scholarly journals Crotamine as a vehicle for non-viral gene delivery for Pompe disease

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Frank Martiniuk ◽  
Adra Mack ◽  
Justin Martiniuk ◽  
Richard Karpel ◽  
Peter Meinke ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Skeletal Muscle ◽  
Gene Therapy ◽  
Gene Delivery ◽  
Pompe Disease ◽  
Cell Penetrating Peptides ◽  
Biologically Active ◽  
Viral Gene ◽  
Time Activity ◽  
Acid Maltase ◽  
Alglucosidase Alfa

Genetic deficiency of lysosomal acid alpha glucosidase or acid maltase (GAA) results in Pompe disease (PD), encompassing at least five clinical subtypes of varying severity. The current approved enzyme replacement therapy (ERT) for PD is via IV infusion every 2 weeks of a recombinant human GAA (rhGAA) secreted by Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells (alglucosidase alfa/Myozyme, Sanofi/Genzyme). Although alglucosidase alfa has proven to be efficient in rescuing cardiac abnormalities and extending the life span of the infantile form, the response in skeletal muscle is variable. ERT usually begins when the patients are symptomatic and secondary problems are already present which are compounded by low alglucosidase alfa uptake, transient nature (every 2 weeks with a rapid return to defect levels), variable glycogen reduction, autophagic accumulation, immune response and high cost. A consensus at a recent US Acid Maltase Deficiency (AMD) conference suggested that a multi-pronged approach including gene therapy, diet, exercise, etc. must be evaluated for a successful treatment of PD. Compared to replication defective viruses, non-viral gene transfer offers fewer safety concerns and, if recent studies are validated, has a wider range of cells. In order for gene therapy (GT) to succeed, the gene of interest must be delivered into the affected cell and expressed to overcome the inherited deficiency. Cell penetrating peptides (CPPs) enter eukaryotic cells through an energy-independent mechanism and efficiently carry biologically active and therapeutic molecules into cells and localize in the cytoplasm or nucleus. CPPs are usually covalently linked to the cargo, including peptides and DNA. Crotamine (Cro) from the South American rattlesnake-Crotalus durrissus terrificus venom, can bind electrostatically to plasmid DNA to deliver into cells, including muscle. We have assembled a bacterial expression vector for Cro and purified the recombinant Cro (rCro). Transient transfection in AMD fibroblasts and ex vivo in whole blood from an adult Pompe patient with rCro complexed with the pcDNA3 x hGAA cDNA demonstrated increased GAA activity. In GAA knockout (KO) mice receiving a single injection of rCro complexed to pcDNA3 x hGAA cDNA intraperitoneally (IP), we found increased GAA activity in tissues after 48 hr. After 8 treatments-IP over 55 days, we found increased vertical hang-time activity, reduced glycogen deposition, increased GAA activity/hGAA plasmid in tissues and minimal immune-reaction to rCro. A subsequent study of 5 administrations every 2 to 3 weeks showed reverse of the clinical phenotypes by running wheel activity, Rotarod, grip-strength meter, open field mobility and T-maze. Tissue culture experiments in PD fibroblast, lymphoid and skeletal muscle cell lines showed increased GAA activity after rCro transient gene delivery.

scholarly journals Development and Characterization of High Efficacy Cell-Penetrating Peptide via Modulation of the Histidine and Arginine Ratio for Gene Therapy

Materials ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 14 (16) ◽  
pp. 4674
Author(s):  
Yu Liu ◽  
Huan-Huan Wan ◽  
Duo-Mei Tian ◽  
Xiao-Jun Xu ◽  
Chang-Long Bi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Gene Therapy ◽  
Gene Delivery ◽  
Cell Penetrating Peptides ◽  
Viral Gene ◽  
Main Role ◽  
Delivery Vector ◽  
Gene Delivery Vectors ◽  
Transfection Efficacy ◽  
Cell Penetrating ◽  
Viral Gene Delivery

Cell-penetrating peptides (CPPs), as non-viral gene delivery vectors, are considered with lower immunogenic response, and safer and higher gene capacity than viral systems. In our previous study, a CPP peptide called RALA (arginine rich) presented desirable transfection efficacy and owns a potential clinic use. It is believed that histidine could enhance the endosome escaping ability of CPPs, yet RALA peptide contains only one histidine in each chain. In order to develop novel superior CPPs, by using RALA as a model, we designed a series of peptides named HALA (increased histidine ratio). Both plasmid DNA (pDNA) and siRNA transfection results on three cell lines revealed that the transfection efficacy is better when histidine replacements were on the C-terminal instead of on the N-terminal, and two histidine replacements are superior to three. By investigating the mechanism of endocytosis of the pDNA nanocomplexes, we discovered that there were multiple pathways that led to the process and caveolae played the main role. During the screening, we discovered a novel peptide-HALA2 of high cellular transfection efficacy, which may act as an exciting gene delivery vector for gene therapy. Our findings also bring new insights on the development of novel robust CPPs.

scholarly journals How Far Are Non-Viral Vectors to Come of Age and Reach Clinical Translation in Gene Therapy?

2021 ◽  
Vol 22 (14) ◽  
pp. 7545
Author(s):  
Myriam Sainz-Ramos ◽  
Idoia Gallego ◽  
Ilia Villate-Beitia ◽  
Jon Zarate ◽  
Iván Maldonado ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Gene Therapy ◽  
Clinical Practice ◽  
Gene Delivery ◽  
Viral Vectors ◽  
Viral Vector ◽  
Clinical Success ◽  
Genetic Material ◽  
Viral Gene ◽  
Promising Alternative ◽  
Vector Systems

Efficient delivery of genetic material into cells is a critical process to translate gene therapy into clinical practice. In this sense, the increased knowledge acquired during past years in the molecular biology and nanotechnology fields has contributed to the development of different kinds of non-viral vector systems as a promising alternative to virus-based gene delivery counterparts. Consequently, the development of non-viral vectors has gained attention, and nowadays, gene delivery mediated by these systems is considered as the cornerstone of modern gene therapy due to relevant advantages such as low toxicity, poor immunogenicity and high packing capacity. However, despite these relevant advantages, non-viral vectors have been poorly translated into clinical success. This review addresses some critical issues that need to be considered for clinical practice application of non-viral vectors in mainstream medicine, such as efficiency, biocompatibility, long-lasting effect, route of administration, design of experimental condition or commercialization process. In addition, potential strategies for overcoming main hurdles are also addressed. Overall, this review aims to raise awareness among the scientific community and help researchers gain knowledge in the design of safe and efficient non-viral gene delivery systems for clinical applications to progress in the gene therapy field.

scholarly journals Cell-Penetrating Peptide and siRNA-Mediated Therapeutic Effects on Endometriosis and Cancer In Vitro Models

Pharmaceutics ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (10) ◽  
pp. 1618
Author(s):  
Kristina Kiisholts ◽  
Kaido Kurrikoff ◽  
Piret Arukuusk ◽  
Ly Porosk ◽  
Maire Peters ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Gene Therapy ◽  
Cellular Proliferation ◽  
Expression Patterns ◽  
In Vitro Models ◽  
Cell Penetrating Peptides ◽  
Biologically Active ◽  
Therapeutic Effects ◽  
Cell Penetrating ◽  
Proliferation And Invasion

Gene therapy is a powerful tool for the development of new treatment strategies for various conditions, by aiming to transport biologically active nucleic acids into diseased cells. To achieve that goal, we used highly potential delivery vectors, cell-penetrating peptides (CPPs), as oligonucleotide carriers for the development of a therapeutic approach for endometriosis and cancer. Despite marked differences, both of these conditions still exhibit similarities, like excessive, uncoordinated, and autonomous cellular proliferation and invasion, accompanied by overlapping gene expression patterns. Thus, in the current study, we investigated the therapeutic effects of CPP and siRNA nanoparticles using in vitro models of benign endometriosis and malignant glioblastoma. We demonstrated that CPPs PepFect6 and NickFect70 are highly effective in transfecting cell lines, primary cell cultures, and three-dimensional spheroids. CPP nanoparticles are capable of inducing siRNA-specific knockdown of therapeutic genes, ribonucleotide reductase subunit M2 (RRM2), and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), which results in the reduction of in vitro cellular proliferation, invasion, and migration. In addition, we proved that it is possible to achieve synergistic suppression of endometriosis cellular proliferation and invasion by combining gene therapy and hormonal treatment approaches by co-administering CPP/siRNA nanoparticles together with the endometriosis-drug danazol. We suggest a novel target, RRM2, for endometriosis therapy and as a proof-of-concept, we propose a CPP-mediated gene therapy approach for endometriosis and cancer.

Gene therapy for cancer and metastatic disease

2003 ◽  
Vol 5 (17) ◽  
pp. 1-18 ◽  
Author(s):  
Susan B. Kesmodel ◽  
Francis R. Spitz
Keyword(s):  
Gene Therapy ◽  
Gene Delivery ◽  
Metastatic Disease ◽  
Tumour Cells ◽  
Viral Gene ◽  
Tumour Regression ◽  
Tumour Suppressor Genes ◽  
Promoter Sequences ◽  
Gene Delivery Vectors ◽  
Drive Gene

Gene therapy has been applied to the treatment of cancer and metastatic disease for over ten years. Research in this area has utilised multiple gene therapy approaches including targeting tumour suppressor genes and oncogenes, stimulating the immune system, targeted chemotherapy, antiangiogenic strategies, and direct viral oncolysis. In recent years, gene delivery vectors have been developed that selectively target tumour cells through tumour-specific receptors, deletion of certain viral gene sequences, or incorporation of tumour-specific promoter sequences that drive gene expression. Preclinical models have produced promising results, demonstrating significant tumour regression and reduction of metastatic disease. Unfortunately, only limited responses have been observed in clinical trials. The main limitations in treating metastatic disease include poor vector transduction efficiencies and difficulties in targeting remote tumour cells with systemic vector delivery. Currently, various groups are investigating means to improve gene delivery and clinical responses by continuing to modify gene delivery vectors and by concentrating on combination gene therapy and multimodality therapy.

scholarly journals Prolonged expression of a lysosomal enzyme in mouse liver afterSleeping Beauty transposon-mediated gene delivery: implications for non-viral gene therapy of mucopolysaccharidoses

2007 ◽  
Vol 9 (5) ◽  
pp. 403-415 ◽  
Author(s):  
Elena L. Aronovich ◽  
Jason B. Bell ◽  
Lalitha R. Belur ◽  
Roland Gunther ◽  
Brenda Koniar ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Gene Therapy ◽  
Gene Delivery ◽  
Lysosomal Enzyme ◽  
Mouse Liver ◽  
Viral Gene ◽  
Viral Gene Therapy

scholarly journals Long-Circulating Polymeric Nanovectors for Tumor-Selective Gene Delivery

2005 ◽  
Vol 4 (6) ◽  
pp. 615-625 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sushma Kommareddy ◽  
Sandip B. Tiwari ◽  
Mansoor M. Amiji
Keyword(s):  
Gene Therapy ◽  
Gene Delivery ◽  
Viral Vectors ◽  
High Efficiency ◽  
Transfection Efficiency ◽  
The United States ◽  
Medical Intervention ◽  
Hydrophilic Polymers ◽  
Circulation Time ◽  
Viral Gene

Significant advances in the understanding of the genetic abnormalities that lead to the development, progression, and metastasis of neoplastic diseases has raised the promise of gene therapy as an approach to medical intervention. Most of the clinical protocols that have been approved in the United States for gene therapy have used the viral vectors because of the high efficiency of gene transfer. Conventional means of gene delivery using viral vectors, however, has undesirable side effects such as insertion of mutational viral gene into the host genome and development of replication competent viruses. Among non-viral gene delivery methods, polymeric nanoparticles are increasingly becoming popular as vectors of choice. The major limitation of these nanoparticles is poor transfection efficiency at the target site after systemic administration due to uptake by the cells of reticuloendothelial system (RES). In order to reduce the uptake by the cells of the RES and improve blood circulation time, these nanoparticles are coated with hydrophilic polymers such as poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG). This article reviews the use of such hydrophilic polymers employed for improving the circulation time of the nanocarriers. The mechanism of polymer coating and factors affecting the circulation time of these nanocarriers will be discussed. In addition to the long circulating property, modifications to improve the target specificity of the particles and the limitations of steric protection will be analyzed.

scholarly journals Non-viral Gene Therapy for Osteoarthritis

2021 ◽  
Vol 8 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ilona Uzieliene ◽  
Ursule Kalvaityte ◽  
Eiva Bernotiene ◽  
Ali Mobasheri
Keyword(s):  
Gene Therapy ◽  
Gene Delivery ◽  
Articular Chondrocytes ◽  
Transfection Efficiency ◽  
Viral Gene ◽  
Synovial Joint ◽  
Advantages And Disadvantages ◽  
Viral Gene Therapy ◽  
Viral Gene Delivery ◽  
Significant Effort

Strategies for delivering nucleic acids into damaged and diseased tissues have been divided into two major areas: viral and non-viral gene therapy. In this mini-review article we discuss the application of gene therapy for the treatment of osteoarthritis (OA), one of the most common forms of arthritis. We focus primarily on non-viral gene therapy and cell therapy. We briefly discuss the advantages and disadvantages of viral and non-viral gene therapy and review the nucleic acid transfer systems that have been used for gene delivery into articular chondrocytes in cartilage from the synovial joint. Although viral gene delivery has been more popular due to its reported efficiency, significant effort has gone into enhancing the transfection efficiency of non-viral delivery, making non-viral approaches promising tools for further application in basic, translational and clinical studies on OA. Non-viral gene delivery technologies have the potential to transform the future development of disease-modifying therapeutics for OA and related osteoarticular disorders. However, further research is needed to optimize transfection efficiency, longevity and duration of gene expression.

scholarly journals Recent Advances in the Development of Bio-Reducible Polymers for Efficient Cancer Gene Delivery Systems

2019 ◽  
Vol 2 (1) ◽  
pp. 6-13 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kiel Sung Yong ◽  
◽  
Wan Kim Sung ◽  
◽  
◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Gene Therapy ◽  
Gene Delivery ◽  
Ribonucleic Acid ◽  
Viral Vectors ◽  
Delivery Systems ◽  
Host Cells ◽  
Viral Gene ◽  
Cancer Gene ◽  
Inherited Disorders ◽  
Messenger Ribonucleic Acid

Gene therapy is the unique method for the use of genetic materials such as Messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA), plasmid deoxyribonucleic acid (pDNA), and small interfering ribonucleic acid (siRNA) into specific host-cells for the treatment of inherited disorders in any diseases. The successful way to utilize the gene therapy is to develop the efficient cancer gene delivery systems. In this paper, the successful and efficient gene delivery systems are briefly reviewed on the basis of bio-reducible polymeric systems for cancer therapy. The viral gene delivery systems such as RNA-based viral and DNA-based viral vectors are also discussed. The development of bio-reducible polymer for gene delivery system has briefly discussed for the efficient cancer gene delivery of viral vectors and non-viral vectors.

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