Background We have previously shown that a novel synthetic peptide for ocular delivery (POD) can efficiently compact DNA and deliver it to cells in vitro. This observation prompted us to develop use of POD as a nonviral vector in vivo. Methods POD peptide was modified using poly(ethylene) glycol (PEG-POD) and used to compact DNA into nanoparticles that were then analysed using electron microscopy, dynamic light scattering, and fluorescent labeling. Transfection efficiency and localization were determined 48 h post-injection into the subretinal space of the mouse eye using luciferase and LacZ, respectively. Efficiency of ocular transfection was compared to two other PEGylated peptides: PEG-TAT and PEG-CK30. Results PEG-POD can compact DNA and form discrete nanoparticles of approximately 136 nm that can penetrate and transduce the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) in vivo. PEG-POD significantly increased expression of plasmid DNA by 215-fold, PEG-TAT by 56.52-fold, and PEG-CK30 by 24.73-fold relative to DNA injected alone. In all cases β-galactosidase was observed primarily in the RPE layer after subretinal injection. Electrophysiological analyses of PEG-POD transduced retina indicates an absence of PEG-POD-mediated toxicity. PEG-POD can protect plasmid DNA from DNaseI digestion, resulting in significant transfection of the lung after intravenous injection in mice. Conclusions PEG-POD was found to significantly increase gene delivery relative to both DNA alone and other pegylated peptides. These findings highlight the use of pegylated peptides, and specifically PEG-POD, as novel gene delivery vectors.

Recently we described a novel cell penetrating peptide, POD (peptide for ocular delivery) that could deliver small molecules including fluorescent dyes into retinal cells. The objective of the current study was to examine whether biologically relevant macromolecules such as proteins, genetically fused with POD could also be delivered into retinal tissues in vivo. We generated a POD-GFP fusion protein and examined its cell and tissue penetrating properties. We found that endogenously expressed POD-GFP fusion protein localized to the nucleus, suggesting that POD acts as a nuclear localization signal. Adenovirus (Ad) vectors expressing POD-GFP fusion protein were constructed and the recombinant protein was purified from Ad-infected human embryonic retinoblasts (HER). Exogenously supplied POD-GFP fusion protein rapidly transduced A549 and HER cells and colocalized in part with markers of late endosomes, from which it could escape. Following subretinal delivery, POD-GFP localized to the retinal pigment epithelium and the photoreceptor cell bodies. When injected into the vitreous, POD-GFP localized to the ganglion cells and the inner nuclear layer of the retina as well as the lens capsule. Topical application of POD-GFP to ocular surfaces resulted in uptake by the corneal epithelium. POD-GFP also transduced non-ocular tissues, including the epidermis of the skin following topical application.

Visual and anatomical outcomes varied among categories of RD. Rhegmatogenous retinal detachments were associated with the best outcomes (anatomical success and globe conservation), whereas TRDs generally had poorer visual and anatomical outcomes.

Herein, we report the largest series of nine cases of peripheral chorioretinal degeneration secondary to didanosine toxicity in adults. When combined with the cases in the literature, 19 cases of didanosine toxicity, 4 of which occurred in children, were collected and analyzed. Three of the new cases presented showed clear progression of degeneration despite didanosine cessation. Newer nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors may potentiate mitochondrial DNA damage and lead to continued chorioretinal degeneration.