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Ge Y, Li W, Tian J, Yu H, Wang Z, Wang M, Dong Z. Single-Stranded Nucleic Acid Transmembrane Molecular Carriers Based on Positively Charged Helical Foldamers. Adv Sci (Weinh) 2024:e2400678. [PMID: 38757406 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202400678] [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] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2024] [Revised: 04/22/2024] [Indexed: 05/18/2024]
Abstract
Transmembrane delivery of biologically active nucleic acids is an important process in cells and has inspired one to develop advanced drug delivery techniques. In this contribution, molecular-level single-stranded nucleic acid transmembrane carriers are reported based on 3.2 nm long Huc's foldamers (AOrnQ3Q3)8 and (mQ3Q2)8 with linearly and helically aligned positive charges, respectively. These two foldamers not only show very strong DNA affinity via electrostatic interactions but also discriminatively bind single-stranded DNA (ss-DNA) and double-stranded DNA (ds-DNA), corroborating the importance of precise charge arrangement in the electrostatic interactions. More importantly, these two foldamers are capable of efficiently transporting ss-DNA across the lipid membranes, and the ss-DNA transport activity of (AOrnQ3Q3)8 with linearly aligned charges is higher than that of (mQ3Q2)8 with helically aligned charges. Thus a type of novel single-stranded nucleic acid transmembrane molecular carriers based on positively charged helical foldamers are introduced. Further, effective and enhanced expression in EGFP-mRNA transfection experiments strongly demonstrates the potential of positively charged foldamers for RNA transmembrane transport and therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yunpeng Ge
- State Key Laboratory of Supramolecular Structure and Materials, College of Chemistry, Jilin University, 2699 Qianjin Street, Changchun, 130012, P. R. China
- Center for Supramolecular Chemical Biology, Jilin University, 2699 Qianjin Street, Changchun, 130012, P. R. China
| | - Wencan Li
- State Key Laboratory of Supramolecular Structure and Materials, College of Chemistry, Jilin University, 2699 Qianjin Street, Changchun, 130012, P. R. China
- Center for Supramolecular Chemical Biology, Jilin University, 2699 Qianjin Street, Changchun, 130012, P. R. China
| | - Jun Tian
- State Key Laboratory of Supramolecular Structure and Materials, College of Chemistry, Jilin University, 2699 Qianjin Street, Changchun, 130012, P. R. China
- Center for Supramolecular Chemical Biology, Jilin University, 2699 Qianjin Street, Changchun, 130012, P. R. China
| | - Hao Yu
- State Key Laboratory of Supramolecular Structure and Materials, College of Chemistry, Jilin University, 2699 Qianjin Street, Changchun, 130012, P. R. China
| | - Zhenzhu Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Supramolecular Structure and Materials, College of Chemistry, Jilin University, 2699 Qianjin Street, Changchun, 130012, P. R. China
- Center for Supramolecular Chemical Biology, Jilin University, 2699 Qianjin Street, Changchun, 130012, P. R. China
| | - Ming Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Supramolecular Structure and Materials, College of Chemistry, Jilin University, 2699 Qianjin Street, Changchun, 130012, P. R. China
| | - Zeyuan Dong
- State Key Laboratory of Supramolecular Structure and Materials, College of Chemistry, Jilin University, 2699 Qianjin Street, Changchun, 130012, P. R. China
- Center for Supramolecular Chemical Biology, Jilin University, 2699 Qianjin Street, Changchun, 130012, P. R. China
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2
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Sato Y, Nakamura T, Yamada Y, Harashima H. The impact of, and expectations for, lipid nanoparticle technology: From cellular targeting to organelle targeting. J Control Release 2024; 370:516-527. [PMID: 38718875 DOI: 10.1016/j.jconrel.2024.05.006] [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: 02/06/2024] [Revised: 04/22/2024] [Accepted: 05/04/2024] [Indexed: 05/12/2024]
Abstract
The success of mRNA vaccines against COVID-19 has enhanced the potential of lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) as a system for the delivery of mRNA. In this review, we describe our progress using a lipid library to engineer ionizable lipids and promote LNP technology from the viewpoints of safety, controlled biodistribution, and mRNA vaccines. These advancements in LNP technology are applied to cancer immunology, and a potential nano-DDS is constructed to evaluate immune status that is associated with a cancer-immunity cycle that includes the sub-cycles in tumor microenvironments. We also discuss the importance of the delivery of antigens and adjuvants in enhancing the cancer-immunity cycle. Recent progress in NK cell targeting in cancer immunotherapy is also introduced. Finally, the impact of next-generation DDS technology is explained using the MITO-Porter membrane fusion-based delivery system for the organelle targeting of the mitochondria. We introduce a successful example of the MITO-Porter used in a cell therapeutic strategy to treat cardiomyopathy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yusuke Sato
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Hokkaido University, Hokkaido, Japan
| | - Takashi Nakamura
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Hokkaido University, Hokkaido, Japan
| | - Yuma Yamada
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Hokkaido University, Hokkaido, Japan
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3
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Naimi N, Seyedmirzaei H, Hassannejad Z, Soltani Khaboushan A. Advanced nanoparticle strategies for optimizing RNA therapeutic delivery in neurodegenerative disorders. Biomed Pharmacother 2024; 175:116691. [PMID: 38713941 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2024.116691] [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: 02/08/2024] [Revised: 04/27/2024] [Accepted: 04/29/2024] [Indexed: 05/09/2024] Open
Abstract
Neurodegenerative diseases affect many people worldwide, and as the population ages, the incidence of these conditions increases. Alzheimer's disease (AD) and Parkinson's disease (PD) are the most prevalent neurodegenerative disorders worldwide. Different medicines are being used to control symptoms related to these conditions, but no treatment has yet been approved. Both genetic and environmental factors are involved in disease pathogenesis, and research on the pathophysiological pathways is still ongoing. The role of subcellular pathways and dysregulation in RNA pathways has been highlighted in pathophysiological studies, and treatment strategies focused on these pathways can be a promising approach. Many experiments have been conducted on delivering RNA cargo to the CNS to modulate various pathways involved. Yet another challenge to be faced is the effective transport of desired molecules to targets, which can be greatly hindered by distinct barriers limiting transport to the CNS, most noticeably the blood-brain barrier (BBB). Nanotechnology and the use of different nano-carriers for the delivery of nucleotides, peptides, proteins, and drug molecules are currently of great interest as these carriers help with better delivery and protection and, as a result, improve the effectiveness of the cargo. Nanocarriers can protect susceptible RNA molecules from possible degradation or destruction and improve their ability to reach the brain by enhancing BBB penetration. Different mechanisms for this process have been hypothesized. This review will go through the therapeutic application of RNA molecules in the treatment of AD and PD and the role of nanocarriers in overcoming delivery challenges and enhancing efficacy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Narges Naimi
- Departement of Pharmaceutics, Faculty of Pharmacy, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran; Pediatric Urology and Regenerative Medicine Research Center, Gene, Cell and Tissue Research Institute, Children's Medical Center, Tehran University of Medical Science, Tehran, Iran
| | - Homa Seyedmirzaei
- Sports Medicine Research Center, Neuroscience Institute, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Zahra Hassannejad
- Pediatric Urology and Regenerative Medicine Research Center, Gene, Cell and Tissue Research Institute, Children's Medical Center, Tehran University of Medical Science, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Alireza Soltani Khaboushan
- Pediatric Urology and Regenerative Medicine Research Center, Gene, Cell and Tissue Research Institute, Children's Medical Center, Tehran University of Medical Science, Tehran, Iran; Students' Scientific Research Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran; School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
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4
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Taibi T, Cheon S, Perna F, Vu LP. mRNA-based therapeutic strategies for cancer treatment. Mol Ther 2024:S1525-0016(24)00299-5. [PMID: 38702886 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymthe.2024.04.035] [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: 03/20/2024] [Accepted: 04/30/2024] [Indexed: 05/06/2024] Open
Abstract
In the rapidly evolving landscape of medical research, the emergence of RNA-based therapeutics is paradigm shifting. It is mainly driven by the molecular adaptability and capacity to provide precision in targeting. The coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic crisis underscored the effectiveness of the mRNA therapeutic development platform and brought it to the forefront of RNA-based interventions. These RNA-based therapeutic approaches can reshape gene expression, manipulate cellular functions, and correct the aberrant molecular processes underlying various diseases. The new technologies hold the potential to engineer and deliver tailored therapeutic agents to tackle genetic disorders, cancers, and infectious diseases in a highly personalized and precisely tuned manner. The review discusses the most recent advancements in the field of mRNA therapeutics for cancer treatment, with a focus on the features of the most utilized RNA-based therapeutic interventions, current pre-clinical and clinical developments, and the remaining challenges in delivery strategies, effectiveness, and safety considerations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thilelli Taibi
- Terry Fox Laboratory, British Columbia Cancer Research Institute, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada; Interdisciplinary Oncology Program, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Sehyun Cheon
- Terry Fox Laboratory, British Columbia Cancer Research Institute, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Fabiana Perna
- Department of Blood and Marrow Transplant and Cellular Immunotherapy, Moffitt Cancer Center, Tampa, FL, USA
| | - Ly P Vu
- Terry Fox Laboratory, British Columbia Cancer Research Institute, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada; Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada.
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5
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Gil-Cabrerizo P, Simon-Yarza T, Garbayo E, Blanco Prieto MJ. Navigating the landscape of RNA delivery systems in cardiovascular disease therapeutics. Adv Drug Deliv Rev 2024; 208:115302. [PMID: 38574952 DOI: 10.1016/j.addr.2024.115302] [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] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2023] [Revised: 03/21/2024] [Accepted: 03/28/2024] [Indexed: 04/06/2024]
Abstract
Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) stand as the leading cause of death worldwide, posing a significant global health challenge. Consequently, the development of innovative therapeutic strategies to enhance CVDs treatment is imperative. RNA-based therapies, encompassing non-coding RNAs, mRNA, aptamers, and CRISPR/Cas9 technology, have emerged as promising tools for addressing CVDs. However, inherent challenges associated with RNA, such as poor cellular uptake, susceptibility to RNase degradation, and capture by the reticuloendothelial system, underscore the necessity of combining these therapies with effective drug delivery systems. Various non-viral delivery systems, including extracellular vesicles, lipid-based carriers, polymeric and inorganic nanoparticles, as well as hydrogels, have shown promise in enhancing the efficacy of RNA therapeutics. In this review, we offer an overview of the most relevant RNA-based therapeutic strategies explored for addressing CVDs and emphasize the pivotal role of delivery systems in augmenting their effectiveness. Additionally, we discuss the current status of these therapies and the challenges that hinder their clinical translation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paula Gil-Cabrerizo
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Pharmacy and Nutrition, University of Navarra, C/Irunlarrea 1, 31008 Pamplona, Spain; Navarra Institute for Health Research, IdiSNA, C/Irunlarrea 3, 31008 Pamplona, Spain
| | - Teresa Simon-Yarza
- Université Paris Cité, Université Sorbonne Paris Nord, Laboratory for Vascular Translational Science, INSERM U1148, X. Bichat Hospital, Paris 75018, France
| | - Elisa Garbayo
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Pharmacy and Nutrition, University of Navarra, C/Irunlarrea 1, 31008 Pamplona, Spain; Navarra Institute for Health Research, IdiSNA, C/Irunlarrea 3, 31008 Pamplona, Spain.
| | - María J Blanco Prieto
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Pharmacy and Nutrition, University of Navarra, C/Irunlarrea 1, 31008 Pamplona, Spain; Navarra Institute for Health Research, IdiSNA, C/Irunlarrea 3, 31008 Pamplona, Spain.
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6
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Nele V, Campani V, Alia Moosavian S, De Rosa G. Lipid nanoparticles for RNA delivery: Self-assembling vs driven-assembling strategies. Adv Drug Deliv Rev 2024; 208:115291. [PMID: 38514018 DOI: 10.1016/j.addr.2024.115291] [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] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2023] [Revised: 02/20/2024] [Accepted: 03/14/2024] [Indexed: 03/23/2024]
Abstract
Among non-viral vectors, lipid nanovectors are considered the gold standard for the delivery of RNA therapeutics. The success of lipid nanoparticles for RNA delivery, with three products approved for human use, has stimulated further investigation into RNA therapeutics for different pathologies. This requires decoding the pathological intracellular processes and tailoring the delivery system to the target tissue and cells. The complexity of the lipid nanovectors morphology originates from the assembling of the lipidic components, which can be elicited by various methods able to drive the formation of nanoparticles with the desired organization. In other cases, pre-formed nanoparticles can be mixed with RNA to induce self-assembly and structural reorganization into RNA-loaded nanoparticles. In this review, the most relevant lipid nanovectors and their potentialities for RNA delivery are described on the basis of the assembling mechanism and of the particle architecture.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valeria Nele
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Naples Federico II, Via D. Montesano, 49 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Virginia Campani
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Naples Federico II, Via D. Montesano, 49 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Seyedeh Alia Moosavian
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Naples Federico II, Via D. Montesano, 49 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Giuseppe De Rosa
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Naples Federico II, Via D. Montesano, 49 80131 Naples, Italy.
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Elnaggar MG, He Y, Yeo Y. Recent trends in the delivery of RNA drugs: Beyond the liver, more than vaccine. Eur J Pharm Biopharm 2024; 197:114203. [PMID: 38302049 PMCID: PMC10947810 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejpb.2024.114203] [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] [Received: 11/30/2023] [Revised: 01/12/2024] [Accepted: 01/29/2024] [Indexed: 02/03/2024]
Abstract
RNAs are known for versatile functions and therapeutic utility. They have gained significant interest since the approval of several RNA drugs, including COVID-19 mRNA vaccines and therapeutic agents targeting liver diseases. There are increasing expectations for a new class of RNA drugs for broader applications. Successful development of RNA drugs for new applications hinges on understanding their diverse functions and structures. In this review, we explore the last five years of literature to understand current approaches to formulate a spectrum of RNA drugs, focusing on new efforts to expand their applications beyond vaccines and liver diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marwa G Elnaggar
- Department of Industrial and Molecular Pharmaceutics, Purdue University, 575 Stadium Mall Drive, West Lafayette, IN 47907, USA; Department of Industrial Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Assiut University, Assiut 71526, Egypt
| | - Yanying He
- Department of Industrial and Molecular Pharmaceutics, Purdue University, 575 Stadium Mall Drive, West Lafayette, IN 47907, USA
| | - Yoon Yeo
- Department of Industrial and Molecular Pharmaceutics, Purdue University, 575 Stadium Mall Drive, West Lafayette, IN 47907, USA; Purdue University Institute for Cancer Research, 201 South University Street, West Lafayette, IN 47907, USA; Weldon School of Biomedical Engineering, Purdue University, 206 S Martin Jischke Drive, West Lafayette, IN 47907, USA.
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8
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Anderson CF, Singh A, Stephens T, Hoang CD, Schneider JP. Kinetically Controlled Polyelectrolyte Complex Assembly of microRNA-Peptide Nanoparticles toward Treating Mesothelioma. Adv Mater 2024:e2314367. [PMID: 38532642 DOI: 10.1002/adma.202314367] [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] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2023] [Revised: 03/08/2024] [Indexed: 03/28/2024]
Abstract
Broad size distributions and poor long-term colloidal stability of microRNA-carrying nanoparticles, especially those formed by polyelectrolyte complexation, represent major hurdles in realizing their clinical translation. Herein, peptide design is used alongside optimized flash nanocomplexation (FNC) to produce uniform peptide-based miRNA particles of exceptional stability that display anticancer activity against mesothelioma in vitro and in vivo. Modulating the content and display of lysine-based charge from small intrinsically disordered peptides used to complex miRNA proves essential in achieving stable colloids. FNC facilitates kinetic isolation of the mechanistic steps involved in particle formation to allow the preparation of particles of discrete size in a highly reproducible, scalable, and continuous manner, facilitating pre-clinical studies. To the best of the authors knowledge, this work represents the first example of employing FNC to prepare polyelectrolyte complexes of miRNA and peptide. Encapsulation of these particles into an injectable hydrogel matrix allows for their localized in vivo delivery by syringe. A one-time injection of a gel containing particles composed of miRNA-215-5p and the peptide PKM1 limits tumor progression in a xenograft model of mesothelioma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caleb F Anderson
- Chemical Biology Laboratory, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Frederick, MD, 21701, USA
| | - Anand Singh
- Thoracic Surgery Branch, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, 20892, USA
| | - Tyler Stephens
- Vaccine Research Center Electron Microscopy Unit, Cancer Research Technology Program, Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, Frederick, MD, 20701, USA
| | - Chuong D Hoang
- Thoracic Surgery Branch, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, 20892, USA
| | - Joel P Schneider
- Chemical Biology Laboratory, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Frederick, MD, 21701, USA
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9
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Ortolá B, Daròs JA. RNA Interference in Insects: From a Natural Mechanism of Gene Expression Regulation to a Biotechnological Crop Protection Promise. Biology (Basel) 2024; 13:137. [PMID: 38534407 DOI: 10.3390/biology13030137] [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] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2023] [Revised: 02/14/2024] [Accepted: 02/19/2024] [Indexed: 03/28/2024]
Abstract
Insect pests rank among the major limiting factors in agricultural production worldwide. In addition to direct effect on crops, some phytophagous insects are efficient vectors for plant disease transmission. Large amounts of conventional insecticides are required to secure food production worldwide, with a high impact on the economy and environment, particularly when beneficial insects are also affected by chemicals that frequently lack the desired specificity. RNA interference (RNAi) is a natural mechanism gene expression regulation and protection against exogenous and endogenous genetic elements present in most eukaryotes, including insects. Molecules of double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) or highly structured RNA are the substrates of cellular enzymes to produce several types of small RNAs (sRNAs), which play a crucial role in targeting sequences for transcriptional or post-transcriptional gene silencing. The relatively simple rules that underlie RNAi regulation, mainly based in Watson-Crick complementarity, have facilitated biotechnological applications based on these cellular mechanisms. This includes the promise of using engineered dsRNA molecules, either endogenously produced in crop plants or exogenously synthesized and applied onto crops, as a new generation of highly specific, sustainable, and environmentally friendly insecticides. Fueled on this expectation, this article reviews current knowledge about the RNAi pathways in insects, and some other applied questions such as production and delivery of recombinant RNA, which are critical to establish RNAi as a reliable technology for insect control in crop plants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Beltrán Ortolá
- Instituto de Biología Molecular y Celular de Plantas, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas-Universitat Politècnica de València, 46022 Valencia, Spain
| | - José-Antonio Daròs
- Instituto de Biología Molecular y Celular de Plantas, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas-Universitat Politècnica de València, 46022 Valencia, Spain
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10
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Ralvenius WT, Andresen JL, Huston MM, Penney J, Bonner JM, Fenton OS, Langer R, Tsai LH. Nanoparticle-Mediated Delivery of Anti-PU.1 siRNA via Localized Intracisternal Administration Reduces Neuroinflammation. Adv Mater 2024; 36:e2309225. [PMID: 38018280 DOI: 10.1002/adma.202309225] [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] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2023] [Revised: 11/22/2023] [Indexed: 11/30/2023]
Abstract
Neuroinflammation is a hallmark of neurodegenerative disorders including Alzheimer's disease (AD). Microglia, the brain's immune cells, express many of the AD-risk loci identified in genome wide association studies and present a promising target for anti-inflammatory RNA therapeutics but are difficult to transfect with current methods. Here, several lipid nanoparticle (LNP) formulations are examined, and a lead candidate that supports efficient RNA delivery in cultures of human stem cell-derived microglia-like cells (iMGLs) and animal models of neuroinflammation is identified. The lead microglia LNP (MG-LNP) formulation shows minimal toxicity and improves delivery efficiency to inflammatory iMGLs, suggesting a preference for delivery into activated microglia. Intraperitoneal injection of the MG-LNP formulation generates widespread expression of the delivered reporter construct in all organs, whereas local intracisternal injection directly into the cerebrospinal fluid leads to preferential expression in the brain. It is shown that LNP-mediated delivery of siRNA targeting the PU.1 transcription factor, a known AD-risk locus, successfully reduces PU.1 levels in iMGLs and reduces neuroinflammation in mice injected with LPS and in CK-p25 mice that mimic the chronic neuroinflammation seen in AD patients. The LNP formulation represents an effective RNA delivery vehicle when applied intrathecally and can be broadly utilized to test potential neuroinflammation-directed gene therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- William T Ralvenius
- Picower Institute for Learning and Memory, Department of Brain and Cognitive Sciences, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, 02139, USA
| | - Jason L Andresen
- Department of Chemistry, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, 02139, USA
- Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, 02139, USA
| | - Margaret M Huston
- Picower Institute for Learning and Memory, Department of Brain and Cognitive Sciences, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, 02139, USA
| | - Jay Penney
- Picower Institute for Learning and Memory, Department of Brain and Cognitive Sciences, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, 02139, USA
| | - Julia Maeve Bonner
- Picower Institute for Learning and Memory, Department of Brain and Cognitive Sciences, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, 02139, USA
| | - Owen S Fenton
- UNC Eshelman School of Pharmacy, Department of Pharmacoengineering and Molecular Pharmaceutics, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, 27599, USA
| | - Robert Langer
- Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, 02139, USA
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, 02139, USA
| | - Li-Huei Tsai
- Picower Institute for Learning and Memory, Department of Brain and Cognitive Sciences, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, 02139, USA
- Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, 02139, USA
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11
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Zhang Y, Chen C, Su M, Wang J, Li C, Yang X. Hydrophobization of Ribonucleic Acids for Facile Systemic Delivery and Multifaceted Cancer Immunotherapy. Nano Lett 2024; 24:1376-1384. [PMID: 38232332 DOI: 10.1021/acs.nanolett.3c04507] [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] [Indexed: 01/19/2024]
Abstract
Ribonucleic acids (RNAs) enable disease-related gene inhibition, expression, and editing and represent promising therapeutics in various diseases. The efficacy of RNA relies heavily on the presence of a secure and effective delivery system. Herein, we found that RNA could be hydrophobized by cationic lipid and ionizable lipid and conveniently coassemble with amphiphilic polymer to achieve micelle-like nanoparticles (MNP). The results of the study indicate that MNP exhibits a high level of efficiency in delivering RNA. Besides, the MNP encapsulating siRNA that targets CD47 and PD-L1 remarkably blocked these immune checkpoints in a melanoma tumor model and elicited a robust immune response. Moreover, the MNP encapsulating the mRNA of OVA achieved antigen translation and presentation, leading to an effective antitumor immunoprophylaxis outcome against OVA-expressing melanoma model. Our findings suggest that RNA hydrophobization could serve as a viable approach for delivering RNA, thereby facilitating the exploration of RNA therapy in disease treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuxi Zhang
- School of Biomedical Sciences and Engineering, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou International Campus, Guangzhou, Guangdong 511442, P. R. China
- Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Anesthesiology and Brain Functional Modulation, Clinical Research Center for Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, Translational Research Institute of Brain and Brain-Like Intelligence, Shanghai Fourth People's Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai 200080, P. R. China
| | - Chaoran Chen
- School of Biomedical Sciences and Engineering, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou International Campus, Guangzhou, Guangdong 511442, P. R. China
- National Engineering Research Center for Tissue Restoration and Reconstruction, and Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Biomedical Engineering, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510006, P. R. China
| | - Miao Su
- School of Biomedical Sciences and Engineering, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou International Campus, Guangzhou, Guangdong 511442, P. R. China
| | - Junxia Wang
- Department of Radiology, Guangzhou First People's Hospital, School of Medicine, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510006, P. R. China
| | - Cheng Li
- Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Anesthesiology and Brain Functional Modulation, Clinical Research Center for Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, Translational Research Institute of Brain and Brain-Like Intelligence, Shanghai Fourth People's Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai 200080, P. R. China
| | - Xianzhu Yang
- School of Biomedical Sciences and Engineering, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou International Campus, Guangzhou, Guangdong 511442, P. R. China
- National Engineering Research Center for Tissue Restoration and Reconstruction, and Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Biomedical Engineering, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510006, P. R. China
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12
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Young H, He Y, Joo B, Ferguson S, Demko A, Butterfield SK, Lowe J, Mjema NF, Sheth V, Whitehead L, Ruiz-Echevarria MJ, Wilhelm S. Toward the Scalable, Rapid, Reproducible, and Cost-Effective Synthesis of Personalized Nanomedicines at the Point of Care. Nano Lett 2024; 24:920-928. [PMID: 38207109 DOI: 10.1021/acs.nanolett.3c04171] [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] [Indexed: 01/13/2024]
Abstract
Organic nanoparticles are used in nanomedicine, including for cancer treatment and some types of COVID-19 vaccines. Here, we demonstrate the scalable, rapid, reproducible, and cost-effective synthesis of three model organic nanoparticle formulations relevant to nanomedicine applications. We employed a custom-made, low-cost fluid mixer device constructed from a commercially available three-dimensional printer. We investigated how systematically changing aqueous and organic volumetric flow rate ratios determined liposome, polymer nanoparticle, and solid lipid nanoparticle sizes, size distributions, and payload encapsulation efficiencies. By manipulating inlet volumes, we synthesized organic nanoparticles with encapsulation efficiencies approaching 100% for RNA-based payloads. The synthesized organic nanoparticles were safe and effective at the cell culture level, as demonstrated by various assays. Such cost-effective synthesis approaches could potentially increase the accessibility to clinically relevant organic nanoparticle formulations for personalized nanomedicine applications at the point of care, especially in nonhospital and low-resource settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hamilton Young
- Stephenson School of Biomedical Engineering, University of Oklahoma, Norman, Oklahoma 73019, United States
| | - Yuxin He
- Stephenson School of Biomedical Engineering, University of Oklahoma, Norman, Oklahoma 73019, United States
| | - Bryan Joo
- Stephenson School of Biomedical Engineering, University of Oklahoma, Norman, Oklahoma 73019, United States
| | - Sam Ferguson
- Stephenson School of Biomedical Engineering, University of Oklahoma, Norman, Oklahoma 73019, United States
| | - Amberlynn Demko
- Stephenson School of Biomedical Engineering, University of Oklahoma, Norman, Oklahoma 73019, United States
| | - Sarah K Butterfield
- Stephenson School of Biomedical Engineering, University of Oklahoma, Norman, Oklahoma 73019, United States
| | - James Lowe
- Stephenson School of Biomedical Engineering, University of Oklahoma, Norman, Oklahoma 73019, United States
| | - Nathan F Mjema
- Stephenson School of Biomedical Engineering, University of Oklahoma, Norman, Oklahoma 73019, United States
| | - Vinit Sheth
- Stephenson School of Biomedical Engineering, University of Oklahoma, Norman, Oklahoma 73019, United States
| | - Luke Whitehead
- Stephenson School of Biomedical Engineering, University of Oklahoma, Norman, Oklahoma 73019, United States
| | - Maria J Ruiz-Echevarria
- Department of Pathology, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma 73104, United States
- Stephenson Cancer Center, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma 73104, United States
| | - Stefan Wilhelm
- Stephenson School of Biomedical Engineering, University of Oklahoma, Norman, Oklahoma 73019, United States
- Institute for Biomedical Engineering, Science, and Technology (IBEST), Norman, Oklahoma 73019, United States
- Stephenson Cancer Center, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma 73104, United States
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13
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Zhang W, Chen Y. Self-assembled Janus base nanotubes: chemistry and applications. Front Chem 2024; 11:1346014. [PMID: 38374885 PMCID: PMC10876059 DOI: 10.3389/fchem.2023.1346014] [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] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2023] [Accepted: 12/26/2023] [Indexed: 02/21/2024] Open
Abstract
Janus base nanotubes are novel, self-assembled nanomaterials. Their original designs were inspired by DNA base pairs, and today a variety of chemistries has developed, distinguishing them as a new family of materials separate from DNA origami, carbon nanotubes, polymers, and lipids. This review article covers the principal examples of self-assembled Janus base nanotubes, which are driven by hydrogen-bond and π-π stacking interactions in aqueous environments. Specifically, self-complementary hydrogen bonds organize molecules into ordered arrays, forming macrocycles, while π-π interactions stack these structures to create tubular forms. This review elucidates the molecular interactions that govern the assembly of nanotubes and advances our understanding of nanoscale self-assembly in water.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Yupeng Chen
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT, United States
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14
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Vuong HL, Lan CT, Le HTT. The development and technologies of RNA therapeutics. Prog Mol Biol Transl Sci 2024; 203:13-39. [PMID: 38359995 DOI: 10.1016/bs.pmbts.2023.12.017] [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] [Indexed: 02/17/2024]
Abstract
Since it was discovered for over 20 years ago, the potentiality of siRNAs in gene silencing in vitro and in vivo models has been recognized. Several studies in the new generation, molecular mechanisms, target attachment, and purification of RNA have supported the development of RNA therapeutics for a variety of applications. RNA therapeutics are growing rapidly with various platforms contributing to the standard of personalized medicine and rare disease treatment. Therefore, understanding the development and technologies of RNA therapeutics becomes a crucial point for new drug generation. Here, the primary purpose of this review is to provide a general view of six therapeutic categories that make up RNA-based therapeutic approaches, including RNA-target therapeutics, protein-targeted therapeutics, cellular reprogramming and tissues engineering, RNA-based protein replacement therapeutics, RNA-based genome editing, and RNA-based immunotherapies based on non-coding RNAs and coding RNA. Furthermore, we present an overview of the RNA strategies regarding viral approaches and nonviral approaches in designing a new generation of RNA technologies. The advantages and challenges of using RNA therapeutics are also discussed along with various approaches for RNA delivery. Therefore, this review is designed to provide updated reference evidence of RNA therapeutics in the battle against rare or difficult-to-treat diseases for researchers in this field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huong Lan Vuong
- Pharmacy Department, National Hospital for Tropical Diseases, Hanoi, Vietnam
| | - Chu Thanh Lan
- Department of Regenerative Medicine, Institute of Tissue Regeneration, College of Medicine, Soonchunghyang University, South Korea
| | - Hien Thi Thu Le
- Intestinal Signaling and Epigenetics, Faculty of Medicine and Health Technology, Tampere University, Tampere, Finland.
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15
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Herpoldt KL, López CL, Sappington I, Pham MN, Srinivasan S, Netland J, Montgomery KS, Roy D, Prossnitz AN, Ellis D, Wargacki AJ, Pepper M, Convertine AJ, Stayton PS, King NP. Macromolecular Cargo Encapsulation via In Vitro Assembly of Two-Component Protein Nanoparticles. Adv Healthc Mater 2024:e2303910. [PMID: 38180445 DOI: 10.1002/adhm.202303910] [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] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2023] [Revised: 12/19/2023] [Indexed: 01/06/2024]
Abstract
Self-assembling protein nanoparticles are a promising class of materials for targeted drug delivery. Here, the use of a computationally designed, two-component, icosahedral protein nanoparticle is reported to encapsulate multiple macromolecular cargoes via simple and controlled self-assembly in vitro. Single-stranded RNA molecules between 200 and 2500 nucleotides in length are encapsulated and protected from enzymatic degradation for up to a month with length-dependent decay rates. Immunogenicity studies of nanoparticles packaging synthetic polymers carrying a small-molecule TLR7/8 agonist show that co-delivery of antigen and adjuvant results in a more than 20-fold increase in humoral immune responses while minimizing systemic cytokine secretion associated with free adjuvant. Coupled with the precise control over nanoparticle structure offered by computational design, robust and versatile encapsulation via in vitro assembly opens the door to a new generation of cargo-loaded protein nanoparticles that can combine the therapeutic effects of multiple drug classes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karla-Luise Herpoldt
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, 98195, USA
- Institute for Protein Design, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, 98195, USA
| | - Ciana L López
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, 98195, USA
| | - Isaac Sappington
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, 98195, USA
- Institute for Protein Design, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, 98195, USA
| | - Minh N Pham
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, 98195, USA
- Institute for Protein Design, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, 98195, USA
| | - Selvi Srinivasan
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, 98195, USA
| | - Jason Netland
- Department of Immunology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, 98195, USA
| | | | - Debashish Roy
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, 98195, USA
| | | | - Daniel Ellis
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, 98195, USA
- Institute for Protein Design, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, 98195, USA
| | - Adam J Wargacki
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, 98195, USA
- Institute for Protein Design, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, 98195, USA
| | - Marion Pepper
- Department of Immunology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, 98195, USA
| | | | - Patrick S Stayton
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, 98195, USA
| | - Neil P King
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, 98195, USA
- Institute for Protein Design, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, 98195, USA
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16
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Abstract
The approval of mRNA-containing lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) for use in a vaccine against the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) and the clinical utility of RNA-loaded nanocapsules has stimulated a rapid acceleration in research in this area. The development of mRNA-containing LNP vaccines has been rapid, not only because of regulatory adjustments, but also to the advances made in nucleic acid delivery as the result of efforts by many basic researchers. RNA functions, not only in the nucleus and cytoplasm, but also in mitochondria, which have their own genomic apparatus. Mitochondrial diseases caused by mutations or defects in the mitochondrial genome, mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) are intractable and are mainly treated symptomatically, but gene therapy as a fundamental treatment is expected to soon be a reality. To realize this therapy, a drug delivery system (DDS) that delivers nucleic acids including RNA to mitochondria is required, but efforts in this area have been limited compared to research targeting the nucleus and cytoplasm. This contribution provides an overview of mitochondria-targeted gene therapy strategies and discusses studies that have attempted to validate mitochondria-targeted RNA delivery therapies. We also present the results of 'RNA delivery to mitochondria' based on the use of our mitochondria-targeted DDS (MITO-Porter) that was developed in our laboratory.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuma Yamada
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Japan.
- Japan Science and Technology Agency (JST) Fusion Oriented Research for Disruptive Science and Technology (FOREST) Program, Kawaguchi, Japan.
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17
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Schäfer-Korting M. Looking to the Future: Drug Delivery and Targeting in the Prophylaxis and Therapy of Severe and Chronic Diseases. Handb Exp Pharmacol 2024; 284:389-411. [PMID: 37861719 DOI: 10.1007/164_2023_696] [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] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2023]
Abstract
High molecular weight actives and cell-based therapy have the potential to revolutionize the prophylaxis and therapy of severe diseases. Yet, the size and nature of the agents - proteins, nucleic acids, cells - challenge drug delivery and thus formulation development. Moreover, off-target effects may result in severe adverse drug reactions. This makes delivery and targeting an essential component of high-end drug development. Loading to nanoparticles facilitates delivery and enables targeted mRNA vaccines and tumor therapeutics. Stem cell therapy opens up a new horizon in diabetes type 1 among other domains which may enhance the quality of life and life expectancy. Cell encapsulation protects transplants against the recipient's immune system, may ensure long-term efficacy, avoid severe adverse reactions, and simplify the management of rare and fatal diseases.The knowledge gained so far encourages to widen the spectrum of potential indications. Co-development of the active agent and the vehicle has the potential to accelerate drug research. One recommended starting point is the use of computational approaches. Transferability of preclinical data to humans will benefit from performing studies first on validated human 3D disease models reflecting the target tissue, followed by studies on validated animal models. This makes approaching a new level in drug development a multidisciplinary but ultimately worthwhile and attainable challenge. Intense monitoring of the patients after drug approval and periodic reporting to physicians and scientists remain essential for the safe use of drugs especially in rare diseases and pave future research.
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18
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Chaudhary N, Newby AN, Whitehead KA. Non-Viral RNA Delivery During Pregnancy: Opportunities and Challenges. Small 2023:e2306134. [PMID: 38145340 DOI: 10.1002/smll.202306134] [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] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2023] [Revised: 11/25/2023] [Indexed: 12/26/2023]
Abstract
During pregnancy, the risk of maternal and fetal adversities increases due to physiological changes, genetic predispositions, environmental factors, and infections. Unfortunately, treatment options are severely limited because many essential interventions are unsafe, inaccessible, or lacking in sufficient scientific data to support their use. One potential solution to this challenge may lie in emerging RNA therapeutics for gene therapy, protein replacement, maternal vaccination, fetal gene editing, and other prenatal treatment applications. In this review, the current landscape of RNA platforms and non-viral RNA delivery technologies that are under active development for administration during pregnancy is explored. Advancements of pregnancy-specific RNA drugs against SARS-CoV-2, Zika, influenza, preeclampsia, and for in-utero gene editing are discussed. Finally, this study highlights bottlenecks that are impeding translation efforts of RNA therapies, including the lack of accurate cell-based and animal models of human pregnancy and concerns related to toxicity and immunogenicity during pregnancy. Overcoming these challenges will facilitate the rapid development of this new class of pregnancy-safe drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Namit Chaudhary
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, PA, 15213, USA
| | - Alexandra N Newby
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, PA, 15213, USA
| | - Kathryn A Whitehead
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, PA, 15213, USA
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, PA, 15213, USA
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19
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Zhou H, Chen DS, Hu CJ, Hong X, Shi J, Xiao Y. Stimuli-Responsive Nanotechnology for RNA Delivery. Adv Sci (Weinh) 2023; 10:e2303597. [PMID: 37915127 PMCID: PMC10754096 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202303597] [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: 06/03/2023] [Revised: 08/30/2023] [Indexed: 11/03/2023]
Abstract
Ribonucleic acid (RNA) drugs have shown promising therapeutic effects for various diseases in clinical and preclinical studies, owing to their capability to regulate the expression of genes of interest or control protein synthesis. Different strategies, such as chemical modification, ligand conjugation, and nanotechnology, have contributed to the successful clinical translation of RNA medicine, including small interfering RNA (siRNA) for gene silencing and messenger RNA (mRNA) for vaccine development. Among these, nanotechnology can protect RNAs from enzymatic degradation, increase cellular uptake and cytosolic transportation, prolong systemic circulation, and improve tissue/cell targeting. Here, a focused overview of stimuli-responsive nanotechnologies for RNA delivery, which have shown unique benefits in promoting RNA bioactivity and cell/organ selectivity, is provided. Many tissue/cell-specific microenvironmental features, such as pH, enzyme, hypoxia, and redox, are utilized in designing internal stimuli-responsive RNA nanoparticles (NPs). In addition, external stimuli, such as light, magnetic field, and ultrasound, have also been used for controlling RNA release and transportation. This review summarizes a wide range of stimuli-responsive NP systems for RNA delivery, which may facilitate the development of next-generation RNA medicines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hui Zhou
- Department of Cardiology, Clinical Trial CenterZhongnan Hospital of Wuhan UniversitySchool of Pharmaceutical SciencesWuhan University430071WuhanChina
- Center for Nanomedicine and Department of AnesthesiologyPerioperative and Pain MedicineBrigham and Women's HospitalHarvard Medical SchoolBostonMA02115USA
- State Key Laboratory of Organic Electronics and Information Displays & Institute of Advanced Materials (IAM)Nanjing University of Posts & Telecommunications210023NanjingChina
| | - Dean Shuailin Chen
- Center for Nanomedicine and Department of AnesthesiologyPerioperative and Pain MedicineBrigham and Women's HospitalHarvard Medical SchoolBostonMA02115USA
| | - Caleb J. Hu
- Center for Nanomedicine and Department of AnesthesiologyPerioperative and Pain MedicineBrigham and Women's HospitalHarvard Medical SchoolBostonMA02115USA
| | - Xuechuan Hong
- Department of Cardiology, Clinical Trial CenterZhongnan Hospital of Wuhan UniversitySchool of Pharmaceutical SciencesWuhan University430071WuhanChina
| | - Jinjun Shi
- Center for Nanomedicine and Department of AnesthesiologyPerioperative and Pain MedicineBrigham and Women's HospitalHarvard Medical SchoolBostonMA02115USA
| | - Yuling Xiao
- Center for Nanomedicine and Department of AnesthesiologyPerioperative and Pain MedicineBrigham and Women's HospitalHarvard Medical SchoolBostonMA02115USA
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20
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Duckert B, Lambrechts D, Braeken D, Lagae L, Fauvart M. Optimizing mRNA transfection on a high-definition electroporation microelectrode array results in 98% efficiency and multiplexed gene delivery. Biosens Bioelectron 2023; 241:115634. [PMID: 37696220 DOI: 10.1016/j.bios.2023.115634] [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: 01/06/2023] [Revised: 08/15/2023] [Accepted: 08/23/2023] [Indexed: 09/13/2023]
Abstract
Spatially resolved transfection, intracellular delivery of proteins and nucleic acids, has the potential to drastically speed up the discovery of biologically active cargos, for instance for the development of cell therapies or new genome engineering tools. We recently demonstrated the use of a high-density microelectrode array for the targeted electrotransfection of cells grown on its surface, a process called High-Definition Electroporation (HD-EP). We also developed a framework based on Design of Experiments to quickly establish optimized electroporation conditions across five different electrical pulse parameters. Here, we used this framework to optimize the transfection efficiency of primary fibroblasts with a mCherry-encoding mRNA, resulting in 98% of the cells expressing the desired fluorescent protein without any sign of cell death. That transfection yield is the highest reported so far for electroporation. Moreover, varying the pulse number was shown to modulate the fluorescence intensity of cells, indicating the dosage-controlled delivery of mRNA and protein expression. Finally, exploiting the single-electrode addressability of the microelectrode array, we demonstrated spatially resolved, high efficiency, sequential transfection of cells with three distinct mRNAs. Since the chip can be easily redesigned to feature a much large number of electrodes, we anticipate that this methodology will enable the development of dedicated screening platforms for analysis of mRNA variants at scale.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bastien Duckert
- Department of Physics and Astronomy, KU Leuven, Celestijnenlaan 200d, 3001, Leuven, Belgium; imec, Kapeldreef 75, 3001, Leuven, Belgium.
| | | | | | - Liesbet Lagae
- Department of Physics and Astronomy, KU Leuven, Celestijnenlaan 200d, 3001, Leuven, Belgium; imec, Kapeldreef 75, 3001, Leuven, Belgium.
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21
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Strelkova Petersen DM, Chaudhary N, Arral ML, Weiss RM, Whitehead KA. The mixing method used to formulate lipid nanoparticles affects m RNA delivery efficacy and organ tropism. Eur J Pharm Biopharm 2023; 192:126-135. [PMID: 37838143 PMCID: PMC10826902 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejpb.2023.10.006] [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: 01/29/2023] [Revised: 09/30/2023] [Accepted: 10/04/2023] [Indexed: 10/16/2023]
Abstract
mRNA is a versatile drug molecule with therapeutic applications ranging from protein replacement therapies to in vivo gene engineering. mRNA delivery is often accomplished using lipid nanoparticles, which are formulated via mixing of aqueous and organic solutions. Although this has historically been accomplished by manual mixing for bench scale science, microfluidic mixing is required for scalable continuous manufacturing and batch to batch control. Currently, there is limited understanding on how the mixing process affects mRNA delivery efficacy, particularly in regard to tropism. To address this knowledge gap, we examined the influence of the type of mixing and microfluidic mixing parameters on the performance of lipid nanoparticles in mice. This was accomplished with a Design of Experiment approach using four nanoparticle formulations with varied ionizable lipid chemistry. We found that each formulation required unique optimization of mixing parameters, with the total delivery efficacy of each lipid nanoparticle generated with microfluidics ranging from 100-fold less to 4-fold more than manually mixed LNPs. Further, mixing parameters influenced organ tropism, with the most efficacious formulations disproportionately increasing liver delivery compared to other organs. These data suggest that mixing parameters for lipid nanoparticle production may require optimization for each unique chemical formulation, complicating translational efforts. Further, microfluidic parameters must be chosen carefully to balance overall mRNA delivery efficacy with application-specific tropism requirements.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daria M Strelkova Petersen
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Carnegie Mellon University, 5000, Forbes Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
| | - Namit Chaudhary
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Carnegie Mellon University, 5000, Forbes Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
| | - Mariah L Arral
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Carnegie Mellon University, 5000, Forbes Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
| | - Ryan M Weiss
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Carnegie Mellon University, 5000, Forbes Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
| | - Kathryn A Whitehead
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Carnegie Mellon University, 5000, Forbes Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA; Department of Chemical Engineering, Carnegie Mellon University, 5000, Forbes Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA.
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22
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Gurba-Bryśkiewicz L, Maruszak W, Smuga DA, Dubiel K, Wieczorek M. Quality by Design (QbD) and Design of Experiments (DOE) as a Strategy for Tuning Lipid Nanoparticle Formulations for RNA Delivery. Biomedicines 2023; 11:2752. [PMID: 37893125 PMCID: PMC10604315 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines11102752] [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: 09/05/2023] [Revised: 09/28/2023] [Accepted: 09/28/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023] Open
Abstract
The successful development of nonviral delivery systems for nucleic acids has been reported extensively over the past years. Increasingly employed to improve the delivery efficiency and therapeutic efficacy of RNA are lipid nanoparticles (LNPs). Many of the various critical formulation parameters can affect the quality attributes and effectiveness of these nano-formulations. Therefore, the systematic drug development approach (QbD) and multivariate design and statistical analysis (DOE) can be very helpful and recommended for the optimization of the composition and production of RNA-LNPs. This review addresses the concepts and applications of QbD and/or DOE for the development of lipid nanoparticles for the delivery of different types of RNA, reporting examples published in the ten recent years presenting the latest trends and regulatory requirements as well as the modern mathematical and statistical design methods. As the topic explored in this review is a novel approach, the full QbD has been described in only a few papers, and a few refer only to some aspects of QbD. In contrast, the DOE approach has been used in most of the optimization works. Different approaches and innovations in DOE have been observed. Traditional statistical tests and modeling (ANOVA, regression analysis) are slowly being replaced by artificial intelligence and machine learning methods.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lidia Gurba-Bryśkiewicz
- Medicinal Chemistry Department, Celon Pharma S.A., Marymoncka 15, 05-152 Kazuń Nowy, Poland; (W.M.); (D.A.S.); (K.D.); (M.W.)
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23
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Byun J, Wu Y, Park J, Kim JS, Li Q, Choi J, Shin N, Lan M, Cai Y, Lee J, Oh YK. RNA Nanomedicine: Delivery Strategies and Applications. AAPS J 2023; 25:95. [PMID: 37784005 DOI: 10.1208/s12248-023-00860-z] [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] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2023] [Accepted: 09/04/2023] [Indexed: 10/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Delivery of RNA using nanomaterials has emerged as a new modality to expand therapeutic applications in biomedical research. However, the delivery of RNA presents unique challenges due to its susceptibility to degradation and the requirement for efficient intracellular delivery. The integration of nanotechnologies with RNA delivery has addressed many of these challenges. In this review, we discuss different strategies employed in the design and development of nanomaterials for RNA delivery. We also highlight recent advances in the pharmaceutical applications of RNA delivered via nanomaterials. Various nanomaterials, such as lipids, polymers, peptides, nucleic acids, and inorganic nanomaterials, have been utilized for delivering functional RNAs, including messenger RNA (mRNA), small interfering RNA, single guide RNA, and microRNA. Furthermore, the utilization of nanomaterials has expanded the applications of functional RNA as active pharmaceutical ingredients. For instance, the delivery of antigen-encoding mRNA using nanomaterials enables the transient expression of vaccine antigens, leading to immunogenicity and prevention against infectious diseases. Additionally, nanomaterial-mediated RNA delivery has been investigated for engineering cells to express exogenous functional proteins. Nanomaterials have also been employed for co-delivering single guide RNA and mRNA to facilitate gene editing of genetic diseases. Apart from the progress made in RNA medicine, we discuss the current challenges and future directions in this field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junho Byun
- College of Pharmacy and Research Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Seoul National University, Seoul, 08826, Republic of Korea
| | - Yina Wu
- College of Pharmacy and Research Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Seoul National University, Seoul, 08826, Republic of Korea
| | - Jinwon Park
- College of Pharmacy and Research Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Seoul National University, Seoul, 08826, Republic of Korea
| | - Jung Suk Kim
- College of Pharmacy and Research Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Seoul National University, Seoul, 08826, Republic of Korea
| | - Qiaoyun Li
- College of Pharmacy and Research Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Seoul National University, Seoul, 08826, Republic of Korea
| | - Jaehyun Choi
- College of Pharmacy and Research Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Seoul National University, Seoul, 08826, Republic of Korea
| | - Namjo Shin
- College of Pharmacy and Research Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Seoul National University, Seoul, 08826, Republic of Korea
| | - Meng Lan
- College of Pharmacy, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, China
| | - Yu Cai
- College of Pharmacy, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, China
| | - Jaiwoo Lee
- College of Pharmacy and Research Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Seoul National University, Seoul, 08826, Republic of Korea.
| | - Yu-Kyoung Oh
- College of Pharmacy and Research Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Seoul National University, Seoul, 08826, Republic of Korea.
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24
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Shim K, Jo H, Jeoung D. Cancer/Testis Antigens as Targets for RNA-Based Anticancer Therapy. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:14679. [PMID: 37834126 PMCID: PMC10572814 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241914679] [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] [Received: 08/31/2023] [Revised: 09/25/2023] [Accepted: 09/27/2023] [Indexed: 10/15/2023] Open
Abstract
In the last few decades, RNA-based drugs have emerged as a promising candidate in the treatment of various diseases. The introduction of messenger RNA (mRNA) as a vaccine or therapeutic agent enables the production of almost any functional protein/peptide. The key to applying RNA therapy in clinical trials is developing safe and effective delivery systems. Exosomes and lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) have been exploited as promising vehicles for drug delivery. This review discusses the feasibility of exosomes and LNPs as vehicles for mRNA delivery. Cancer/testis antigens (CTAs) show restricted expression in normal tissues and widespread expression in cancer tissues. Many of these CTAs show expression in the sera of patients with cancers. These characteristics of CTAs make them excellent targets for cancer immunotherapy. This review summarizes the roles of CTAs in various life processes and current studies on mRNAs encoding CTAs. Clinical studies present the beneficial effects of mRNAs encoding CTAs in patients with cancers. This review highlight clinical studies employing mRNA-LNPs encoding CTAs.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Dooil Jeoung
- Department of Biochemistry, College of Natural Sciences, Kangwon National University, Chuncheon 24341, Republic of Korea; (K.S.); (H.J.)
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25
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Almeida AF, Miranda MS, Vinhas A, Rodrigues MT, Gomes ME. Contactless Resolution of Inflammatory Signals in Tailored Macrophage-Based Cell Therapeutics. ACS Appl Mater Interfaces 2023. [PMID: 37527508 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.2c22505] [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] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/03/2023]
Abstract
In recent years, nanotechnology-based microRNA (miR) therapeutic platforms have shown great promise for immunotherapy and tissue regeneration, despite the unmet challenge of achieving efficient and safe delivery of miRs. The transport of miRs offers precision and regulatory value for a myriad of biological processes and pathways, including the control of macrophage (Mφ) functions and, consequently, the inflammatory cascades Mφ are involved in. Thus, enforcement of Mφ can boost the regenerative process and provide new solutions for diverse chronic pathologies. In this study, we sought to develop a magnetically guided transporter to deliver an miR-155 antagonist to M1-primed Mφ. Furthermore, we determined its modulatory effect in reprogramming Mφ from inflammatory to pro-regenerative phenotypes, with the aim of tissue healing and regenerative medicine approaches. This strategy combines contactless and high-precision control of Mφ, anticipating new functional miR carriers for targeted strategies controlled by extracorporeal action. The magnetoplexes SPION@PEI-miR were efficiently delivered into Mφ without compromising cell viability and successfully induced miR-mediated gene silencing by enhancing the expression of anti-inflammatory markers (IL4 and IL10) and the production of M2φ-related markers (CD206 and IL4). Given its multimodal features, SPION@PEI-miR represents a simple, safe, and nonviral theranostic platform that enables imaging, tracking, and miR delivery with modulatory effects on immune cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana F Almeida
- 3B's Research Group, I3Bs - Research Institute on Biomaterials, Biodegradables and Biomimetics, University of Minho, Headquarters of the European Institute of Excellence on Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine, AvePark, Parque de Ciência e Tecnologia, Zona Industrial da Gandra, Barco, Guimarães 4805-017, Portugal
- ICVS/3B's-PT Government Associate Laboratory, Braga, Guimarães 4710-057, Portugal
| | - Margarida S Miranda
- 3B's Research Group, I3Bs - Research Institute on Biomaterials, Biodegradables and Biomimetics, University of Minho, Headquarters of the European Institute of Excellence on Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine, AvePark, Parque de Ciência e Tecnologia, Zona Industrial da Gandra, Barco, Guimarães 4805-017, Portugal
- ICVS/3B's-PT Government Associate Laboratory, Braga, Guimarães 4710-057, Portugal
| | - Adriana Vinhas
- 3B's Research Group, I3Bs - Research Institute on Biomaterials, Biodegradables and Biomimetics, University of Minho, Headquarters of the European Institute of Excellence on Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine, AvePark, Parque de Ciência e Tecnologia, Zona Industrial da Gandra, Barco, Guimarães 4805-017, Portugal
- ICVS/3B's-PT Government Associate Laboratory, Braga, Guimarães 4710-057, Portugal
| | - Márcia T Rodrigues
- 3B's Research Group, I3Bs - Research Institute on Biomaterials, Biodegradables and Biomimetics, University of Minho, Headquarters of the European Institute of Excellence on Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine, AvePark, Parque de Ciência e Tecnologia, Zona Industrial da Gandra, Barco, Guimarães 4805-017, Portugal
- ICVS/3B's-PT Government Associate Laboratory, Braga, Guimarães 4710-057, Portugal
| | - Manuela E Gomes
- 3B's Research Group, I3Bs - Research Institute on Biomaterials, Biodegradables and Biomimetics, University of Minho, Headquarters of the European Institute of Excellence on Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine, AvePark, Parque de Ciência e Tecnologia, Zona Industrial da Gandra, Barco, Guimarães 4805-017, Portugal
- ICVS/3B's-PT Government Associate Laboratory, Braga, Guimarães 4710-057, Portugal
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Huang J, Huang H, Wang Y, Xu B, Lin M, Han S, Yuan Y, Wang Y, Shuai X. Retinol-binding protein-hijacking nanopolyplex delivering siRNA to cytoplasm of hepatic stellate cell for liver fibrosis alleviation. Biomaterials 2023; 299:122134. [PMID: 37167895 DOI: 10.1016/j.biomaterials.2023.122134] [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] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2022] [Revised: 04/21/2023] [Accepted: 04/26/2023] [Indexed: 05/13/2023]
Abstract
Activated hepatic stellate cell (aHSC) is mainly responsible for deposition of extracellular collagen matrix that causes liver fibrosis. Although several siRNAs adequately inhibited HSC activation in vitro, they were demonstrated poor RNAi efficiency in vivo. Developing HSC-targeting and cytoplasmic delivery nanocarrier is highly essential to acquire a desirable siRNA therapeutic index for anti-liver fibrosis. Here, we developed a unique crosslinking nanopolyplex (called T-C-siRNA) modified by vitamin A (VA) with the well-designed natures, including the negative charge, retinol-binding protein (RBP) hijacking, and cytoplasmic siRNA release in response to ROS and cis diol molecules. The nanopolyplex was given a yolk-shell-like shape, camouflage ability in blood, and HSC-targeting capability by hijacking the endogenous ligand RBP via surface VA. PDGFR-β siRNA (siPDGFR-β) supplied via T-C-siPDGFR-β nanopolyplex dramatically reduced HSC activation and its production of pro-fibrogenic proteins in vitro and in vivo. Furthermore, T-C-siPDGFR-β nanopolyplex effectively alleviated CCl4-induced liver injury, decreased hepatic collagen sediment, and recovered liver function in mice. This study provides a sophisticated method for HSC-targeting cytoplasmic RNA delivery using endogenous ligand hijacking and dual sensitivity of ROS and cis diol compounds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinsheng Huang
- Department of Urology, The Seventh Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, 518107, China.
| | - Huiling Huang
- College of Chemistry and Materials Science, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, China
| | - Yiyao Wang
- Department of Urology, The Seventh Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, 518107, China
| | - Bin Xu
- Department of Urology, The Seventh Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, 518107, China
| | - Minzhao Lin
- Nanomedicine Research Center, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510630, China; PCFM Lab of Ministry of Education, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510275, China
| | - Shisong Han
- PCFM Lab of Ministry of Education, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510275, China
| | - Yuanyuan Yuan
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, 310053, China.
| | - Yong Wang
- College of Chemistry and Materials Science, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, China.
| | - Xintao Shuai
- Nanomedicine Research Center, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510630, China.
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27
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Zheng L, Bandara SR, Tan Z, Leal C. Lipid nanoparticle topology regulates endosomal escape and delivery of RNA to the cytoplasm. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2023; 120:e2301067120. [PMID: 37364130 PMCID: PMC10318962 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2301067120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [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: 01/19/2023] [Accepted: 05/04/2023] [Indexed: 06/28/2023] Open
Abstract
RNA therapeutics have the potential to resolve a myriad of genetic diseases. Lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) are among the most successful RNA delivery systems. Expanding their use for the treatment of more genetic diseases hinges on our ability to continuously evolve the design of LNPs with high potency, cellular-specific targeting, and low side effects. Overcoming the difficulty of releasing cargo from endocytosed LNPs remains a significant hurdle. Here, we investigate the fundamental properties of nonviral RNA nanoparticles pertaining to the activation of topological transformations of endosomal membranes and RNA translocation into the cytosol. We show that, beyond composition, LNP fusogenicity can be prescribed by designing LNP nanostructures that lower the energetic cost of fusion and fusion-pore formation with a target membrane. The inclusion of structurally active lipids leads to enhanced LNP endosomal fusion, fast evasion of endosomal entrapment, and efficacious RNA delivery. For example, conserving the lipid make-up, RNA-LNPs having cuboplex nanostructures are significantly more efficacious at endosomal escape than traditional lipoplex constructs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lining Zheng
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL61801
| | - Sarith R. Bandara
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL61801
| | - Zhengzhong Tan
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL61801
| | - Cecilia Leal
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL61801
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28
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Kim S, Choi B, Kim Y, Shim G. Immune-Modulating Lipid Nanomaterials for the Delivery of Biopharmaceuticals. Pharmaceutics 2023; 15:1760. [PMID: 37376208 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics15061760] [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] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2023] [Revised: 05/20/2023] [Accepted: 06/15/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
In recent years, with the approval of preventative vaccines for pandemics, lipid nanoparticles have become a prominent RNA delivery vehicle. The lack of long-lasting effects of non-viral vectors is an advantage for infectious disease vaccines. With the introduction of microfluidic processes that facilitate the encapsulation of nucleic acid cargo, lipid nanoparticles are being studied as delivery vehicles for various RNA-based biopharmaceuticals. In particular, using microfluidic chip-based fabrication processes, nucleic acids such as RNA and proteins can be effectively incorporated into lipid nanoparticles and utilized as delivery vehicles for various biopharmaceuticals. Due to the successful development of mRNA therapies, lipid nanoparticles have emerged as a promising approach for the delivery of biopharmaceuticals. Biopharmaceuticals of various types (DNA, mRNA, short RNA, proteins) possess expression mechanisms that are suitable for manufacturing personalized cancer vaccines, while also requiring formulation with lipid nanoparticles. In this review, we describe the basic design of lipid nanoparticles, the types of biopharmaceuticals used as carriers, and the microfluidic processes involved. We then present research cases focusing on lipid-nanoparticle-based immune modulation and discuss the current status of commercially available lipid nanoparticles, as well as future prospects for the development of lipid nanoparticles for immune regulation purposes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Songhee Kim
- School of Systems Biomedical Science and Integrative Institute of Basic Sciences, Soongsil University, Seoul 06978, Republic of Korea
| | - Boseung Choi
- School of Systems Biomedical Science and Integrative Institute of Basic Sciences, Soongsil University, Seoul 06978, Republic of Korea
| | - Yoojin Kim
- School of Systems Biomedical Science and Integrative Institute of Basic Sciences, Soongsil University, Seoul 06978, Republic of Korea
| | - Gayong Shim
- School of Systems Biomedical Science and Integrative Institute of Basic Sciences, Soongsil University, Seoul 06978, Republic of Korea
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29
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Amistadi S, Maule G, Ciciani M, Ensinck MM, De Keersmaecker L, Ramalho AS, Guidone D, Buccirossi M, Galietta LJV, Carlon MS, Cereseto A. Functional restoration of a CFTR splicing mutation through RNA delivery of CRISPR adenine base editor. Mol Ther 2023; 31:1647-1660. [PMID: 36895161 PMCID: PMC10277887 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymthe.2023.03.004] [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] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2022] [Revised: 01/07/2023] [Accepted: 03/03/2023] [Indexed: 03/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Cystic fibrosis (CF) is a genetic disease caused by mutations in the CF transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) gene. The 2789+5G>A CFTR mutation is a quite frequent defect causing an aberrant splicing and a non-functional CFTR protein. Here we used a CRISPR adenine base editing (ABE) approach to correct the mutation in the absence of DNA double-strand breaks (DSB). To select the strategy, we developed a minigene cellular model reproducing the 2789+5G>A splicing defect. We obtained up to 70% editing in the minigene model by adapting the ABE to the PAM sequence optimal for targeting 2789+5G>A with a SpCas9-NG (NG-ABE). Nonetheless, the on-target base correction was accompanied by secondary (bystander) A-to-G conversions in nearby nucleotides, which affected the wild-type CFTR splicing. To decrease the bystander edits, we used a specific ABE (NG-ABEmax), which was delivered as mRNA. The NG-ABEmax RNA approach was validated in patient-derived rectal organoids and bronchial epithelial cells showing sufficient gene correction to recover the CFTR function. Finally, in-depth sequencing revealed high editing precision genome-wide and allele-specific correction. Here we report the development of a base editing strategy to precisely repair the 2789+5G>A mutation resulting in restoration of the CFTR function, while reducing bystander and off-target activities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simone Amistadi
- University of Trento, Department of Computational, Cellular and Integrative Biology, Laboratory of Molecular Virology, 38123 Trento, Italy
| | - Giulia Maule
- University of Trento, Department of Computational, Cellular and Integrative Biology, Laboratory of Molecular Virology, 38123 Trento, Italy.
| | - Matteo Ciciani
- University of Trento, Department of Computational, Cellular and Integrative Biology, Laboratory of Molecular Virology, 38123 Trento, Italy
| | - Marjolein M Ensinck
- KU Leuven, Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, Laboratory for Molecular Virology and Gene Therapy, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Liesbeth De Keersmaecker
- KU Leuven, Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, Laboratory for Molecular Virology and Gene Therapy, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Anabela S Ramalho
- CF Research Lab, Woman and Child Unit, Department of Development and Regeneration, KU Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Daniela Guidone
- Telethon Institute of Genetics and Medicine, 80078 Pozzuoli, Italy
| | | | - Luis J V Galietta
- Telethon Institute of Genetics and Medicine, 80078 Pozzuoli, Italy; Department of Translational Medical Sciences, University of Napoli "Federico II," 80138 Napoli, Italy
| | - Marianne S Carlon
- KU Leuven, Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, Laboratory for Molecular Virology and Gene Therapy, 3000 Leuven, Belgium; KU Leuven, Department of Chronic Diseases and Metabolism, BREATHE Laboratory, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Anna Cereseto
- University of Trento, Department of Computational, Cellular and Integrative Biology, Laboratory of Molecular Virology, 38123 Trento, Italy.
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Truong LB, Medina-Cruz D, Mostafavi E. Current state of RNA delivery using lipid nanoparticles to extrahepatic tissues: A review towards clinical translation. Int J Biol Macromol 2023:125185. [PMID: 37276899 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2023.125185] [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: 05/07/2023] [Revised: 05/29/2023] [Accepted: 05/30/2023] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Genetic medicine, including ribonucleic acid (RNA) therapy, has delivered numerous progresses to the treatment of diseases thanks to the development of lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) as a delivery vehicle. However, RNA therapeutics are still limited by the lack of safe, precise, and efficient delivery outside of the liver. Thus, to fully realize the potential of genetic medicine, strategies to arm LNPs with extrahepatic targeting capabilities are urgently needed. This review explores the current state of next-generation LNPs that can bring RNA biomolecules to their targeted organ. The main approaches commonly used are described, including the modulation of internal lipid chemistries, the use of conjugated targeting moieties, and the designs of clinical administration. This work will demonstrate the advances in each approach and the remaining challenges in the field, focusing on clinical translation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Linh B Truong
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Northeastern University, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - David Medina-Cruz
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Northeastern University, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Ebrahim Mostafavi
- Department of Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA.
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31
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Zhang H, Li X, Yu D, Guan J, Ding H, Wu H, Wang Q, Wan Y. A vector-free gene interference system using delaminated Mg-Al-lactate layered double hydroxide nanosheets as molecular carriers to intact plant cells. Plant Methods 2023; 19:44. [PMID: 37158914 PMCID: PMC10165820 DOI: 10.1186/s13007-023-01021-1] [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] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2023] [Accepted: 05/01/2023] [Indexed: 05/10/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The Mg-Al-lactate layered double hydroxide nanosheet (LDH-NS) has shown great potential as an optimal nanocarrier for extensive use in plants. However, previous studies in plant sciences have not provided a clear description of the application for the LDH-NSs-based double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) delivery (LDH-dsRNA) system in different tissues of both model and non-model species. RESULTS LDH-NSs were synthesized by using the co-precipitation method, while the dsRNAs targeting genes of interest were prepared in vitro using T7 RNA polymerase. The LDH-dsRNA bioconjugates with a neutral charge were produced by incubating with the mass ratio of LDH-NSs to dsRNA at 3:1, which were then introduced into intact plant cells using three different approaches, including injection, spray, and soak. The LDH-dsRNA delivery method was optimized by inhibiting the expression of the Arabidopsis thaliana ACTIN2 gene. As a result, soaking A. thaliana seedlings in a medium containing LDH-dsRNA for 30 min led to the silencing of 80% of the target genes. The stability and effectiveness of the LDH-dsRNA system were further confirmed by the high-efficiency knockdown of plant tissue-specific genes, including that encoding phytoene desaturase (PDS), WUSCHEL (WUS), WUSCHEL-related homeobox 5 (WOX5), and ROOT HAIR DEFECTIVE 6 (RHD6). In addition, the LDH-dsRNA system was employed in cassava, where it was found that the expression of the gene encoding nucleotide-binding site and leucine-rich repeat (NBS-LRR) was significantly reduced. As a result, the resistance of cassava leaves to pathogens was weakened. Noteworthy, the injection of LDH-dsRNA into leaves resulted in a significant downregulation of target genes in both stems and flowers, indicating the successful transport of LDH-dsRNA from leaves to other parts of plants. CONCLUSIONS LDH-NSs have proven to be a highly effective molecular tool for delivering dsRNA into intact plant cells, enabling accurate control of target gene expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- He Zhang
- Hainan Key Laboratory for Sustainable Utilization of Tropical Bioresources, College of Tropical Crops, Hainan University, Haikou, 570228, China
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Pest Management On Tropical Crops, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Environment and Plant Protection Institute, Chinese Academy of Tropical Agricultural Sciences, Haikou, 571101, China
| | - Xinyu Li
- Hainan Key Laboratory for Sustainable Utilization of Tropical Bioresources, College of Tropical Crops, Hainan University, Haikou, 570228, China
| | - Dong Yu
- Hainan Key Laboratory for Sustainable Utilization of Tropical Bioresources, College of Tropical Crops, Hainan University, Haikou, 570228, China
| | - Junqi Guan
- Hainan Key Laboratory for Sustainable Utilization of Tropical Bioresources, College of Tropical Crops, Hainan University, Haikou, 570228, China
| | - Hao Ding
- Hainan Key Laboratory for Sustainable Utilization of Tropical Bioresources, College of Tropical Crops, Hainan University, Haikou, 570228, China
| | - Hongyang Wu
- Institute of Vegetables and Flowers, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, 100081, China
| | - Qiang Wang
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Beijing Forestry University, 35 Qinghua East Road, Haidian District, Beijing, 100083, China
| | - Yinglang Wan
- Hainan Key Laboratory for Sustainable Utilization of Tropical Bioresources, College of Tropical Crops, Hainan University, Haikou, 570228, China.
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Peng B, Yang Y, Wu Z, Tan R, Pham TT, Yeo EYM, Pirisinu M, Jayasinghe MK, Pham TC, Liang K, Shyh-Chang N, Le MTN. Red blood cell extracellular vesicles deliver therapeutic siRNAs to skeletal muscles for treatment of cancer cachexia. Mol Ther 2023; 31:1418-1436. [PMID: 37016578 PMCID: PMC10188904 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymthe.2023.03.036] [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] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2022] [Revised: 02/22/2023] [Accepted: 03/31/2023] [Indexed: 04/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Cancer cachexia is a multifactorial syndrome characterized by a significant loss of skeletal muscle, which negatively affects the quality of life. Inhibition of myostatin (Mstn), a negative regulator of skeletal muscle growth and differentiation, has been proven to preserve muscle mass in muscle atrophy diseases, including cachexia. However, myostatin inhibitors have repeatedly failed clinical trials because of modest therapeutic effects and side effects due to the poor efficiency and toxicity of existing delivery methods. Here, we describe a novel method for delivering Mstn siRNA to skeletal muscles using red blood cell-derived extracellular vesicles (RBCEVs) in a cancer cachectic mouse model. Our data show that RBCEVs are taken up by myofibers via intramuscular administration. Repeated intramuscular administrations with RBCEVs allowed the delivery of siRNAs, thereby inhibiting Mstn, increasing muscle growth, and preventing cachexia in cancer-bearing mice. We observed the same therapeutic effects when delivering siRNAs against malonyl-CoA decarboxylase, an enzyme driving dysfunctional fatty acid metabolism in skeletal muscles during cancer cachexia. We demonstrate that intramuscular siRNA delivery by RBCEVs is safe and non-inflammatory. Hence, this method is useful to reduce the therapeutic dose of siRNAs, to avoid toxicity and off-target effects caused by systemic administration of naked siRNAs at high doses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Boya Peng
- Department of Pharmacology and Institute for Digital Medicine, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117600, Singapore; Department of Surgery, Immunology Program, Cancer Program and Nanomedicine Translational Program, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117600, Singapore
| | - Yuqi Yang
- Department of Pharmacology and Institute for Digital Medicine, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117600, Singapore; Department of Surgery, Immunology Program, Cancer Program and Nanomedicine Translational Program, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117600, Singapore; Department of Biomedical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine and Life Sciences, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong 999077, China
| | - Zhiyuan Wu
- Department of Pharmacology and Institute for Digital Medicine, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117600, Singapore; Department of Surgery, Immunology Program, Cancer Program and Nanomedicine Translational Program, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117600, Singapore
| | - Rachel Tan
- Department of Pharmacology and Institute for Digital Medicine, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117600, Singapore; Department of Surgery, Immunology Program, Cancer Program and Nanomedicine Translational Program, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117600, Singapore
| | - Thach Tuan Pham
- Department of Pharmacology and Institute for Digital Medicine, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117600, Singapore; Department of Surgery, Immunology Program, Cancer Program and Nanomedicine Translational Program, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117600, Singapore
| | - Eric Yew Meng Yeo
- Department of Pharmacology and Institute for Digital Medicine, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117600, Singapore; Department of Surgery, Immunology Program, Cancer Program and Nanomedicine Translational Program, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117600, Singapore
| | - Marco Pirisinu
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine and Life Sciences, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong 999077, China
| | - Migara Kavishka Jayasinghe
- Department of Pharmacology and Institute for Digital Medicine, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117600, Singapore; Department of Surgery, Immunology Program, Cancer Program and Nanomedicine Translational Program, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117600, Singapore
| | - Tin Chanh Pham
- Department of Pharmacology and Institute for Digital Medicine, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117600, Singapore; Department of Surgery, Immunology Program, Cancer Program and Nanomedicine Translational Program, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117600, Singapore; Department of Biomedical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine and Life Sciences, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong 999077, China
| | - Kun Liang
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chaoyang District, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Ng Shyh-Chang
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chaoyang District, Beijing 100101, China.
| | - Minh T N Le
- Department of Pharmacology and Institute for Digital Medicine, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117600, Singapore; Department of Surgery, Immunology Program, Cancer Program and Nanomedicine Translational Program, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117600, Singapore.
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Kairuz D, Samudh N, Ely A, Arbuthnot P, Bloom K. Production, Characterization, and Assessment of Permanently Cationic and Ionizable Lipid Nanoparticles for Use in the Delivery of Self-Amplifying RNA Vaccines. Pharmaceutics 2023; 15:pharmaceutics15041173. [PMID: 37111658 PMCID: PMC10143526 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics15041173] [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] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2023] [Revised: 03/31/2023] [Accepted: 04/05/2023] [Indexed: 04/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Africa bears the highest burden of infectious diseases, yet the continent is heavily reliant on First World countries for the development and supply of life-saving vaccines. The COVID-19 pandemic was a stark reminder of Africa's vaccine dependence and since then great interest has been generated in establishing mRNA vaccine manufacturing capabilities on the African continent. Herein, we explore alphavirus-based self-amplifying RNAs (saRNAs) delivered by lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) as an alternative to the conventional mRNA vaccine platform. The approach is intended to produce dose-sparing vaccines which could assist resource-constrained countries to achieve vaccine independence. Protocols to synthesize high-quality saRNAs were optimized and in vitro expression of reporter proteins encoded by saRNAs was achieved at low doses and observed for an extended period. Permanently cationic or ionizable LNPs (cLNPs and iLNPs, respectively) were successfully produced, incorporating saRNAs either exteriorly (saRNA-Ext-LNPs) or interiorly (saRNA-Int-LNPs). DOTAP and DOTMA saRNA-Ext-cLNPs performed best and were generally below 200 nm with good PDIs (<0.3). DOTAP and DDA saRNA-Int-cLNPs performed optimally, allowing for saRNA amplification. These were slightly larger, with higher PDIs as a result of the method used, which will require further optimization. In both cases, the N:P ratio and lipid molar ratio had a distinct effect on saRNA expression kinetics, and RNA was encapsulated at high percentages of >90%. These LNPs allow the delivery of saRNA with no significant toxicity. The optimization of saRNA production and identification of potential LNP candidates will facilitate saRNA vaccine and therapeutic development. The dose-sparing properties, versatility, and manufacturing simplicity of the saRNA platform will facilitate a rapid response to future pandemics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dylan Kairuz
- Wits/SAMRC Antiviral Gene Therapy Research Unit, Infectious Diseases and Oncology Research Institute (IDORI), Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg 2050, South Africa
| | - Nazia Samudh
- Wits/SAMRC Antiviral Gene Therapy Research Unit, Infectious Diseases and Oncology Research Institute (IDORI), Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg 2050, South Africa
| | - Abdullah Ely
- Wits/SAMRC Antiviral Gene Therapy Research Unit, Infectious Diseases and Oncology Research Institute (IDORI), Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg 2050, South Africa
| | - Patrick Arbuthnot
- Wits/SAMRC Antiviral Gene Therapy Research Unit, Infectious Diseases and Oncology Research Institute (IDORI), Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg 2050, South Africa
| | - Kristie Bloom
- Wits/SAMRC Antiviral Gene Therapy Research Unit, Infectious Diseases and Oncology Research Institute (IDORI), Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg 2050, South Africa
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Mo Y, Cheng MHY, D'Elia A, Doran K, Ding L, Chen J, Cullis PR, Zheng G. Light-Activated siRNA Endosomal Release (LASER) by Porphyrin Lipid Nanoparticles. ACS Nano 2023; 17:4688-4703. [PMID: 36853331 DOI: 10.1021/acsnano.2c10936] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) have achieved clinical success in delivering small interfering RNAs (siRNAs) for targeted gene therapy. However, endosomal escape of siRNA into the cytosol remains a fundamental challenge for LNPs. Herein, we report a strategy termed light-activated siRNA endosomal release (LASER) to address this challenge. We established a porphyrin-LNP by incorporating porphyrin-lipids into the clinically approved Onpattro formulation. The porphyrin-LNP maintained the physical properties of an LNP and generated reactive oxygen species (ROS) when irradiated with near-infrared (NIR) light. Using confocal microscopy, we revealed that porphyrin-lipids within the LNP translocate to endosomal membranes during endocytosis. The translocated porphyrin-lipids generated ROS under light irradiation and enabled LASER through endosomal membranes disruption as observed through GAL-9 recruitment and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). By establishing a quantitative confocal imaging method, we confirmed that porphyrin-LNPs can increase siRNA endosomal escape efficiency by up to 2-fold via LASER and further enhance luciferase target knockdown by 4-fold more in luciferase-transfected prostate cancer cells. Finally, we formulated porphyrin-LNPs encapsulated with gold nanoparticles (GNP) and visualized the LASER effect within prostate tumors via TEM, confirming the light-activated endosomal membrane disruption and subsequent GNP release into cytosols in vivo. Overall, porphyrin-LNPs and the LASER approach enhanced siRNA endosomal escape and significantly improved knockdown efficacy. We believe the versatility of this technology could be applied to various LNP-based RNA therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yulin Mo
- Institute of Medical Science, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario M5G 1L7, Canada
- Princess Margaret Cancer Center, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario M5G 1L7, Canada
| | - Miffy H Y Cheng
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia V6T 1Z3, Canada
| | - Andrew D'Elia
- Princess Margaret Cancer Center, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario M5G 1L7, Canada
| | - Katie Doran
- Princess Margaret Cancer Center, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario M5G 1L7, Canada
| | - Lili Ding
- Princess Margaret Cancer Center, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario M5G 1L7, Canada
| | - Juan Chen
- Princess Margaret Cancer Center, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario M5G 1L7, Canada
| | - Pieter R Cullis
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia V6T 1Z3, Canada
| | - Gang Zheng
- Institute of Medical Science, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario M5G 1L7, Canada
- Princess Margaret Cancer Center, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario M5G 1L7, Canada
- Department of Medical Biophysics, University of Toronto, 101 College Street, Toronto, Ontario M5G 1L7, Canada
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Huang X, Li J, Li G, Ni B, Liang Z, Chen H, Xu C, Zhou J, Huang J, Deng S. Cation-free siRNA-cored nanocapsules for tumor-targeted RNAi therapy. Acta Biomater 2023; 161:226-237. [PMID: 36898473 DOI: 10.1016/j.actbio.2023.03.001] [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] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2022] [Revised: 02/03/2023] [Accepted: 03/01/2023] [Indexed: 03/10/2023]
Abstract
Cation-associated cytotoxicity limits the systemic administration of RNA delivery in vivo, demanding the development of non-cationic nanosystems. In this study, cation-free polymer-siRNA nanocapsules with disulfide-crosslinked interlayer, namely T-SS(-), were prepared via the following steps: 1) complexation of siRNA with a cationic block polymer cRGD-poly(ethylene glycol)-b-poly[(2-aminoethanethiol)aspartamide]-b-poly{N'-[N-(2-aminoethyl)-2-ethylimino-1-aminomethyl]aspartamide}, abbreviated as cRGD-PEG-PAsp(MEA)-PAsp(C=N-DETA), 2) interlayer crosslinking via disulfide bond in pH 7.4 solution, and 3) removal of cationic DETA pendant at pH 5.0 via breakage of imide bond. The cationic-free nanocapsules with siRNA cores not only showed great performance (such as efficient siRNA encapsulation, high stability in serum, cancer cell targeting via cRGD modification, and GSH-triggered siRNA release), but also achieved tumor-targeted gene silencing in vivo. Moreover, the nanocapsules loaded with siRNA against polo-like kinase 1 (siRNA-PLK1) significantly inhibited tumor growth without showing cation-associated toxicity side effects and remarkably improved the survival rate of PC-3 tumor-bearing mice. The cation-free nanocapsules could potentially serve as a safe and effective platform for siRNA delivery. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: Cation-associated toxicity limits the clinical translation of cationic carriers for siRNA delivery. Recently, several non-cationic carriers, such as siRNA micelles, DNA-based nanogels, and bottlebrush-architectured poly(ethylene glycol), have been developed to deliver siRNA. However, in these designs, siRNA as a hydrophilic macromolecule was attached to the nanoparticle surface instead of being encapsulated. Thus, it was easily degraded by serum nuclease and often induced immunogenicity. Herein, we demonstrate a new type of cation-free siRNA-cored polymeric nanocapsules. The developed nanocapsules not only showed capacities including efficient siRNA encapsulation, high stability in serum, and cancer cell targeting via cRGD modification, but also achieved an efficient tumor-targeted gene silencing in vivo. Importantly, unlike cationic carriers, the nanocapsules exhibited no cation-associated side effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinghua Huang
- Department of Urology, Longgang District People's Hospital of Shenzhen, Shenzhen 518000, China
| | - Jianwei Li
- Department of Urology, Longgang District People's Hospital of Shenzhen, Shenzhen 518000, China
| | - Guanyi Li
- Department of Urology, Shenzhen Samii Medical Center, Shenzhen 518000, China
| | - Binyu Ni
- Department of Paediatrics, Longgang District People's Hospital of Shenzhen, Shenzhen 518000, China
| | - Ziji Liang
- Department of Urology, Longgang District People's Hospital of Shenzhen, Shenzhen 518000, China
| | - Haodong Chen
- Department of Urology, Longgang District People's Hospital of Shenzhen, Shenzhen 518000, China
| | - Chaozhang Xu
- Department of Urology, Longgang District People's Hospital of Shenzhen, Shenzhen 518000, China
| | - Jianhua Zhou
- Department of Urology, Longgang District People's Hospital of Shenzhen, Shenzhen 518000, China.
| | - Jinsheng Huang
- Department of Urology, The Seventh Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen 518107, China.
| | - Shaohui Deng
- Key Laboratory for Polymeric Composite & Functional Materials of Ministry of Education, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510275, China; Affiliated Dongguan Hospital, Southern Medical University, Dongguan 523059, China.
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Abstract
The rapid development of mRNA vaccines has contributed to the management of the current coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, suggesting that this technology may be used to manage future outbreaks of infectious diseases. Because the antigens targeted by mRNA vaccines can be easily altered by simply changing the sequence present in the coding region of mRNA structures, it is more appropriate to develop vaccines, especially during rapidly developing outbreaks of infectious diseases. In addition to allowing rapid development, mRNA vaccines have great potential in inducing successful antigen-specific immunity by expressing target antigens in cells and simultaneously triggering immune responses. Indeed, the two COVID-19 mRNA vaccines approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration have shown significant efficacy in preventing infections. The ability of mRNAs to produce target proteins that are defective in specific diseases has enabled the development of options to treat intractable diseases. Clinical applications of mRNA vaccines/therapeutics require strategies to safely deliver the RNA molecules into targeted cells. The present review summarizes current knowledge about mRNA vaccines/ therapeutics, their clinical applications, and their delivery strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sora Son
- College of Pharmacy and Research Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Gyeongsang National University, Jinju 52828, Korea
| | - Kyuri Lee
- College of Pharmacy and Research Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Gyeongsang National University, Jinju 52828, Korea
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37
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Kim B, Hosn RR, Remba T, Yun D, Li N, Abraham W, Melo MB, Cortes M, Li B, Zhang Y, Dong Y, Irvine DJ. Optimization of storage conditions for lipid nanoparticle-formulated self-replicating RNA vaccines. J Control Release 2023; 353:241-253. [PMID: 36414195 PMCID: PMC9708520 DOI: 10.1016/j.jconrel.2022.11.022] [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] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2022] [Revised: 11/03/2022] [Accepted: 11/13/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022]
Abstract
The recent clinical success of multiple mRNA-based SARS-CoV-2 vaccines has proven the potential of RNA formulated in lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) in humans, and products based on base-modified RNA, sequence-optimized RNA, and self-replicating RNAs formulated in LNPs are all in various stages of clinical development. However, much remains to be learned about critical parameters governing the manufacturing and use of LNP-RNA formulations. One important issue that has received limited attention in the literature to date is the identification of optimal storage conditions for LNP-RNA that preserve long-term activity of the formulations. Here, we analyzed the physical structure, in vivo expression characteristics, and functional activity of alphavirus-derived self-replicating RNA (repRNA)-loaded LNPs encoding HIV vaccine antigens following storage in varying temperatures, buffers, and in the presence or absence of cryoprotectants. We found that for lipid nanoparticles with compositions similar to clinically-used LNPs, storage in RNAse-free PBS containing 10% (w/v) sucrose at -20 °C was able to maintain vaccine stability and in vivo potency at a level equivalent to freshly prepared vaccines following 30 days of storage. LNPs loaded with repRNA could also be lyophilized with retention of bioactivity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Byungji Kim
- Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | - Ryan R Hosn
- Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | - Tanaka Remba
- Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | - Dongsoo Yun
- Nanotechnology Materials Core, Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | - Na Li
- Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | - Wuhbet Abraham
- Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | - Mariane B Melo
- Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | - Manuel Cortes
- Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA; J. Crayton Pruitt Family Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32611, USA
| | - Bridget Li
- Department of Biology, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA; Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | - Yuebao Zhang
- Division of Pharmaceutics & Pharmacology, College of Pharmacy, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, United States
| | - Yizhou Dong
- Division of Pharmaceutics & Pharmacology, College of Pharmacy, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, United States; Department of Biomedical Engineering, The Center for Clinical and Translational Science, The Comprehensive Cancer Center, Dorothy M. Davis Heart & Lung Research Institute, Department of Radiation Oncology, Center for Cancer Engineering, Center for Cancer Metabolism, Pelotonia Institute for Immune-Oncology, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, United States
| | - Darrell J Irvine
- Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA; Departments of Biological Engineering and Materials Science and Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA; Ragon Institute of Massachusetts General Hospital, Massachusetts Institute of Technology and Harvard University, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA; Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Chevy Chase, MD 20815, USA.
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38
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Zhao Y, Deng X, Tan S, Zhang J, Han J, Wang X, Pei J, Li H, Deng X, Yin C, Yin D, Tian Y, Qian A. Co-Polymer Carrier with Dual Advantages of Cartilage-Penetrating and Targeting Improves Delivery and Efficacy of MicroRNA Treatment of Osteoarthritis. Adv Healthc Mater 2023; 12:e2202143. [PMID: 36511367 DOI: 10.1002/adhm.202202143] [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: 08/24/2022] [Revised: 11/12/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Osteoarthritis (OA) is a debilitating joint disease affecting nearly 400 million people with no efficient etiological therapies. OA is primarily identified by cartilage destruction, and gradual degeneration of the whole joint would happen when the OA progresses. Hence, cartilage has been identified as the primary therapeutic target of OA. Unfortunately, numerous barriers block the delivery of therapeutic agents into cartilage, including avascular traits and high hardness of the extracellular matrix. Herein, a cartilage-targeting peptide (CAP) modified polyvinylamine (PVAm)- poly (lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) copolymer (CAP-PVAm-PLGA) is designed, which can form spherical nanoparticles with the r-miR-140 (CPP-NPs). CPP-NPs possessed enhanced mechanical properties due to the introduction of PLGA to vehicles. Meanwhile, CAP endowed the cartilage targeting which facilitated CPP-NPs localization in cartilage. With such dual advantages, CPP-NPs exhibited outstanding penetrability and accumulation in cartilage even subchondral bone, and can penetrate to a depth of 1000 µm into human cartilage. The degeneration area of cartilage is reduced by 65% and synovial inflammation score by 80% in OA mice, and the microarchitecture of subchondral bone is also ameliorated. These studies established a promising platform for therapeutic RNA delivery in OA therapy that overcame the cartilage barriers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yipu Zhao
- Key Lab for Space Biosciences and Biotechnology, School of Life Sciences, Northwestern Polytechnical University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710072, P. R. China
| | - Xudong Deng
- Key Lab for Space Biosciences and Biotechnology, School of Life Sciences, Northwestern Polytechnical University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710072, P. R. China
| | - Shenxing Tan
- Key Lab for Space Biosciences and Biotechnology, School of Life Sciences, Northwestern Polytechnical University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710072, P. R. China
| | - Jie Zhang
- Key Lab for Space Biosciences and Biotechnology, School of Life Sciences, Northwestern Polytechnical University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710072, P. R. China
| | - Jiangfan Han
- Key Lab for Space Biosciences and Biotechnology, School of Life Sciences, Northwestern Polytechnical University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710072, P. R. China
| | - Xue Wang
- Key Lab for Space Biosciences and Biotechnology, School of Life Sciences, Northwestern Polytechnical University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710072, P. R. China
| | - Jiawei Pei
- Key Lab for Space Biosciences and Biotechnology, School of Life Sciences, Northwestern Polytechnical University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710072, P. R. China
| | - Hui Li
- Honghui Hospital, Xi'an Jiaotong University College of Medicine, Xi'an, Shaanxi, P. R. China
| | - Xiaoni Deng
- Key Lab for Space Biosciences and Biotechnology, School of Life Sciences, Northwestern Polytechnical University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710072, P. R. China
| | - Chong Yin
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Academician (expert) workstation, Lab of epigenetics and RNA therapy, Affiliated Hospital of North Sichuan Medical College, Nanchong, 637000, P. R. China
| | - Dachuan Yin
- Key Lab for Space Biosciences and Biotechnology, School of Life Sciences, Northwestern Polytechnical University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710072, P. R. China
| | - Ye Tian
- Key Lab for Space Biosciences and Biotechnology, School of Life Sciences, Northwestern Polytechnical University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710072, P. R. China
| | - Airong Qian
- Key Lab for Space Biosciences and Biotechnology, School of Life Sciences, Northwestern Polytechnical University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710072, P. R. China
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39
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Duckert B, Fauvart M, Goos P, Stakenborg T, Lagae L, Braeken D. High-definition electroporation: Precise and efficient transfection on a microelectrode array. J Control Release 2022; 352:61-73. [PMID: 36208793 DOI: 10.1016/j.jconrel.2022.10.001] [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] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2022] [Revised: 09/14/2022] [Accepted: 10/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
Intracellular delivery is critical for a plethora of biomedical applications, including mRNA transfection and gene editing. High transfection efficiency and low cytotoxicity, however, are often beyond the capabilities of bulk techniques and synonymous with extensive empirical optimization. Moreover, bulk techniques are not amenable to large screening applications. Here, we propose an expeditious workflow for achieving optimal electroporation-based intracellular delivery. Using the multiplexing ability of a high-definition microelectrode array (MEA) chip, we performed a sequence of carefully designed experiments, multiple linear regression modelling and validation to obtain optimal conditions for on-chip electroporation of primary fibroblasts. Five electric pulse parameters were varied to generate 32 different electroporation conditions. The effect of the parameters on cytotoxicity and intracellular delivery could be evaluated with just two experiments. Most successful electroporation conditions resulted in no cell death, highlighting the low cytotoxicity of on-chip electroporation. The resulting delivery models were then used to achieve dosage-controlled delivery of small molecules, delivery of Cas9-GFP single-guide RNA complexes and transfection with an mCherry-encoding mRNA, resulting in previously unreported high-efficiency, single-cell transfection on MEAs: cells expressed mCherry on 81% of the actuated electrodes, underscoring the vast potential of CMOS MEA technology for the transfection of primary cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bastien Duckert
- Department of Physics and Astronomy, KU Leuven, Celestijnenlaan 200d, 3001, Leuven, Belgium; imec, Kapeldreef 75, 3001, Leuven, Belgium.
| | | | - Peter Goos
- Department of Biosystems, KU Leuven, Willem de Croylaan 42, 3001, Leuven, Belgium; Department of Engineering Management, University of Antwerp, Prinsstraat 13, 2000, Antwerp, Belgium.
| | | | - Liesbet Lagae
- Department of Physics and Astronomy, KU Leuven, Celestijnenlaan 200d, 3001, Leuven, Belgium; imec, Kapeldreef 75, 3001, Leuven, Belgium.
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40
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Kang MA, Fang J, Paragodaarachchi A, Kodama K, Yakobashvili D, Ichiyanagi Y, Matsui H. Magnetically Induced Brownian Motion of Iron Oxide Nanocages in Alternating Magnetic Fields and Their Application for Efficient si RNA Delivery. Nano Lett 2022; 22:8852-8859. [PMID: 36346801 PMCID: PMC9879328 DOI: 10.1021/acs.nanolett.2c02691] [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] [Indexed: 05/15/2023]
Abstract
Hyperthermia of superparamagnetic nanoparticles driven by Néel relaxation in an alternating magnetic field (AMF) has been studied in biomedical areas; however, Brownian motion, induced by another magnetic relaxation mechanism, has not been explored extensively despite its potential in intracellular mechanoresponsive applications. We investigated whether superparamagnetic cage-shaped iron oxide nanoparticles (IO-nanocages), previously demonstrated to carry payloads inside their cavities for drug delivery, can generate Brownian motion by tuning the nanoparticle size at 335 kHz AMF frequency. The motivation of this work is to examine the magnetically driven Brownian motion for the delivery of nanoparticles allowing escape from endosomes before digestion in lysosomes and efficient delivery of siRNA cargoes to the cytoplasm. Superconducting quantum interference device (SQUID) measurements reveal the nanocage size dependence of Brownian relaxation, and a magnetic Brownian motion of 20 nm IO-nanocages improved the efficiency of siRNA delivery while endosomal membranes were observed to be compromised to release IO-nanocages in AMFs during the delivery process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Min A Kang
- Department of Chemistry, Hunter College, City University of New York, 695 Park Avenue, New York, New York10065, United States
- Ph.D. Program in Biochemistry, The Graduate Center of the City University of New York, New York, New York10016, United States
| | - Justin Fang
- Department of Chemistry, Hunter College, City University of New York, 695 Park Avenue, New York, New York10065, United States
- Ph.D. Program in Chemistry, The Graduate Center of City University of New York, New York, New York10016, United States
| | - Aloka Paragodaarachchi
- Department of Chemistry, Hunter College, City University of New York, 695 Park Avenue, New York, New York10065, United States
- Ph.D. Program in Chemistry, The Graduate Center of City University of New York, New York, New York10016, United States
| | - Keita Kodama
- Department of Physics, Graduate School of Science and Engineering, Yokohama National University, Yokohama, Kanagawa240-8501, Japan
| | - Daniela Yakobashvili
- Department of Chemistry, Hunter College, City University of New York, 695 Park Avenue, New York, New York10065, United States
| | - Yuko Ichiyanagi
- Department of Physics, Graduate School of Science and Engineering, Yokohama National University, Yokohama, Kanagawa240-8501, Japan
| | - Hiroshi Matsui
- Department of Chemistry, Hunter College, City University of New York, 695 Park Avenue, New York, New York10065, United States
- Ph.D. Program in Biochemistry, The Graduate Center of the City University of New York, New York, New York10016, United States
- Ph.D. Program in Chemistry, The Graduate Center of City University of New York, New York, New York10016, United States
- Department of Biochemistry, Weill Cornell Medical College, 413 East 69th Street, New York, New York10021, United States
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41
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Gao C, Cheng K, Li Y, Gong R, Zhao X, Nie G, Ren H. Injectable Immunotherapeutic Hydrogel Containing RNA-Loaded Lipid Nanoparticles Reshapes Tumor Microenvironment for Pancreatic Cancer Therapy. Nano Lett 2022; 22:8801-8809. [PMID: 36251255 DOI: 10.1021/acs.nanolett.2c01994] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Pancreatic cancer immunotherapy is becoming a promising strategy for improving the survival rate of postsurgical patients. However, the low response rate to immunotherapy suggests a low number of antigen-specific T cells and a high number of immunosuppressive tumor-associated macrophages in the pancreatic tumor microenvironment. Herein, we developed an in situ injectable thermosensitive chitosan hydrogel loaded with lipid-immune regulatory factor 5 (IRF5) mRNA/C-C chemokine ligand 5 (CCL5) siRNA (LPR) nanoparticle complexes (LPR@CHG) that reprogram the antitumoral immune niche. The LPR@CHG hydrogel upregulates IRF5 and downregulates CCL5 secretion, which contribute to a significant increase in M1 phenotype macrophages. Tumor growth is controlled by effective M1 phenotype macrophage that initiate T cell-mediated immune responses. Overall, the LPR@CHG hydrogel is expected to be a meaningful immunotherapy platform that can reshape the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment and improve the efficacy of current pancreatic immunotherapies while minimizing systemic toxicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chao Gao
- Center for GI Cancer Diagnosis and Treatment, Tumor Immunology and Cytotherapy, Medical Research Center, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao 266003, China
| | - Keman Cheng
- CAS Key Laboratory for Biomedical Effects of Nanomaterials and Nanosafety, CAS Center for Excellence in Nanoscience, National Center for Nanoscience and Technology of China, Beijing 100190, China
| | - Yao Li
- CAS Key Laboratory for Biomedical Effects of Nanomaterials and Nanosafety, CAS Center for Excellence in Nanoscience, National Center for Nanoscience and Technology of China, Beijing 100190, China
- Institute of Smart Biomedical Materials, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Zhejiang Sci-Tech University, Hangzhou 310018, China
| | - Ruining Gong
- Center for GI Cancer Diagnosis and Treatment, Tumor Immunology and Cytotherapy, Medical Research Center, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao 266003, China
- Department of Gastroenterology, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao 266003, China
| | - Xiao Zhao
- CAS Key Laboratory for Biomedical Effects of Nanomaterials and Nanosafety, CAS Center for Excellence in Nanoscience, National Center for Nanoscience and Technology of China, Beijing 100190, China
- Center of Materials Science and Optoelectronics Engineering, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Guangjun Nie
- CAS Key Laboratory for Biomedical Effects of Nanomaterials and Nanosafety, CAS Center for Excellence in Nanoscience, National Center for Nanoscience and Technology of China, Beijing 100190, China
- Center of Materials Science and Optoelectronics Engineering, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - He Ren
- Center for GI Cancer Diagnosis and Treatment, Tumor Immunology and Cytotherapy, Medical Research Center, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao 266003, China
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42
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Johnson LT, Zhang D, Zhou K, Lee SM, Liu S, Dilliard SA, Farbiak L, Chatterjee S, Lin YH, Siegwart DJ. Lipid Nanoparticle (LNP) Chemistry Can Endow Unique In Vivo RNA Delivery Fates within the Liver That Alter Therapeutic Outcomes in a Cancer Model. Mol Pharm 2022; 19:3973-3986. [PMID: 36154076 PMCID: PMC9888001 DOI: 10.1021/acs.molpharmaceut.2c00442] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [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: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
Within the field of lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) for RNA delivery, the focus has been mainly placed on organ level delivery, which can mask cellular level effects consequential to therapeutic applications. Here, we studied a pair of LNPs with similar physical properties and discovered how the chemistry of the ionizable amino lipid can control the endogenous LNP identity, affecting cellular uptake in the liver and altering therapeutic outcomes in a model of liver cancer. Although most LNPs accumulate in the liver after intravenous administration (suggesting that liver delivery is straightforward), we observed an unexpected behavior when comparing two similar LNP formulations (5A2-SC8 and 3A5-SC14 LNPs) that resulted in distinct RNA delivery within the organ. Despite both LNPs possessing similar physical properties, ability to silence gene expression in vitro, strong accumulation within the liver, and a shared pKa of 6.5, only 5A2-SC8 LNPs were able to functionally deliver RNA to hepatocytes. Factor VII (FVII) activity was reduced by 87%, with 5A2-SC8 LNPs carrying FVII siRNA (siFVII), while 3A5-SC14 LNPs carrying siFVII produced baseline FVII activity levels comparable to the nontreatment control at a dosage of 0.5 mg/kg. Protein corona analysis indicated that 5A2-SC8 LNPs bind apolipoprotein E (ApoE), which can drive LDL-R receptor-mediated endocytosis in hepatocytes. In contrast, the surface of 3A5-SC14 LNPs was enriched in albumin but depleted in ApoE, which likely led to Kupffer cell delivery and detargeting of hepatocytes. In an aggressive MYC-driven liver cancer model relevant to hepatocytes, 5A2-SC8 LNPs carrying let-7g miRNA were able to significantly extend survival up to 121 days. Since disease targets exist in an organ- and cell-specific manner, the clinical development of RNA LNP therapeutics will require an improved understanding of LNP cellular tropism within organs. The results from our work illustrate the importance of understanding the cellular localization of RNA delivery and incorporating further checkpoints when choosing nanoparticles beyond biochemical and physical characterization, as small changes in the chemical composition of LNPs can have an impact on both the biofate of LNPs and therapeutic outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lindsay T Johnson
- Department of Biochemistry, Simmons Comprehensive Cancer Center, The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas 75390, Texas, United States
| | - Di Zhang
- Department of Biochemistry, Simmons Comprehensive Cancer Center, The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas 75390, Texas, United States
| | - Kejin Zhou
- Department of Biochemistry, Simmons Comprehensive Cancer Center, The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas 75390, Texas, United States
| | - Sang M Lee
- Department of Biochemistry, Simmons Comprehensive Cancer Center, The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas 75390, Texas, United States
| | - Shuai Liu
- Department of Biochemistry, Simmons Comprehensive Cancer Center, The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas 75390, Texas, United States
| | - Sean A Dilliard
- Department of Biochemistry, Simmons Comprehensive Cancer Center, The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas 75390, Texas, United States
| | - Lukas Farbiak
- Department of Biochemistry, Simmons Comprehensive Cancer Center, The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas 75390, Texas, United States
| | - Sumanta Chatterjee
- Department of Biochemistry, Simmons Comprehensive Cancer Center, The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas 75390, Texas, United States
| | - Yu-Hsuan Lin
- Children's Research Institute, Departments of Pediatrics and Internal Medicine, Center for Regenerative Science and Medicine, Children's Research Institute Mouse Genome Engineering Core, The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas 75390, Texas, United States
| | - Daniel J Siegwart
- Department of Biochemistry, Simmons Comprehensive Cancer Center, The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas 75390, Texas, United States
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Yuen JG, Fesler A, Hwang GR, Chen LB, Ju J. Development of 5-FU-modified tumor suppressor microRNAs as a platform for novel microRNA-based cancer therapeutics. Mol Ther 2022; 30:3450-3461. [PMID: 35933584 PMCID: PMC9637772 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymthe.2022.07.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [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: 02/25/2022] [Revised: 06/20/2022] [Accepted: 07/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
MicroRNA (miRNAs) are pleiotropic post-transcriptional modulators of gene expression. Their inherently pleiotropic nature makes miRNAs strong candidates for the development of cancer therapeutics, yet despite their potential, there remains a challenge to deliver nucleic acid-based therapies into cancer cells. We developed a novel approach to modify miRNAs by replacing the uracil bases with 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) in the guide strand of tumor suppressor miRNAs, thereby combining the therapeutic effect of 5-FU with tumor-suppressive effect of miRNAs to create a potent, multi-targeted therapeutic molecule without altering its native RNAi function. To demonstrate the general applicability of this approach to other tumor-suppressive miRNAs, we screened a panel of 12 novel miRNA mimetics in several cancer types, including leukemia, breast, gastric, lung, and pancreatic cancer. Our results show that 5-FU-modified miRNA mimetics have increased potency (low nanomolar range) in inhibiting cancer cell proliferation and that these mimetics can be delivered into cancer cells without delivery vehicle both in vitro and in vivo, thus representing significant advancements in the development of therapeutic miRNAs for cancer. This work demonstrates the potential of fluoropyrimidine modifications that can be broadly applicable and may serve as a platform technology for future miRNA and nucleic acid-based therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- John G Yuen
- Department of Pathology, Renaissance School of Medicine, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY 11794, USA
| | | | - Ga-Ram Hwang
- Department of Pathology, Renaissance School of Medicine, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY 11794, USA
| | - Lan-Bo Chen
- Curamir Therapeutics Inc., Woburn, MA 01801, USA
| | - Jingfang Ju
- Department of Pathology, Renaissance School of Medicine, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY 11794, USA; Curamir Therapeutics Inc., Woburn, MA 01801, USA.
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Bae SJ, Im DJ. Safe and efficient RNA and DNA introduction into cells using digital electroporation system. Bioelectrochemistry 2022; 148:108268. [PMID: 36155386 DOI: 10.1016/j.bioelechem.2022.108268] [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] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2022] [Revised: 08/20/2022] [Accepted: 09/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
We systematically compared the delivery and expression efficiencies according to cell types (plant and animal cells) and genetic materials (RNA and DNA) to deliver RNA using a digital electroporation system. Despite the significantly lower RNA delivery in Chlamydomoans reinhartii than DNA delivery due to RNA secondary structure and cell wall, the expression/delivery ratio of RNA was significantly higher than that of DNA (up to 90%), confirming the generally known fact that RNA is more favorable for expression than DNA. On the other hand, in K562 cells, the difference in RNA and DNA delivery efficiency was negligible. Therefore, structural differences between DNA and RNA affect delivery efficiency differently depending on the cell type. RNA delivery efficiency of K562 cells was high, but expression efficiency was much lower than that of microalgae. According to the proposed strategy, compatibility between K562 cells and the nucleic acids used in this study is presumed to be one of the reasons for this low expression efficiency. Gene regulation by delivering small interfering RNA (siRNA) was demonstrated in K562 cells, confirming the feasibility of the digital electroporation system for RNA interference (RNAi) research as a safe and efficient delivery system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seo Jun Bae
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Pukyong National University, (48513) 45, Yongso-ro, Nam-Gu, Busan, South Korea
| | - Do Jin Im
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Pukyong National University, (48513) 45, Yongso-ro, Nam-Gu, Busan, South Korea.
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Zare M, Pemmada R, Madhavan M, Shailaja A, Ramakrishna S, Kandiyil SP, Donahue JM, Thomas V. Encapsulation of miRNA and siRNA into Nanomaterials for Cancer Therapeutics. Pharmaceutics 2022; 14:pharmaceutics14081620. [PMID: 36015246 PMCID: PMC9416290 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics14081620] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [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: 06/01/2022] [Revised: 07/21/2022] [Accepted: 07/28/2022] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Globally, cancer is amongst the most deadly diseases due to the low efficiency of the conventional and obsolete chemotherapeutic methodologies and their many downsides. The poor aqueous solubility of most anticancer medications and their low biocompatibility make them ineligible candidates for the design of delivery systems. A significant drawback associated with chemotherapy is that there are no advanced solutions to multidrug resistance, which poses a major obstacle in cancer management. Since RNA interference (RNAi) can repress the expression of genes, it is viewed as a novel tool for advanced drug delivery. this is being explored as a promising drug targeting strategy for the treatment of multiple diseases, including cancer. However, there are many obstructions that hinder the clinical uses of siRNA drugs due to their low permeation into cells, off-target impacts, and possible unwanted immune responses under physiological circumstances. Thus, in this article, we review the design measures for siRNA conveyance frameworks and potential siRNA and miRNA drug delivery systems for malignant growth treatment, including the use of liposomes, dendrimers, and micelle-based nanovectors and functional polymer-drug delivery systems. This article sums up the advancements and challenges in the use of nanocarriers for siRNA delivery and remarkably centers around the most critical modification strategies for nanocarriers to build multifunctional siRNA and miRNA delivery vectors. In short, we hope this review will throw light on the dark areas of RNA interference, which will further open novel research arenas in the development of RNAi drugs for cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mina Zare
- Center for Nanotechnology and Sustainability, Department of Mechanical Engineering, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117581, Singapore; (M.Z.); (S.R.)
- Department of Food and Nutrition, University of Helsinki, 00014 Helsinki, Finland
| | - Rakesh Pemmada
- Departments of Materials Science and Engineering, Biomedical Engineering, University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB), Birmingham, AL 35294, USA;
| | - Maya Madhavan
- Department of Biochemistry, Government College for Women, Thiruvananthapuram 695014, India
- Correspondence: (M.M.); (V.T.)
| | - Aswathy Shailaja
- Department of Pediatrics, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC 27710, USA;
| | - Seeram Ramakrishna
- Center for Nanotechnology and Sustainability, Department of Mechanical Engineering, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117581, Singapore; (M.Z.); (S.R.)
| | | | - James M. Donahue
- School of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35294, USA;
| | - Vinoy Thomas
- Departments of Materials Science and Engineering, Biomedical Engineering, University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB), Birmingham, AL 35294, USA;
- Center for Nanoscale Materials and Biointegration (CNMB), Center for Clinical and Translational Science (CCTS), University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB), Birmingham, AL 35294, USA
- Correspondence: (M.M.); (V.T.)
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Sumi N, Nagahiro S, Nakata E, Watanabe K, Ohtsuki T. Ultrasound-dependent RNAi using TatU1A-rose bengal conjugate. Bioorg Med Chem Lett 2022; 68:128767. [PMID: 35513220 DOI: 10.1016/j.bmcl.2022.128767] [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: 03/31/2022] [Revised: 04/18/2022] [Accepted: 04/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Tat-U1A-rose bengal conjugate (TatU1A-RB) was prepared as an ultrasound-sensitive RNA carrier molecule. This molecule consists of Tat cell-penetrating peptide, U1A RNA-binding protein, and rose bengal as a sonosensitizer. We demonstrated that TatU1A-RB delivered RNA via the endocytosis pathway, which was followed by ultrasound-dependent endosomal escape and cytosolic dispersion of the RNA. A short hairpin RNA (shRNA) delivered by TatU1A-RB mediated RNA interference (RNAi) ultrasound-dependently. Even by ultrasound irradiation through blood cells, RNAi could be induced with TatU1A-RB and the shRNA. This ultrasound-dependent cytosolic RNA delivery method will serve as the basis for a new approach to nucleic acid therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nanako Sumi
- Department of Interdisciplinary Science and Engineering in Health Systems, Okayama University, 3-1-1 Tsushimanaka, Okayama 700-8530, Japan
| | - Shota Nagahiro
- Department of Interdisciplinary Science and Engineering in Health Systems, Okayama University, 3-1-1 Tsushimanaka, Okayama 700-8530, Japan
| | - Eiji Nakata
- Institute of Advanced Energy, Kyoto University, Gokasho, Uji, Kyoto 611-0011, Japan
| | - Kazunori Watanabe
- Department of Interdisciplinary Science and Engineering in Health Systems, Okayama University, 3-1-1 Tsushimanaka, Okayama 700-8530, Japan
| | - Takashi Ohtsuki
- Department of Interdisciplinary Science and Engineering in Health Systems, Okayama University, 3-1-1 Tsushimanaka, Okayama 700-8530, Japan.
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Kloczewiak M, Banks JM, Jin L, Brader ML. A Biopharmaceutical Perspective on Higher-Order Structure and Thermal Stability of mRNA Vaccines. Mol Pharm 2022; 19:2022-2031. [PMID: 35715255 PMCID: PMC9257798 DOI: 10.1021/acs.molpharmaceut.2c00092] [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] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2022] [Revised: 05/13/2022] [Accepted: 05/16/2022] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Preservation of the integrity of macromolecular higher-order structure is a tenet central to achieving biologic drug and vaccine product stability toward manufacturing, distribution, storage, handling, and administration. Given that mRNA lipid nanoparticles (mRNA-LNPs) are held together by an intricate ensemble of weak forces, there are some intriguing parallels to biologic drugs, at least at first glance. However, mRNA vaccines are not without unique formulation and stabilization challenges derived from the instability of unmodified mRNA and its limited history as a drug or vaccine. Since certain learning gained from biologic drug development may be applicable for the improvement of mRNA vaccines, we present a perspective on parallels and contrasts between the emerging role of higher-order structure pertaining to mRNA-LNPs compared to pharmaceutical proteins. In a recent publication, the location of mRNA encapsulated within lipid nanoparticles was identified, revealing new insights into the LNP structure, nanoheterogeneity, and microenvironment of the encapsulated mRNA molecules [Brader et al. Biophys. J. 2021, 120, 2766]. We extend those findings by considering the effect of encapsulation on mRNA thermal unfolding with the observation that encapsulation in LNPs increases mRNA unfolding temperatures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marek Kloczewiak
- Moderna, Inc., 200 Technology Square, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, United States
| | - Jessica M. Banks
- Moderna, Inc., 200 Technology Square, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, United States
| | - Lin Jin
- Moderna, Inc., 200 Technology Square, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, United States
| | - Mark L. Brader
- Moderna, Inc., 200 Technology Square, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, United States
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Okuda K, Sato Y, Iwakawa K, Sasaki K, Okabe N, Maeki M, Tokeshi M, Harashima H. On the size-regulation of RNA-loaded lipid nanoparticles synthesized by microfluidic device. J Control Release 2022; 348:648-659. [PMID: 35716883 DOI: 10.1016/j.jconrel.2022.06.017] [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] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2022] [Revised: 04/27/2022] [Accepted: 06/10/2022] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
The use of lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) for nucleic acid delivery is now becoming a promising strategy with a number of clinical trials as vaccines or as novel therapies against a variety of genetic and infectious diseases. The use of microfluidics for the synthesis of the LNPs has attracted interest because of its considerable advantages over other conventional synthetic methods including scalability, reproducibility, and speed. However, despite the potential usefulness of large particles for nucleic acid delivery to dendritic cells (DCs) as a vaccine, the particle size of the LNPs prepared using microfluidics is typically limited to approximately from 30 to 100 nm. In this study, focusing on Derjaguin-Landau-Verwey-Overbeek (DLVO) theory, the effect of some synthetic parameters, including total flow rate, flow rate ratio, buffer pH, lipid concentration, molar ratio of PEG-lipid as well as salt concentration, on particle size was systematically examined by means of the design of experiment approaches. The findings indicated that the simple addition of salt (e.g. NaCl) to a buffer containing nucleic acids contributed greatly to the synthesis of large LNPs over 200 nm and this effect was concentration-dependent with respect to the salt. The effect of salt on particle size was consistent with a Hofmeister series. The systemic injection of larger mRNA-loaded LNPs resulted in a higher transgene expression in mouse splenic DCs, a higher activation of various splenic immune cells, and had a superior effect as a therapeutic cancer vaccine in a syngeneic mouse model compared to the smaller-sized counterpart with constant lipid composition prepared with lower NaCl concentration. Collectively, size-regulation by the simple addition of salt is a promising strategy for developing potent LNPs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kento Okuda
- Laboratory for Molecular Design of Pharmaceutics, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Hokkaido University, Kita-12, Nishi-6, Kita-Ku, Sapporo 060-0812, Japan
| | - Yusuke Sato
- Laboratory for Molecular Design of Pharmaceutics, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Hokkaido University, Kita-12, Nishi-6, Kita-Ku, Sapporo 060-0812, Japan.
| | - Kazuki Iwakawa
- Laboratory for Molecular Design of Pharmaceutics, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Hokkaido University, Kita-12, Nishi-6, Kita-Ku, Sapporo 060-0812, Japan
| | - Kosuke Sasaki
- Laboratory for Molecular Design of Pharmaceutics, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Hokkaido University, Kita-12, Nishi-6, Kita-Ku, Sapporo 060-0812, Japan
| | - Nana Okabe
- Laboratory for Molecular Design of Pharmaceutics, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Hokkaido University, Kita-12, Nishi-6, Kita-Ku, Sapporo 060-0812, Japan
| | - Masatoshi Maeki
- Division of Applied Chemistry, Faculty of Engineering, Hokkaido University, Kita-13, Nishi-8, Kita-Ku, Sapporo 060-8628, Japan; JST PRESTO, 4-1-8 Honcho, Kawaguchi, Saitama 332-0012, Japan
| | - Manabu Tokeshi
- Division of Applied Chemistry, Faculty of Engineering, Hokkaido University, Kita-13, Nishi-8, Kita-Ku, Sapporo 060-8628, Japan; Innovative Research Center for Preventive Medical Engineering, Nagoya University, Furo-cho, Chikusa-ku, Nagoya 464-8601, Japan; Institute of Nano-Life Systems, Institutes of Innovation for Future Society, Nagoya University, Furo-cho, Chikusa-ku, Nagoya 464-8601, Japan
| | - Hideyoshi Harashima
- Laboratory for Molecular Design of Pharmaceutics, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Hokkaido University, Kita-12, Nishi-6, Kita-Ku, Sapporo 060-0812, Japan.
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Peng B, Nguyen TM, Jayasinghe MK, Gao C, Pham TT, Vu LT, Yeo EYM, Yap G, Wang L, Goh BC, Tam WL, Luo D, Le MTN. Robust delivery of RIG-I agonists using extracellular vesicles for anti-cancer immunotherapy. J Extracell Vesicles 2022; 11:e12187. [PMID: 35430766 PMCID: PMC9013404 DOI: 10.1002/jev2.12187] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2021] [Revised: 11/29/2021] [Accepted: 01/05/2022] [Indexed: 01/23/2023] Open
Abstract
The RIG-I pathway can be activated by RNA containing 5' triphosphate, leading to type I interferon release and immune activation. Hence, RIG-I agonists have been used to induce immune responses against cancer as potential immunotherapy. However, delivery of 5' triphosphorylated RNA molecules as RIG-I agonists to tumour cells in vivo is challenging due to the susceptibility of these molecules to degradation. In this study, we demonstrate the use of extracellular vesicles (EVs) from red blood cells (RBCs), which are highly amenable for RNA loading and taken up robustly by cancer cells, for RIG-I agonist delivery. We evaluate the anti-cancer activity of two novel RIG-I agonists, the immunomodulatory RNA (immRNA) with a unique secondary structure for efficient RIG-I activation, and a 5' triphosphorylated antisense oligonucleotide with dual function of RIG-I activation and miR-125b inhibition (3p-125b-ASO). We find that RBCEV-delivered immRNA and 3p-125b-ASO trigger the RIG-I pathway, and induce cell death in both mouse and human breast cancer cells. Furthermore, we observe a significant suppression of tumour growth coupled with increased immune cell infiltration mediated by the activation of RIG-I cascade after multiple intratumoral injections of RBCEVs loaded with immRNA or 3p-125b-ASO. Targeted delivery of immRNA using RBCEVs with EGFR-binding nanobody administrated via intrapulmonary delivery facilitates the accumulation of RBCEVs in metastatic cancer cells, leading to potent tumour-specific CD8+ T cells immune response. This contributes to prominent suppression of breast cancer metastasis in the lung. Hence, this study provides a new strategy for efficient RIG-I agonist delivery using RBCEVs for immunotherapy against cancer and cancer metastasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Boya Peng
- Department of Pharmacology and Institute for Digital MedicineYong Loo Lin School of MedicineNational University of SingaporeSingapore
- Department of SurgeryImmunology ProgramCancer Program and Nanomedicine Translational ProgramYong Loo Lin School of MedicineNational University of SingaporeSingapore
| | - Trinh Mai Nguyen
- Lee Kong Chian School of MedicineNanyang Technological UniversitySingapore
- NTU Institute of Structural BiologyNanyang Technological UniversitySingapore
| | - Migara Kavishka Jayasinghe
- Department of Pharmacology and Institute for Digital MedicineYong Loo Lin School of MedicineNational University of SingaporeSingapore
- Department of SurgeryImmunology ProgramCancer Program and Nanomedicine Translational ProgramYong Loo Lin School of MedicineNational University of SingaporeSingapore
| | - Chang Gao
- Department of Pharmacology and Institute for Digital MedicineYong Loo Lin School of MedicineNational University of SingaporeSingapore
- Department of SurgeryImmunology ProgramCancer Program and Nanomedicine Translational ProgramYong Loo Lin School of MedicineNational University of SingaporeSingapore
| | - Thach Tuan Pham
- Department of Pharmacology and Institute for Digital MedicineYong Loo Lin School of MedicineNational University of SingaporeSingapore
- Department of SurgeryImmunology ProgramCancer Program and Nanomedicine Translational ProgramYong Loo Lin School of MedicineNational University of SingaporeSingapore
| | - Luyen Tien Vu
- Department of Pharmacology and Institute for Digital MedicineYong Loo Lin School of MedicineNational University of SingaporeSingapore
- Department of SurgeryImmunology ProgramCancer Program and Nanomedicine Translational ProgramYong Loo Lin School of MedicineNational University of SingaporeSingapore
| | - Eric Yew Meng Yeo
- Department of Pharmacology and Institute for Digital MedicineYong Loo Lin School of MedicineNational University of SingaporeSingapore
- Department of SurgeryImmunology ProgramCancer Program and Nanomedicine Translational ProgramYong Loo Lin School of MedicineNational University of SingaporeSingapore
| | - Gracemary Yap
- Department of Pharmacology and Institute for Digital MedicineYong Loo Lin School of MedicineNational University of SingaporeSingapore
- Department of SurgeryImmunology ProgramCancer Program and Nanomedicine Translational ProgramYong Loo Lin School of MedicineNational University of SingaporeSingapore
| | - Lingzhi Wang
- Cancer Science Institute of SingaporeNational University of SingaporeSingapore
| | - Boon Cher Goh
- Cancer Science Institute of SingaporeNational University of SingaporeSingapore
| | - Wai Leong Tam
- Cancer Science Institute of SingaporeNational University of SingaporeSingapore
- Genome Institute of Singapore, A*STARSingapore
| | - Dahai Luo
- Lee Kong Chian School of MedicineNanyang Technological UniversitySingapore
- NTU Institute of Structural BiologyNanyang Technological UniversitySingapore
| | - Minh TN Le
- Department of Pharmacology and Institute for Digital MedicineYong Loo Lin School of MedicineNational University of SingaporeSingapore
- Department of SurgeryImmunology ProgramCancer Program and Nanomedicine Translational ProgramYong Loo Lin School of MedicineNational University of SingaporeSingapore
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50
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Uslu VV, Dalakouras A, Steffens VA, Krczal G, Wassenegger M. High-pressure sprayed siRNAs influence the efficiency but not the profile of transitive silencing. Plant J 2022; 109:1199-1212. [PMID: 34882879 DOI: 10.1111/tpj.15625] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [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: 03/30/2021] [Revised: 11/18/2021] [Accepted: 11/26/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
In plants, small interfering RNAs (siRNAs) are a quintessential class of RNA interference (RNAi)-inducing molecules produced by the endonucleolytic cleavage of double-stranded RNAs (dsRNAs). In order to ensure robust RNAi, siRNAs are amplified through a positive feedback mechanism called transitivity. Transitivity relies on RNA-DIRECTED RNA POLYMERASE 6 (RDR6)-mediated dsRNA synthesis using siRNA-targeted RNA. The newly synthesized dsRNA is subsequently cleaved into secondary siRNAs by DICER-LIKE (DCL) endonucleases. Just like primary siRNAs, secondary siRNAs are also loaded into ARGONAUTE proteins (AGOs) to form an RNA-induced silencing complex reinforcing the cleavage of the target RNA. Although the molecular players underlying transitivity are well established, the mode of action of transitivity remains elusive. In this study, we investigated the influence of primary target sites on transgene silencing and transitivity using the green fluorescent protein (GFP)-expressing Nicotiana benthamiana 16C line, high-pressure spraying protocol, and synthetic 22-nucleotide (nt) long siRNAs. We found that the 22-nt siRNA targeting the 3' of the GFP transgene was less efficient in inducing silencing when compared with the siRNAs targeting the 5' and middle region of the GFP. Moreover, sRNA sequencing of locally silenced leaves showed that the amount but not the profile of secondary RNAs is shaped by the occupancy of the primary siRNA triggers on the target RNA. Our findings suggest that RDR6-mediated dsRNA synthesis is not primed by primary siRNAs and that dsRNA synthesis appears to be generally initiated at the 3'-end of the target RNA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Veli Vural Uslu
- AlPlanta-Institute for Plant Research, RLP AgroScience GmbH, Neustadt an der Weinstraße, Germany
| | - Athanasios Dalakouras
- Institute of Industrial and Forage Crops, Hellenic Agricultural Organization ELGO-DEMETER, Larissa, Greece
| | - Victor A Steffens
- AlPlanta-Institute for Plant Research, RLP AgroScience GmbH, Neustadt an der Weinstraße, Germany
| | - Gabi Krczal
- AlPlanta-Institute for Plant Research, RLP AgroScience GmbH, Neustadt an der Weinstraße, Germany
| | - Michael Wassenegger
- AlPlanta-Institute for Plant Research, RLP AgroScience GmbH, Neustadt an der Weinstraße, Germany
- Centre for Organismal Studies Heidelberg, University of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
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