Arp2/3 mediated dynamic lamellipodia of the hPSC colony edges promote liposome-based DNA delivery

Abstract Cationic liposome-mediated delivery of drugs, DNA, or RNA plays a pivotal role in small molecule therapy, gene editing, and immunization. However, our current knowledge regarding the cellular structures that facilitate this process remains limited. Here, we used human pluripotent stem cells (hPSCs), which form compact colonies consisting of dynamically active cells at the periphery and epithelial-like cells at the core. We discovered that cells at the colony edges selectively got transfected by cationic liposomes through actin-related protein 2/3 (Arp2/3) dependent dynamic lamellipodia, which is augmented by myosin II inhibition. Conversely, cells at the core establish tight junctions at their apical surfaces, impeding liposomal access to the basal lamellipodia and thereby inhibiting transfection. In contrast, liposomes incorporating mannosylated lipids are internalized throughout the entire colony via receptor-mediated endocytosis. These findings contribute a novel mechanistic insight into enhancing therapeutic delivery via liposomes, particularly in cell types characterized by dynamic lamellipodia, such as immune cells or those comprising the epithelial layer.