Molecular logistics using cytocleavable polyrotaxanes for the reactivation of enzymes delivered in living cells

Sci Rep. 2013:3:2252. doi: 10.1038/srep02252.

Abstract

The intracellular delivery of enzymes is an essential methodology to extend their therapeutic application. Herein, we have developed dissociable supermolecule-enzyme polyelectrolyte complexes based on reduction-cleavable cationic polyrotaxanes (PRXs) for the reactivation of delivered enzymes. These PRXs are characterized by their supramolecular frameworks of a polymeric chain threading into cyclic molecules, which can form polyelectrolyte complexes with anionic enzymes while retaining their three dimensional structure, although their enzymatic activity is reduced. Upon the addition of a reductant, the PRXs dissociate into their constituent molecules and release the enzymes, resulting in a complete recovery of enzymatic activity. Under the intracellular environment, the PRX-based enzyme complexes showed the highest intracellular enzymatic activity and efficient activation of anticancer prodrugs to induce cytotoxic effects in comparison with the non-dissociable complexes and the commercial cell-penetrating peptide-based reagents. Thus, the intracellularly dissociable supermolecules are an attractive system for delivering therapeutic enzymes into living cells.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Antineoplastic Agents / metabolism
  • Cell Line
  • Cyclodextrins* / chemistry
  • Drug Carriers* / chemistry
  • Drug Delivery Systems*
  • Enzyme Activation
  • Enzymes / administration & dosage*
  • Humans
  • Macromolecular Substances / chemistry
  • Macromolecular Substances / metabolism
  • Oxidation-Reduction
  • Poloxamer* / chemistry
  • Polymers / chemistry
  • Prodrugs / chemistry
  • Prodrugs / metabolism
  • Rotaxanes* / chemistry
  • beta-Galactosidase / administration & dosage

Substances

  • Antineoplastic Agents
  • Cyclodextrins
  • Drug Carriers
  • Enzymes
  • Macromolecular Substances
  • Polymers
  • Prodrugs
  • Rotaxanes
  • polyrotaxane
  • Poloxamer
  • beta-Galactosidase