1
|
How Far Are Non-Viral Vectors to Come of Age and Reach Clinical Translation in Gene Therapy? Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22147545. [PMID: 34299164 PMCID: PMC8304344 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22147545] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2021] [Accepted: 07/10/2021] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Efficient delivery of genetic material into cells is a critical process to translate gene therapy into clinical practice. In this sense, the increased knowledge acquired during past years in the molecular biology and nanotechnology fields has contributed to the development of different kinds of non-viral vector systems as a promising alternative to virus-based gene delivery counterparts. Consequently, the development of non-viral vectors has gained attention, and nowadays, gene delivery mediated by these systems is considered as the cornerstone of modern gene therapy due to relevant advantages such as low toxicity, poor immunogenicity and high packing capacity. However, despite these relevant advantages, non-viral vectors have been poorly translated into clinical success. This review addresses some critical issues that need to be considered for clinical practice application of non-viral vectors in mainstream medicine, such as efficiency, biocompatibility, long-lasting effect, route of administration, design of experimental condition or commercialization process. In addition, potential strategies for overcoming main hurdles are also addressed. Overall, this review aims to raise awareness among the scientific community and help researchers gain knowledge in the design of safe and efficient non-viral gene delivery systems for clinical applications to progress in the gene therapy field.
Collapse
|
2
|
Gigante A, Li M, Junghänel S, Hirschhäuser C, Knauer S, Schmuck C. Non-viral transfection vectors: are hybrid materials the way forward? MEDCHEMCOMM 2019; 10:1692-1718. [PMID: 32180915 PMCID: PMC7053704 DOI: 10.1039/c9md00275h] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2019] [Accepted: 08/12/2019] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Transfection is a process by which oligonucleotides (DNA or RNA) are delivered into living cells. This allows the synthesis of target proteins as well as their inhibition (gene silencing). However, oligonucleotides cannot cross the plasma membrane by themselves; therefore, efficient carriers are needed for successful gene delivery. Recombinant viruses are among the earliest described vectors. Unfortunately, they have severe drawbacks such as toxicity and immunogenicity. In this regard, the development of non-viral transfection vectors has attracted increasing interests, and has become an important field of research. In the first part of this review we start with a tutorial introduction into the biological backgrounds of gene transfection followed by the classical non-viral vectors (cationic organic carriers and inorganic nanoparticles). In the second part we highlight selected recent reports, which demonstrate that hybrid vectors that combine key features of classical carriers are a remarkable strategy to address the current challenges in gene delivery.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- A Gigante
- Institute of Organic Chemistry , University of Duisburg-Essen , 45141 Essen , Germany .
| | - M Li
- Institute of Organic Chemistry , University of Duisburg-Essen , 45141 Essen , Germany .
| | - S Junghänel
- Institute of Organic Chemistry , University of Duisburg-Essen , 45141 Essen , Germany .
- Biomedical Technology Center of the Medical Faculty , University of Muenster , Muenster , Germany
| | - C Hirschhäuser
- Institute of Organic Chemistry , University of Duisburg-Essen , 45141 Essen , Germany .
| | - S Knauer
- Faculty of Biology , University of Duisburg-Essen , 45141 Essen , Germany
| | - C Schmuck
- Institute of Organic Chemistry , University of Duisburg-Essen , 45141 Essen , Germany .
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Raja MAG, Katas H, Amjad MW. Design, mechanism, delivery and therapeutics of canonical and Dicer-substrate siRNA. Asian J Pharm Sci 2019; 14:497-510. [PMID: 32104477 PMCID: PMC7032099 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajps.2018.12.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2018] [Revised: 12/07/2018] [Accepted: 12/24/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Upon the discovery of RNA interference (RNAi), canonical small interfering RNA (siRNA) has been recognized to trigger sequence-specific gene silencing. Despite the benefits of siRNAs as potential new drugs, there are obstacles still to be overcome, including off-target effects and immune stimulation. More recently, Dicer substrate siRNA (DsiRNA) has been introduced as an alternative to siRNA. Similarly, it also is proving to be potent and target-specific, while rendering less immune stimulation. DsiRNA is 25–30 nucleotides in length, and is further cleaved and processed by the Dicer enzyme. As with siRNA, it is crucial to design and develop a stable, safe, and efficient system for the delivery of DsiRNA into the cytoplasm of targeted cells. Several polymeric nanoparticle systems have been well established to load DsiRNA for in vitro and in vivo delivery, thereby overcoming a major hurdle in the therapeutic uses of DsiRNA. The present review focuses on a comparison of siRNA and DsiRNA on the basis of their design, mechanism, in vitro and in vivo delivery, and therapeutics.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Maria Abdul Ghafoor Raja
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Faculty of Pharmacy, Northern Border University, Rafha 73211, Saudi Arabia
| | - Haliza Katas
- Centre for Drug Delivery Research, Faculty of Pharmacy, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur 50300, Malaysia
| | - Muhammad Wahab Amjad
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Faculty of Pharmacy, Northern Border University, Rafha 73211, Saudi Arabia
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Self-assembly of tumor-targeting RNA nanoball for carrier-free delivery of therapeutic RNA. J IND ENG CHEM 2018. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jiec.2018.03.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
|
5
|
Han S, Kim H, Lee JB. Library siRNA-generating RNA nanosponges for gene silencing by complementary rolling circle transcription. Sci Rep 2017; 7:10005. [PMID: 28855687 PMCID: PMC5577100 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-017-10219-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2017] [Accepted: 08/04/2017] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Since the discovery of RNA interference (RNAi), small interfering RNA (siRNA) has been powerful tools for gene downregulation in biomedical applications. Despite the outstanding efficacy of siRNA, the development of a therapeutic delivery system remains a challenge owing to the instability of RNA. In this study, we describe a new method for the design of siRNA-generating nanosponges by using complementary rolling circle transcription (cRCT), a technique that requires two complementary circular DNA. The sequences of one of the circular DNA are designed to have complete complementarity to the target mRNA resulting in double stranded RNA (dsRNA) that can be digested to siRNA by cellular Dicer activity. This siRNA design, called 'library siRNA', could be universally applied to fabricate RNA nanosponges targeting any known mRNA sequence.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sangwoo Han
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Seoul, 163 Seoulsiripdaero, Dongdaemungu, Seoul, 02504, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyejin Kim
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Seoul, 163 Seoulsiripdaero, Dongdaemungu, Seoul, 02504, Republic of Korea
| | - Jong Bum Lee
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Seoul, 163 Seoulsiripdaero, Dongdaemungu, Seoul, 02504, Republic of Korea.
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Recent advances in the design, development, and targeting mechanisms of polymeric micelles for delivery of siRNA in cancer therapy. Prog Polym Sci 2017. [DOI: 10.1016/j.progpolymsci.2016.09.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 127] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
|
7
|
Kim H, Park Y, Kim J, Jeong J, Han S, Lee JS, Lee JB. Nucleic Acid Engineering: RNA Following the Trail of DNA. ACS COMBINATORIAL SCIENCE 2016; 18:87-99. [PMID: 26735596 DOI: 10.1021/acscombsci.5b00108] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
The self-assembly feature of the naturally occurring biopolymer, DNA, has fascinated researchers in the fields of materials science and bioengineering. With the improved understanding of the chemical and structural nature of DNA, DNA-based constructs have been designed and fabricated from two-dimensional arbitrary shapes to reconfigurable three-dimensional nanodevices. Although DNA has been used successfully as a building block in a finely organized and controlled manner, its applications need to be explored. Hence, with the myriad of biological functions, RNA has recently attracted considerable attention to further the application of nucleic acid-based structures. This Review categorizes different approaches of engineering nucleic acid-based structures and introduces the concepts, principles, and applications of each technique, focusing on how DNA engineering is applied as a guide to RNA engineering.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hyejin Kim
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Seoul, 163 Seoulsiripdaero, Dongdaemungu, Seoul 130-743, Korea
| | - Yongkuk Park
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Seoul, 163 Seoulsiripdaero, Dongdaemungu, Seoul 130-743, Korea
| | - Jieun Kim
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Seoul, 163 Seoulsiripdaero, Dongdaemungu, Seoul 130-743, Korea
| | - Jaepil Jeong
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Seoul, 163 Seoulsiripdaero, Dongdaemungu, Seoul 130-743, Korea
| | - Sangwoo Han
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Seoul, 163 Seoulsiripdaero, Dongdaemungu, Seoul 130-743, Korea
| | - Jae Sung Lee
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Seoul, 163 Seoulsiripdaero, Dongdaemungu, Seoul 130-743, Korea
| | - Jong Bum Lee
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Seoul, 163 Seoulsiripdaero, Dongdaemungu, Seoul 130-743, Korea
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
He C, Yin L, Song Y, Tang C, Yin C. Optimization of multifunctional chitosan-siRNA nanoparticles for oral delivery applications, targeting TNF-α silencing in rats. Acta Biomater 2015; 17:98-106. [PMID: 25662912 DOI: 10.1016/j.actbio.2015.01.041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2014] [Revised: 01/28/2015] [Accepted: 01/28/2015] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Secretion of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) by macrophages plays a predominant role in the development and progression of various inflammatory diseases. In the current contribution, multifunctional nanoparticles (NPs) containing TNF-α siRNA targeting macrophages via oral administration were developed to knockdown TNF-α expression against acute hepatic injury in rats. Mannose-modified trimethyl chitosan-cysteine (MTC) NPs were prepared by self-assembly method (sa-MTC NPs), ionic gelation and siRNA entrapment method (en-MTC NPs), and ionic gelation and siRNA adsorption method (ad-MTC NPs). Among them, en-MTC NPs demonstrated the best stability against ionic challenges with desired siRNA integrity against nucleases. By targeting normal enterocytes and M cells that express mannose receptors, en-MTC NPs notably promoted intestinal absorption of siRNA in rats. They further facilitated siRNA internalization by rat peritoneal exudate cells (PECs) via lipid-raft involved endocytosis and macropinocytosis, thus inducing effective in vitro TNF-α knockdown. Orally delivered en-MTC NPs at a low siRNA dose of 50 μg/kg inhibited systemic TNF-α production and decreased TNF-α mRNA levels in macrophage-enriched liver, spleen, and lung tissues, which consequently protected rats from acute hepatic injury. Therefore, the en-MTC NPs would provide an effective approach to orally deliver TNF-α siRNA for the anti-inflammatory therapy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chunbai He
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Life Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai 200433, China
| | - Lichen Yin
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Life Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai 200433, China
| | - Yudong Song
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Life Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai 200433, China
| | - Cui Tang
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Life Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai 200433, China
| | - Chunhua Yin
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Life Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai 200433, China.
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Induction of apoptosis by chitosan/HPV16 E7 siRNA complexes in cervical cancer cells. Mol Med Rep 2012; 7:998-1002. [DOI: 10.3892/mmr.2012.1246] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2012] [Accepted: 12/06/2012] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
|
10
|
Xu R, Wang X, Lu ZR. Intracellular siRNA delivery with novel spermine based surfactants. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2012. [DOI: 10.1007/s11434-012-5381-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
|
11
|
Abstract
SiRNA is the trigger of RNA interference, a mechanism discovered in the late 1990s. To release the therapeutic potential of this versatile but large and fragile molecule, excipients are used which either interact by electrostatic interaction, passively encapsulate siRNA or are covalently attached to enable specific and safe delivery of the drug substance. Controlling the delicate balance between protective complexation and release of siRNA at the right point and time is done by understanding excipients–siRNA interactions. These can be lipids, polymers such as PEI, PLGA, Chitosans, Cyclodextrins, as well as aptamers and peptides. This review describes the mechanisms of interaction of the most commonly used siRNA delivery vehicles, and looks at the results of their clinical and preclinical studies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Katharina Bruno
- Novartis Pharma AG, Technical Research & Development (TRD), Pharmaceutical and Analytical Development (PHAD), CH-4057 Basel, Switzerland.
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Inoh Y, Furuno T, Hirashima N, Kitamoto D, Nakanishi M. Rapid delivery of small interfering RNA by biosurfactant MEL-A-containing liposomes. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2011; 414:635-40. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2011.09.147] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2011] [Accepted: 09/28/2011] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
|
13
|
Sugao Y, Watanabe K, Higuchi Y, Kurihara R, Kawakami S, Hashida M, Katayama Y, Niidome T. NFkappaB decoy delivery using dendritic poly(l-lysine) for treatment of endotoxin-induced hepatitis in mice. Bioorg Med Chem 2009; 17:4990-5. [PMID: 19539484 DOI: 10.1016/j.bmc.2009.05.081] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2009] [Revised: 05/28/2009] [Accepted: 05/29/2009] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
Mono-dispersed, 6th generation dendritic poly(l-lysine) (KG6) forms a stable complex with plasmid DNA and this complex can circulate in vivo for extended times before the DNA finally accumulates in the liver. In this study, we attempted to use KG6 as a carrier of NFkappaB decoy oligonucleotide to the liver to treat hepatitis, induced by lipopolysaccharide and d-galactosamine. KG6 formed a complex with the NFkappaB decoy. Serum aspartate aminotransferase and alanine aminotransferase were dramatically suppressed in the hepatitis mouse model after intravenous injection of KG6/NFkappaB decoy complexes. Expression levels of several cytokines and proteins related to the inflammatory reaction were also suppressed by intravenous administration of KG6/NFkappaB decoy complexes. Because [(32)P] NFkappaB decoy was found in non-parenchymal cells after intravenous injection, KG6 has been shown to be a promising carrier molecule of various oligonucleotides to non-parenchymal liver cells, including Kupffer cells.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yusuke Sugao
- Department of Applied Chemistry, Faculty of Engineering, Kyushu University, 744 Motooka, Nishi-ku, Fukuoka 819-0395, Japan
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
14
|
Larsen C, Ostergaard J, Larsen SW, Jensen H, Jacobsen S, Lindegaard C, Andersen PH. Intra-articular depot formulation principles: role in the management of postoperative pain and arthritic disorders. J Pharm Sci 2009; 97:4622-54. [PMID: 18306275 DOI: 10.1002/jps.21346] [Citation(s) in RCA: 200] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
The joint cavity constitutes a discrete anatomical compartment that allows for local drug action after intra-articular injection. Drug delivery systems providing local prolonged drug action are warranted in the management of postoperative pain and not least arthritic disorders such as osteoarthritis. The present review surveys various themes related to the accomplishment of the correct timing of the events leading to optimal drug action in the joint space over a desired time period. This includes a brief account on (patho)physiological conditions and novel potential drug targets (and their location within the synovial space). Particular emphasis is paid to (i) the potential feasibility of various depot formulation principles for the intra-articular route of administration including their manufacture, drug release characteristics and in vivo fate, and (ii) how release, mass transfer and equilibrium processes may affect the intra-articular residence time and concentration of the active species at the ultimate receptor site.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Claus Larsen
- Department of Pharmaceutics and Analytical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Universitetsparken 2, DK-2100 Copenhagen, Denmark.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
15
|
A multifunctional and reversibly polymerizable carrier for efficient siRNA delivery. Biomaterials 2008; 29:15-22. [DOI: 10.1016/j.biomaterials.2007.08.048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2007] [Accepted: 08/30/2007] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
|
16
|
De Paula D, Bentley MVLB, Mahato RI. Effect of iNOS and NF-kappaB gene silencing on beta-cell survival and function. J Drug Target 2007; 15:358-69. [PMID: 17541845 DOI: 10.1080/10611860701349695] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Type I diabetes results from beta-cell death and dysfunction, induced by infiltration of immune cells and local production of inflammatory cytokines. Therefore, we investigated the effect of iNOS and NF-kappaB gene silencing on beta-cell survival and function. METHODS Rat insulinoma INS-1E cells were transfected with chemically synthesized siRNA after complex formation with Lipofectamine 2000. Cells were then treated with a cocktail of inflammatory cytokines (IL-1beta+ TNF-alpha+ IFN-alpha), and glucose stimulated-insulin response and viability were determined. iNOS and NF-kappaB gene expression was assessed at mRNA level by real time RT-PCR. The effect of gene silencing was also correlated with cytokine-induced NO production and apoptosis. RESULTS Transfection of INS-1E cells with siRNAs silenced iNOS and NF-kappaB gene expression and reduced NO production in a sequence-specific manner without causing significant loss of cell viability and function. However, the abrogation of NO production did not prevent INS-1E cells from cytokine-induced apoptosis, suggesting that this event may not be totally dependent on NO production. CONCLUSION The gene silencing approach presented here is capable of attenuating the effects of inflammatory cytokines, such as iNOS expression and NO production and it will help to identify new target genes to improve islet transplantation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Daniel De Paula
- Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo, Brazil
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
17
|
De Paula D, Bentley MVLB, Mahato RI. Hydrophobization and bioconjugation for enhanced siRNA delivery and targeting. RNA (NEW YORK, N.Y.) 2007; 13:431-56. [PMID: 17329355 PMCID: PMC1831859 DOI: 10.1261/rna.459807] [Citation(s) in RCA: 152] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/14/2023]
Abstract
RNA interference (RNAi) is an evolutionarily conserved process by which double-stranded small interfering RNA (siRNA) induces sequence-specific, post-transcriptional gene silencing. Unlike other mRNA targeting strategies, RNAi takes advantage of the physiological gene silencing machinery. The potential use of siRNA as therapeutic agents has attracted great attention as a novel approach for treating severe and chronic diseases. RNAi can be achieved by either delivery of chemically synthesized siRNAs or endogenous expression of small hairpin RNA, siRNA, and microRNA (miRNA). However, the relatively high dose of siRNA required for gene silencing limits its therapeutic applications. This review discusses several strategies to improve therapeutic efficacy as well as to abrogate off-target effects and immunostimulation caused by siRNAs. There is an in-depth discussion on various issues related to the (1) mechanisms of RNAi, (2) methods of siRNA production, (3) barriers to RNAi-based therapies, (4) biodistribution, (5) design of siRNA molecules, (6) chemical modification and bioconjugation, (7) complex formation with lipids and polymers, (8) encapsulation into lipid particles, and (9) target specificity for enhanced therapeutic effectiveness.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Daniel De Paula
- Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, SP Brazil
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
18
|
Katas H, Alpar HO. Development and characterisation of chitosan nanoparticles for siRNA delivery. J Control Release 2006; 115:216-25. [PMID: 16959358 DOI: 10.1016/j.jconrel.2006.07.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 441] [Impact Index Per Article: 24.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2006] [Revised: 07/19/2006] [Accepted: 07/20/2006] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
Gene silencing mediated by double-stranded small interfering RNA (siRNA) has been widely investigated as a potential therapeutic approach for diseases with genetic defects. The use of siRNA, however, is hampered by its rapid degradation and poor cellular uptake into cells in vitro or in vivo. Therefore, we have explored chitosan as a siRNA vector due to its advantages such as low toxicity, biodegradability and biocompatibility. Chitosan nanoparticles were prepared by two methods of ionic cross-linking, simple complexation and ionic gelation using sodium tripolyphosphate (TPP). Both methods produced nanosize particles, less than 500 nm depending on type, molecular weight as well as concentration of chitosan. In the case of ionic gelation, two further factors, namely chitosan to TPP weight ratio and pH, affected the particle size. In vitro studies in two types of cells lines, CHO K1 and HEK 293, have revealed that preparation method of siRNA association to the chitosan plays an important role on the silencing effect. Chitosan-TPP nanoparticles with entrapped siRNA are shown to be better vectors as siRNA delivery vehicles compared to chitosan-siRNA complexes possibly due to their high binding capacity and loading efficiency. Therefore, chitosan-TPP nanoparticles show much potential as viable vector candidates for safer and cost-effective siRNA delivery.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Haliza Katas
- School of Pharmacy, University of London, 29-39, Brunswick Square, London, WC1N 1AX, UK
| | | |
Collapse
|