ApoE-2 Brain-Targeted Gene Therapy Through Transferrin and Penetratin Tagged Liposomal Nanoparticles

Bruna dos Santos Rodrigues, Takahisa Kanekiyo, Jagdish Singh

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

14 Scopus citations

Abstract

Purpose: Apolipoprotein E2 (ApoE2) gene therapy is a potential disease-modifying therapy for Alzheimer’s disease (AD). We investigated the potential of plasmid encoding ApoE2 loaded brain-targeted functionalized-liposomes for treatment of AD. This was achieved via systemic administration of liposomes entrapping therapeutic gene targeting the brain of mice. Methods: Targeting and transfection efficiency of designed liposomes were determined in bEnd.3, primary glial and primary neuronal cells. The ability of liposomal formulations to translocate across in vitro blood-brain barrier (BBB) and, thereafter, transfect primary neuronal cells was investigated using in vitro triple co-culture BBB model. We quantified ApoE expression in the brain of mice after single intravenous injection of brain-targeted liposomes loaded with plasmid ApoE2. Results: Dual surface modification enhanced the in vitro transfection efficiency of designed liposomes. Successful delivery of therapeutic gene overcoming BBB by Transferrin-Penetratin- modified liposomes was demonstrated both in vitro and in vivo. Significant (p < 0.05) increase in ApoE levels in the brain of mice was observed after intravenous administration of Tf-Pen-liposomes encasing plasmid ApoE2. Conclusion: The results indicate that dual-ligand based liposomal gene delivery systems had both enhanced brain targeting and gene delivery efficiencies. Transferrin-Penetratin modified liposomes for delivery of plasmid ApoE2 has great potential for AD treatment.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Article number161
JournalPharmaceutical research
Volume36
Issue number11
DOIs
StatePublished - Nov 1 2019

Keywords

  • ApoE2
  • gene therapy
  • liposome
  • penetratin
  • transferrin

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Biotechnology
  • Molecular Medicine
  • Pharmacology
  • Pharmaceutical Science
  • Organic Chemistry
  • Pharmacology (medical)

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