Effective Anti-miRNA Oligonucleotides Show High Releasing Rate of MicroRNA from RNA-Induced Silencing Complex

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) regulate gene expression by forming RNA-induced silencing complexes (RISCs) and have been considered as promising therapeutic targets. MiRNA is an essential component of RISC for the modulation of gene expression. Therefore, the release of miRNA from RISC is considered as an effective method for the inhibition of miRNA functions. In our previous study, we reported that anti-miRNA oligonucleotides (AMOs), which are composed of the 2'-O-methyl (2'-OMe) RNA, could induce the release of miRNA from RISC. However, the mechanisms underlying the miRNA-releasing effects of chemically modified AMOs, which are conventionally used as anti-cancer drugs, are still unclear. In this study, we investigated the relationship between the miRNA releasing rate from RISC and the inhibitory effect on RISC activity (IC₅₀) using conventional chemically modified AMOs. We demonstrated that the miRNA-releasing effects of AMOs are directly proportional to the IC₅₀ values, and AMOs, which have an ability to promote the release of miRNA from RISC, can effectively inhibit RISC activity in living cells.

Cross-Linking Antisense Oligodeoxyribonucleotides with a Photoresponsive α-Chloroaldehyde Moiety for RNA Point Mutations

Because point mutations in GTPase-coding genes have been reported to be responsible for the transformation of cells, anticancer reagents that react effectively and sequence selectively with target RNAs having a point mutation are highly desired. In this study, we developed novel photo-cross-linking oligodeoxyribonucleotides ((pro)PCA-ODNs) that had a caged α-chloroaldehyde group conjugated to a 2-methylpropanediyl backbone ((pro)PCA) in the middle of the strand. A kinetic study of the deprotection reaction of (pro)PCA-ODN revealed that the bis(2-nitrobenzyl)acetal group was completely deprotected within 1 min. Photo-cross-linking studies of (pro)PCA-ODNs with complementary oligoribonucleotides (ORNs) revealed that (pro)PCA-ODNs reacts efficiently and selectively with the target ORNs that have an adenosine or cytidine residue at a frontal position of the (pro)PCA residue without adverse effects of bases adjacent to the mutation site.

Development of Novel Antisense Oligonucleotides for the Functional Regulation of RNA-Induced Silencing Complex (RISC) by Promoting the Release of microRNA from RISC

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are known to be important post-transcription regulators of gene expression. Aberrant miRNA expression is associated with pathological disease processes, including carcinogenesis. Therefore, miRNAs are considered significant therapeutic targets for cancer therapy. MiRNAs do not act alone, but exhibit their functions by forming RNA-induced silencing complex (RISC). Thus, the regulation of RISC activity is a promising approach for cancer therapy. MiRNA is a core component of RISC and is an essential to RISC for recognizing target mRNA. Thereby, it is expected that development of the method to promote the release of miRNA from RISC would be an effective approach for inhibition of RISC activity. In this study, we synthesized novel peptide-conjugated oligonucleotides (RINDA-as) to promote the release of miRNA from RISC. RINDA-as showed a high rate of miRNA release from RISC and high level of inhibitory effect on RISC activity.

Synthesis of Oligonucleotides Containing 4,5',8-Trimethylpsoralen at the 2'-O Position and Their Cross-Linking Properties with RNAs

4,5',8-Trimethylpsoralen-conjugated oligonucleotides have been used in the study of photo-cross-linking with target oligonucleotides and in the field of the photodynamic therapy. This unit describes synthetic procedures for oligonucleotides using 2'-O-methylphosphoramidite units and an adenosine phosphoramidite unit containing a 4,5',8-trimethylpsoralen derivative attached at the 2' position of an adenosine sugar moiety via an ethoxymethylene linkage. Procedures for obtaining the photo-cross-linking efficiency of 2'-O-methyloligonucleotides containing a 4,5',8-trimethylpsoralen derivative with a target oligonucleotide under UV irradiation conditions are also described, together with the procedure for preparation of (32)P-radiolabeled RNA.

Novel photodynamic effect of a psoralen-conjugated oligonucleotide for the discrimination of the methylation of cytosine in DNA

DNA methylation and demethylation significantly affect the deactivation and activation processes of gene expression significantly. In particular, C-5-methylation of cytosine in the CpG islands is important for the epigenetic modification in genes, which plays a key role in regulating gene expression. The determination of the location and frequency of DNA methylation is important for the elucidation of the mechanisms of cell differentiation and carcinogenesis. Here we designed a psoralen-conjugated oligonucleotide (PS-oligo) for the discrimination of 5-methylcytosine (5-mC) in DNA. The cross-linking behavior of psoralen derivatives with pyrimidine bases, such as thymine, uracil and cytosine has been well discussed, but there are no reports which have examined whether cross-linking efficiency of psoralen with cytosine would be changed with or without C-5 methylation. We found that the cross-linking efficiency of PS-oligo with target-DNA containing 5-mC was greatly increased compared to the case of target-DNA without 5-mC, approximately seven-fold higher. Here we report a new aspect of the photocross-linking behavior of psoralen with 5-mC that is applicable to a simple, sequence-specific and quantitative analysis for the discrimination of 5-mC in DNA, which can be applicable to study the epigenetic behavior of gene expressions.

Functional regulation of RNA-induced silencing complex by photoreactive oligonucleotides

We developed a novel method for regulation of RISC function by photoreactive oligonucleotides (Ps-Oligo) containing 2'-O-psoralenylmethoxyethyl adenosine (Aps). We observed that inhibitory effects of Ps-Oligos on RISC function were enhanced by UV-irradiation compared with 2'-O-methyl-oligonucleotide without Aps. These results suggest Ps-Oligo inhibited RISC function by cross-linking effect, and we propose that the concept described in this report may be promising and applicable one to regulate the small RNA-mediated post-transcriptional regulation.

Rate-adjusted cross-linking reaction by photoresponsive α-bromoaldehyde (PBA)-conjugated ODN

We developed a photoresponsive α-bromoaldehyde-conjugated oligonucleotide (PBA-ODN). The PBA-ODN selectively reacted and formed covalent bonds with target oligonucleotides having adenine or cytosine at the frontal position of the aldehyde derivative. Kinetic studies revealed that PBA-ODN has increased kinetic rates for the formation of cross-linked duplexes compared with the corresponding α-chloroaldehyde-conjugated oligonucleotide (PCA-ODN).

Dual-fluorescent RNA probes with an extremely large stokes shift

Fluorescent probes are powerful and indispensable tools for imaging RNA in vivo and in vitro. To simultaneously visualize multiple RNA targets in a cell, it is necessary to develop probes which emit fluorescence with different colors by excitation at a single wavelength. We synthesized OMUpy1 and OMUpy2 in this study with a cyanine dye respectively conjugated at their 5' ends. A fluorescent analysis revealed these probes to have yellow or pink fluorescence derived from the cyanine dyes with an extremely large Stokes shift. Three color-coded fluorescent images were also obtained in the presence of target RNAs.

RNA-based diagnosis in a multicellular specimen by whole mount in situ hybridization using an RNA-specific probe

Recent RNA research has revealed the close involvement of various RNAs in cellular functions. RNAs are becoming the inevitable target molecules for research into details of gene expression. RNA and its related complexes are also promising targets for disease diagnosis. Multi cellular specimens such as organ tissues, histopathological specimens, and embryos are among the possible targets of RNA-based diagnostic techniques. In this report, we focused on a method that would provide such spatial and temporal information. We demonstrated that an RNA-specific probe (OMUpy2) was not only applicable to the detection of a specific mRNA in Drosophila embryos in a temporal and spatial manner but was also relatively quick and easy to use. The probe, OMUpy2, could be applied to other multi cellular systems for RNA-based diagnosis and research. The promising results of this manuscript show the great potential of RNA-based detection for both biological research and diagnostic medicine.

Novel photoresponsive cross-linking oligodeoxyribonucleotides having a caged α-chloroaldehyde

We have developed photoresponsive cross-linking oligodeoxyribonucleotides (ODNs) for sequence-selective interstrand covalent bond formation toward target nucleotides. A phosphoramidite derivative of α-chloroaldehyde whose carbonyl group was converted to a bis(2-nitrobenzyl)acetal group was prepared for the synthesis of photoresponsive α-chloroaldehyde (PCA)-conjugated ODN. The bis(2-nitrobenzyl)acetal group of a PCA-thymidine conjugate was completely removed by UV irradiation at 365 nm (400 mW/cm(2)) for 1 min. Photo-cross-linking studies revealed that PCA-ODN selectively reacted with the target nucleotides having an adenine or a cytosine moiety at the frontal position of the α-chloroaldehyde group.

Decoy-DNA against special AT-rich sequence binding protein 1 inhibits the growth and invasive ability of human breast cancer

"Triple-negative" (TN) breast cancers, which are characterized by estrogen receptor (-), progesterone receptor (-), and human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (-), are typically associated with poor prognosis because of their aggressive tumor phenotypes. In recent years, the number of patients with breast cancers has remarkably increased, but there are only few available drugs for treatment of TN breast cancers. The development of novel drugs targeting TN breast cancer is urgently required. In the present study, we focused on the function of special AT-rich sequence binding protein 1 (SATB1) as a target molecule for the treatment of TN breast cancers. By recruiting chromatin remodeling enzymes and transcriptional factors, SATB1 regulates the expression of >1,000 genes related to cell growth and translocation. We synthesized a decoy DNA against SATB1, including the recognition sequence of SATB1. We examined the inhibitory effects of the decoy DNAs on cellular proliferation of a TN metastatic breast cancer cell line (MDA-MB-231). SATB1-decoy DNA inhibited the proliferation of MDA-MB-231 cells. Especially, it was significant that SATB1-decoy DNA drastically reduced the invasive and metastatic capacity of MBA-MB-231 cells. Further, in the case of MCF7 cells (SATB1-negative breast cancer cell line), SATB1-decoy DNA did not exhibit any inhibitory effect. These data suggest that SATB1-decoy DNA may be an effective candidate for use as a molecular-targeting drug for treatment of TN breast cancer.

Development of a system to sensitively and specifically visualize c-fos mRNA in living cells using bispyrene-modified RNA probes

In situ visualization of c-fos mRNA was shown both in fixed cells and in living cells using bispyrene-modified 2'-O-methyl RNA probes (OMUpy2) or phosphorothioate modified OMUpy2 (OMUpy2-S), which was RNA-specific with high sensitivity, and a system for time-lapse imaging of c-fos mRNA was successfully developed.

Sequence-selective fluorophore formation by furan-conjugated oligodeoxyribonucleotides

We developed a mutation diagnosis system using a 1,N'-ethenoadenosine forming reaction. Furan-derivatized oligodeoxyribonucleotides were synthesized and fluorescence properties were studied in the presence of complimentary strand under oxidative conditions. Strong emission at 430 nm was observed in the presence of A allele ODN.

Photodynamic antisense regulation of mRNA having a point mutation with psoralen-conjugated oligonucleotide

Nucleic acid-based drugs, such as antisense oligonucleotide, ribozyme, and small interfering RNA, are specific compounds that inhibit gene expression at the post-transcriptional level. To develop more effective nucleic acid-based drugs, we focused on photo-reactive antisense oligonucleotides. We have optimized the structure of psoralen-conjugated oligonucleotide to improve their sequence selectivity and photo-crosslinking efficiency. Previously, we reported that photo reactive oligonucleotides containing 2'-O-psoralenyl-methoxyethyl adenosine (2'-Ps-eom) showed drastic photo-reactivity with a strictly sequence specific manner in vitro. In this report, we evaluated the binding ability toward intracellular target mRNA. The 2'-Ps-eom selectively photo-cross-linked to the target mRNA extracted from cells. The 2'-Ps-eom also cross-linked to target mRNA in cells. Furthermore, 2'-Ps-eom did not cross-link to mRNA having a mismatch base. These results suggest that 2'-Ps-eom is a powerful antisense molecule to inhibit the expression of mRNA having a point mutation.

Specific regulation of point-mutated K-ras-immortalized cell proliferation by a photodynamic antisense strategy

It has been reported that point mutations in genes are responsible for various cancers, and the selective regulation of gene expression is an important factor in developing new types of anticancer drugs. To develop effective drugs for the regulation of point-mutated genes, we focused on photoreactive antisense oligonucleotides. Previously, we reported that photoreactive oligonucleotides containing 2'-O-psoralenylmethoxyethyl adenosine (2'-Ps-eom) showed drastic photoreactivity in a strictly sequence-specific manner. Here, we demonstrated the specific gene regulatory effects of 2'-Ps-eom on [(12)Val]K-ras mutant (GGT --> GTT). Photo-cross-linking between target mRNAs and 2'-Ps-eom was sequence-specific, and the effect was UVA irradiation-dependent. Furthermore, 2'-Ps-eom was able to inhibit K-ras-immortalized cell proliferation (K12V) but not Vco cells that have the wild-type K-ras gene. These results suggest that the 2'-Ps-eom will be a powerful nucleic acid drug to inhibit the expression of disease-causing point mutation genes, and has great therapeutic potential in the treatment of cancer.

Development of peptide-oligonucleotide conjugates for regulation of small RNA function

Recently, various microRNAs (miRNAs) and endogenous small interfering RNAs (siRNAs) have been identified and play important roles in gene regulatory networks. However it is a little known about their biological functions. These small RNAs exhibit their function to form a ribonucleoprotein complex, the RISC (RNA-induced silencing complex), which modulates gene expression by translational repression. In this study, we developed a novel peptide antagonist to inhibit the RISC function. The peptide was conjugated to 2'-O-methyl oligoribonucleotides, which have a complementary sequence to the guide strand of siRNA, and regulatory effects of the peptide on RISC activity were examined. It was revealed that the peptide drastically enhanced inhibitory effects of the oligonucleotide on RISC activity. Here we demonstrate our peptide-oligonucleotide conjugate that can provide a powerful and specific way to regulate the small RNA function.

Real-time monitoring of mRNAs with fluorescence-modified RNA probes in living cells

In our previous study, we reported that bispyrene-modified RNA probes (OMUpy2) were useful for RNA detection in homogeneous physiological media(1-2). The aim of this study is to establish in situ monitoring system to detect mRNAs in living cells by OMUpy2. We chose c-fos mRNA as a target RNA which is known as one of the immediate-early genes. The real-time moni- toring of mRNAs was carried out in living C4II cells. After transfection of OMUpy2 into the cells which had been incubated with serum-free medium, cells were stimulated by media with serum and the resulting expression of mRNA was monitored by a fluorescence microscope. In the case of OMUpy2-CF3S, which was complementary to c-fos mRNA, fluorescence emission around 480 nm was observed obviously. These results suggest that mRNA expressed by the serum stimulation was successfully visualized in a real-time manner.