The siRNAsome: A Cation‐Free and Versatile Nanostructure for siRNA and Drug Co‐delivery

Nanoparticles show great potential for drug delivery. However, suitable nanostructures capable of loading a range of drugs together with the co‐delivery of siRNAs, which avoid the problem of cation‐associated cytotoxicity, are lacking. Herein, we report an small interfering RNA (siRNA)‐based vesicle (siRNAsome), which consists of a hydrophilic siRNA shell, a thermal‐ and intracellular‐reduction‐sensitive hydrophobic median layer, and an empty aqueous interior that meets this need. The siRNAsome can serve as a versatile nanostructure to load drug agents with divergent chemical properties, therapeutic proteins as well as co‐delivering immobilized siRNAs without transfection agents. Importantly, the inherent thermal/reduction‐responsiveness enables controlled drug loading and release. When siRNAsomes are loaded with the hydrophilic drug doxorubicin hydrochloride and anti‐P‐glycoprotein siRNA, synergistic therapeutic activity is achieved in multidrug resistant cancer cells and a tumor model.     

Comparison of flow and batch polymerization processes for production of vinyl ether terpolymers for use in the delivery of siRNA

Synthetic polymers represent a modifiable class of materials that can serve as adjuvants to address challenges in numerous biomedical and medicinal chemistry applications including the delivery of siRNA. Polymer‐based therapeutics offer unique challenges in both synthesis and characterization as compared to small molecule therapeutics. The ability to control the structure of the polymer is critical in creating a therapeutic. Reported herein, are batch and flow polymerization processes to produce amphiphilic terpolymers through a Lewis acid BF₃OEt₂‐catalyzed polymerization. These processes focus on controlling reaction variables, which affect polymer structure in this rapid, exothermic, nonliving cationic polymerization. In addition to analytical characterization of the polymers, the in vivo activity of the polymer‐siRNA conjugates is also highlighted—demonstrating that the method of synthesis does affect the in vivo activity of the resulting polymer conjugate. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part A: Polym. Chem. 2014 , 52, 1119–1129     

PAMAM Dendrimers for siRNA Delivery: Computational and Experimental Insights

Short double‐stranded RNAs, which are known as short interfering RNA (siRNA), can be used to specifically down‐regulate the expression of the targeted gene in a process known as RNA interference (RNAi). However, the success of gene silencing applications based on the use of synthetic siRNA critically depends on efficient intracellular delivery. Polycationic branched macromolecules such as poly(amidoamine) (PAMAM) dendrimers show a strong binding affinity for RNA molecules and, hence, can provide an effective, reproducible, and relatively nontoxic method for transferring siRNAs into animal cells. Notwithstanding these perspectives, relatively few attempts have been made so far along these lines to study in detail the molecular mechanisms underlying the complexation process between PAMAMs and siRNAs. In this work we combine molecular simulation and experimental approaches to study the molecular requirements of the interaction of RNA‐based therapeutics and PAMAM dendrimers of different generations. The dendrimers and their siRNA complexes were structurally characterized, and the free energy of binding between each dendrimer and a model siRNA was quantified by using the well‐known MM/PBSA approach. DOSY NMR experiments confirmed the structural in silico prediction and yielded further information on both the complex structure and stoichiometry at low N/P ratio values. siRNA/PAMAM complex formation was monitored at different N/P ratios using gel retardation assays, and a simple model was proposed, which related the amount of siRNA complexed to the entropy variation upon complex formation obtained from the computer simulations.     

Advances in quantum dot-mediated siRNA delivery

Quantum dot-mediated siRNA theranostic systems enhance the siRNA delivery, and track the uptake and distribution of siRNA.     

An Unexpected Role of Hyaluronic Acid in Trafficking siRNA Across the Cellular Barrier: The First Biomimetic,Anionic, Non‐Viral Transfection Method

Circulating nucleic acids, such as short interfering RNA (siRNA), regulate many biological processes; however, the mechanism by which these molecules enter the cell is poorly understood. The role of extracellular‐matrix‐derived polymers in binding siRNAs and trafficking them across the plasma membrane is reported. Thermal melting, dynamic light scattering, scanning electron microscopy, and computational analysis indicate that hyaluronic acid can stabilize siRNA via hydrogen bonding and Van der Waals interactions. This stabilization facilitated HA size‐ and concentration‐dependent gene silencing in a CD44‐positive human osteosarcoma cell line (MG‐63) and in human mesenchymal stromal cells (hMSCs). This native HA‐based siRNA transfection represents the first report on an anionic, non‐viral delivery method that resulted in approximately 60 % gene knockdown in both cell types tested, which correlated with a reduction in translation levels.     

An Unexpected Role of Hyaluronic Acid in Trafficking siRNA Across the Cellular Barrier: The First Biomimetic,Anionic, Non‐Viral Transfection Method

Circulating nucleic acids, such as short interfering RNA (siRNA), regulate many biological processes; however, the mechanism by which these molecules enter the cell is poorly understood. The role of extracellular‐matrix‐derived polymers in binding siRNAs and trafficking them across the plasma membrane is reported. Thermal melting, dynamic light scattering, scanning electron microscopy, and computational analysis indicate that hyaluronic acid can stabilize siRNA via hydrogen bonding and Van der Waals interactions. This stabilization facilitated HA size‐ and concentration‐dependent gene silencing in a CD44‐positive human osteosarcoma cell line (MG‐63) and in human mesenchymal stromal cells (hMSCs). This native HA‐based siRNA transfection represents the first report on an anionic, non‐viral delivery method that resulted in approximately 60 % gene knockdown in both cell types tested, which correlated with a reduction in translation levels.     

Adaptive Amphiphilic Dendrimer‐Based Nanoassemblies as Robust and Versatile siRNA Delivery Systems

siRNA delivery remains a major challenge in RNAi‐based therapy. Here, we report for the first time that an amphiphilic dendrimer is able to self‐assemble into adaptive supramolecular assemblies upon interaction with siRNA, and effectively delivers siRNAs to various cell lines, including human primary and stem cells, thereby outperforming the currently available nonviral vectors. In addition, this amphiphilic dendrimer is able to harness the advantageous features of both polymer and lipid vectors and hence promotes effective siRNA delivery. Our study demonstrates for the first time that dendrimer‐based adaptive supramolecular assemblies represent novel and versatile means for functional siRNA delivery, heralding a new age of dendrimer‐based self‐assembled drug delivery in biomedical applications.     

Systemic Delivery of Bc12‐Targeting siRNA by DNA Nanoparticles Suppresses Cancer Cell Growth

Short interfering RNA (siRNA) is a promising molecular tool for cancer therapy, but its clinical success is limited by the lack of robust in vivo delivery systems. Rationally designed DNA nanoparticles (DNPs) have emerged as facile delivery vehicles because their physicochemical properties can be precisely controlled. Nonetheless, few studies have used DNPs to deliver siRNAs in vivo, and none has demonstrated therapeutic efficacy. Herein, we constructed a number of DNPs of rectangular and tubular shapes with varied dimensions using the modular DNA brick method for the systemic delivery of siRNA that targets anti‐apoptotic protein Bcl2. The siRNA delivered by the DNPs inhibited cell growth both in vitro and in vivo, which suppressed tumor growth in a xenograft model that specifically correlated with Bcl2 depletion. This study suggests that DNPs are effective tools for the systemic delivery of therapeutic siRNA and have great potential for further clinical translation.     

Polymer siRNA conjugates synthesised by controlled radical polymerisation

Oligonucleotide therapeutics such as antisense RNA, micro RNA, mRNA and small interfering RNA have great potential to generate a novel therapeutic portfolio within the pharmaceutical market. The promising outlook of oligonucleotide therapeutics lies in their ability to knockdown genes responsible for disease progression. However, the efficient delivery of RNA medicines without causing toxicity remains a major challenge. With growing interest in siRNA therapeutics, a number of synthetic polymers have been developed to facilitate efficient in vitro and in vivo delivery. With the advent of controlled radical polymerisation (CRP) techniques – such as RAFT polymerisation and ATRP – new families of well-defined polymers with narrow molecular weight distribution and predictable molecular architecture potentially suitable to generate siRNA delivery devices are becoming available. In this review article we will describe and discuss how CRP can be utilised to generate siRNA delivery nanodevices.     

Lipid-conjugated siRNA hitchhikes endogenous albumin for tumor immunotherapy

With the development of a small interfering RNA (siRNA) delivery strategy, increasing siRNA therapeutics for tumor treatment appeared in clinical trials and pre-clinical development. However, the test results of such therapeutics unveiled that efficient siRNA delivery to tumor tissues is still challenging. Albumin is considered an ideal carrier for delivering hydrophobic agents into tumor tissue because it is highly concentrated and long-circulating in blood and has propensity of tumor enrichment. Herein, we synthesized lipid conjugated siRNAs (LsiRNAs), which showed high affinity to albumin. Mechanistically, LsiRNAs non-covalently bind to the hydrophobic core of albumin through its octadecyl tails. The small size of albumin/LsiRNAs allows the complex to penetrate tumor tissue efficiently. Biodistribution test proved that albumin extremely prolonged circulation time and increased tumor retention of associated LsiRNAs. Notably, LsiRNA against programmed death ligand-1 (Pdl1) efficiently suppressed tumor growth as well as prolonged survival time of tumor bearing mice by increasing infiltration of CD8⁺ T cells as well as promoted the maturation of dendritic cells both in tumor and lymph. Together, LsiRNAs provide a simple but effective way for siRNA tumor delivery that “hitchhikes” on albumin.     

Efficient Self‐Assembled DNA Nanoparticles through Rolling Circle Amplification for siRNA Delivery in vitro

Effective and low toxicity delivery of siRNA is of great importance for clinical gene therapy. Herein, self‐assembled DNA nanoparticles (NPs) based on rolling circle amplification (RCA) with a small interfering RNA (siRNA) payload were successfully developed as a facile and efficient siRNA delivery strategy. This intracellular gene silencing strategy exhibits various advantages including low toxicity, high efficiency, and good stability. The synthesized DNA NPs serve as siRNA carriers, protecting the siRNA against nuclease degradation. We demonstrate that the obtained self‐assembled siRNA/NP/PEI system can successfully deliver enhanced green fluorescent protein (EGFP)‐siRNA into HeLa cells, realizing the same EGFP knockdown efficiency with less toxicity as that of commercial Lipofectamine 2000.     

Reductively responsive siRNA-conjugated hydrogel nanoparticles for gene silencing

A critical need still remains for effective delivery of RNA interference (RNAi) therapeutics to target tissues and cells. Self-assembled lipid- and polymer-based systems have been most extensively explored for transfection with small interfering RNA (siRNA) in liver and cancer therapies. Safety and compatibility of materials implemented in delivery systems must be ensured to maximize therapeutic indices. Hydrogel nanoparticles of defined dimensions and compositions, prepared via a particle molding process that is a unique off-shoot of soft lithography known as particle replication in nonwetting templates (PRINT), were explored in these studies as delivery vectors. Initially, siRNA was encapsulated in particles through electrostatic association and physical entrapment. Dose-dependent gene silencing was elicited by PEGylated hydrogels at low siRNA doses without cytotoxicity. To prevent disassociation of cargo from particles after systemic administration or during postfabrication processing for surface functionalization, a polymerizable siRNA pro-drug conjugate with a degradable, disulfide linkage was prepared. Triggered release of siRNA from the pro-drug hydrogels was observed under a reducing environment while cargo retention and integrity were maintained under physiological conditions. Gene silencing efficiency and cytocompatibility were optimized by screening the amine content of the particles. When appropriate control siRNA cargos were loaded into hydrogels, gene knockdown was only encountered for hydrogels containing releasable, target-specific siRNAs, accompanied by minimal cell death. Further investigation into shape, size, and surface decoration of siRNA-conjugated hydrogels should enable efficacious targeted in vivo RNAi therapies.     

Ultra‐pH‐Responsive and Tumor‐Penetrating Nanoplatform for Targeted siRNA Delivery with Robust Anti‐Cancer Efficacy

RNA interference (RNAi) gene silencing technologies have shown significant potential for treating various diseases, including cancer. However, clinical success in cancer therapy remains elusive, mainly owing to suboptimal in vivo delivery of RNAi therapeutics such as small interference RNA (siRNA) to tumors. Herein, we developed a library of polymers that respond to a narrow pH change (ultra‐pH‐responsive), and demonstrated the utility of these materials in targeted and deep tumor‐penetrating nanoparticle (NP) for in vivo RNAi. The new NP platform is mainly composed of the following key components: i) internalizing RGD (iRGD) to enhance tumor targeting and tissue penetration; ii) polyethylene glycol (PEG) chains to prolong blood circulation; and iii) sharp pH‐responsive hydrophobic polymer to improve endosome escape. Through systematic studies of structure–function relationship, the optimized RNAi NPs (<70 nm) showed efficient gene silencing and significant inhibition of tumor growth with negligible toxicities in vivo.     

A Crosslinked Nucleic Acid Nanogel for Effective siRNA Delivery and Antitumor Therapy

Functional siRNAs are employed as cross‐linkers to direct the self‐assembly of DNA‐grafted polycaprolactone (DNA‐g‐PCL) brushes to form spherical and nanosized hydrogels via nucleic acid hybridization in which small interfering RNAs (siRNAs) are fully embedded and protected for systemic delivery. Owing to the existence of multivalent mutual crosslinking events inside, the crosslinked nanogels with tunable size exhibit not only good thermostability, but also remarkable physiological stability that can resist the enzymatic degradation. As a novel siRNA delivery system with spherical nucleic acid (SNA) architecture, the crosslinked nanogels can assist the delivery of siRNAs into different cells without any transfection agents and achieve the gene silencing effectively both in vitro and in vivo, through which a significant inhibition of tumor growth is realized in the anticancer treatment.     

In Situ Functionalized Polymers for siRNA Delivery

A new method is reported herein for screening the biological activity of functional polymers across a consistent degree of polymerization and in situ, that is, under aqueous conditions and without purification/isolation of candidate polymers. In brief, the chemical functionality of a poly(acryloyl hydrazide) scaffold was activated under aqueous conditions using readily available aldehydes to obtain amphiphilic polymers. The transport activity of the resulting polymers can be evaluated in situ using model membranes and living cells without the need for tedious isolation and purification steps. This technology allowed the rapid identification of a supramolecular polymeric vector with excellent efficiency and reproducibility for the delivery of siRNA into human cells (HeLa‐EGFP). The reported method constitutes a blueprint for the high‐throughput screening and future discovery of new polymeric functional materials with important biological applications.     

A Multifunctional Peptide‐Conjugated AIEgen for Efficient and Sequential Targeted Gene Delivery into the Nucleus

Gene therapy has immense potential as a therapeutic approach to serious diseases. However, efficient delivery and real‐time tracking of gene therapeutic agents have not been solved well for successful gene‐based therapeutics. Herein we present a versatile gene‐delivery strategy for efficient and visualized delivery of therapeutic genes into the targeted nucleus. We developed an integrin‐targeted, cell‐permeable, and nucleocytoplasmic trafficking peptide‐conjugated AIEgen named T_DNCP for the efficient and sequential targeted delivery of an antisense single‐stranded DNA oligonucleotide (ASO) and tracking of the delivery process into the nucleus. As compared with T_DNCP/siRNA‐NPs (siRNA functions mainly in the cytoplasm), T_DNCP/ASO‐NPs (ASO functions mainly in the nucleus) exhibited a better interference effect, which further indicates that T_DNCP is a nucleus‐targeting vector. Moreover, T_DNCP/ASO‐NPs showed a favorable tumor‐suppressive effect in vivo.     

Cationic Vesicles Based on Amphiphilic Pillar[5]arene Capped with Ferrocenium: A Redox‐Responsive System for Drug/siRNA Co‐Delivery

A novel ferrocenium capped amphiphilic pillar[5]arene (FCAP) was synthesized and self‐assembled to cationic vesicles in aqueous solution. The cationic vesicles, displaying low cytotoxicity and significant redox‐responsive behavior due to the redox equilibrium between ferrocenium cations and ferrocenyl groups, allow building an ideal glutathione (GSH)‐responsive drug/siRNA co‐delivery system for rapid drug release and gene transfection in cancer cells in which higher GSH concentration exists. This is the first report of redox‐responsive vesicles assembled from pillararenes for drug/siRNA co‐delivery; besides enhancing the bioavailability of drugs for cancer cells and reducing the adverse side effects for normal cells, these systems can also overcome the drug resistance of cancer cells. This work presents a good example of rational design for an effective stimuli‐responsive drug/siRNA co‐delivery system.     

RNA-based therapeutics: current progress and future prospects

Recent advances of biological drugs have broadened the scope of therapeutic targets for a variety of human diseases. This holds true for dozens of RNA-based therapeutics currently under clinical investigation for diseases ranging from genetic disorders to HIV infection to various cancers. These emerging drugs, which include therapeutic ribozymes, aptamers, and small interfering RNAs (siRNAs), demonstrate the unprecedented versatility of RNA. However, RNA is inherently unstable, potentially immunogenic, and typically requires a delivery vehicle for efficient transport to the targeted cells. These issues have hindered the clinical progress of some RNA-based drugs and have contributed to mixed results in clinical testing. Nevertheless, promising results from recent clinical trials suggest that these barriers may be overcome with improved synthetic delivery carriers and chemical modifications of the RNA therapeutics. This review focuses on the clinical results of siRNA, RNA aptamer, and ribozyme therapeutics and the prospects for future successes.     

Polymeric micelleplexes for improved photothermal endosomal escape and delivery of siRNA

Effective endosomal escape is required for practical application of nucleic acid therapeutics. In this study, we prepared siRNA micelleplexes with photothermally triggered endosomal escape and improved gene silencing activity in vitro. The micelleplexes were prepared from cholesterol‐modified and CXCR4‐inhibiting poly(amido amine)s (PAMD‐Ch). Near‐infrared dye IR780 was encapsulated in cationic PMAD‐Ch micelles, which then were used to form IR780 micelleplexes with siRNA. The micelleplexes displayed improved gene silencing efficiency upon laser irradiation, which was attributed to enhanced endosomal escape because of the photothermal effects of the encapsulated IR780. The IR780 micelleplexes retained the CXCR4 antagonism and inhibition of cancer cell invasion of the parent PAMD. Overall, this study validates codelivery of IR780 in siRNA micelleplexes as promising photothermally controlled siRNA delivery approach.