Reducible poly(amido ethylenimine) directed to enhance RNA interference

Biomaterials. 2007 Apr;28(10):1912-7. doi: 10.1016/j.biomaterials.2006.12.019. Epub 2007 Jan 10.

Abstract

Designing synthetic macromolecular vehicles with high transfection efficiency and low cytotoxicity has been a major interest in the development of non-viral gene carriers. A reducible poly(amido ethylenimine) (SS-PAEI) synthesized by addition copolymerization of triethylenetetramine and cystamine bis-acrylamide (poly(TETA/CBA)) was used as a carrier for small interference RNA (siRNA). Poly(TETA/CBA) could efficiently condense siRNA to form stable complexes under physiological conditions and perform complete release of siRNA in a reductive environment. When formulated with VEGF-directed siRNA, poly(TETA/CBA) demonstrated significantly higher suppression of VEGF than linear-polyethylenimine (PEI) (L-PEI, 25kDa) in human prostate cancer cells (PC-3). After 5h of transfection, substantial dissociation and intracellular distribution of siRNA was observed in the poly(TETA/CBA) formulation, but not in the L-PEI formulation. The triggered release of siRNA by reductive degradation of poly(TETA/CBA) in the cytoplasm may affect the RNAi activity by increasing cytoplasmic availability of siRNA. These results suggest that the rational design of non-viral carriers should involve considerations for intracellular dissociation and trafficking of a nucleic acid drug to maximize its effect, in conjunction with formation of stable complexes under physiological conditions.

Publication types

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

MeSH terms

  • Aziridines / chemistry*
  • Cell Line, Tumor
  • Drug Carriers / chemistry
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Materials Testing
  • Prostatic Neoplasms / genetics*
  • Prostatic Neoplasms / metabolism*
  • RNA Interference*
  • RNA, Small Interfering / administration & dosage
  • RNA, Small Interfering / chemistry
  • RNA, Small Interfering / genetics*
  • RNA, Small Interfering / pharmacokinetics*
  • Transfection / methods*

Substances

  • Aziridines
  • Drug Carriers
  • RNA, Small Interfering
  • aziridine