A multifunctional PEI-based cationic polyplex for enhanced systemic p53-mediated gene therapy

Gene Ther. 2006 Nov;13(21):1512-23. doi: 10.1038/sj.gt.3302773. Epub 2006 Jun 8.

Abstract

We recently reported a novel coupling strategy involving salicylhydroxamic acid and phenyl(di)boronic acid molecules to attach the CNGRC peptide to PEI/DNA for CD13 targeting in tumors. Here, we doubly coupled Simian Virus (SV) 40 peptide-(nuclear localization signal)) and oligonucleotide-based (DNA nuclear targeting signal) nuclear signals to the same vector using peptide nucleic acid chemistry. This vector, CNGRC/PEG/PEI/DNA-betagal/NLS/DNTS, was predominantly localized in the cell nucleus, yielding about 200-fold higher betagal gene expression in vitro, more than 20-fold increase in tumor-specific gene delivery, and a robust betagal gene expression as demonstrated in stained tumor sections. For gene therapy purposes, we further engineered a similar targeting polyplex, CNGRC/PEG/PEI/DNA-p53/NLS/DNTS, with EBV-based episomal vector for sustained p53 gene expression. A distribution of vector DNA and apoptosis in p53-containing tumors was observed, yielding a significant tumor regression and 95% animal survival after 60 days. This multicomponent vector also co-targeted tumor and tumor-associated endothelial cells but not normal cells, and had more efficient therapeutic index than each vector administered as a single modality. The use of an efficient coupling strategy without compromising the vector's integrity for DNA condensation and endosomal escape; nuclear import; tumor-specific and persistent p53 gene expression clearly provides a basis for developing a single combinatorial approach for non-viral gene therapy.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • CD13 Antigens / genetics
  • Carcinoma, Non-Small-Cell Lung / immunology
  • Carcinoma, Non-Small-Cell Lung / therapy*
  • Cations
  • Cell Line, Tumor
  • Cell Proliferation
  • DNA / administration & dosage
  • Gene Expression
  • Gene Targeting
  • Genes, p53*
  • Genetic Engineering
  • Genetic Therapy / methods*
  • Genetic Vectors
  • Humans
  • Immunohistochemistry / methods
  • In Situ Nick-End Labeling
  • Lung Neoplasms / immunology
  • Lung Neoplasms / therapy*
  • Mice
  • Mice, Nude
  • Neoplasm Transplantation
  • Polyethyleneimine
  • Simian virus 40 / genetics
  • Transfection / methods

Substances

  • Cations
  • Polyethyleneimine
  • DNA
  • CD13 Antigens