to form an α-helix, as deduced from the primary structure of AGP, was also taken up by the tumor cells. AGP loaded with anticancer agents, such as paclitaxel or nitric oxide, efficiently induced tumor cell death. These results suggest that AGP has the potential to be a novel DDS carrier for anticancer agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kotaro Matsusaka
- Department of Biopharmaceutics, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kumamoto University, 5-1 Oe-honmachi, Chuo-ku, Kumamoto 862-0973, Japan
| | - Yu Ishima
- Department of Pharmacokinetics and Biopharmaceutics, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Tokushima University, 1-78-1, Sho-machi, Tokushima 770-8505, Japan
| | - Hitoshi Maeda
- Department of Biopharmaceutics, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kumamoto University, 5-1 Oe-honmachi, Chuo-ku, Kumamoto 862-0973, Japan
| | - Ryo Kinoshita
- Department of Biopharmaceutics, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kumamoto University, 5-1 Oe-honmachi, Chuo-ku, Kumamoto 862-0973, Japan
| | - Shota Ichimizu
- Department of Biopharmaceutics, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kumamoto University, 5-1 Oe-honmachi, Chuo-ku, Kumamoto 862-0973, Japan
| | - Kazuaki Taguchi
- Division of Pharmacodynamics, Keio University Faculty of Pharmacy, 1-5-30, Shibakoen, Minato-ku, Tokyo 105-8512, Japan
| | - Victor Tuan Giam Chuang
- School of Pharmacy, Monash University Malaysia, Jalan Lagoon Selatan, 47500 Bandar Sunway, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Koji Nishi
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sojo University, 1-22-4 Ikeda, Nishi-ku, Kumamoto 860-0082, Japan
| | - Keishi Yamasaki
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sojo University, 1-22-4 Ikeda, Nishi-ku, Kumamoto 860-0082, Japan
| | - Masaki Otagiri
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sojo University, 1-22-4 Ikeda, Nishi-ku, Kumamoto 860-0082, Japan
| | - Hiroshi Watanabe
- Department of Biopharmaceutics, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kumamoto University, 5-1 Oe-honmachi, Chuo-ku, Kumamoto 862-0973, Japan
| | - Toru Maruyama
- Department of Biopharmaceutics, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kumamoto University, 5-1 Oe-honmachi, Chuo-ku, Kumamoto 862-0973, Japan.
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44
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Kandil R, Xie Y, Heermann R, Isert L, Jung K, Mehta A, Merkel OM. Coming in and Finding Out: Blending Receptor-Targeted Delivery and Efficient Endosomal Escape in a Novel Bio-Responsive siRNA Delivery System for Gene Knockdown in Pulmonary T Cells. ADVANCED THERAPEUTICS 2019; 2:1900047. [PMID: 31372493 PMCID: PMC6675603 DOI: 10.1002/adtp.201900047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
RNA interference (RNAi) offers the potential to selectively silence disease-related genes in defined cell subsets. Translation into the clinical routine is, however, still hampered by the lack of efficient carrier systems for therapeutic siRNA, endosomal entrapment presenting a major hurdle. A promising siRNA delivery system has previously been developed on the base of polyethylenimine (PEI) and the targeting ligand transferrin (Tf) to specifically reach activated T cells in the lung. In the present work, the focus is on optimizing Tf-PEI polyplexes for gene knockdown in primary activated T cells by improving their endosomal escape properties. Blending of the conjugate with membrane lytic melittin significantly enhanced endosomal release and thereby cytoplasmic delivery, while maintaining selective T cell targeting abilities and overall cell tolerability. The gathered data furthermore demonstrate that melittin addition also distinctly improves several other essential particle characteristics, such as siRNA encapsulation efficiency and stability in lung lining fluids. In conclusion, this results in a novel upgraded siRNA delivery system that is not only able to specifically deliver its payload to the desired target cells via receptor-mediated endocytosis, but also shows enhanced release from endosomal vesicles in order to initiate RNAi in the cytoplasm.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rima Kandil
- Department of Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Technology and Biopharmacy, Ludwig-Maximilians-University, Butenandtstraße 5-13, 81337 Munich, Germany
| | - Yuran Xie
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Eugene Applebaum College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, Wayne State University, 259 Mack Ave, Detroit, MI 48201, USA
| | - Ralf Heermann
- Institute for Molecular Physiology, Microbiology and Wine Research, Johannes-Gutenberg-University, Johann-Joachim-Becher-Weg 13, 55128 Mainz, Germany; Biocenter, Department Microbiology, Ludwig-Maximilians-University, Großhaderner Str. 2-4, 82152 Martinsried, Germany
| | - Lorenz Isert
- Department of Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Technology and Biopharmacy, Ludwig-Maximilians-University, Butenandtstraße 5-13, 81337 Munich, Germany
| | - Kirsten Jung
- Biocenter, Department Microbiology, Ludwig-Maximilians-University, Großhaderner Str. 2-4, 82152 Martinsried, Germany
| | - Aditi Mehta
- Department of Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Technology and Biopharmacy, Ludwig-Maximilians-University, Butenandtstraße 5-13, 81337 Munich, Germany
| | - Olivia M. Merkel
- Department of Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Technology and Biopharmacy, Ludwig-Maximilians-University, Butenandtstraße 5-13, 81337 Munich, Germany
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45
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Abstract
Intracellular delivery of biological agents such as peptides, proteins, and nucleic acids generally rely on the endocytic pathway as the major uptake mechanism, resulting in their entrapment inside the endosome and lysosome. The recent discovery of cell-penetrating molecules of exceptionally high endosomal escape and cytosolic delivery efficiencies and elucidation of their mechanism of action represent major breakthroughs in this field. In this Topical Review, we provide an overview of the recent progress in understanding and enhancing the endosomal escape process and the new opportunities opened up by these recent findings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dehua Pei
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, The Ohio State University, 484 West 12 Avenue, Columbus, Ohio 43210, USA
| | - Marina Buyanova
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, The Ohio State University, 484 West 12 Avenue, Columbus, Ohio 43210, USA
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46
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Abstract
Gene therapy as a strategy for disease treatment requires safe and efficient gene delivery systems that encapsulate nucleic acids and deliver them to effective sites in the cell.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ziyao Kang
- State Key Laboratory of Toxicology and Medical Countermeasures
- Beijing Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology
- Beijing
- China
| | - Qingbin Meng
- State Key Laboratory of Toxicology and Medical Countermeasures
- Beijing Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology
- Beijing
- China
| | - Keliang Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Toxicology and Medical Countermeasures
- Beijing Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology
- Beijing
- China
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47
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Zhang J, Zhu W, Xin B, Lin S, Jin L, Wang H. Development of an antibacterial surface with a self-defensive and pH-responsive function. Biomater Sci 2019; 7:3795-3800. [DOI: 10.1039/c9bm00670b] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
In this work, a charge conversion mechanism was introduced to build a bacteria responsive antibacterial surface.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Zhang
- Jilin Medical University
- Jilin 132013
- P. R. China
- Jilin Agricultural University
- School of Life Science
| | - Wenhe Zhu
- Jilin Medical University
- Jilin 132013
- P. R. China
| | - Benkai Xin
- Jilin Medical University
- Jilin 132013
- P. R. China
| | - Sue Lin
- Wenzhou University
- Institute of Life Sciences
- Wenzhou
- P. R. China
| | - Libo Jin
- Wenzhou University
- Institute of Life Sciences
- Wenzhou
- P. R. China
| | - Huiyan Wang
- Jilin Medical University
- Jilin 132013
- P. R. China
- Jilin Agricultural University
- School of Life Science
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48
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Peeler DJ, Sellers DL, Pun SH. pH-Sensitive Polymers as Dynamic Mediators of Barriers to Nucleic Acid Delivery. Bioconjug Chem 2018; 30:350-365. [PMID: 30398844 DOI: 10.1021/acs.bioconjchem.8b00695] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
The nonviral delivery of exogenous nucleic acids (NA) into cells for therapeutic purposes has rapidly matured into tangible clinical impact. Synthetic polymers are particularly attractive vectors for NA delivery due to their relatively inexpensive production compared to viral alternatives and their highly tailorable chemical properties; indeed, many preclinical investigations have revealed the primary biological barriers to nonviral NA delivery by systematically varying polymeric material properties. This review focuses on applications of pH-sensitive chemistries that enable polymeric vectors to serially address multiple biological barriers to NA delivery. In particular, we focus on recent innovations with in vivo evaluation that dynamically enable colloidal stability, cellular uptake, endosomal escape, and nucleic acid release. We conclude with a summary of successes to date and projected areas for impactful future research.
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Affiliation(s)
- David J Peeler
- Department of Bioengineering and Molecular Engineering and Sciences Institute , University of Washington , Seattle , Washington 98195 , United States
| | - Drew L Sellers
- Department of Bioengineering and Molecular Engineering and Sciences Institute , University of Washington , Seattle , Washington 98195 , United States
| | - Suzie H Pun
- Department of Bioengineering and Molecular Engineering and Sciences Institute , University of Washington , Seattle , Washington 98195 , United States
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49
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Yaghini E, Dondi R, Edler KJ, Loizidou M, MacRobert AJ, Eggleston IM. Codelivery of a cytotoxin and photosensitiser via a liposomal nanocarrier: a novel strategy for light-triggered cytosolic release. NANOSCALE 2018; 10:20366-20376. [PMID: 30376028 PMCID: PMC6251340 DOI: 10.1039/c8nr04048f] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2018] [Accepted: 10/17/2018] [Indexed: 05/22/2023]
Abstract
Endosomal entrapment is a key issue for the intracellular delivery of many nano-sized biotherapeutics to their cytosolic or nuclear targets. Photochemical internalisation (PCI) is a novel light-based solution that can be used to trigger the endosomal escape of a range of bioactive agents into the cytosol leading to improved efficacy in pre-clinical and clinical studies. PCI typically depends upon the endolysosomal colocalisation of the bioactive agent with a suitable photosensitiser that is administered separately. In this study we demonstrate that both these components may be combined for codelivery via a novel multifunctional liposomal nanocarrier, with a corresponding increase in the biological efficacy of the encapsulated agent. As proof of concept, we show here that the cytotoxicity of the 30 kDa protein toxin, saporin, in MC28 fibrosarcoma cells is significantly enhanced when delivered via a cell penetrating peptide (CPP)-modified liposome, with the CPP additionally functionalised with a photosensitiser that is targeted to endolysosomal membranes. This innovation opens the way for the efficient delivery of a range of biotherapeutics by the PCI approach, incorporating a clinically proven liposome delivery platform and using bioorthogonal ligation chemistries to append photosensitisers and peptides of choice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elnaz Yaghini
- Division of Surgery and Interventional Science
, University College London
,
Royal Free Campus
, Rowland Hill Street
, London NW3 2PE
, UK
.
;
| | - Ruggero Dondi
- Department of Pharmacy and Pharmacology
, University of Bath
,
Bath BA2 7AY
, UK
.
| | - Karen J. Edler
- Department of Chemistry
, University of Bath
,
Bath BA2 7AY
, UK
| | - Marilena Loizidou
- Division of Surgery and Interventional Science
, University College London
,
Royal Free Campus
, Rowland Hill Street
, London NW3 2PE
, UK
.
;
| | - Alexander J. MacRobert
- Division of Surgery and Interventional Science
, University College London
,
Royal Free Campus
, Rowland Hill Street
, London NW3 2PE
, UK
.
;
| | - Ian M. Eggleston
- Department of Pharmacy and Pharmacology
, University of Bath
,
Bath BA2 7AY
, UK
.
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50
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Pan H, Palekar RU, Hou KK, Bacon J, Yan H, Springer LE, Akk A, Yang L, Miller MJ, Pham CT, Schlesinger PH, Wickline SA. Anti-JNK2 peptide-siRNA nanostructures improve plaque endothelium and reduce thrombotic risk in atherosclerotic mice. Int J Nanomedicine 2018; 13:5187-5205. [PMID: 30233180 PMCID: PMC6135209 DOI: 10.2147/ijn.s168556] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND A direct and independent role of inflammation in atherothrombosis was recently highlighted by the Canakinumab Antiinflammatory Thrombosis Outcome Study (CANTOS) trial, showing the benefit of inhibiting signaling molecules, eg, interleukins. Accordingly, we sought to devise a flexible platform for preventing the inflammatory drivers at their source to preserve plaque endothelium and mitigate procoagulant risk. METHODS p5RHH-siRNA nanoparticles were formulated through self-assembly processes. The therapeutic efficacy of p5RHH-JNK2 siRNA nanoparticles was evaluated both in vitro and in vivo. RESULTS Because JNK2 is critical to macrophage uptake of oxidized lipids through scavenger receptors that engender expression of myriad inflammatory molecules, we designed an RNA-silencing approach based on peptide-siRNA nanoparticles (p5RHH-siRNA) that localize to atherosclerotic plaques exhibiting disrupted endothelial barriers to achieve control of JNK2 expression by macrophages. After seven doses of p5RHH-JNK2 siRNA nanoparticles over 3.5 weeks in ApoE-/- mice on a Western diet, both JNK2 mRNA and protein levels were significantly decreased by 26% (P=0.044) and 42% (P=0.042), respectively. Plaque-macrophage populations were markedly depleted and NFκB and STAT3-signaling pathways inhibited by 47% (P<0.001) and 46% (P=0.004), respectively. Endothelial barrier integrity was restored (2.6-fold reduced permeability to circulating 200 nm nanoparticles in vivo, P=0.003) and thrombotic risk attenuated (200% increased clotting times to carotid artery injury, P=0.02), despite blood-cholesterol levels persistently exceeding 1,000 mg/dL. No adaptive or innate immunoresponses toward the nanoparticles were observed, and blood tests after the completion of treatment confirmed the largely nontoxic nature of this approach. CONCLUSION The ability to formulate these nanostructures rapidly and easily interchange or multiplex their oligonucleotide content represents a promising approach for controlling deleterious signaling events locally in advanced atherosclerosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hua Pan
- Department of Cardiovascular Sciences, USF Health, Morsani College of Medicine, The USF Health Heart Institute, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL, USA, ,
| | - Rohun U Palekar
- Department of Medicine, Washington University, St Louis, MO, USA
| | - Kirk K Hou
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Washington University, St Louis, MO, USA
| | - John Bacon
- Department of Medicine, Washington University, St Louis, MO, USA
| | - Huimin Yan
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Washington University, St Louis, MO, USA
| | - Luke E Springer
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Washington University, St Louis, MO, USA
| | - Antonina Akk
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Washington University, St Louis, MO, USA
| | - Lihua Yang
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Washington University, St Louis, MO, USA
| | - Mark J Miller
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Washington University, St Louis, MO, USA
| | - Christine Tn Pham
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Washington University, St Louis, MO, USA
| | - Paul H Schlesinger
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Washington University, St Louis, MO, USA
| | - Samuel A Wickline
- Department of Cardiovascular Sciences, USF Health, Morsani College of Medicine, The USF Health Heart Institute, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL, USA, ,
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