Poly(-amino ester) Nanoparticles Modified with a Rabies-Virus-Derived Peptide for the Delivery of ASCL1 across a 3D In Vitro Model of the Blood-Brain Barrier

Gene editing has emerged as a therapeutic approach to manipulate the genome for killing cancer cells, protecting healthy tissues, and improving immune response to a tumor. The gene editing tool achaete-scute family bHLH transcription factor 1 CRISPR guide RNA (ASCL1-gRNA) is known to restore neuronal lineage potential, promote terminal differentiation, and attenuate tumorigenicity in glioblastoma tumors. Here, we fabricated a polymeric nonviral carrier to encapsulate ASCL1-gRNA by electrostatic interactions and deliver it into glioblastoma cells across a 3D in vitro model of the blood-brain barrier (BBB). To mimic rabies virus (RV) neurotropism, gene-loaded poly(beta-amino ester) nanoparticles are surface functionalized with a peptide derivative of rabies virus glycoprotein (RVG29). The capability of the obtained NPs, hereinafter referred to as RV-like NPs, to travel across the BBB, internalize into glioblastoma cells, and deliver ASCL1gRNA is investigated in a 3D BBB in vitro model through flow cytometry and CLSM microscopy. The formation of nicotinic acetylcholine receptors in the 3D BBB in vitro model is confirmed by immunochemistry. These receptors are known to bind to RVG29. Unlike Lipofectamine which primarily internalizes and transfects endothelial cells, RV-like NPs are capable to travel across the 3D BBB in vitro model, preferentially internalizing glioblastoma cells, and delivering ASCL1-gRNA at an efficiency of 10%, causing noncytotoxic effects.