Characterization of gene delivery in vitro and in vivo by the arginine peptide system

Overcoming the challenge: cell-penetrating peptides and membrane permeability

<p>Cell-penetrating peptides (CPPs) have emerged as a promising strategy for enhancing the membrane permeability of bioactive molecules, particularly in the treatment of central nervous system diseases. CPPs possess the ability to deliver a diverse array of bioactive molecules into cells using either covalent or non-covalent approaches, with a preference for non-covalent methods to preserve the biological activity of the transported molecules. By effectively traversing various physiological barriers, CPPs have exhibited significant potential in preclinical and clinical drug development. The discovery of CPPs represents a valuable solution to the challenge of limited membrane permeability of bioactive molecules and will continue to exert a crucial influence on the field of biomedical science.</p>

3D Hybrid Nanofiber Aerogels Combining with Nanoparticles Made of a Biocleavable and Targeting Polycation and MiR-26a for Bone Repair

The healing of large bone defects represents a clinical challenge, often requiring some form of grafting. Three-dimensional (3D) nanofiber aerogels could be a promising bone graft due to their biomimetic morphology and controlled porous structures and composition. miR-26a has been reported to induce the differentiation of bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) and facilitate bone formation. Introducing miR-26a with a suitable polymeric vector targeting BMSCs could improve and enhance the functions of 3D nanofiber aerogels for bone regeneration. Herein, we first developed the comb-shaped polycation (HA-SS-PGEA) carrying a targeting component, biocleavable groups and short ethanolamine (EA)-decorated poly(glycidyl methacrylate) (PGMA) (abbreviated as PGEA) arms as miR-26a delivery vector. We then assessed the cytotoxicity and transfection efficiency of this polycation and cellular response to miR-26a-incorporated nanoparticles (NPs) in vitro. HA-SS-PGEA exhibited a stronger ability to transport miR-26a and exert its functions than the gold standard polyethyleneimine (PEI) and low-molecular-weight linear PGEA. We finally examined the efficacy of HA-SS-PGEA/miR-26a NPs loaded 3D hybrid nanofiber aerogels showing a positive effect on the cranial bone defect healing. Together, the combination of 3D nanofiber aerogels and functional NPs consisting of a biodegradable and targeting polycation and therapeutic miRNA could be a promising approach for bone regeneration.

Peptide-Based Nanoassemblies in Gene Therapy and Diagnosis: Paving the Way for Clinical Application

Nanotechnology approaches play an important role in developing novel and efficient carriers for biomedical applications. Peptides are particularly appealing to generate such nanocarriers because they can be rationally designed to serve as building blocks for self-assembling nanoscale structures with great potential as therapeutic or diagnostic delivery vehicles. In this review, we describe peptide-based nanoassemblies and highlight features that make them particularly attractive for the delivery of nucleic acids to host cells or improve the specificity and sensitivity of probes in diagnostic imaging. We outline the current state in the design of peptides and peptide-conjugates and the paradigms of their self-assembly into well-defined nanostructures, as well as the co-assembly of nucleic acids to form less structured nanoparticles. Various recent examples of engineered peptides and peptide-conjugates promoting self-assembly and providing the structures with wanted functionalities are presented. The advantages of peptides are not only their biocompatibility and biodegradability, but the possibility of sheer limitless combinations and modifications of amino acid residues to induce the assembly of modular, multiplexed delivery systems. Moreover, functions that nature encoded in peptides, such as their ability to target molecular recognition sites, can be emulated repeatedly in nanoassemblies. Finally, we present recent examples where self-assembled peptide-based assemblies with "smart" activity are used in vivo. Gene delivery and diagnostic imaging in mouse tumor models exemplify the great potential of peptide nanoassemblies for future clinical applications.

Exogenous chondroitin sulfate glycosaminoglycan associate with arginine-rich peptide-DNA complexes to alter their intracellular processing and gene delivery efficiency

Arginine-rich peptides have been used extensively as efficient cellular transporters. However, gene delivery with such peptides requires development of strategies to improve their efficiency. We had earlier demonstrated that addition of small amounts of exogenous glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) like heparan sulfate or chondroitin sulfate to different arginine-rich peptide-DNA complexes (polyplexes) led to an increase in their gene delivery efficiency. This was possibly due to the formation of a 'GAG coat' on the polyplex surface through electrostatic interactions which improved their extracellular stability and subsequent cellular entry. In this report, we have attempted to elucidate the differences in intracellular processing of the chondroitin sulfate (CS)-coated polyplexes in comparison to the native polyplexes by using a combination of endocytic inhibitors and co-localization with endosomal markers in various cell lines. We observed that both the native and CS-coated polyplexes are internalized by multiple endocytic pathways although in some cell lines, the coated polyplexes are taken up primarily by caveolae mediated endocytosis. In addition, the CS-coat improves the endosomal escape of the polyplexes as compared to the native polyplexes. Interestingly, during these intracellular events, exogenous CS is retained with the polyplexes until their accumulation near the nucleus. Thus we show for the first time that exogenous GAGs in small amounts improve intracellular routing and nuclear accumulation of arginine-based polyplexes. Therefore, addition of exogenous GAGs is a promising strategy to enhance the transfection efficiency of cationic arginine-rich peptides in multiple cell types.

From rationally designed polymeric and peptidic systems to sophisticated gene delivery nano-vectors

Lack of safe, efficient and controllable methods for delivering therapeutic genes appears to be the most important factor preventing human gene therapy. Safety issues encountered with viral vectors have prompted substantial attention to in vivo investigations with non-viral vectors throughout the past decade. However, developing non-viral vectors with effectiveness comparable to viral ones has been a challenge. The strategy of designing multifunctional synthetic carriers targeting several extracellular and intracellular barriers in the gene transfer pathway has emerged as a promising approach to improving the efficacy of gene delivery systems. This review will explain how sophisticated synthetic vectors can be created by combining conventional polycationic vectors such as polyethylenimine and basic amino acid peptides with additional polymers and peptides that are designed to overcome potential barriers to the gene delivery process.

Noncovalently associated cell-penetrating peptides for gene delivery applications

The use of various cell-penetrating peptides (CPPs) to deliver genetic material for gene therapy applications has been a topic of interest for more than 20 years. The delivery of genetic material by using CPPs can be divided into two categories: covalently bound and electrostatically bound. Complexity of the synthesis procedure can be a significant barrier to translation when using a strategy requiring covalent binding of CPPs. In contrast, electrostatically complexing CPPs with genetic material or with a viral vector is relatively simple and has been demonstrated to improve gene delivery in both in vitro and in vivo studies. This review highlights gene therapy applications of complexes formed noncovalently between CPPs and genetic material or viruses.

Arginine-rich hydrophobic polyethylenimine: potent agent with simple components for nucleic acid delivery

Conjugation of various arginine-rich peptide sequences to vectors based on 10 kDa polyethylenimine (PEI) and its hydrophobic derivative (hexanoate-PEI) was investigated as a strategy for improving pDNA and siRNA transfection activities. Six different arginine-histidine (RH) sequences and two arginine-serine (RS) sequences with a range of R/H ratios were designed and coupled to PEI and hexanoate-PEI. All arginine-rich peptide derivatives of PEI significantly enhanced luciferase gene expression compared to PEI 10 kDa alone. Hexanoate-PEI derivatives exhibited higher transfection activity than underivatized PEI vectors. Improved transfection activity may have resulted at least in part from use of higher vector/DNA ratios made possible by reduced cytotoxicity of vectors, and to use of vectors with higher molecular weights. Vectors that were the most efficient in pDNA delivery and transfection were also the most effective in siRNA delivery and protein expression knock down.

Polyarginine molecular weight determines transfection efficiency of calcium condensed complexes

Cell penetrating peptides (CPPs) have been extensively studied in polyelectrolyte complexes as a means to enhance the transfection efficiency of plasmid DNA (pDNA). Increasing the molecular weight of CPPs often enhances gene expression but poses a risk of increased cytotoxicity and immunogenicity compared to low molecular weight CCPs. Conversely, low molecular weight CPPs typically have low transfection efficiency due to large complex size. Complexes made using low molecular weight CPPs were found to be condensed to a small size by adding calcium. In this study, complexes of low molecular weight polyarginine and pDNA were condensed with calcium. These complexes showed high transfection efficiency and low cytotoxicity in A549 carcinomic human alveolar basal epithelial cells. The relationships between transfection efficiency and polyarginine size (5, 7, 9, or 11 amino acids), polyarginine/pDNA charge ratios, and calcium concentrations were studied. Polyarginine 7 was significantly more effective than other polyarginines under most formulation conditions, suggesting a link between cell penetration ability and transfection efficiency.

Cell penetrating peptide tethered bi-ligand liposomes for delivery to brain in vivo: Biodistribution and transfection

Targeted nano-particulate systems hold extraordinary potential for delivery of therapeutics across blood brain barrier (BBB). In this work, we investigated the potential of novel bi-ligand (transferrin-poly-l-arginine) liposomal vector for delivery of desired gene to brain, in vivo. The in vivo evaluation of the delivery vectors is essential for clinical translation. We followed an innovative approach of combining transferrin receptor targeting with enhanced cell penetration to design liposomal vectors for improving the transport of molecules into brain. The biodistribution profile of 1, 1'-dioctadecyl-3,3,3',3'-tetramethyl-indocarbocyanine iodide(DiR)-labeled liposomes was evaluated in adult rats after single intravenous injection at dose of 15.2μmoles of phospholipids/kg body weight. We demonstrated that bi-ligand liposomes accumulated in rat brain at significantly (p<0.05) higher concentrations as compared to the single-ligand (transferrin) or plain liposomes. In addition, the bi-ligand liposomes resulted in increased expression of β-galactosidase(β-gal) plasmid in rat brain tissue in comparison to the single-ligand liposomes. Histological examination of the transfected tissues did not show any signs of tissue necrosis or inflammation. Hemolysis assay further authenticated the biocompatibility of bi-ligand liposomes in blood up to 600 nmoles of phospholipids/1.4×10(7) erythrocytes. The findings of this study provide important and detailed information regarding the distribution of bi-ligand liposomes in vivo and accentuate their ability to demonstrate improved brain penetration and transfection potential over single-ligand liposomes.

Non-amyloidogenic peptide tags for the regulatable self-assembling of protein-only nanoparticles

Controlling the self-assembling of building blocks as nanoscale entities is a requisite for the generation of bio-inspired vehicles for nanomedicines. A wide spectrum of functional peptides has been incorporated to different types of nanoparticles for the delivery of conventional drugs and nucleic acids, enabling receptor-specific cell binding and internalization, endosomal escape, cytosolic trafficking, nuclear targeting and DNA condensation. However, the development of architectonic tags to induce the self-assembling of functionalized monomers has been essentially neglected. We have examined here the nanoscale architectonic capabilities of arginine-rich cationic peptides, that when displayed on His-tagged proteins, promote their self-assembling as monodisperse, protein-only nanoparticles. The scrutiny of the cross-molecular interactivity cooperatively conferred by poly-arginines and poly-histidines has identified regulatable electrostatic interactions between building blocks that can also be engineered to encapsulate cargo DNA. The combined use of cationic peptides and poly-histidine tags offers an unusually versatile approach for the tailored design and biofabrication of protein-based nano-therapeutics, beyond the more limited spectrum of possibilities so far offered by self-assembling amyloidogenic peptides.

Biodistribution and blood clearance of plasmid DNA administered in arginine peptide complexes

Background

Peptide/DNA complexes have great potential as non-viral methods for gene delivery. Despite promising results for peptide-mediated gene delivery technology, an effective systemic peptide-based gene delivery system has not yet been developed.

Methods

This study used pCMV-Luc as a model gene to investigate the biodistribution and the in vivo efficacy of arginine peptide-mediated gene delivery by polymerase chain reaction (PCR).

Results

Plasmid DNA was detected in all organs tested 1 h after intraperitoneal administration of arginine/DNA complexes, indicating that the arginine/DNA complexes disseminated widely through the body. The plasmid was primarily detected in the spleen, kidney, and diaphragm 24 h post administration. The mRNA expression of plasmid DNA was noted in the spleen, kidney, and diaphragm for up to 2 weeks, and in the other major organs, for at least 1 week. Blood clearance studies showed that injected DNA was found in the blood as long as 6 h after injection.

Conclusions

Taken together, our results demonstrated that arginine/DNA complexes are stable in blood and are effective for in vivo gene delivery. These findings suggest that intraperitoneal administration of arginine/DNA complexes is a promising tool in gene therapy.

Intracellular organelle-targeted non-viral gene delivery systems

Gene therapy is a rapidly growing approach for the treatment of various diseases. To achieve successful gene therapy, a gene delivery system is necessary to overcome several barriers in the extracellular and intracellular spaces. Polymers, peptides, liposomes and nanoparticles developed as gene carriers have achieved efficient cellular uptake of genes. Among these carriers, cationic polymers and peptides have been further developed as intracellular organelle-targeted delivery systems. The cytoplasm, nucleus and mitochondria have been considered primary targets for gene delivery using targeting moieties or environment-responsive materials. In this review, we explore recently developed non-viral gene carriers based on reducible systems specialized to target the cytoplasm, nucleus and mitochondria.

Protein nanodisk assembling and intracellular trafficking powered by an arginine-rich (R9) peptide

AIMS

Arginine(R)-rich cationic peptides are powerful tools in drug delivery since, alone or when associated with polyplexes, proteins or chemicals, they confer DNA condensation, membrane translocation and blood-brain barrier crossing abilities. The unusual stability and high in vivo performance of their associated drugs suggest a particulate organization or R(n) complexes, which this study aimed to explore.

MATERIALS & METHODS

We have analyzed the particulate organization and biological performance in DNA delivery of a model, R9-containing green fluorescent protein by dynamic light scattering, transmission electron microscopy, atomic force microscopy, single cell confocal microscopy and flow cytometry.

RESULTS

A deep nanoscale examination of R9-powered constructs reveals a novel and promising feature of R9, that when fused to a scaffold green fluorescent protein, promote its efficient self-assembling as highly stable, regular disk-shaped nanoparticles of 20 x 3 nm. These constructs are efficiently internalized in mammalian cells and rapidly migrate through the cytoplasm towards the nucleus in a fully bioactive form. Besides, such particulate platforms accommodate, condense and deliver plasmid DNA to the nucleus and promote plasmid-driven transgene expression.

CONCLUSION

The architectonic properties of arginine-rich peptides at the nanoscale reveal a new category of protein nanoparticles, namely nanodisks, and provide novel strategic concepts and architectonic tools for the tailored construction of new-generation artificial viruses for gene therapy and drug delivery.

Hexa-arginine enhanced uptake and residualization of selective high affinity ligands by Raji lymphoma cells

Background

A variety of arginine-rich peptide sequences similar to those found in viral proteins have been conjugated to other molecules to facilitate their transport into the cytoplasm and nucleus of targeted cells. The selective high affinity ligand (SHAL) (DvLPBaPPP)₂LLDo, which was developed to bind only to cells expressing HLA-DR10, has been conjugated to one of these peptide transduction domains, hexa-arginine, to assess the impact of the peptide on SHAL uptake and internalization by Raji cells, a B-cell lymphoma.

Results

An analog of the SHAL (DvLPBaPPP)₂LLDo containing a hexa-arginine peptide was created by adding six D-arginine residues sequentially to a lysine inserted in the SHAL's linker. SHAL binding, internalization and residualization by Raji cells expressing HLA-DR10 were examined using whole cell binding assays and confocal microscopy. Raji cells were observed to bind two fold more ¹¹¹In-labeled hexa-arginine SHAL analog than Raji cells treated with the parent SHAL. Three fold more hexa-arginine SHAL remained associated with the Raji cells after washing, suggesting that the peptide also enhanced residualization of the ¹¹¹In transported into cells. Confocal microscopy showed both SHALs localized in the cytoplasm of Raji cells, whereas a fraction of the hexa-arginine SHAL localized in the nucleus.

Conclusion

The incorporation of a hexa-D-arginine peptide into the linker of the SHAL (DvLPBaPPP)₂LLDo enhanced both the uptake and residualization of the SHAL analog by Raji cells. In contrast to the abundant cell surface binding observed with Lym-1 antibody, the majority of (DvLPBaPPP)₂LArg6AcLLDo and the parent SHAL were internalized. Some of the internalized hexa-arginine SHAL analog was also associated with the nucleus. These results demonstrate that several important SHAL properties, including uptake, internalization, retention and possibly intracellular distribution, can be enhanced or modified by conjugating the SHALs to a short polypeptide.

The hairless mouse in skin research

The hairless (Hr) gene encodes a transcriptional co-repressor highly expressed in the mammalian skin. In the mouse, several null and hypomorphic Hr alleles have been identified resulting in hairlessness in homozygous animals, characterized by alopecia developing after a single cycle of relatively normal hair growth. Mutations in the human ortholog have also been associated with congenital alopecia. Although a variety of hairless strains have been developed, outbred SKH1 mice are the most widely used in dermatologic research. These unpigmented and immunocompetent mice allow for ready manipulation of the skin, application of topical agents, and exposure to UVR, as well as easy visualization of the cutaneous response. Wound healing, acute photobiologic responses, and skin carcinogenesis have been extensively studied in SKH1 mice and are well characterized. In addition, tumors induced in these mice resemble, both at the morphologic and molecular levels, UVR-induced skin malignancies in man. Two limitations of the SKH1 mouse in dermatologic research are the relatively uncharacterized genetic background and its outbred status, which precludes inter-individual transplantation studies.