Differences In Transfection Efficiency Research Articles

Data-balanced transformer for accelerated ionizable lipid nanoparticles screening in mRNA delivery.

Despite the widespread use of ionizable lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) in clinical applications for messenger RNA (mRNA) delivery, the mRNA drug delivery system faces an efficient challenge in the screening of LNPs. Traditional screening methods often require a substantial amount of experimental time and incur high research and development costs. To accelerate the early development stage of LNPs, we propose TransLNP, a transformer-based transfection prediction model designed to aid in the selection of LNPs for mRNA drug delivery systems. TransLNP uses two types of molecular information to perceive the relationship between structure and transfection efficiency: coarse-grained atomic sequence information and fine-grained atomic spatial relationship information. Due to the scarcity of existing LNPs experimental data, we find that pretraining the molecular model is crucial for better understanding the task of predicting LNPs properties, which is achieved through reconstructing atomic 3D coordinates and masking atom predictions. In addition, the issue of data imbalance is particularly prominent in the real-world exploration of LNPs. We introduce the BalMol block to solve this problem by smoothing the distribution of labels and molecular features. Our approach outperforms state-of-the-art works in transfection property prediction under both random and scaffold data splitting. Additionally, we establish a relationship between molecular structural similarity and transfection differences, selecting 4267 pairs of molecular transfection cliffs, which are pairs of molecules that exhibit high structural similarity but significant differences in transfection efficiency, thereby revealing the primary source of prediction errors. The code, model and data are made publicly available at https://github.com/wklix/TransLNP.

PEI, a new transfection method, augments the inhibitory effect of RBM5 on prostate cancer

PEI is a cationic polymer, serving as a non-viral transfection carrier grounded in nanotechnology that enhances transfection efficiency via the proton sponge effect. RBM5 is an RNA-binding protein that can inhibit tumor development. This study involved the transfection of RBM5 in prostate cancer cells with PEI, Lipo2000, and their combination. Transwell and wound healing assays were used to observe invasion and migration of prostate cancer cells and flow cytometry was used to observe the apoptosis. Detect the expression of invasion and migration-related protein MMP9 through western blotting experiment. An activity detection kit was used to detect the activity of apoptotic protein caspase-3. We found that there was no significant difference in transfection efficiency when PEI and Lipo2000 were used alone but it significantly improved when they are combined. RBM5 reduced invasion, migration, and proliferation of prostate cancer and enhanced apoptosis. MMP9 expression was reduced, and the activity of caspase-3 was increased. PEI transfection could improve the inhibition of RBM5 on tumors more than Lipo2000. The inhibitory effect is more obvious when the two are used together. RBM5 transfected with PEI can amplify its inhibitory effect on prostate cancer, and this effect is more evident when combined with Lipo2000.

Characterization of three novel cell lines derived from the brain of spotted sea bass: Focusing on cell markers and susceptibility toward iridoviruses

Despite tens of cell lines originating from fish brain tissue have been constructed, little is known about the definite cell types they belong to. Whether fish cell lines derived from the brain shares similar characteristics is not well-answered yet. Here, we constructed three cell lines designated as LMB-S, LMB-M, LMB-L using brain tissue of spotted sea bass (Lateolabrax maculatus). Among them, LMB-L was identified as astroglia-like cells considering the high expression of GFAP, DCX, PTX, S100b, which are regarded as astrocyte-specific or astrocyte-associated cell markers. LMB-M exhibited smooth muscle-like features showing strong expression of LMOD1, SLAMP, M-cadherin, MGP, which are confirmed as muscle-restricted or myogenesis-involved cell markers. Although LMB-S was not definitely identified, it appeared an activation of WNT/β-catenin pathway. Besides the distinct expression profiles of cell markers, the three cell lines also presented differences in transfection efficiency and susceptibility to iridovirus infection. Relying on the established cell lines, a novel megalocytivirus, named LMIV (Lateolabrax maculatus iridovirus), was first isolated from diseased spotted sea bass. Genetic analysis of major capsid protein (MCP) and adenosine triphosphatase (ATPase) manifested that LMIV was clearly distinguishable from other representative teleost iridoviruses. Further investigations revealed that LMIV could replicate most efficiently in LMB-L cells obtaining the highest viral load (2.16 × 1010 copy/mL). By contrast, LMB-S cells gave rise to the highest viral load up to 3.86 × 108 copy/mL, when the three cell lines were infected with MRV, a newly emerged ranavirus. Moreover, LMIV infection caused lots of cells to be detached from monolayers, generating adherent and non-adherent cells. An opposite expression profiling of type I IFN pathway-related genes (JAK1, STAT1, STAT2, IRF9, Mx1) was found between adherent and non-adherent cells. Combined with the analysis of MCP gene expression, it is speculated that inhibiting type I IFN pathway in non-adherent cells allowed the facilitation of virus duplication. Taken together, the present study broadens our understanding about the diversity of cell lines derived from fish brain tissue and screening cells more susceptible to virus is not only meaningful for the development of vaccine, but also provide clues for further clarification of cell-iridovirus interactions.

Transfection by Electroporation of Cancer and Primary Cells Using Nanosecond and Microsecond Electric Fields.

Gene transfer into primary immune cells as well as into cell lines is essential for scientific and therapeutical applications. One of the methods used for gene transfer is electroporation (EP). EP is a method where a pulsed electric field (PEF) causes a highly transient permeability of the targeted cell membrane. In this work, we present the electrotransfection of CHO-K1, 4T1 cell lines, and primary murine DCs with detectable protein-encoding plasmids in the sub-microsecond range. Microsecond (µs)- and nanosecond (ns)-range pulsed electric field transfection protocols were used. The efficiency of electrotransfection was evaluated using green fluorescent protein (GFP)-encoding plasmids (4.7 kbp; p-EGFP-N1) and plasmids expressing a firefly luciferase and red fluorescent protein (tdTomato) (8.5 kbp; pcDNA3.1(+)/Luc2 = tdT)). It was shown that the used nsPEFs protocol (7 kV/cm × 300 ns × 100, 1 MHz) ensured a better transfection efficiency than µsPEFs (1.2 kV/cm × 100 µs × 8, 1 Hz). Plasmid size and concentration had a strong impact on the cell transfection efficiency too. We also showed that there were no significant differences in transfection efficiency between immature and mature DCs. Finally, the nsPEF protocols were successfully applied for the stable transfection of the CHO-K1 cell line with the linearized pcDNA3.1(+)/Luc2 = tdT plasmid. The results of the study are applicable in gene therapy and DNA vaccination studies for the derivation of optimal electrotransfection conditions.

Polyvinylamine with moderate binding affinity as a highly effective vehicle for RNA delivery

Polymeric carriers for RNA therapy offer potential advantages in terms of low immunogenicity, promoting modifiability and accelerating intracellular transport. However, balancing high transfection efficacy with low toxicity remains challenging with polymer-based vehicles; indeed, polyethyleneimine (PEI) remains the “gold standard” polymer for this purpose despite its significant toxicity limitations. Herein, we demonstrate the potential of polyvinylamine (PVAm), a commodity high-charge cationic polymer used in the papermaking industry and has similar structure with PEI, as an alternative carrier for RNA delivery. High levels of transfection of normal, tumor, and stem cells with a variety of RNA cargoes including small interfering RNA (siRNA), microRNA (miRNA), and recombinant RNA can be achieved in vitro under the proper complex conditions. While, both the anti-tumor effect achieved in a xenograft osteosarcoma model and lipid-lowering activity observed in a hyperlipidemia mice indicate the potential for highly effective in vivo activity. Of note, both the transfection efficiency and the cytotoxicity of PVAm compare more favorably with those of PEI, with PVAm offering the additional advantages of simpler purification and significantly lower cost. In addition, the mechanism for the difference in transfection efficiency between PVAm and PEI is explored by molecular docking as well as analyzing the process of association and dissociation between polymers (PVAm and PEI) and nucleic acids. Our research provides a novel, non-toxic, and cost-effective carrier candidate for next generation RNA therapy, and elucidates the potential mechanism of PVAm for its efficient delivery of RNA.

Influence of the media ionic strength on the formation and in vitro biological performance of polycation-DNA complexes

Cationic polymer-DNA complexes, or polyplexes, have been subject to intensive investigation as potentially efficient non-viral systems for gene therapy. Yet the effects of ionic strength, a physiologically relevant parameter, on the formation, physicochemical properties (e.g. size and colloidal stability) and transfection efficiency of polyplexes are still poorly investigated and understood. In this work, we analyze the effect of ionic strength on the formation and transfection efficiency of poly-L-lysine (PLL), branched polyethylenimine (PEI) and bioreducible poly-L-Lysine (bPLL) polycations complexed with plasmid DNA, using different preparation paths. In path I, the polycation and DNA are mixed in water and transferred to saline media afterwards. In path II, the polycation and DNA are mixed already in the presence of salt. Despite that the final compositions are identical, for monovalent salt (NaCl) concentrations ≥ 70 mM, the two pathways give rise to polyplexes with different sizes and stability. Path I polyplexes are smaller and colloidally more stable than their path II analogues, irrespective of polycation. Regarding the different polycations used, PLL-DNA polyplexes are smaller and more stable than PEI-polyplexes, regardless of path, while bPLL-DNA particles aggregate very easily in saline media. Conversely, when applied to 2D A549 cell cultures, the two assembly pathways do not show significant differences in transfection efficiency, but regarding cellular-uptake, PEI and path I offer better results. Overall, we show that slight differences in ionic strength at the time of polyplex formation strongly influence the size and stability of polycation-DNA complexes, but they do not translate into significant differences in the transfection of 2D in vitro A549 cell-cultures. Notwithstanding, caution should be exercised as the size differences observed could impact transfection in more complex in vivo models.

In vitro and in vivo cytotoxic activity of humanized CD19 CAR-T cells against Raji cell line

Objective To investigate the different functions of humanized and murinized CD19 chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-T cells against Raji cell line in vitro and in vivo. Methods Peripheral blood samples were collected from eight patients with lymphoma who were going to receive CD19 CAR-T cell therapy and used for the preparation of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) as well as humanized and murinized CAR-T cells. Cell proliferation and cytotoxicity were detected with CCK-8 and LDH assays, respectively. A tumor-bearing mouse model was established by injecting BALB/c female nude mice with fluorescent Raji cells. Changes in tumor volume in these mice were observed by in vivo imaging technology. The transfection efficiency and amount of CAR-T cells in the mice were detected with flow cytometry. Results No statistical difference in transfection efficiency was found between humanized and murinized CAR-T cells, nor in cell proliferation at 24 h of culture in vitro(P=0.104). The proliferation of humanized CAR-T cells showed a significant increase compared with that of murinized CAR-T cells at 48 h of culture (P=0.009). Similarly, the cytotoxicity of the two types of CAR-T cells against Raji cells showed no significant difference at 24 h at any effector/target (E/T) ratio (1∶1 or 4∶1), and that of humanized CAR-T cells was higher than that of murinized CAR-T cells at both E/T ratios at 48 h (E/T ratio=1∶1, P=0.005; E/T ratio=4∶1, P=0.008). Moreover, the cytotoxicity of CAR-T cells was higher than that of PBMC in any case. Tumor volumes in mice were reduced 14 d after humanized or murinized CAR-T cell therapy, while the mice in the PBMC control group suffered tumor progression. Tumor volume began to increase in mice 21 d after murinized CAR-T cell therapy, while no significant change was observed in the mice treated with humanized CAR-T cells. All of the mice died 25 d after murinized CAR-T cell therapy, while the deaths among those under humanized CAR-T cell therapy occurred on 31 d. The proportion of CAR-T cells in mice reached the peak 7 d after receiving humanized or murinized CAR-T cell therapy, while that in the humanized group was significantly higher than that in the murinized group at any time point (P4 d=0.001, P7 d=0.000, P14 d=0.003). Murinized CAR-T cells became undetectable on 21 d, while humanized CAR-T cells on 35 d. The maximum survival time for mice in the PBMC and murinized and humanized CAR-T cell groups was 20 d, 25 d and 53 d, respectively. Conclusions Compared with murinized CD19 CAR-T cells, humanized CD19 CAR-T cells showed stronger proliferation potential and cytotoxicity and remained in vivo detectable for a longer period of time. This study indicated that humanized CD19 CAR-T cells were superior to murinized CD19 CAR-T cells for the treatment of B cell lymphoma. Key words: Murinized; Humanized; CD19; CAR-T cells; Raji cell line; Cytotoxicity

A “top-down” approach to actuate poly(amine-co-ester) terpolymers for potent and safe mRNA delivery

Gene delivery is known to be a complicated multi-step biological process. It has been observed that subtle differences in the structure and properties of polymeric materials used for gene delivery can lead to dramatic differences in transfection efficiency. Therefore, screening of properties is pivotal to optimizing the polymer. So far, most polymeric materials are built in a “bottom-up” manner, i.e. synthesized from monomers that allow modification of polymer composition or structural factors. With this method, we previously synthesized and screened a library of biodegradable poly(amine-co-ester) (PACE) terpolymers for optimized DNA delivery. However, it can be tedious and time consuming to synthesize a polymer library for screening, particularly when small changes of a factor need to be tested, when multiple factors are involved, and when the effects of different factors are synergistic. In the present work, we evaluate the potential of PACE to deliver mRNA. After observing that mRNA transfection efficiency was highly dependent on both end group composition and molecular weight (MW) of PACE in a synergistic manner, we developed a “top-down” process we called actuation, to simultaneously vary these two factors. Some of the actuated PACE (aPACE) materials presented superior mRNA delivery properties compared to regular PACE, with up to a 106-fold-increase in mRNA transfection efficiency in vitro. Moreover, when aPACE was used to deliver mRNA coding for erythropoietin (EPO) in vivo, it produced high levels of EPO in the blood for up to 48 h without inducing systemic toxicity. This polymer constitutes a new delivery vehicle for mRNA-based treatments that provides safe yet potent protein production.

Influence of serum on DNA protection ability and transfection efficiency of cationic lipid-based nanoparticles for gene delivery

Cationic lipid-based nanoparticulate systems are delivery systems that has been widely used in pharmaceutical field including gene delivery. There are many barriers obstructing genetic materials and their delivery systems to reach the target. Serum is one of the imperative factor that should be investigated. Therefore, the aim of this study was to examine the effect of serum on DNA protection ability of spermine-liposomes and niosomes by evaluating the percentage of transfection efficiency in Hela cell and observing the DNA degradation band using agarose gel electrophoresis in the presence of serum. The results showed that the percentage of transfection efficiency of spermine-liposomes was dramatically decreased when serum is presented (p< 0.05). In contrast, whether or not the serum is presented, the spermine-niosomes showed no significant difference in transfection efficiency. Concisely, liposomes could slightly protect DNA from DNase in the serum, whereas, niosomes had potential ability to protect DNA from the enzymes in serum. This result revealed an advantage of the cationic niosomes system as a gene carrier over the cationic liposomes.

Secreted dual reporter assay with Gaussia luciferase and the red fluorescent protein mCherry.

The availability of a wide range of reporter proteins, which can easily be quantitated, has had a major impact on many fields of biomedical research. In some experiments with tissue culture cells, it is necessary to control for differences in transfection efficiency and in other expression parameters. This requirement has been very conveniently met with the popular dual luciferase assay. Its disadvantages are the requirement for cell lysis, the inability to analyze the same cells repeatedly, and the cost, at least in its most commonly used commercial format. Here we describe a novel dual reporter assay with the naturally secreted luciferase from Gaussia princeps as the main reporter protein and a secreted version of the red fluorescent protein mCherry as internal standard. After first measuring mCherry fluorescence in the medium, an enzyme buffer with coelenterazine as substrate is added to the same sample to trigger a glow-type luminescence of the luciferase. The simple and cheap assay can easily be adapted to a variety of experimental situations. As a case in point, we have developed a panel of Gaussia luciferase reporter genes for transcriptional activation assays with estrogen and glucocorticoid response elements, and with response elements for fusion proteins with the Gal4 DNA binding domain for use in mammalian cells. Our secreted dual reporter assay should be an attractive alternative to the currently available commercial kits.

The Influence of Block Ionomer Microstructure on Polyplex Properties: Can Simulations Help to Understand Differences in Transfection Efficiency?

Gene therapies enable therapeutic interventions at gene transcription and translation level, providing enormous potential to improve standards of care for multiple diseases. Nonviral transfection agents and in particular polyplexes based on block ionomers are-besides viral vectors and cationic lipid formulations-among the most promising systems for this purpose. Block ionomers combine a hydrophilic noncharged block, e.g., polyethylene glycol (PEG), with a hydrophilic cationic block. For efficient transfection, however, endosomolytic moieties, e.g., imidazoles, are additionally required to facilitate endosomal escape, which raises the general question how to distribute these functionalities within the block copolymer. Combining molecular dynamics simulation with physicochemical and biological characterization, this work aims to provide a first rational for the influence of block ionomer microstructure on polyplex properties, e.g., size, shape, and transfection efficiency. Our findings underline that a triblock microstructure is most efficient in compacting pDNA, which reduces polyplex size, enhances stability against degradation by DNase I, and thus provides better transfection performance.

Choose your models wisely: How different murine bone marrow-derived dendritic cell protocols influence the success of nanoparticulate vaccines in vitro

Dendritic cell (DC)-based cancer vaccination has shown great potential in cancer immunotherapy. As a result, novel nanoparticles aiming to load DCs with tumor antigens are being developed and evaluated in vitro. For this, murine bone marrow-derived DCs (BM-DCs) are most commonly used as model DCs. However, many different protocols exist to generate these cells. Therefore, we investigated to what extent different BM-DC culture protocols impact on the immunobiology of the cells, as well as their response to particulate antigens. We evaluated 4 different BM-DC protocols with 2 main variables: bovine serum and cytokine combinations. Our results show distinct differences in yield, phenotypical maturation status and the production of immune stimulatory and immune suppressive cytokines by the different BM-DCs. Importantly, we demonstrate that the antigen-loading of these different BM-DCs via transfection with mRNA lipoplexes results in large differences in transfection efficiency as well as in the capacity of mRNA-transfected BM-DCs to stimulate antigen-specific T cells. Thus, it is clear that the BM-DC model can have significant confounding effects on the evaluation of novel nanoparticulate vaccines. To take this into account when testing novel particulate antigen-delivery systems in BM-DC models, we propose to (1) perform a thorough immunological characterization of the BM-DCs and to (2) not only judge a particle's potential for cancer vaccination based on transfection efficiency, but also to include an evaluation of functional end-points such as T cell activation.

Bcl-2 overexpression in CHO cells improves polyethylenimine-mediated gene transfection

Transient gene expression (TGE) in Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells with polyethylenimine (PEI) as a transfection reagent has been considered as an attractive method to produce recombinant proteins rapidly for pre-clinical studies. A high level of transfection efficiency, which is required for high-level TGE in CHO cells, can be achieved by increasing the PEI concentration. However, PEI induces cytotoxicity in a dose-dependent manner. To overcome this problem, Bcl-2 protein, an anti-apoptotic protein, was overexpressed in CHO cells (DG44). At a ratio of PEI to DNA (an N/P ratio) of 10, there were no significant differences in transfection efficiency and cell viability between Bcl-2 overexpressing and non-overexpressing cells. The transfection efficiency and cell viability were 2–11% and 83–92%, respectively. However, there were significant differences (P<0.05) in the transfection efficiency and cell viability between them at a higher N/P ratio. At an N/P ratio of 40, the transfection efficiency and cell viability of Bcl-2 non-overexpressing cells were 24–38% and 35–40%, respectively, while those of Bcl-2 overexpressing cells were 48–53% and 43–56%, respectively. Furthermore, compared with Bcl-2 non-overexpressing cells, more DNAs entered the Bcl-2 overexpressing cells, resulting in a higher rate of TGE per cell. PE-Annexin V apoptosis revealed that Bcl-2 overexpression suppressed PEI-induced apoptotic cell death at high N/P ratios. Taken together, Bcl-2 overexpression in CHO cells suppresses apoptotic cell death during PEI-mediated transient transfection, resulting in enhanced transfection efficiency and TGE.

Bioreducible poly(amido amine)s with different branching degrees as gene delivery vectors

Based on the knowledge that cationic polymers with different topographical structures behave differently in gene transfection process, herein, we synthesized three biodegradable poly(amido amine)s (PAAs) with the same repeating units and molecular weights except for degree of branching: linear PAA (LPAA), low-branched PAA (LBPAA), and high-branched PAA (HBPAA). We found that LBPAA could more effectively compact pDNA into positively charged nanoparticles than both HBPAA and LPAA. LBPAA polyplexes had the highest transfection efficiency among the three PAA polyplexes, and the difference in transfection efficiency is mainly attributed to the endocytosis rate. The cytotoxicity of PAAs was negligible at the transfection doses, probably due to the degradable disulfide bonds. Therefore, we could use branching as a parameter to simply tune a polymer's cellular uptake behavior and transfection efficiency.

Transient transfection of serum-free suspension HEK 293 cell culture for efficient production of human rFVIII

BackgroundHemophilia A is a bleeding disorder caused by deficiency in coagulation factor VIII. Recombinant factor VIII (rFVIII) is an alternative to plasma-derived FVIII for the treatment of hemophilia A. However, commercial manufacturing of rFVIII products is inefficient and costly and is associated to high prices and product shortage, even in economically privileged countries. This situation may be solved by adopting more efficient production methods. Here, we evaluated the potential of transient transfection in producing rFVIII in serum-free suspension HEK 293 cell cultures and investigated the effects of different DNA concentration (0.4, 0.6 and 0.8 μg/106 cells) and repeated transfections done at 34° and 37°C.ResultsWe observed a decrease in cell growth when high DNA concentrations were used, but no significant differences in transfection efficiency and in the biological activity of the rFVIII were noticed. The best condition for rFVIII production was obtained with repeated transfections at 34°C using 0.4 μg DNA/106 cells through which almost 50 IU of active rFVIII was produced six days post-transfection.ConclusionSerum-free suspension transient transfection is thus a viable option for high-yield-rFVIII production. Work is in progress to further optimize the process and validate its scalability.

Control and Analysis for Intracellular Trafficking of Nucleic Acids Based on Quantitative and Dynamic Imaging

In the 21st century the category of biomedicine is now expanding from low-molecular drugs to recombinant proteins, antibodies, and nucleic acids (e.q., siRNA and plasmid DNA). In this era also, development of a novel nanotechnology to control intracellular trafficking is highly desired. For a promising gene therapy, an efficient nuclear delivery vector is a minimum requirement. Quantitative and mechanism-based information on differences in transfection efficiency between viral and non-viral vectors would be highly useful to improve the effectiveness of non-viral vectors. In this review, we will summarize our recent progress in quantitative comparison and underlying mechanisms of the intracellular trafficking between adenovirus vectors and plasmid DNA (pDNA) transfected by non-viral vectors. Our analysis has revealed that poor post-nuclear delivery events, as well as the nuclear delivery process itself are key processes to focus on. Especially, less effective transcription and translation are most likely due to poor nuclear decondensation and excess electrostatic interaction between mRNA and the gene carrier, respectively. Meanwhile, we have developed a multi-functional envelope-type nano device (MEND), in which the pDNA/polycation core is encapsulated in the lipid bilayers. Based on feedback information concerning the rate-limiting processes of gene carriers, we controlled the number of lipid envelopes to enhance the decoating of encapsulated pDNA from the envelope structure. As an expanded application of this concept, we have developed a tetra-lamellar MEND (T-MEND), which is designed to overcome the endosome and nuclear membranes by step-wise membrane fusion.

The targeted gene (KDRP-CD/TK) therapy of breast cancer mediated by SonoVue and ultrasound irradiation in vitro

Suicide gene therapy has become an effective therapy for breast cancer, and ultrasound targeted microbubble destruction (UTMD) has become a popular topic in the gene therapy field. In this study, MCF-7 cells with the KDR promoter and LSl74T cells without the KDR promoter were transfected with the recombinant plasmid pEGFP-KDRP-CD/TK using UTMD. The recombinant plasmid pEGFP-KDRP-CD/TK was transfected into MCF-7 and LS174T cells successfully with no significant difference in transfection efficiency ( p > 0.05). By RT-PCR, the CD/TK fusion gene was shown to be expressed in MCF-7 cells but not expressed in LS174T cells. In a cytotoxicity experiment, transgenic MCF-7 cells were sensitive to the prodrugs 5-FC and GCV. When both 5-FC and GCV were administered, the rate of cellular inhibition was significantly greater than that achieved when only one of the prodrugs was administered ( p < 0.001). Moreover, the inhibition rates achieved administering 5-FC, GCV and both 5-FC and GCV were all significantly greater than the gene transfection rate of 21.92 ± 3.64% ( p < 0.001). However, transgenic LS174T cells were not sensitive to any prodrug. These results demonstrated that UTMD is a safe, effective and targeted gene delivery system. Also, the KDR promoter can drive expression of the CD/TK double suicide gene target in MCF-7 cells, and the targeted killing effect of the KDRP-CD/TK gene on MCF-7 cells in vitro has good synergy with expression of the CD/TK fusion gene.

Charge Density and Molecular Weight of Polyphosphoramidate Gene Carrier Are Key Parameters Influencing Its DNA Compaction Ability and Transfection Efficiency

A series of polyphosphoramidates (PPAs) with different molecular weights (MWs) and charge densities were synthesized and examined for their DNA compaction ability and transfection efficiency. A strong correlation was observed between the transfection efficiency of PPA/DNA nanoparticles and the MW and net positive charge density of the PPA gene carriers in three different cell lines (HeLa, HEK293, and HepG2 cells). An increase in MW and net positive charge density of PPA carrier yielded higher DNA compaction capacity, smaller nanoparticles with higher surface charges, and higher complex stability against challenges by salt and polyanions. These favorable physicochemical properties of nanoparticles led to enhanced transfection efficiency. PPA/DNA nanoparticles with the highest complex stability showed comparable transfection efficiency as PEI/DNA nanoparticles likely by compensating the low buffering capacity with higher cellular uptake and affording higher level of protection to DNA in endolysosomal compartment. The differences in transfection efficiency were not attributed by any difference in cytotoxicity among the carriers, as all nanoparticles showed a minimal level of cytotoxicity under the transfection conditions. Using PPA as a model system, we demonstrated the structural dependence of transfection efficiency of polymer gene carrier. These results offer more insights into nanoparticle engineering for nonviral gene delivery.

Sustained release of complexed DNA from films: Study of bioactivity and intracellular tracking

Sustained DNA delivery from polymeric films provides a means for localized and prolonged gene therapy. However, in the case of bioactive molecules such as plasmid DNA (pDNA), there are limitations on the achievable release profiles as well as on the maintenance of bioactivity over time. In this report, the authors have investigated the bioactivity of the released DNA (naked and complexed with lipofectamine) from polymeric films using in vitro cell transfection of COS-7 cell lines. The polymeric system consists of a biodegradable semicrystalline polymer such as poly(ε-caprolactone) (PCL) with or without blended gelatin. Sustained release of lipoplexes and of pDNA is shown over several days. However, lipoplexes released from pure PCL films show no transfection on day 18, whereas lipoplexes released from PCL-gelatin films continue to transfect cells on day 18 of release. Confocal studies were used to determine the reasons for this difference in transfection efficiency, and it is proposed that association of the lipoplex with gelatin confers protection from degradation in the cytoplasm. The results also showed that the bioactivity of released lipoplexes was superior to that of the naked pDNA. For both naked pDNA and the lipoplexes, the presence of gelatin helped to maintain the bioactivity over several days.

Use of Cryopreserved Cell Aliquots in the High-Throughput Screening of Small Interfering RNA Libraries

Screening small interfering RNA (siRNA) libraries holds the potential to elucidate gene function as well as discover new targets for the therapeutic treatment of disease. Since the inception of siRNA as a discovery tool, there have been progressive improvements in siRNA design algorithms, the transfection reagents used to deliver them, and the assay formats used to monitor phenotypic changes. These changes have helped to improve the quality of the data emerging from siRNA screens. One variable that introduces inconsistency into high-throughput screening (HTS) of siRNA libraries is the state of the cells used in the assays. Multiple factors can contribute to differences in transfection efficiency as well as the basic cell biology, which can lead to differences in the genes identified in siRNA screens. The authors have developed a system using frozen cell aliquots to use in siRNA HTS, so that a major source of variability introduced into cell-based screens can be standardized. In addition, by transiently transfecting plasmids into cell lines and then freezing these cells down to use in siRNA transfection experiments, they have used this same technology to create new cell lines. This process of using aliquots of frozen cells is logistically advantageous in an HTS setting, as it reduces the time spent maintaining cell lines, as well as reducing possible downtime in screening due to lack of cells or poor cell health.