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Moore TL, Pannuzzo G, Costabile G, Palange AL, Spanò R, Ferreira M, Graziano ACE, Decuzzi P, Cardile V. Nanomedicines to treat rare neurological disorders: The case of Krabbe disease. Adv Drug Deliv Rev 2023; 203:115132. [PMID: 37918668 DOI: 10.1016/j.addr.2023.115132] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2023] [Revised: 10/26/2023] [Accepted: 10/29/2023] [Indexed: 11/04/2023]
Abstract
The brain remains one of the most challenging therapeutic targets due to the low and selective permeability of the blood-brain barrier and complex architecture of the brain tissue. Nanomedicines, despite their relatively large size compared to small molecules and nucleic acids, are being heavily investigated as vehicles to delivery therapeutics into the brain. Here we elaborate on how nanomedicines may be used to treat rare neurodevelopmental disorders, using Krabbe disease (globoid cell leukodystrophy) to frame the discussion. As a monogenetic disorder and lysosomal storage disease affecting the nervous system, the lessons learned from examining nanoparticle delivery to the brain in the context of Krabbe disease can have a broader impact on the treatment of various other neurodevelopmental and neurodegenerative disorders. In this review, we introduce the epidemiology and genetic basis of Krabbe disease, discuss current in vitro and in vivo models of the disease, as well as current therapeutic approaches either approved or at different stage of clinical developments. We then elaborate on challenges in particle delivery to the brain, with a specific emphasis on methods to transport nanomedicines across the blood-brain barrier. We highlight nanoparticles for delivering therapeutics for the treatment of lysosomal storage diseases, classified by the therapeutic payload, including gene therapy, enzyme replacement therapy, and small molecule delivery. Finally, we provide some useful hints on the design of nanomedicines for the treatment of rare neurological disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Lee Moore
- Laboratory of Nanotechnology for Precision Medicine, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Genoa 16163, GE, Italy.
| | - Giovanna Pannuzzo
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, Università di Catania, Catania 95123, CT, Italy
| | - Gabriella Costabile
- Laboratory of Nanotechnology for Precision Medicine, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Genoa 16163, GE, Italy; Department of Pharmacy, Università degli Studi di Napoli Federico II, Naples 80131, NA, Italy
| | - Anna Lisa Palange
- Laboratory of Nanotechnology for Precision Medicine, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Genoa 16163, GE, Italy
| | - Raffaele Spanò
- Laboratory of Nanotechnology for Precision Medicine, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Genoa 16163, GE, Italy
| | - Miguel Ferreira
- Laboratory of Nanotechnology for Precision Medicine, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Genoa 16163, GE, Italy
| | - Adriana Carol Eleonora Graziano
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, Università di Catania, Catania 95123, CT, Italy; Facolta di Medicina e Chirurgia, Università degli Studi di Enna "Kore", Enna 94100, EN, Italy
| | - Paolo Decuzzi
- Laboratory of Nanotechnology for Precision Medicine, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Genoa 16163, GE, Italy
| | - Venera Cardile
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, Università di Catania, Catania 95123, CT, Italy.
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Placci M, Giannotti MI, Muro S. Polymer-based drug delivery systems under investigation for enzyme replacement and other therapies of lysosomal storage disorders. Adv Drug Deliv Rev 2023; 197:114683. [PMID: 36657645 PMCID: PMC10629597 DOI: 10.1016/j.addr.2022.114683] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2022] [Revised: 11/30/2022] [Accepted: 12/25/2022] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
Lysosomes play a central role in cellular homeostasis and alterations in this compartment associate with many diseases. The most studied example is that of lysosomal storage disorders (LSDs), a group of 60 + maladies due to genetic mutations affecting lysosomal components, mostly enzymes. This leads to aberrant intracellular storage of macromolecules, altering normal cell function and causing multiorgan syndromes, often fatal within the first years of life. Several treatment modalities are available for a dozen LSDs, mostly consisting of enzyme replacement therapy (ERT) strategies. Yet, poor biodistribution to main targets such as the central nervous system, musculoskeletal tissue, and others, as well as generation of blocking antibodies and adverse effects hinder effective LSD treatment. Drug delivery systems are being studied to surmount these obstacles, including polymeric constructs and nanoparticles that constitute the focus of this article. We provide an overview of the formulations being tested, the diseases they aim to treat, and the results observed from respective in vitro and in vivo studies. We also discuss the advantages and disadvantages of these strategies, the remaining gaps of knowledge regarding their performance, and important items to consider for their clinical translation. Overall, polymeric nanoconstructs hold considerable promise to advance treatment for LSDs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marina Placci
- Institute for Bioengineering of Catalonia (IBEC), Barcelona Institute for Science and Technology (BIST), Barcelona 08028, Spain
| | - Marina I Giannotti
- Institute for Bioengineering of Catalonia (IBEC), Barcelona Institute for Science and Technology (BIST), Barcelona 08028, Spain; CIBER-BBN, ISCIII, Barcelona, Spain; Department of Materials Science and Physical Chemistry, University of Barcelona, Barcelona 08028, Spain
| | - Silvia Muro
- Institute for Bioengineering of Catalonia (IBEC), Barcelona Institute for Science and Technology (BIST), Barcelona 08028, Spain; Institute of Catalonia for Research and Advanced Studies (ICREA), Barcelona 08010, Spain; Institute for Bioscience and Biotechnology Research, University of Maryland, College Park, MD 20742, USA; Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of Maryland, College Park, MD 20742, USA.
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3
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Tomsen-Melero J, Merlo-Mas J, Carreño A, Sala S, Córdoba A, Veciana J, González-Mira E, Ventosa N. Liposomal formulations for treating lysosomal storage disorders. Adv Drug Deliv Rev 2022; 190:114531. [PMID: 36089182 DOI: 10.1016/j.addr.2022.114531] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2021] [Revised: 05/13/2022] [Accepted: 09/04/2022] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
Lysosomal storage disorders (LSD) are a group of rare life-threatening diseases caused by a lysosomal dysfunction, usually due to the lack of a single enzyme required for the metabolism of macromolecules, which leads to a lysosomal accumulation of specific substrates, resulting in severe disease manifestations and early death. There is currently no definitive cure for LSD, and despite the approval of certain therapies, their effectiveness is limited. Therefore, an appropriate nanocarrier could help improve the efficacy of some of these therapies. Liposomes show excellent properties as drug carriers, because they can entrap active therapeutic compounds offering protection, biocompatibility, and selectivity. Here, we discuss the potential of liposomes for LSD treatment and conduct a detailed analysis of promising liposomal formulations still in the preclinical development stage from various perspectives, including treatment strategy, manufacturing, characterization, and future directions for implementing liposomal formulations for LSD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Judit Tomsen-Melero
- Institut de Ciència de Materials de Barcelona, ICMAB-CSIC, Campus UAB, 08193 Bellaterra, Spain; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red - Bioingeniería, Biomateriales y Nanomedicina (CIBER-BBN), Spain
| | | | - Aida Carreño
- Institut de Ciència de Materials de Barcelona, ICMAB-CSIC, Campus UAB, 08193 Bellaterra, Spain; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red - Bioingeniería, Biomateriales y Nanomedicina (CIBER-BBN), Spain
| | - Santi Sala
- Nanomol Technologies SL, 08193 Cerdanyola del Vallès, Spain
| | - Alba Córdoba
- Nanomol Technologies SL, 08193 Cerdanyola del Vallès, Spain
| | - Jaume Veciana
- Institut de Ciència de Materials de Barcelona, ICMAB-CSIC, Campus UAB, 08193 Bellaterra, Spain; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red - Bioingeniería, Biomateriales y Nanomedicina (CIBER-BBN), Spain
| | - Elisabet González-Mira
- Institut de Ciència de Materials de Barcelona, ICMAB-CSIC, Campus UAB, 08193 Bellaterra, Spain; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red - Bioingeniería, Biomateriales y Nanomedicina (CIBER-BBN), Spain.
| | - Nora Ventosa
- Institut de Ciència de Materials de Barcelona, ICMAB-CSIC, Campus UAB, 08193 Bellaterra, Spain; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red - Bioingeniería, Biomateriales y Nanomedicina (CIBER-BBN), Spain.
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4
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Edelmann MJ, Maegawa GHB. CNS-Targeting Therapies for Lysosomal Storage Diseases: Current Advances and Challenges. Front Mol Biosci 2020; 7:559804. [PMID: 33304924 PMCID: PMC7693645 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2020.559804] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2020] [Accepted: 09/15/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
During the past decades, several therapeutic approaches have been developed and made rapidly available for many patients afflicted with lysosomal storage disorders (LSDs), inborn organelle disorders with broad clinical manifestations secondary to the progressive accumulation of undegraded macromolecules within lysosomes. These conditions are individually rare, but, collectively, their incidence ranges from 1 in 2,315 to 7,700 live-births. Most LSDs are manifested by neurological symptoms or signs, including developmental delay, seizures, acroparesthesia, motor weakness, and extrapyramidal signs. The chronic and later-onset clinical forms are at one end of the continuum spectrum and are characterized by a subtle and slow progression of neurological symptoms. Due to its inherent physiological properties, unfortunately, the blood-brain barrier (BBB) constitutes a significant obstacle for current and upcoming therapies to achieve the central nervous system (CNS) and treat neurological problems so prevalent in these conditions. To circumvent this limitation, several strategies have been developed to make the therapeutic agent achieve the CNS. This narrative will provide an overview of current therapeutic strategies under development to permeate the BBB, and address and unmet need for treatment of the progressive neurological manifestations, which are so prevalent in these inherited lysosomal disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariola J Edelmann
- Department of Microbiology and Cell Science, The University of Florida's Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, United States
| | - Gustavo H B Maegawa
- Department of Pediatrics, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, United States
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Del Grosso A, Galliani M, Angella L, Santi M, Tonazzini I, Parlanti G, Signore G, Cecchini M. Brain-targeted enzyme-loaded nanoparticles: A breach through the blood-brain barrier for enzyme replacement therapy in Krabbe disease. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2019; 5:eaax7462. [PMID: 31799395 PMCID: PMC6867879 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.aax7462] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2019] [Accepted: 09/19/2019] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
Lysosomal storage disorders (LSDs) result from an enzyme deficiency within lysosomes. The systemic administration of the missing enzyme, however, is not effective in the case of LSDs with central nervous system (CNS)-involvement. Here, an enzyme delivery system based on the encapsulation of cross-linked enzyme aggregates (CLEAs) into poly-(lactide-co-glycolide) (PLGA) nanoparticles (NPs) functionalized with brain targeting peptides (Ang2, g7 or Tf2) is demonstrated for Krabbe disease, a neurodegenerative LSD caused by galactosylceramidase (GALC) deficiency. We first synthesize and characterize Ang2-, g7- and Tf2-targeted GALC CLEA NPs. We study NP cell trafficking and capability to reinstate enzymatic activity in vitro. Then, we successfully test our formulations in the Twitcher mouse. We report enzymatic activity measurements in the nervous system and in accumulation districts upon intraperitoneal injections, demonstrating activity recovery in the brain up to the unaffected mice level. Together, these results open new therapeutic perspectives for all LSDs with major CNS-involvement.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ambra Del Grosso
- NEST, Istituto Nanoscienze-CNR and Scuola Normale Superiore, Piazza San Silvestro 12, 56127 Pisa, Italy
| | - Marianna Galliani
- NEST, Istituto Nanoscienze-CNR and Scuola Normale Superiore, Piazza San Silvestro 12, 56127 Pisa, Italy
- Center for Nanotechnology Innovation@NEST, Piazza San Silvestro 12, 56127 Pisa, Italy
| | - Lucia Angella
- NEST, Istituto Nanoscienze-CNR and Scuola Normale Superiore, Piazza San Silvestro 12, 56127 Pisa, Italy
| | - Melissa Santi
- Center for Nanotechnology Innovation@NEST, Piazza San Silvestro 12, 56127 Pisa, Italy
| | - Ilaria Tonazzini
- NEST, Istituto Nanoscienze-CNR and Scuola Normale Superiore, Piazza San Silvestro 12, 56127 Pisa, Italy
| | - Gabriele Parlanti
- NEST, Istituto Nanoscienze-CNR and Scuola Normale Superiore, Piazza San Silvestro 12, 56127 Pisa, Italy
| | - Giovanni Signore
- NEST, Istituto Nanoscienze-CNR and Scuola Normale Superiore, Piazza San Silvestro 12, 56127 Pisa, Italy
- Fondazione Pisana per la Scienza ONLUS, 56017 Pisa, Italy
| | - Marco Cecchini
- NEST, Istituto Nanoscienze-CNR and Scuola Normale Superiore, Piazza San Silvestro 12, 56127 Pisa, Italy
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Cloning, purification and biochemical characterisation of a GH35 beta-1,3/beta-1,6-galactosidase from the mucin-degrading gut bacterium Akkermansia muciniphila. Glycoconj J 2018; 35:255-263. [DOI: 10.1007/s10719-018-9824-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2018] [Revised: 04/19/2018] [Accepted: 04/20/2018] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
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Nicaise AM, Bongarzone ER, Crocker SJ. A microglial hypothesis of globoid cell leukodystrophy pathology. J Neurosci Res 2017; 94:1049-61. [PMID: 27638591 DOI: 10.1002/jnr.23773] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2016] [Revised: 05/05/2016] [Accepted: 05/06/2016] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Globoid cell leukodystrophy (GLD), also known as Krabbe's disease, is a fatal demyelinating disease accompanied by the formation of giant, multinucleated cells called globoid cells. Previously believed to be a byproduct of inflammation, these cells can be found early in disease before evidence of any damage. The precise mechanism by which these globoid cells cause oligodendrocyte dysfunction is not completely understood, nor is their cell type defined. This Review outlines the idea that microglial cells are transformed into an unknown and undefined novel M3 phenotype in GLD, which is cytotoxic to oligodendrocytes, leading to disease progression. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandra M Nicaise
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Connecticut School of Medicine, Farmington, Connecticut
| | - Ernesto R Bongarzone
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Stephen J Crocker
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Connecticut School of Medicine, Farmington, Connecticut.
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Solomon M, Muro S. Lysosomal enzyme replacement therapies: Historical development, clinical outcomes, and future perspectives. Adv Drug Deliv Rev 2017; 118:109-134. [PMID: 28502768 PMCID: PMC5828774 DOI: 10.1016/j.addr.2017.05.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 93] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2017] [Revised: 04/26/2017] [Accepted: 05/08/2017] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
Lysosomes and lysosomal enzymes play a central role in numerous cellular processes, including cellular nutrition, recycling, signaling, defense, and cell death. Genetic deficiencies of lysosomal components, most commonly enzymes, are known as "lysosomal storage disorders" or "lysosomal diseases" (LDs) and lead to lysosomal dysfunction. LDs broadly affect peripheral organs and the central nervous system (CNS), debilitating patients and frequently causing fatality. Among other approaches, enzyme replacement therapy (ERT) has advanced to the clinic and represents a beneficial strategy for 8 out of the 50-60 known LDs. However, despite its value, current ERT suffers from several shortcomings, including various side effects, development of "resistance", and suboptimal delivery throughout the body, particularly to the CNS, lowering the therapeutic outcome and precluding the use of this strategy for a majority of LDs. This review offers an overview of the biomedical causes of LDs, their socio-medical relevance, treatment modalities and caveats, experimental alternatives, and future treatment perspectives.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melani Solomon
- Institute for Bioscience and Biotechnology Research, University Maryland, College Park, MD 20742, USA
| | - Silvia Muro
- Institute for Bioscience and Biotechnology Research, University Maryland, College Park, MD 20742, USA; Fischell Department of Bioengineering, University Maryland, College Park, MD 20742, USA.
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9
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Thekkedath R, Koshkaryev A, Torchilin VP. Lysosome-targeted octadecyl-rhodamine B-liposomes enhance lysosomal accumulation of glucocerebrosidase in Gaucher's cells in vitro. Nanomedicine (Lond) 2012. [PMID: 23199221 DOI: 10.2217/nnm.12.138] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
AIM We hypothesized that liposomes modified with lysosomotropic octadecyl-rhodamine B (Rh) and loaded with therapeutic glucocerebroside velaglucerase alfa (VPRIV™) will improve lysosomal delivery of the enzyme into Gaucher's cells. MATERIALS & METHODS Confocal microscopy and flow cytometry were used to evaluate the ability of Rh-modified liposomes loaded with VPRIV to improve the lysosomal targeting in monocyte-derived macrophages and Gaucher's fibroblasts. RESULTS Confocal microscopy demonstrated that Rh-modified liposomes localized primarily in the lysosomes. As confirmed by flow cytometry using specific substrate 5-(pentafluorobenzoylamino)fluorescein diglucoside, intralysosomal accumulation of VPRIV in the cells treated with Rh-modified liposomes was significantly increased (up to 68%) relative to the cells treated with plain liposomes or free VPRIV. CONCLUSION Rh-modified lysosomotropic liposomes can improve lysosomal accumulation of liposomal enzymes both in nonphagocytic Gaucher's fibroblasts and phagocytic monocyte-derived macrophages.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ritesh Thekkedath
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Center for Pharmaceutical Biotechnology & Nanomedicine, Northeastern University, 140 Fenway Street, Boston, MA 02115, USA
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Literature Alerts. J Microencapsul 2008. [DOI: 10.3109/02652048609031569] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
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Autonomic denervation of lymphoid organs leads to epigenetic immune atrophy in a mouse model of Krabbe disease. J Neurosci 2008; 27:13730-8. [PMID: 18077684 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.3379-07.2007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Lysosomal beta-galactosylceramidase deficiency results in demyelination and inflammation in the nervous system causing the neurological Krabbe disease. In the Twitcher mouse model of this disease, we found that neurological symptoms parallel progressive and severe lymphopenia. Although lymphopoiesis is normal before disease onset, primary and secondary lymphoid organs progressively degenerate afterward. This occurs despite preserved erythropoiesis and leads to severe peripheral lymphopenia caused by reduced numbers of T cell precursors and mature lymphocytes. Hematopoietic cell replacement experiments support the existence of an epigenetic factor in mutant mice reconcilable with a progressive loss of autonomic axons that hampers thymic functionality. We propose that degeneration of autonomic nerves leads to the irreversible thymic atrophy and loss of immune-competence. Our study describes a new aspect of Krabbe disease, placing patients at risk of immune-related pathologies, and identifies a novel target for therapeutic interventions.
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Torchilin V. Intracellular delivery of protein and peptide therapeutics. DRUG DISCOVERY TODAY. TECHNOLOGIES 2008; 5:e95-e103. [PMID: 24981097 DOI: 10.1016/j.ddtec.2009.01.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 118] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
Many proteins and peptides are used as highly specific and effective therapeutic agents. Their use is, however, complicated by their instability and side effects. Because many protein and peptide drugs have their therapeutic targets inside cells, there is also an important task to bring these drugs into target cells without subjecting them to the lysosomal degradation. This review describes current approaches to the intracellular delivery of protein and peptide drugs. Various drug delivery systems and methods are considered allowing for safe and effective transport of protein and peptide drugs into the cell cytoplasm.:
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Affiliation(s)
- Vladimir Torchilin
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Center for Pharmaceutical Biotechnology and Nanomedicine, Northeastern University, 360 Huntington Avenue, Boston, MA 02115, USA.
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Terrell KA, Rasmussen TA, Trygg C, Bunnell BA, Buck WR. Molecular beacon genotyping for globoid cell leukodystrophy from hair roots in the twitcher mouse and rhesus macaque. J Neurosci Methods 2007; 163:60-6. [PMID: 17412425 PMCID: PMC2043377 DOI: 10.1016/j.jneumeth.2007.02.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/01/2007] [Revised: 02/12/2007] [Accepted: 02/12/2007] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
Rapid and accurate genotype determination is ideal for the maintenance of breeding colonies of laboratory animal models of genetic disease. The rhesus macaque and murine (twitcher) models of globoid cell leukodystrophy have a dinucleotide deletion or single nucleotide substitution, respectively, which abolish ceramide beta-galactosidase activity and are authentic models of Krabbe disease. We report a molecular beacon PCR assay for each species which allows unambiguous determination of the genotype in under 4h. The assay works reliably with DNA extracted from hair roots using Chelex-100 in a 20 min, 100 degrees C incubation. We demonstrate that genotyping from hair roots is a preferred alternative to collecting blood or tissue for DNA extraction because it reduces animal distress, uses an inexpensive reagent, and is simpler and faster. Following amplification on a standard thermocycler with a 96-well plate format, these molecular beacon assays can be read on a standard laboratory fluorescent plate reader, eliminating the need to use a real-time thermocycler or to open the plate for subsequent restriction enzyme digestion and gel electrophoresis. The multiplexed ratio of fluorescence from wild-type- and mutant-specific beacons reporting at 560 nm and 535 nm wavelengths is distinct for each genotype.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kimberly A Terrell
- Department of Biology, University of New Orleans, 2000 Lakeshore Drive, New Orleans, LA 70148, USA.
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Abstract
Intracellular delivery of various drugs, including DNA, and drug carriers can sharply increase the efficiency of various treatment protocols. However, the receptor-mediated endocytosis of drugs, drug carriers, and DNA results in their lysosomal delivery and significant degradation. The problem can be solved and therapy efficacy still further increased if the approaches for direct intracytoplasmic delivery that bypass the endocytic pathway are developed. This is especially important for many anticancer drugs (proapoptotic drugs whose primary action site is the mitochondrial membrane) and gene therapy (nuclear or mitochondrial genomes should be targeted). This review considers several current approaches for intracellular drug delivery: the use of pH-sensitive liposomes, the use of cell-penetrating proteins and peptides, and the use of immunoliposomes targeting intracellular antigens. Among intracellular targets, nuclei (gene therapy), mitochondria (proapoptotic cancer therapy and targeting of the mitochondrial genome), and lysosomes (lysosomal targeting of enzymes for the therapy of the lysosomal storage diseases) are considered. Examples of successful intracellular and organelle-specific delivery of biologically active molecules, including DNA, are presented; unanswered questions, challenges, and future trends are also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vladimir P Torchilin
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Northeastern University, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, USA.
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Annesini MC, Braguglia CM, Memoli A, Palermiti LG, Di Sario S. Surfactant as modulating agent of enzyme-loaded liposome activity. Biotechnol Bioeng 1997; 55:261-6. [DOI: 10.1002/(sici)1097-0290(19970720)55:2<261::aid-bit3>3.0.co;2-g] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
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Abstract
Morphological and biochemical analysis of tissue from a 21-week-old fetus with Krabbe disease was performed. Galactosylceramidase activity was virtually absent in cultured amniotic cells obtained during the pregnancy of this fetus. The prenatal diagnosis was confirmed by enzymatic analysis of fetal cultured skin fibroblasts and by enzyme analysis of fetal brain, kidney and liver. The galactocerebroside content of brain and spinal cord of the affected fetus was essentially identical to that observed in an age-matched control fetus. Accumulation of galactosylsphingosine was found in all tissues examined from the fetus with Krabbe disease. The highest galactosylsphingosine level was detected in spinal cord of the affected fetus: it was 40 times the concentration observed in controls. The occurrence of inclusion bodies were limited to spinal cord of the fetus with Krabbe disease. These data verify that the pathological and biochemical findings of Krabbe disease are present during the second trimester of pregnancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- H Ida
- Department of Pediatrics, Jikei University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
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Abstract
This review represents an examination of four groups of neurodegenerative diseases, namely the sphingolipidoses, the adrenoleukodystrophy complex, the neuronal ceroid lipofuscinoses, and the sialidoses/sialuria complex. Using a combination of clinical assessment, neuroradiologic appearance, and clinical neurophysiology, one may develop strategies that lead to specific chemical or biochemical determinations for specific diagnoses. In general, disorders of white matter may be distinguished from disorders of gray matter by their appearance on computed tomography and by abnormalities of nerve conduction velocities and auditory brain stem responses. In contrast, disorders of gray matter may be distinguished from disorders of white matter by their appearance on computed tomography and utilization of electroretinography, visual evoked responses, and, to a lesser extent, EEG findings. Where necessary, skin, conjunctival, or nerve biopsy may prove to be useful adjuncts to the diagnosis. Presently, treatment depends on prevention, although aggressive efforts are under way to establish corrective therapy by enzyme replacement. To this end, the use of already existing animal models may prove to be helpful.
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