Design of a peptide-based vector, PepFect6, for efficient delivery of siRNA in cell culture and systemically in vivo

作者：Andaloussi Samir E L; Lehto Taavi; Maeger Imre; Rosenthal Aizman Katri; Oprea Iulian I; Simonson Oscar E; Sork Helena; Ezzat Kariem; Copolovici Dana M; Kurrikoff Kaido; Viola Joana R; Zaghloul Eman M; Sillard Rannar; Johansson Henrik J; Hassane Fatouma Said; Guterstam Peter; Suhorutsenko Julia; Moreno Pedro M D; Oskolkov Nikita; Haelldin Jonas; Tedebark Ulf; Metspalu Andres; Lebleu Bernard; Lehtioe Janne; Smith C I Edvard^*; Langel Uelo

来源：Nucleic Acids Research, 2011, 39(9): 3972-3987.

DOI：10.1093/nar/gkq1299

While small interfering RNAs (siRNAs) have been rapidly appreciated to silence genes, efficient and non-toxic vectors for primary cells and for systemic in vivo delivery are lacking. Several siRNA-delivery vehicles, including cell-penetrating peptides (CPPs), have been developed but their utility is often restricted by entrapment following endocytosis. Hence, developing CPPs that promote endosomal escape is a prerequisite for successful siRNA implementation. We here present a novel CPP, PepFect 6 (PF6), comprising the previously reported stearyl-TP10 peptide, having pH titratable trifluoromethylquinoline moieties covalently incorporated to facilitate endosomal release. Stable PF6/siRNA nanoparticles enter entire cell populations and rapidly promote endosomal escape, resulting in robust RNAi responses in various cell types (including primary cells), with minimal associated transcriptomic or proteomic changes. Furthermore, PF6-mediated delivery is independent of cell confluence and, in most cases, not significantly hampered by serum proteins. Finally, these nanoparticles promote strong RNAi responses in different organs following systemic delivery in mice without any associated toxicity. Strikingly, similar knockdown in liver is achieved by PF6/siRNA nanoparticles and siRNA injected by hydrodynamic infusion, a golden standard technique for liver transfection. These results imply that the peptide, in addition to having utility for RNAi screens in vitro, displays therapeutic potential.

• 出版日期2011-5