A pH-sensitive fusogenic peptide facilitates endosomal escape and greatly enhances the gene silencing of siRNA-containing nanoparticles in vitro and in vivo

J Control Release. 2009 Oct 15;139(2):127-32. doi: 10.1016/j.jconrel.2009.06.008. Epub 2009 Jun 21.

Abstract

Previously, we developed a multifunctional envelope-type nano device (MEND) for efficient delivery of both pDNA and siRNA. Modification of a MEND with polyuethylene glycol, i.e., PEGylation, is a potential strategy for in vivo delivery of MENDs to tumor tissue. However, PEGylation also inhibits both uptake and endosomal escape of MENDs. To overcome these limitations, we developed a PEG-peptide-DOPE (PPD) that can be cleaved in a matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-rich environment. In this study, to further improve the silencing activity of encapsulated siRNA, we modified the PPD-MEND with a pH-sensitive fusogenic GALA peptide (GALA/PPD-MEND). First, we determined the GALA and PPD content that would optimize the synergistic functions of GALA and PPD. The most efficient gene silencing activity was achieved when GALA and either conventional PEG-lipid or PPD were used to modify the MEND at a molar ratio of 1:1. In this case, the silencing activity was comparable to that achieved when using a MEND that had not been modified with PEG (unmodified MEND). Furthermore, in vivo topical administration revealed that optimized PPD/GALA-MENDa resulted in more efficient gene silencing compared with unmodified MENDs. Collectively, data demonstrate that introduction of both of a pH-sensitive fusogenic GALA peptide and PPD into the MEND facilitates nanoparticle endosomal escape, thereby enhancing the efficiency of siRNA delivery and gene silencing.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Gene Silencing
  • HeLa Cells
  • Humans
  • Hydrogen-Ion Concentration
  • Male
  • Mice
  • Mice, Inbred BALB C
  • Nanoparticles / chemistry*
  • Neoplasms / therapy
  • Peptides / chemistry*
  • Phosphatidylethanolamines / chemistry*
  • Polyethylene Glycols / chemistry*
  • RNA, Small Interfering / administration & dosage*
  • RNA, Small Interfering / therapeutic use

Substances

  • Peptides
  • Phosphatidylethanolamines
  • RNA, Small Interfering
  • GALA peptide
  • Polyethylene Glycols