title: Multifunctional poly(methacrylate) polyplex libraries: A platform for gene delivery inspired by nature.
abstract: Polymer-based gene delivery systems have enormous potential in biomedicine, but their efficiency is often limited by poor biocompatibility. Poly(methacrylate)s (PMAs) are an interesting class of polymers which allow to explore structure-activity relationships of polymer functionalities for polyplex formation in oligonucleotide delivery. Here, we synthesized and tested a library of PMA polymers, containing functional groups contributing to the different steps of gene delivery, from oligonucleotide complexation to cellular internalization and endosomal escape. By variation of the molar ratios of the individual building blocks, the physicochemical properties of the polymers and polyplexes were fine-tuned to reduce toxicity as well as to increase activity of the polyplexes. To further enhance transfection efficiency, a cell-penetrating peptide (CPP)-like functionality was introduced on the polymeric backbone. With the ability to synthesize large libraries of polymers in parallel we also developed a workflow for a mid-to-high throughput screening, focusing first on safety parameters that are accessible by high-throughput approaches such as blood compatibility and toxicity towards host cells and only at a later stage on more laborious tests for the ability to deliver oligonucleotides. To arrive at a better understanding of the molecular basis of activity, furthermore, the effect of the presence of heparan sulfates on the surface of host cells was assessed and the mechanism of cell entry and intracellular trafficking investigated for those polymers that showed a suitable pharmacological profile. Following endocytic uptake, rapid endosomal release occurred. Interestingly, the presence of heparan sulfates on the cell surface had a negative impact on the activity of those polyplexes that were sensitive to decomplexation by heparin in solution. In summary, the screening approach identified two polymers, which form polyplexes with high stability and transfection capacity exceeding the one of poly(ethylene imine) also in the presence of serum.
authors: Department of Biochemistry, Radboud University Medical Center, Radboud Institute for Molecular Life Sciences, Nijmegen, The Netherlands; Dutch Polymer Institute (DPI), Eindhoven, The Netherlands.
authors: M E
authors: ME
authors: Favretto
authors: Dutch Polymer Institute (DPI), Eindhoven, The Netherlands; Laboratory of Organic and Macromolecular Chemistry (IOMC), Friedrich Schiller University Jena, Jena, Germany; Jena Center for Soft Matter, Friedrich Schiller University Jena, Jena, Germany.
authors: A
authors: A
authors: Krieg
authors: Jena Center for Soft Matter, Friedrich Schiller University Jena, Jena, Germany; Institute of Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Technology, Friedrich Schiller University Jena, Jena, Germany.
authors: S
authors: S
authors: Schubert
authors: Dutch Polymer Institute (DPI), Eindhoven, The Netherlands; Laboratory of Organic and Macromolecular Chemistry (IOMC), Friedrich Schiller University Jena, Jena, Germany; Jena Center for Soft Matter, Friedrich Schiller University Jena, Jena, Germany.
authors: U S
authors: US
authors: Schubert
authors: Department of Biochemistry, Radboud University Medical Center, Radboud Institute for Molecular Life Sciences, Nijmegen, The Netherlands; Dutch Polymer Institute (DPI), Eindhoven, The Netherlands. Electronic address: Roland.Brock@radboudumc.nl.
authors: R
authors: R
authors: Brock
mesh_terms: D002470:Cell Survival / Q000187:drug effects; D004705:Endocytosis; D011992:Endosomes; D004912:Erythrocytes / Q000187:drug effects; D018014:Gene Transfer Techniques; D006367:HeLa Cells; D006461:Hemolysis / Q000187:drug effects; D006497:Heparan Sulfate / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000737:chemistry; D006801:Humans; D008156:Luciferases / Q000235:genetics; D009841:Oligonucleotides / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000737:chemistry*; D011109:Polymethacrylic Acids / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000737:chemistry*; D013329:Structure-Activity Relationship
chemical_list: D006497:Heparan Sulfate; D008156:Luciferases; D009841:Oligonucleotides; D011109:Polymethacrylic Acids
keywords: Blood compatibility; Gene delivery; Oligonucleotides; Poly(methacrylate)s; Polyplex; Screening strategies