Neuronal Dynamics and miRNA Signaling Differ between SH-SY5Y APPSwe and PSEN1 Mutant iPSC-Derived AD Models upon Modulation with miR-124 Mimic and Inhibitor

Neuronal miRNA dysregulation may have a role in the pathophysiology of Alzheimer’s disease (AD). miRNA(miR)-124 is largely abundant and a critical player in many neuronal functions. However, the lack of models reliably recapitulating AD pathophysiology hampers our understanding of miR-124’s role in the disease. Using the classical human SH-SY5Y-APP695 Swedish neuroblastoma cells (SH-SWE) and the PSEN1 mutant iPSC-derived neurons (iNEU-PSEN), we observed a sustained upregulation of miR-124/miR-125b/miR-21, but only miR-124 was consistently shuttled into their exosomes. The miR-124 mimic reduced APP gene expression in both AD models. While miR-124 mimic in SH-SWE neurons led to neurite outgrowth, mitochondria activation and small Aβ oligomer reduction, in iNEU-PSEN cells it diminished Tau phosphorylation, whereas miR-124 inhibitor decreased dendritic spine density. In exosomes, cellular transfection with the mimic predominantly downregulated miR-125b/miR-21/miR-146a/miR-155. The miR-124 inhibitor upregulated miR-146a in the two experimental cell models, while it led to distinct miRNA signatures in cells and exosomes. In sum, though miR-124 function may be dependent on the neuronal AD model, data indicate that keeping miR-124 level strictly controlled is crucial for proper neuronal function. Moreover, the iNEU-PSEN cellular model stands out as a useful tool for AD mechanistic studies and perhaps for the development of personalized therapeutic strategies.

Development of Tailor-Made Dendrimer Ternary Complexes for Drug/Gene Co-Delivery in Cancer

Cancer gene therapy, mediated by non-viral systems, remains a major research focus. To contribute to this field, in this work we reported on the development of dendrimer drug/gene ternary complexes. This innovative approach explored the great capacity of both polyamidoamine (PAMAM)-paclitaxel (PTX) conjugate and polyethylenimine (PEI) polymers to complex a p53-encoding plasmid DNA (pDNA), highlighting the utility of considering two compacting agents. The pDNA complexation capacity has been investigated as function of the nitrogen to phosphate groups ratio (N/P), which revealed to be a tailoring parameter. The physicochemical properties of the conceived ternary complexes were revealed and were found to be promising for cellular transfection. Furthermore, the formulated co-delivery systems demonstrated to be biocompatible. The ternary systems were able of cellular internalization and payload intracellular release. Confocal microscopy studies showed the co-localization of stained pDNA with the nucleus of cancer cells, after transfection mediated by these carriers. From this achievement, p53 gene expression occurred with the production of protein. Moreover, the activation of caspase-3 indicated apoptosis of cancer cells. This work represents a great progress on the design of dendrimer drug/gene co-delivery systems towards a more efficient cancer therapy. In this way, it instigates further in vitro studies concerning the evaluation of their therapeutic potential, expectedly supported by the synergistic effect, in tumoral cells.

Investigating the Fate of MP1000-LPX In Vivo by Adding Serum to Transfection Medium

Background: Cationic liposomes (CLs) based messenger RNA (mRNA) vaccine has been a promising approach for cancer treatment. However, rapid lung accumulation after intraveous injection and significantly decreased transfection efficacy (TE) in serum substantially hamper its application. Objective: In this study, we attempt to investigate the fate of Mannose-PEG1000-lipoplex (MP1000-LPX) in vivo, a previous reported mRNA vaccine, and potential mechanism in it. Methods: MP1000-CLs and different type of MP1000-LPX were produced by previous method and characterized by dynamic light scattering (DLS). Organ distribution and Luc-mRNA expression of DiD loaded luciferase (Luc-mRNA)-MP1000-LPX were evaluated by IVIS Spectrum imaging system. Cellular transfection and uptake under serum-free and serum-containing conditions were analysed by flow cytometry and counted by FlowJo software. Results: MP1000-CLs had an average size of 45.3 ± 0.9 nm, a positive charge of 39.9 ± 0.9 mV. When MP1000-LPX formed, the particle size increased to about 130 nm, and zeta potential decreased to about 30 mV. All formulations were in narrow size distribution with PDI < 0.3. 6 h after intraveous injection, Luc-MP1000-LPX mostly distributed to liver, lung and spleen, while only successfully expressed Luc in lung. DC2.4 cellular transfection assay indicated serum substantially lowered TE of MP1000-LPX. However, the cellular uptake on DC2.4 cells was enhanced in the presence of serum. Conclusion: MP1000-LPX distributed to spleen but failed to transfect. Because serum dramatically decreased TE of MP1000-LPX on DC2.4 cells, but not by impeding its interaction to cell membrane. Serum resistance and avoidance of lung accumulation might be prerequisites for CLs based intravenous mRNA vaccines. Lay Summary: mRNA vaccine has been promising immunotherapy to treat cancer by delivering mRNA encoding tumor antigens to APCs and activating immune system against tumor cells. We are investigating the in vivo fate of MP1000-LPX, a CLs based mRNA vaccine. To see if serum causes the fate, we’ll be looking at the influence of serum on transfection and uptake efficacy of MP1000-LPX by DC2.4 cells experiments in vitro. Our findings will imply that serum inhibits transfection but not by decreasing uptake. Thus, we can ultilize serum to enhance transfection if we make intracellular process of MP1000-LPX successful.

ZIF Polymorphs for Nucleic Acid Delivery and Targeted Knockdown of Gene Expression in Prostate Cancer

Prostate cancer (PC) is the second leading cause of male cancer deaths, the advanced form of which continues to be incurable; and nature of the disease being such that it is highly suitable for gene therapy. However, therapy is hampered by lack of appropriate gene delivery agents available. Recently, metal-organic-framework (MOF) biocomposites have seen increasing applications in DNA technologies, including gene delivery. In this work, a polymorph of zeolitic imidazolate framework-8 (ZIF-8) MOF nanoparticles called ZIF-C are used as gene delivery agents to cause knockdown (KD) of a protein overexpressed by the gene ribosomal protein SA in PC. Feasibility of ZIF-C mediated KD at cytoplasmic levels in PC is demonstrated by RNA interference, whereby RPSA specific siRNA is delivered using ZIF-C. Feasibility of ZIF-C mediated KD at genomic levels is demonstrated by CRISPR/Cas9, whereby RPSA specific CRISPR/Cas9 plasmids are delivered using ZIF-C. Specific targeting is further achieved by coating of ZIF-C with epigallocatechin-gallate (EGCG). Cellular transfection assays reveal the gradual expression of ZIF-C delivered RPSA-targeting nucleic acids for up to 96 hours. Quantitative polymerase chain reactions and genomic cleavage detection demonstrate gradual KD, with ~20% reduction in RPSA expression that is almost doubled to ~40% on EGCG-mediated targeted cellular uptake.

ZIF Polymorphs for Nucleic Acid Delivery and Targeted Knockdown of Gene Expression in Prostate Cancer

Prostate cancer (PC) is the second leading cause of male cancer deaths, the advanced form of which continues to be incurable; and nature of the disease being such that it is highly suitable for gene therapy. However, therapy is hampered by lack of appropriate gene delivery agents available. Recently, metal-organic-framework (MOF) biocomposites have seen increasing applications in DNA technologies, including gene delivery. In this work, a polymorph of zeolitic imidazolate framework-8 (ZIF-8) MOF nanoparticles called ZIF-C are used as gene delivery agents to cause knockdown (KD) of a protein overexpressed by the gene ribosomal protein SA in PC. Feasibility of ZIF-C mediated KD at cytoplasmic levels in PC is demonstrated by RNA interference, whereby RPSA specific siRNA is delivered using ZIF-C. Feasibility of ZIF-C mediated KD at genomic levels is demonstrated by CRISPR/Cas9, whereby RPSA specific CRISPR/Cas9 plasmids are delivered using ZIF-C. Specific targeting is further achieved by coating of ZIF-C with epigallocatechin-gallate (EGCG). Cellular transfection assays reveal the gradual expression of ZIF-C delivered RPSA-targeting nucleic acids for up to 96 hours. Quantitative polymerase chain reactions and genomic cleavage detection demonstrate gradual KD, with ~20% reduction in RPSA expression that is almost doubled to ~40% on EGCG-mediated targeted cellular uptake.

Cationic Albumin Encapsulated DNA Origami for Enhanced Cellular Transfection and Stability

DNA nanostructures, owing to their controllable and adaptable nature, have been considered as highly attractive nanoplatforms for biomedical applications in recent years. However, their use in the biological environment has been restricted by low cellular transfection efficiency in mammalian cells, weak stability under physiological conditions, and endonuclease degradation. Herein, we demonstrate an effective approach to facilitate fast transfection of DNA nanostructures and enhance their stability by encapsulating DNA origami with a biocompatible cationic protein (cHSA) via electrostatic interaction. The coated DNA origami is found to be stable under physiological conditions. Moreover, the cHSA coating could significantly improve the cellular transfection efficiency of DNA origami, which is essential for biological applications.

3D-printing enabled micro-assembly of a microfluidic electroporation system for 3D tissue engineering

The LEGO® concept is used to build 3D microchannel networks as a 3D μ-electrotransfection system for efficient exchange of nutrition and waste allowing 3D cell growth, while sustaining uniform 3D electric fields during cellular transfection.