Peptide-SiRNA Complexes for Gene Silencing Delivery

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Solution Overview

Problem

The instability and rapid clearance of naked siRNA in physiological conditions, along with its inability to cross cellular membranes, limit its effectiveness in gene silencing applications due to enzymatic degradation and rapid excretion by the reticuloendothelial system.

Innovation Solution

The use of peptide sequences, such as those listed in SEQ. ID. Nos: 34-42, which form noncovalent molecular associations with siRNA to facilitate cellular uptake and protect against degradation, enhancing delivery efficiency and stability through amphiphilic properties and electrostatic interactions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If naked siRNA is administered, then gene silencing is achieved, but stability and circulation time are poor due to enzymatic degradation and rapid clearance by the reticuloendothelial system

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvegene silencing effectivenessVSAvoidcirculation time
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDuration of action of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses carrier molecules (lipids, polymers, or peptides) as intermediaries to deliver siRNA into cells. These carriers protect siRNA from enzymatic degradation in circulation, extend circulation time, and facilitate cellular uptake through various mechanisms such as endocytosis or membrane translocation, thereby resolving the contradiction between achieving gene silencing and maintaining stability during circulation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If naked siRNA is administered, then gene silencing is achieved, but cellular uptake is insufficient due to inability to cross cellular membranes

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvegene silencing effectivenessVSAvoidcellular uptake efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

Carrier molecules serve as mediators that bridge the gap between extracellular siRNA and intracellular delivery. These carriers possess properties such as positive charge, amphipathic structure, or specific cell-penetrating sequences that enable them to cross cellular membranes and deliver siRNA into the cytoplasm, thereby improving cellular uptake efficiency while maintaining gene silencing effectiveness

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Reliability

If chemical modifications are applied to siRNA, then nuclease resistance is improved, but manufacturing complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenuclease resistanceVSAvoidmanufacturing simplicity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of chemically modifying siRNA, the patent uses carrier molecules as protective intermediaries that physically shield siRNA from nucleases during circulation. This approach achieves nuclease resistance through the carrier's protective function rather than through complex chemical modifications of the siRNA itself, thereby simplifying manufacturing processes and reducing costs

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

The peptide-siRNA complexes demonstrate effective intracellular silencing of target genes with reduced cytotoxicity and improved stability, as shown by silencing efficiency and cytotoxicity assays, and exhibit antitumor activity in vivo, indicating successful gene regulation and therapeutic potential.

Implementation Method 1

form noncovalent molecular associations with siRNA to facilitate cellular uptake and protect against degradation, enhancing delivery efficiency and stability through amphiphilic properties and electrostatic interactions

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectrostatic interactions: Electrostatics

Data Source

PatentEP3725333B1Peptide sequence design and use thereof for peptide-mediated sirna delivery
Publication Date: 2023.08.23 POSITEC POWER TOOLS (SUZHOU) CO LTD
  • EP3725333B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3725333B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3725333B1 patent drawingFigure 3A~3B

AI summary

The invention provides, in one aspect, peptides and a complex comprising one of the peptides and a cargo molecule, wherein the peptide and the cargo molecule are coupled by non-covalently. The peptides of the invention were found to facilitate the delivery of siRNA molecules into cells and to function in siRNA mediated silencing of cellular targets.