1
|
El Ansari W, Savira M, Atmoko W, Shah R, Boitrelle F, Agarwal A. The Global Andrology Forum (GAF): Structure, Roles, Functioning and Outcomes: An Online Model for Collaborative Research. World J Mens Health 2024; 42:415-428. [PMID: 37635335 PMCID: PMC10949020 DOI: 10.5534/wjmh.230101] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2023] [Accepted: 04/28/2023] [Indexed: 08/29/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE There are no published examples of a global online research collaborative in andrology. We describe the development, profile and member characteristics of the first consortium of this type, the Global Andrology Forum (GAF). MATERIALS AND METHODS An online survey sent to all GAF members collected demographic information (sex, age, experience, academic title, degrees, country, specialty, profession). It also tapped data on members' characteristics e.g., skills in research, software and statistics; preferred activities; time commitments; expected roles; and interest in participating in research, in GAF's scientific activities and collaborative online research. The findings were analyzed and tabulated. We outline members' demographic and professional characteristics and scientific achievements to date. A narrative approach outlined GAF's structure and functioning. RESULTS A total of 418 out of 540 members completed the survey and were included in the analysis (77.4% response rate). The sample comprised mainly urologists (34.2%) and a third of the respondents had practiced for >15 years (33.3%). Up to 86.1% of the members expressed interest in being actively engaged in writing scientific articles. A third of the sample (37.1%) could dedicate 4 to 6 hours/week. Few respondents reported skills in statistics and artwork (2.6% and 1.9% respectively). Members were assigned to specific roles based on their expertise and experiences. Collaborative working ensured the timely completion of projects while maintaining quality. For outcomes, GAF published 29 original articles within one year of its creation, with authors from 48 countries spanning topics that included varicocele, sperm DNA damage, oxidative stress, semen analysis and male infertility, oocyte/embryo, and laboratory issues of assisted reproductive technique (ART) and male infertility evaluation. CONCLUSIONS GAF is a successful global online andrology research model. A healthy number of scientific articles have been published. Given such effectiveness, adopting the GAF model could be useful for other disciplines that wish to create and coordinate successful international online research groups.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Walid El Ansari
- Department of Surgery, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar
- Department of Postgraduate Medical Education, College of Medicine, Qatar University, Doha, Qatar
- Department of Population Health, Weill Cornell Medicine-Qatar, Doha, Qatar
| | - Missy Savira
- Department of Urology, Dr. Cipto Mangunkusumo Hospital, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Indonesia, Jakarta, Indonesia
- Global Andrology Forum, Moreland Hills, OH, USA
| | - Widi Atmoko
- Department of Urology, Dr. Cipto Mangunkusumo Hospital, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Indonesia, Jakarta, Indonesia
- Global Andrology Forum, Moreland Hills, OH, USA
| | - Rupin Shah
- Global Andrology Forum, Moreland Hills, OH, USA
- Department of Urology, Lilavati Hospital and Research Centre, Mumbai, India
| | - Florence Boitrelle
- Global Andrology Forum, Moreland Hills, OH, USA
- Department of Reproductive Biology, Fertility Preservation, Andrology, CECOS, Poissy Hospital, Poissy, France
- Department of Biology, Reproduction, Epigenetics, Environment and Development, Paris Saclay University, UVSQ, INRAE, BREED, Jouy-en-Josas, France
| | - Ashok Agarwal
- Global Andrology Forum, Moreland Hills, OH, USA
- Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Li X, Jin K, Cheng TC, Liao YC, Lee WJ, Bhullar AS, Chen LC, Rychahou P, Phelps MA, Ho YS, Guo P. RNA four-way junction (4WJ) for spontaneous cancer-targeting, effective tumor-regression, metastasis suppression, fast renal excretion and undetectable toxicity. Biomaterials 2024; 305:122432. [PMID: 38176263 PMCID: PMC10994150 DOI: 10.1016/j.biomaterials.2023.122432] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2023] [Revised: 11/14/2023] [Accepted: 12/14/2023] [Indexed: 01/06/2024]
Abstract
The field of RNA therapeutics has been emerging as the third milestone in pharmaceutical drug development. RNA nanoparticles have displayed motile and deformable properties to allow for high tumor accumulation with undetectable healthy organ accumulation. Therefore, RNA nanoparticles have the potential to serve as potent drug delivery vehicles with strong anti-cancer responses. Herein, we report the physicochemical basis for the rational design of a branched RNA four-way junction (4WJ) nanoparticle that results in advantageous high-thermostability and -drug payload for cancer therapy, including metastatic tumors in the lung. The 4WJ nanostructure displayed versatility through functionalization with an anti-cancer chemical drug, SN38, for the treatment of two different cancer models including colorectal cancer xenograft and orthotopic lung metastases of colon cancer. The resulting 4WJ RNA drug complex spontaneously targeted cancers effectively for cancer inhibition with and without ligands. The 4WJ displayed fast renal excretion, rapid body clearance, and little organ accumulation with undetectable toxicity and immunogenicity. The safety parameters were documented by organ histology, blood biochemistry, and pathological analysis. The highly efficient cancer inhibition, undetectable drug toxicity, and favorable Chemical, Manufacturing, and Control (CMC) production of RNA nanoparticles document a candidate with high potential for translation in cancer therapy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xin Li
- Division of Pharmaceutics and Pharmacology, College of Pharmacy, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, 43210, USA; Center for RNA Nanotechnology and Nanomedicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, 43210, USA
| | - Kai Jin
- Division of Pharmaceutics and Pharmacology, College of Pharmacy, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, 43210, USA; Center for RNA Nanotechnology and Nanomedicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, 43210, USA
| | - Tzu-Chun Cheng
- Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, China Medical University, Taichung, 406040, Taiwan
| | - You-Cheng Liao
- Graduate Institute of Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, 110031, Taiwan
| | - Wen-Jui Lee
- Division of Pharmaceutics and Pharmacology, College of Pharmacy, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, 43210, USA; Center for RNA Nanotechnology and Nanomedicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, 43210, USA
| | - Abhjeet S Bhullar
- Division of Pharmaceutics and Pharmacology, College of Pharmacy, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, 43210, USA; Center for RNA Nanotechnology and Nanomedicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, 43210, USA
| | - Li-Ching Chen
- Department of Biological Science & Technology, China Medical University, Taichung, 406040, Taiwan
| | - Piotr Rychahou
- Markey Cancer Center, Department of Surgery, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, 40536, USA
| | - Mitch A Phelps
- Division of Pharmaceutics and Pharmacology, College of Pharmacy, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, 43210, USA; Center for RNA Nanotechnology and Nanomedicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, 43210, USA
| | - Yuan Soon Ho
- Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, China Medical University, Taichung, 406040, Taiwan.
| | - Peixuan Guo
- Division of Pharmaceutics and Pharmacology, College of Pharmacy, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, 43210, USA; Center for RNA Nanotechnology and Nanomedicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, 43210, USA; James Comprehensive Cancer Center, College of Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, 43210, USA; Dorothy M. Davis Heart and Lung Research Institute, College of Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, 43210, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Rebolledo LP, Ke W, Cedrone E, Wang J, Majithia K, Johnson MB, Dokholyan NV, Dobrovolskaia MA, Afonin KA. Immunostimulation of Fibrous Nucleic Acid Nanoparticles Can be Modulated through Aptamer-Based Functional Moieties: Unveiling the Structure-Activity Relationship and Mechanistic Insights. ACS Appl Mater Interfaces 2024; 16:8430-8441. [PMID: 38344840 PMCID: PMC10895590 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.3c17779] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2023] [Revised: 01/23/2024] [Accepted: 01/30/2024] [Indexed: 02/23/2024]
Abstract
Fibrous nanomaterials containing silica, titanium oxide, and carbon nanotubes are notoriously known for their undesirable inflammatory responses and associated toxicities that have been extensively studied in the environmental and occupational toxicology fields. Biopersistance and inflammation of "hard" nanofibers prevent their broader biomedical applications. To utilize the structural benefits of fibrous nanomaterials for functionalization with moieties of therapeutic significance while preventing undesirable immune responses, researchers employ natural biopolymers─RNA and DNA─to design "soft" and biodegradable nanomaterials with controlled immunorecognition. Nucleic acid nanofibers have been shown to be safe and efficacious in applications that do not require their delivery into the cells such as the regulation of blood coagulation. Previous studies demonstrated that unlike traditional therapeutic nucleic acids (e.g., CpG DNA oligonucleotides) nucleic acid nanoparticles (NANPs), when used without a carrier, are not internalized by the immune cells and, as such, do not induce undesirable cytokine responses. In contrast, intracellular delivery of NANPs results in cytokine responses that are dependent on the physicochemical properties of these nanomaterials. However, the structure-activity relationship of innate immune responses to intracellularly delivered fibrous NANPs is poorly understood. Herein, we employ the intracellular delivery of model RNA/DNA nanofibers functionalized with G-quadruplex-based DNA aptamers to investigate how their structural properties influence cytokine responses. We demonstrate that nanofibers' scaffolds delivered to the immune cells using lipofectamine induce interferon response via the cGAS-STING signaling pathway activation and that DNA aptamers incorporation shields the fibers from recognition by cGAS and results in a lower interferon response. This structure-activity relationship study expands the current knowledge base to inform future practical applications of intracellularly delivered NANPs as vaccine adjuvants and immunotherapies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Laura P Rebolledo
- Nanoscale Science Program, Department of Chemistry, University of North Carolina Charlotte, Charlotte, North Carolina 28223, United States
| | - Weina Ke
- Nanoscale Science Program, Department of Chemistry, University of North Carolina Charlotte, Charlotte, North Carolina 28223, United States
| | - Edward Cedrone
- Nanotechnology Characterization Laboratory, Cancer Research Technology Program, Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research Sponsored by the National Cancer Institute, Frederick, Maryland 21701, United States
| | - Jian Wang
- Department of Pharmacology, Penn State College of Medicine, Hershey, Pennsylvania 17033, United States
| | - Krishna Majithia
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of North Carolina Charlotte, Charlotte, North Carolina 28223, United States
| | - M Brittany Johnson
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of North Carolina Charlotte, Charlotte, North Carolina 28223, United States
| | - Nikolay V Dokholyan
- Department of Pharmacology, Penn State College of Medicine, Hershey, Pennsylvania 17033, United States
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, Penn State College of Medicine, Hershey, Pennsylvania 17033, United States
| | - Marina A Dobrovolskaia
- Nanotechnology Characterization Laboratory, Cancer Research Technology Program, Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research Sponsored by the National Cancer Institute, Frederick, Maryland 21701, United States
| | - Kirill A Afonin
- Nanoscale Science Program, Department of Chemistry, University of North Carolina Charlotte, Charlotte, North Carolina 28223, United States
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Brumett R, Danai L, Coffman A, Radwan Y, Teter M, Hayth H, Doe E, Pranger K, Thornburgh S, Dittmer A, Li Z, Kim TJ, Afonin KA, Khisamutdinov EF. Design and Characterization of Compact, Programmable, Multistranded Nonimmunostimulatory Nucleic Acid Nanoparticles Suitable for Biomedical Applications. Biochemistry 2024; 63:312-325. [PMID: 38271599 DOI: 10.1021/acs.biochem.3c00615] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/27/2024]
Abstract
We report a thorough investigation of the role of single-stranded thymidine (ssT) linkers in the stability and flexibility of minimal, multistranded DNA nanostructures. We systematically explore the impact of varying the number of ssTs in three-way junction motifs (3WJs) on their formation and properties. Through various UV melting experiments and molecular dynamics simulations, we demonstrate that while the number of ssTs minimally affects thermodynamic stability, the increasing ssT regions significantly enhance the structural flexibility of 3WJs. Utilizing this knowledge, we design triangular DNA nanoparticles with varying ssTs, all showing exceptional assembly efficiency except for the 0T triangle. All triangles demonstrate enhanced stability in blood serum and are nonimmunostimulatory and nontoxic in mammalian cell lines. The 4T 3WJ is chosen as the building block for constructing other polygons due to its enhanced flexibility and favorable physicochemical characteristics, making it a versatile choice for creating cost-effective, stable, and functional DNA nanostructures that can be stored in the dehydrated forms while retaining their structures. Our study provides valuable insights into the design and application of nucleic acid nanostructures, emphasizing the importance of understanding stability and flexibility in the realm of nucleic acid nanotechnology. Our findings suggest the intricate connection between these ssTs and the structural adaptability of DNA 3WJs, paving the way for more precise design and engineering of nucleic acid nanosystems suitable for broad biomedical applications.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ross Brumett
- Department of Chemistry, Ball State University, Muncie, Indiana 47306, United States
| | - Leyla Danai
- Department of Chemistry, University of North Carolina at Charlotte, Charlotte, North Carolina 28223, United States
| | - Abigail Coffman
- Department of Chemistry, Ball State University, Muncie, Indiana 47306, United States
| | - Yasmine Radwan
- Department of Chemistry, University of North Carolina at Charlotte, Charlotte, North Carolina 28223, United States
| | - Megan Teter
- Department of Chemistry, Ball State University, Muncie, Indiana 47306, United States
| | - Hannah Hayth
- Department of Chemistry, Ball State University, Muncie, Indiana 47306, United States
| | - Erwin Doe
- Department of Chemistry, Ball State University, Muncie, Indiana 47306, United States
| | - Katelynn Pranger
- Department of Chemistry, Ball State University, Muncie, Indiana 47306, United States
| | - Sable Thornburgh
- Department of Chemistry, Ball State University, Muncie, Indiana 47306, United States
| | - Allison Dittmer
- Department of Chemistry, Ball State University, Muncie, Indiana 47306, United States
| | - Zhihai Li
- Department of Chemistry, Ball State University, Muncie, Indiana 47306, United States
| | - Tae Jin Kim
- Department of Physical Sciences, West Virginia University Institute of Technology, Beckley, West Virginia 25801, United States
| | - Kirill A Afonin
- Department of Chemistry, University of North Carolina at Charlotte, Charlotte, North Carolina 28223, United States
| | - Emil F Khisamutdinov
- Department of Chemistry, Ball State University, Muncie, Indiana 47306, United States
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Jin K, Liao YC, Cheng TC, Li X, Lee WJ, Pi F, Jasinski D, Chen LC, Phelps MA, Ho YS, Guo P. In Vitro and In Vivo Evaluation of the Pathology and Safety Aspects of Three- and Four-Way Junction RNA Nanoparticles. Mol Pharm 2024; 21:718-728. [PMID: 38214504 PMCID: PMC10976369 DOI: 10.1021/acs.molpharmaceut.3c00845] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/13/2024]
Abstract
RNA therapeutics has advanced into the third milestone in pharmaceutical drug development, following chemical and protein therapeutics. RNA itself can serve as therapeutics, carriers, regulators, or substrates in drug development. Due to RNA's motile, dynamic, and deformable properties, RNA nanoparticles have demonstrated spontaneous targeting and accumulation in cancer vasculature and fast excretion through the kidney glomerulus to urine to prevent possible interactions with healthy organs. Furthermore, the negatively charged phosphate backbone of RNA results in general repulsion from negatively charged lipid cell membranes for further avoidance of vital organs. Thus, RNA nanoparticles can spontaneously enrich tumor vasculature and efficiently enter tumor cells via specific targeting, while those not entering the tumor tissue will clear from the body quickly. These favorable parameters have led to the expectation that RNA has low or little toxicity. RNA nanoparticles have been well characterized for their anticancer efficacy; however, little detail on RNA nanoparticle pathology and safety is known. Here, we report the in vitro and in vivo assessment of the pathology and safety aspects of different RNA nanoparticles including RNA three-way junction (3WJ) harboring 2'-F modified pyrimidine, folic acid, and Survivin siRNA, as well as the RNA four-way junction (4WJ) harboring 2'-F modified pyrimidine and 24 copies of SN38. Both animal models and patient serum were investigated. In vitro studies include hemolysis, platelet aggregation, complement activation, plasma coagulation, and interferon induction. In vivo studies include hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining, hematological and biochemical analysis as the serum profiling, and animal organ weight study. No significant toxicity, side effect, or immune responses were detected during the extensive safety evaluations of RNA nanoparticles. These results further complement previous cancer inhibition studies and demonstrate RNA nanoparticles as an effective and safe drug delivery vehicle for future clinical translations.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kai Jin
- Division of Pharmaceutics and Pharmacology, College of Pharmacy, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio 43210, United States
- Center for RNA Nanotechnology and Nanomedicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio 43210, United States
| | - You-Cheng Liao
- Graduate Institute of Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 110031, Taiwan
| | - Tzu-Chun Cheng
- Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, China Medical University, Taichung 406040, Taiwan
| | - Xin Li
- Division of Pharmaceutics and Pharmacology, College of Pharmacy, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio 43210, United States
- Center for RNA Nanotechnology and Nanomedicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio 43210, United States
| | - Wen-Jui Lee
- Division of Pharmaceutics and Pharmacology, College of Pharmacy, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio 43210, United States
- Center for RNA Nanotechnology and Nanomedicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio 43210, United States
| | - Fengmei Pi
- Division of Pharmaceutics and Pharmacology, College of Pharmacy, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio 43210, United States
- Center for RNA Nanotechnology and Nanomedicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio 43210, United States
| | - Daniel Jasinski
- Division of Pharmaceutics and Pharmacology, College of Pharmacy, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio 43210, United States
- Center for RNA Nanotechnology and Nanomedicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio 43210, United States
| | - Li-Ching Chen
- Department of Biological Science and Technology, China Medical University, Taichung 406040, Taiwan
| | - Mitch A Phelps
- Division of Pharmaceutics and Pharmacology, College of Pharmacy, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio 43210, United States
| | - Yuan-Soon Ho
- Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, China Medical University, Taichung 406040, Taiwan
| | - Peixuan Guo
- Division of Pharmaceutics and Pharmacology, College of Pharmacy, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio 43210, United States
- Center for RNA Nanotechnology and Nanomedicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio 43210, United States
- James Comprehensive Cancer Center, College of Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio 43210, United States
- Dorothy M. Davis Heart and Lung Research Institute, College of Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio 43210, United States
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Jones CH, Androsavich JR, So N, Jenkins MP, MacCormack D, Prigodich A, Welch V, True JM, Dolsten M. Breaking the mold with RNA-a "RNAissance" of life science. NPJ Genom Med 2024; 9:2. [PMID: 38195675 PMCID: PMC10776758 DOI: 10.1038/s41525-023-00387-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2023] [Accepted: 12/07/2023] [Indexed: 01/11/2024] Open
Abstract
In the past decade, RNA therapeutics have gone from being a promising concept to one of the most exciting frontiers in healthcare and pharmaceuticals. The field is now entering what many call a renaissance or "RNAissance" which is being fueled by advances in genetic engineering and delivery systems to take on more ambitious development efforts. However, this renaissance is occurring at an unprecedented pace, which will require a different way of thinking if the field is to live up to its full potential. Recognizing this need, this article will provide a forward-looking perspective on the field of RNA medical products and the potential long-term innovations and policy shifts enabled by this revolutionary and game-changing technological platform.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Nina So
- Pfizer, 66 Hudson Boulevard, New York, NY, 10018, USA
| | | | | | | | - Verna Welch
- Pfizer, 66 Hudson Boulevard, New York, NY, 10018, USA
| | - Jane M True
- Pfizer, 66 Hudson Boulevard, New York, NY, 10018, USA.
| | | |
Collapse
|
7
|
Azizi M, Shahgolzari M, Fathi-Karkan S, Ghasemi M, Samadian H. Multifunctional plant virus nanoparticles: An emerging strategy for therapy of cancer. Wiley Interdiscip Rev Nanomed Nanobiotechnol 2023; 15:e1872. [PMID: 36450366 DOI: 10.1002/wnan.1872] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2022] [Revised: 11/07/2022] [Accepted: 11/11/2022] [Indexed: 12/05/2022]
Abstract
Cancer therapy requires sophisticated treatment strategies to obtain the highest success. Nanotechnology is enabling, revolutionizing, and multidisciplinary concepts to improve conventional cancer treatment modalities. Nanomaterials have a central role in this scenario, explaining why various nanomaterials are currently being developed for cancer therapy. Viral nanoparticles (VNPs) have shown promising performance in cancer therapy due to their unique features. VNPs possess morphological homogeneity, ease of functionalization, biocompatibility, biodegradability, water solubility, and high absorption efficiency that are beneficial for cancer therapy applications. In the current review paper, we highlight state-of-the-art properties and potentials of plant viruses, strategies for multifunctional plant VNPs formulations, potential applications and challenges in VNPs-based cancer therapy, and finally practical solutions to bring potential cancer therapy one step closer to real applications. This article is categorized under: Therapeutic Approaches and Drug Discovery > Nanomedicine for Oncologic Disease Nanotechnology Approaches to Biology > Nanoscale Systems in Biology Biology-Inspired Nanomaterials > Protein and Virus-Based Structures.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mehdi Azizi
- Department of Tissue Engineering and Biomaterials, School of Advanced Medical Sciences and Technologies, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran
- Dental Implants Research Center, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran
| | - Mehdi Shahgolzari
- Department of Medical Nanotechnology, Faculty of Advanced Medical Sciences, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Sonia Fathi-Karkan
- Department of Medical Nanotechnology, Faculty of Advanced Medical Sciences, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
- Department of Advanced Sciences and Technologies in Medicine, School of Medicine, North Khorasan University of Medical Sciences, Bojnurd, Iran
| | - Maryam Ghasemi
- Renal Division, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Hadi Samadian
- Research Center for Molecular Medicine, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Danai L, Ge E, Afonin KA. RNA nanoparticles for targeted therapies of triple-negative breast cancers. Mol Ther Nucleic Acids 2023; 33:885-886. [PMID: 37680990 PMCID: PMC10481346 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtn.2023.08.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/09/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Leyla Danai
- Nanoscale Science Program, Department of Chemistry, The University of North Carolina at Charlotte, Charlotte, NC 28223, USA
| | - Eva Ge
- Nanoscale Science Program, Department of Chemistry, The University of North Carolina at Charlotte, Charlotte, NC 28223, USA
| | - Kirill A. Afonin
- Nanoscale Science Program, Department of Chemistry, The University of North Carolina at Charlotte, Charlotte, NC 28223, USA
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Doe E, Hayth HL, Brumett R, Khisamutdinov EF. Effective, Rapid, and Small-Scale Bioconjugation and Purification of "Clicked" Small-Molecule DNA Oligonucleotide for Nucleic Acid Nanoparticle Functionalization. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:4797. [PMID: 36902228 PMCID: PMC10003352 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24054797] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2023] [Revised: 02/12/2023] [Accepted: 02/27/2023] [Indexed: 03/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Nucleic acid-based therapeutics involves the conjugation of small molecule drugs to nucleic acid oligomers to surmount the challenge of solubility, and the inefficient delivery of these drug molecules into cells. "Click" chemistry has become popular conjugation approach due to its simplicity and high conjugation efficiency. However, the major drawback of the conjugation of oligonucleotides is the purification of the products, as traditionally used chromatography techniques are usually time-consuming and laborious, requiring copious quantities of materials. Herein, we introduce a simple and rapid purification methodology to separate the excess of unconjugated small molecules and toxic catalysts using a molecular weight cut-off (MWCO) centrifugation approach. As proof of concept, we deployed "click" chemistry to conjugate a Cy3-alkyne moiety to an azide-functionalized oligodeo-xynucleotide (ODN), as well as a coumarin azide to an alkyne-functionalized ODN. The calculated yields of the conjugated products were found to be 90.3 ± 0.4% and 86.0 ± 1.3% for the ODN-Cy3 and ODN-coumarin, respectively. Analysis of purified products by fluorescence spectroscopy and gel shift assays demonstrated a drastic amplitude of fluorescent intensity by multiple folds of the reporter molecules within DNA nanoparticles. This work is intended to demonstrate a small-scale, cost-effective, and robust approach to purifying ODN conjugates for nucleic acid nanotechnology applications.
Collapse
|
10
|
Panigaj M, Skelly E, Beasock D, Marriott I, Johnson MB, Salotti J, Afonin KA. Therapeutic immunomodulation by rationally designed nucleic acids and nucleic acid nanoparticles. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1053550. [PMID: 36798121 PMCID: PMC9927404 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1053550] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2022] [Accepted: 01/18/2023] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
The immune system has evolved to defend organisms against exogenous threats such as viruses, bacteria, fungi, and parasites by distinguishing between "self" and "non-self". In addition, it guards us against other diseases, such as cancer, by detecting and responding to transformed and senescent cells. However, for survival and propagation, the altered cells and invading pathogens often employ a wide range of mechanisms to avoid, inhibit, or manipulate the immunorecognition. As such, the development of new modes of therapeutic intervention to augment protective and prevent harmful immune responses is desirable. Nucleic acids are biopolymers essential for all forms of life and, therefore, delineating the complex defensive mechanisms developed against non-self nucleic acids can offer an exciting avenue for future biomedicine. Nucleic acid technologies have already established numerous approaches in therapy and biotechnology; recently, rationally designed nucleic acids nanoparticles (NANPs) with regulated physiochemical properties and biological activities has expanded our repertoire of therapeutic options. When compared to conventional therapeutic nucleic acids (TNAs), NANP technologies can be rendered more beneficial for synchronized delivery of multiple TNAs with defined stabilities, immunological profiles, and therapeutic functions. This review highlights several recent advances and possible future directions of TNA and NANP technologies that are under development for controlled immunomodulation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Martin Panigaj
- Nanoscale Science Program, Department of Chemistry, The University of North Carolina at Charlotte, Charlotte, NC, United States.,Institute of Biology & Ecology, Faculty of Science, Pavol Jozef Safarik University in Kosice, Kosice, Slovakia
| | - Elizabeth Skelly
- Nanoscale Science Program, Department of Chemistry, The University of North Carolina at Charlotte, Charlotte, NC, United States
| | - Damian Beasock
- Nanoscale Science Program, Department of Chemistry, The University of North Carolina at Charlotte, Charlotte, NC, United States
| | - Ian Marriott
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of North Carolina at Charlotte, Charlotte, NC, United States
| | - M Brittany Johnson
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of North Carolina at Charlotte, Charlotte, NC, United States
| | - Jacqueline Salotti
- Mouse Cancer Genetics Program, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Frederick, MD, United States
| | - Kirill A Afonin
- Nanoscale Science Program, Department of Chemistry, The University of North Carolina at Charlotte, Charlotte, NC, United States
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Lushnikov AJ, Avila YI, Afonin KA, Krasnoslobodtsev AV. Characterization of RNA Nanoparticles and Their Dynamic Properties Using Atomic Force Microscopy. Methods Mol Biol 2023; 2709:191-202. [PMID: 37572281 PMCID: PMC10483931 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-3417-2_12] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/14/2023]
Abstract
The protocol described in this chapter allows for acquiring topography images of RNA-based nanoring structures and assessing their dynamic properties using atomic force microscopy (AFM) imaging. AFM is an indispensable tool for characterization of nucleic acid-based nanostructures with the exceptional capability of observing complexes in the range of a few nanometers. This method can visualize structural characteristics and evaluate differences between individual structurally different RNA nanorings. Due to the highly resolved AFM topography images, we introduce an approach that allows to distinguish the differences in the dynamic behavior of RNA nanoparticles not amenable to other experimental techniques. This protocol describes in detail the preparation procedures of RNA nanostructures, AFM imaging, and data analysis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alexander J Lushnikov
- Nanoimaging Core Facility at the University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA
| | - Yelixza I Avila
- Department of Chemistry, Nanoscale Science Program, University of North Carolina, Charlotte, NC, USA
| | - Kirill A Afonin
- Department of Chemistry, Nanoscale Science Program, University of North Carolina, Charlotte, NC, USA
| | | |
Collapse
|
12
|
Rolband L, Beasock D, Wang Y, Shu YG, Dinman JD, Schlick T, Zhou Y, Kieft JS, Chen SJ, Bussi G, Oukhaled A, Gao X, Šulc P, Binzel D, Bhullar AS, Liang C, Guo P, Afonin KA. Biomotors, viral assembly, and RNA nanobiotechnology: Current achievements and future directions. Comput Struct Biotechnol J 2022; 20:6120-37. [PMID: 36420155 DOI: 10.1016/j.csbj.2022.11.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2022] [Revised: 11/04/2022] [Accepted: 11/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The International Society of RNA Nanotechnology and Nanomedicine (ISRNN) serves to further the development of a wide variety of functional nucleic acids and other related nanotechnology platforms. To aid in the dissemination of the most recent advancements, a biennial discussion focused on biomotors, viral assembly, and RNA nanobiotechnology has been established where international experts in interdisciplinary fields such as structural biology, biophysical chemistry, nanotechnology, cell and cancer biology, and pharmacology share their latest accomplishments and future perspectives. The results summarized here highlight advancements in our understanding of viral biology and the structure-function relationship of frame-shifting elements in genomic viral RNA, improvements in the predictions of SHAPE analysis of 3D RNA structures, and the understanding of dynamic RNA structures through a variety of experimental and computational means. Additionally, recent advances in the drug delivery, vaccine design, nanopore technologies, biomotor and biomachine development, DNA packaging, RNA nanotechnology, and drug delivery are included in this critical review. We emphasize some of the novel accomplishments, major discussion topics, and present current challenges and perspectives of these emerging fields.
Collapse
|
13
|
Chandler M, Jain S, Halman J, Hong E, Dobrovolskaia MA, Zakharov AV, Afonin KA. Artificial Immune Cell, AI-cell, a New Tool to Predict Interferon Production by Peripheral Blood Monocytes in Response to Nucleic Acid Nanoparticles. Small 2022; 18:e2204941. [PMID: 36216772 PMCID: PMC9671856 DOI: 10.1002/smll.202204941] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2022] [Revised: 09/15/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Nucleic acid nanoparticles, or NANPs, rationally designed to communicate with the human immune system, can offer innovative therapeutic strategies to overcome the limitations of traditional nucleic acid therapies. Each set of NANPs is unique in their architectural parameters and physicochemical properties, which together with the type of delivery vehicles determine the kind and the magnitude of their immune response. Currently, there are no predictive tools that would reliably guide the design of NANPs to the desired immunological outcome, a step crucial for the success of personalized therapies. Through a systematic approach investigating physicochemical and immunological profiles of a comprehensive panel of various NANPs, the research team developes and experimentally validates a computational model based on the transformer architecture able to predict the immune activities of NANPs. It is anticipated that the freely accessible computational tool that is called an "artificial immune cell," or AI-cell, will aid in addressing the current critical public health challenges related to safety criteria of nucleic acid therapies in a timely manner and promote the development of novel biomedical tools.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Morgan Chandler
- Department of Chemistry, University of North Carolina at Charlotte, Charlotte, NC 28223, USA
| | - Sankalp Jain
- National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Rockville, MD 20850, USA
| | - Justin Halman
- Department of Chemistry, University of North Carolina at Charlotte, Charlotte, NC 28223, USA
| | - Enping Hong
- Nanotechnology Characterization Lab, Cancer Research Technology Program, Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, Frederick, MD 21702, USA
| | - Marina A. Dobrovolskaia
- Nanotechnology Characterization Lab, Cancer Research Technology Program, Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, Frederick, MD 21702, USA
| | - Alexey V. Zakharov
- National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Rockville, MD 20850, USA
| | - Kirill A. Afonin
- Department of Chemistry, University of North Carolina at Charlotte, Charlotte, NC 28223, USA
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Anh Lam P, Furr DP, Tran A, McKeough RQ, Beasock D, Chandler M, Afonin KA, Trammell SR. The Application of Light-Assisted Drying to the Thermal Stabilization of Nucleic Acid Nanoparticles. Biopreserv Biobank 2022; 20:451-460. [PMID: 36067075 PMCID: PMC9603253 DOI: 10.1089/bio.2022.0035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Cold-chain storage can be challenging and expensive for the transportation and storage of biologics, especially in low-resource settings. Nucleic acid nanoparticles (NANPs) are an example of new biological products that require refrigerated storage. Light-assisted drying (LAD) is a new processing technique to prepare biologics for anhydrous storage in a trehalose amorphous solid matrix at ambient temperatures. In this study, LAD was used to thermally stabilize four types of NANPs with differing structures and melting temperatures. Methods: Small volume samples (10 μL) containing NANPs were irradiated with a 1064 nm laser to speed the evaporation of water and create an amorphous trehalose preservation matrix. Samples were then stored for 1 month at 4°C or 20°C. A FLIR C655 mid-IR camera was used to record the temperature of samples during processing. The trehalose matrix was characterized using polarized light imaging (PLI) to determine if crystallization occurred during processing or storage. Damage to LAD-processed NANPs was assessed after processing and storage using gel electrophoresis. Results: Based on the end moisture content (EMC) as a function time and the thermal histories of samples, a LAD processing time of 30 min is sufficient to achieve low EMCs for the 10 μL samples used in this study. PLI demonstrates that the trehalose matrix was resistant to crystallization during processing and after storage at 4°C and at room temperature. The native-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis results for DNA cubes, RNA cubes, and RNA rings indicate that the main structures of these NANPs were not damaged significantly after LAD processing and being stored at 4°C or at room temperature for 1 month. Conclusions: These preliminary studies indicate that LAD processing can stabilize NANPs for dry-state storage at room temperature, providing an alternative to refrigerated storage for these nanomedicine products.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Phuong Anh Lam
- Department of Physics and Optical Science and University of North Carolina at Charlotte, Charlotte, North Carolina, USA
| | - Daniel P. Furr
- Department of Physics and Optical Science and University of North Carolina at Charlotte, Charlotte, North Carolina, USA
| | - Allison Tran
- Department of Chemistry, University of North Carolina at Charlotte, Charlotte, North Carolina, USA
| | - Riley Q. McKeough
- Department of Physics and Optical Science and University of North Carolina at Charlotte, Charlotte, North Carolina, USA
| | - Damian Beasock
- Department of Chemistry, University of North Carolina at Charlotte, Charlotte, North Carolina, USA
| | - Morgan Chandler
- Department of Chemistry, University of North Carolina at Charlotte, Charlotte, North Carolina, USA
| | - Kirill A. Afonin
- Department of Chemistry, University of North Carolina at Charlotte, Charlotte, North Carolina, USA
| | - Susan R. Trammell
- Department of Physics and Optical Science and University of North Carolina at Charlotte, Charlotte, North Carolina, USA
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Nelson BC, Borgos SE. High-throughput synthesis and characterization of next-generation lipid nanoparticles for enhanced in vivo performance. Nanomedicine (Lond) 2022; 17:573-576. [PMID: 35238211 DOI: 10.2217/nnm-2022-0024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Bryant C Nelson
- National Institute of Standards & Technology, Material Measurement Laboratory, Gaithersburg, MD 20899 USA
| | - Sven Even Borgos
- Department of Biotechnology & Nanomedicine, SINTEF Industry, Trondheim, NO-7465, Norway
| |
Collapse
|