siRNA delivery vectors

Abstract

A complex of a 6,7-dihydroxycoumarin phosphonium amphiphile and a negatively charged drug is provided. The complex is self-assembled into a nanoparticle or a non-viral vector to facilitate delivery of the negatively charged drug. The negatively charged drug may be a therapeutic or diagnostic agent. The present invention therefore provides a method for delivering such a negatively charged drug to a target cell, in particular to facilitate delivery of the therapeutic or diagnostic agent across a cell membrane, and also provides a method of treatment or diagnosis via delivery of the therapeutic or diagnostic agent. The 6,7-dihydroxycoumarin phosphonium amphiphile may be Mito-Esc, and the negatively charged drug may be a nucleic acid such as siRNA. Furthermore, the 6,7-dihydroxycoumarin phosphonium amphiphile is believed to be effective in the treatment of cancer.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention provides novel delivery vectors for nucleic acids, such as plasmid DNA, antisense oligonucleotides, small interfering RNA (siRNA), small hairpin RNA (shRNA), microRNA, messenger RNA, and improves their use for the prevention or treatment of various diseases and / or disorders. Additionally, the invention provides novel treatments for cancers, such as breast cancer. [Background technology]

[0002] Nucleic acids have emerged as promising therapeutic candidates for cancer treatment, including immunotherapy. Nucleic acids are diverse classes of DNA or RNA, such as plasmids, mRNA, ASOs, siRNAs, miRNAs, small activating RNAs (saRNAs), aptamers, gene-editing gRNAs, and immune-modulating DNA / RNAs. Nucleic acid therapeutics have versatile functions ranging from altering gene expression (up- or down-regulation) to modulating immune responses. The high specificity, versatile functionality, reproducible batch-by-batch manufacturing, and tunable immunogenicity of nucleic acids make them excellent candidates for cancer immunotherapy.

[0003] For example, small interfering RNA (siRNA) has emerged as a novel and useful therapeutic agent for treating a wide range of medical conditions. The first such treatment approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) was the drug patisiran (ONPATTRO™), developed for the treatment of peripheral neuropathy (polyneuropathy) in adult patients caused by hereditary transthyretin-mediated amyloidosis (hATTR), a rare, debilitating, and often fatal genetic disease characterized by the accumulation of abnormal amyloid protein in peripheral nerves, heart, and other organs. A further example of an FDA-approved siRNA therapy is GIVALAARI™ (givosiran) for the treatment of adult patients with acute hepatic porphyria, an inherited disorder that results in the accumulation of toxic porphyrin molecules formed during the production of heme (which helps bind oxygen in the blood). Other siRNA therapies are also in development and undergoing clinical evaluation.

[0004] Although siRNA has great potential for therapy, the introduction of either naked or encapsulated nucleic acids into carriers for combination with biological fluids remains a challenge, as it faces many physiological barriers that alter the cellular biodistribution and intracellular bioavailability of siRNA. After administration, unmodified DNA and RNA are rapidly degraded in biological fluids by extracellular and intracellular enzymes before they can reach the surface of target cells. This affects the activity of nucleic acids and their interaction with cells, impairing the therapeutic outcome of nucleic acids. Furthermore, cellular uptake of nucleic acids is highly limited due to their hydrophilicity and large molecular weight. The small fraction that can be taken up by cells is usually internalized into vesicles (i.e., endosomes), which are then converted into lysosomes. The accumulation and subsequent digestion of nucleic acids inside lysosomes prevents nucleic acids from reaching their cytoplasmic or nuclear targets, and is also a significant barrier to the efficacy of nucleic acids. For example, the limited stability of siRNA, its immunogenicity, and the challenge of delivering siRNA therapeutics into the desired target site within a cell, i.e., the difficulty of transporting siRNA across the cell membrane into the cytoplasm of the cell, are all barriers to the efficacy of siRNA. Many strategies have been explored to increase the intracellular bioavailability of nucleic acids. These techniques mainly include modifying the chemical structure of the nucleic acid or encapsulating the genetic material into a vector (viral or non-viral). These vectors should be small enough to be taken up by the cell and have either a targeting moiety or excess positive charges to facilitate cell binding and subsequent uptake. Although viral vectors can generally achieve higher delivery efficiency, concerns remain regarding safety and limited scalability for such vectors. Thus, non-viral vectors are preferred, despite their lower therapeutic efficacy. Incorporation of fusogenic lipids or peptides or membrane-destabilizing polymers can be used to facilitate the escape of genetic material from endosomes / lysosomes into the cytoplasm. When using pDNA, tagging with nuclear homing sequences to enhance expression efficiency can also be utilized.Finally, these complexes should have intermediate stability, i.e., be robust enough to carry the nucleic acid to the target site, but dissociate from the nucleic acid in the target intracellular compartment / organelle. For example, due to the presence of negatively charged phosphate groups in RNA molecules, intracellular delivery to the target site requires the presence of a delivery vector. However, the inclusion of a delivery vector in a therapeutic composition can limit the therapeutic potential of an active RNA agent.

[0005] Generally, non-viral vectors will be synthetic particles with charged quaternary ammonium-based cationic lipids (PCCLs) or cationic polymers (PCCPs) to produce siRNA complexes and subsequently transfection, but pH-responsive lipids containing protonatable amine groups are generally required to reduce toxicity. In this regard, tri-phenylphosphonium (TPP)-linked polymer-based delivery systems have attracted attention as a non-toxic alternative to ammonium-based systems due to their excellent safety and transfection capabilities. In addition, TPP-anchored molecules exhibit improved biocompatibility, membrane fusion, cellular uptake, and mitochondrial targeting due to their amphiphilic properties and delocalized positive charges.

[0006] There continues to be a need for non-toxic nucleic acid delivery vectors that can provide high transfection efficiency.

[0007] The present invention provides a novel nucleic acid delivery method based on phosphonium amphiphiles.Preferably, the described phosphonium amphiphiles have the ability to form aggregates and then deliver nucleic acids such as siRNA to target cells by forming phosphonium-siRNA complexes.An exemplary phosphonium amphiphile according to the present invention is triphenylphosphonium cation (TPP+)-bound esculetin (referred to herein as "mito-esculetin" or "Mito-Esc", these terms are used interchangeably herein).

[0008] The molecular structure of Mito-Esc consists of a lipophilic TPP cation linked to a hydrophilic 6,7-dihydroxycoumarin molecule via an 8-carbon aliphatic chain, and is therefore an amphiphilic molecule that has a structure with opposing hydrophobic and hydrophilic groups within the same molecule.

[0009] US Patent No. 9580452 describes the use of mito-esculetin for the treatment of atherosclerosis. PCT Application No. IB2020 / 061043 describes the use of mito-esculetin for the treatment of wounds, psoriasis, and hair loss. However, none of these disclosures suggests that mito-esculetin may be useful as a nucleic acid delivery vector, preferably as a siRNA delivery vector, or that mito-esculetin may be useful in the treatment of cancer, such as breast cancer.

[0010] More recently, mitochondria-targeted esculetin (Mito-Esc) has been demonstrated to significantly attenuate atherosclerotic disease progression by alleviating oxidant-induced endothelial dysfunction, thereby indicating that Mito-Esc induces preferential breast cancer cell death while ameliorating oxidant-mediated cellular abnormalities. In this context, the present invention exploits the hydrophobic properties of TPP cations and the hydrophilic properties of 6,7-dihydroxycoumarin to form self-assembled nanoparticles that can function as efficient nucleic acid delivery vectors, such as siRNA delivery vectors. Summary of the Invention

[0011] As a result of intensive research, the present inventors have found that 6,7-dihydroxycoumarin phosphonium amphiphiles form complexes with negatively charged drugs. The negatively charged therapeutic agent may be a therapeutic or diagnostic agent. The negatively charged drug may be a nucleic acid, such as a plasmid DNA, an antisense oligonucleotide, a small interfering RNA (siRNA), a small hairpin RNA (shRNA), a microRNA, or a messenger RNA (mRNA). More specifically, it is an siRNA or an mRNA that targets the treatment or diagnosis of a particular disease or disorder.

[0012] Furthermore, the present inventors have found that the complexes of 6,7-dihydroxycoumarin phosphonium amphiphiles with negatively charged drugs can be self-assembled into nanoparticles or non-viral vectors, and therefore the present invention provides a method for delivering negatively charged drugs to target cells, particularly across cell membranes.

[0013] Optionally, in the conjugates and nanoparticles of the invention, the 6,7-dihydroxycoumarin phosphonium amphiphile conjugates and nanoparticles are compounds of formula I: [ka] During the ceremony, Z is a negatively charged drug or a negatively charged counterion selected from halide, mesylate, tosylate, citrate, tartrate, malate, acetate, trifluoroacetate; R is hydrogen, substituted alkyl, substituted aryl, or substituted heteroatom; R1 is aryl, cycloalkyl, or heteroaryl; X is a C1-C alkyl group containing one or more double or triple bonds, unsubstituted or substituted with an alkyl, alkenyl, or alkynyl side chain. 30 a carbon chain, or -(CH2) p -R2-(CH2) n -,or, -(CH2)2-R2-(CH2)2-R2-(CH2) m - and During the ceremony, p is 2 or 3, n is an integer from 3 to 6, and m is an integer from 2 to 4; R2 is O, NH, or S.

[0014] Preferably, X is C6 to C 10 is a carbon chain and R is hydrogen.

[0015] In one embodiment, in the conjugates and nanoparticles of the present invention, the 6,7-dihydroxycoumarin phosphonium amphiphile is a triphenylphosphonium cation covalently bound to a 6,7-dihydroxycoumarin moiety. More specifically, the conjugates and nanoparticles are compounds of formula II: [ka] During the ceremony, X is C1~C 30 Carbon chain, preferably C6-C 10 is a carbon chain, Z is a negatively charged drug or halide; R is hydrogen.

[0016] In some embodiments, the conjugates and nanoparticles of the compound of Formula I or Formula II are compounds of Formula III: [ka] Z is a negatively charged drug or a halide.

[0017] Further studies have shown that the 6,7-dihydroxycoumarin phosphonium amphiphile or a pharma- ceutically acceptable salt thereof is useful for the treatment or diagnosis of cancer.Accordingly, the present invention also provides a 6,7-dihydroxycoumarin phosphonium amphiphile or a pharma- ceutically acceptable salt thereof for use in the treatment of cancer, particularly breast cancer, and in a method of treating cancer, said method comprising administering the 6,7-dihydroxycoumarin phosphonium amphiphile or a pharma- ceutically acceptable salt thereof to a patient in need thereof.

[0018] The foregoing aspects and embodiments of the present invention, as well as other aspects, objects, features and advantages, will become apparent from the following detailed description. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0019] [Figure 1] Mito-Esc induces breast cancer cell death in a dose- and time-dependent manner without affecting normal cell viability. (A) MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cells were treated with various concentrations of Mito-Esc (1.25-7.5 μM). Cell viability was measured by trypan blue exclusion assay at 24 and 48 h. (B) Same as A, except cells were treated with parental Esc (5-50 μM). (C) Same as A, except MCF10A (normal mammary epithelial) cells were treated with Mito-Esc (5-50 μM). (*=significantly different from control (P<0.05); ns=not significantly different from control). [Diagram 2] (A) DLS: size distribution of Mito-Esc nanoparticles, (B) SEM images of Mito-Esc nanoparticles: scanning electron micrographs of Mito-Esc nanoparticles (scale bar 100 nm), (C) TEM images of Mito-Esc nanoparticles: transmission electron micrographs (TEM) of Mito-Esc nanoparticles, samples were negatively stained with ammonium molybdate (scale bar 200 nm). (D) and (E) Binding ability of Mito-Esc: agarose gel electrophoresis assay of Mito-Esc at different P+ / P- ratios and siRNA lipoplexes formed with Mito-isoscopoletin and octyl-TPP. [Diagram 3] SCID mouse model of breast cancer progression regressed by mitoEsc treatment: (A) Representative tumors from each group are shown as indicated. (B) Graph depicts mean tumor volume ± SEM (mm3) at endpoint. (C) Graph shows tumor weight. (D) Mean necrosis index was calculated in three individual tumor pieces. Data represent the mean ± SE of four animals. [Figure 4] Mito-Esc / siMnSOD complex amplifies Mito-Esc-induced breast cancer cell death by depleting MnSOD levels. (A) MDA-MB-231 cells were incubated with either Mito-Esc / siMnSOD (40 nM) complex or Lipofectamine-2000 / siMnSOD complex for 48 h, and cell viability was measured by trypan blue dye exclusion assay. (B) MDA-MB-231 cells were transfected with siMnSOD (40 nM) using the indicated delivery system for 48 h, and MnSOD protein levels were measured by immunoblotting. Brackets indicate relative expression of MnSOD normalized to GAPDH (loading control). (* = significantly different from control (P < 0.05); ns = not significantly different from control). [Diagram 5] Detection of intracellular delivery of Cy-5 siRNA by Mito-Esc using confocal imaging. MDA-MB-231 cells were transfected with Cy-5 labeled siRNA (40 nM) for 24 h using the indicated delivery system. Transfection efficacy was assessed using confocal microscopy. Cy-5 fluorescence in the cytosol is shown in blue (scale bar 10x). [Figure 6] Comparison of intracellular delivery of Cy-5 siRNA using confocal imaging. MCF-10A cells were transfected with Cy-5 labeled siRNA using different delivery mechanisms. Transfection efficacy was assessed using confocal microscopy. Cy-5 fluorescence in the cytosol is shown in blue. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0020] As used herein, the following definitions apply unless expressly stated otherwise: Unless expressly stated otherwise, the singular forms "a," "an," and "the" are to be understood to include plural references unless otherwise clear from the context.

[0021] By "alkyl" in the present invention is meant a straight or branched chain hydrocarbon group and includes, for example, methyl, ethyl, n-propyl, isopropyl, n-butyl, sec-butyl, isobutyl, tert-butyl, n-pentyl, iso-pentyl, n-hexyl, n-octyl and the like.

[0022] "Alkenyl" means straight chain and branched hydrocarbon groups and at least one double bond, including, but not limited to, ethenyl, 3-buten-1-yl, 2-ethenylbutyl, 3-hexen-1-yl, and the like.

[0023] "Alkynyl" means straight chain and branched hydrocarbon groups and at least one triple bond, including, but not limited to, ethynyl, 3-butyn-1-yl, propynyl, 2-butyn-1-yl, 3-pentyn-1-yl, and the like.

[0024] "Aryl" means an aromatic carbocyclic group having a single ring (e.g., phenyl), multiple rings (e.g., biphenyl), or multiple condensed rings, at least one of which is aromatic (e.g., 1,2,3,4-tetrahydronaphthyl, naphthyl, anthryl, or phenanthryl), which can be mono-, di-, or tri-substituted, for example, with halogen, lower alkyl, lower alkoxy, lower alkylthio, trifluoromethyl, lower acyloxy, aryl, heteroaryl, hydroxy. A preferred aryl is phenyl.

[0025] "Heteroatom" means an atom of any element other than carbon or hydrogen. Preferred heteroatoms are nitrogen, oxygen, and sulfur.

[0026] "Cycloalkyl" means a monocyclic or polycyclic hydrocarbyl group having 3 to 8 carbon atoms, for example, cyclopropyl, cycloheptyl, cyclooctyl, cyclodecyl, cyclobutyl, adamantyl, norpinanyl, decalinyl, norbornyl, cyclohexyl, cyclopentyl.

[0027] The term "halide" in the present invention means fluoride, bromide, chloride, and iodide.

[0028] "Heteroaryl" means one or more aromatic ring systems containing at least one and up to four heteroatoms selected from nitrogen, oxygen, or sulfur. Such heteroaryl groups include, for example, thienyl, furanyl, thiazolyl, triazolyl, imidazolyl, (iso)oxazolyl, oxadiazolyl, tetrazolyl, pyridyl, thiadiazolyl, oxadiazolyl, oxathiadiazolyl, thiatriazolyl, pyrimidinyl, (iso)quinolinyl, naphthyridinyl, phthalimidyl, benzimidazolyl, and benzoxazolyl.

[0029] As used herein, a "therapeutically effective amount" refers to an amount of a therapeutic agent effective to ameliorate a targeted disease or disorder.

[0030] As used herein, a "patient" refers to any human or non-human animal (e.g., primates, sheep, dogs, cats, horses, cows, chickens, amphibians, reptiles, etc.). As used herein, the term "treatment" refers to curing a disease and / or disorder as quickly as possible and preventing progression to a serious disease.

[0031] The present invention is based on the surprising discovery that 6,7-dihydroxycoumarin phosphonium amphiphiles can self-aggregate with negatively charged drugs to form vectors or nanoparticles that are particularly suitable for facilitating delivery of the drugs to target cells (e.g., cancer cells). The negatively charged drugs may be therapeutic or diagnostic agents. Preferably, the 6,7-dihydroxycoumarin phosphonium amphiphile is a triphenylphosphonium cation covalently linked to a 6,7-dihydroxycoumarin moiety. A preferred 6,7-dihydroxycoumarin phosphonium amphiphile is octyl-tagged esculetin (mito-esculetin). Moreover, multiple studies have further demonstrated that the 6,7-dihydroxycoumarin phosphonium amphiphiles are useful in the treatment and diagnosis of cancer, particularly breast cancer, cervical cancer, lung cancer, and liver cancer. More specifically, in breast cancer, such as triple-negative breast cancer, ER-positive breast cancer, etc.

[0032] In one embodiment, the present invention provides a complex of a 6,7-dihydroxycoumarin phosphonium amphiphile and a negatively charged drug.

[0033] The negatively charged agent can be a nucleic acid, such as a plasmid DNA, an antisense oligonucleotide, a small interfering RNA (siRNA), a small hairpin RNA (shRNA), a microRNA, or a messenger RNA (mRNA). However, all that is required is that the agent is negatively charged and, as a result, associated with the 6,7-dihydroxycoumarin phosphonium amphiphile. The negatively charged agent can be a therapeutic or diagnostic agent. In some embodiments, the therapeutic agent is intended for delivery to the cytoplasm of the target cell, where it exerts its intended therapeutic effect. In some embodiments, the therapeutic agent is a negatively charged anti-cancer drug, an siRNA, or an mRNA. The siRNA can be effective in treating or diagnosing any disease or disorder, such as cancer, peripheral neuropathy, acute hepatic porphyria, and the like. In some embodiments, the siRNA can be used to treat breast cancer, cervical cancer, lung cancer, and liver cancer. More specifically, breast cancer, such as triple-negative breast cancer and ER-positive breast cancer.

[0034] Alternatively, the therapeutic agent can be an RNA vaccine, for example an RNA vaccine against a virus (eg, a coronavirus).

[0035] In one embodiment, the 6,7-dihydroxycoumarin phosphonium amphiphile complex is a compound of formula I: [ka] During the ceremony, Z is a negatively charged drug or a negatively charged counterion selected from halide, mesylate, tosylate, citrate, tartrate, malate, acetate, trifluoroacetate; R is hydrogen, substituted alkyl, substituted aryl, or substituted heteroatom; R1 is aryl, cycloalkyl, or heteroaryl; X is a C1-C alkyl group containing one or more double or triple bonds, unsubstituted or substituted with an alkyl, alkenyl, or alkynyl side chain. 30 a carbon chain, or -(CH2) p -R2-(CH2) n -,or, -(CH2)2-R2-(CH2)2-R2-(CH2) m - and During the ceremony, p is 2 or 3, n is an integer from 3 to 6, and m is an integer from 2 to 4; R2 is O, NH, or S.

[0036] In another embodiment, the 6,7-dihydroxycoumarin phosphonium amphiphile can be a triphenylphosphonium cation covalently bonded to a 6,7-dihydroxycoumarin moiety. More specifically, the 6,7-dihydroxycoumarin phosphonium amphiphile complex is a compound of formula II: [ka] During the ceremony, X is C1~C 30 Carbon chain, preferably C6-C 10 is a carbon chain, Z is a negatively charged drug or halide; R is hydrogen, one or more substituted alkyls, one or more substituted aryls, or one or more substituted heteroatoms. Preferably, R is hydrogen.

[0037] In one embodiment, the negatively charged agent may be a therapeutic or diagnostic agent. Preferably, Z is a negatively charged therapeutic agent.

[0038] In one embodiment, X is a C1-C30 carbon chain containing one or more double or triple bonds, unsubstituted or substituted with an alkyl, alkenyl, or alkynyl side chain. Preferably, X is an octylene group.

[0039] In some embodiments, the 6,7-dihydroxycoumarin phosphonium amphiphile is mito-esculetin. More specifically, the 6,7-dihydroxycoumarin phosphonium amphiphile complex is a compound of formula III: [ka] Z is a negatively charged drug or a halide.

[0040] US Pat. No. 9,580,452 describes methods for the synthesis of compounds according to formulae I, II and III, in particular for the synthesis of mito-esculetin.

[0041] Optionally, the complex comprises mito-esculetin in combination with an RNA therapeutic, such as an siRNA.

[0042] Surprisingly, it has been found that the complexes of the invention can be self-assembled into nanoparticles or non-viral vectors that are particularly suitable for delivering therapeutic or diagnostic agents to a patient, and in particular for delivering negatively charged therapeutic agents into the cytoplasm of target cells.

[0043] Thus, in addition to the above-mentioned complexes, the present invention provides nanoparticles comprising 6,7-dihydroxycoumarin phosphonium amphiphiles.

[0044] The nanoparticles preferably include a negatively charged drug. The negatively charged drug can be a nucleic acid, such as a plasmid DNA, an antisense oligonucleotide, a small interfering RNA (siRNA), a small hairpin RNA (shRNA), a microRNA, or a messenger RNA (mRNA). However, all that is required is that the drug is negatively charged and, as a result, associated with the 6,7-dihydroxycoumarin phosphonium amphiphile. The negatively charged drug can be a therapeutic or diagnostic agent. In some embodiments, the therapeutic agent is intended for delivery to the cytoplasm of the target cell, where it exerts its intended therapeutic effect. In some embodiments, the therapeutic agent is a negatively charged anti-cancer drug, an siRNA, or an mRNA. The siRNA can be effective in treating or diagnosing any disease or disorder, such as cancer, peripheral neuropathy, acute hepatic porphyria, and the like. In some embodiments, the siRNA can be used to treat breast cancer, cervical cancer, lung cancer, and liver cancer. More specifically, breast cancer, such as triple-negative breast cancer and ER-positive breast cancer. Alternatively, the therapeutic agent can be an RNA vaccine, for example an RNA vaccine against a virus (for example, coronavirus). In some embodiments, the agent is an siRNA. The siRNA can target the treatment or diagnosis of any particular disease or disorder.

[0045] In some embodiments, the nanoparticles can have a size of 100-200 nm, for example 150-180 nm, preferably about 160-170 nm.

[0046] In some embodiments, the nanoparticles can have a surface charge of 30-40 mV.

[0047] In some embodiments, the nanoparticles can have a surface charge of 30 mV or greater.

[0048] The invention further provides a composition comprising the nanoparticles or complexes according to the invention. Optionally, the composition is an aqueous solution or suspension.

[0049] In some embodiments, the compositions according to the invention are in a pharma- ceutically acceptable form.

[0050] In certain embodiments, the pharmaceutical composition is formulated for oral or parenteral administration. In some embodiments, the pharmaceutical composition is administered as an oral dosage form. The oral dosage form is preferably in the form of a tablet, capsule, dispersible tablet, sachet, sprinkle, liquid, solution, suspension, emulsion, etc. When the oral dosage form is a tablet, the tablet can be any suitable shape, such as round, spherical, or oval. The tablet can be of monolithic or multi-layered structure. In some embodiments, the pharmaceutical composition of the present invention can be obtained by conventional approaches using conventional pharma- ceutical acceptable excipients well known in the art. Examples of pharma- ceutically acceptable excipients suitable for tablet preparation include diluents (e.g., dibasic calcium phosphate, calcium carbonate, lactose, glucose, microcrystalline cellulose, cellulose powder, silicified microcrystalline cellulose, calcium silicate, starch, pregelatinized starch, or polyols (such as mannitol, sorbitol, xylitol, maltitol, and sucrose)), binders (e.g., starch, pregelatinized starch, carboxymethylcellulose, sodium cellulose, microcrystalline cellulose, hydroxypropylcellulose, hydroxypropylmethylcellulose, polyvinylpyrrolidone, crospovidone, or combinations thereof), disintegrants (e.g., crosslinked cellulose, crosslinked-polyvinylpyrrolidone, crospovidone, or combinations thereof), and combinations thereof. nylpyrrolidone (crospovidone), sodium starch glycolate, polyvinylpyrrolidone (polyvidone, povidone), sodium carboxymethylcellulose, cross-linked sodium carboxymethylcellulose (croscarmellose sodium), hydroxypropylcellulose, hydroxypropylmethylcellulose, xanthan gum, alginic acid, or soy polysaccharides), wetting agents (e.g., polysorbates, sodium lauryl sulfate, or glyceryl stearate), or lubricants (e.g., sodium lauryl sulfate, talc, magnesium stearate, sodium stearyl fumarate, stearic acid, glyceryl behenate, hydrogenated vegetable oil, or zinc stearate).The tablets so prepared may be uncoated or may be coated to modify disintegration and subsequent enteral absorption of the active ingredient, or to improve stability and / or appearance. In either case, conventional coating agents and approaches well known in the art may be used.

[0051] In certain embodiments, parenteral administration can be formulated as a solution, suspension, emulsion, particle, powder, or lyophilized powder with a pharma- ceutically acceptable parenteral administration vehicle, or can be provided separately. Examples of such vehicles include water, saline, Ringer's solution, dextrose solution, about 1-10% human serum albumin. Non-aqueous vehicles such as liposomes and fixed oils can also be used. The vehicle or lyophilized powder can contain additives that maintain isotonicity (e.g., sodium chloride, mannitol), and additives that maintain chemical stability (e.g., buffers and preservatives). The formulation is sterilized by known or suitable techniques. In some embodiments, parenteral formulations may contain common excipients, including, but not limited to, sterile water or saline, polyalkylene glycols such as polyethylene glycol, oils of vegetable origin, hydrogenated naphthalenes, and the like. Aqueous or oily suspensions for injection can be prepared by using suitable emulsifiers or wetting agents and suspending agents according to known methods. Parenteral routes of administration include, but are not limited to, subcutaneous, intramuscular, intravenous, intrathecal, or intraperitoneal.

[0052] The formulations of the present invention can be prepared by processes known or otherwise described in the prior art, such as those disclosed in Remington's Pharmaceutical Sciences.

[0053] Optionally, the complex or nanoparticle of the present invention may be useful for the treatment or diagnosis of cancer.Preferably, it may be useful for the treatment of, for example, breast cancer, cervical cancer, lung cancer, liver cancer.More specifically, in breast cancer, such as triple-negative breast cancer, ER-positive breast cancer, etc.

[0054] The present invention further provides a method for delivering a negatively charged drug, said drug being complexed to a 6,7-dihydroxycoumarin phosphonium amphiphile. Optionally, the complex of the drug and the 6,7-dihydroxycoumarin phosphonium amphiphile is in the form of nanoparticles, as described above. The negatively charged drug may be a therapeutic or diagnostic agent. Preferably, the present invention provides a method for delivering a negatively charged therapeutic agent, said drug being complexed to a 6,7-dihydroxycoumarin phosphonium amphiphile. More preferably, the complex of the therapeutic agent and the 6,7-dihydroxycoumarin phosphonium amphiphile is in the form of nanoparticles.

[0055] The present invention further provides a method for intracellular delivery of a negatively charged drug, said method comprising administering an effective amount of said drug complexed to a 6,7-dihydroxycoumarin phosphonium amphiphile. Optionally, the complex of the drug and the 6,7-dihydroxycoumarin phosphonium amphiphile is in the form of nanoparticles as described above. The negatively charged drug may be a therapeutic or diagnostic agent. Preferably, the present invention provides a method for intracellular delivery of a negatively charged therapeutic agent, said method comprising administering an effective amount of said therapeutic agent complexed to a 6,7-dihydroxycoumarin phosphonium amphiphile. More preferably, the complex is in the form of nanoparticles.

[0056] In the above method, the negatively charged drug forms a complex with the 6,7-dihydroxycoumarin phosphonium amphiphile, and the complex can be further elaborated into the form of a nanoparticle or a non-viral vector. The negatively charged drug can be a nucleic acid, such as a plasmid DNA, an antisense oligonucleotide, a small interfering RNA (siRNA), a small hairpin RNA (shRNA), a microRNA, or a messenger RNA (mRNA). However, all that is required is that the drug is negatively charged and thus associated with the 6,7-dihydroxycoumarin phosphonium amphiphile. The negatively charged drug can be a therapeutic or diagnostic agent. In some embodiments, the therapeutic agent is intended for delivery to the cytoplasm of the target cell, where it exerts its intended therapeutic effect. In some embodiments, the therapeutic agent is a negatively charged anti-cancer drug, siRNA, or mRNA. The siRNA can be effective in the treatment or diagnosis of any disease or disorder, such as cancer, peripheral neuropathy, acute hepatic porphyria, and the like. In some embodiments, siRNA can be used to treat breast cancer, cervical cancer, lung cancer, liver cancer. More specifically, in breast cancer, such as triple negative breast cancer, ER positive breast cancer, etc. Alternatively, the therapeutic agent can be an RNA vaccine, such as an RNA vaccine against a virus (e.g., coronavirus). In some embodiments, the agent is an siRNA. siRNA can target the treatment or diagnosis of any particular disease or disorder. For example, siRNA can be effective in targeting cancer to cause the death of certain cells thereof and / or inhibit cell growth and division of such cells. For example, siRNA can specifically target breast cancer cells.

[0057] Therefore, the present invention also provides a method of treating or ameliorating cancer progression, said method comprising administering to a patient a pharma- ceutically acceptable composition comprising nanoparticles of a 6,7-dihydroxycoumarin phosphonium amphiphile and a negatively charged therapeutic agent.

[0058] In one embodiment, the 6,7-dihydroxycoumarin phosphonium amphiphile is Mito-Esc and the therapeutic agent is a siRNA therapeutically effective against cancer.

[0059] In a further aspect, the present invention provides a 6,7-dihydroxycoumarin phosphonium amphiphile, or a pharma- ceutically acceptable salt thereof, for use in the treatment or diagnosis of cancer. Optionally, the cancer is breast cancer.

[0060] The 6,7-dihydroxycoumarin phosphonium amphiphile for use in treating or diagnosing cancer can be a compound of formula I: [ka] During the ceremony, Z is a negatively charged drug or a negatively charged counterion selected from halide, mesylate, tosylate, citrate, tartrate, malate, acetate, trifluoroacetate; R is hydrogen, substituted alkyl, substituted aryl, or substituted heteroatom; R1 is aryl, cycloalkyl, or heteroaryl; X is a C1-C alkyl group containing one or more double or triple bonds, unsubstituted or substituted with an alkyl, alkenyl, or alkynyl side chain. 30 a carbon chain, or -(CH2) p -R2-(CH2) n -,or, -(CH2)2-R2-(CH2)2-R2-(CH2) m - and During the ceremony, p is 2 or 3, n is an integer from 3 to 6, and m is an integer from 2 to 4; R2 is O, NH, or S.

[0061] In another embodiment, the 6,7-dihydroxycoumarin phosphonium amphiphile used in the treatment or diagnosis of cancer can be a triphenylphosphonium cation covalently bonded to a 6,7-dihydroxycoumarin moiety. More specifically, the 6,7-dihydroxycoumarin phosphonium amphiphile is a compound of formula II: [ka] During the ceremony, X is C1~C 30 Carbon chain, preferably C6-C 10 is a carbon chain, Z is a negatively charged drug or a negatively charged counterion selected from halide, mesylate, tosylate, citrate, tartrate, malate, acetate, trifluoroacetate; R is hydrogen, substituted alkyl, substituted aryl, or substituted heteroatom. Preferably, R is hydrogen.

[0062] In one embodiment, X is a C1-C30 carbon chain containing one or more double or triple bonds, unsubstituted or substituted with an alkyl, alkenyl, or alkynyl side chain. Preferably, X is an octylene group.

[0063] In one embodiment, the negatively charged agent can be a therapeutic agent or a diagnostic agent. Optionally, Z is a bromide anion. Optionally, Z is a negatively charged therapeutic agent, for example, an siRNA suitable for targeting the cancer to be treated. In some embodiments, the cancer is breast cancer.

[0064] In some embodiments, the 6,7-dihydroxycoumarin phosphonium amphiphile for use in the treatment of cancer is Mito-Esc of formula III: [ka] Z is a negatively charged drug or a negatively charged counterion selected from halide, mesylate, tosylate, citrate, tartrate, malate, acetate, trifluoroacetate.

[0065] In a further aspect, the present invention provides a method for treating or diagnosing cancer, such as breast cancer, cervical cancer, lung cancer, liver cancer. More specifically, the present invention provides a method for treating breast cancer, such as triple-negative breast cancer, ER-positive breast cancer, comprising administering to a patient in need thereof an effective amount of a compound of formula I, which is a compound of formula II: [ka] During the ceremony, X is C1~C 30 Carbon chain, preferably C6-C 10 is a carbon chain, Z is a negatively charged therapeutic agent or a negatively charged counterion selected from halide, mesylate, tosylate, citrate, tartrate, malate, acetate, trifluoroacetate; R is hydrogen, substituted alkyl, substituted aryl, or substituted heteroatom. Preferably, R is hydrogen.

[0066] In one embodiment, X is a C1-C30 carbon chain containing one or more double or triple bonds, unsubstituted or substituted with an alkyl, alkenyl, or alkynyl side chain. Preferably, X is an octylene group.

[0067] Optionally, Z is a bromide anion. Optionally, Z is a negatively charged therapeutic agent, such as an siRNA suitable for targeting the cancer to be treated. In some embodiments, the cancer is breast cancer.

[0068] The compound of formula I or formula II is preferably Mito-Esc of formula III, [ka] where Z is a negatively charged drug or a halide.

[0069] In one embodiment, the present disclosure relates to a complex of a 6,7-dihydroxycoumarin phosphonium amphiphile with a negatively charged drug.

[0070] In another aspect, the present disclosure relates to a nanoparticle comprising a complex of a 6,7-dihydroxycoumarin phosphonium amphiphile and a negatively charged drug.

[0071] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the 6,7-dihydroxycoumarin phosphonium amphiphile is a compound of formula IV: [ka] During the ceremony, R is hydrogen, substituted alkyl, substituted aryl, or substituted heteroatom; R1 is aryl, cycloalkyl, or heteroaryl; X is a C1-C alkyl group containing one or more double or triple bonds, unsubstituted or substituted with an alkyl, alkenyl, or alkynyl side chain. 30 a carbon chain, or -(CH2) p -R2-(CH2) n -,or, -(CH2)2-R2-(CH2)2-R2-(CH2) m - and During the ceremony, p is 2 or 3, n is an integer from 3 to 6, and m is an integer from 2 to 4; R2 is O, NH, or S.

[0072] In an alternative embodiment, the 6,7-dihydroxycoumarin phosphonium amphiphile is a triphenylphosphonium cation covalently bonded to a 6,7-dihydroxycoumarin moiety of formula V: [ka] During the ceremony, R is hydrogen, substituted alkyl, substituted aryl, or substituted heteroatom; R1 is aryl, cycloalkyl, or heteroaryl; X is a C1-C alkyl group containing one or more double or triple bonds, unsubstituted or substituted with an alkyl, alkenyl, or alkynyl side chain. 30 a carbon chain, or -(CH2) p -R2-(CH2) n -,or, -(CH2)2-R2-(CH2)2-R2-(CH2) m - and During the ceremony, p is 2 or 3, n is an integer from 3 to 6, and m is an integer from 2 to 4; R2 is O, NH, or S.

[0073] In yet an alternative embodiment, the 6,7-dihydroxycoumarin phosphonium amphiphile is an octyl-tagged esculetin (mito-esculetin / Mito-Esc) of formula VI. [ka] In another embodiment, the complex of the 6,7-dihydroxycoumarin phosphonium amphiphile and the negatively charged drug is represented by a compound of formula I: [ka] During the ceremony, Z is a negatively charged drug or a negatively charged counterion selected from mesylate, tosylate, citrate, tartrate, malate, acetate, trifluoroacetate; R is hydrogen, substituted alkyl, substituted aryl, or substituted heteroatom; R1 is aryl, cycloalkyl, or heteroaryl; X is a C1-C alkyl group containing one or more double or triple bonds, unsubstituted or substituted with an alkyl, alkenyl, or alkynyl side chain. 30a carbon chain, or -(CH2) p -R2-(CH2) n -,or, -(CH2)2-R2-(CH2)2-R2-(CH2) m - and During the ceremony, p is 2 or 3, n is an integer from 3 to 6, and m is an integer from 2 to 4; R2 is O, NH, or S.

[0074] In an alternative embodiment, the complex of the 6,7-dihydroxycoumarin phosphonium amphiphile and the negatively charged drug is represented by a compound of formula II: [ka] During the ceremony, X is C1~C 30 Carbon chain, preferably C6-C 10 is a carbon chain, Z is a negatively charged drug or a negatively charged counterion selected from mesylate, tosylate, citrate, tartrate, malate, acetate, trifluoroacetate; R is hydrogen, one or more substituted alkyls, one or more substituted aryls, or one or more substituted heteroatoms. Preferably, R is hydrogen.

[0075] In yet an alternative embodiment, the complex of the 6,7-dihydroxycoumarin phosphonium amphiphile and the negatively charged drug is represented by a compound of formula III: [ka] During the ceremony, Z is a negatively charged drug or a negatively charged counterion selected from mesylate, tosylate, citrate, tartrate, malate, acetate, trifluoroacetate.

[0076] In a preferred embodiment, Z is a negatively charged agent selected from a therapeutic agent, a diagnostic agent, or a nucleic acid.

[0077] In yet another embodiment, the negatively charged agent can be a nucleic acid, such as a plasmid DNA, an antisense oligonucleotide, a small interfering RNA (siRNA), a small hairpin RNA (shRNA), a microRNA, or a messenger RNA (mRNA). However, all that is required is that the agent is negatively charged and, as a result, associated with the 6,7-dihydroxycoumarin phosphonium amphiphile. The negatively charged agent can be a therapeutic or diagnostic agent. In some embodiments, the therapeutic agent is intended for delivery to the cytoplasm of the target cell, where it exerts its intended therapeutic effect. In some embodiments, the therapeutic agent is a negatively charged anti-cancer drug, an siRNA, or an mRNA. The siRNA can be effective in treating or diagnosing any disease or disorder, such as cancer, peripheral neuropathy, acute hepatic porphyria, and the like. In some embodiments, the siRNA can be used to treat breast cancer, cervical cancer, lung cancer, and liver cancer. More specifically, breast cancer, such as triple-negative breast cancer and ER-positive breast cancer.

[0078] Alternatively, the therapeutic agent can be an RNA vaccine, for example an RNA vaccine against a virus (e.g., coronavirus). In some embodiments, the agent is an siRNA. The siRNA can target the treatment or diagnosis of any particular disease or disorder. For example, the siRNA can be effective in targeting cancer to cause the death of certain cells thereof and / or inhibit cell growth and division of such cells. For example, the siRNA can specifically target breast cancer cells.

[0079] In a preferred embodiment, the complex of the 6,7-dihydroxycoumarin phosphonium amphiphile and the negatively charged drug is a complex of Mito-Esc and siRNA, where Mito-Esc is represented by the compound of formula VI. [ka] In another preferred embodiment, the nanoparticle comprising a complex of a 6,7-dihydroxycoumarin phosphonium amphiphile and a negatively charged drug is a nanoparticle comprising a complex of Mito-Esc and siRNA, wherein Mito-Esc is represented by the compound of formula VI. [ka] Optionally, the complex or nanoparticle of the present disclosure is useful for the treatment or diagnosis of cancer.Preferably, it may be useful for the treatment of, for example, breast cancer, cervical cancer, lung cancer, liver cancer.More specifically, in breast cancer, such as triple-negative breast cancer, ER-positive breast cancer, etc.

[0080] The present disclosure further provides a pharmaceutical composition comprising a nanoparticle or a complex according to an aspect of the present disclosure.

[0081] The present disclosure also provides a method of treating or ameliorating the progression of cancer, the method comprising administering to a patient a pharmaceutical composition comprising a nanoparticle or complex of a 6,7-dihydroxycoumarin phosphonium amphiphile and a negatively charged therapeutic agent.

[0082] In certain embodiments, the pharmaceutical composition is formulated for oral or parenteral administration. In some embodiments, the pharmaceutical composition is administered as an oral dosage form. The oral dosage form is preferably in the form of a tablet, capsule, dispersible tablet, sachet, sprinkle, liquid, solution, suspension, emulsion, etc. When the oral dosage form is a tablet, the tablet can be any suitable shape, such as round, spherical, or oval. The tablet can be of monolithic or multi-layered structure. In some embodiments, the pharmaceutical composition of the present invention can be obtained by conventional approaches using conventional pharma- ceutical acceptable excipients well known in the art. Examples of pharma- ceutically acceptable excipients suitable for tablet preparation include diluents (e.g., dibasic calcium phosphate, calcium carbonate, lactose, glucose, microcrystalline cellulose, cellulose powder, silicified microcrystalline cellulose, calcium silicate, starch, pregelatinized starch, or polyols (such as mannitol, sorbitol, xylitol, maltitol, and sucrose)), binders (e.g., starch, pregelatinized starch, carboxymethylcellulose, sodium cellulose, microcrystalline cellulose, hydroxypropylcellulose, hydroxypropylmethylcellulose, polyvinylpyrrolidone, crospovidone, or combinations thereof), disintegrants (e.g., crosslinked cellulose, crosslinked-polyvinylpyrrolidone, crospovidone, or combinations thereof), and combinations thereof. nylpyrrolidone (crospovidone), sodium starch glycolate, polyvinylpyrrolidone (polyvidone, povidone), sodium carboxymethylcellulose, cross-linked sodium carboxymethylcellulose (croscarmellose sodium), hydroxypropylcellulose, hydroxypropylmethylcellulose, xanthan gum, alginic acid, or soy polysaccharides), wetting agents (e.g., polysorbates, sodium lauryl sulfate, or glyceryl stearate), or lubricants (e.g., sodium lauryl sulfate, talc, magnesium stearate, sodium stearyl fumarate, stearic acid, glyceryl behenate, hydrogenated vegetable oil, or zinc stearate).The tablets so prepared may be uncoated or may be coated to modify disintegration and subsequent enteral absorption of the active ingredient, or to improve stability and / or appearance. In either case, conventional coating agents and approaches well known in the art may be used.

[0083] In certain embodiments, parenteral administration can be formulated as a solution, suspension, emulsion, particle, powder, or lyophilized powder with a pharma- ceutically acceptable parenteral administration vehicle, or can be provided separately. Examples of such vehicles include water, saline, Ringer's solution, dextrose solution, about 1-10% human serum albumin. Non-aqueous vehicles such as liposomes and fixed oils can also be used. The vehicle or lyophilized powder can contain additives that maintain isotonicity (e.g., sodium chloride, mannitol), and additives that maintain chemical stability (e.g., buffers and preservatives). The formulation is sterilized by known or suitable techniques. In some embodiments, parenteral formulations may contain common excipients, including, but not limited to, sterile water or saline, polyalkylene glycols such as polyethylene glycol, oils of vegetable origin, hydrogenated naphthalenes, and the like. Aqueous or oily suspensions for injection can be prepared by using suitable emulsifiers or wetting agents and suspending agents according to known methods. Parenteral routes of administration include, but are not limited to, subcutaneous, intramuscular, intravenous, intrathecal, or intraperitoneal.

[0084] The formulations of the present invention can be prepared by processes known or otherwise described in the prior art, such as those disclosed in Remington's Pharmaceutical Sciences.

[0085] The present invention further provides a method for delivering a negatively charged drug, said drug being complexed to a 6,7-dihydroxycoumarin phosphonium amphiphile. Optionally, the complex of the drug and the 6,7-dihydroxycoumarin phosphonium amphiphile is in the form of nanoparticles, as described above. The negatively charged drug may be a therapeutic or diagnostic agent. Preferably, the present invention provides a method for delivering a negatively charged therapeutic agent, said drug being complexed to a 6,7-dihydroxycoumarin phosphonium amphiphile. More preferably, the complex of the therapeutic agent and the 6,7-dihydroxycoumarin phosphonium amphiphile is in the form of nanoparticles.

[0086] The present invention further provides a method for intracellular delivery of a negatively charged drug, said method comprising administering an effective amount of said drug complexed to a 6,7-dihydroxycoumarin phosphonium amphiphile. Optionally, the complex of the drug and the 6,7-dihydroxycoumarin phosphonium amphiphile is in the form of nanoparticles as described above. The negatively charged drug may be a therapeutic or diagnostic agent. Preferably, the present invention provides a method for intracellular delivery of a negatively charged therapeutic agent, said method comprising administering an effective amount of said therapeutic agent complexed to a 6,7-dihydroxycoumarin phosphonium amphiphile. More preferably, the complex is in the form of nanoparticles.

[0087] The present invention is illustrated below by reference to the following examples, however, those skilled in the art will appreciate that numerous variations, modifications, applications, and extensions of these embodiments and principles may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention, and that the specific methods and results discussed are merely illustrative of the invention. EXAMPLES

[0088] EXAMPLES

[0089] Compound synthesis The synthesis of mito-esculetin and control TPP molecules was carried out according to the following synthetic protocol. [ka] [ka] Procedure for the synthesis of 1-(6-hydroxybenzo[d][1,3]dioxol-5-yl)ethan-1-one (2): A solution of sesamol (5.6 g, 40 mmol) in acetic anhydride (20 mL) was cooled to 0° C. under nitrogen atmosphere. Boron trifluoride / diethyl ether complex (10 mL) was slowly added to the solution, and then the mixture was stirred at 90° C. for 3 h. The resulting mixture was added to saturated aqueous sodium acetate (50 mL) and stirred at room temperature. The solid formed was removed by filtration, the solvent was evaporated under reduced pressure, and the residual solid was suspended in methanol, thereby washing, then collected by filtration and dried to give 2 (5.850 g, 80%).

[0090] Procedure for the synthesis of 8-hydroxy-6H[1,3]dioxolo[4,5-g]chromen-6-one (3): To a solution of 2 (5 g, 1 equiv.) in diethyl carbonate (80 mL) under nitrogen atmosphere was added sodium hydride (2.66 g, 4 equiv.) and the mixture was stirred at 0° C. for 30 min. The resulting solution was heated at 100° C. for 3 h, then cooled to 0° C. and 50% aqueous MeOH (10 mL) was carefully added. After extraction with ether (3×100 mL), the reaction mixture was acidified to pH 2 with 2N hydrochloric acid and the precipitated solid was filtered and dried under vacuum to give 3 (4.9 g, 85%).

[0091] Procedure for the synthesis of 6-oxo-6H-[1,3]dioxolo[4,5-g]chromen-8-yl trifluoromethanesulfonate (4): Trifluoromethanesulfonic anhydride (4.3 mL, 1.3 equiv.) was added dropwise over 10 min to a mixture of 3 (4 g, 1 equiv.) and triethylamine (3.5 mL, 1.3 equiv.) in dry dichloromethane (30 mL) at 0° C. The mixture was then stirred at room temperature for 12 h. The mixture was then diluted with 50% ether:hexanes, filtered through a short pad of silica, and the filtrate was concentrated to give a residue that was purified by flash chromatography to give the corresponding product 4 (4.6 g, 70%).

[0092] Procedure for the synthesis of 8-(8-bromooct-1-yn-1-yl)-6H-[1,3]dioxolo[4,5-g]chromen-6-one (5): The round-bottom flask was flame-dried under high vacuum. Upon cooling, coumarin 4 (1.0 g, 1 equiv.), PdCl2(PPh3)2 (207 mg, 0.1 equiv.), CuI (56 mg, 0.1 equiv.), acetonitrile (10 mL), triethylamine (0.61 mL, 1.5 equiv.), and 8-bromooctyne (0.838 g, 1.5 equiv.) were added. The reaction mixture was stirred at 60° C. overnight. After completion of the reaction (monitored by TLC), the reaction mixture was cooled, diluted with ethyl acetate (20 mL), and filtered through a short silica gel bed. The filtrate was concentrated to give a residue, which was purified by flash chromatography to give the corresponding product 5 (0.790 g, 70%).

[0093] Procedure for the synthesis of 8-(8-bromooctyl)-6H-[1,3]dioxolo[4,5-g]chromen-6-one (6): A well-stirred mixture of coumarin 5 (0.7 g) in methanol was passed through a H-Cube reactor filled with 10% Pd / C at 1 mL / min at 40° C. and 40 bar pressure. After completion of the reaction, the solvent was evaporated under reduced pressure to give the corresponding product 6 (0.641 g, 90%).

[0094] Procedure for the synthesis of 4-(8-bromooctyl)-6,7-dihydroxy-2H-chromen-2-one (7): 8-(8-Bromooctyl)-6H-[1,3]dioxolo[4,5-g]chromen-6-one 6 (0.6 g, 1.0 equiv.) was dissolved in dry DCM (15 mL) in a 50 mL round bottom flask and the mixture was cooled to -78 °C. BBr3 (1.0 M in DCM, 4 equiv.) was added slowly dropwise. The reaction was allowed to warm to room temperature and stirred for 12 h. MeOH (2 mL) was added, followed by stirring for an additional 15 min and the solvent was removed under vacuum. The crude product was purified by column chromatography on silica gel to give 7 (0.425 g, 73%) as a yellow solid.

[0095] Synthesis procedure for (8-(6,7-dihydroxy-2-oxo-2H-chromen-4-yl)octyl)triphenylphosphonium (8): To a stirred solution of compound 7 (0.2 g, 1 eq.) in dry DMF (6 ml), triphenylphosphine (0.156 g, 1.1 eq.) was added and the resulting mixture was heated to 120° C. for 12 h under nitrogen atmosphere. After completion of the reaction, DMF was completely distilled off under reduced pressure to give the crude product. The crude product was washed several times with hexane and diethyl ether to give 8 (0.240 g, 80%) as a yellow solid.

[0096] Procedure for the synthesis of 4-(8-bromooctyl)-6,7-dimethoxy-2H-chromen-2-one (9): To a solution of compound 7 (0.2 g, 1 eq.) in 10 ml of dry acetone, K2CO3 (0.302 g, 4 eq.) and MeI (0.308 g, 4 eq.) were added. The above mixture was stirred at room temperature for 6 hours. After completion of the reaction as indicated by TLC, the reaction mixture was filtered and the solvent was removed by evaporation in vacuum to give the crude product, which was then purified by chromatography to give 9 (0.165 g, 76%) as a yellow solid.

[0097] Procedure for the synthesis of (8-(6,7-dimethoxy-2-oxo-2H-chromen-4-yl)octyl)triphenylphosphonium (10): To a solution of compound 9 (0.120 g, 1 eq.) in dry DMF (6 ml), triphenylphosphine (0.087 g, 1.1 eq.) was added and the resulting mixture was heated to 120° C. for 12 h under nitrogen atmosphere. After completion of the reaction, DMF was completely distilled off under reduced pressure to obtain the crude product. The crude product was washed several times with hexane and diethyl ether to obtain 10 (0.127 g, 72%) as a yellow solid.

[0098] Synthesis procedure for octyltriphenylphosphonium (12): To a solution of compound 11 (0.2 g, 1 eq.) in dry DMF (6 ml), triphenylphosphine (0.298 g, 1.1 eq.) was added and the resulting mixture was heated to 120° C. for 12 h under nitrogen atmosphere. After completion of the reaction, DMF was completely distilled off under reduced pressure to obtain the crude product. The crude product was washed several times with ethyl acetate and diethyl ether to obtain 12 (0.277 g, 71%) as a colorless liquid.

[0099] All compounds, 1 Confirmed by 1 H NMR spectroscopy.

[0100] Materials and Methods for Examples 2-4 Cell culture: MDA-MB-231 (triple-negative breast cancer cell line, ATCC) and MCF-10A cells (normal mammary epithelial cells, ATCC) were grown in Dulbecco's modified Eagle's medium (DMEM) containing 10% FBS, 1% (v / v) sodium pyruvate (100 mM), sodium bicarbonate (26 mM), L-glutamine (4 mM), penicillin (100 units / ml), streptomycin (100 μg / ml). Cells were maintained in a humidified atmosphere of 5% CO2 and 95% air in an incubator at 37 °C.

[0101] Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM): Transmission electron microscopy studies were performed with a Tecnai T12 microscope (FEI) at 120 kV and images were taken using a SIS CCD camera. Samples were negatively stained with ammonium molybdate on 200 or 400 mesh carbon-coated copper grids (Ted Pella, Inc.). Grids were allowed to air dry before micrographs were recorded.

[0102] Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM): Field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) analysis of Mito-Esc nanoparticles was performed on a Carl Zeiss SIGMA HD field emission scanning electron microscope.

[0103] Measurement of size and surface charge of Mito-Esc nanoparticles: The size (hydrodynamic diameter) and surface charge (zeta potential) of Mito-Esc nanoparticles were measured by photon correlation spectroscopy and electrophoretic mobility on a Zetasizer 3000HSA (Malvern, UK). Size was measured in deionized water with a sample refractive index of 1.33, viscosity of 0.88 cP, and temperature of 25°C. Size was measured in triplicate. Zeta potential was measured using the following parameters: viscosity 0.88 cP, dielectric constant 78.5, and temperature 25°C.

[0104] Agarose gel electrophoresis retardation assay: Gel electrophoresis was performed on agarose gels (1.5% w / v) in Tris-acetate-EDTA buffer (40 mM) with one drop of ethidium bromide (concentration of EtBr stock solution: 0.625 mg / ml in HO) at 100 V for 30 min. + / P - siRNA lipoplexes were prepared by complexing siRNA with Mito-Esc, mito-isoscopoletin, and octyl-TPP cation in the following ratios: 1:1. Samples were incubated at room temperature for 30 min before being added to the wells. siRNA bands were visualized under 365 nm UV illumination.

[0105] Cytotoxicity of Mito-Esc and Mito-Esc / siRNA complexes: To evaluate the cytotoxicity of Mito-Esc or Mito-Esc lipoplexes with siMnSOD, a trypan blue dye exclusion assay was used. Briefly, cells were cultured at 3 × 10 per well. 4 Cells were seeded in 12-well plates at a density of 1:100 and cultured overnight before transfection. The medium was replaced with 0.5 mL of fresh serum-free DMEM. siMnSOD (40 nM) was complexed with either Lipofectamine-2000 for control or 2.5 μM Mito-Esc in serum-free DMEM medium for 30 min before being added to the plates. Cells were incubated for 48 h, and at the end of the experiment cells were trypsinized, spun at 800 g for 2 min, and resuspended in 1 mL of fresh medium. Cell suspension (10 μl) was mixed with an equal volume of trypan blue and counted using an automated cell counter (Countess, Life Technologies).

[0106] Western Blotting: At the end of the treatment, cell pellets were lysed in RIPA buffer containing protease inhibitor cocktail, phosphatase inhibitor cocktail-2, 3. Proteins were resolved by SDS-PAGE, blotted onto nitrocellulose membranes, blocked with 5% bovine serum albumin, washed, and incubated with primary antibodies (1:1000) overnight at 4°C. The membranes were then washed and incubated with anti-rabbit / mouse IgG horseradish peroxidase-linked secondary antibodies (1:5000) for 1 h. ECL reagent (Amersham GE) was applied onto the membranes, followed by development using a chemiluminescence system (Bio-Rad).

[0107] MnSOD siRNA transfection: Cells were plated at 3 x 10 per well. 4Cells were cultured in 12-well plates at a density of 1:1000 x 1000 (containing glass coverslips the day before use). Briefly, fluorescent siRNA or siMnSOD (40 nM) were complexed with either lipofectamine-2000 for positive control or Mito-Esc (2.5 μM) in serum-free DMEM medium for 30 min before being added to the plates. After incubating cells with siRNA complexes for 6 h, the medium was removed and replaced with 1 mL of fresh DMEM medium containing 10% FBS, and cells were further incubated for 24 h.

[0108] Confocal Microscopy Imaging: Briefly, MDA-MB-231 cells were cultured at 3 × 10 per well in 1 mL of complete DMEM. 4 Cells were seeded on coverslips in 12-well plates at a density of 100x100 and cultured for 12 h. Fluorescent (Cy-5) siRNA was complexed with either Lipofectamine-2000 (positive control), or Mito-Esc (2.5 μM), or parental esculetin (2.5 μM), or various cationic lipids in serum-free DMEM medium for 30 min before being added to the plates. These lipoplexes were added to the cells and incubated for 6 h. Then, the cells were washed twice with PBS and fixed with 4% paraformaldehyde for 15 min. Finally, the slides were mounted and the cells were imaged using a confocal microscope. Fluorescently labeled siRNA with Mito-Esc lipoplexes was prepared as described above and incubated with MDA-MB-231 cells for 24 h. The cells were stained with DAPI to stain the nuclei. The cells were mounted and observed under a confocal microscope (Olympus, Tokyo, Japan). EXAMPLES

[0109] Effect of Mito-Esc on breast cancer cell viability MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cells and MCF-10A (normal mammary epithelial cells) were treated with Mito-Esc and Esc. Mito-Esc significantly induced dose-dependent cell death of MDA-MB-231 cells at 1.5-7.5 μM, whereas parental esculetin (Esc) induced cytotoxicity from 50 μM (Figure 1A and Figure 1B).

[0110] Interestingly, Mito-Esc did not show any significant toxicity at any of the concentrations shown (5–50 μM) in normal mammary epithelial cells such as MCF-10A cells (Figure 1C). This indicates that Mito-Esc preferentially induces antiproliferative effects in cancer cells. Mito-Esc was found to accumulate significantly more in the mitochondrial fraction of MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cells compared to MCF-10A cells. Increased accumulation of Mito-Esc in breast cancer cells induced enhanced mitochondrial superoxide production and, consequently, depolarization of the mitochondrial membrane potential leading to breast cancer cell death.

[0111] The enhanced uptake of Mito-Esc in cancer cells, including breast cancer cells, is likely due to the greater hyperpolarized membrane potential (ΨIM) that cancer cells possess compared to normal cells. Delocalized cations (DLCs) readily enter the intracellular compartment of cancer cells. In addition, the hyperpolarized mitochondrial membrane potential (~-220 mV) in cancer cells compared to normal cells (~-140 mV) leads to a greater accumulation of DLC in the mitochondrial fraction. This phenomenon may be of great importance in siRNA therapeutics to maximize the anti-proliferative effect in combination with anti-cancer-related siRNAs and preferentially induce cytotoxicity in cancer cells.

[0112] Therefore, Mito-Esc accumulates more in cancer cells compared to normal cells and therefore preferentially triggers cancer cell death at significantly lower concentrations. EXAMPLES

[0113] Effect of Mito-Esc on viability in different cancer cell lines: The cytotoxicity of Mito-Esc against different cancer cell lines HeLa (cervix), HepG2 (liver), MCF-7 (ER-positive breast), A549 (lung), DU-145 (prostate) cancer cells, and MCF-10A (normal breast epithelial cells) was determined by treatment with Mito-Esc (0.5–100 μM) for 24 h, and cell viability was measured by sulforhodamine B assay.

[0114] As shown in Table 1, Mito-Esc significantly induced dose-dependent cell death in HeLa (cervix), HepG2 (liver), MCF-7 (ER-positive breast), and A549 (lung) cells, while it showed no significant toxicity in normal breast epithelial cells such as MCF-10A cells, indicating that Mito-Esc preferentially induces anti-proliferative effects in cancer cells. [Table 1] EXAMPLES

[0115] Self-organization of Mito-Esc into nanoparticles: The self-assembly properties of Mito-Esc were explored. The particle size of an aqueous solution of Mito-Esc (1% EtOH) was measured using dynamic light scattering (DLS). Mito-Esc formed nano-sized particles with a size of 166 ± 30 nm and a surface charge of 33 ± 0.4 mV (Figure 2A). The size and morphology of the self-assembled nanoparticles of Mito-Esc were investigated by scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy, respectively. Mito-Esc formed spherical nanoparticles less than 200 nm (Figures 2B and 2C). This finding indicates that Mito-Esc can achieve self-assembled structures in aqueous solution. EXAMPLES

[0116] In vivo orthotopic tumor model: Inoculation of MDA-MB-231 cells into mammary fat pads of SCID mice: Six-week-old female SCID mice were used for the experiment. First, 10 nM Qtracker labeling solution (Qtracker Cell Labeling Kit, Invitrogen Q25071MP) was prepared by premixing 10 μL each of component A and component B in a 1.5 mL microcentrifuge tube and incubated at room temperature for 5 min. This mixture was added to 0.2 mL of fresh complete growth medium, vortexed for 30 s, added to the 75 cm2 tissue culture flask containing MDA-MB-231 cells, and incubated overnight in a 37°C 5% CO2 incubator. Subconfluent labeled cells were harvested and counted.

[0117] cells (1×10 6 ) were suspended in 0.1 ml of serum-free medium. To this, 0.1 ml of Matrigel was added and gently mixed to obtain a uniform cell suspension. SCID mice were anesthetized with ketamine / xylazine cocktail (50 μL / 20 g mouse), and each mouse was inoculated with 1 × 10 6 Q-Tracker-labeled MDA-MB-231 cells were orthotopically implanted into the fourth pair of mammary fat pads, and the fat pads were sutured after cell inoculation. The incision sites were dressed with povidone-iodine daily to prevent infection until the incision was healed. Mice were checked for tumor development and tumors were removed if they were larger than 300 mm. 3 Treatment was initiated when tumor volumes reached 100-200 mg / kg bd.wt. or greater. Mice were weighed, divided into 4 groups (n=4 per group) and administered either esculetin (6 mg / kg bd.wt) or mito-esculetin (3 and 6 mg / kg bd.wt) intraperitoneally (ip) for 2 weeks. On the day of sacrifice, tumor volumes were measured using calipers. Mice were anesthetized and sacrificed using cervical dislocation. Tumors were carefully excised, weighed, and stored in liquid nitrogen for further histopathological analysis. EXAMPLES

[0118] Mito-Esc as an effective siRNA delivery vector: Mito-Esc / siRNA complexation for agarose gel electrophoresis retardation assay: Mito-Esc nanoparticle solutions were prepared at various concentrations depending on the desired final P+:P- charge ratio. 20 μL solutions of Mito-Esc / siRNA complexes were prepared to maintain a constant amount of siRNA in each solution (1 μg in 10 μL) and vary the amount of Mito-Esc depending on the P+:P- charge ratio. The prepared mixtures were gently vortexed for 5 min and incubated at room temperature for 30 min to form the complexes. P+:P- charge ratios of 1:1, 2:1, 3:1, 4:1, 5:1, 6:1, and 7:1 were obtained by complexing 1 μg of siRNA with 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, and 14 μg of Mito-Esc, respectively.

[0119] Mito-Esc siRNA binding efficiency: The efficiency of Mito-Esc binding to siRNA was confirmed by agarose gel electrophoresis. Also, to evaluate the importance of hydrogen bonds in the formation of stable siRNA complexes, mito-isoscopoletin was synthesized by protecting the dihydroxyl groups with methyl groups. Octyl TPP cation was used as a negative control. [ka] In previous findings, it was found that only Mito-Esc could bind siRNA at P+ / P charge ratios of 4:1 to 7:1, resulting in delayed siRNA translocation (Figure 2D). In contrast, mito-isoscopoletin and octyl TPP did not bind siRNA, as evidenced by their inability to retard siRNA translocation even at a P+ / P- charge ratio of 7:1. These results indicated that the presence of dihydroxy substitutions in Mito-Esc not only allowed it to form a stable complex with siRNA, but also promoted the formation of self-assembled nanoparticles.

[0120] However, in further experiments, we found that both Mito-Esc and mito-isoscopoletin bound siRNA at P+ / P charge ratios of 4:1–7:1 and 6:1–7:1, respectively, and thus slowed siRNA translocation (Figure 2E). In contrast, octyl-TPP still did not bind siRNA, as evidenced by its inability to slow siRNA translocation even at a P+ / P- charge ratio of 7:1. These results indicate that hydrogen bonds are not involved in the formation of stable siRNA complexes.

[0121] The efficiency of Mito-Esc as an siRNA delivery vector was tested in MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cells. Lipoplexes were formed with a custom MnSOD siRNA sequence. It should be noted that depletion of MnSOD levels in breast cancer cells causes an anti-proliferative effect. MDA-MB-231 cells were treated with lipoplexes for 6 hours in Opti-MEM medium containing reduced serum (approximately 2%), after which the medium was replaced with serum-containing medium (10% serum) for an additional 48 hours, and cell viability was measured by trypan blue dye exclusion. In parallel, siMnSOD was also complexed with Lipofectamine-2000 (positive control). It was found that Mito-Esc complexed with siMnSOD induced 94% cell death in MDA-MB-231 cells, while complexes of Lipofectamine-2000 with siMnSOD induced 66% cell death (Figure 3A).

[0122] Moreover, the gene silencing efficiency of Mito-Esc / siMnSOD complex and Lipofectamine-2000 / siMnSOD complex significantly decreased MnSOD protein levels to the same extent as that by immunoblotting. In contrast, neither the parental esculetin complex nor the octyl-TPP cation complex could reduce MnSOD expression (Figure 3B). These results suggest that Mito-Esc not only preferentially induces breast cancer cell death but also has all the structural requirements to form a stable complex with siRNA. Hence, Mito-Esc successfully delivers therapeutic siRNA and maximizes its cytotoxic potential in breast cancer cells, proving that Mito-Esc serves as an effective siRNA delivery vector.

[0123] The intracellular delivery of siRNA using Mito-Esc aggregates in MDA-MB-231 and MCF-10A cells was further verified by confocal imaging technique using fluorescently labeled Cy-5 siRNA. Consistent with the results shown in Figure 3, Mito-Esc caused significant intracellular delivery of Cy-5 siRNA, similar to Lipofectamine-2000 (Figure 4, blue fluorescence). Notably, in the non-cancerous breast epithelial cell line MCF-10A, the efficiency of siRNA delivery via Mito-Esc was lower than that of Lipofectamine-2000, indicating the possibility of cancer cell-selective siRNA delivery by Mito-Esc (Figure 5). In contrast, parental esculetin, mito-isoscopoletin, and octyl-TPP were unable to deliver Cy-5 siRNA into cells, likely due to their inability to form stable complexes with siRNA. These results demonstrate that Mito-Esc serves as an effective siRNA delivery vector.

Claims

1. A complex of a 6,7-dihydroxycoumarin phosphonium amphiphilic substance and a drug having a negative charge, wherein the drug having a negative charge is a nucleic acid.

2. The 6,7-dihydroxycoumarin phosphonium amphiphilic substance is In the formula, R is hydrogen, substituted alkyl, substituted aryl, or substituted heteroatom, R １ is aryl, cycloalkyl, or heteroaryl, and X is an unsubstituted or C containing one or more double or triple bonds substituted with an alkyl, alkenyl, or alkynyl side chain １ ~C ３０ carbon chain, or -(CH ２ ) ｐ -R ２ -(CH ２ ) ｎ -, or, -(CH ２ ) ２ -R ２ -(CH ２ ) ２ -R ２ -(CH ２ ) ｍ - and is In the formula, p is 2 or 3, n is an integer from 3 to 6, and m is an integer from 2 to 4, R ２ The complex according to claim 1, wherein R is O, NH, or S.

3. The complex is a compound of formula I, In the formula, Z is a drug having a negative charge, provided that the drug having a negative charge is a nucleic acid, R is hydrogen, substituted alkyl, substituted aryl, or substituted heteroatom, R １ is aryl, cycloalkyl, or heteroaryl, and X is an unsubstituted or alkyl-, alkenyl- or alkynyl side chain-substituted C containing one or more double or triple bonds １ ~C ３０ carbon chain or -(CH ２ ) ｐ -R ２ -(CH ２ ) ｎ -, or, -(CH ２ ) ２ -R ２ -(CH ２ ) ２ -R ２ -(CH ２ ) ｍ - and In the formula, p is 2 or 3, n is an integer from 3 to 6, and m is an integer from 2 to 4, R ２ The complex according to claim 1, wherein R is O, NH, or S.

4. The complex is a compound of formula II, In the formula, X is C １ ~C ３０ is a carbon chain, Z is a drug having a negative charge, provided that the drug having a negative charge is a nucleic acid, R is hydrogen, one or more substituted alkyls, one or more substituted aryls, or one or more substituted heteroatoms. The complex according to claim 1.

5. The complex is a compound of formula III, In the formula, Z is a drug having a negative charge, provided that the drug having a negative charge is a nucleic acid. The complex according to claim 1.

6. The nucleic acid is selected from small interfering RNA (siRNA) and messenger RNA (mRNA). The complex according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

7. The nucleic acid is small interfering RNA. The complex according to claim 6.

8. The complex is in the form of nanoparticles. The complex according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

9. The nanoparticles have a size of 100 to 200 nm or a surface charge of 30 to 40 mV. The complex according to claim 8.

10. Use of the complex according to any one of claims 1 to 5 in the manufacture of a medicament for the treatment, amelioration or diagnosis of cancer.

11. A pharmaceutical composition comprising the complex according to any one of claims 1 to 5 and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier or excipient.

12. The pharmaceutical composition according to claim 11, comprising a complex of Mito-Esc and siRNA and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier or excipient, wherein Mito-Esc is represented by a compound of formula VI.

13. Use of the pharmaceutical composition according to claim 11 in the manufacture of a medicament for the treatment of cancer.

14. Use of the complex according to any one of claims 1 to 5 in the manufacture of a medicament for intracellular delivery of a negatively charged agent.

15. Use of the pharmaceutical composition according to claim 11 in the manufacture of a medicament for intracellular delivery of a negatively charged agent.

16. Nanoparticles comprising a complex of a 6,7-dihydroxycoumarin phosphonium amphiphilic substance and a negatively charged agent.

17. A compound of formula I, wherein, Z is a negatively charged agent or a negatively charged counterion, R is hydrogen, substituted alkyl, substituted aryl, or a substituted heteroatom, R １ is aryl, cycloalkyl, or heteroaryl, and X is an unsubstituted or C containing one or more double or triple bonds substituted with an alkyl, alkenyl or alkynyl side chain １ ~C ３０ carbon chain, or -(CH ２ ) ｐ -R ２ -(CH ２ ) ｎ -, or, -(CH ２ ) ２ -R ２ -(CH ２ ) ２ -R ２ -(CH ２ ) ｍ - and is wherein, p is 2 or 3, n is an integer from 3 to 6, and m is an integer from 2 to 4, R ２ is a compound that is O, NH, or S.

18. Formula III, [wherein, Z is a negatively charged agent or a negatively charged counterion] The compound according to claim 17, which is a compound of.

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