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Vlashi R, Zhang X, Li H, Chen G. Potential therapeutic strategies for osteoarthritis via CRISPR/Cas9 mediated gene editing. Rev Endocr Metab Disord 2024; 25:339-367. [PMID: 38055160 DOI: 10.1007/s11154-023-09860-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/28/2023] [Indexed: 12/07/2023]
Abstract
Osteoarthritis (OA) is an incapacitating and one of the most common physically degenerative conditions with an assorted etiology and a highly complicated molecular mechanism that to date lacks an efficient treatment. The capacity to design biological networks and accurately modify existing genomic sites holds an apt potential for applications across medical and biotechnological sciences. One of these highly specific genomes editing technologies is the CRISPR/Cas9 mechanism, referred to as the clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats, which is a defense mechanism constituted by CRISPR associated protein 9 (Cas9) directed by small non-coding RNAs (sncRNA) that bind to target DNA through Watson-Crick base pairing rules where subsequent repair of the target DNA is initiated. Up-to-date research has established the effectiveness of the CRISPR/Cas9 mechanism in targeting the genetic and epigenetic alterations in OA by suppressing or deleting gene expressions and eventually distributing distinctive anti-arthritic properties in both in vitro and in vivo osteoarthritic models. This review aims to epitomize the role of this high-throughput and multiplexed gene editing method as an analogous therapeutic strategy that could greatly facilitate the clinical development of OA-related treatments since it's reportedly an easy, minimally invasive technique, and a comparatively less painful method for osteoarthritic patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rexhina Vlashi
- College of Life Science and Medicine, Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Silkworm Bioreactor and Biomedicine, Zhejiang Sci-Tech University, Hangzhou, 310018, China
| | - Xingen Zhang
- Department of Orthopedics, Jiaxing Key Laboratory for Minimally Invasive Surgery in Orthopaedics & Skeletal Regenerative Medicine, Zhejiang Rongjun Hospital, Jiaxing, 314001, China
| | - Haibo Li
- The Central Laboratory of Birth Defects Prevention and Control, Ningbo Women and Children's Hospital, Ningbo, China.
- Ningbo Key Laboratory for the Prevention and Treatment of Embryogenic Diseases, Ningbo Women and Children's Hospital, Ningbo, China.
| | - Guiqian Chen
- College of Life Science and Medicine, Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Silkworm Bioreactor and Biomedicine, Zhejiang Sci-Tech University, Hangzhou, 310018, China.
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2
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Li X, Shen L, Deng Z, Huang Z. New treatment for osteoarthr: pbad014itis: Gene therapy. PRECISION CLINICAL MEDICINE 2023; 6:pbad014. [PMID: 37333626 PMCID: PMC10273835 DOI: 10.1093/pcmedi/pbad014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2023] [Accepted: 05/24/2023] [Indexed: 06/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Osteoarthritis is a complex degenerative disease that affects the entire joint tissue. Currently, non-surgical treatments for osteoarthritis focus on relieving pain. While end-stage osteoarthritis can be treated with arthroplasty, the health and financial costs associated with surgery have forced the search for alternative non-surgical treatments to delay the progression of osteoarthritis and promote cartilage repair. Unlike traditional treatment, the gene therapy approach allows for long-lasting expression of therapeutic proteins at specific sites. In this review, we summarize the history of gene therapy in osteoarthritis, outlining the common expression vectors (non-viral, viral), the genes delivered (transcription factors, growth factors, inflammation-associated cytokines, non-coding RNAs) and the mode of gene delivery (direct delivery, indirect delivery). We highlight the application and development prospects of the gene editing technology CRISPR/Cas9 in osteoarthritis. Finally, we identify the current problems and possible solutions in the clinical translation of gene therapy for osteoarthritis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinyu Li
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, West China Hospital, West China Medical School, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Leyao Shen
- School of Dentistry, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109-1078, USA
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3
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Catanese DJ, Fogg JM, Schrock DE, Gilbert BE, Zechiedrich L. Supercoiled Minivector DNA resists shear forces associated with gene therapy delivery. Gene Ther 2012; 19:94-100. [PMID: 21633394 PMCID: PMC3252587 DOI: 10.1038/gt.2011.77] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2011] [Revised: 03/04/2011] [Accepted: 03/09/2011] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Supercoiled DNAs varying from 281 to 5302 bp were subjected to shear forces generated by aerosolization or sonication. DNA shearing strongly correlated with length. Typical sized plasmids (≥ 3000 bp) degraded rapidly. DNAs 2000-3000 bp persisted ~10 min. Even in the absence of condensing agents, supercoiled DNA <1200 bp survived nebulization, and increased forces of sonication were necessary to shear it. Circular vectors were considerably more resistant to shearing than linear vectors of the same length. DNA supercoiling afforded additional protection. These results show the potential of shear-resistant Minivector DNAs to overcome one of the major challenges associated with gene therapy delivery.
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Affiliation(s)
- D J Catanese
- Department of Molecular Virology and Microbiology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
- Verna and Marrs McLean Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
- Department of Pharmacology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - J M Fogg
- Department of Molecular Virology and Microbiology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
- Verna and Marrs McLean Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
- Department of Pharmacology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - D E Schrock
- Department of Molecular Virology and Microbiology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
- University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center School of Health Sciences, Houston, TX, USA
| | - B E Gilbert
- Department of Molecular Virology and Microbiology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - L Zechiedrich
- Department of Molecular Virology and Microbiology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
- Verna and Marrs McLean Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
- Department of Pharmacology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
- University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center School of Health Sciences, Houston, TX, USA
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4
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Sueblinvong V, Suratt BT, Weiss DJ. Novel Therapies for the Treatment of Cystic Fibrosis: New Developments in Gene and Stem Cell Therapy. Clin Chest Med 2007; 28:361-79. [PMID: 17467554 DOI: 10.1016/j.ccm.2007.02.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Cystic fibrosis (CF) was one of the first target diseases for lung gene therapy. Studies of lung gene transfer for CF have provided many insights into the necessary components of successful gene therapy for lung diseases. Many advancements have been achieved with promising results in vitro and in small animal models. However, studies in primate models and patients have been discouraging despite a large number of clinical trials. This reflects a number of obstacles to successful, sustained, and repeatable gene transfer in the lung. Cell-based therapy with embryonic stem cells and adult stem cells (bone marrow or cord blood), have been investigated recently and may provide a viable therapeutic approach in the future. In this article, the authors review CF pathophysiology with a focus on specific targets in the lung epithelium for gene transfer and summarize the current status and future directions of gene- and cell-based therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Viranuj Sueblinvong
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, The University of Vermont and Fletcher Allen Health Care, 149 Beaumont Avenue, Burlington, VT 05405, USA
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5
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Chao YC, Chang SF, Lu SC, Hwang TC, Hsieh WH, Liaw J. Ethanol enhanced in vivo gene delivery with non-ionic polymeric micelles inhalation. J Control Release 2007; 118:105-17. [PMID: 17258837 DOI: 10.1016/j.jconrel.2006.12.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2006] [Revised: 11/20/2006] [Accepted: 12/05/2006] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Modifications of both carriers and host barriers have been investigated for efficient inhalation gene delivery to lung. Here we used a biocompatible, non-ionic poly(ethyleneoxide)-poly(propyleneoxide)-poly(ethyleneoxide) (PEO-PPO-PEO) polymeric micelles (PM) as a carrier and combined it with ethanol to enhance membrane penetration of delivered DNA. The inhalation delivery with six 100 microg doses of pCMV-Lac Z with PM co-formulated with 10%-40% ethanol to nude mice in 2 days at 8 h interval was performed. The beta-galatosidase (beta-Gal) activity was assessed using chlorophenol red-beta-d galactopyranoside (CPRG) and X-gal staining for quantitative and qualitative analysis in tissues. The results showed that beta-Gal activity was significantly increased by 38% in lung around bronchioles when inhalation with PM and 10% ethanol was given. The 10% ethanol also increased the intracellular apparent permeability by 42% in stomach and by 141% in intestine at 48 h after the first dosage of delivery. Also delivery of DNA encoding a functional human cystic fibrosis transmembrane protein (CFTR) using the same inhalation delivery method co-formulated with 10% ethanol, an increased expression of CFTR in lung was detected by immunostaining. We concluded that 10% ethanol co-formulated with the PM system could enhance inhaled gene delivery to airway and gastrointestinal (GI) tract.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yen-Chin Chao
- College of Pharmacy, Taipei Medical University, 250 Wu Hsing Street, Taipei 110, Taiwan
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6
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Bhattarai SR, Kim SY, Jang KY, Yi HK, Lee YH, Bhattarai N, Nam SY, Lee DY, Kim HY, Hwang PH. Amphiphilic triblock copolymer poly(p-dioxanone-co-L-lactide)-block-poly(ethylene glycol), enhancement of gene expression and inhibition of lung metastasis by aerosol delivery. Gene Ther 2006; 14:476-83. [PMID: 17122804 DOI: 10.1038/sj.gt.3302876] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
We describe the development of an aerosol system for topical gene delivery to the lungs of C57BL/6 mice. This system is based on the combination of the commercial cationic lipid Lipofectin with a novel amphiphilic triblock copolymer, poly(p-dioxanone-co-L-lactide)-block-poly(ethylene glycol) (PPDO/PLLA-b-PEG, and abbreviated in the text as polymeric micelles). After optimizing conditions for DNA delivery to the lungs of mice using the combination of polymeric micelles with Lipofectin and LacZ DNA, we used the Lipofectin/polymeric micelle system to deliver the tumor suppressor gene PTEN to the lungs of C57BL/6 mice bearing the B16-F10 melanoma. Lipofectin/PTEN/polymeric micelles significantly improved gene expression of PTEN in the lungs of mice with no evidence of cell toxicity or acute inflammation. Importantly, lung metastasis, as measured by lung weight, was significantly reduced (P<0.001), as were total tumor foci in the lungs (P<0.001) and size of individual tumor nodules in animals treated with Lipofectin/PTEN/polymeric micelles compared with control animals. Survival time was also extended. These results suggest that the Lipofectin/polymeric micelle system is appropriate for enhancing gene delivery in vivo and that it can be applied as a non-invasive gene therapy for lung cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- S R Bhattarai
- Department of Bionanosystem Engineering, Chonbuk National University, Jeonju, South Korea
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7
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Gazdhar A, Bilici M, Pierog J, Ayuni EL, Gugger M, Wetterwald A, Cecchini M, Schmid RA. In vivo electroporation and ubiquitin promoter--a protocol for sustained gene expression in the lung. J Gene Med 2006; 8:910-8. [PMID: 16685743 DOI: 10.1002/jgm.911] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Gene therapy applications require safe and efficient methods for gene transfer. Present methods are restricted by low efficiency and short duration of transgene expression. In vivo electroporation, a physical method of gene transfer, has evolved as an efficient method in recent years. We present a protocol involving electroporation combined with a long-acting promoter system for gene transfer to the lung. METHODS The study was designed to evaluate electroporation-mediated gene transfer to the lung and to analyze a promoter system that allows prolonged transgene expression. A volume of 250 microl of purified plasmid DNA suspended in water was instilled into the left lung of anesthetized rats, followed by left thoracotomy and electroporation of the exposed left lung. Plasmids pCiKlux and pUblux expressing luciferase under the control of the cytomegalovirus immediate-early promoter/enhancer (CMV-IEPE) or human polyubiquitin c (Ubc) promoter were used. Electroporation conditions were optimized with four pulses (200 V/cm, 20 ms at 1 Hz) using flat plate electrodes. The animals were sacrificed at different time points up to day 40, after gene transfer. Gene expression was detected and quantified by bioluminescent reporter imaging (BLI) and relative light units per milligram of protein (RLU/mg) was measured by luminometer for p.Pyralis luciferase and immunohistochemistry, using an anti-luciferase antibody. RESULTS Gene expression with the CMV-IEPE promoter was highest 24 h after gene transfer (2932+/-249.4 relative light units (RLU)/mg of total lung protein) and returned to baseline by day 3 (382+/-318 RLU/mg of total lung protein); at day 5 no expression was detected, whereas gene expression under the Ubc promoter was detected up to day 40 (1989+/-710 RLU/mg of total lung protein) with a peak at day 20 (2821+/-2092 RLU/mg of total lung protein). Arterial blood gas (PaO2), histological assessment and cytokine measurements showed no significant toxicity neither at day 1 nor at day 40. CONCLUSIONS These results provide evidence that in vivo electroporation is a safe and effective tool for non-viral gene delivery to the lungs. If this method is used in combination with a long-acting promoter system, sustained transgene expression can be achieved.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amiq Gazdhar
- Division of General Thoracic Surgery, University Hospital Bern, Bern, Switzerland
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8
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Lentz YK, Anchordoquy TJ, Lengsfeld CS. Rationale for the Selection of an Aerosol Delivery System for Gene Delivery. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2006; 19:372-84. [PMID: 17034312 DOI: 10.1089/jam.2006.19.372] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
Genetic therapeutics show great promise toward the treatment of illnesses associated with the lungs; however, current methods of delivery such as jet and ultrasonic nebulization decrease the activity and effectiveness of these treatments. Extremely low transfection rates exhibited by non-complexed plasmid DNA in these nebulizers have been primarily attributed to poor translocation and loss of molecular integrity as a consequence of shear-induced degradation. Current research focusing on methods to increase transfection rates via the pulmonary delivery route has largely concentrated on the incorporation of carbon dioxide in the air stream to increase breath depth as well as the addition of cationic agents that condense DNA into compact, ordered complexes. The purpose of this study was to examine the impact of several classic as well as the latest atomization devices on the structure of non-complexed DNA. Various sizes of plasmid and cosmid DNA were processed through an electrostatic spray, ultrasonic nebulizer, vibrating mesh nebulizer, and jet nebulizer. Results varied dramatically based upon atomization device as well as DNA size. This may explain the inefficiency experienced by genetic therapeutics during pulmonary delivery. More importantly, this suggests that the selection of an atomization device should consider DNA size in order to achieve optimal gene delivery to the lungs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yvonne K Lentz
- School of Pharmacy, University of Colorado Health Sciences Center, Denver, Colorado, USA
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9
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Dean DA, Machado-Aranda D, Blair-Parks K, Yeldandi AV, Young JL. Electroporation as a method for high-level nonviral gene transfer to the lung. Gene Ther 2003; 10:1608-15. [PMID: 12907953 PMCID: PMC5576138 DOI: 10.1038/sj.gt.3302053] [Citation(s) in RCA: 83] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
To increase the levels of pulmonary gene transfer by nonviral vectors, we have adopted electroporation protocols for use in the lung. A volume of 100-200 microl of purified plasmid DNA suspended in saline was instilled into the lungs of anesthetized mice. Plasmids expressed luciferase, or beta-galactosidase under control of the CMV immediate-early promoter and enhancer. Immediately following delivery, a series of eight square wave electric pulses of 10 ms duration each at an optimal field strength of 200 V/cm were administered to the animals using 10 mm Tweezertrodes (Genetronics, San Diego, CA, USA). The electrodes were placed on either side of the chest, which had been wetted with 70% ethanol. The animals recovered and survived with no apparent trauma until the experiments were terminated at the desired times, between 1 and 7 days post-treatment. Gene expression was detected by 1 day postelectroporation and peaked between 2 and 5 days. By 7 days, expression was back to baseline. By contrast, essentially no gene expression was detected in the absence of electric pulses. Using a beta-galactosidase-expressing plasmid, the distribution of gene expression appeared to be concentrated in the periphery of the lung, but was also present throughout the parenchyma. The primary cell types expressing gene product include alveolar type I and type II epithelial cells. No inflammation or lung injury was detected histologically or by cytokine measurements in lungs at either 1 or 24 h following electroporation treatment. These results provide evidence that electroporation is a safe and effective means for introducing naked DNA into the lung and form the basis for future studies on targeted pulmonary gene therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- D A Dean
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Northwestern University Medical School, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
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10
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Abstract
Gene therapy holds great promise. Somatic gene therapy has the potential to treat a wide range of disorders, including inherited conditions, cancers, and infectious diseases. Early progress has already been made in the treatment of a range of disorders. Ethical issues surrounding somatic gene therapy are primarily those concerned with safety. Germline gene therapy is theoretically possible but raises serious ethical concerns concerning future generations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kevin R Smith
- School of Contemporary Sciences, University of Abertay Dundee, Dundee, Scotland, UK.
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11
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Smith KR. Gene transfer in higher animals: theoretical considerations and key concepts. J Biotechnol 2002; 99:1-22. [PMID: 12204554 PMCID: PMC7252021 DOI: 10.1016/s0168-1656(02)00105-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2001] [Revised: 04/12/2002] [Accepted: 04/17/2002] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Gene transfer technology provides the ability to genetically manipulate the cells of higher animals. Gene transfer permits both germline and somatic alterations. Such genetic manipulation is the basis for animal transgenesis goals and gene therapy attempts. Improvements in gene transfer are required in terms of transgene design to permit gene targeting, and in terms of transfection approaches to allow improved transgene uptake efficiencies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kevin R Smith
- Division of Life Sciences, University of Abertay, Dundee DD1 1HG, UK.
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12
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Ehrhardt C, Fiegel J, Fuchs S, Abu-Dahab R, Schaefer UF, Hanes J, Lehr CM. Drug absorption by the respiratory mucosa: cell culture models and particulate drug carriers. JOURNAL OF AEROSOL MEDICINE : THE OFFICIAL JOURNAL OF THE INTERNATIONAL SOCIETY FOR AEROSOLS IN MEDICINE 2002; 15:131-9. [PMID: 12184863 DOI: 10.1089/089426802320282257] [Citation(s) in RCA: 68] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
The inhalation route is of increasing interest for both local and systemic drug delivery, including macromolecular biopharmaceuticals, such as peptides, proteins, and gene therapeutics. In addition to appropriate aerosolization for deposition in relevant areas of the respiratory tract, therapeutic molecules may require an advanced carrier system for safe and efficient delivery to their target. Two approaches to obtain novel carrier systems for pulmonary drug delivery are large porous microparticles with a low aerodynamic diameter and lectin-functionalized liposomes. Epithelial cells of alveolar or bronchial origin, obtained either from patient material or from established cell lines, can be grown on permeable filter supports, resulting in polarized monolayers with functional intercellular junctions. With such in vitro models, transport of drugs into pulmonary epithelial cells and/or across the air-blood barrier, as well as the effect and efficacy of novel drug carrier systems can be systematically studied.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Ehrhardt
- Department of Biopharmaceutics and Pharmaceutical Technology, Saarland University, Bldg. 8.1, 66123 Saarbrücken, Germany
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Deshpande D, Blanchard J, Srinivasan S, Fairbanks D, Fujimoto J, Sawa T, Wiener-Kronish J, Schreier H, Gonda I. Aerosolization of lipoplexes using AERx Pulmonary Delivery System. AAPS PHARMSCI 2002; 4:E13. [PMID: 12423062 PMCID: PMC2751352 DOI: 10.1208/ps040313] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
The lung represents an attractive target for delivering gene therapy to achieve local and potentially systemic delivery of gene products. The objective of this study was to evaluate the feasibility of the AERx Pulmonary Delivery System for delivering nonviral gene therapy formulations to the lung. We found that "naked" DNA undergoes degradation following aerosolization through the AERx nozzle system. However, DNA formulated with a molar excess of cationic lipids (lipoplexes) showed no loss of integrity. In addition, the lipoplexes showed no significant change in particle size, zeta (zeta) potential, or degree of complexation following extrusion. The data suggest that complexation with cationic lipids had a protective effect on the formulation following extrusion. In addition, there was no significant change in the potency of the formulation as determined by a transfection study in A-549 cells in culture. We also found that DNA formulations prepared in lactose were aerosolized poorly. Significant improvements in aerosolization efficiency were seen when electrolytes such as NaCl were added to the formulation. In conclusion, the data suggest that delivery of lipoplexes using the AERx Pulmonary Delivery System may be a viable approach for pulmonary gene therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Deepa Deshpande
- Aradigm Corporation, 3929 Point Eden Way, Hayward, CA 94545, USA.
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Abstract
The majority of gene therapy clinical trials use plasmid DNA that is susceptible to shear-induced degradation. Many processing steps in the extraction, purification, and preparation of plasmid-based therapeutics can impart significant shear stress that can fracture the phosphodiester backbone of polynucleotides, and reduce biological activity. Much of the mechanistic work on shear degradation of DNA was conducted over 30 years ago, and we rely heavily on this early work in an attempt to explain the empirical observations of more recent investigations concerning the aerosolization of plasmids. Unfortunately, the sporadic reports of shear degradation in the literature use different experimental systems, making it difficult to quantitatively compare results and reach definitive mechanistic conclusions. In this review, we describe the forces imparted to DNA during shear stress, and use published data to quantitatively evaluate their relative effects. In addition, we discuss the effects of molecular weight, strain rate, particle size, flexibility, ionic strength, gas-liquid interfaces, and turbulence on the fluid flow degradation of supercoiled plasmid DNA. Finally, we speculate on computational methods that might allow degradation rates in different experimental systems to be predicted.
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Affiliation(s)
- C S Lengsfeld
- Department of Engineering, University of Denver, 2390 South York Street, Denver, Colorado 80208, USA.
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15
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Abu-Dahab R, Schäfer UF, Lehr CM. Lectin-functionalized liposomes for pulmonary drug delivery: effect of nebulization on stability and bioadhesion. Eur J Pharm Sci 2001; 14:37-46. [PMID: 11457648 DOI: 10.1016/s0928-0987(01)00147-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
The generation of respirable aerosols of a functionalized colloidal carrier has been investigated in this study. Lectin-functionalized liposomes, which proved to show improved cell association (using A549 cell line and primary human alveolar cells) even in the presence of a commercial lung surfactant preparation, have been developed. The stability of non-functionalized liposomes during nebulization using a jet nebulizer (Pari II provocation nebulizer, operated using an air flow of 30 l/min) was firstly investigated, and the experimental and formulation conditions were optimized and applied for the preparation of lectin-functionalized liposomes. The incorporation of cholesterol enhanced the stability of the liposomes during nebulization (from 15-20% leakage of a hydrophilic marker to 8% upon cholesterol incorporation) and upon incubation with lung surfactant preparation. Nebulization of the functionalized liposomes did not significantly influence their physical stability. Their enhanced cell binding capability (compared to non-functionalized liposomes) was also maintained. A drop in cell association compared to fresh functionalized liposomes was detected after nebulization, nevertheless, the binding was still significantly higher than that of the non-functionalized liposomes. The deposition of the liposomal preparation in lung periphery, proved by the deposition of the liposomal preparation on the lower stages of an ASTRA type cascade impinger and a mean median aerodynamic diameter (MMAD) of 2.85 microm, makes it a potential candidate as a macromolecule-drug carrier for local and/or systemic administration.
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Affiliation(s)
- R Abu-Dahab
- Department of Biopharmaceutics and Pharmaceutical Technology, Saarland University, P.O. Box 15 11 50, D-66041, Saarbrücken, Germany
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16
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Lemieux P, Vinogradov SV, Gebhart CL, Guérin N, Paradis G, Nguyen HK, Ochietti B, Suzdaltseva YG, Bartakova EV, Bronich TK, St-Pierre Y, Alakhov VY, Kabanov AV. Block and graft copolymers and NanoGel copolymer networks for DNA delivery into cell. J Drug Target 2000; 8:91-105. [PMID: 10852341 DOI: 10.3109/10611860008996855] [Citation(s) in RCA: 81] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
Self-assembling complexes from nucleic acids and synthetic polymers are evaluated for plasmid and oligonucleotide (oligo) delivery. Polycations having linear, branched, dendritic. block- or graft copolymer architectures are used in these studies. All these molecules bind to nucleic acids due to formation of cooperative systems of salt bonds between the cationic groups of the polycation and phosphate groups of the DNA. To improve solubility of the DNA/polycation complexes, cationic block and graft copolymers containing segments from polycations and non-ionic soluble polymers, for example, poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO) were developed. Binding of these copolymers with short DNA chains, such as oligos, results in formation of species containing hydrophobic sites from neutralized DNA polycation complex and hydrophilic sites from PEO. These species spontaneously associate into polyion complex micelles with a hydrophobic core from neutralized polyions and a hydrophilic shell from PEO. Such complexes are very small (10-40 nm) and stable in solution despite complete neutralization of charge. They reveal significant activity with oligos in vitro and in vivo. Binding of cationic copolymers to plasmid DNA forms larger (70-200 nm) complexes. which are practically inactive in cell transfection studies. It is likely that PEO prevents binding of these complexes with the cell membranes ("stealth effect"). However attaching specific ligands to the PEO-corona can produce complexes, which are both stable in solution and bind to target cells. The most efficient complexes were obtained when PEO in the cationic copolymer was replaced with membrane-active PEO-b-poly(propylene oxide)-b-PEO molecules (Pluronic 123). Such complexes exhibited elevated levels of transgene expression in liver following systemic administration in mice. To increase stability of the complexes, NanoGel carriers were developed that represent small hydrogel particles synthesized by cross-linking of PEI with double end activated PEO using an emulsification/solvent evaporation technique. Oligos are immobilized by mixing with NanoGel suspension, which results in the formation of small particles (80 nm). Oligos incorporated in NanoGel are able to reach targets within the cell and suppress gene expression in a sequence-specific fashion. Further. loaded NanoGel particles cross-polarized monolayers of intestinal cells (Caco-2) suggesting potential usefulness of these systems for oral administration of oligos. In conclusion the approaches using polycations for gene delivery for the design of gene transfer complexes that exhibit a very broad range of physicochemical and biological properties, which is essential for design of a new generation of more effective non-viral gene delivery systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- P Lemieux
- Supratek Pharma Inc, Armand-Frappier Institute, Laval, PQ, Canada
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Birchall JC, Kellaway IW, Gumbleton M. Physical stability and in-vitro gene expression efficiency of nebulised lipid-peptide-DNA complexes. Int J Pharm 2000; 197:221-31. [PMID: 10704809 DOI: 10.1016/s0378-5173(00)00339-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
The lower respiratory tract provides a number of disease targets for gene therapy. Nebulisation is the most practical system for the aerosolisation of non-viral gene delivery systems. The aerosolisation process represents a significant challenge to the maintenance of the physical stability and biological activity of the gene vector. In this study we investigate the role of a condensing polycationic peptide on the stability and efficiency of nebulised lipid-DNA complexes. Complexes prepared from the cationic lipid 1, 2-dioleoyl-3-trimethylammonium propane (DOTAP) and plasmid DNA (pDNA) at mass (w/w) ratios of 12:1, 6:1 and 3:1, and complexes prepared from DOTAP, the polycationic peptide, protamine, and pDNA (LPD) at 3:2:1 w/w ratio were nebulised using a Pari LC Plus jet nebuliser. Samples from the nebuliser reservoir (pre- and post-nebulisation) and from the aerosol mist were collected and investigated for changes, including: particle diameter, retention of in-vitro transfection activity and the relative concentration and nature of the complexed pDNA remaining after the nebulisation procedure. The process of jet nebulisation adversely affected the physical stability of lipid:pDNA complexes with only those formulated at 12:1 w/w DOTAP:pDNA able to maintain their pre-nebulisation particle size distribution (145+/-3 nm pre-nebulisation vs. 142+/-2 nm aerosol mist) and preserve significant pDNA integrity in the reservoir (35% of pre-nebulisation pDNA band intensity). The LPD complexes were smaller (102+/-1 nm pre-nebulisation vs. 113+/-2 nm aerosol mist) with considerably greater retention of pDNA integrity in the reservoir (90% of pre-nebulisation pDNA band intensity). In contrast the concentration of pDNA in the aerosol mist for both the 12:1 w/w DOTAP:pDNA and LPD complexes were significantly reduced (10 and 12% of pre-nebulised values, respectively). Despite reduced pDNA concentration the transfection (% cells transfected) mediated by aerosol mist for the nebulised complexes was comparatively efficient (LPD aerosol mist 26 vs. 40% for pre-nebulised complex; the respective values for 12: 1 w/w DOTAP:pDNA were 12 vs. 28%). The physical stability and biological activity of nebulised lipid:pDNA complexes can be improved by inclusion of a condensing polycationic peptide such as protamine. The incorporation of the peptide precludes the use of potentially toxic excesses of lipid and charge and may act as a platform for the covalent attachment of peptide signals mediating sub-cellular targetting.
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Affiliation(s)
- J C Birchall
- Welsh School of Pharmacy, Redwood Building, Cardiff University, King Edward VII Avenue, Cardiff, UK.
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Densmore CL, Orson FM, Xu B, Kinsey BM, Waldrep JC, Hua P, Bhogal B, Knight V. Aerosol delivery of robust polyethyleneimine-DNA complexes for gene therapy and genetic immunization. Mol Ther 2000; 1:180-8. [PMID: 10933929 DOI: 10.1006/mthe.1999.0021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 137] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Aerosol delivery of plasmid DNA to the lungs offers the possibility of direct application of gene preparations to pulmonary surfaces as a means of treating a variety of genetic pulmonary disorders. However, the process of jet nebulization rapidly degrades naked DNA, viral vectors, and many lipid-based formulations. While complexing DNA with cationic lipids has been shown to significantly stabilize plasmid DNA, losses of biological activity often occur during nebulization, severely limiting the efficiency of aerosol delivery of many such complexes. In conjunction with the design of aerosol delivery systems appropriate for DNA delivery, we have developed formulations using polyethyleneimine (PEI, a polycationic polymer) and DNA that result in a high level of pulmonary transfection (10- to 100-fold greater than many cationic lipids) and are stable during nebulization. In addition, these PEI-based formulations exhibit a high degree of specificity for the lungs. The properties of PEI-based formulations that make them resistant to nebulization and efficient as DNA delivery vectors for pulmonary sites have been investigated. Potential applications of this technology, including the use of aerosolized PEI-DNA for genetic immunization, are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- C L Densmore
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas 77030, USA.
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Human airway epithelial cell lines for in vitro drug transport and metabolism studies. PHARMACEUTICAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY TODAY 2000; 3:18-27. [PMID: 10637597 DOI: 10.1016/s1461-5347(99)00231-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 112] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
The pharmaceutical industry relies on appropriate in vitro models for the evaluation of drug absorption and metabolism. Despite increasing interest in drug delivery via the lung, there is currently no widely accepted cell culture model of the airway epithelium. This review considers the airway epithelium, the culture of airway epithelial cells and the need for cell lines which can model the airway epithelium. Three of the most promising human bronchial cell lines, 16HBE14o-, Calu-3 and BEAS-2B, are reviewed, with emphasis on their recent application for the study of drug transport, drug metabolism and gene delivery. Current limitations and future directions for the development of these cell lines as models of the airway epithelium are discussed.
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Nguyen HK, Lemieux P, Vinogradov SV, Gebhart CL, Guérin N, Paradis G, Bronich TK, Alakhov VY, Kabanov AV. Evaluation of polyether-polyethyleneimine graft copolymers as gene transfer agents. Gene Ther 2000; 7:126-38. [PMID: 10673718 DOI: 10.1038/sj.gt.3301052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 258] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Cationic copolymers consisting of polycations linked to non-ionic polymers are evaluated as non-viral gene delivery systems. These copolymers are known to produce soluble complexes with DNA, but only a few studies have characterized the transfection activity of these complexes. This work reports the synthesis and characterization of a series of cationic copolymers obtained by grafting the polyethyleneimine (PEI) with non-ionic polyethers, poly (ethylene oxide) (PEO) or Pluronic 123 (P123). The PEO-PEI conjugates differ in the molecular mass of PEI (2 kDa and 25 kDa) and the degree of modification of PEI with PEO. All of these conjugates form complexes upon mixing with plasmids, which are stable in aqueous dispersion for several days. The sizes of the particles formed in these systems vary from 70 to 200 nm depending on the composition of the complex. However, transfection activity of these systems is much lower than that of PEI (25 kDa) or Superfect as assessed in in vitro transfection experiments utilizing a luciferase reporter expression in Cos-7 cells as a model system. In contrast, conjugate of P123 with PEI (2 kDa) mixed with free P123 (9:1(wt)) forms small and stable complexes with DNA (110 nm) that exhibit high transfection activity in vitro. Furthermore, gene expression is observed in spleen, heart, lungs and liver 24 h after i.v. injection of this complex in mice. Compared to 1,2-bis(oleoyloxy)-(trimethylammonio) propane:cholesterol (DOTAP:Chol) and PEI (25 kDa) transfection systems, the P123-PEI system reveals a more uniform distribution of gene expression between these organs, allowing a significant improvement of gene expression in liver.
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Affiliation(s)
- H K Nguyen
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Nebraska Medical Center Omaha, NE 68198, USA
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Literature alerts. J Microencapsul 1999; 16:665-79. [PMID: 10499845 DOI: 10.1080/026520499288843] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/16/2022]
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LITERATURE ALERTS. J Microencapsul 1999. [DOI: 10.1080/026520499289383] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/16/2022]
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