Supramolecular Assemblies for the Cytoplasmic Delivery of Antisense Oligodeoxynucleotide: Polyion Complex (PIC) Micelles Based on Poly (ethylene glycol)-SS-01igodeoxynucleotide Conjugate

• Published in: Biomacromolecules Vol. 6; no. 5; pp. 2449 - 2454
• Main Authors: Oishi, M, Hayama, T, Akiyama, Y, Takae, S, Harada, A, Yamasaki, Y, Nagatsugi, F, Sasaki, S, Nagasaki, Y, Kataoka, K
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: 01.09.2005
• ISSN: 1525-7797
• DOI: 10.1021/bm0503701

A novel cytoplasmic delivery system of antisense oligodeoxynucleotide (asODN) was developed by assembling a PEG-asODN conjugate with disulfide linkage (smart linkage) (PEG-SS-asODN) into polyion complex (PIC) micelles through the complexation with branched poly(ethylenimine) (B-PEI). The PIC micelle thus prepared showed a significant antisense effect against luciferase gene expression in HuH-7 cells, far more efficient than nonmicelle systems (asODN and PEG-SS-asODN in free form) and PIC micelle encapsulating the conjugate without the disulfide linkage. Use of poly(Mysine) (PLL) instead of the B-PEI for PIC micellization led to a substantial decrease in the antisense effect. These results indicate that the PIC micelles formulated from PEG-SS-asODN conjugate and B-PEI is successfully transported from the endosomal compartment into the cytoplasm by the buffering effect of the B-PEI, releasing hundreds of active asODN molecules via cleavage of the disulfide linkage into the cellular interior, responding to a high glutathione concentration in the cytoplasmic compartment. Furthermore, the type of smart linkage (glutathione-sensitive SS linkage vs pH-sensitive linkage) in the conjugates substantially affected the antisense effect of the PIC micelles, depending on the nature of the counter polycation (B-PEI vs PLL).