PEG Liposomes Research Articles

Monoolein-based nanocarriers for enhanced folate receptor-mediated RNA delivery to cancer cells

We report the development and characterization of a novel nanometric system for specific delivery of therapeutic siRNA for cancer treatment. This vector is based on a binary mixture of the cationic surfactant dioctadecyldimethylammonium chloride (DODAC) and the helper lipid monoolein (MO). These liposomes were previously validated by our research group as promising non-viral vectors for nucleic acid delivery. In this work, the DODAC:MO vesicles were for the first time functionalized with polyethylene glycol and PEG-folate conjugates to achieve both maximal stability in biological fluids and increase selectivity toward folate receptor α expressing cells. The produced DODAC:MO:PEG liposomes were highly effective in RNA complexation (close to 100%), and the resulting lipoplexes also demonstrated high stability in conditions simulating their administration by intravenous injection (physiological pH, high NaCl, heparin and fetal bovine serum concentrations). In addition, cell uptake of the PEG-folate-coated lipoplexes was significantly greater in folate receptor α positive breast cancer cells (39% for 25 µg/mL of lipid and 31% for 40 µg/mL) when compared with folate receptor α negative cells (31% for 25 µg/mL of lipid and 23% for 40 µg/mL) and to systems without PEG-folate (≈13% to 16% for all tested conditions), supporting their selectivity towards the receptor. Overall, the results support these systems as appealing vectors for selective delivery of siRNA to cancer cells by folate receptor α-mediated internalization, aiming at future therapeutic applications of interest.

Doxorubicin liposomes as an investigative model to study the skin permeation of nanocarriers

The objectives of this study were to develop an innovative investigative model using doxorubicin as a fluorophore to evaluate the skin permeation of nanocarriers and the impact of size and surface characteristics on their permeability. Different doxorubicin-loaded liposomes with mean particle size <130nm and different surface chemistry were prepared by ammonium acetate gradient method using DPPC, DOPE, Cholesterol, DSPE-PEG 2000 and 1,1-Di-((Z)-octadec-9-en-1-yl) pyrrolidin-1-ium chloride (CY5)/DOTAP/1,2-dioleoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphate (DOPA) as the charge modifier. There was minimal release of doxorubicin from the liposomes up to 8h; indicating that fluorescence observed within the skin layers was due to the intact liposomes. Liposomes with particle sizes >600nm were restricted within the stratum corneum. DOTAP (p<0.01) and CY5 (p<0.05) liposomes demonstrated significant permeation into the skin than DOPA and PEG liposomes. Tape stripping significantly (p<0.01) enhanced the skin permeation of doxorubicin liposomes but TAT-decorated doxorubicin liposomes permeated better (p<0.005). Blockage of the hair follicles resulted in significant reduction in the extent and intensity of fluorescence observed within the skin layers. Overall, doxorubicin liposomes proved to be an ideal fluorophore-based model. The hair follicles were the major route utilized by the liposomes to permeate skin. Surface charge and particle size played vital roles in the extent of permeation.

Tumor-Targeted Paclitaxel Delivery and Enhanced Penetration Using TAT-Decorated Liposomes Comprising Redox-Responsive Poly(Ethylene Glycol)

To combine the advantage of poly(ethylene gylcol) (PEG) for longer circulation and cell-penetrating peptides (CPPs) for efficient cellular uptake, paclitaxel (PTX)-loaded liposomes functionalized with TAT, the most frequently used CPP, and cleavable PEG via a redox-responsive disulfide linker (PTX-C-TAT-LP) were successfully developed here. Under physiological conditions, TAT was shielded by PEG layer and liposomes exhibited a long blood circulation. At tumor site, PEG could be detached in the presence of exogenous reducing agent [glutathione (GSH)] and TAT was exposed to facilitate cell internalization. In the presence of GSH, the liposomal vesicle C-TAT-LP showed increased cellular uptake and improved three-dimensional tumor spheroids penetration in vitro compared with analogous stable shielded liposomes. C-TAT-LP achieved enhanced tumor distribution and demonstrated superior delivery efficiency in vivo. PTX-C-TAT-LP with GSH strongly inhibited the proliferation of murine melanoma B16F1 tumor cells in vitro and in vivo with the tumor inhibition rate being 69.4% on B16F1-bearing mice. In addition, the serum aspartate transaminase level, alanine transaminase level, and creatine kinase level were almost completely within normal range in the PTX-C-TAT-LP with GSH group, revealing PTX-C-TAT-LP with GSH had no obvious drug-related adverse events for liver and heart. Taken together, C-TAT-LP is a promising tumor-targeting drug carrier.

On the synthesis of mucus permeating nanocarriers

The synthesis of nanocarriers with “slippery” surface (i.e., poly(lactide-co-glycolide)–polyethylene glycol (PLGA–PEG) nanoparticles (NPs) and polyelectrolyte complexes (PECs) of polyacrylic acid (PAA) with poly-l-lysine (PLL) and/or polyarginine (PArg)) and of nanocarriers (i.e., PLGA NPs, PLGA–PEG NPs, liposomes) containing a mucolytic agent (i.e., 4-mercaptobenzoic acid (4MBA)) is presented. Depending on the molecular weight (MW) of PEG (i.e., 2, 5kDa), PLGA–PEG NPs with a “brush” or “dense brush” PEG configuration were prepared. The PLGA–PEG NPs exhibited increased mucus permeability in comparison with non-pegylated PLGA NPs when tested in fresh porcine intestinal mucus. The NPs that were prepared using PEG with a MW equal to 5kDa and had a “dense brush” PEG configuration, were found to exhibit the highest mucus permeability. The average size and the surface charge of PECs could be effectively tuned by varying the PAA/polycation charge ratio, thus resulting in the synthesis of neutral as well as positively and negatively charged PECs. The PECs with negative surface charges were found to exhibit the highest mucus permeability followed by the neutral and finally the positively charged PECs. Depending on the initial concentration of the mucolytic agent, 4MBA loadings up to 13.65, 13.1 and 18.43wt% were achieved for PLGA NPs, PLGA–PEG NPs and liposomes, respectively. PLGA and PLGA–PEG NPs were characterized by a rapid release of the mucolytic agent (i.e., >80wt% of 4MBA was released in 20min) whereas, its encapsulation in liposomes allowed a more controlled release (i.e., up to 30wt% of 4MBA was released in 45min). 4MBA loaded liposomes were found to exhibit increased mucus permeability depending on the composition of the phospholipid bilayer.

Abstract W P93: MiR-122 Improves Stroke Outcomes after Middle Cerebral Artery Occlusion in Rats

MicroRNA (miRNA) are recently discovered small (~22 nucleotides), non-coding RNA that regulate translation of messenger RNA (mRNA) to protein. Though there are only hundreds of miRNAs, each of them can potentially regulate hundreds of target genes, via base-pairing with complementary sequences in mRNA. This provides one approach that targets a single miRNA to have effects on multiple genes. Our previous genomic studies have demonstrated that miR-122 decreased significantly in blood of experimental strokes produced by middle cerebral artery (MCA) occlusion in rats as well as in blood of patients with ischemic strokes. Therefore, we hypothesized that elevating blood miR-122 has the potential for treating stroke. Using the newly developed in vivo polyethylene glycol-liposome based miRNA transfection system and rat suture MCAO occlusion model, we show that injection of chemically modified mimic miR-122 (600ug/rat, i.v.) through tail vein immediately after MCAO occlusion significantly decreases the neurological impairment and significantly attenuates brain infarct volumes. Ongoing studies are identifying the target genes that are associated with the neuroprotective effects of miR-122 following stroke. Acknowledgements: This study was supported by NIH grant R01NS066845 (FRS). There were no conflicts of interest.

Augmented EPR effect by photo-triggered tumor vascular treatment improved therapeutic efficacy of liposomal paclitaxel in mice bearing tumors with low permeable vasculature

The effects of photo-triggered tumor vascular treatment (PVT) on the structural and functional properties of tumor vasculature were assessed in Colon-26 (C26) and B16/BL6 (B16) tumor-bearing mice. Furthermore, anti-tumor efficacy of subsequently injected PEG liposomal paclitaxel (PL-PTX) was also evaluated. As a photosensitizer, a hydrophobic porphyrin derivative was used and formulated in polymeric nanoparticle composed of polyethylene glycol-block-polylactic acid to avoid its non-specific in vivo disposition. In the mice bearing C26 with high permeable vasculature, the prominent anti-tumor activity was confirmed by PVT alone, but the subsequently injected PL-PTX did not show any additive effect. PVT itself initially induced apoptotic cell death of tumor vascular endothelial cells and platelet aggregation, which would have subsequently induced apoptosis of C26 tumor cells surrounding the vasculature. On the other hand, in the mice bearing B16 with low permeable vasculature, PVT enhanced the anti-tumor activity of subsequently injected PL-PTX, which would be attributed to the tumor disposition amount and area of PEG liposomes enhanced by PVT. These results clearly indicated that the treatment would have made it possible to provide more efficient extravasation of PL-PTX, leading to its more potent anti-tumor effect.

Liposome-based mucus-penetrating particles (MPP) for mucosal theranostics: Demonstration of diamagnetic chemical exchange saturation transfer (diaCEST) magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)

Mucus barriers lining mucosal epithelia reduce the effectiveness of nanocarrier-based mucosal drug delivery and imaging (“theranostics”). Here, we describe liposome-based mucus-penetrating particles (MPP) capable of loading hydrophilic agents, e.g., the diaCEST MRI contrast agent barbituric acid (BA). We observed that polyethylene glycol (PEG)-coated liposomes containing ≥7mol% PEG diffused only ~10-fold slower in human cervicovaginal mucus (CVM) compared to their theoretical speeds in water. 7mol%-PEG liposomes contained sufficient BA loading for diaCEST contrast, and provided improved vaginal distribution compared to 0 and 3mol%-PEG liposomes. However, increasing PEG content to ~12mol% compromised BA loading and vaginal distribution, suggesting that PEG content must be optimized to maintain drug loading and stability. Non-invasive diaCEST MRI illustrated uniform vaginal coverage and longer retention of BA-loaded 7mol%-PEG liposomes compared to unencapsulated BA. Liposomal MPP with optimized PEG content hold promise for drug delivery and imaging at mucosal surfaces. From the Clinical EditorThis team of authors characterized liposome-based mucus-penetrating particles (MPP) capable of loading hydrophilic agents, such as barbituric acid (a diaCEST MRI contrast agent) and concluded that liposomal MPP with optimized PEG coating enables drug delivery and imaging at mucosal surfaces.

Abstract 5376: Systematic analysis of peptide linker length and liposomal polyethylene glycol coating on cellular uptake of peptide-targeted liposomal nanoparticles

Abstract In an effort to improve tumor targeting and cellular uptake of nanoparticle-based drug carriers, nanoparticles are functionalized with active targeting molecules such as antibodies, antibody fragments, small ligands, and peptides. However, active targeting approaches have not consistently shown successful outcomes. Nanoparticle design factors including: traditional methods of generating active targeting nanoparticles, PEG coatings, linkers used to conjugate targeting ligands, and various types of targeting ligands used further contribute to the inconsistencies observed with targeted nanoparticle therapies. In order to dissect the individual effects of these parameters, we employed a multifaceted synthetic strategy to prepare peptide-targeted liposomal nanoparticles with high purity, reproducibility, and precisely controlled stoichiometry of functionalities to evaluate the role of liposomal PEG coating, peptide EG-linker length, and peptide valency on cellular uptake in a systematic manner. We analyzed these parameters in two distinct disease models where the liposomes were functionalized with either HER2- or VLA-4-antagonistic peptides to target HER2-overexpressing breast cancer cells or VLA-4-overexpressing myeloma cells, respectively. When targeting peptides were tethered to nanoparticles with an EG45 (∼PEG2000) linker in a manner similar to a more traditional formulation, their cellular uptake was not enhanced compared to non-targeted versions regardless of the liposomal PEG coating used. Conversely, reduction of the liposomal PEG to PEG350 and the peptide linker to EG12 dramatically enhanced cellular uptake by ∼9-fold in breast cancer cells, while an EG6 peptide linker enhanced cellular uptake by ∼150-fold in multiple myeloma cells. Uptake efficiency is highly dependent on peptide valency, reaching a maximum and a plateau with ∼2% peptide density in the breast cancer model. Taken together, these results demonstrate the significance of using the right design elements such as the appropriate peptide EG-linker length in coordination with the appropriate liposomal PEG coating and optimal ligand density in efficient cellular uptake of liposomal nanoparticles. Citation Format: Jared Stefanick, Jonathan Ashley, Tanyel Kiziltepe, Basar Bilgicer. Systematic analysis of peptide linker length and liposomal polyethylene glycol coating on cellular uptake of peptide-targeted liposomal nanoparticles. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 105th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2014 Apr 5-9; San Diego, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2014;74(19 Suppl):Abstract nr 5376. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2014-5376

Liposomal delivery and polyethylene glycol-liposomal oxaliplatin for the treatment of colorectal cancer (Review).

Oxaliplatin is effective for the treatment of advanced colorectal cancer; however, its application is restricted due to its dose-limiting toxicity. Liposomes are sphere-shaped vesicles consisting of one or more phospholipid bilayers. Liposomes as drug carriers are characterized by delayed release, lesion targeting and may be used as a drug-delivery system to decrease the side effects of cytotoxic drugs. Active targeting modification of liposomes may change the biological distribution of the anticancer agents, reduce or reverse multidrug resistance of tumor cells and enhance the effects of anticancer therapy. Based on the characteristics mentioned above, the aim of the present review was to demonstrate that polyethylene glycol-liposomes containing oxaliplatin may offer advantages for the treatment of colorectal cancer in clinical practice.

EVALUATION OF ANTI-CANCER ACTIVITY OF SURVIVIN siRNA DELIVERED BY FOLATE RECEPTOR-TARGETED POLYETHYLENE-GLYCOL LIPOSOMES IN K562-BEARING XENOGRAFT MICE

Objective: To investigate anti-cancer activity of the novel survivin siRNA Folate Receptor (FR)-targeted Polyethylene-Glycol Liposomes (PEG) liposomes in K562-bearing nude mice. Methods: The leukemia cell line K562 xenograft model was established in balb/c nu/nu mice, and survivin siRNA FR-targeted PEG liposomes was administrated by intraperitoneal (i.p.). The same volume of liposomes was administrated as placebo control. The real time PCR and western blotting were used to examine the knocking down effect. The tumor weight and size in nude mice was measured to evaluate the inhibitory effect in vivo. Results: The expression ratio of survivin mRNA in siRNA group was 0.35 ± 0.1 (survivin/GAPDH) vs. 1.85 ± 0.65 in control group with significant difference (p &lt; 0.05), as well as protein level by western blotting analysis (p &lt; 0.05). The results also showed the novel survivin siRNA liposomes could inhibit the growth of K562 in xenograft model. Conclusion: This novel survivin siRNA FR-targeted PEG liposome delivery system may be a potential gene therapy for the treatment of leukemia.

Glutathione PEGylated liposomes: pharmacokinetics and delivery of cargo across the blood–brain barrier in rats

Partly due to poor blood–brain barrier drug penetration the treatment options for many brain diseases are limited. To safely enhance drug delivery to the brain, glutathione PEGylated liposomes (G-Technology®) were developed. In this study, in rats, we compared the pharmacokinetics and organ distribution of GSH-PEG liposomes using an autoquenched fluorescent tracer after intraperitoneal administration and intravenous administration. Although the appearance of liposomes in the circulation was much slower after intraperitoneal administration, comparable maximum levels of long circulating liposomes were found between 4 and 24 h after injection. Furthermore, 24 h after injection a similar tissue distribution was found. To investigate the effect of GSH coating on brain delivery in vitro uptake studies in rat brain endothelial cells (RBE4) and an in vivo brain microdialysis study in rats were used. Significantly more fluorescent tracer was found in RBE4 cell homogenates incubated with GSH-PEG liposomes compared to non-targeted PEG liposomes (1.8-fold, p < 0.001). In the microdialysis study 4-fold higher (p < 0.001) brain levels of fluorescent tracer were found after intravenous injection of GSH-PEG liposomes compared with PEG control liposomes. The results support further investigation into the versatility of GSH-PEG liposomes for enhanced drug delivery to the brain within a tolerable therapeutic window.

A Systematic Analysis of Peptide Linker Length and Liposomal Polyethylene Glycol Coating on Cellular Uptake of Peptide-Targeted Liposomes

PEGylated liposomes are attractive pharmaceutical nanocarriers; however, literature reports of ligand-targeted nanoparticles have not consistently shown successful results. Here, we employed a multifaceted synthetic strategy to prepare peptide-targeted liposomal nanoparticles with high purity, reproducibility, and precisely controlled stoichiometry of functionalities to evaluate the role of liposomal PEG coating, peptide EG-linker length, and peptide valency on cellular uptake in a systematic manner. We analyzed these parameters in two distinct disease models where the liposomes were functionalized with either HER2- or VLA-4-antagonistic peptides to target HER2-overexpressing breast cancer cells or VLA-4-overexpressing myeloma cells, respectively. When targeting peptides were tethered to nanoparticles with an EG45 (∼PEG2000) linker in a manner similar to a more traditional formulation, their cellular uptake was not enhanced compared to non-targeted versions regardless of the liposomal PEG coating used. Conversely, reduction of the liposomal PEG to PEG350 and the peptide linker to EG12 dramatically enhanced cellular uptake by ∼9 fold and ∼100 fold in the breast cancer and multiple myeloma cells, respectively. Uptake efficiency reached a maximum and a plateau with ∼2% peptide density in both disease models. Taken together, these results demonstrate the significance of using the right design elements such as the appropriate peptide EG-linker length in coordination with the appropriate liposomal PEG coating and optimal ligand density in efficient cellular uptake of liposomal nanoparticles.

Enhanced Distribution and Anti-Tumor Activity of Ergosta-4,6,8(14),22-Tetraen-3-One by Polyethylene Glycol Liposomalization

Ergosta-4,6,8(14),22-tetraen-3-one (ergone) was isolated from P. umbellatus, which has been demonstrated to possess a variety of pharmacological activities in vivo and in vitro. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the potent ergone formulations for cancer chemotherapy, the liposomal formulations were less toxic and provide longer systemic circulation time were selected as candidates of nanocarriers for ergone. The effect of modification polyethylene glycol (PEG) on the pharmacokinetics of liposome showed that the retaining time of ergone in blood circulation was prolonged by modified PEG. Moreover, the results of pharmacokinetic analysis showed that of PEG liposome was about 2.8 times higher than that of free PEG liposome after intravenous injection into normal rats due to the lower distribution into the reticuloendothelial system tissues. Since PEG liposome was able to stably encapsulate ergone in blood, area under plasma concentration-time curve of ergone was also extensively enhanced after intravenous dosing of ergone-PEG liposome into normal rats. In the in vivo studies utilizing solid tumor-bearing mice, it was confirmed that ergone-PEG liposome delivered remarkably larger amount of ergone to tumor tissue and provided more significant anti-tumor activity than free ergone. In conclusion, PEG liposome was an effective delivery formulation to achieve increased ergone release in tumor and therapeutic efficacy.

【原著】 ポストインサーション法によって調製したPEG修飾リポソームの表面物性に関する研究

Post-insertion method is now widely used to modify liposomes with poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) lipids. In this study, we examined the physicochemical properties of surface layers of distearoylphosphatidylethanolamine- PEG2000-modified liposomes composed of distearoylphosphatidylcoline, distearoylphosphatidylglycerol and cholesterol prepared in post-insertion method. Zeta potential measurements showed that the estimated aqueous layer thickness of PEG liposomes increases with increasing concentrations of PEG lipids added. Size exclusion chromatography demonstrated that the incorporation efficiency of PEG lipids into liposomes gradually decreases with increasing addition amount of PEG lipids. Quenching experiments of fluorescence-labeled PEG lipids confirmed that almost all PEG lipids distribute at the outermost layer of liposomes in the post-insertion preparation whereas PEG lipids distribute equally at inner and outer layers of liposomes in the conventional pre-mixed method. By correcting the incorporation efficiency and the outermost distribution of PEG lipids in liposomes, we found that the dependency of increases in aqueous layer thickness of PEG liposomes upon the outermost content of PEG lipids is similar in the both post-insertion and pre-mixed methods. Fluorescence resonance energy transfer measurements suggested that the increasing behavior of aqueous layer thickness is closely correlated with the conformational transition of PEG chains at the liposome surface. These results provide comparative information of the surface properties of PEG-modified liposomes prepared by the post-insertion and pre-mixed methods.

Deeper Penetration into Tumor Tissues and Enhanced in Vivo Antitumor Activity of Liposomal Paclitaxel by Pretreatment with Angiogenesis Inhibitor SU5416

The recently emerged concept of "vessel normalization" implies that judicious blockade of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) signaling may transiently "normalize" the tumor vasculature, making it more suitable for tumor disposition of subsequently administered drugs. In this study, therefore, the effect of pretreatment with SU5416, a selective VEGF receptor-2 inhibitor, on tumor disposition and in vivo antitumor activity of polyethylene glycol (PEG)-modified liposomal paclitaxel (PL-PTX) was evaluated in Colon-26 solid tumor-bearing mice. To improve the solubility and in vivo disposition characteristics of SU5416, the inhibitor was formulated in PEGylated O/W emulsion (PE-SU5416). Pretreatment with PE-SU5416 significantly enhanced the in vivo antitumor effect of PL-PTX, although PE-SU5416 administration alone did not show any antitumor effect. Immunostaining for endothelial cells and pericytes demonstrated that the pretreatment with PE-SU5416 enhanced the pericyte coverage of the tumor vasculature. In addition, tumors treated with PE-SU5416 contained significantly smaller hypoxic regions compared with the nontreated control group, demonstrating that structural normalization of the tumor vasculature resulted in an improvement in tumor vessel functions, including oxygen supply. Furthermore, the pretreatment with PE-SU5416 increased the distribution of PEG liposomes and included PTX in the core region of the tumor, as well as conversely decreasing the ratio of their peripheral distribution. These results suggest that the structural and functional normalization of the tumor vasculature by the pretreatment with PE-SU5416 enabled liposomes to reach the deeper regions within tumor tissues, leading to more potent antitumor activity of PL-PTX.

Targeted Delivery of Transferrin-Conjugated Liposomes to an Orthotopic Model of Lung Cancer in Nude Rats

Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer death worldwide. Pulmonary anticancer therapy might offer several advantages over systemic delivery, leading to an increased exposure of the lung tumor to the drug, while minimizing side effects, due to regional containment. Here, we studied if a combination of inhalation therapy and drug targeting holds potential as an even more efficient lung cancer therapy. Transferrin (Tf )-conjugated PEG liposomes loaded with doxorubicin (DOX) were administered using an intracorporeal nebulizing catheter to an orthotopic lung cancer model established in athymic Rowett nude rats. Different DOX formulations and doses (0.2 and 0.4 mg/kg) were tested and the influence on tumor progression and life span of rats was evaluated in comparison with the i.v. administration of Tf-PEG-liposomes loaded with DOX at a therapeutic dose of 2 mg/kg. Rats in the untreated control group showed significant weight loss 2 weeks after tumor induction and died between days 19 and 29. Lungs of these animals showed multiple foci of neoplastic deposits, ranging up to 20 mm replacing the entire lobe. Empty Tf-liposomes showed a significant effect on survival time. This might be caused by the secondary cytotoxicity via stimulation of pulmonary macrophages. All animal treated intravenously also perished before the end of the study. No significant (p<0.05) improvement in survival was observed between the groups treated with aerosols of free drug, DOX encapsulated in plain and in Tf-modified liposomes. However, more animals survived in the Tf-liposome groups than in the other treatment regimes, and their lung tissue generally had fewer and smaller tumors. Nevertheless, the size of the groups, and the duration of the trial render it impossible to come to a definite conclusion. Drug targeting demonstrated potential for improving the aerosol treatment of lung cancer.

Involvement of Ca2+ and ATP in Enhanced Gene Delivery by Bubble Liposomes and Ultrasound Exposure

Recently, we reported the accelerated gene transfection efficiency of laminin-derived AG73-peptide-labeled polyethylene glycol-modified liposomes (AG73-PEG liposomes) and cell penetrating TAT-peptide labeled PEG liposomes using PEG-modified liposomes, which trap echo-contrast gas, "Bubble liposomes" (BLs), and ultrasound (US) exposure. BLs and US exposure were reported to enhance the endosomal escape of AG73-PEG liposomes, thereby leading to increased gene expression. However, the mechanism behind the effect of BLs and US exposure on endosomes is not well understood. US exposure was reported to induce an influx of calcium ions (Ca²⁺) by enhancing permeability of the cell membrane. Therefore, we examined the effect of Ca²⁺ on the endosomal escape and transfection efficiency of AG73-PEG liposomes, which were previously enhanced by BLs and US exposure. For cells treated with EGTA, the endosomal escape and gene expression of AG73-PEG liposomes were not enhanced by BLs and US exposure. Similarly, transfection efficiency of the AG73-PEG liposomes in ATP-depleted cells was not enhanced. Our results suggest that Ca²⁺ and ATP are necessary for the enhanced endosomal escape and gene expression of AG73-PEG liposomes by BLs and US exposure. These findings may contribute to the development of useful techniques to improve endosomal escape and achieve efficient gene transfection.

Enhanced gene delivery using Bubble liposomes and ultrasound for folate-PEG liposomes

We have previously reported that the transfection efficiency of laminin-derived AG73-peptide labeled polyethyleneglycol-modified liposomes (AG73-PEG liposomes) was enhanced by echo-contrast gas entrapping PEG liposomes (Bubble liposomes, BLs) and ultrasound (US) exposure by improving endosomal escape. However, it has not been well understood whether BLs and US exposure can enhance the transfection efficiency of other carriers except AG73-PEG liposomes. In this study, to evaluate whether BLs and US exposure can be generally applied to gene delivery carriers, we focused on folate as a model ligand and examined whether BLs and US exposure could enhance the transfection efficiency of folate-PEG liposomes. Folate-PEG liposomes could internalize into cells efficiently, whereas they could not deliver genes into cytosol from endosomes sufficiently. BLs and US exposure could enhance the transfection efficiency of folate-PEG liposomes compared with folate-PEG liposomes alone without their direct induction into cells. These results suggested that BLs and US exposure could enhance the transfection efficiency of folate-PEG liposomes in the same manner as AG73-PEG liposomes. Thus, BLs and US exposure may be a promising tool to achieve efficient gene transfection into various gene carriers in general.

Formulation and Evaluation of Paclitaxel-Loaded Polymeric Nanoparticles Composed of Polyethylene Glycol and Polylactic Acid Block Copolymer

To develop potent paclitaxel (PTX) formulations for cancer chemotherapy, we formulated PTX into polymeric nanoparticles composed of polyethylene glycol (PEG) and polylactic acid (PLA) block copolymer (PN-PTX). First, the physicochemical properties of PN-PTX prepared were assessed; the mean particle size was around 80 nm and the zeta potential was found to be almost neutral. Next, the in vitro PTX release property was assessed by a dialysis method. Although rapid release of PTX was observed just after dosing, around 70% of PTX was stably incorporated in polymeric nanoparticles for a long time in the presence of serum. Then, the in vivo pharmacokinetics of PN-PTX after intravenous administration was investigated in Colon-26 (C26) tumor-bearing mice. Both polymeric nanoparticles and PTX incorporated exhibited a long blood circulating property, leading to enhanced permeability and retention (EPR) effect-driven, time-dependent tumor disposition of PTX. Tumor distribution increased gradually for 24 h, and tissue uptake clearance of polymeric nanoparticles in the liver and spleen was lower than that of PEG liposomes. Since these results indicated that the in vivo disposition characteristics of PN-PTX were very favorable, we then evaluated the anti-tumor effect of PN-PTX in C26 tumor-bearing mice. However, PN-PTX did not exhibit any significant anti-tumor effect, presumably due to the poor PTX release from polymeric nanoparticles. From these results, it is considered that the favorable pharmacokinetic properties of nanoparticles and the drug incorporated do not always lead to its potent in vivo pharmacological activity, suggesting the importance of PTX release properties within tumor tissues.

Bubble Liposomes and Ultrasound Promoted Endosomal Escape of TAT-PEG Liposomes as Gene Delivery Carriers

We have previously developed laminin-derived AG73 peptide-labeled poly(ethylene glycol)-modified liposomes (AG73-PEG liposomes) for selective cancer gene therapy and reported that Bubble liposomes (BLs) and ultrasound (US) exposure could accelerate the endosomal escape of AG73-PEG liposomes, leading to the enhancement of transfection efficiency; however, it is still unclear whether BLs and US exposure can also enhance the transfection efficiency of other vectors. We therefore assessed the effect of BLs and US exposure on the gene transfection efficiency of trans-activating transcriptor (TAT) peptide modified PEG liposomes. Although TAT-PEG liposomes were efficiently internalized into cells, the efficacy of endosomal escape was insufficient. The transfection efficiencies of TAT-PEG liposomes were enhanced by about 30-fold when BLs and US exposure were used. We also confirmed that BLs and US exposure could not enhance the direct transportation of TAT-PEG liposomes into cells. Confocal microscopy showed that BLs and US exposure promoted endosomal escape of TAT-PEG liposomes. Our results suggested that BLs and US exposure could enhance transfection efficiency by promoting endosomal escape, which was independent of modified molecules of carriers. Thus, BLs and US exposure can be a useful tool to achieve efficient gene transfection by improving endosomal escape of various carriers.