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Turuvekere Vittala Murthy N, Vlasova K, Renner J, Jozic A, Sahay G. A new era of targeting cystic fibrosis with non-viral delivery of genomic medicines. Adv Drug Deliv Rev 2024; 209:115305. [PMID: 38626860 DOI: 10.1016/j.addr.2024.115305] [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: 01/06/2024] [Revised: 03/27/2024] [Accepted: 04/09/2024] [Indexed: 04/21/2024]
Abstract
Cystic fibrosis (CF) is a complex genetic respiratory disorder that necessitates innovative gene delivery strategies to address the mutations in the gene. This review delves into the promises and challenges of non-viral gene delivery for CF therapy and explores strategies to overcome these hurdles. Several emerging technologies and nucleic acid cargos for CF gene therapy are discussed. Novel formulation approaches including lipid and polymeric nanoparticles promise enhanced delivery through the CF mucus barrier, augmenting the potential of non-viral strategies. Additionally, safety considerations and regulatory perspectives play a crucial role in navigating the path toward clinical translation of gene therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Kseniia Vlasova
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy at Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR 97331, USA
| | - Jonas Renner
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy at Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR 97331, USA
| | - Antony Jozic
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy at Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR 97331, USA
| | - Gaurav Sahay
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy at Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR 97331, USA; Department of Ophthalmology, Casey Eye Institute, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR 97201, USA; Department of Biomedical Engineering, Robertson Life Sciences Building, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR 97201, USA.
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2
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Eygeris Y, Gupta M, Kim J, Jozic A, Gautam M, Renner J, Nelson D, Bloom E, Tuttle A, Stoddard J, Reynaga R, Neuringer M, Lauer AK, Ryals RC, Sahay G. Thiophene-based lipids for mRNA delivery to pulmonary and retinal tissues. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2024; 121:e2307813120. [PMID: 38437570 PMCID: PMC10945828 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2307813120] [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: 05/31/2023] [Accepted: 09/16/2023] [Indexed: 03/06/2024] Open
Abstract
Lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) largely rely on ionizable lipids to yield successful nucleic acid delivery via electrostatic disruption of the endosomal membrane. Here, we report the identification and evaluation of ionizable lipids containing a thiophene moiety (Thio-lipids). The Thio-lipids can be readily synthesized via the Gewald reaction, allowing for modular lipid design with functional constituents at various positions of the thiophene ring. Through the rational design of ionizable lipid structure, we prepared 47 Thio-lipids and identified some structural criteria required in Thio-lipids for efficient mRNA (messenger RNA) encapsulation and delivery in vitro and in vivo. Notably, none of the tested lipids have a pH-response profile like traditional ionizable lipids, potentially due to the electron delocalization in the thiophene core. Placement of the tails and localization of the ionizable headgroup in the thiophene core can endow the nanoparticles with the capability to reach various tissues. Using high-throughput formulation and barcoding techniques, we optimized the formulations to select two top lipids-20b and 29d-and investigated their biodistribution in mice. Lipid 20b enabled LNPs to transfect the liver and spleen, and 29d LNP transfected the lung and spleen. Unexpectedly, LNP with lipid 20b was especially potent in mRNA delivery to the retina with no acute toxicity, leading to the successful delivery to the photoreceptors and retinal pigment epithelium in non-human primates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yulia Eygeris
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Oregon State University, Portland, OR97201
- EnterX Biosciences, Inc., Portland, OR97214
| | - Mohit Gupta
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Oregon State University, Portland, OR97201
| | - Jeonghwan Kim
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Oregon State University, Portland, OR97201
- College of Pharmacy, Yeungnam University, Gyeongsan38541, Republic of Korea
| | - Antony Jozic
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Oregon State University, Portland, OR97201
| | - Milan Gautam
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Oregon State University, Portland, OR97201
| | - Jonas Renner
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Oregon State University, Portland, OR97201
| | - Dylan Nelson
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Oregon State University, Portland, OR97201
- EnterX Biosciences, Inc., Portland, OR97214
| | - Elissa Bloom
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Oregon State University, Portland, OR97201
| | | | - Jonathan Stoddard
- Division of Neuroscience, Oregon National Primate Research Center, Oregon Health and Science University, Beaverton, OR97006
| | - Rene Reynaga
- Division of Neuroscience, Oregon National Primate Research Center, Oregon Health and Science University, Beaverton, OR97006
| | - Martha Neuringer
- Division of Neuroscience, Oregon National Primate Research Center, Oregon Health and Science University, Beaverton, OR97006
- Department of Ophthalmology, Casey Eye Institute, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR97239
| | - Andreas K. Lauer
- Division of Neuroscience, Oregon National Primate Research Center, Oregon Health and Science University, Beaverton, OR97006
- Department of Ophthalmology, Casey Eye Institute, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR97239
| | - Renee C. Ryals
- Division of Neuroscience, Oregon National Primate Research Center, Oregon Health and Science University, Beaverton, OR97006
- Department of Ophthalmology, Casey Eye Institute, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR97239
| | - Gaurav Sahay
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Oregon State University, Portland, OR97201
- Department of Ophthalmology, Casey Eye Institute, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR97239
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR97201
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3
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Kim J, Jozic A, Bloom E, Jones B, Marra M, Murthy NTV, Eygeris Y, Sahay G. Microfluidic platform enables shear-less aerosolization of lipid nanoparticles for messenger RNA inhalation. bioRxiv 2024:2024.01.17.576136. [PMID: 38293192 PMCID: PMC10827149 DOI: 10.1101/2024.01.17.576136] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/01/2024]
Abstract
Leveraging the extensive surface area of the lungs for gene therapy, inhalation route offers distinct advantages for delivery. Clinical nebulizers that employ vibrating mesh technology are the standard choice for converting liquid medicines into aerosols. However, they have limitations when it comes to delivering mRNA through inhalation, including severe damage to nanoparticles due to shearing forces. Here, we introduce a novel microfluidic aerosolization platform (MAP) that preserves the structural and physicochemical integrity of lipid nanoparticles, enabling safe and efficient mRNA delivery to the respiratory system. Our results demonstrated the superiority of the novel MAP over the conventional vibrating mesh nebulizer, as it avoided problems such as particle aggregation, loss of mRNA encapsulation, and deformation of nanoparticle morphology. Notably, aerosolized nanoparticles generated by the microfluidic device led to enhanced transfection efficiency across various cell lines. In vivo experiments with mice that inhaled these aerosolized nanoparticles revealed successful, lung-specific mRNA transfection without observable signs of toxicity. This pioneering MAP represents a significant advancement for the pulmonary gene therapy, enabling precise and effective delivery of aerosolized nanoparticles.
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Gautam M, Jozic A, Su GLN, Herrera-Barrera M, Curtis A, Arrizabalaga S, Tschetter W, Ryals RC, Sahay G. Lipid nanoparticles with PEG-variant surface modifications mediate genome editing in the mouse retina. Nat Commun 2023; 14:6468. [PMID: 37833442 PMCID: PMC10575971 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-42189-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [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: 03/04/2023] [Accepted: 09/29/2023] [Indexed: 10/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Ocular delivery of lipid nanoparticle (LNPs) packaged mRNA can enable efficient gene delivery and editing. We generated LNP variants through the inclusion of positively charged-amine-modified polyethylene glycol (PEG)-lipids (LNPa), negatively charged-carboxyl-(LNPz) and carboxy-ester (LNPx) modified PEG-lipids, and neutral unmodified PEG-lipids (LNP). Subretinal injections of LNPa containing Cre mRNA in the mouse show tdTomato signal in the retinal pigmented epithelium (RPE) like conventional LNPs. Unexpectedly, LNPx and LNPz show 27% and 16% photoreceptor transfection, respectively, with striking localization extending from the photoreceptor synaptic pedicle to the outer segments, displaying pan-retinal distribution in the photoreceptors and RPE. LNPx containing Cas9 mRNA and sgAi9 leads to the formation of an oval elongated structure with a neutral charge resulting in 16.4% editing restricted to RPE. Surface modifications of LNPs with PEG variants can alter cellular tropism of mRNA. LNPs enable genome editing in the retina and in the future can be used to correct genetic mutations that lead to blindness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Milan Gautam
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Robertson Life Sciences Building, Oregon State University, Portland, OR, 97201, USA
| | - Antony Jozic
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Robertson Life Sciences Building, Oregon State University, Portland, OR, 97201, USA
| | - Grace Li-Na Su
- Department of Ophthalmology, Casey Eye Institute, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, 97239, USA
| | - Marco Herrera-Barrera
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Robertson Life Sciences Building, Oregon State University, Portland, OR, 97201, USA
| | - Allison Curtis
- Department of Ophthalmology, Casey Eye Institute, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, 97239, USA
| | - Sebastian Arrizabalaga
- Department of Ophthalmology, Casey Eye Institute, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, 97239, USA
| | - Wayne Tschetter
- Department of Ophthalmology, Casey Eye Institute, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, 97239, USA
| | - Renee C Ryals
- Department of Ophthalmology, Casey Eye Institute, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, 97239, USA.
| | - Gaurav Sahay
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Robertson Life Sciences Building, Oregon State University, Portland, OR, 97201, USA.
- Department of Ophthalmology, Casey Eye Institute, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, 97239, USA.
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Robertson Life Sciences Building, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, 97201, USA.
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Zhang X, Jozic A, Song P, Xu Q, Shi X, Wang H, Bishop L, Struthers HM, Rutledge J, Chen S, Xu F, Hancock MH, Zhu D, Sahay G, Chu CQ. mRNA vaccine against fibroblast activation protein ameliorates murine models of inflammatory arthritis. Rheumatol Immunol Res 2023; 4:90-97. [PMID: 37818347 PMCID: PMC10561064 DOI: 10.2478/rir-2023-0013] [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] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2023] [Accepted: 06/15/2023] [Indexed: 10/12/2023]
Abstract
Objective Synovial fibroblasts in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) contribute substantially to the perpetuation of synovitis and invasion to cartilage and bone, and are potential therapeutic targets. Fibroblast activation protein (FAP) is highly expressed by RA synovial fibroblasts and the expression is relatively specific. We tested whether FAP can serve as a molecular target to modulate synovial fibroblasts for therapy in experimental arthritis. Methods mRNA encoding consensus FAP (cFAP) was encapsulated in lipid nanoparticles (LNP) and was injected intramuscularly as vaccine prior to induction of collagen-induced arthritis (CIA) and collagen antibody induced arthritis (CAIA) in mice. Development of CIA and CAIA was assessed clinically and by histology. Results cFAP mRNA-LNP vaccine provoked immune response to cFAP and mouse FAP (mFAP); prevented onset of CIA in 40% of mice and significantly reduced the severity of arthritis. In CAIA, cFAP mRNA-LNP did not prevent onset of arthritis but significantly reduced the severity of arthritis. Conclusion cFAP mRNA-LNP vaccine was able to provoke immune response to mFAP and suppress inflammatory arthritis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaowei Zhang
- Division of Arthritis and Rheumatic Diseases, Oregon Health & Science University, VA Portland Health Care System, Portland, Oregon97239, USA
| | - Antony Jozic
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Robertson Life Sciences Building, Oregon State University, Portland, Oregon97201, USA
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon97239, USA
- Department of Ophthalmology, Casey Eye Institute, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon97239, USA
| | - Pingfang Song
- Division of Arthritis and Rheumatic Diseases, Oregon Health & Science University, VA Portland Health Care System, Portland, Oregon97239, USA
| | - Qiang Xu
- Department of Rheumatology, The First Hospital, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou51405, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Xiaofei Shi
- Division of Arthritis and Rheumatic Diseases, Oregon Health & Science University, VA Portland Health Care System, Portland, Oregon97239, USA
- Department of Rheumatology, The First Hospital, Henan University of Science and Technology, Luoyang471003, Henan Province, China
| | - Hong Wang
- Division of Arthritis and Rheumatic Diseases, Oregon Health & Science University, VA Portland Health Care System, Portland, Oregon97239, USA
- Department of Rheumatology, The Second Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou362000, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Lindsey Bishop
- Vaccine and Gene Therapy Institute, Oregon Health & Science University, Beaverton, Oregon97006, USA
| | - Hillary M Struthers
- Vaccine and Gene Therapy Institute, Oregon Health & Science University, Beaverton, Oregon97006, USA
| | - John Rutledge
- Division of Arthritis and Rheumatic Diseases, Oregon Health & Science University, VA Portland Health Care System, Portland, Oregon97239, USA
- Portland VA Research Foundation, Portland, Oregon97239, USA
| | - Shuang Chen
- Division of Arthritis and Rheumatic Diseases, Oregon Health & Science University, VA Portland Health Care System, Portland, Oregon97239, USA
- Department of Internal Medicine, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon97239, USA
| | - Fei Xu
- Division of Arthritis and Rheumatic Diseases, Oregon Health & Science University, VA Portland Health Care System, Portland, Oregon97239, USA
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, General Hospital of Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan750004, Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, China
| | - Meaghan H Hancock
- Vaccine and Gene Therapy Institute, Oregon Health & Science University, Beaverton, Oregon97006, USA
| | - Daocheng Zhu
- Shanghai Kexin Biotechnology, Co., Ltd., Shanghai, 201203, China
| | - Gaurav Sahay
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Robertson Life Sciences Building, Oregon State University, Portland, Oregon97201, USA
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon97239, USA
- Department of Ophthalmology, Casey Eye Institute, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon97239, USA
| | - Cong-Qiu Chu
- Division of Arthritis and Rheumatic Diseases, Oregon Health & Science University, VA Portland Health Care System, Portland, Oregon97239, USA
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Herrera-Barrera M, Ryals RC, Gautam M, Jozic A, Landry M, Korzun T, Gupta M, Acosta C, Stoddard J, Reynaga R, Tschetter W, Jacomino N, Taratula O, Sun C, Lauer AK, Neuringer M, Sahay G. Peptide-guided lipid nanoparticles deliver mRNA to the neural retina of rodents and nonhuman primates. Sci Adv 2023; 9:eadd4623. [PMID: 36630502 PMCID: PMC9833661 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.add4623] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 27.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/14/2023]
Abstract
Lipid nanoparticle (LNP)-based mRNA delivery holds promise for the treatment of inherited retinal degenerations. Currently, LNP-mediated mRNA delivery is restricted to the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) and Müller glia. LNPs must overcome ocular barriers to transfect neuronal cells critical for visual phototransduction, the photoreceptors (PRs). We used a combinatorial M13 bacteriophage-based heptameric peptide phage display library for the mining of peptide ligands that target PRs. We identified the most promising peptide candidates resulting from in vivo biopanning. Dye-conjugated peptides showed rapid localization to the PRs. LNPs decorated with the top-performing peptide ligands delivered mRNA to the PRs, RPE, and Müller glia in mice. This distribution translated to the nonhuman primate eye, wherein robust protein expression was observed in the PRs, Müller glia, and RPE. Overall, we have developed peptide-conjugated LNPs that can enable mRNA delivery to the neural retina, expanding the utility of LNP-mRNA therapies for inherited blindness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marco Herrera-Barrera
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Robertson Life Sciences Building, Oregon State University, Portland, OR 97201, USA
| | - Renee C. Ryals
- Department of Ophthalmology, Casey Eye Institute, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR 97239, USA
- Oregon National Primate Research Center, Oregon Health and Science University, Beaverton, OR 97006, USA
| | - Milan Gautam
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Robertson Life Sciences Building, Oregon State University, Portland, OR 97201, USA
| | - Antony Jozic
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Robertson Life Sciences Building, Oregon State University, Portland, OR 97201, USA
| | - Madeleine Landry
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Robertson Life Sciences Building, Oregon State University, Portland, OR 97201, USA
| | - Tetiana Korzun
- Oregon Health and Science University Medical School, Portland, OR 97239, USA
| | - Mohit Gupta
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Robertson Life Sciences Building, Oregon State University, Portland, OR 97201, USA
| | - Chris Acosta
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Robertson Life Sciences Building, Oregon State University, Portland, OR 97201, USA
| | - Jonathan Stoddard
- Oregon National Primate Research Center, Oregon Health and Science University, Beaverton, OR 97006, USA
| | - Rene Reynaga
- Oregon National Primate Research Center, Oregon Health and Science University, Beaverton, OR 97006, USA
| | - Wayne Tschetter
- Department of Ophthalmology, Casey Eye Institute, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR 97239, USA
| | - Nick Jacomino
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Robertson Life Sciences Building, Oregon State University, Portland, OR 97201, USA
| | - Oleh Taratula
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Robertson Life Sciences Building, Oregon State University, Portland, OR 97201, USA
| | - Conroy Sun
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Robertson Life Sciences Building, Oregon State University, Portland, OR 97201, USA
| | - Andreas K. Lauer
- Department of Ophthalmology, Casey Eye Institute, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR 97239, USA
| | - Martha Neuringer
- Department of Ophthalmology, Casey Eye Institute, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR 97239, USA
- Oregon National Primate Research Center, Oregon Health and Science University, Beaverton, OR 97006, USA
| | - Gaurav Sahay
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Robertson Life Sciences Building, Oregon State University, Portland, OR 97201, USA
- Department of Ophthalmology, Casey Eye Institute, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR 97239, USA
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Robertson Life Sciences Building, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR 97201, USA
- Corresponding author.
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7
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Kim J, Jozic A, Mukherjee A, Nelson D, Chiem K, Khan MSR, Torrelles JB, Martinez‐Sobrido L, Sahay G. Rapid Generation of Circulating and Mucosal Decoy Human ACE2 using mRNA Nanotherapeutics for the Potential Treatment of SARS-CoV-2. Adv Sci (Weinh) 2022; 9:e2202556. [PMID: 36216580 PMCID: PMC9762296 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202202556] [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: 05/06/2022] [Revised: 09/19/2022] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) can cause lethal pulmonary damage in humans. It contains spike proteins on its envelope that bind to human angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (hACE2) expressed on airway cells, enabling entry of the virus, and causing infection. The soluble form of hACE2 binds SARS-CoV-2 spike protein, prevents viral entry into target cells, and ameliorates lung injury; however, its short half-life limits therapeutic utilities. Here, synthetic mRNA is engineered to encode a soluble form of hACE2 (hsACE2) to prevent viral infection. A novel lipid nanoparticle (LNP) is used for packaging and delivering mRNA to cells to produce hsACE2 proteins. Intravenously administered LNP delivers mRNA to hepatocytes, leading to the production of circulatory hsACE2 initiated within 2 h and sustained over several days. Inhaled LNP results in lung transfection and secretion of mucosal hsACE2 to lung epithelia, the primary site of entry and pathogenesis for SARS-CoV-2. Furthermore, mRNA-generated hsACE2 binds to the receptor-binding domain of the viral spike protein. Finally, hsACE2 effectively inhibits SARS-CoV-2 and its pseudoviruses from infecting host cells. The proof of principle study shows that mRNA-based nanotherapeutics can be potentially deployed to neutralize SARS-CoV-2 and open new treatment opportunities for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeonghwan Kim
- Department of Pharmaceutical SciencesCollege of PharmacyRobertson Life Sciences BuildingOregon State UniversityPortlandOR97201USA
| | - Antony Jozic
- Department of Pharmaceutical SciencesCollege of PharmacyRobertson Life Sciences BuildingOregon State UniversityPortlandOR97201USA
| | - Anindit Mukherjee
- Department of Pharmaceutical SciencesCollege of PharmacyRobertson Life Sciences BuildingOregon State UniversityPortlandOR97201USA
| | - Dylan Nelson
- Department of Pharmaceutical SciencesCollege of PharmacyRobertson Life Sciences BuildingOregon State UniversityPortlandOR97201USA
- High‐Throughput Screening Services LaboratoryCollege of PharmacyOregon State UniversityCorvallisOR97331USA
| | - Kevin Chiem
- Disease Prevention and Interventionand Population Health ProgramsTexas Biomedical Research InstituteSan AntonioTX78227USA
| | - Md Siddiqur Rahman Khan
- Disease Prevention and Interventionand Population Health ProgramsTexas Biomedical Research InstituteSan AntonioTX78227USA
| | - Jordi B. Torrelles
- Disease Prevention and Interventionand Population Health ProgramsTexas Biomedical Research InstituteSan AntonioTX78227USA
| | - Luis Martinez‐Sobrido
- Disease Prevention and Interventionand Population Health ProgramsTexas Biomedical Research InstituteSan AntonioTX78227USA
| | - Gaurav Sahay
- Department of Pharmaceutical SciencesCollege of PharmacyRobertson Life Sciences BuildingOregon State UniversityPortlandOR97201USA
- Department of Biomedical EngineeringRobertson Life Sciences BuildingOregon Health & Science UniversityPortlandOR97201USA
- Department of OphthalmologyCasey Eye InstituteOregon Health & Science UniversityPortlandOR97239USA
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8
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Abstract
Lipid nanoparticles containing messenger RNA (mRNA-LNPs) have launched to the forefront of nonviral delivery systems with their realized potential during the COVID-19 pandemic. Here, we investigate the impact of commonly used biological buffers on the performance and durability of mRNA-LNPs. We tested the compatibility of three common buffers─HEPES, Tris, and phosphate-buffered saline─with a DLin-MC3-DMA mRNA-LNP formulation before and after a single controlled freeze-thaw cycle. We hypothesized that buffer composition would affect lipid-aqueous phase separation. Indeed, the buffers imposed structural changes in LNP morphology as indicated by electron microscopy, differential scanning calorimetry, and membrane fluidity assays. We employed in vitro and in vivo models to measure mRNA transfection and found that Tris or HEPES-buffered LNPs yielded better cryoprotection and transfection efficiency compared to PBS. Understanding the effects of various buffers on LNP morphology and efficacy provides valuable insights into maintaining the stability of LNPs after long-term storage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael I Henderson
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Oregon State University, Portland, Oregon 97201, United States
| | - Yulia Eygeris
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Oregon State University, Portland, Oregon 97201, United States
| | - Antony Jozic
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Oregon State University, Portland, Oregon 97201, United States
| | - Marco Herrera
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Oregon State University, Portland, Oregon 97201, United States
| | - Gaurav Sahay
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Oregon State University, Portland, Oregon 97201, United States
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon 97201, United States
- Department of Ophthalmology, Casey Eye Institute, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon 97239, United States
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9
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Kim J, Jozic A, Lin Y, Eygeris Y, Bloom E, Tan X, Acosta C, MacDonald KD, Welsher KD, Sahay G. Engineering Lipid Nanoparticles for Enhanced Intracellular Delivery of mRNA through Inhalation. ACS Nano 2022; 16:14792-14806. [PMID: 36038136 PMCID: PMC9939008 DOI: 10.1021/acsnano.2c05647] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 27.0] [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] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
Despite lipid nanoparticles' (LNPs) success in the effective and safe delivery of mRNA vaccines, an inhalation-based mRNA therapy for lung diseases remains challenging. LNPs tend to disintegrate due to shear stress during aerosolization, leading to ineffective delivery. Therefore, LNPs need to remain stable through the process of nebulization and mucus penetration, yet labile enough for endosomal escape. To meet these opposing needs, we utilized PEG lipid to enhance the surficial stability of LNPs with the inclusion of a cholesterol analog, β-sitosterol, to improve endosomal escape. Increased PEG concentrations in LNPs enhanced the shear resistance and mucus penetration, while β-sitosterol provided LNPs with a polyhedral shape, facilitating endosomal escape. The optimized LNPs exhibited a uniform particle distribution, a polyhedral morphology, and a rapid mucosal diffusion with enhanced gene transfection. Inhaled LNPs led to localized protein production in the mouse lung without pulmonary or systemic toxicity. Repeated administration of these LNPs led to sustained protein production in the lungs. Lastly, mRNA encoding the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) was delivered after nebulization to a CFTR-deficient animal model, resulting in the pulmonary expression of this therapeutic protein. This study demonstrated the rational design approach for clinical translation of inhalable LNP-based mRNA therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeonghwan Kim
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Robertson Life Sciences Building, Oregon State University, Portland, OR, 97201, USA
| | - Antony Jozic
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Robertson Life Sciences Building, Oregon State University, Portland, OR, 97201, USA
| | - Yuxin Lin
- Department of Chemistry, Duke University, Durham, NC, 27708, USA
| | - Yulia Eygeris
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Robertson Life Sciences Building, Oregon State University, Portland, OR, 97201, USA
| | - Elissa Bloom
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Robertson Life Sciences Building, Oregon State University, Portland, OR, 97201, USA
| | - Xiaochen Tan
- Department of Chemistry, Duke University, Durham, NC, 27708, USA
| | - Christopher Acosta
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Robertson Life Sciences Building, Oregon State University, Portland, OR, 97201, USA
| | - Kelvin D. MacDonald
- Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR, 97239, USA
| | - Kevin D. Welsher
- Department of Chemistry, Duke University, Durham, NC, 27708, USA
| | - Gaurav Sahay
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Robertson Life Sciences Building, Oregon State University, Portland, OR, 97201, USA
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Robertson Life Sciences Building, Oregon Health Science University, Portland, OR, 97239, USA
- Department of Ophthalmology, Casey Eye Institute, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, 97239, USA
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10
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Abstract
Lipid-based nanoparticles (LNPs) for the delivery of mRNA have jumped to the forefront of non-viral gene delivery. Despite this exciting development, poor endosomal escape after LNP cell entry remains an unsolved, rate-limiting bottleneck. Here we report the use of a galectin 8-GFP (Gal8-GFP) cell reporter system to visualize the endosomal escape capabilities of LNP-encapsulated mRNA. LNPs substituted with phytosterols in place of cholesterol exhibited various levels of Gal8 recruitment in the Gal8-GFP reporter system. In live-cell imaging, LNPs containing β-sitosterol (LNP-Sito) showed a 10-fold increase in detectable endosomal perturbation events when compared to the standard cholesterol LNPs (LNP-Chol), suggesting the superior capability of LNP-Sito to escape from endosomal entrapment. Trafficking studies of these LNPs showed strong localization with late endosomes. This highly sensitive and robust Gal8-GFP reporter system can be a valuable tool to elucidate intricacies of LNP trafficking and ephemeral endosomal escape events, enabling advancements in gene delivery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marco Herrera
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Robertson Life Sciences Building, Oregon State University, Portland, Oregon 97201, USA
| | - Jeonghwan Kim
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Robertson Life Sciences Building, Oregon State University, Portland, Oregon 97201, USA
| | - Yulia Eygeris
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Robertson Life Sciences Building, Oregon State University, Portland, Oregon 97201, USA
| | - Antony Jozic
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Robertson Life Sciences Building, Oregon State University, Portland, Oregon 97201, USA
| | - Gaurav Sahay
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Robertson Life Sciences Building, Oregon State University, Portland, Oregon 97201, USA and Department of Biomedical Engineering, Robertson Life Sciences Building, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon 97201, USA. and Department of Ophthalmology, Casey Eye Institute, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon 97239, USA
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Landry MR, DuRoss AN, Choi E, Jozic A, Nelson D, Sun C. Abstract PO-087: Novel high-throughput screen in a breast cancer cell line to identify potent radiosensitizers. Clin Cancer Res 2021. [DOI: 10.1158/1557-3265.radsci21-po-087] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Abstract
There is a need for more broadly applicable radiosensitizers independent of disease state and DNA protein repair status. High throughput screens hold potential for identifying new classes of radiosensitizers from libraries of small molecules. Our group has developed an in vitro high throughput screen identifying radiosensitizers using high content imaging. Due to chromatin condensation, G2/M is acknowledged as the most radiosensitive phase of the cell cycle. We therefore dosed 4T1 breast cancer cells with a library of 1430 FDA approved drugs, then using the high content images, assessed ability to stall in G2/M. We initially eliminated drugs with less than 30% viability from consideration to negate toxicity effects on the CCI. With a CCI cutoff of two standard deviations from the mean, we attained a hit rate of 2.8% with 40 hits. The screen identified both known and novel radiosensitizers belonging to previously unidentified classes. This methodology of cell cycle analysis was confirmed by the more classical flow cytometry assay and a selected hit from the screen was assessed for radiosensitizing ability by clonogenic and γH2AX assays, and in vivo studies. Based on the clonogenic survival fractions, the radiation enhancement ratio was found to be >1 at all doses between 2-6 Gy for the selected drug, with the highest values at 4 and 5 Gy of 4.5. Furthermore, we found two 10 µM doses of the novel radiosensitizer paired with two fractions of 2 Gy was sufficient to significantly decrease 4T1 tumor volume growth in BALB/c mice.
Citation Format: Madeleine R. Landry, Allison N. DuRoss, Eunseo Choi, Antony Jozic, Dylan Nelson, Conroy Sun. Novel high-throughput screen in a breast cancer cell line to identify potent radiosensitizers [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR Virtual Special Conference on Radiation Science and Medicine; 2021 Mar 2-3. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Clin Cancer Res 2021;27(8_Suppl):Abstract nr PO-087.
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Affiliation(s)
- Madeleine R. Landry
- 1Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Oregon State University, Portland, OR,
| | - Allison N. DuRoss
- 1Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Oregon State University, Portland, OR,
| | - Eunseo Choi
- 1Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Oregon State University, Portland, OR,
| | - Antony Jozic
- 1Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Oregon State University, Portland, OR,
| | - Dylan Nelson
- 2High-Throughput Screening Services Laboratory, College of Pharmacy, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR,
| | - Conroy Sun
- 3Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Oregon State University and Department of Radiation Medicine, School of Medicine, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR
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Kim J, Mukherjee A, Nelson D, Jozic A, Sahay G. Rapid generation of circulating and mucosal decoy ACE2 using mRNA nanotherapeutics for the potential treatment of SARS-CoV-2. bioRxiv 2020. [PMID: 32743574 DOI: 10.1101/2020.07.24.205583] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) enters through the airways and infects the lungs, causing lethal pulmonary damage in vulnerable patients. This virus contains spike proteins on its envelope that binds to human angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (hACE2) expressed on the surface of airway cells, enabling entry of the virus for causing infection 1,2 . In severe cases, the virus enters the circulatory system, contributing to multiorgan failure. Soluble form of hACE2 binds to SARS-CoV-2 spike protein and prevents viral entry into target cells 3 . Moreover, soluble recombinant ACE2 ameliorates lung injury 4 but its short half-life limits its therapeutic utility 5 . Here, we engineered synthetic mRNA to encode a soluble form of hACE2 (hsACE2) to prevent viral infection. Novel lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) were used to package mRNA and transfect mammalian cells for enhanced production of secreted proteins. Intravenously administered LNP led to hepatic delivery of the mRNA. This elicited secretion of hsACE2 into the blood circulation within 2 h, and levels of circulating hsACE2 peaked at 6 h and gradually decreased over several days. Since the primary site of entry and pathogenesis for SARS-CoV-2 is the lungs, we instilled LNPs into the lungs and were able to detect hsACE2 in the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid within 24 h and lasted for 48 h. Through co-immunoprecipitation, we found that mRNA-generated hsACE2 was able to bind with the receptor binding domain of the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein. Furthermore, hsACE2 was able to strongly inhibit (over 90%) SARS-CoV-2 pseudovirus infection. Our proof of principle study shows that mRNA-based nanotherapeutics can be potentially deployed for pulmonary and extrapulmonary neutralization of SARS-CoV-2 and open new treatment opportunities for COVID-19.
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Eygeris Y, Patel S, Jozic A, Sahay G. Deconvoluting Lipid Nanoparticle Structure for Messenger RNA Delivery. Nano Lett 2020; 20:4543-4549. [PMID: 32375002 PMCID: PMC7228479 DOI: 10.1021/acs.nanolett.0c01386] [Citation(s) in RCA: 175] [Impact Index Per Article: 43.8] [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: 03/30/2020] [Revised: 04/29/2020] [Indexed: 05/19/2023]
Abstract
Lipid nanoparticle (LNP) packaged mRNA vaccines have been deployed against infectious diseases such as COVID-19, yet their structural features remain unclear. Cholesterol, a major constituent within LNPs, contributes to their morphology that influences gene delivery. Herein, we examine the structure of LNPs containing cholesterol derivatives using electron microscopy, differential scanning calorimetry, and membrane fluidity assays. LNPs formulated with C24 alkyl derivatives of cholesterol show a polymorphic shape and various degrees of multilamellarity and lipid partitioning, likely due to phase separation. The addition of methyl and ethyl groups to the C24 alkyl tail of the cholesterol backbone induces multilamellarity (>50% increase compared to cholesterol), while the addition of a double bond induces lipid partitioning (>90% increase compared to cholesterol). LNPs with multilamellar and faceted structures, as well as a lamellar lipid phase, showed higher gene transfection. Unraveling the structure of mRNA-LNPs can enable their rational design toward enhanced gene delivery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yulia Eygeris
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of
Pharmacy, Oregon State University, Portland, Oregon 97201,
United States
| | - Siddharth Patel
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of
Pharmacy, Oregon State University, Portland, Oregon 97201,
United States
| | - Antony Jozic
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of
Pharmacy, Oregon State University, Portland, Oregon 97201,
United States
| | - Gaurav Sahay
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of
Pharmacy, Oregon State University, Portland, Oregon 97201,
United States
- Department of Biomedical Engineering,
Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon
97201, United States
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Eygeris Y, Patel S, Jozic A, Sahay G. Deconvoluting Lipid Nanoparticle Structure for Messenger RNA Delivery. Nano Lett 2020. [PMID: 32375002 DOI: 10.1021/acs.nanolett.0c0138610.1021/acs.nanolett.0c01386.s001] [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] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/13/2023]
Abstract
Lipid nanoparticle (LNP) packaged mRNA vaccines have been deployed against infectious diseases such as COVID-19, yet their structural features remain unclear. Cholesterol, a major constituent within LNPs, contributes to their morphology that influences gene delivery. Herein, we examine the structure of LNPs containing cholesterol derivatives using electron microscopy, differential scanning calorimetry, and membrane fluidity assays. LNPs formulated with C24 alkyl derivatives of cholesterol show a polymorphic shape and various degrees of multilamellarity and lipid partitioning, likely due to phase separation. The addition of methyl and ethyl groups to the C24 alkyl tail of the cholesterol backbone induces multilamellarity (>50% increase compared to cholesterol), while the addition of a double bond induces lipid partitioning (>90% increase compared to cholesterol). LNPs with multilamellar and faceted structures, as well as a lamellar lipid phase, showed higher gene transfection. Unraveling the structure of mRNA-LNPs can enable their rational design toward enhanced gene delivery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yulia Eygeris
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Oregon State University, Portland, Oregon 97201, United States
| | - Siddharth Patel
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Oregon State University, Portland, Oregon 97201, United States
| | - Antony Jozic
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Oregon State University, Portland, Oregon 97201, United States
| | - Gaurav Sahay
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Oregon State University, Portland, Oregon 97201, United States
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon 97201, United States
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Kim J, Jozic A, Sahay G. Naturally Derived Membrane Lipids Impact Nanoparticle-Based Messenger RNA Delivery. Cell Mol Bioeng 2020; 13:463-474. [PMID: 32837581 PMCID: PMC7250267 DOI: 10.1007/s12195-020-00619-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2020] [Accepted: 05/16/2020] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Lipid based nanoparticles (LNPs) are clinically successful vectors for hepatic delivery of nucleic acids. These systems are being developed for non-hepatic delivery of mRNA for the treatment of diseases like cystic fibrosis or retinal degeneration as well as infectious diseases. Localized delivery to the lungs requires aerosolization. We hypothesized that structural lipids within LNPs would provide features of integrity which can be tuned for attributes required for efficient hepatic and non-hepatic gene delivery. Herein, we explored whether naturally occurring lipids that originate from the cell membrane of plants and microorganisms enhance mRNA-based gene transfection in vitro and in vivo and whether they assist in maintaining mRNA activity after nebulization. Methods We substituted DSPC, a structural lipid used in a conventional LNP formulation, to a series of naturally occurring membrane lipids. We measured the effect of these membrane lipids on size, encapsulation efficiency and their impact on transfection efficiency. We further characterized LNPs after nebulization and measured whether they retained their transfection efficiency. Results One plant-derived structural lipid, DGTS, led to a significant improvement in liver transfection of mRNA. DGTS LNPs had similar transfection ability when administered in the nasal cavity to conventional LNPs. In contrast, we found that DGTS LNPs had reduced transfection efficiency in cells pre-and post-nebulization while maintaining size and encapsulation similar to DSPC LNPs. Conclusions We found that structural lipids provide differential mRNA-based activities in vitro and in vivo which also depend on the mode of administration. Understanding influence of structural lipids on nanoparticle morphology and structure can lead to engineering potent materials for mRNA-based gene therapy applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeonghwan Kim
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Oregon State University, Robertson Life Sciences Building, Portland, OR USA
| | - Antony Jozic
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Oregon State University, Robertson Life Sciences Building, Portland, OR USA
| | - Gaurav Sahay
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Oregon State University, Robertson Life Sciences Building, Portland, OR USA.,Department of Biomedical Engineering, Oregon Health Science University, Robertson Life Sciences Building, Portland, OR USA
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