Interaction of oligonucleotides with barrier fluid proteins

Affinity modification of proteins was used to study their interaction with oligonucleotides barrier fluids. Several proteins of saliva and tears were shown to undergo affinity modification during incubation with an alkylating derivative of deoxyribooligonucleotides. In tears, such proteins were lactoferrin, immunoglobin G and lysozyme; in saliva, immunoglobulin A and lysozyme. The data showed that the affinity for oligonucleotides decrease in the order lactoferrin > lysozyme > immunoglobulin A > immunoglobulin G. The binding of reactive oligonucleotide derivatives with the proteins was competitively inhibited by polyanions, such as oligonucleotides of various nucleotide compositions, single-stranded and double-stranded DNA, heparin, and dextran sulfate. Interactions between oligonucleotides and proteins can strongly affect the metabolism of oligonucleotides and their ability to permeate biological barriers.

Number of chronic conditions and professional longevity of aviators

METHODS

The number of chronic medical conditions (NCMC) experienced by an individual may be a measure of health and predictor of the disqualification of aviators. Subjects were 727 medically disqualified and 807 current pilots and navigators in the Russian Air Forces. All chronic conditions reported in medical files were extracted.

RESULTS

Disqualification was earlier for subjects who had diagnoses of chronic conditions at age 29 (chi 2 = 82.24, p < 0.0001). Disqualification was proportionate to the NCMC at age 32 (chi 2 = 98.32, p < 0.0001) and at 37 (chi 2 = 105.41, p < 0.0001). For 37-yr-old aviators age at disqualification was influenced more by the NCMC than by military rank.

DISCUSSION

The NCMC influenced subsequent disqualification for many years after health assessment. This influence was significant and independent from the aviator's speciality, final military rank, position, age at entering flying school, or town or country of origin.

CONCLUSION

NCMC is a good measure of health and predictor of disqualification of aviators.

Rapid sequence-independent cellular response to oligodeoxynucleotides

The presence of receptors for oligodeoxynucleotides (OdN) on the surface of L929 cells has previously been described. To study the possible coupling of the receptor to cellular signal transducing systems, the effect of phosphodiester OdN of different sequences on cellular phospholipase C and protein kinase C (PKC) activities in L929 fibroblasts was studied. Treatment of cells with OdN induced an increase in 32P labeling of phosphatidic acid which was accompanied by a gradual decrease in diacylglycerol. These effects seem to be independent of the OdN sequence. PKC activity in membranes isolated from OdN-treated cells was found to be lower than that in membranes of control cells. SDS-PAGE of the 32P-labeled cellular proteins revealed that OdN treatment caused a decrease in phosphorylation of the 26 and 73 kDa cellular proteins in the cells.

c-fos protooncogene transcription can be modulated by oligonucleotide-mediated formation of triplex structures in vitro

A homopurine.homopyrimidine sequence of the c-fos promoter was chosen as a target for a triple helix oligonucleotide. Eight DNA oligonucleotides that ranged from 14 to 31 bp were shown to form a triple helix with three sequences within the c-fos promoter region. Reactive derivatives of homopyrimidine oligonucleotides bearing the 5'- or 3'-terminal DNA alkylation aromatic 2-chloroethylamino group were also synthesized. It was concluded, based on the physical properties of the DNA oligonucleotide complex, that the oligonucleotide forms a colinear triplex with the duplex binding sites. We investigated in detail, using electrophoretic mobility and footprinting protection, whether such oligonucleotide.DNA complexes are of benefit in designing high-affinity probes for a natural DNA sequence in the mouse c-fos gene. Our results demonstrate that four different DNA targets within the c-fos promoter region can form triplex structures with synthetic oligonucleotides in a sequence-specific manner. Moreover, in vitro modifications of the retinoblastoma-gene-product-binding site of the c-fos promoter at position -83 in front of the cAMP/cAMP-responsive element binding site and fos-binding site 3/activator-protein-2-like (FBS3/AP-2-like) site at position -431 by triple helix forming oligonucleotides cause dramatic suppression of fos-chloramphenicol acetyltransferase activity in endothelial cells. These results provide a basis for the development of a specific oligonucleotide target forming triplex-DNA complex, and emphasize the importance of a target forming triplex as a basis for control of gene expression and cell proliferation.

Chemical and computer probing of RNA structure

Ribonucleic acids (RNAs) are one of the most important types of biopolymers. RNAs play key roles in the storage and multiplication of genetic information. They are important in catalysis and RNA splicing and are the most important steps of translation. This chapter describes experimental methods for probing RNA structure and theoretical methods allowing the prediction of thermodynamically favorable RNA folding. These methods are complementary and together they provide a powerful approach to determine the structure of RNAs. The three-dimensional (tertiary) structure of RNA is formed by hydrogen-bonding among functional groups of nucleosides in different regions of the molecule, by coordination of polyvalent cations, and by stacking between the double-stranded regions present in the RNA. The tertiary structures of only some small RNAs have been determined by high-resolution X-ray crystallographic analysis and nuclear magnetic resonance analysis. The most widely used approach for the investigation of RNA structure is chemical and enzymatic probing, in combination with theoretical methods and phylogenetic studies allowing the prediction of variants of RNA folding. Investigations of RNA structures with different enzymatic and chemical probes can provide detailed data allowing the identification of double-stranded regions of the molecules and nucleotides involved in tertiary interactions.

Cleavage of tRNA with imidazole and spermine imidazole constructs: a new approach for probing RNA structure

Hydrolysis of RNA in imidazole buffer and by spermine-imidazole conjugates has been investigated. The RNA models were yeast tRNA(Asp) and a transcript derived from the 3'-terminal sequence of tobacco mosaic virus RNA representing a minihelix capable of being enzymatically aminoacylated with histidine. Imidazole buffer and spermine-imidazole conjugates in the presence of free imidazole cleave phosphodiester bonds in the folded RNAs in a specific fashion. Imidazole buffer induces cleavages preferentially in single-stranded regions because nucleotides in these regions have more conformational freedom and can assume more easily the geometry needed for formation of the hydrolysis intermediate state. Spermine-imidazole constructs supplemented with free imidazole cleave tRNA(Asp) within single-stranded regions after pyrimidine residues with a marked preference for pyrimidine-A sequences. Hydrolysis patterns suggest a cleavage mechanism involving an attack by the imidazole residue of the electrostatically bound spermine-imidazole and by free imidazole at the most accessible single-stranded regions of the RNA. Cleavages in a viral RNA fragment recapitulating a tRNA-like domain were found in agreement with the model of this molecule that accounts for its functional properties, thus illustrating the potential of the imidazole-derived reagents as structural probes for solution mapping of RNAs. The cleavage reactions are simple to perform, provide information reflecting the state of the ribose-phosphate backbone of RNA and can be used for mapping single- and double-stranded regions in RNAs.

Gene-targeted inhibition of transactivation of human immunodeficiency virus type-1 (HIV-1)-LTR by antisense oligonucleotides

We have used an in vitro approach to study the efficiency of antisense oligonucleotides in inhibiting LTR-(HIV-1)-directed CAT expression catalyzed by tat protein, the functional protein of the transactivator gene. We selected the target sequence localized near the 5' end of the tat mRNA. The following conclusions can be drawn from the data presented here: a) Antisense oligonucleotides modified by conjugation of cholesterol at the 3' end have a severalfold higher inhibitory response, b) inhibitory response is dependent on the mode of introducing oligonucleotides, and c) the inhibition by antisense oligonucleotides is sequence specific and directed towards the targeted region. This approach could be useful for targeting functional regions of regulatory gene products and designing gene-targeted inhibitors of virus replication.

Ethidium and azidoethidium oligonucleotide derivatives: synthesis, complementary complex formation and sequence-specific photomodification of the single-stranded and double-stranded target oligo- and polynucleotides

Oligodeoxyribonucleotide derivatives containing ethidium or azidoethidium residues attached to 3' and/or 5' end were prepared. These derivatives formed tight specific complexes with complementary oligodeoxyribonucleotides where each attached ethidium residue led to an increase of complex Tm by 20-30 degrees C. Tandem complexes of two oligodeoxyribonucleotides containing ethidium residues with an oligodeoxyribonucleotide having two adjacent complementary sequences for these oligonucleotides were investigated. Photoinduced reactions of a number of ethidium and azidoethidium oligodeoxyribonucleotide derivatives with target complementary single-stranded and double-stranded oligo- and polydeoxyribonucleotides were investigated. The irradiation led to direct photocleavage of the target oligo- or polynucleotide, to formation of hidden (piperidine cleavable) modifications of the target and to formation of covalent adducts between ethidium oligodeoxyribonucleotide derivative and the target. In a number of experiments, azidoethidium dyes were demonstrated to be considerably stronger photosensitizers than ethidium ones. Depending on the nature of the target (single- or double-stranded DNA) and on the irradiation conditions, the total damages to the target oligo- or polydeoxyribonucleotides ranged from 10-70% (for ethidium dyes) to 30-80% (for azidoethidium dyes).

Transport of oligonucleotides across natural and model membranes

Oligo- and polynucleotides can not diffuse through lipid membrane, however they are taken up by eukaryotic cells by endocytosis mediated by the nucleic acid specific receptors. The compounds find some way to escape from endosomes and reach nucleic acids in both cell nucleus and cytoplasm. Oligonucleotides bind to a few cell surface proteins which take part in the virus-cell interaction and in the development of immune response. Interaction of nucleic acids with cell surface proteins may play a role in development of some pathologies. The biological role of this interaction is unclear. Efficient delivery of oligonucleotides into eukaryotic cells can be achieved in some conditions by natural mechanisms and by using artificial carriers--membrane vehicles and cationic polymer micelles.

Serum immunoglobulins interact with oligonucleotides

The interaction of reactive derivatives of oligonucleotides bearing a 4-[(N-2-chloroethyl-N-methyl)amino]benzylamin residue at the 5'-terminal phosphate with serum blood proteins has been investigated. It was found that the compounds react with serum albumin and immunoglobulins M and G, the reactivity increasing in the order: albumin < IgG < IgM. The reactions with immunoglobulins were inhibited in the presence of different oligonucleotides, DNA and heparin, suggesting the oligonucleotide binding to some cationic region of the proteins. Myoglobin inhibited the interaction of oligonucleotide derivatives with myoglobin-specific monoclonal antibodies which indicates that the derivatives interact with the proteins within or near the antigen binding site.

Oligo(A), oligo(TG), and Alu repeats of DNA in chromatin are available for sequence-specific chemical modification with oligodeoxynucleotide derivatives

Reaction of 4-(N-2-chloroethyl-N-methylamino) benzylphosphamides of oligonucleotides, which are targeted to the poly(A), poly(TG), and Alu repeats of eukaryotic DNA in chromatin and isolated nuclei from HeLa cells, has been investigated. It was found that the reagents alkylate DNA and some proteins due to specific complex formation. The affinity character of the reaction was proved by the fact that free corresponding oligonucleotides taken in excess or preliminary treatment of chromatin with S1 nuclease both prevent the biopolymers from the modification. Deproteinated DNA from the same cells does not react with oligonucleotide derivatives. This suggests that the chromatin DNA must have some structural features allowing oligonucleotide binding. Reactivity may be attributed to the existence of strongly negative supercoiled DNA regions containing single-stranded sequences or regions where DNA can unwind in the presence of complementary oligonucleotides. Results obtained suggest that in eukaryotic chromatin there are open DNA sequences available for affinity modification with oligonucleotide derivatives not only due to formation of triple helixes.

Iontophoretic delivery of oligonucleotide derivatives into mouse tumor

Oligodeoxyribonucleotides (22-mers) were delivered through the skin of C3H mice in the region of a mammary gland tumor by means of iontophoresis. It was shown that the oligonucleotides enter the tumor, cross it, and reach all mouse organs. Electrophoretic analysis of the oligonucleotide extracted from tumor showed that the compounds were delivered in the tissue in the intact state.

Synthetic RNA-cleaving molecules mimicking ribonuclease A active center. Design and cleavage of tRNA transcripts

RNA cleaving molecules were synthesized by conjugating imidazole residues imitating the essential imidazoles in the active center of pancreatic ribonuclease to an intercalating compound, derivative of phenazine capable of binding to the double stranded regions of polynucleotides. Action of the molecules on tRNA was investigated. It was found, that some of the compounds bearing two imidazole residues cleave tRNA under physiological conditions. The cleavage reaction shows a bell-shaped pH dependence with a maximum at pH 7.0 indicating participation of protonated and non-protonated imidazole residues in the process. Under the conditions stabilizing the tRNA structure, a tRNAAsp transcript was cleaved preferentially at the junctions of the stem and loop regions of the cloverleaf tRNA fold, at the five positions C56, C43, C20.1, U13, and U8, with a marked preference for C56. This cleavage pattern is consistent with a hydrolysis mechanism involving non-covalent binding of the compounds to the double-stranded regions of tRNA followed by an attack of the imidazole residues at the juxtaposed flexible single-stranded regions of the molecule. The compounds provide new probes for the investigation of RNA structure in solution and potential reactive groups for antisense oligonucleotide derivatives.

Penetration of oligonucleotides into mouse organism through mucosa and skin

Benzylamide 5'-32P-oligonucleotide derivatives were shown to penetrate into mice organism when administered by various routes; intranasally, per os, intravaginally and per rectum. In all cases, the compounds are rapidly accumulated in blood and guts. Analysis of the radioactive material from blood and pancreas revealed intact oligonucleotides. Although concentrations of oligonucleotides in tissues differ considerably by the various methods of administration, the efficiency of delivery is sufficient to consider all the routes as being of therapeutic value. Dose effect on the efficiency of oligonucleotide penetration into mice suggests the transport to be a saturable process. Application of an oligonucleotide lotion on mice ear helices results in reproducible accumulation of radioactivity in the animal tissues. Effectiveness of oligonucleotide delivery into mouse through skin can be improved by using electrophoretic procedure.

c-fos gene expression in cell revertants from a transformed to a pseudonormal phenotype

c-fos gene expression in two types of mouse sarcoma cells of spontaneous origin and in revertants to pseudonormal phenotype has been investigated. In the latter cells the content of c-fos mRNA is similar to that in normal fibroblasts. Activity of transcription factors interacting with the regulatory elements, SRE, DSE and TRE, in the c-fos promoter do not correlate with the c-fos mRNA concentration. However, experiments with cells transformed with the indicator plasmid, fos-CAT, showed that the 600 bp c-fos promoter region provides the chloramphenicol acetyltransferase activity correlating with c-fos mRNA expression in cell revertants to a pseudonormal phenotype.

Inhibition of HIV proliferation in MT-4 cells by antisense oligonucleotide conjugated to lipophilic groups

Anti-HIV activity of antisense oligonucleotide derivatives conjugated to lipophilic groups has been investigated. Aliphatic linear structures and cholesterol were coupled to the 5'-terminal phosphate of oligonucleotides via glycine or propylene diamine spacers. The oligonucleotides were targeted to a conserved sequence of the viral gene env, to a sequence in the negative sense viral RNA, to the 5'-terminus of the gene rev and to poly(A) sequences. The conjugation with lipophilic groups stimulated binding of oligonucleotides to cells and protected the oligonucleotides against cellular nucleases. The lipophilic derivatives of oligonucleotides containing an ester bond in the linker structure were cleaved by cellular esterases yielding oligonucleotides protected from 5'-nuclease degradation by the glycine residue. Antiviral activity of the derivatives exceeded that of the corresponding unmodified oligonucleotides. The virus suppression was sequence-specific and most pronounced in the case of the cholesteryl conjugated oligonucleotides.

Specificity of interaction of pyrimidine oligonucleotides with DNA at acidic pH in the presence of magnesium ions: affinity modification study

Sequence-specific alkylation of dsDNA with pyrimidine oligonucleotides bearing an alkylating group at the 3' and 5' terminal phosphates, or both, has been investigated. At pH 5.4, sequence-specific modification of guanosines of the DNA in the vicinity of the target purine-pyrimidine sequence occurs. The reactive group at the 5' terminus of the oligonucleotides attacks guanosines in the purine strand of the target DNA. The reactive group at the 3' end can interact with guanosines in both strands of the DNA. Bifunctional reagents can alkylate both strands of the DNA simultaneously. At pH 4 in the presence of magnesium ions, the oligonucleotide derivatives can form imperfect complexes with sequences homologous to the target sequence and alkylate the DNA at the corresponding positions.

Affinity modification of human chromatin with reactive derivatives of oligonucleotides

Reaction of 4-(N-2-chloroethyl-N-methylamino)benzylphosphamides of oligonucleotides (RCl-(pT)16 and RCl-(pApC)6) with human chromatin in intact nuclei and with metaphase chromosomes has been investigated. The oligonucleotides were targeted to poly(A) and poly(TG)-repeating DNA sequences. It was found that the reagents alkylate DNA and some proteins due to specific complex formation. The affinity character of the reaction was proved by the fact that free corresponding oligonucleotides taken in excess or preliminary treatment of chromatin with S1-nuclease both prevent the biopolymers from modification. The results obtained evidence that in human chromatin there are open DNA sequences available for affinity modification with oligonucleotide derivatives. Analysis of patterns of modified proteins within these chromatin areas may give a key to the structure of these chromatin sites.

Cell membranes as barriers for antisense constructions

The results of studies on interaction of oligonucleotides and polynucleotides with cell membranes are reviewed. Oligonucleotides and polynucleotides bind to lipid membranes in the presence of divalent cations that may result in spontaneous encapsulation of nucleic acids and transfer of the formed vesicles to the other side of the membrane. Oligonucleotides can enter eukaryotic cells and interact with cellular RNA and DNA. On the surface of eukaryotic cells, there are proteins capable of binding to nucleic acids that may be involved in oligonucleotide uptake. Oligonucleotides bind to cellular CD4 receptors. Efficient delivery into cells can be achieved by conjugation of oligonucleotides to lipophilic groups or by encapsulation into membrane carriers.

Sequence-specific cleavage of single-stranded DNA by oligonucleotides conjugated to bleomycin

Cleavage of a single-stranded DNA fragment by complementary oligonucleotides conjugated to bleomycin A5 has been investigated. The conjugates efficiently cleave the DNA at the GT sequences near the oligonucleotide binding site. The temperature dependence of the reaction and the composition of the degradation products indicate that the oligonucleotide-linked bleomycin attacks the available double-stranded DNA regions within the oligonucleotide-DNA duplex and in the hairpin DNA region in the vicinity of the carrier oligonucleotide binding site.

Reactive oligonucleotide derivatives as gene-targeted biologically active compounds and affinity probes

Development of efficient methods for synthesis of oligonucleotides and oligonucleotide analogs has opened up the possibility of designing a broad spectrum of affinity reagents for specific modification of nucleic acids and proteins. These affinity reagents are used for investigation of the topology of ribosomes and nucleic acid polymerases. Oligonucleotides and their analogs are already used for suppression of specific gene expression and for elucidation of the physiological role of their products. Oligonucleotide derivatives appear to offer considerable promise as potential gene-targeted drugs such as antivirals and specific inhibitors of oncogene expression.

Porphyrin-linked oligonucleotides. Synthesis and sequence-specific modification of ssDNA

Oligonucleotide derivatives bearing hemin and deuterohemin groups were synthesized. The derivatives efficiently react with the complementary nucleotide sequence in ssDNA forming covalent adducts and piperidine-labile sites. In the case of the deuterohemin derivative, some direct cleavage of the target DNA occurs.