Cell-Specific Targeting of Lipid-Based Carriers for ODN and DNA

It is well recognized that there is an urgent need for non-toxic systemically applicable vectors for biologically active nucleotides to fully exploit the current potential of molecular medicine in gene therapy. Cell-specific targeting of non-viral lipid-based carriers for ODN and DNA is a prerequisite to attain the concentration of nucleic acids required for therapeutic efficacy in the target tissue. In this review we will address the most promising approaches to selective targeting of liposomal nucleic acid carriers in vivo. In addition, the routes of entry and intracellular processing of these carrier systems are discussed as well as physiological factors potentially interfering with the biological and/or therapeutic activity of their nucleotide pay-load.     

Hydrodynamics-based transfection of the liver: entrance into hepatocytes of DNA that causes expression takes place very early after injection

BACKGROUND: The mechanism of gene transfer into hepatocytes by the hydrodynamics-based transfection procedure is not clearly understood. It has been shown that, after a hydrodynamic injection, a large proportion of plasmid DNA remains intact in the liver where it is bound to plasma membrane and suggested that this DNA could be responsible for the efficiency of the transfection. METHODS: We have investigated the problem by giving mice a hydrodynamic injection of isotonic NaCl, followed at different time intervals by a conventional injection of DNA, cold or labelled with (35)S, with cDNA of luciferase as a reporter gene. Then, we determined the consequences of that dual injection on luciferase expression and on DNA uptake by the liver and its intracellular fate. By such experiments, it is possible to establish the time dependency of the induction of liver changes caused by a hydrodynamic injection on the one hand and the expression and DNA uptake and fate on the other. Moreover, some experiments have been performed on primary cultures of hepatocytes isolated after a hydrodynamic injection of DNA. RESULTS: When DNA is given to mice by a conventional injection a few seconds after an hydrodynamic injection of isotonic NaCl, luciferase expression in the liver is considerably lower than that observed after a single hydrodynamic injection of the plasmid. On the other hand, as assessed by the rate of DNA degradation and by centrifugation results obtained after injection of (35)S-DNA, the uptake and the intracellular fate of the bulk of DNA are similar whether DNA is administered by a single hydrodynamic injection or by a conventional injection given up to at least 2 h after a hydrodynamic injection of isotonic NaCl. Hepatocytes isolated a few minutes after a hydrodynamic injection exhibit a maximal expression that does not depend on the large amount of DNA that remains bound to the plasma membrane for a relatively long time. CONCLUSIONS: Our results show that the efficiency of hydrodynamics-based transfection depends on a process that takes place very quickly after injection and is not linked to a delay of DNA degradation and the persistence of a large proportion of DNA bound to hepatocytes of the plasma membrane, strongly suggesting that expression after a hydrodynamic injection is caused by a small proportion of DNA molecules that rapidly enter the cytosol probably by plasma membrane pores generated by the hydrodynamic pressure.     

Cationic lipid-mediated gene transfer: Analysis of cellular uptake and nuclear import of plasmid DNA

Cationic lipids are widely used for gene transfer in vitro and show promise as vectors for in vivo gene therapy applications. However, there is limited understanding of the cellular mechanisms involved in nonviral gene transfer. We investigated two major steps that could be limiting barriers to cationic lipid-mediated gene transfer in vitro. We used a fluorescent plasmid to study the cellular uptake and the intracellular fate of lipoplexes during in vitro transfection of fibroblast cells and found that 100% of the cells take up lipoplexes. The intracellular staining observed with lipoplexes was clearly different from that obtained with endocytosed fluorescent dextran. This suggests that cells readily take up lipoplexes by a mechanism that could be different from endocytosis in our conditions. However, the escape of DNA from intracellular vesicles could be a major limiting barrier to gene transfer. Direct injection of plasmid DNA into the nucleus and cytoplasm of cells indicated that DNA traffic from the cytoplasm to the nucleus might be also an important limiting step.     

辐射敏感细胞ku80基因突变及其DNA结合活性研究

RT-PCR克隆辐射敏感细胞及其亲本细胞的ku80基因cDNA,发现辐射敏感细胞的ku80基因与双链断裂DNA末端相互作用的位置存在基因突变,用凝胶阻滞和DNA-蛋白质印迹进一步证实突变ku基因编码蛋白结合双链断裂末端DNA的能力下降,暗示其细胞辐射敏感性可能与Ku蛋白功能异常有关.     

新型核心蛋白聚糖靶向性重组腺相关病毒的制备与鉴定

核心蛋白聚糖(decorin, DCN)是广泛存在于细胞基质中的一种富含亮氨酸的蛋白多糖, 属于蛋白聚糖家族中的小分子类. DCN可作为多种细胞因子的配体, 发挥多种生物学功能. DCN在一些肿瘤组织中高水平表达,调控恶性肿瘤的生长和迁移. 腺相关病毒(AAV)是肿瘤基因治疗中常用的基因工程载体, 利用重组技术可以实现对病毒衣壳蛋白的改造, 使其感染具有靶向性. 而针对DCN高表达细胞的转导可能成为肿瘤基因治疗应用中定向导入治疗基因的有效策略. 本研究在对多种DCN结合蛋白序列保守区的分析基础上, 筛选出具有较高活性的DCN结合功能域(DB1), 并将其融合至AAV衣壳蛋白VP2编码序列的N端; 继而利用AAV的嵌合包装技术, 成功制备了衣壳展示DB1表位的重组AAV. 在过表达DCN细胞的感染实验中, 该病毒表现出针对DCN较强的靶向性. 本研究所制备的DCN靶向性腺相关病毒不仅为肿瘤治疗的应用提供了一种新型载体, 同时可作为一类特殊的基因导入工具为研究DCN在肿瘤发生发展中的作用提供帮助.     

Association of albumin or protamine to lipoplexes: enhancement of transfection and resistance to serum

BACKGROUND: The successful application of gene therapy depends on the availability of carriers to efficiently deliver genetic material into target cells. Such efficacy is strongly related to key parameters including serum resistance and protection of DNA. METHODS: The complexes were tested in terms of their biological activity, in the absence or presence of serum, by following transfection activity. Interaction with plasma proteins was evaluated by immunoblotting, while cytotoxicity was assessed by the Alamar Blue assay. Extent of DNA protection was determined both by using ethidium bromide intercalation and DNase I digestion assays. RESULTS: Our results show that, depending on the charge ratio and on the lipid composition, albumin and protamine can be used (either individually or co-associated) to generate cationic liposome/DNA complexes fulfilling in vivo requirements, while exhibiting high levels of transfection activity. In the present work a novel cationic lipid was tested. It was demonstrated that 1-palmitoyl-2-oleoyl-sn-glycero-3-ethylphosphocholine (EPOPC):cholesterol (Chol) liposomes constitute a very promising carrier for gene delivery as illustrated by their enhancing effect on transfection, as compared with DOTAP-containing liposomes. Moreover, the biological activity of EPOPC-containing complexes is significantly improved upon association of albumin, even in the presence of 60% serum (namely for the 4/1 lipid/DNA charge ratio). Nevertheless, our studies also show that transfection activity mediated by DOTAP-containing complexes can be significantly enhanced upon pre-condensation of DNA with protamine. CONCLUSIONS: Co-association of HSA and protamine to lipoplexes ensures a high degree of DNA protection and results in high levels of transfection activity even in the presence of serum.     

靶向survivin 的siRNA 联合5-FU 转染抑制肝细胞株HepG2 增殖的研究

目的:研究靶向survivin的(小分子干扰RNA)siRNA和(氟尿嘧啶)5-FU联用对肝癌细胞HepG2的增殖抑制及凋亡的影响。方法:将HepG2细胞分为空白对照组、阴性对照组、5-FU处理组、siRNA转染组、5-FU+siRNA转染组。转染采用脂质体法。RT-PCR法检测HepG2细胞survivin mRNA转录水平;MTT法检测靶向survivin的siRNA和5-FU对HepG2细胞增殖的抑制作用;流式细胞术检测HepG2细胞凋亡情况。结果:空白对照组、阴性对照组、5-FU处理组survivin mRNA表达无明显变化(P>0.05),siRNA转染组、5-FU+siRNA转染组survivin mRNA表达明显下降(F=280.326,q=4.72~7.34,P<0.05)。5-FU+siRNA转染组增殖抑制率为51.58%±1.35%,与其它各组相比抑制率明显增高(F=280.326,q=5.27~9.84,P<0.05)。5-FU+siRNA组与其它各组相比细胞凋亡率明显增高(F=13568.68,q=110.47～327.16,P<0.01)。结论:将靶向survivin的siRNA和5-FU联合应用可以显著抑制肝癌细胞survivin基因表达,并协同抑制HepG2细胞增殖,共同发挥诱导细胞凋亡作用。     

靶向survivin的siRNA联合5-Fu转染抑制肝细胞株HepG2增殖的研究

目的：研究靶向survivin的（小分子干扰RNA）siRNA和（氟尿嘧啶）5-FU联用对肝癌细胞HepG2的增殖抑制及凋亡的影响。方法：将HepG2细胞分为空白对照组、阴性对照组、5-FU处理组、siRNA转染组、5-FU＋siRNA转染组。转染采用脂质体法。RT-PCR法检测HepG2细胞survivinmRNA转录水平;MTT法检测靶向survivin的siRNA和5．FU对HepG2细胞增殖的抑制作用;流式细胞术检测HepG2细胞凋亡情况。结果：空白对照组、阴性对照组、5-FU处理组survivinmRNA表达无明显变化（P〉0．05）,siRNA转染组、5-FU＋siRNA转染组survivinmRNA表达明显下降（F=280．326,q=4．72-7．34,P〈0．05）。5-FU＋siRNA转染组增殖抑制率为51．58％±1-35％,与其它各组相比抑制率明显增高（F=280．326,q=5．27-9．84,P〈0．05）。5-Fu＋siRNA组与其它各组相比细胞凋亡率明显增高（F=13568．68,q=110．47-327．16,P〈0．01）。结论：将靶向survivin的siRNA和5一Fu联合应用可以显著抑制肝癌细胞survivin基因表达,并协同抑制HepG2细胞增殖,共同发挥诱导细胞凋亡作用。     

Electroporation enhances reporter gene expression following delivery of naked plasmid DNA to the lung

BACKGROUND: Existing methods of non-viral airway gene transfer suffer from low levels of efficiency. Electroporation has been used to enhance gene transfer in a range of tissues. Here we assess the usefulness of electroporation for enhancing gene transfer in the lungs of mice and sheep. METHODS: Naked plasmid DNA (pDNA) expressing either luciferase or green fluorescent protein (GFP) was delivered to mouse lungs by instillation. Following surgical visualisation, the lungs were directly electroporated and the level and duration of luciferase activity was assessed and cell types that were positive for GFP were identified in lung cryosections. Naked pDNA was nebulised to the sheep lung and electrodes attached to the tip of a bronchoscope were used to electroporate airway segment bifurcations, Luciferase activity was assessed in electroporated and control non-electroporated regions, after 24 h. RESULTS: Following delivery of naked pDNA to the mouse lung, electroporation resulted in up to 400-fold higher luciferase activity than naked pDNA alone when luciferase was under the control of a cytomegalovirus (CMV) promoter. Following delivery of a plasmid containing the human polyubiquitin C (UbC) promoter, electroporation resulted in elevated luciferase activity for at least 28 days. Visualisation of GFP indicated that electroporation resulted in increased GFP detection compared with non-electroporated controls. In the sheep lung electroporation of defined sites in the airways resulted in luciferase activity 100-fold greater than naked pDNA alone. CONCLUSIONS: These results indicate that electroporation can be used to enhance gene transfer in the lungs of mice and sheep without compromising the duration of expression.     

Targeting of >1.5 Mb of Human DNA into the Mouse X Chromosome Reveals Presence of cis-Acting Regulators of Epigenetic Silencing

Regulatory sequences can influence the expression of flanking genes over long distances, and X chromosome inactivation is a classic example of cis-acting epigenetic gene regulation. Knock-ins directed to the Mus musculus Hprt locus offer a unique opportunity to analyze the spread of silencing into different human DNA sequences in the identical genomic environment. X chromosome inactivation of four knock-in constructs, including bacterial artificial chromosome (BAC) integrations of over 195 kb, was demonstrated by both the lack of expression from the inactive X chromosome in females with nonrandom X chromosome inactivation and promoter DNA methylation of the human transgene in females. We further utilized promoter DNA methylation to assess the inactivation status of 74 human reporter constructs comprising >1.5 Mb of DNA. Of the 47 genes examined, only the PHB gene showed female DNA hypomethylation approaching the level seen in males, and escape from X chromosome inactivation was verified by demonstration of expression from the inactive X chromosome. Integration of PHB resulted in lower DNA methylation of the flanking HPRT promoter in females, suggesting the action of a dominant cis-acting escape element. Female-specific DNA hypermethylation of CpG islands not associated with promoters implies a widespread imposition of DNA methylation during X chromosome inactivation; yet transgenes demonstrated differential capacities to accumulate DNA methylation when integrated into the identical location on the inactive X chromosome, suggesting additional cis-acting sequence effects. As only one of the human transgenes analyzed escaped X chromosome inactivation, we conclude that elements permitting ongoing expression from the inactive X are rare in the human genome.     

Tet调控STGC3基因表达CNE2细胞系的建立及其功能初步研究

利用Tet-on调控系统,建立受强力霉素诱导STGC3基因表达的CNE2细胞系,为进一步研究STGC3的功能提供了一个理想的实验平台.先后将调控质粒pTet-on和反应质粒pTRE-STGC3转染入CNE2细胞,并用G418和潮霉素分别进行两轮筛选,运用RT-PCR选择对强力霉素诱导敏感的细胞克隆.用不同浓度强力霉素诱导CNE2/Tet/pTRE-STGC3细胞,RT-PCR检测STGC3的表达,确定强力霉素的最佳诱导浓度.采用此浓度的强力霉素分别诱导CNE2、CNE2/Tet/pTRE、CNE2/Tet/pTRE-STGC3三组细胞,测定细胞的生长曲线、克隆形成率和细胞周期分布.诱导STGC3基因高表达,CNE2细胞增殖速度显著减慢(P<0.05),克隆形成能力显著降低(P<0.01);流式细胞仪检测结果显示,瘤细胞群体中处于G0/G1期细胞数增加,细胞阻滞于G0/G1期.Tet调控STGC3基因表达CNE2细胞系的成功建立,为进一步研究STGC3基因的功能提供一个理想的细胞模型.     

The Repetitive DNA Elements Called CRISPRs and Their Associated Genes: Evidence of Horizontal Transfer Among Prokaryotes

We have found direct DNA repeats 21–47 bp in length interspersed with nonrepetitive sequences of similar length, or clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPRs) in a wide range of diverse prokaryotes, including many Archaeal and Eubacterial species. A number of cas, CRISPR-associated genes have also been characterized in many of the same organisms. Phylogenetic analysis of these cas genes suggests that the CRISPR loci have been propagated via HGT, horizontal gene transfer. We suggest a mechanism by which this HGT has occurred, namely, that the CRISPR loci can be carried between cells on megaplasmids ≥40 kb in length. Electronic Supplementary Material Electronic Supplementary material is available for this article at and accessible for authorised users. [Reviewing Editor: Dr. Stuart Newfeld]     

Sperm as a carrier to introduce an exogenous DNA fragment into the oocyte of Japanese abalone (Haliotis divorsicolor suportexta)

We investigated gene transfer in abalone via electroporated sperm. The mobility of sperm electroporated either in seawater or in marine invertebrate physiological solution was as good as that of the control group. The fertilization rate reached as high as 94.7--99.6% (93.0-- 99.7% for the control group) when 200 eggs were fertilized by 106 or 107 sperm treated with electroporation at 10 kV and 27 pulses for six cycles. Moreover, the fertilization rate of sperm electroporated in the presence of foreign DNA (opAFP-2000CAT) ranging from 0.1 to 3.2 g and at voltages ranging from 2 to 10 kV, at 27 or 211 pulses for six or 12 cycles showed no differences from the control sperm. After DNase digestion, the genome of the electroporated sperm was analysed by polymerase chain reaction, and it was shown that a 138-bp product was amplified, corresponding to the transgene's amplification product. Southern blotting also showed that a positive band located at the same position as that of opAFP-2000CAT was found in the electroporated sperm after DNase treatment. Analysis by PCR of the genome isolated from a trochophore-stage abalone larva, derived from sperm electroporated with 3.2 g opAFP- 2000CAT, showed the existence of foreign DNA in 13 out of 20 examined samples (65%). The integration of the transferred DNA into the genome of transgenic abalone was also shown by Southern blot analysis. Furthermore, CAT activity was positive for the experimental larvae, but the level of CAT expression was lower than that of larvae derived from sperm electroporated with pCAT- Control vector, driven by SV40 promoter and enhancer sequences. These results demonstrate the potential for the use of sperm as mass gene transfer strategy in marine mollusks such as abalone     

Plasmid segregation: how to survive as an extra piece of DNA

Non-essential extra-chromosomal DNA elements such as plasmids are responsible for their own propagation in dividing host cells, and one means to ensure this is to carry a miniature active segregation system reminiscent of the mitotic spindle. Plasmids that are maintained at low numbers in prokaryotic cells have developed a range of such active partitioning systems, which are characterized by an impressive simplicity and efficiency and which are united by the use of dynamic, nucleotide-driven filaments to separate and position DNA molecules. A comparison of different plasmid segregation systems reveals (i) how unrelated filament-forming and DNA-binding proteins have been adopted and modified to create a range of simple DNA segregating complexes and (ii) how subtle changes in the few components of these DNA segregation machines has led to a remarkable diversity in the molecular mechanisms of closely related segregation systems. Here, our current understanding of plasmid segregation systems is reviewed and compared with other DNA segregation systems, and this is extended by a discussion of basic principles of plasmid segregation systems, evolutionary implications and the relationship between an autonomous DNA element and its host cell.     

大球母贝精子介导外源基因转移研究

将大球母贝（Ｐｉｎｃｔａｄａ ｍａｘｉｍａ Ｊａｍｅｓｏｎ）精子与“全鱼”ＧＨ基因重组体ｐＣＡｇｃＧＨ和ｐＣＡｇｃＧＨｃ的线性ＤＮＡ混合,温育３０ｍｉｎ,经６次、２＾７、１０ｋＶ脉冲电处理后,与卵子受精,得到若干贝苗。从贝苗中提取ＤＮＡ,经ＰＣＲ扩增和Ｓｏｕｔｈｅｒｎ ｂｌｏｔ分子杂交表明,部分受体带有外源基因,当与精子温育的外源基因浓度分别为２μｇ／ｍＬ,６μｇ／ｍＬ及１８μｇ／ｍＬ时,相应贝苗     

Genomic sequence correction by single-stranded DNA oligonucleotides: role of DNA synthesis and chemical modifications of the oligonucleotide ends

BACKGROUND: Single-stranded oligonucleotides (ssODN) can induce site-specific genetic alterations in selected mammalian cells, but the involved mechanisms are not known. METHODS: We corroborate the potential of genomic sequence correction by ssODN using chromosomally integrated mutated enhanced green fluorescent protein (mEGFP) reporter genes in CHO cell lines. The role of integration site was studied in a panel of cell clones with randomly integrated reporters and in cell lines with site-specific single copy integration of the mEGFP reporter in opposite orientations. Involvement of end modification was examined on ssODN with unprotected or phosphorothioate (PS) protected ends. Also ssODN containing octyl or hexaethylene glycol (HEG) end blocking groups were tested. The significance of DNA synthesis was investigated by cell cycle analysis and by the DNA polymerases alpha, delta and epsilon inhibitor aphidicolin. RESULTS: Correction rates of up to 5% were observed upon a single transfection of ssODN. Independent of the mEGFP chromosomal integration site and of its orientation towards the replication fork, antisense ssODN were more effective than sense ssODN. When ssODN ends were blocked by either octyl or HEG groups, correction rates were reduced. Finally, we demonstrate a dependence of the process on DNA synthesis. CONCLUSIONS: We show that, on a chromosomal level, the orientation of the replication fork towards the targeted locus is not central in the strand bias of ssODN-based targeted sequence correction. We demonstrate the importance of accessible ssODN ends for sequence alteration. Finally, we provide evidence for the involvement of DNA synthesis in the process.     

DNA bridging and antibridging: a role for bacterial nucleoid-associated proteins in regulating the expression of laterally acquired genes

Horizontal DNA transfer plays a major role in the evolution of bacteria. It allows them to acquire new traits rapidly and these may confer fitness advantages as the bacteria compete with others in the environment. Historically, the mechanisms of horizontal DNA transfer, chiefly conjugation, transformation and transduction, have received a great deal of attention. Less attention has been focused on the regulatory problems that may accompany the acquisition of new genes by lateral routes. How are these genes integrated into the existing regulatory circuits of the cell? Does a process of 'plug-and-play' operate, or are the new genes silenced pending the evolution of regulatory mechanisms that make their expression not only safe but also beneficial to both the gene and its new host? Recent research shows that bacterial nucleoid-associated proteins such as H-NS, HU and Fis are important contributors to the processes of regulatory integration that accompany horizontal gene transfer. A key emerging theme is the antagonism that exists between the DNA–protein–DNA bridging activity of the H-NS repressor and the DNA-bending and DNA-wrapping activities of regulatory proteins that oppose H-NS.     

NPAS2基因敲除的HepG2细胞系构建及其对肝癌细胞凋亡的影响

目的:利用CRISPR/Cas9基因编辑技术构建生物节律基因NPAS2敲除的HepG2肝癌细胞系,并初步探讨NPAS2基因敲除对肝癌细胞凋亡的影响。方法:利用sgRNA在线设计工具,针对NPAS2设计两条sgRNA;利用PX459质粒构建分别含有两条sgRNA的敲除载体PX459-sgRNA1;PX459-sgRNA2;利用T7核酸内切酶I检测两条sgRNA活性;将活性较高的打靶载体瞬时转染HepG2细胞,经过药物筛选,克隆化培养及基因测序后得到NPAS2敲除的HepG2肝癌细胞系;利用Western blot检测NPAS2蛋白的表达和凋亡相关蛋白Caspase3的活化;利用流式细胞仪检测敲除细胞系的凋亡水平。结果:成功构建了针对NPAS2的打靶载体;并筛选得到了活性较高的打靶载体;经过药物筛选和克隆化培养得到的NPAS2敲除肝癌细胞系未检测到NPAS2蛋白的表达;进一步发现NPAS2敲除的肝癌细胞Caspase3明显活化,凋亡水平显著升高。结论:利用CRISPR/Cas9基因编辑技术成功构建了NPAS2基因敲除的HepG2肝癌细胞系,并发现NPAS2敲除可以促进肝癌细胞凋亡,为进一步研究生物节律基因NPAS2及其它相关基因在肝癌发生发展中的作用机制提供了有力的工具。