Project description:While small interfering RNAs (siRNAs) have been rapidly appreciated to induce gene silencing, efficient vectors for primary cells and for systemic in vivo delivery are lacking. We here present a novel chemically modified cell-penetrating peptide named PepFect6 (PF6) for efficient delivery of siRNAs into various types of cells including e.g. lymphocyte suspension cells and primary embryonic stem cells. Stable PF6/siRNA nano- particles rapidly enter entire cell populations resulting in strong and persistent RNAi responses, without associated transcriptomic or proteomic changes. In contrast to the majority of chemical reagents, PF6-mediated delivery is independent of cell confluence and, in most cases, not significantly hampered by the presence of serum. Finally, strong RNAi responses are observed in two different in vivo models following systemic delivery of PF6/siRNA in mice. Taken together, PF6 is an efficient siRNA delivery vector with superior delivery properties as compared to other tested transfection reagents.
Project description:RNA interference (RNAi) holds tremendous potential as a therapeutic approach, especially in the treatment of malignant tumors. However, efficient and biocompatible delivery methods are needed for systemic delivery of siRNA. To achieve this goal, we have established a novel formulation of siRNA by incorporating it into reconstituted high density lipoprotein (rHDL) nanoparticles. Here, we demonstrate that rHDL nanoparticles facilitate highly efficient systemic delivery of siRNA in vivo, mediated by the scavenger receptor type B1 (SR-B1). Moreover, in therapeutic proof-of-concept studies, these nanoparticles were effective in targeting either signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) or focal adhesion kinase (FAK) expression in orthotopic mouse models of ovarian and colorectal cancer. These data indicate that an rHDL nanoparticle is a novel and highly efficient siRNA carrier, and therefore this novel technology could serve as the foundation for new cancer therapeutic approaches. To identify the role of STAT3 in ovarian cancer cell, we performed microarray after knocking down STAT3 in ovarican cancer cells (3 siCon and 3 siSTAT3).
Project description:RNA interference (RNAi) holds tremendous potential as a therapeutic approach, especially in the treatment of malignant tumors. However, efficient and biocompatible delivery methods are needed for systemic delivery of siRNA. To achieve this goal, we have established a novel formulation of siRNA by incorporating it into reconstituted high density lipoprotein (rHDL) nanoparticles. Here, we demonstrate that rHDL nanoparticles facilitate highly efficient systemic delivery of siRNA in vivo, mediated by the scavenger receptor type B1 (SR-B1). Moreover, in therapeutic proof-of-concept studies, these nanoparticles were effective in targeting either signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) or focal adhesion kinase (FAK) expression in orthotopic mouse models of ovarian and colorectal cancer. These data indicate that an rHDL nanoparticle is a novel and highly efficient siRNA carrier, and therefore this novel technology could serve as the foundation for new cancer therapeutic approaches.
Project description:Here we introduce a computer-guided design tool that combines a computational framework for prioritizing more efficient combinations of instructive factors (IFs) of cellular conversions, called IRENE, with a transposon-based genomic integration system for efficient delivery. Particularly, IRENE relies on a stochastic gene regulatory network model that systematically prioritizes more efficient IFs by maximizing the agreement of the transcriptional and epigenetic landscapes between the converted and target cells. Our predictions substantially increased the efficiency of two established iPSC-differentiation protocols (natural killer cells and melanocytes) and established the first protocol for iPSC-derived mammary epithelial cells with high efficiency.
Project description:Critical limb ischemia (CLI) poses a significant health challenge, marked by severe morbidity and limited treatment options leading to high mortality rates. Despite the promise of cell-based therapy, challenges such as poor cell survival and engraftment during and after cell delivery hinder its efficacy. This study explores the potential of peptide-modified thermo-responsive citrate-based biomaterials as carriers for endothelial cell delivery to promote vascular regeneration in CLI. Specifically, various pro-survival peptides were covalently tethered to poly(polyethylene glycol citrate-co-N-isopropylacrylamide) (PPCN) to investigate their effect on the delivery of vascular endothelial cells to skeletal muscle tissue. After screening with in vitro and in vivo experiments, laminin-derived peptide A5G81 and VEGF-derived peptide QK were identified to promote endothelial cell spreading, proliferation, and prolonged cell survival when tethered onto PPCN The viscoelastic properties of PPCN provided protection against shear stress induced cell death during injection, while the peptides regulated endothelial cell behavior via distinct molecular pathways. Importantly, intramuscular delivery of endothelial cells with PPCN-A5G81 and PPCN-QK in a murine hindlimb ischemia model resulted in significant improvements in limb perfusion, tissue preservation and functional outcomes. Furthermore, endothelial cell delivery with PPCN-A5G81 and PPCN-QK also promoted positive skeletal muscle remodeling following ischemic injury. These findings underscore the potential of bioactive materials as novel cell delivery carriers for CLI therapy, with implications for advancing regenerative therapeutics and revolutionizing CLI treatment strategies.
Project description:Cance vaccines have become a milestone in immunotherapy, but inadequate activation rate of antigen presenting cells (APCs) and low delivery efficiency of specific antigen have widely limited their clinical application. Here we design an engineered vaccine platform based on targeted delivery of specific antigens to activated APCs. This vaccine platform is implemented by loading stimulator of interferon genes agonist and tumor lysate protein with calcium phosphate as adjuvants, and coating the surface with mannose-modified liposomes. By loading different types of tumor antigen proteins, this nanovaccine platform successfully achieves tumor immunotherapy in breast and colon cancer bearing mice. In addition, personalized nanovaccine prepared from surgically removed tumor lysate proteins also significantly suppresses postsurgical distant tumor. Through the design of nanovaccine platform, we provide an efficient multi-adjuvant delivery platform for multiple types of tumor antigens, and also offer more ideas for personalized vaccine immunization. This nanovaccine platform has great prospects for transformation due to the designability and simplicity for the preparation.
Project description:Excessive Toll-like receptor (TLR) and NF-kB activation during infection causes the overactivation of inflammatory pathways seen in sepsis. Thrombin-derived C-terminal peptides (TCPs) target both bacteria and the resulting TLR-mediated inflammatory response during infection. The present study describes the design and development of a novel multifunctional stapled peptide mimicking the actions of such immunomodulatory TCPs, providing a new drug class based on nature’s own anti-infective strategies. Using a combination of structure-based design, nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (NMR), biophysics, mass spectrometry, microbiology, cellular, and in vivo studies, we describe the development of a structurally locked active stapled form of the endogenous peptide HVFRLKKWIQKVIDQFGE, denoted sHVF18. The stapled peptide shows a higher affinity to CD14 than the linear peptide, retains a partly helical and stabilized structure, and is protease resistant. In vivo, it shows efficacy in experimental models of endotoxin shock in mice and pigs and increases survival in mouse models of polymicrobial sepsis.