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1.
PLoS One ; 19(6): e0297817, 2024.
Article En | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38833479

Lentiviral vectors derived from human immunodeficiency virus type I are widely used to deliver functional gene copies to mammalian cells for research and gene therapies. Post-transcriptional splicing of lentiviral vector transgene in transduced host and transfected producer cells presents barriers to widespread application of lentiviral vector-based therapies. The present study examined effects of indole derivative compound IDC16 on splicing of lentiviral vector transcripts in producer cells and corresponding yield of infectious lentiviral vectors. Indole IDC16 was shown previously to modify alternative splicing in human immunodeficiency virus type I. Human embryonic kidney 293T cells were transiently transfected by 3rd generation backbone and packaging plasmids using polyethyleneimine. Reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction of the fraction of unspliced genomes in human embryonic kidney 293T cells increased up to 31% upon the indole's treatment at 2.5 uM. Corresponding yield of infectious lentiviral vectors decreased up to 4.5-fold in a cell transduction assay. Adjusting timing and duration of IDC16 treatment indicated that the indole's disruption of early stages of transfection and cell cycle had a greater effect on exponential time course of lentiviral vector production than its reduction of post-transcriptional splicing. Decrease in transfected human embryonic kidney 293T proliferation by IDC16 became significant at 10 uM. These findings indicated contributions by early-stage transfection, cell proliferation, and post-transcriptional splicing in transient transfection of human embryonic kidney 293T cells for lentiviral vector production.


Alternative Splicing , Cell Proliferation , Genetic Vectors , Indoles , Lentivirus , Transfection , Humans , Indoles/pharmacology , Cell Proliferation/drug effects , Genetic Vectors/genetics , Lentivirus/genetics , Transfection/methods , HEK293 Cells
2.
Methods Mol Biol ; 2799: 47-54, 2024.
Article En | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38727902

Transfection allows the introduction of foreign nucleic acid into eukaryotic cells. It is an important tool in understanding the roles of NMDARs in neurons. Here we describe using lipofection-mediated transfection to introduce cDNA encoding NMDAR subunits into postmitotic rodent primary cortical neurons maintained in culture.


Neurons , Transfection , Neurons/metabolism , Neurons/cytology , Animals , Transfection/methods , Cells, Cultured , Rats , Receptors, N-Methyl-D-Aspartate/metabolism , Receptors, N-Methyl-D-Aspartate/genetics , Mice , Primary Cell Culture/methods , DNA, Complementary/genetics
3.
Oncotarget ; 15: 275-284, 2024 May 03.
Article En | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38709242

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) and COVID-19 infection has led to worsened outcomes for patients with cancer. SARS-CoV-2 spike protein mediates host cell infection and cell-cell fusion that causes stabilization of tumor suppressor p53 protein. In-silico analysis previously suggested that SARS-CoV-2 spike interacts with p53 directly but this putative interaction has not been demonstrated in cells. We examined the interaction between SARS-CoV-2 spike, p53 and MDM2 (E3 ligase, which mediates p53 degradation) in cancer cells using an immunoprecipitation assay. We observed that SARS-CoV-2 spike protein interrupts p53-MDM2 protein interaction but did not detect SARS-CoV-2 spike bound with p53 protein in the cancer cells. We further observed that SARS-CoV-2 spike suppresses p53 transcriptional activity in cancer cells including after nutlin exposure of wild-type p53-, spike-expressing tumor cells and inhibits chemotherapy-induced p53 gene activation of p21(WAF1), TRAIL Death Receptor DR5 and MDM2. The suppressive effect of SARS-CoV-2 spike on p53-dependent gene activation provides a potential molecular mechanism by which SARS-CoV-2 infection may impact tumorigenesis, tumor progression and chemotherapy sensitivity. In fact, cisplatin-treated tumor cells expressing spike were found to have increased cell viability as compared to control cells. Further observations on γ-H2AX expression in spike-expressing cells treated with cisplatin may indicate altered DNA damage sensing in the DNA damage response pathway. The preliminary observations reported here warrant further studies to unravel the impact of SARS-CoV-2 and its various encoded proteins including spike on pathways of tumorigenesis and response to cancer therapeutics. More efforts should be directed at studying the effects of the SARS-CoV-2 spike and other viral proteins on host DNA damage sensing, response and repair mechanisms. A goal would be to understand the structural basis for maximal anti-viral immunity while minimizing suppression of host defenses including the p53 DNA damage response and tumor suppression pathway. Such directions are relevant and important including not only in the context of viral infection and mRNA vaccines in general but also for patients with cancer who may be receiving cytotoxic or other cancer treatments.


Cell Survival , Cyclin-Dependent Kinase Inhibitor p21 , Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-mdm2 , Receptors, TNF-Related Apoptosis-Inducing Ligand , SARS-CoV-2 , Spike Glycoprotein, Coronavirus , Tumor Suppressor Protein p53 , Humans , Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-mdm2/metabolism , Tumor Suppressor Protein p53/metabolism , Cyclin-Dependent Kinase Inhibitor p21/metabolism , Spike Glycoprotein, Coronavirus/metabolism , Spike Glycoprotein, Coronavirus/genetics , Cell Survival/drug effects , Receptors, TNF-Related Apoptosis-Inducing Ligand/metabolism , Receptors, TNF-Related Apoptosis-Inducing Ligand/genetics , SARS-CoV-2/physiology , Cell Line, Tumor , Neoplasms/metabolism , Neoplasms/drug therapy , Antineoplastic Agents/pharmacology , Transfection , COVID-19/virology , COVID-19/metabolism
4.
Biotechnol J ; 19(5): e2400090, 2024 May.
Article En | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38719592

The production of lentiviral vectors (LVs) pseudotyped with the vesicular stomatitis virus envelope glycoprotein (VSV-G) is limited by the associated cytotoxicity of the envelope and by the production methods used, such as transient transfection of adherent cell lines. In this study, we established stable suspension producer cell lines for scalable and serum-free LV production derived from two stable, inducible packaging cell lines, named GPRG and GPRTG. The established polyclonal producer cell lines produce self-inactivating (SIN) LVs carrying a WAS-T2A-GFP construct at an average infectious titer of up to 4.64 × 107 TU mL-1 in a semi-perfusion process in a shake flask and can be generated in less than two months. The derived monoclonal cell lines are functionally stable in continuous culture and produce an average infectious titer of up to 9.38 × 107 TU mL-1 in a semi-perfusion shake flask process. The producer clones are able to maintain a productivity of >1 × 107 TU mL-1 day-1 for up to 29 consecutive days in a non-optimized 5 L stirred-tank bioreactor perfusion process, representing a major milestone in the field of LV manufacturing. As the producer cell lines are based on an inducible Tet-off expression system, the established process allows LV production in the absence of inducers such as antibiotics. The purified LVs efficiently transduce human CD34+ cells, reducing the LV quantities required for gene and cell therapy applications.


Bioreactors , Genetic Vectors , Lentivirus , Lentivirus/genetics , Humans , Genetic Vectors/genetics , Culture Media, Serum-Free , Cell Line , Cell Culture Techniques/methods , Virus Cultivation/methods , HEK293 Cells , Transfection/methods
5.
Biotechnol J ; 19(5): e2300672, 2024 May.
Article En | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38719621

The production of recombinant adeno-associated virus (rAAV) for gene therapy applications relies on the use of various host cell lines, with suspension-grown HEK293 cells being the preferred expression system due to their satisfactory rAAV yields in transient transfections. As the field of gene therapy continues to expand, there is a growing demand for efficient rAAV production, which has prompted efforts to optimize HEK293 cell line productivity through engineering. In contrast to other cell lines like CHO cells, the transcriptome of HEK293 cells during rAAV production has remained largely unexplored in terms of identifying molecular components that can enhance yields. In our previous research, we analyzed global regulatory pathways and mRNA expression patterns associated with increased rAAV production in HEK293 cells. Our data revealed substantial variations in the expression patterns between cell lines with low (LP) and high-production (HP) rates. Moving to a deeper layer for a more detailed analysis of inflammation-related transcriptome data, we detected an increased expression of interferon-related genes in low-producing cell lines. Following upon these results, we investigated the use of Ruxolitinib, an interferon pathway inhibitor, during the transient production of rAAV in HEK293 cells as potential media additive to boost rAAV titers. Indeed, we find a two-fold increase in rAAV titers compared to the control when the interferon pathways were inhibited. In essence, this work offers a rational design approach for optimization of HEK293 cell line productivity and potential engineering targets, ultimately paving the way for more cost-efficient and readily available gene therapies for patients.


Dependovirus , Interferons , Signal Transduction , Humans , HEK293 Cells , Dependovirus/genetics , Interferons/metabolism , Interferons/genetics , Nitriles/pharmacology , Pyrimidines/pharmacology , Transfection , Pyrazoles/pharmacology
6.
Med Oncol ; 41(6): 162, 2024 May 20.
Article En | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38767753

Dermaseptin B2 (DrsB2) is an antimicrobial peptide with anticancer and angiostatic properties. We aimed to assess the in vitro inhibitory effect of pDNA/DrsB2 on the growth of breast cancer cells and its impact on the expression of genes involved in the BAX/BBC3/AKT pathway. The nucleic acid sequence of DrsB2 was artificially synthesized and inserted into the pcDNA3.1( +) Mammalian Expression Plasmid. PCR testing and enzyme digesting procedures evaluated the accuracy of cloning. The vectors were introduced into cells using LipofectamineTM2000 transfection reagent. The breast cancer cells were assessed by flow cytometry, MTT assessment, soft agar colony method, and wound healing investigation. The gene's transcription was evaluated using real-time PCR with a significance level of P < 0.05. The recombinant plasmid harboring the pDNA/DrsB2 vector was effectively produced, and the gene sequence showed absolute homogeneity (100% similarity) with the DrsB2 gene. The transfection effectiveness of MCF-7 and MCF-10A cells was 79% and 68%, respectively. The findings are measured using the growth inhibition 50% (GI50) metric, which indicates the concentration of pDNA/DrsB2 that stops 50% of cell growth. The proportions of early apoptosis, late apoptosis, necrosis, and viable MCF-7 cells in the pDNA/DrsB2 group were 40.50%, 2.31%, 1.69%, and 55.50%, respectively. The results showed a 100% increase in gene expression in programmed cell death following treatment with pDNA/DrsB2 (**P < 0.01). To summarize, the results described in this work offer new possibilities for treating cancer by targeting malignancies via pDNA/DrsB2 and activating the BAX/BBC3/AKT signaling pathways.


Breast Neoplasms , Cell Proliferation , Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-akt , Signal Transduction , bcl-2-Associated X Protein , Humans , Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-akt/metabolism , bcl-2-Associated X Protein/genetics , bcl-2-Associated X Protein/metabolism , Breast Neoplasms/genetics , Breast Neoplasms/pathology , Breast Neoplasms/drug therapy , Female , Apoptosis , MCF-7 Cells , Amphibian Proteins/genetics , Amphibian Proteins/pharmacology , Apoptosis Regulatory Proteins/genetics , Apoptosis Regulatory Proteins/metabolism , Cell Line, Tumor , Antineoplastic Agents/pharmacology , Antimicrobial Cationic Peptides/genetics , Transfection
7.
Stem Cell Res Ther ; 15(1): 150, 2024 May 23.
Article En | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38783353

Mesenchymal stem/stromal cells (MSCs) are not only capable of self-renewal, trans-differentiation, homing to damaged tissue sites and immunomodulation by secretion of trophic factors but are also easy to isolate and expand. Because of these characteristics, they are used in numerous clinical trials for cell therapy including immune and neurological disorders, diabetes, bone and cartilage diseases and myocardial infarction. However, not all trials have successful outcomes, due to unfavourable microenvironmental factors and the heterogenous nature of MSCs. Therefore, genetic manipulation of MSCs can increase their prospect. Currently, most studies focus on single transfection with one gene. Even though the introduction of more than one gene increases the complexity, it also increases the effectivity as different mechanism are triggered, leading to a synergistic effect. In this review we focus on the methodology and efficiency of co-transfection, as well as the opportunities and pitfalls of these genetically engineered cells for therapy.


Genetic Therapy , Mesenchymal Stem Cell Transplantation , Mesenchymal Stem Cells , Transfection , Humans , Mesenchymal Stem Cells/metabolism , Mesenchymal Stem Cells/cytology , Genetic Therapy/methods , Mesenchymal Stem Cell Transplantation/methods , Transfection/methods , Animals
8.
Methods Mol Biol ; 2786: 147-165, 2024.
Article En | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38814393

Here we describe the in vitro preparation of mRNA from DNA templates, including setting up the transcription reaction, mRNA capping, and mRNA labeling. We then describe methods used for mRNA characterization, including UV and fluorescence spectrophotometry, as well as gel electrophoresis. Moreover, characterization of the in vitro transcribed RNA using the Bioanalyzer instrument is described, allowing a higher resolution analysis of the target molecules. For the in vitro testing of the mRNA molecules, we include protocols for the transfection of various primary cell cultures and the confirmation of translation by intracellular staining and western blotting.


RNA, Messenger , Transcription, Genetic , RNA, Messenger/genetics , Humans , Transfection/methods , RNA Caps/genetics , RNA Caps/metabolism , DNA/genetics , Animals
9.
Methods Mol Biol ; 2786: 219-235, 2024.
Article En | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38814397

Electroporation (EP) of mRNA into human cells is a broadly applicable method to transiently express proteins of choice in a variety of different cell types. We have spent more than two decades to optimize and adapt this method, first for antigen-loading of dendritic cells (DCs) and subsequently for T cells, B cells, bulk PBMCs, and several cell lines. In this regard, antigens were introduced, processed, and presented in context of MHC class I and II. Next to that, functional proteins like adhesion receptors, T-cell receptors (TCRs), chimeric antigen receptors (CARs), constitutively active signal transducers (i.e. caIKK), and others were successfully expressed. We have also established this protocol under full GMP compliance as part of a manufacturing license to produce mRNA-electroporated DCs and mRNA-electroporated T cells for therapeutic applications in clinical trials. Therefore, we here want to share our universal mRNA electroporation protocol and the experience we have gathered with this method. The advantages of the transfection method presented here are: (1) easy adaptation to different cell types; (2) scalability from 106 to approximately 108 cells per shot; (3) high transfection efficiency (80-99%); (4) homogenous protein expression; (5) GMP compliance if the EP is performed in a class A clean room; and (6) no transgene integration into the genome. The provided protocol involves: OptiMEM® as EP medium, a square-wave pulse with 500 V, and 4 mm cuvettes. To adapt the protocol to differently sized cells, simply the pulse time has to be altered. Thus, we share an overview of proven electroporation settings (including recovery media), which we have established for various cell types. Next to the basic protocol, we also provide an extensive list of hints and tricks, which, in our opinion, are of great value for everyone who intends to use this transfection technique.


Dendritic Cells , Electroporation , RNA, Messenger , Transfection , Electroporation/methods , Humans , RNA, Messenger/genetics , Transfection/methods , Dendritic Cells/metabolism , Dendritic Cells/immunology , T-Lymphocytes/metabolism , T-Lymphocytes/immunology , Antigens/genetics , B-Lymphocytes/metabolism , B-Lymphocytes/immunology
10.
Methods Mol Biol ; 2786: 255-287, 2024.
Article En | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38814399

Among the large variety of messenger RNA (mRNA) delivery systems, those developed with lipid-based formulations were the most widely used and efficient. In our lab, we produced different mRNA formulations made with liposomes, hybrid lipid polymer, and lipid nanoparticles. Our formulations were made with lipids bearing imidazole groups that trigger the endosomal escape of nanoparticles once protonated inside the mild acidic milieu of endosomes upon their cell uptake. Herein, we describe protocols that we used to produce, optimize, and characterize those formulations. The transfection efficiency is influenced by various factors including the physicochemical parameters of the nanoparticles, their efficiency to be internalized in cells, and their intracellular routing as well as their capacity to induce immune system sensors. We provide details on how to quantify the amount of mRNA nanoparticles uptake by cells and evaluate the acidity of the intracellular compartments where they are located, to investigate the endosomal escape, and to assess the activation of innate immune sensors as phosphorylation of PKR hampering mRNA translation.


Lipids , Nanoparticles , RNA, Messenger , RNA, Messenger/genetics , RNA, Messenger/metabolism , Nanoparticles/chemistry , Humans , Lipids/chemistry , Endosomes/metabolism , Transfection/methods , Liposomes/chemistry
11.
Genes (Basel) ; 15(5)2024 Apr 30.
Article En | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38790204

Induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) are a powerful tool for biomedical research, but their production presents challenges and safety concerns. Yamanaka and Takahashi revolutionised the field by demonstrating that somatic cells could be reprogrammed into pluripotent cells by overexpressing four key factors for a sufficient time. iPSCs are typically generated using viruses or virus-based methods, which have drawbacks such as vector persistence, risk of insertional mutagenesis, and oncogenesis. The application of less harmful nonviral vectors is limited as conventional plasmids cannot deliver the levels or duration of the factors necessary from a single transfection. Hence, plasmids that are most often used for reprogramming employ the potentially oncogenic Epstein-Barr nuclear antigen 1 (EBNA-1) system to ensure adequate levels and persistence of expression. In this study, we explored the use of nonviral SMAR DNA vectors to reprogram human fibroblasts into iPSCs. We show for the first time that iPSCs can be generated using nonviral plasmids without the use of EBNA-1 and that these DNA vectors can provide sufficient expression to induce pluripotency. We describe an optimised reprogramming protocol using these vectors that can produce high-quality iPSCs with comparable pluripotency and cellular function to those generated with viruses or EBNA-1 vectors.


Cellular Reprogramming , Fibroblasts , Genetic Vectors , Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells , Plasmids , Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells/cytology , Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells/metabolism , Humans , Genetic Vectors/genetics , Cellular Reprogramming/genetics , Fibroblasts/cytology , Fibroblasts/metabolism , Plasmids/genetics , Epstein-Barr Virus Nuclear Antigens/genetics , Cells, Cultured , Transfection/methods
12.
Nat Commun ; 15(1): 4523, 2024 May 28.
Article En | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38806464

Interest in gene therapy medicines is intensifying as the first wave of gene-correcting drugs is now reaching patient populations. However, efficacy and safety concerns, laborious manufacturing protocols, and the high cost of the therapeutics are still significant barriers in gene therapy. Here we describe liquid foam as a vehicle for gene delivery. We demonstrate that embedding gene therapy vectors (nonviral or viral) in a methylcellulose/xanthan gum-based foam formulation substantially boosts gene transfection efficiencies in situ, compared to liquid-based gene delivery. We further establish that our gene therapy foam is nontoxic and retained at the intended target tissue, thus minimizing both systemic exposure and targeting of irrelevant cell types. The foam can be applied locally or injected to fill body cavities so the vector is uniformly dispersed over a large surface area. Our technology may provide a safe, facile and broadly applicable option in a variety of clinical settings.


Genetic Therapy , Genetic Vectors , Genetic Therapy/methods , Genetic Vectors/genetics , Animals , Humans , Mice , Gene Transfer Techniques , Methylcellulose/chemistry , Transfection/methods , Female , Polysaccharides, Bacterial
13.
Chem Pharm Bull (Tokyo) ; 72(5): 512-517, 2024.
Article En | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38811213

Cell-penetrating peptides (CPPs) serve as potent vehicles for delivering membrane-impermeable compounds, including nucleic acids, into cells. In a previous study, we reported the successful intracellular delivery of small interfering RNAs (siRNAs) with negligible cytotoxicity using a peptide containing an unnatural amino acid (dipropylglycine). In the present study, we employed the same seven peptides as the previous study to evaluate their efficacy in delivering plasmid DNA (pDNA) intracellularly. Although pDNA and siRNA are nucleic acids, they differ in size and biological function, which may influence the optimal peptide sequences for their delivery. Herein, three peptides demonstrated effective pDNA transfection abilities. Notably, only one of the three peptides previously exhibited efficient gene-silencing effect with siRNA. These findings validate our hypothesis and offer insights for the personalized design of CPPs for the delivery of pDNA and siRNA.


Cell-Penetrating Peptides , DNA , Plasmids , RNA, Small Interfering , Cell-Penetrating Peptides/chemistry , Humans , DNA/chemistry , RNA, Small Interfering/chemistry , RNA, Small Interfering/administration & dosage , Glycine/chemistry , Transfection , HeLa Cells , Cell Survival/drug effects
14.
Biotechnol J ; 19(5): e2400104, 2024 May.
Article En | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38700448

As the biopharmaceutical industry continues to mature in its cost-effectiveness and productivity, many companies have begun employing larger-scale biomanufacturing and bioprocessing protocols. While many of these protocols require cells with anchorage-independent growth, it remains challenging to induce the necessary suspension adaptations in many different cell types. In addition, although transfection efficiency is an important consideration for all cells, especially for therapeutic protein production, cells in suspension are generally more difficult to transfect than adherent cells. Thus, much of the biomanufacturing industry is focused on the development of new human cell lines with properties that can support more efficient biopharmaceutical production. With this in mind, we identified a set of "Adherent-to-Suspension Transition" (AST) factors, IKZF1, BTG2 and KLF1, the expression of which induces adherent cells to acquire anchorage-independent growth. Working from the HEK293A cell line, we established 293-AST cells and 293-AST-TetR cells for inducible and reversible reprogramming of anchorage dependency. Surprisingly, we found that the AST-TetR system induces the necessary suspension adaptations with an accompanying increase in transfection efficiency and protein expression rate. Our AST-TetR system therefore represents a novel technological platform for the development of cell lines used for generating therapeutic proteins.


Recombinant Proteins , Humans , HEK293 Cells , Recombinant Proteins/genetics , Recombinant Proteins/metabolism , Cell Adhesion/genetics , Transfection/methods , Cell Culture Techniques/methods
15.
Biotechnol J ; 19(5): e2300596, 2024 May.
Article En | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38719591

Although fibroblast growth factor 7 (FGF7) is known to promote wound healing, its mass production poses several challenges and very few studies have assessed the feasibility of producing FGF7 in cell lines such as Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells. Therefore, this study sought to produce recombinant FGF7 in large quantities and evaluate its wound healing effect. To this end, the FGF7 gene was transfected into CHO cells and FGF7 production was optimized. The wound healing efficacy of N-glycosylated FGF7 was evaluated in animals on days 7 and 14 post-treatment using collagen patches (CPs), FGF7-only, and CP with FGF7 (CP+FGF7), whereas an untreated group was used as the control. Wound healing was most effective in the CP+FGF7 group. Particularly, on day 7 post-exposure, the CP+FGF7 and FGF7-only groups exhibited the highest expression of hydroxyproline, fibroblast growth factor, vascular endothelial growth factor, and transforming growth factor. Epidermalization in H&E staining showed the same order of healing as hydroxyproline content. Additionally, the CP+FGF7 and FGF7-only group exhibited more notable blood vessel formation on days 7 and 14. In conclusion, the prepared FGF7 was effective in promoting wound healing and CHO cells can be a reliable platform for the mass production of FGF7.


Cricetulus , Fibroblast Growth Factor 7 , Recombinant Proteins , Wound Healing , Animals , CHO Cells , Recombinant Proteins/genetics , Recombinant Proteins/metabolism , Wound Healing/drug effects , Fibroblast Growth Factor 7/genetics , Fibroblast Growth Factor 7/metabolism , Humans , Cricetinae , Hydroxyproline/metabolism , Transfection , Collagen/metabolism
16.
ACS Appl Mater Interfaces ; 16(20): 25698-25709, 2024 May 22.
Article En | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38717294

Much of current clinical interest has focused on mRNA therapeutics for the treatment of lung-associated diseases, such as infections, genetic disorders, and cancers. However, the safe and efficient delivery of mRNA therapeutics to the lungs, especially to different pulmonary cell types, is still a formidable challenge. In this paper, we proposed a cationic lipid pair (CLP) strategy, which utilized the liver-targeted ionizable lipid and its derived quaternary ammonium lipid as the CLP to improve liver-to-lung tropism of four-component lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) for in vivo mRNA delivery. Interestingly, the structure-activity investigation identified that using liver-targeted ionizable lipids with higher mRNA delivery performance and their derived lipid counterparts is the optimal CLP design for improving lung-targeted mRNA delivery. The CLP strategy was also verified to be universal and suitable for clinically available ionizable lipids such as SM-102 and ALC-0315 to develop lung-targeted LNP delivery systems. Moreover, we demonstrated that CLP-based LNPs were safe and exhibited potent mRNA transfection in pulmonary endothelial and epithelial cells. As a result, we provided a powerful CLP strategy for shifting the mRNA delivery preference of LNPs from the liver to the lungs, exhibiting great potential for broadening the application scenario of mRNA-based therapy.


Cations , Lipids , Liver , Lung , Nanoparticles , RNA, Messenger , Nanoparticles/chemistry , Lung/metabolism , RNA, Messenger/metabolism , RNA, Messenger/genetics , Lipids/chemistry , Animals , Liver/metabolism , Humans , Cations/chemistry , Mice , Gene Transfer Techniques , Transfection/methods , Liposomes
17.
Nat Commun ; 15(1): 4267, 2024 May 20.
Article En | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38769317

The membrane-fusion-based internalization without lysosomal entrapment is advantageous for intracellular delivery over endocytosis. However, protein corona formed on the membrane-fusogenic liposome surface converts its membrane-fusion performance to lysosome-dependent endocytosis, causing poorer delivery efficiency in biological conditions. Herein, we develop an antifouling membrane-fusogenic liposome for effective intracellular delivery in vivo. Leveraging specific lipid composition at an optimized ratio, such antifouling membrane-fusogenic liposome facilitates fusion capacity even in protein-rich conditions, attributed to the copious zwitterionic phosphorylcholine groups for protein-adsorption resistance. Consequently, the antifouling membrane-fusogenic liposome demonstrates robust membrane-fusion-mediated delivery in the medium with up to 38% fetal bovine serum, outclassing two traditional membrane-fusogenic liposomes effective at 4% and 6% concentrations. When injected into mice, antifouling membrane-fusogenic liposomes can keep their membrane-fusion-transportation behaviors, thereby achieving efficient luciferase transfection and enhancing gene-editing-mediated viral inhibition. This study provides a promising tool for effective intracellular delivery under complex physiological environments, enlightening future nanomedicine design.


Liposomes , Membrane Fusion , Liposomes/metabolism , Animals , Mice , Humans , Endocytosis , Transfection , Gene Editing/methods , Protein Corona/metabolism , Protein Corona/chemistry , Biofouling/prevention & control , Female , Lipids/chemistry
18.
Langmuir ; 40(20): 10486-10491, 2024 May 21.
Article En | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38728233

In view of the excellent prospects of gene therapy and the potential safety and immunogenicity issues challenged by viral vectors, it is of great significance to develop a nonviral vector with low toxicity and low cost. In this work, we report a chitosan nanoparticle (CSNP) to be used as a gene vector prepared through a facile solvent-exchange strategy. Chitosan is first dissolved in ionic liquid 1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium acetate (EMIM Ac), and then, the solvent is exchanged with water/phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) to remove ionic liquid, forming a final CSNP dispersion after ultrasonication. The prepared CSNP shows a positive surface charge and can condense green fluorescent protein-encoding plasmid (pGFP) at weight ratios (CSNP/pGFP) of 5/1 or higher. Dynamic light scattering size and ζ-potential characterization and gel retardation results confirm the formation of CSNP/pGFP complexes. Compared with plain pGFP, efficient cellular internalization and significantly enhanced green fluorescent protein (GFP) expression are observed by using CSNP as a plasmid vector. Benefitting from the intrinsic biocompatibility, low cost, low immunogenicity, and abundant sources of chitosan, as well as the facile preparation and the efficient gene transfection capacity of CSNP, it is believed that this CSNP could be used as a nonviral gene vector with great clinical translational potentials.


Chitosan , Green Fluorescent Proteins , Nanoparticles , Plasmids , Solvents , Chitosan/chemistry , Nanoparticles/chemistry , Green Fluorescent Proteins/chemistry , Green Fluorescent Proteins/genetics , Humans , Solvents/chemistry , Plasmids/chemistry , Plasmids/genetics , Gene Transfer Techniques , Transfection/methods , Particle Size , HeLa Cells
19.
ACS Appl Mater Interfaces ; 16(21): 27087-27101, 2024 May 29.
Article En | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38752799

An ideal vehicle with a high transfection efficiency is crucial for gene delivery. In this study, a type of cationic carbon dot (CCD) known as APCDs were first prepared with arginine (Arg) and pentaethylenehexamine (PEHA) as precursors and conjugated with oleic acid (OA) for gene delivery. By tuning the mass ratio of APCDs to OA, APCDs-OA conjugates, namely, APCDs-0.5OA, APCDs-1.0OA, and APCDs-1.5OA were synthesized. All three amphiphilic APCDs-OA conjugates show high affinity to DNA through electrostatic interactions. APCDs-0.5OA exhibit strong binding with small interfering RNA (siRNA). After being internalized by Human Embryonic Kidney (HEK 293) and osteosarcoma (U2OS) cells, they could distribute in both the cytoplasm and the nucleus. With APCDs-OA conjugates as gene delivery vehicles, plasmid DNA (pDNA) that encodes the gene for the green fluorescence protein (GFP) can be successfully delivered in both HEK 293 and U2OS cells. The GFP expression levels mediated by APCDs-0.5OA and APCDs-1.0OA are ten times greater than that of PEI in HEK 293 cells. Furthermore, APCDs-0.5OA show prominent siRNA transfection efficiency, which is proven by the significantly downregulated expression of FANCA and FANCD2 proteins upon delivery of FANCA siRNA and FANCD2 siRNA into U2OS cells. In conclusion, our work demonstrates that conjugation of CCDs with a lipid structure such as OA significantly improves the gene transfection efficiency, providing a new idea about the designation of nonviral carriers in gene delivery systems.


Carbon , RNA, Small Interfering , Transfection , Humans , HEK293 Cells , Carbon/chemistry , Transfection/methods , RNA, Small Interfering/chemistry , RNA, Small Interfering/metabolism , Lipids/chemistry , Cations/chemistry , DNA/chemistry , Quantum Dots/chemistry , Gene Transfer Techniques , Oleic Acid/chemistry , Green Fluorescent Proteins/metabolism , Green Fluorescent Proteins/genetics , Cell Line, Tumor
20.
Viruses ; 16(5)2024 04 30.
Article En | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38793599

Breast cancer is the most common neoplasm worldwide. Viral infections are involved with carcinogenesis, especially those caused by oncogenic Human Papillomavirus (HPV) genotypes. Despite the detection of HPV in breast carcinomas, the virus's activity against this type of cancer remains controversial. HPV infection promotes remodeling of the host's immune response, resulting in an immunosuppressive profile. This study assessed the individual role of HPV oncogenes in the cell line MDA-MB-231 transfected with the E5, E6, and E7 oncogenes and co-cultured with peripheral blood mononuclear cells. Immunophenotyping was conducted to evaluate immune system modulation. There was an increase in CD4+ T cell numbers when compared with non-transfected and transfected MDA-MB-231, especially in the Treg profile. Pro-inflammatory intracellular cytokines, such as IFN-γ, TNF-α, and IL-17, were impaired by transfected cells, and a decrease in the cytolytic activity of the CD8+ and CD56+ lymphocytes was observed in the presence of HPV oncogenes, mainly with E6 and E7. The E6 and E7 oncogenes decrease monocyte expression, activating the expected M1 profile. In the monocytes found, a pro-inflammatory role was observed according to the cytokines released in the supernatant. In conclusion, the MDA-MB-231 cell lineage transfected with HPV oncogenes can downregulate the number and function of lymphocytes and monocytes.


Breast Neoplasms , Cytokines , Humans , Female , Cytokines/metabolism , Breast Neoplasms/immunology , Breast Neoplasms/virology , Breast Neoplasms/genetics , Cell Line, Tumor , Leukocytes, Mononuclear/immunology , Leukocytes, Mononuclear/virology , Papillomavirus Infections/immunology , Papillomavirus Infections/virology , Transfection , Oncogene Proteins, Viral/genetics , Oncogene Proteins, Viral/immunology , Oncogene Proteins, Viral/metabolism , Papillomaviridae/genetics , Papillomaviridae/immunology , Human Papillomavirus Viruses
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