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Mebrahtu A, Aniander G, Mega A, Moradi Barzadd M, Berndt Thalén N, Gudmundsdotter L, Backström Rydin E, Sandegren A, Frejd FY, Rockberg J. Co-culture platform for tuning of cancer receptor density allows for evaluation of bispecific immune cell engagers. N Biotechnol 2024; 79:120-126. [PMID: 38159596 DOI: 10.1016/j.nbt.2023.12.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2023] [Revised: 11/30/2023] [Accepted: 12/27/2023] [Indexed: 01/03/2024]
Abstract
Cancer immunotherapy, where a patient's immune system is harnessed to eradicate cancer cells selectively, is a leading strategy for cancer treatment. However, successes with immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI) are hampered by reported systemic and organ-specific toxicities and by two-thirds of the patients being non-responders or subsequently acquiring resistance to approved ICIs. Hence substantial efforts are invested in discovering novel targeted immunotherapies aimed at reduced side-effects and improved potency. One way is utilizing the dual targeting feature of bispecific antibodies, which have made them increasingly popular for cancer immunotherapy. Easy and predictive screening methods for activation ranking of candidate drugs in tumor contra non-tumor environments are however lacking. Herein, we present a cell-based assay mimicking the tumor microenvironment by co-culturing B cells with engineered human embryonic kidney 293 T cells (HEK293T), presenting a controllable density of platelet-derived growth factor receptor β (PDGFRβ). A target density panel with three different surface protein levels on HEK293T cells was established by genetic constructs carrying regulatory elements limiting RNA translation of PDGFRβ. We employed a bispecific antibody-affibody construct called an AffiMab capable of binding PDGFRβ on cancer cells and CD40 expressed by B cells as a model. Specific activation of CD40-mediated signaling of immune cells was demonstrated with the two highest receptor-expressing cell lines, Level 2/3 and Level 4, while low-to-none in the low-expressing cell lines. The concept of receptor tuning and the presented co-culture protocol may be of general utility for assessing and developing novel bi-specific antibodies for immuno-oncology applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aman Mebrahtu
- KTH - Royal Institute of Technology, School of Engineering Sciences in Chemistry, Biotechnology, and Health, Dept. of Protein Science, SE-106 91 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Gustav Aniander
- KTH - Royal Institute of Technology, School of Engineering Sciences in Chemistry, Biotechnology, and Health, Dept. of Protein Science, SE-106 91 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Alessandro Mega
- Affibody Medical AB, Scheeles väg 2, SE-171 65 Solna, Sweden
| | - Mona Moradi Barzadd
- KTH - Royal Institute of Technology, School of Engineering Sciences in Chemistry, Biotechnology, and Health, Dept. of Protein Science, SE-106 91 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Niklas Berndt Thalén
- KTH - Royal Institute of Technology, School of Engineering Sciences in Chemistry, Biotechnology, and Health, Dept. of Protein Science, SE-106 91 Stockholm, Sweden
| | | | | | - Anna Sandegren
- Affibody Medical AB, Scheeles väg 2, SE-171 65 Solna, Sweden
| | - Fredrik Y Frejd
- Affibody Medical AB, Scheeles väg 2, SE-171 65 Solna, Sweden
| | - Johan Rockberg
- KTH - Royal Institute of Technology, School of Engineering Sciences in Chemistry, Biotechnology, and Health, Dept. of Protein Science, SE-106 91 Stockholm, Sweden.
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Zharkov TD, Markov OV, Zhukov SA, Khodyreva SN, Kupryushkin MS. Influence of Combinations of Lipophilic and Phosphate Backbone Modifications on Cellular Uptake of Modified Oligonucleotides. Molecules 2024; 29:452. [PMID: 38257365 PMCID: PMC10818405 DOI: 10.3390/molecules29020452] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2023] [Revised: 01/12/2024] [Accepted: 01/15/2024] [Indexed: 01/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Numerous types of oligonucleotide modifications have been developed since automated synthesis of DNA/RNA became a common instrument in the creation of synthetic oligonucleotides. Despite the growing number of types of oligonucleotide modifications under development, only a few of them and, moreover, their combinations have been studied widely enough in terms of their influence on the properties of corresponding NA constructions. In the present study, a number of oligonucleotides with combinations of 3'-end lipophilic (a single cholesteryl or a pair of dodecyl residues) and phosphate backbone modifications were synthesized. The influence of the combination of used lipophilic groups with phosphate modifications of various natures and different positions on the efficiency of cell penetration was evaluated. The obtained results indicate that even a couple of phosphate modifications are able to affect a set of oligonucleotide properties in a complex manner and can remarkably change cellular uptake. These data clearly show that the strategy of using different patterns of modification combinations has great potential for the rational design of oligonucleotide structures with desired predefined properties.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Maxim S. Kupryushkin
- Institute of Chemical Biology and Fundamental Medicine, Siberian Branch of RAS, Lavrentiev Ave. 8, 630090 Novosibirsk, Russia; (T.D.Z.); (O.V.M.); (S.A.Z.); (S.N.K.)
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Kang H, Ga YJ, Kim SH, Cho YH, Kim JW, Kim C, Yeh JY. Small interfering RNA (siRNA)-based therapeutic applications against viruses: principles, potential, and challenges. J Biomed Sci 2023; 30:88. [PMID: 37845731 PMCID: PMC10577957 DOI: 10.1186/s12929-023-00981-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2023] [Accepted: 10/04/2023] [Indexed: 10/18/2023] Open
Abstract
RNA has emerged as a revolutionary and important tool in the battle against emerging infectious diseases, with roles extending beyond its applications in vaccines, in which it is used in the response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Since their development in the 1990s, RNA interference (RNAi) therapeutics have demonstrated potential in reducing the expression of disease-associated genes. Nucleic acid-based therapeutics, including RNAi therapies, that degrade viral genomes and rapidly adapt to viral mutations, have emerged as alternative treatments. RNAi is a robust technique frequently employed to selectively suppress gene expression in a sequence-specific manner. The swift adaptability of nucleic acid-based therapeutics such as RNAi therapies endows them with a significant advantage over other antiviral medications. For example, small interfering RNAs (siRNAs) are produced on the basis of sequence complementarity to target and degrade viral RNA, a novel approach to combat viral infections. The precision of siRNAs in targeting and degrading viral RNA has led to the development of siRNA-based treatments for diverse diseases. However, despite the promising therapeutic benefits of siRNAs, several problems, including impaired long-term protein expression, siRNA instability, off-target effects, immunological responses, and drug resistance, have been considerable obstacles to the use of siRNA-based antiviral therapies. This review provides an encompassing summary of the siRNA-based therapeutic approaches against viruses while also addressing the obstacles that need to be overcome for their effective application. Furthermore, we present potential solutions to mitigate major challenges.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hara Kang
- Department of Life Sciences, College of Life Sciences and Bioengineering, Incheon National University, Academy-Ro 119, Yeonsu-Gu, Incheon, 22012, South Korea
| | - Yun Ji Ga
- Department of Life Sciences, College of Life Sciences and Bioengineering, Incheon National University, Academy-Ro 119, Yeonsu-Gu, Incheon, 22012, South Korea
| | - Soo Hyun Kim
- Department of Life Sciences, College of Life Sciences and Bioengineering, Incheon National University, Academy-Ro 119, Yeonsu-Gu, Incheon, 22012, South Korea
| | - Young Hoon Cho
- Department of Life Sciences, College of Life Sciences and Bioengineering, Incheon National University, Academy-Ro 119, Yeonsu-Gu, Incheon, 22012, South Korea
| | - Jung Won Kim
- Department of Life Sciences, College of Life Sciences and Bioengineering, Incheon National University, Academy-Ro 119, Yeonsu-Gu, Incheon, 22012, South Korea
- Convergence Research Center for Insect Vectors, Incheon National University, Academy-Ro 119, Yeonsu-Gu, Incheon, 22012, South Korea
| | - Chaeyeon Kim
- Department of Life Sciences, College of Life Sciences and Bioengineering, Incheon National University, Academy-Ro 119, Yeonsu-Gu, Incheon, 22012, South Korea
| | - Jung-Yong Yeh
- Department of Life Sciences, College of Life Sciences and Bioengineering, Incheon National University, Academy-Ro 119, Yeonsu-Gu, Incheon, 22012, South Korea.
- Research Institute for New Drug Development, Incheon National University, Academy-Ro 119, Yeonsu-Gu, Incheon, 22012, South Korea.
- Convergence Research Center for Insect Vectors, Incheon National University, Academy-Ro 119, Yeonsu-Gu, Incheon, 22012, South Korea.
- KU Center for Animal Blood Medical Science, College of Veterinary Medicine, Konkuk University, 120 Neungdong-Ro, Gwangjin-Gu, Seoul, 05029, South Korea.
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Nakamura M, Fujiwara K, Doi N. Cytoplasmic delivery of siRNA using human-derived membrane penetration-enhancing peptide. J Nanobiotechnology 2022; 20:458. [PMID: 36303212 PMCID: PMC9615171 DOI: 10.1186/s12951-022-01667-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2022] [Accepted: 10/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Although protein-based methods using cell-penetrating peptides such as TAT have been expected to provide an alternative approach to siRNA delivery, the low efficiency of endosomal escape of siRNA/protein complexes taken up into cells by endocytosis remains a problem. Here, to overcome this problem, we adopted the membrane penetration-enhancing peptide S19 from human syncytin 1 previously identified in our laboratory. RESULTS We prepared fusion proteins in which the S19 and TAT peptides were fused to the viral RNA-binding domains (RBDs) as carrier proteins, added the RBD-S19-TAT/siRNA complex to human cultured cells, and investigated the cytoplasmic delivery of the complex and the knockdown efficiency of target genes. We found that the intracellular uptake of the RBD-S19-TAT/siRNA complex was increased compared to that of the RBD-TAT/siRNA complex, and the expression level of the target mRNA was decreased. Because siRNA must dissociate from RBD and bind to Argonaute 2 (Ago2) to form the RNA-induced silencing complex (RISC) after the protein/siRNA complex is delivered into the cytoplasm, a dilemma arises: stronger binding between RBD and siRNA increases intracellular uptake but makes RISC formation more difficult. Thus, we next prepared fusion proteins in which the S19 and TAT peptides were fused with Ago2 instead of RBD and found that the efficiencies of siRNA delivery and knockdown obtained using TAT-S19-Ago2 were higher than those using TAT-Ago2. In addition, we found that the smallest RISC delivery induced faster knockdown than traditional siRNA lipofection, probably due to the decreased time required for RISC formation in the cytoplasm. CONCLUSION These results indicated that S19 and TAT-fused siRNA-binding proteins, especially Ago2, should be useful for the rapid and efficient delivery of siRNA without the addition of any endosome-disrupting agent.
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Affiliation(s)
- Momoko Nakamura
- Department of Biosciences and Informatics, Keio University, 3-14-1 Hiyoshi, Yokohama, 223-8522, Japan
| | - Kei Fujiwara
- Department of Biosciences and Informatics, Keio University, 3-14-1 Hiyoshi, Yokohama, 223-8522, Japan
| | - Nobuhide Doi
- Department of Biosciences and Informatics, Keio University, 3-14-1 Hiyoshi, Yokohama, 223-8522, Japan.
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Phillips C, Choi M, Huynh KN, Wang H, Resendiz MJE. Modification at the C2'-O-Position with 2-Methylbenzothiophene Induces Unique Structural Changes and Thermal Transitions on Duplexes of RNA and DNA. ACS OMEGA 2022; 7:37782-37796. [PMID: 36312363 PMCID: PMC9608412 DOI: 10.1021/acsomega.2c04784] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2022] [Accepted: 10/07/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Oligonucleotides can be chemically modified for a variety of applications that include their use as biomaterials, in therapeutics, or as tools to understand biochemical processes, among others. This work focuses on the functionalization of oligonucleotides of RNA and DNA (12- or 14-nucleotides long) with methylbenzothiophene (BT), at the C2'-O-position, which led to unique structural features. Circular dichroism (CD) analyses showed that positioning the BT units on one strand led to significant thermal destabilization, while duplexes where each strand contained 4-BT rings formed a distinct arrangement with cooperativity/interactions among the modifications (evidenced from the appearance of a band with positive ellipticity at 235 nm). Interestingly, the structural arrays displayed increased duplex stabilization (>10 °C higher than the canonical analogue) as a function of [Na+] with an unexpected structural rearrangement at temperatures above 50 °C. Density functional theory-polarizable continuum model (DFT-PCM) calculations were carried out, and the analyses were in agreement with induced structural changes as a function of salt content. A model was proposed where the hydrophobic surface allows for an internal nucleobase rearrangement into a more thermodynamically stable structure, before undergoing full denaturation, with increased heat. While this behavior is not common, B- to Z-form duplex transitions can occur and are dependent on parameters that were probed in this work, i.e., temperature, nature of modification, or ionic content. To take advantage of this phenomenon, we probed the ability of the modified duplexes to be recognized by Zα (an RNA binding protein that targets Z-form RNA) via electrophoretic analysis and CD. Interestingly, the protein did not bind to canonical duplexes of DNA or RNA; however, it recognized the modified duplexes, in a [monovalent/divalent salt] dependent manner. Overall, the findings describe methodology to attain unique structural motifs of modified duplexes of DNA or RNA, and control their behavior as a function of salt concentration. While their affinity to RNA binding proteins, and the corresponding mechanism of action, requires further exploration, the tunable properties can be of potential use to study this, and other, types of modifications. The novel arrays that formed, under the conditions described herein, provide a useful way to explore the structure and behavior of modified oligonucleotides, in general.
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Abstract
The highly specific induction of RNA interference-mediated gene knockdown, based on the direct application of small interfering RNAs (siRNAs), opens novel avenues towards innovative therapies. Two decades after the discovery of the RNA interference mechanism, the first siRNA drugs received approval for clinical use by the US Food and Drug Administration and the European Medicines Agency between 2018 and 2022. These are mainly based on an siRNA conjugation with a targeting moiety for liver hepatocytes, N-acetylgalactosamine, and cover the treatment of acute hepatic porphyria, transthyretin-mediated amyloidosis, hypercholesterolemia, and primary hyperoxaluria type 1. Still, the development of siRNA therapeutics faces several challenges and issues, including the definition of optimal siRNAs in terms of target, sequence, and chemical modifications, siRNA delivery to its intended site of action, and the absence of unspecific off-target effects. Further siRNA drugs are in clinical studies, based on different delivery systems and covering a wide range of different pathologies including metabolic diseases, hematology, infectious diseases, oncology, ocular diseases, and others. This article reviews the knowledge on siRNA design and chemical modification, as well as issues related to siRNA delivery that may be addressed using different delivery systems. Details on the mode of action and clinical status of the various siRNA therapeutics are provided, before giving an outlook on issues regarding the future of siRNA drugs and on their potential as one emerging standard modality in pharmacotherapy. Notably, this may also cover otherwise un-druggable diseases, the definition of non-coding RNAs as targets, and novel concepts of personalized and combination treatment regimens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maik Friedrich
- Faculty of Leipzig, Institute of Clinical Immunology, Max-Bürger-Forschungszentrum (MBFZ), University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany.,Department of Vaccines and Infection Models, Fraunhofer Institute for Cell Therapy and Immunology IZI, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Achim Aigner
- Rudolf-Boehm Institute for Pharmacology and Toxicology, Clinical Pharmacology, University of Leipzig, Haertelstrasse 16-18, 04107, Leipzig, Germany.
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Paul A, Muralidharan A, Biswas A, Venkatesh Kamath B, Joseph A, Alex AT. siRNA Therapeutics and its Challenges: Recent Advances in Effective Delivery for Cancer Therapy. OPENNANO 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.onano.2022.100063] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/16/2022]
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Fan Y, Yang Z. Inhaled siRNA Formulations for Respiratory Diseases: From Basic Research to Clinical Application. Pharmaceutics 2022; 14:1193. [PMID: 35745766 PMCID: PMC9227582 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics14061193] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2022] [Revised: 05/27/2022] [Accepted: 05/30/2022] [Indexed: 12/10/2022] Open
Abstract
The development of siRNA technology has provided new opportunities for gene-specific inhibition and knockdown, as well as new ideas for the treatment of disease. Four siRNA drugs have already been approved for marketing. However, the instability of siRNA in vivo makes systemic delivery ineffective. Inhaled siRNA formulations can deliver drugs directly to the lung, showing great potential for treating respiratory diseases. The clinical applications of inhaled siRNA formulations still face challenges because effective delivery of siRNA to the lung requires overcoming the pulmonary and cellular barriers. This paper reviews the research progress for siRNA inhalation formulations for the treatment of various respiratory diseases and summarizes the chemical structural modifications and the various delivery systems for siRNA. Finally, we conclude the latest clinical application research for inhaled siRNA formulations and discuss the potential difficulty in efficient clinical application.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Zhijun Yang
- School of Chinese Medicine, Hong Kong Baptist University, 224 Waterloo Rd., Kowloon Tong, Hong Kong, China;
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Cheng W, Lin M, Chu M, Xiang G, Guo J, Jiang Y, Guan D, He S. RNAi-Based Gene Silencing of RXLR Effectors Protects Plants Against the Oomycete Pathogen Phytophthora capsici. MOLECULAR PLANT-MICROBE INTERACTIONS : MPMI 2022; 35:440-449. [PMID: 35196108 DOI: 10.1094/mpmi-12-21-0295-r] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Phytophthora capsici is a broad-host range oomycete pathogen that can cause severe phytophthora blight disease of pepper and hundreds of other plant species worldwide. Natural resistance against P. capsici is inadequate, and it is very difficult to control by most of existing chemical fungicides. Therefore, it is urgent to develop alternative strategies to control this pathogen. Recently, host-induced or spray-induced gene silencing of essential or virulent pathogen genes provided an effective strategy for disease controls. Here, we demonstrate that P. capsici can effectively take up small interfering RNAs (siRNAs) from the environment. According to RNA-seq and quantitative reverse transcription PCR analysis, we identified four P. capsici RXLR effector genes that are significantly up-regulated during the infection stage. Transient overexpression and promote-infection assays indicated that RXLR1 and RXLR4 could promote pathogen infection. Using a virus-induced gene silencing system in pepper plants, we found that in planta-expressing RNA interference (RNAi) constructs that target RXLR1 or RXLR4 could significantly reduce pathogen infection, while co-interfering RXLR1 and RXLR4 could confer a more enhanced resistance to P. capsici. We also found that exogenously applying siRNAs that target RXLR1 or RXLR4 could restrict growth of P. capsici on the pepper and Nicotiana benthamiana leaves; when targeting RXLR1 and RXLR4 simultaneously, the control effect was more remarkable. These data suggested that RNAi-based gene silencing of RXLR effectors has great potential for application in crop improvement against P. capsici and also provides an important basis for the development of RNA-based antioomycete agents.[Formula: see text] Copyright © 2022 The Author(s). This is an open access article distributed under the CC BY-NC-ND 4.0 International license.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Cheng
- Anhui Provincial Key Laboratory of the Conservation and Exploitation of Biological Resources/College of Life Sciences, Anhui Normal University, Wuhu, Anhui 241000, China
- National Education Minister Key Laboratory of Plant Genetic Improvement and Comprehensive Utilization/College of Agriculture, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, Fujian 350002, China
| | - Menglan Lin
- National Education Minister Key Laboratory of Plant Genetic Improvement and Comprehensive Utilization/College of Agriculture, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, Fujian 350002, China
| | - Moli Chu
- Anhui Provincial Key Laboratory of the Conservation and Exploitation of Biological Resources/College of Life Sciences, Anhui Normal University, Wuhu, Anhui 241000, China
| | - Guixiang Xiang
- National Education Minister Key Laboratory of Plant Genetic Improvement and Comprehensive Utilization/College of Agriculture, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, Fujian 350002, China
| | - Jianwen Guo
- National Education Minister Key Laboratory of Plant Genetic Improvement and Comprehensive Utilization/College of Agriculture, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, Fujian 350002, China
| | - Yan Jiang
- National Education Minister Key Laboratory of Plant Genetic Improvement and Comprehensive Utilization/College of Agriculture, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, Fujian 350002, China
| | - Deyi Guan
- National Education Minister Key Laboratory of Plant Genetic Improvement and Comprehensive Utilization/College of Agriculture, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, Fujian 350002, China
| | - Shuilin He
- National Education Minister Key Laboratory of Plant Genetic Improvement and Comprehensive Utilization/College of Agriculture, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, Fujian 350002, China
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Wang S, Gao S, Zeng Y, Zhu L, Mo Y, Wong CC, Bao Y, Su P, Zhai J, Wang L, Soares F, Xu X, Chen H, Hezaveh K, Ci X, He A, McGaha T, O'Brien C, Rottapel R, Kang W, Wu J, Zheng G, Cai Z, Yu J, He HH. N6-Methyladenosine Reader YTHDF1 Promotes ARHGEF2 Translation and RhoA Signaling in Colorectal Cancer. Gastroenterology 2022; 162:1183-1196. [PMID: 34968454 DOI: 10.1053/j.gastro.2021.12.269] [Citation(s) in RCA: 81] [Impact Index Per Article: 40.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2021] [Revised: 12/01/2021] [Accepted: 12/20/2021] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS N6-methyladenosine (m6A) governs the fate of RNAs through m6A readers. Colorectal cancer (CRC) exhibits aberrant m6A modifications and expression of m6A regulators. However, how m6A readers interpret oncogenic m6A methylome to promote malignant transformation remains to be illustrated. METHODS YTH N6-methyladenosine RNA binding protein 1 (Ythdf1) knockout mouse was generated to determine the effect of Ythdf1 in CRC tumorigenesis in vivo. Multiomic analysis of RNA-sequencing, m6A methylated RNA immunoprecipitation sequencing, YTHDF1 RNA immunoprecipitation sequencing, and proteomics were performed to unravel targets of YTHDF1 in CRC. The therapeutic potential of targeting YTHDF1-m6A-Rho/Rac guanine nucleotide exchange factor 2 (ARHGEF2) was evaluated using small interfering RNA (siRNA) encapsulated by lipid nanoparticles (LNP). RESULTS DNA copy number gain of YTHDF1 is a frequent event in CRC and contributes to its overexpression. High expression of YTHDF1 is significantly associated with metastatic gene signature in patient tumors. Ythdf1 knockout in mice dampened tumor growth in an inflammatory CRC model. YTHDF1 promotes cell growth in CRC cell lines and primary organoids and lung and liver metastasis in vivo. Integrative multiomics analysis identified RhoA activator ARHGEF2 as a key downstream target of YTHDF1. YTHDF1 binds to m6A sites of ARHGEF2 messenger RNA, resulting in enhanced translation of ARHGEF2. Ectopic expression of ARHGEF2 restored impaired RhoA signaling, cell growth, and metastatic ability both in vitro and in vivo caused by YTHDF1 loss, verifying that ARHGEF2 is a key target of YTHDF1. Finally, ARHGEF2 siRNA delivered by LNP significantly suppressed tumor growth and metastasis in vivo. CONCLUSIONS We identify a novel oncogenic epitranscriptome axis of YTHDF1-m6A-ARHGEF2, which regulates CRC tumorigenesis and metastasis. siRNA-delivering LNP drug validated the therapeutic potential of targeting this axis in CRC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shiyan Wang
- Princess Margaret Cancer Centre/University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Shanshan Gao
- Institute of Digestive Disease and Department of Medicine and Therapeutics, State Key Laboratory of Digestive Disease, Li Ka Shing Institute of Health Sciences, CUHK Shenzhen Research Institute, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Yong Zeng
- Princess Margaret Cancer Centre/University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Lin Zhu
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental and Biological Analysis, Department of Chemistry, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong, China
| | - Yulin Mo
- Princess Margaret Cancer Centre/University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Institute of Medical Science, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Chi Chun Wong
- Institute of Digestive Disease and Department of Medicine and Therapeutics, State Key Laboratory of Digestive Disease, Li Ka Shing Institute of Health Sciences, CUHK Shenzhen Research Institute, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Yi Bao
- Institute of Digestive Disease and Department of Medicine and Therapeutics, State Key Laboratory of Digestive Disease, Li Ka Shing Institute of Health Sciences, CUHK Shenzhen Research Institute, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Peiran Su
- Princess Margaret Cancer Centre/University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Department of Medical Biophysics, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Jianning Zhai
- Institute of Digestive Disease and Department of Medicine and Therapeutics, State Key Laboratory of Digestive Disease, Li Ka Shing Institute of Health Sciences, CUHK Shenzhen Research Institute, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Lina Wang
- Institute of Precision Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangdong, China
| | - Fraser Soares
- Princess Margaret Cancer Centre/University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Xin Xu
- Princess Margaret Cancer Centre/University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Huarong Chen
- Institute of Digestive Disease and Department of Medicine and Therapeutics, State Key Laboratory of Digestive Disease, Li Ka Shing Institute of Health Sciences, CUHK Shenzhen Research Institute, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Kebria Hezaveh
- Princess Margaret Cancer Centre/University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Xinpei Ci
- Princess Margaret Cancer Centre/University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Aobo He
- Princess Margaret Cancer Centre/University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Tracy McGaha
- Princess Margaret Cancer Centre/University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Catherine O'Brien
- Princess Margaret Cancer Centre/University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Department of Medical Biophysics, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Robert Rottapel
- Princess Margaret Cancer Centre/University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Department of Medical Biophysics, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Wei Kang
- Department of Anatomical and Cellular Pathology, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Prince of Wales Hospital, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Jianfeng Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Cellular Stress Biology, School of Life Sciences, Xiamen University, Fujian, China
| | - Gang Zheng
- Princess Margaret Cancer Centre/University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Institute of Medical Science, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Department of Medical Biophysics, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Zongwei Cai
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental and Biological Analysis, Department of Chemistry, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong, China
| | - Jun Yu
- Institute of Digestive Disease and Department of Medicine and Therapeutics, State Key Laboratory of Digestive Disease, Li Ka Shing Institute of Health Sciences, CUHK Shenzhen Research Institute, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China.
| | - Housheng Hansen He
- Princess Margaret Cancer Centre/University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Department of Medical Biophysics, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
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Takeuchi S, Yamamoto M, Matsumoto S, Kenjo E, Karashima M, Ikeda Y. Pinpoint modification strategy for stabilization of single guide RNA. J Chromatogr B Analyt Technol Biomed Life Sci 2022; 1192:123149. [PMID: 35139474 DOI: 10.1016/j.jchromb.2022.123149] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/26/2021] [Revised: 01/30/2022] [Accepted: 01/31/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
The clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats-CRISPR associated protein9 (CRISPR-Cas9) system, which includes a single guide RNA (sgRNA) and a Cas9 protein, is an emerging and promising gene editing technology that produces specific changes, including insertions, deletions, or substitutions, in desired targets. This approach can be applied in novel therapeutic areas for multiple cancers and genetic diseases, including Parkinson's disease, sickle cell disease, and muscular dystrophy. However, there are many limitations to its potential application to therapeutics. CRISPR-Cas9 activity without side effects, delivery of CRISPR-Cas9 to the target cell within the desired tissue including liver, lungs, brain and muscle and the expression of Cas9 endonuclease in the target cell are key factors in achieving therapeutic efficacy. Generally, single-stranded RNA is immediately degraded in cells and biological fluids such as serum, as chemically unmodified single-stranded RNA shows extremely poor stability against nuclease degradation. To overcome this limitation, sgRNA is chemically modified to obtain a highly stable sgRNA for efficient gene editing in cells and in vivo. Here, we identified the cleavage site of sgRNA for pinpoint modification in biological tissues using mass spectrometry and improved stability of pinpoint modified sgRNA in these fluids. Although improved efficiency provided by modified sgRNA has already been reported, we identified the cleavage site by mass spectrometry and revealed that the stability increased with the pinpoint modification strategy for the first time in this study. In future studies, the efficiency of pinpoint modification strategy for the potential application of sgRNA by systematic routes, including intravenous and subcutaneous administration will be assessed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shoko Takeuchi
- Analytical Development, Pharmaceutical Sciences, Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Limited, Japan.
| | - Mitsuo Yamamoto
- Analytical Development, Pharmaceutical Sciences, Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Limited, Japan
| | - Satoru Matsumoto
- Drug Product Development, Pharmaceutical Sciences, Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Limited, Japan
| | - Eriya Kenjo
- TCiRA Discovery, Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Limited, Japan
| | - Masatoshi Karashima
- Analytical Development, Pharmaceutical Sciences, Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Limited, Japan
| | - Yukihiro Ikeda
- Analytical Development, Pharmaceutical Sciences, Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Limited, Japan
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12
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Koren MJ, Moriarty PM, Baum SJ, Neutel J, Hernandez-Illas M, Weintraub HS, Florio M, Kassahun H, Melquist S, Varrieur T, Haldar SM, Sohn W, Wang H, Elliott-Davey M, Rock BM, Pei T, Homann O, Hellawell J, Watts GF. Preclinical development and phase 1 trial of a novel siRNA targeting lipoprotein(a). Nat Med 2022; 28:96-103. [PMID: 35027752 DOI: 10.1038/s41591-021-01634-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 126] [Impact Index Per Article: 63.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2020] [Accepted: 11/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Compelling evidence supports a causal role for lipoprotein(a) (Lp(a)) in cardiovascular disease. No pharmacotherapies directly targeting Lp(a) are currently available for clinical use. Here we report the discovery and development of olpasiran, a first-in-class, synthetic, double-stranded, N-acetylgalactosamine-conjugated small interfering RNA (siRNA) designed to directly inhibit LPA messenger RNA translation in hepatocytes and potently reduce plasma Lp(a) concentration. Olpasiran reduced Lp(a) concentrations in transgenic mice and cynomolgus monkeys in a dose-responsive manner, achieving up to over 80% reduction from baseline for 5-8 weeks after administration of a single dose. In a phase 1 dose-escalation trial of olpasiran (ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT03626662 ), the primary outcome was safety and tolerability, and the secondary outcomes were the change in Lp(a) concentrations and olpasiran pharmacokinetic parameters. Participants tolerated single doses of olpasiran well and experienced a 71-97% reduction in Lp(a) concentration with effects persisting for several months after administration of doses of 9 mg or higher. Serum concentrations of olpasiran increased approximately dose proportionally. Collectively, these results validate the approach of using hepatocyte-targeted siRNA to potently lower Lp(a) in individuals with elevated plasma Lp(a) concentration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael J Koren
- Jacksonville Center for Clinical Research, Jacksonville, FL, USA.
| | | | - Seth J Baum
- Excel Medical Clinical Trials, Boca Raton, FL, USA
| | - Joel Neutel
- Orange County Research Center, Tustin, CA, USA
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Tao Pei
- Arrowhead Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Madison, WI, USA
| | | | | | - Gerald F Watts
- University of Western Australia and Royal Perth Hospital, Perth WA, Australia
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13
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Rajeev A, Siby A, Koottungal MJ, George J, John F. Knocking Down Barriers: Advances in siRNA Delivery. ChemistrySelect 2021. [DOI: 10.1002/slct.202103288] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Anjaly Rajeev
- Bioorganic Chemistry Laboratory Department of Chemistry Sacred Heart College (Autonomous) Kochi Kerala India- 682013
| | - Aiswarya Siby
- Bioorganic Chemistry Laboratory Department of Chemistry Sacred Heart College (Autonomous) Kochi Kerala India- 682013
| | - Merin James Koottungal
- Bioorganic Chemistry Laboratory Department of Chemistry Sacred Heart College (Autonomous) Kochi Kerala India- 682013
| | - Jinu George
- Bioorganic Chemistry Laboratory Department of Chemistry Sacred Heart College (Autonomous) Kochi Kerala India- 682013
| | - Franklin John
- Bioorganic Chemistry Laboratory Department of Chemistry Sacred Heart College (Autonomous) Kochi Kerala India- 682013
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14
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Akabane-Nakata M, Erande ND, Kumar P, Degaonkar R, Gilbert JA, Qin J, Mendez M, Woods LB, Jiang Y, Janas M, O’Flaherty DK, Zlatev I, Schlegel M, Matsuda S, Egli M, Manoharan M. siRNAs containing 2'-fluorinated Northern-methanocarbacyclic (2'-F-NMC) nucleotides: in vitro and in vivo RNAi activity and inability of mitochondrial polymerases to incorporate 2'-F-NMC NTPs. Nucleic Acids Res 2021; 49:2435-2449. [PMID: 33577685 PMCID: PMC7969009 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkab050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2020] [Revised: 01/13/2021] [Accepted: 02/07/2021] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
We recently reported the synthesis of 2'-fluorinated Northern-methanocarbacyclic (2'-F-NMC) nucleotides, which are based on a bicyclo[3.1.0]hexane scaffold. Here, we analyzed RNAi-mediated gene silencing activity in cell culture and demonstrated that a single incorporation of 2'-F-NMC within the guide or passenger strand of the tri-N-acetylgalactosamine-conjugated siRNA targeting mouse Ttr was generally well tolerated. Exceptions were incorporation of 2'-F-NMC into the guide strand at positions 1 and 2, which resulted in a loss of the in vitro activity. Activity at position 1 was recovered when the guide strand was modified with a 5' phosphate, suggesting that the 2'-F-NMC is a poor substrate for 5' kinases. In mice, the 2'-F-NMC-modified siRNAs had comparable RNAi potencies to the parent siRNA. 2'-F-NMC residues in the guide seed region position 7 and at positions 10, 11 and 12 were well tolerated. Surprisingly, when the 5'-phosphate mimic 5'-(E)-vinylphosphonate was attached to the 2'-F-NMC at the position 1 of the guide strand, activity was considerably reduced. The steric constraints of the bicyclic 2'-F-NMC may impair formation of hydrogen-bonding interactions between the vinylphosphonate and the MID domain of Ago2. Molecular modeling studies explain the position- and conformation-dependent RNAi-mediated gene silencing activity of 2'-F-NMC. Finally, the 5'-triphosphate of 2'-F-NMC is not a substrate for mitochondrial RNA and DNA polymerases, indicating that metabolites should not be toxic.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Namrata D Erande
- Alnylam Pharmaceuticals, 675 West Kendall Street, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
| | - Pawan Kumar
- Alnylam Pharmaceuticals, 675 West Kendall Street, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
| | - Rohan Degaonkar
- Alnylam Pharmaceuticals, 675 West Kendall Street, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
| | - Jason A Gilbert
- Alnylam Pharmaceuticals, 675 West Kendall Street, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
| | - June Qin
- Alnylam Pharmaceuticals, 675 West Kendall Street, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
| | - Martha Mendez
- Alnylam Pharmaceuticals, 675 West Kendall Street, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
| | - Lauren Blair Woods
- Alnylam Pharmaceuticals, 675 West Kendall Street, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
| | - Yongfeng Jiang
- Alnylam Pharmaceuticals, 675 West Kendall Street, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
| | - Maja M Janas
- Alnylam Pharmaceuticals, 675 West Kendall Street, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
| | - Derek K O’Flaherty
- Alnylam Pharmaceuticals, 675 West Kendall Street, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
| | - Ivan Zlatev
- Alnylam Pharmaceuticals, 675 West Kendall Street, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
| | - Mark K Schlegel
- Alnylam Pharmaceuticals, 675 West Kendall Street, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
| | - Shigeo Matsuda
- Alnylam Pharmaceuticals, 675 West Kendall Street, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
| | - Martin Egli
- Department of Biochemistry, School of Medicine, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37232, USA
| | - Muthiah Manoharan
- Alnylam Pharmaceuticals, 675 West Kendall Street, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
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15
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Salim L, Goss E, Desaulniers JP. Synthesis and evaluation of modified siRNA molecules containing a novel glucose derivative. RSC Adv 2021; 11:9285-9289. [PMID: 35423452 PMCID: PMC8698894 DOI: 10.1039/d1ra00922b] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2021] [Accepted: 02/24/2021] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Chemical modifications are critical for the development of safe and effective siRNAs for downstream applications. In this study, we report the synthesis of a novel glucose phosphoramidite, a triazole-linked to uracil at position one, for incorporation into oligonucleotides. Biological testing revealed that the glucose derivative at key positions within the sense or antisense strand can lead to potent gene-silencing activity, thus highlighting its tolerance in both sense and antisense positions. Furthermore, the A-form helical formation was maintained with this modification. Overall, placing the modification at the 3' end and at key internal positions led to effective RNAi gene-silencing activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lidya Salim
- University of Ontario Institute of Technology, Faculty of Science 2000 Simcoe Street North Oshawa ON L1G 0C5 Canada
| | - Eva Goss
- Synthose Inc. 50 Viceroy Road Unit 7 Concord ON L4K 3A7 Canada
| | - Jean-Paul Desaulniers
- University of Ontario Institute of Technology, Faculty of Science 2000 Simcoe Street North Oshawa ON L1G 0C5 Canada
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16
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Gupta A, Kafetzis KN, Tagalakis AD, Yu-Wai-Man C. RNA therapeutics in ophthalmology - translation to clinical trials. Exp Eye Res 2021; 205:108482. [PMID: 33548256 DOI: 10.1016/j.exer.2021.108482] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2020] [Revised: 01/09/2021] [Accepted: 01/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
The use of RNA interference technology has proven to inhibit the expression of many target genes involved in the underlying pathogenesis of several diseases affecting various systems. First established in in vitro and later in animal studies, small interfering RNA (siRNA) and antisense oligonucleotide (ASO) therapeutics are now entering clinical trials with the potential of clinical translation to patients. Gene-silencing therapies have demonstrated promising responses in ocular disorders, predominantly due to the structure of the eye being a closed and compartmentalised organ. However, although the efficacy of such treatments has been observed in both preclinical studies and clinical trials, there are issues pertaining to the use of these drugs which require more extensive research with regards to the delivery and stability of siRNAs and ASOs. This would improve their use for long-term treatment regimens and alleviate the difficulties experienced by patients with ocular diseases. This review provides a detailed insight into the recent developments and clinical trials that have been conducted for several gene-silencing therapies, including ISTH0036, SYL040012, SYL1001, PF-04523655, Sirna-027, QR-110, QR-1123, QR-421a and IONIS-FB-LRX in glaucoma, dry eye disease, age-related macular degeneration, diabetic macular oedema and various inherited retinal diseases. Our aim is to explore the potential of these drugs whilst evaluating their associated advantages and disadvantages, and to discuss the future translation of RNA therapeutics in ophthalmology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aanchal Gupta
- King's College London, London, SE1 7EH, United Kingdom; Department of Ophthalmology, St Thomas' Hospital, London, SE1 7EH, United Kingdom
| | | | | | - Cynthia Yu-Wai-Man
- King's College London, London, SE1 7EH, United Kingdom; Department of Ophthalmology, St Thomas' Hospital, London, SE1 7EH, United Kingdom.
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17
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Schmidt PJ, Fitzgerald K, Butler JS, Fleming MD. Global loss of Tfr2 with concomitant induced iron deficiency greatly ameliorates the phenotype of a murine thalassemia intermedia model. Am J Hematol 2021; 96:251-257. [PMID: 33180328 DOI: 10.1002/ajh.26048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2020] [Revised: 10/12/2020] [Accepted: 11/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
β-thalassemias result from mutations in β-globin, causing ineffective erythropoiesis and secondary iron overload due to inappropriately low levels of the iron regulatory hormone hepcidin. Mutations in transferrin receptor 2 (TFR2) lead to hereditary hemochromatosis (HH) as a result of inappropriately increased iron uptake from the diet, also due to improperly regulated hepcidin. TFR2 is also thought to be required for efficient erythropoiesis through its interaction with the erythropoietin receptor in erythroid progenitors. Transmembrane serine protease 6 (TMPRSS6), a membrane serine protease expressed selectively in the liver, participates in regulating hepcidin production in response to iron stores by cleaving hemojuvelin (HJV). We have previously demonstrated that inhibiting TMPRSS6 expression with a hepatocyte-specific siRNA formulation, induces hepcidin, mitigates anemia, and reduces iron overload in murine models of β-thalassemia intermedia and HH. Here, we demonstrate that Tmprss6 siRNA treatment of double mutant Tfr2Y245X/Y245X HH Hbbth3/+ thalassemic mice induces hepcidin and diminishes tissue and serum iron levels. Importantly, treated double mutant animals produce more mature red blood cells and have a nearly 50% increase in hemoglobin compared to untreated β-thalassemic mice. Furthermore, we also show that treatment of Tfr2Y245X/Y245X HH mice leads to increased hepcidin expression and reduced total body iron burden. These data indicate that siRNA suppression of Tmprss6, in conjunction with the targeting of TFR2, may be superior to inhibiting Tmprss6 alone in the treatment of the anemia and secondary iron loading in β-thalassemia intermedia and may be useful as a method of suppressing the primary iron overload in TFR2-related (type 3) hereditary hemochromatosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul J. Schmidt
- Department of Pathology Boston Children's Hospital and Harvard Medical School Boston Massachusetts USA
| | | | - James S. Butler
- Alnylam Pharmaceuticals, Inc. Cambridge Massachusetts USA
- Current: Intellia Therapeutics, Inc. Cambridge Massachusetts USA
| | - Mark D. Fleming
- Department of Pathology Boston Children's Hospital and Harvard Medical School Boston Massachusetts USA
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18
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Amiri A, Barreto G, Sathyapalan T, Sahebkar A. siRNA Therapeutics: Future Promise for Neurodegenerative Diseases. Curr Neuropharmacol 2021; 19:1896-1911. [PMID: 33797386 PMCID: PMC9185778 DOI: 10.2174/1570159x19666210402104054] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2020] [Revised: 01/29/2021] [Accepted: 03/30/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Neurodegenerative diseases (ND), as a group of central nervous system (CNS) disorders, are among the most prominent medical problems of the 21st century. They are often associated with considerable disability, motor dysfunction and dementia and are more common in the aged population. ND imposes a psychologic, economic and social burden on the patients and their families. Currently, there is no effective treatment for ND. Since many ND result from the gain of function of a mutant allele, small interference RNA (siRNA) can be a potential therapeutic agent for ND management. Based on the RNA interference (RNAi) approach, siRNA is a powerful tool for modulating gene expression through gene silencing. However, there are some obstacles in the clinical application of siRNA, including unfavorable immune response, off-target effects, instability of naked siRNA, nuclease susceptibility and a need to develop a suitable delivery system. Since there are some issues related to siRNA delivery routes, in this review, we focus on the application of siRNA in the management of ND treatment from 2000 to 2020.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Amirhossein Sahebkar
- Address correspondence to this author at the Biotechnology Research Center, Pharmaceutical Technology Institute, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran; Tel: 985118002288; Fax: 985118002287; E-mails: ;
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19
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Hagiwara K, Honma M, Harumoto T, Harada K, Sawada T, Yamamoto J, Shinohara F. Development of Prodrug Type Circular siRNA for In Vivo Knockdown by Systemic Administration. Nucleic Acid Ther 2020; 30:346-364. [PMID: 33016851 DOI: 10.1089/nat.2020.0894] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
siRNAs are being developed as a novel therapeutic modality; however, problems impeding their application in extrahepatic tissues persist, including inadequate stability in biological environments and inefficient drug delivery system to target tissues. Thus, technological improvements that enable robust silencing of target messenger RNA (mRNA) in extrahepatic tissues are necessary. We developed prodrug type covalently closed siRNA (circular siRNA) as a novel nucleic acid agent to knockdown target genes in extrahepatic tissues by systemic administration without drug delivery components. Circular siRNA, which is chemically synthesizable, can assume optimal structures for efficient knockdown using its cleavable linker; namely, circular and linear structure in extracellular and intracellular environment, respectively. In this study, we investigated circular siRNA physicochemical properties, knockdown mechanism, and characteristics in vitro, as well as pharmacokinetics, accumulation, knockdown activity, and safety in vivo. Our circular siRNA exhibited higher stability against serum and exonucleases, increased cellular uptake, and stronger knockdown activity without transfection reagent in vitro than linear siRNA. Furthermore, after systemic administration to mice, circular siRNA showed prolonged circulation and improved knockdown activity in the liver, kidney, and muscle, without causing adverse effects. Circular siRNA may represent an additional platform for RNAi therapeutics, providing alternate solutions for disease treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kenji Hagiwara
- Nucleic Acid Medicine Research Laboratories and Research Functions Unit, R&D Division, Kyowa Kirin Co., Ltd., Tokyo, Japan
| | - Masakazu Honma
- Nucleic Acid Medicine Research Laboratories and Research Functions Unit, R&D Division, Kyowa Kirin Co., Ltd., Tokyo, Japan
| | - Toshimasa Harumoto
- Nucleic Acid Medicine Research Laboratories and Research Functions Unit, R&D Division, Kyowa Kirin Co., Ltd., Tokyo, Japan
| | - Kenji Harada
- Management Office, Research Functions Unit, R&D Division, Kyowa Kirin Co., Ltd., Tokyo, Japan
| | - Takashi Sawada
- Nucleic Acid Medicine Research Laboratories and Research Functions Unit, R&D Division, Kyowa Kirin Co., Ltd., Tokyo, Japan
| | - Junichiro Yamamoto
- Nucleic Acid Medicine Research Laboratories and Research Functions Unit, R&D Division, Kyowa Kirin Co., Ltd., Tokyo, Japan
| | - Fumikazu Shinohara
- Management Office, Research Functions Unit, R&D Division, Kyowa Kirin Co., Ltd., Tokyo, Japan
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20
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Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death globally, with the number of deaths rising every year. Much effort has gone into development of new treatment strategies. Many RNA species have important regulatory functions in disease initiation and progression, providing interesting new treatment options. This review focuses on different classes of RNA-based therapeutics and provides examples of current clinical and preclinical studies. Current challenges that prevent clinical translation and possibilities to overcome them will be discussed. RECENT FINDINGS Different RNA-based molecules have been developed, such as antisense oligos, microRNA mimics and small interfering RNAs. Modifications are used to prevent degradation and immune activation and improve affinity. Additionally, in order to improve delivery of the RNA molecules to the target tissues, viral or nonviral vectors can be used. SUMMARY RNA-based therapy has been shown to be a promising new treatment strategy for different disorders. However, several challenges, such as delivery problems and low efficacy remain. Future research will likely focus on effective delivery to target tissues in order to improve efficacy and avoid harmful side-effects.
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21
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Stansel T, Wickline SA, Pan H. NF-κB Inhibition Suppresses Experimental Melanoma Lung Metastasis. JOURNAL OF CANCER SCIENCE AND CLINICAL THERAPEUTICS 2020; 4:256-265. [PMID: 32954352 PMCID: PMC7497821 DOI: 10.26502/jcsct.5079070] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Although novel therapeutic regimens for melanoma continue to emerge, the best current clinical response rate is still less than 60%. Moreover, antimelanoma treatments contribute to toxicities in other vital organs. In this study, we elucidate the therapeutic advantages of siRNA targeting melanoma NF-κB canonical signaling pathway with a peptide-based gene delivery nanoplex system. METHODS AND RESULTS In vitro treatment of melanoma B16-F10 cells was used to demonstrate delivery and efficacy of anti-NF-kB siRNA to cell cytoplasm with a 55 mn peptide-based gene delivery system. NF-κB (p65) knockdown was validated both at mRNA and protein levels by using RT2-PCR, western blot, and immunofluorescence cellular staining. Canonical p65 mRNA was reduced by 82% and p65 protein was reduced by 48%, which differed significantly from levels in control groups. In vivo treatment of a melanoma lung metastasis mouse model with 3-serial i.v. injections of p5RHH-p65 siRNA nanoparticles retarded growth of lung metastasis within one week by 76% (p=0.003) as compared to saline control treatments. CONCLUSION Inhibition of melanoma NF-κB (p65) with systemically-delivered siRNA effectively impedes the growth and progression of experimental melanoma lung metastasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tomoko Stansel
- The USF Health Heart Institute, Morsani College of Medicine, University
of South Florida, Tampa, FL, USA
| | - Samuel A. Wickline
- The USF Health Heart Institute, Morsani College of Medicine, University
of South Florida, Tampa, FL, USA
| | - Hua Pan
- The USF Health Heart Institute, Morsani College of Medicine, University
of South Florida, Tampa, FL, USA
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22
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Aoki M, Matsumoto NM, Dohi T, Kuwahawa H, Akaishi S, Okubo Y, Ogawa R, Yamamoto H, Takabe K. Direct Delivery of Apatite Nanoparticle-Encapsulated siRNA Targeting TIMP-1 for Intractable Abnormal Scars. MOLECULAR THERAPY. NUCLEIC ACIDS 2020; 22:50-61. [PMID: 32911344 PMCID: PMC7486579 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtn.2020.08.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2020] [Revised: 06/24/2020] [Accepted: 08/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Hypertrophic scars (HSs) and keloids are histologically characterized by excessive extracellular matrix (ECM) deposition. ECM deposition depends on the balance between matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and tissue inhibitors of metalloproteases (TIMPs). TIMP-1 has been linked to ECM degradation and is therefore a promising therapeutic strategy. In this study, we generated super carbonate apatite (sCA) nanoparticle-encapsulated TIMP-1 small interfering RNA (siRNA) (siTIMP1) preparations and examined the effect of local injections on mouse HSs and on ex vivo-cultured keloids. The sCA-siTIMP1 injections significantly reduced scar formation, scar cross-sectional areas, collagen densities, and collagen types I and III levels in the lesions. None of the mice died or exhibited abnormal endpoints. Apatite accumulation was not detected in the other organs. In an ex vivo keloid tissue culture system, sCA-siTIMP1 injections reduced the thickness and complexity of collagen bundles. Our results showed that topical sCA-siTIMP1 injections during mechanical stress-induced HS development reduced scar size. When keloids were injected three times with sCA-siTIMP1 during 6 days, keloidal collagen levels decreased substantially. Accordingly, sCA-siRNA delivery may be an effective approach for keloid treatment, and further investigations are needed to enable its practical use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Masayo Aoki
- Department of Plastic, Reconstructive, and Aesthetic Surgery, Nippon Medical School, Tokyo 113-8603, Japan; Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Nippon Medical School, Tokyo, Japan.
| | - Noriko M Matsumoto
- Department of Plastic, Reconstructive, and Aesthetic Surgery, Nippon Medical School, Tokyo 113-8603, Japan
| | - Teruyuki Dohi
- Department of Plastic, Reconstructive, and Aesthetic Surgery, Nippon Medical School, Tokyo 113-8603, Japan
| | - Hiroaki Kuwahawa
- Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Nippon Medical School Musashi Kosugi Hospital, Kanagawa, Japan
| | - Satoshi Akaishi
- Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Nippon Medical School Musashi Kosugi Hospital, Kanagawa, Japan
| | - Yuri Okubo
- Department of Plastic, Reconstructive, and Aesthetic Surgery, Nippon Medical School, Tokyo 113-8603, Japan
| | - Rei Ogawa
- Department of Plastic, Reconstructive, and Aesthetic Surgery, Nippon Medical School, Tokyo 113-8603, Japan
| | | | - Kazuaki Takabe
- Division of Breast Surgery, Department of Surgical Oncology, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Buffalo, NY, USA; Department of Surgery, University at Buffalo Jacob School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, The State University of New York, Buffalo, NY, USA
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23
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Basiri B, Xie F, Wu B, Humphreys SC, Lade JM, Thayer MB, Yamaguchi P, Florio M, Rock BM. Introducing an In Vitro Liver Stability Assay Capable of Predicting the In Vivo Pharmacodynamic Efficacy of siRNAs for IVIVC. MOLECULAR THERAPY. NUCLEIC ACIDS 2020; 21:725-736. [PMID: 32771924 PMCID: PMC7415771 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtn.2020.07.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2020] [Revised: 05/18/2020] [Accepted: 07/07/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
There has been a renewed interest in therapeutic small interfering RNAs (siRNAs) over the past few years. This is particularly the result of successful and efficient delivery of N-acetylgalactosamine (GalNAc)-conjugated siRNAs to the liver. In general, the lead selection process for siRNA drugs is faster and more straightforward than traditional small molecules. Nevertheless, many siRNAs of different sequences and chemical modification patterns must still be evaluated before arriving at a final candidate. One of the major difficulties in streamlining this workflow is the well-known phenomenon that the in vitro data obtained from oligonucleotides transfected into cells are not directly predictive of their in vivo activity. Consequently, all oligonucleotides with some degree of in vitro activity are typically screened in vivo before final lead selection. Here, we demonstrate that the stability of liver-targeting GalNAc-conjugated siRNAs in a mouse liver homogenate shows an acceptable correlation to their in vivo target knockdown efficacy. Therefore, we suggest the incorporation of an in vitro liver homogenate stability assay during the lead optimization process for siRNAs. The addition of this assay to a flow scheme may decrease the need for animal studies, and it could bring cost savings and increase efficiency in siRNA drug development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Babak Basiri
- Amgen Research, Pharmacokinetics and Drug Metabolism, 1120 Veterans Blvd., South San Francisco, CA 94080, USA.
| | - Fang Xie
- Amgen Research, Pharmacokinetics and Drug Metabolism, 1120 Veterans Blvd., South San Francisco, CA 94080, USA
| | - Bin Wu
- Amgen Research, Hybrid Modality Engineering, One Amgen Center Drive, Thousand Oaks, CA 91320, USA
| | - Sara C Humphreys
- Amgen Research, Pharmacokinetics and Drug Metabolism, 1120 Veterans Blvd., South San Francisco, CA 94080, USA
| | - Julie M Lade
- Amgen Research, Pharmacokinetics and Drug Metabolism, 1120 Veterans Blvd., South San Francisco, CA 94080, USA
| | - Mai B Thayer
- Amgen Research, Pharmacokinetics and Drug Metabolism, 1120 Veterans Blvd., South San Francisco, CA 94080, USA
| | - Pam Yamaguchi
- Amgen Research, Cardiometabolic Disorders, One Amgen Center Drive, Thousand Oaks, CA 91320, USA
| | - Monica Florio
- Amgen Research, Cardiometabolic Disorders, One Amgen Center Drive, Thousand Oaks, CA 91320, USA
| | - Brooke M Rock
- Amgen Research, Pharmacokinetics and Drug Metabolism, 1120 Veterans Blvd., South San Francisco, CA 94080, USA
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Hu B, Zhong L, Weng Y, Peng L, Huang Y, Zhao Y, Liang XJ. Therapeutic siRNA: state of the art. Signal Transduct Target Ther 2020; 5:101. [PMID: 32561705 PMCID: PMC7305320 DOI: 10.1038/s41392-020-0207-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 700] [Impact Index Per Article: 175.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2020] [Revised: 04/08/2020] [Accepted: 05/03/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
RNA interference (RNAi) is an ancient biological mechanism used to defend against external invasion. It theoretically can silence any disease-related genes in a sequence-specific manner, making small interfering RNA (siRNA) a promising therapeutic modality. After a two-decade journey from its discovery, two approvals of siRNA therapeutics, ONPATTRO® (patisiran) and GIVLAARI™ (givosiran), have been achieved by Alnylam Pharmaceuticals. Reviewing the long-term pharmaceutical history of human beings, siRNA therapy currently has set up an extraordinary milestone, as it has already changed and will continue to change the treatment and management of human diseases. It can be administered quarterly, even twice-yearly, to achieve therapeutic effects, which is not the case for small molecules and antibodies. The drug development process was extremely hard, aiming to surmount complex obstacles, such as how to efficiently and safely deliver siRNAs to desired tissues and cells and how to enhance the performance of siRNAs with respect to their activity, stability, specificity and potential off-target effects. In this review, the evolution of siRNA chemical modifications and their biomedical performance are comprehensively reviewed. All clinically explored and commercialized siRNA delivery platforms, including the GalNAc (N-acetylgalactosamine)-siRNA conjugate, and their fundamental design principles are thoroughly discussed. The latest progress in siRNA therapeutic development is also summarized. This review provides a comprehensive view and roadmap for general readers working in the field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bo Hu
- School of Life Science, Advanced Research Institute of Multidisciplinary Science, Institute of Engineering Medicine, Key Laboratory of Molecular Medicine and Biotherapy, Beijing Institute of Technology, 100081, Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Liping Zhong
- National Center for International Biotargeting Theranostics, Guangxi Key Laboratory of Biotargeting Theranostics, Collaborative Innovation Center for Targeting Tumor Theranostics, Guangxi Medical University, 530021, Guangxi, People's Republic of China
| | - Yuhua Weng
- School of Life Science, Advanced Research Institute of Multidisciplinary Science, Institute of Engineering Medicine, Key Laboratory of Molecular Medicine and Biotherapy, Beijing Institute of Technology, 100081, Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Ling Peng
- Aix-Marseille University, CNRS, Centre Interdisciplinaire de Nanoscience de Marseille (CINaM), Equipe Labellisée Ligue Contre le Cancer, 13288, Marseille, France
| | - Yuanyu Huang
- School of Life Science, Advanced Research Institute of Multidisciplinary Science, Institute of Engineering Medicine, Key Laboratory of Molecular Medicine and Biotherapy, Beijing Institute of Technology, 100081, Beijing, People's Republic of China.
| | - Yongxiang Zhao
- National Center for International Biotargeting Theranostics, Guangxi Key Laboratory of Biotargeting Theranostics, Collaborative Innovation Center for Targeting Tumor Theranostics, Guangxi Medical University, 530021, Guangxi, People's Republic of China.
| | - Xing-Jie Liang
- Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), Key Laboratory for Biomedical Effects of Nanomaterials and Nanosafety, CAS Center for Excellence in Nanoscience, National Center for Nanoscience and Technology of China, 100190, Beijing, People's Republic of China.
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25
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Schmidt PJ, Hollowell ML, Fitzgerald K, Butler JS, Fleming MD. Mild iron deficiency does not ameliorate the phenotype of a murine erythropoietic protoporphyria model. Am J Hematol 2020; 95:492-496. [PMID: 31990410 DOI: 10.1002/ajh.25743] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2019] [Revised: 01/19/2020] [Accepted: 01/23/2020] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
Reduced ferrochelatase activity in erythropoietic protoporphyria (EPP) causes the accumulation of protoporphyrin IX (PPIX) leading to acute cutaneous photosensitivity and liver injury. Many EPP patients also have a mild hypochromic, microcytic anemia and iron deficiency. Iron deficiency can lead to decreased PPIX accumulation in another erythropoietic porphyria, congenital erythropoietic porphyria (CEP). Expression of the iron regulatory peptide hepcidin is negatively regulated by the serine protease TMPRSS6. Hepcidin induction by siRNA-mediated inhibition of TMPRSS6 expression reduces iron availability and induces iron deficiency. To interrogate the therapeutic potential of iron deficiency to modify EPP, we treated an ethylnitrosourea-induced mouse model of EPP, Fech m1Pas , with a GalNAc-conjugated Tmprss6 siRNA and PPIX levels, anemia and iron parameters were monitored. The GalNAc-RNAi therapeutic reduces Tmprss6 expression and induces mild iron deficiency in Fech m1Pas animals. However, decreases in erythrocyte PPIX levels and liver PPIX accumulation were not seen. These results indicate short-term induction of iron deficiency, at least in a murine model of EPP, does not lead to decreased PPIX production.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul J. Schmidt
- Department of PathologyBoston Children's Hospital and Harvard Medical School Boston Massachusetts
| | - Monica L. Hollowell
- Department of PathologyBoston Children's Hospital and Harvard Medical School Boston Massachusetts
| | | | | | - Mark D. Fleming
- Department of PathologyBoston Children's Hospital and Harvard Medical School Boston Massachusetts
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26
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Coutinho MF, Matos L, Santos JI, Alves S. RNA Therapeutics: How Far Have We Gone? ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2019; 1157:133-177. [PMID: 31342441 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-030-19966-1_7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
In recent years, the RNA molecule became one of the most promising targets for therapeutic intervention. Currently, a large number of RNA-based therapeutics are being investigated both at the basic research level and in late-stage clinical trials. Some of them are even already approved for treatment. RNA-based approaches can act at pre-mRNA level (by splicing modulation/correction using antisense oligonucleotides or U1snRNA vectors), at mRNA level (inhibiting gene expression by siRNAs and antisense oligonucleotides) or at DNA level (by editing mutated sequences through the use of CRISPR/Cas). Other RNA approaches include the delivery of in vitro transcribed (IVT) mRNA or the use of oligonucleotides aptamers. Here we review these approaches and their translation into clinics trying to give a brief overview also on the difficulties to its application as well as the research that is being done to overcome them.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Francisca Coutinho
- Department of Human Genetics, National Institute of Health Doutor Ricardo Jorge, Porto, Portugal
| | - Liliana Matos
- Department of Human Genetics, National Institute of Health Doutor Ricardo Jorge, Porto, Portugal
| | - Juliana Inês Santos
- Department of Human Genetics, National Institute of Health Doutor Ricardo Jorge, Porto, Portugal
| | - Sandra Alves
- Department of Human Genetics, National Institute of Health Doutor Ricardo Jorge, Porto, Portugal.
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Dubrovina AS, Kiselev KV. Exogenous RNAs for Gene Regulation and Plant Resistance. Int J Mol Sci 2019; 20:E2282. [PMID: 31072065 PMCID: PMC6539981 DOI: 10.3390/ijms20092282] [Citation(s) in RCA: 91] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2019] [Revised: 05/05/2019] [Accepted: 05/06/2019] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Recent investigations documented that plants can uptake and process externally applied double-stranded RNAs (dsRNAs), hairpin RNAs (hpRNAs), and small interfering RNAs (siRNAs) designed to silence important genes of plant pathogenic viruses, fungi, or insects. The exogenously applied RNAs spread locally and systemically, move into the pathogens, and induce RNA interference-mediated plant pathogen resistance. Recent findings also provided examples of plant transgene and endogene post-transcriptional down-regulation by complementary dsRNAs or siRNAs applied onto the plant surfaces. Understanding the plant perception and processing of exogenous RNAs could result in the development of novel biotechnological approaches for crop protection. This review summarizes and discusses the emerging studies reporting on exogenous RNA applications for down-regulation of essential fungal and insect genes, targeting of plant viruses, or suppression of plant transgenes and endogenes for increased resistance and changed phenotypes. We also analyze the current understanding of dsRNA uptake mechanisms and dsRNA stability in plant environments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandra S Dubrovina
- Laboratory of Biotechnology, Federal Scientific Center of the East Asia Terrestrial Biodiversity, Far Eastern Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, 690022 Vladivostok, Russia.
| | - Konstantin V Kiselev
- Laboratory of Biotechnology, Federal Scientific Center of the East Asia Terrestrial Biodiversity, Far Eastern Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, 690022 Vladivostok, Russia.
- Far Eastern Federal University, The School of Natural Sciences, 690090 Vladivostok, Russia.
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28
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Saw PE, Song EW. siRNA therapeutics: a clinical reality. SCIENCE CHINA-LIFE SCIENCES 2019; 63:485-500. [PMID: 31054052 DOI: 10.1007/s11427-018-9438-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 186] [Impact Index Per Article: 37.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2018] [Accepted: 10/14/2018] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Since the revolutionary discovery of RNA interference (RNAi), a remarkable progress has been achieved in understanding and harnessing gene silencing mechanism; especially in small interfering RNA (siRNA) therapeutics. Despite its tremendous potential benefits, major challenges in most siRNA therapeutics remains unchanged-safe, efficient and target oriented delivery of siRNA. Twenty years after the discovery of RNAi, siRNA therapeutics finally charts its way into clinics. As we journey through the decades, we reminisce the history of siRNA discovery and its application in a myriad of disease treatments. Herein, we highlight the breakthroughs in siRNA therapeutics, with special feature on the first FDA approved RNAi therapeutics Onpattro (Patisiran) and the consideration of effective siRNA delivery system focusing on current siRNA nanocarrier in clinical trials. Lastly, we present some challenges and multiple barriers that are yet to be fully overcome in siRNA therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Phei Er Saw
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Malignant Tumor Epigenetics and Gene Regulation, Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510120, China
| | - Er-Wei Song
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Malignant Tumor Epigenetics and Gene Regulation, Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510120, China. .,Breast Tumor Center, Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510120, China. .,Zhongshan School of Medicine, Breast Surgery, Guangzhou, 510080, China.
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29
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Chernikov IV, Vlassov VV, Chernolovskaya EL. Current Development of siRNA Bioconjugates: From Research to the Clinic. Front Pharmacol 2019; 10:444. [PMID: 31105570 PMCID: PMC6498891 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2019.00444] [Citation(s) in RCA: 135] [Impact Index Per Article: 27.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2019] [Accepted: 04/08/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Small interfering RNAs (siRNAs) acting via RNA interference mechanisms are able to recognize a homologous mRNA sequence in the cell and induce its degradation. The main problems in the development of siRNA-based drugs for therapeutic use are the low efficiency of siRNA delivery to target cells and the degradation of siRNAs by nucleases in biological fluids. Various approaches have been proposed to solve the problem of siRNA delivery in vivo (e.g., viruses, cationic lipids, polymers, nanoparticles), but all have limitations for therapeutic use. One of the most promising approaches to solve the problem of siRNA delivery to target cells is bioconjugation; i.e., the covalent connection of siRNAs with biogenic molecules (lipophilic molecules, antibodies, aptamers, ligands, peptides, or polymers). Bioconjugates are "ideal nanoparticles" since they do not need a positive charge to form complexes, are less toxic, and are less effectively recognized by components of the immune system because of their small size. This review is focused on strategies and principles for constructing siRNA bioconjugates for in vivo use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ivan V Chernikov
- Laboratory of Nucleic Acids Biochemistry, Institute of Chemical Biology and Fundamental Medicine, Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Novosibirsk, Russia
| | - Valentin V Vlassov
- Laboratory of Nucleic Acids Biochemistry, Institute of Chemical Biology and Fundamental Medicine, Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Novosibirsk, Russia
| | - Elena L Chernolovskaya
- Laboratory of Nucleic Acids Biochemistry, Institute of Chemical Biology and Fundamental Medicine, Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Novosibirsk, Russia
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30
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Therapeutic Potential of OMe-PS-miR-29b1 for Treating Liver Fibrosis. Mol Ther 2018; 26:2798-2811. [PMID: 30287074 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymthe.2018.08.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2018] [Revised: 08/21/2018] [Accepted: 08/24/2018] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Trans-differentiation of quiescent hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) into active myofibroblasts secretes excess amounts of extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins. miR-29b1 has the potential to treat liver fibrosis, because it targets several profibrotic genes. We previously demonstrated that miR-29b1 and the hedgehog (Hh) pathway inhibitor GDC-0449 could, together, inhibit the activation of HSCs and ECM production in common bile-duct-ligated (CBDL) mice. Herein, we determined the effect of chemical modifications of miR-29b1 on its stability, immunogenicity, and Argonaute-2 (Ago2) loading in vitro, after modifying its antisense strand with phosphorothioate (PS-miR-29b1), 2'-O-methyl-phosphorothioate (OMe-miR-29b1), locked nucleic acid (LNA-miR-29b1), and N,N'-diethyl-4-(4-nitronaphthalen-1-ylazo)-phenylamine (ZEN-miR-29b1). Chemical modifications significantly improved stability of miR-29b1 in 50% FBS. Among all the modified miRNAs tested, OMe-PS-miR-29b1 showed the highest stability with low immunogenicity, without the loss of efficacy in vitro. Therefore, OMe-PS-miR-29b1 was complexed with poly(ethylene glycol)-block-poly(2-methyl-2-carboxyl-propylenecarbonate-graft-dodecanol-graft-tetraethylenepentamine (mPEG-b-PCC-g-DC-g-TEPA) cationic micelles, and anti-fibrotic efficacy was evaluated in CBDL mice. There was a significant improvement in liver histology and decrease in the levels of injury markers. Further, mRNA/protein levels of collagen, α-SMA, and TIMP-1 were significantly lower for the OMe-PS-miR-29b1-loaded micelles compared to miR-29b1-loaded micelles. In conclusion, micellar delivery of OMe-PS-miR-29b1 is a promising strategy to treat liver fibrosis.
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31
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Schmidt PJ, Liu K, Visner G, Fitzgerald K, Fishman S, Racie T, Hettinger JL, Butler JS, Fleming MD. RNAi-mediated reduction of hepatic Tmprss6 diminishes anemia and secondary iron overload in a splenectomized mouse model of β-thalassemia intermedia. Am J Hematol 2018; 93:745-750. [PMID: 29498084 DOI: 10.1002/ajh.25079] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2017] [Revised: 01/30/2018] [Accepted: 02/26/2018] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Diminished β-globin synthesis in β-thalassemia is associated with ineffective erythropoiesis, leading to secondary iron overload caused by inappropriately low levels of hepcidin and to splenomegaly in the symptomatic thalassemias. Splenectomy is often employed in patients with β-thalassemia to reduce hemolysis. Expression of the iron regulatory peptide hormone hepcidin is repressed by the serine protease TMPRSS6. Hepcidin induction by RNAi-mediated inhibition of TMPRSS6 expression reduces iron overload and mitigates anemia in murine models of β-thalassemia intermedia. To interrogate the efficacy of RNAi-mediated reduction of Tmprss6 in splenectomized β-thalassemia, splenectomized β-thalassemic Hbbth3/+ animals were treated with a GalNAc-conjugated siRNA targeting Tmprss6 (GalNAc-Tmprss6) and their hematological and iron parameters monitored. We demonstrate that treatment with GalNAc-Tmprss6 significantly diminishes Tmprss6 expression and appropriately elevates hepcidin expression in splenectomized Hbbth3/+ animals. Similar to unsplenectomized animals, treated animals have markedly improved anemia due to diminished ineffective erythropoiesis and reduced iron loading in both serum and tissue. These results suggest that RNAi-mediated reduction of Tmprss6 may have positive outcomes even in splenectomized β-thalassemia patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul J. Schmidt
- Department of PathologyBoston Children's Hospital and Harvard Medical SchoolBoston Massachusetts
| | - Kaifeng Liu
- Department of PediatricsBoston Children's Hospital and Harvard Medical SchoolBoston Massachusetts
| | - Gary Visner
- Division of Pulmonary and Respiratory DiseasesBoston Children's Hospital and Harvard Medical SchoolBoston Massachusetts
| | | | | | - Tim Racie
- Alnylam Pharmaceuticals, Inc.Cambridge Massachusetts
| | | | | | - Mark D. Fleming
- Department of PathologyBoston Children's Hospital and Harvard Medical SchoolBoston Massachusetts
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32
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Hyun S, Choi Y, Lee HN, Lee C, Oh D, Lee DK, Lee C, Lee Y, Yu J. Construction of histidine-containing hydrocarbon stapled cell penetrating peptides for in vitro and in vivo delivery of siRNAs. Chem Sci 2018; 9:3820-3827. [PMID: 29780514 PMCID: PMC5939838 DOI: 10.1039/c8sc00074c] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2018] [Accepted: 03/12/2018] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
A hydrocarbon stapled peptide based strategy was used to develop an optimized cell penetrating peptide for siRNA delivery. Various stapled peptides, having amphipathic Leu- and Lys-rich regions, were prepared and their cell penetrating potentials were evaluated. One peptide, stEK, was found to have high cell penetration and siRNA delivery abilities at low nanomolar concentrations. In order to improve its ability to promote gene silencing, stEK was modified by replacing several Lys residues with His moieties. The modified peptide, LKH-stEK, was found to facilitate endosomal escape and to display >90% knock-down with 50 nM of a siRNA targeting cyclophilin B in HeLa cells. The results of an in vivo animal wound healing model study demonstrate that LKH-stEK promotes delivery of an siRNA, which targets the connective tissue growth factor, and that this process leads to efficient gene silencing by the siRNA at a nanomolar level in mouse skin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Soonsil Hyun
- Institute of Molecular Biology and Genetics , Seoul National University , Seoul 08826 , Korea
| | - Yoonhwa Choi
- Department of Chemistry & Education , Seoul National University , Seoul 08826 , Korea .
| | | | | | | | - Dong-Ki Lee
- Department of Chemistry , Sungkyunkwan University , Suwon , Korea
| | | | - Yan Lee
- Department of Chemistry , Seoul National University , Seoul 08826 , Korea .
| | - Jaehoon Yu
- Institute of Molecular Biology and Genetics , Seoul National University , Seoul 08826 , Korea
- Department of Chemistry & Education , Seoul National University , Seoul 08826 , Korea .
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33
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Qureshi A, Tantray VG, Kirmani AR, Ahangar AG. A review on current status of antiviral siRNA. Rev Med Virol 2018; 28:e1976. [PMID: 29656441 PMCID: PMC7169094 DOI: 10.1002/rmv.1976] [Citation(s) in RCA: 68] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2017] [Revised: 01/18/2018] [Accepted: 02/12/2018] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
Viral diseases like influenza, AIDS, hepatitis, and Ebola cause severe epidemics worldwide. Along with their resistant strains, new pathogenic viruses continue to be discovered so creating an ongoing need for new antiviral treatments. RNA interference is a cellular gene‐silencing phenomenon in which sequence‐specific degradation of target mRNA is achieved by means of complementary short interfering RNA (siRNA) molecules. Short interfering RNA technology affords a potential tractable strategy to combat viral pathogenesis because siRNAs are specific, easy to design, and can be directed against multiple strains of a virus by targeting their conserved gene regions. In this review, we briefly summarize the current status of siRNA therapy for representative examples from different virus families. In addition, other aspects like their design, delivery, medical significance, bioinformatics resources, and limitations are also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abid Qureshi
- Biomedical Informatics Center, Sher-i-Kashmir Institute of Medical Sciences (SKIMS), Srinagar, India
| | - Vaqar Gani Tantray
- Biomedical Informatics Center, Sher-i-Kashmir Institute of Medical Sciences (SKIMS), Srinagar, India
| | - Altaf Rehman Kirmani
- Biomedical Informatics Center, Sher-i-Kashmir Institute of Medical Sciences (SKIMS), Srinagar, India
| | - Abdul Ghani Ahangar
- Biomedical Informatics Center, Sher-i-Kashmir Institute of Medical Sciences (SKIMS), Srinagar, India
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34
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Engineered polymeric nanoparticles to guide the cellular internalization and trafficking of small interfering ribonucleic acids. J Control Release 2017; 259:3-15. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jconrel.2017.02.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2016] [Revised: 02/15/2017] [Accepted: 02/18/2017] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
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35
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Schlegel MK, Foster DJ, Kel'in AV, Zlatev I, Bisbe A, Jayaraman M, Lackey JG, Rajeev KG, Charissé K, Harp J, Pallan PS, Maier MA, Egli M, Manoharan M. Chirality Dependent Potency Enhancement and Structural Impact of Glycol Nucleic Acid Modification on siRNA. J Am Chem Soc 2017; 139:8537-8546. [PMID: 28570818 DOI: 10.1021/jacs.7b02694] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Here we report the investigation of glycol nucleic acid (GNA), an acyclic nucleic acid analogue, as a modification of siRNA duplexes. We evaluated the impact of (S)- or (R)-GNA nucleotide incorporation on RNA duplex structure by determining three individual crystal structures. These structures indicate that the (S)-nucleotide backbone adopts a conformation that has little impact on the overall duplex structure, while the (R)-nucleotide disrupts the phosphate backbone and hydrogen bonding of an adjacent base pair. In addition, the GNA-T nucleobase adopts a rotated conformation in which the 5-methyl group points into the minor groove, rather than the major groove as in a normal Watson-Crick base pair. This observation of reverse Watson-Crick base pairing is further supported by thermal melting analysis of GNA-C and GNA-G containing duplexes where it was demonstrated that a higher thermal stability was associated with isoguanine and isocytosine base pairing, respectively, over the canonical nucleobases. Furthermore, it was also shown that GNA nucleotide or dinucleotide incorporation increases resistance against snake venom phosphodiesterase. Consistent with the structural data, modification of an siRNA with (S)-GNA resulted in greater in vitro potencies over identical sequences containing (R)-GNA. A walk of (S)-GNA along the guide and passenger strands of a GalNAc conjugate duplex targeting mouse transthyretin (TTR) indicated that GNA is well tolerated in the seed region of both strands in vitro, resulting in an approximate 2-fold improvement in potency. Finally, these conjugate duplexes modified with GNA were capable of maintaining in vivo potency when subcutaneously injected into mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mark K Schlegel
- Alnylam Pharmaceuticals , 300 Third Street, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02142, United States
| | - Donald J Foster
- Alnylam Pharmaceuticals , 300 Third Street, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02142, United States
| | - Alexander V Kel'in
- Alnylam Pharmaceuticals , 300 Third Street, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02142, United States
| | - Ivan Zlatev
- Alnylam Pharmaceuticals , 300 Third Street, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02142, United States
| | - Anna Bisbe
- Alnylam Pharmaceuticals , 300 Third Street, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02142, United States
| | - Muthusamy Jayaraman
- Alnylam Pharmaceuticals , 300 Third Street, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02142, United States
| | - Jeremy G Lackey
- Alnylam Pharmaceuticals , 300 Third Street, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02142, United States
| | | | - Klaus Charissé
- Alnylam Pharmaceuticals , 300 Third Street, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02142, United States
| | - Joel Harp
- Vanderbilt University School of Medicine , Department of Biochemistry, Nashville, Tennessee 37232, United States
| | - Pradeep S Pallan
- Vanderbilt University School of Medicine , Department of Biochemistry, Nashville, Tennessee 37232, United States
| | - Martin A Maier
- Alnylam Pharmaceuticals , 300 Third Street, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02142, United States
| | - Martin Egli
- Vanderbilt University School of Medicine , Department of Biochemistry, Nashville, Tennessee 37232, United States
| | - Muthiah Manoharan
- Alnylam Pharmaceuticals , 300 Third Street, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02142, United States
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36
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Chi X, Gatti P, Papoian T. Safety of antisense oligonucleotide and siRNA-based therapeutics. Drug Discov Today 2017; 22:823-833. [DOI: 10.1016/j.drudis.2017.01.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 150] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2016] [Revised: 12/05/2016] [Accepted: 01/23/2017] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
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37
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Harikrishna S, Pradeepkumar PI. Probing the Binding Interactions between Chemically Modified siRNAs and Human Argonaute 2 Using Microsecond Molecular Dynamics Simulations. J Chem Inf Model 2017; 57:883-896. [DOI: 10.1021/acs.jcim.6b00773] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- S. Harikrishna
- Department of Chemistry, Indian Institute of Technology Bombay, Mumbai−400076, India
| | - P. I. Pradeepkumar
- Department of Chemistry, Indian Institute of Technology Bombay, Mumbai−400076, India
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38
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Silencing c‐Rel in macrophages dampens Th1 and Th17 immune responses and alleviates experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis in mice. Immunol Cell Biol 2017; 95:593-600. [DOI: 10.1038/icb.2017.11] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2016] [Revised: 02/13/2017] [Accepted: 02/13/2017] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
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39
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Khvorova A, Watts JK. The chemical evolution of oligonucleotide therapies of clinical utility. Nat Biotechnol 2017; 35:238-248. [PMID: 28244990 PMCID: PMC5517098 DOI: 10.1038/nbt.3765] [Citation(s) in RCA: 749] [Impact Index Per Article: 107.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2016] [Accepted: 12/12/2016] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
After nearly 40 years of development, oligonucleotide therapeutics are nearing meaningful clinical productivity. One of the key advantages of oligonucleotide drugs is that their delivery and potency are derived primarily from the chemical structure of the oligonucleotide whereas their target is defined by the base sequence. Thus, as oligonucleotides with a particular chemical design show appropriate distribution and safety profiles for clinical gene silencing in a particular tissue, this will open the door to the rapid development of additional drugs targeting other disease-associated genes in the same tissue. To achieve clinical productivity, the chemical architecture of the oligonucleotide needs to be optimized with a combination of sugar, backbone, nucleobase, and 3'- and 5'-terminal modifications. A portfolio of chemistries can be used to confer drug-like properties onto the oligonucleotide as a whole, with minor chemical changes often translating into major improvements in clinical efficacy. One outstanding challenge in oligonucleotide chemical development is the optimization of chemical architectures to ensure long-term safety. There are multiple designs that enable effective targeting of the liver, but a second challenge is to develop architectures that enable robust clinical efficacy in additional tissues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anastasia Khvorova
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts, USA
- Program in Molecular Medicine, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Jonathan K Watts
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts, USA
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts, USA
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Zhao J, Liu N, Ma J, Huang L, Liu X. Effect of Silencing CYP6B6 of Helicoverpa armigera (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) on Its Growth, Development, and Insecticide Tolerance. JOURNAL OF ECONOMIC ENTOMOLOGY 2016; 109:2506-2516. [PMID: 27591286 DOI: 10.1093/jee/tow181] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2016] [Accepted: 07/29/2016] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
Exogenous double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) is a potent initiator of gene silencing in diverse organisms. In the present study, we used genetically engineered bacterial strain HT115 to express dsRNA corresponding to CYP6B6 of Helicoverpa armigera Hübner, which is an economical way to produce large quantities of dsRNA. After we investigated the effect of pH, saline solution, hemolymph plasma, and time on the stability of the dsRNA from the bacteria in vitro, we tested the effect of the exogenous dsRNA on the transcription and translation of larval CYP6B6, larval growth, development, and the insecticide tolerance of the cotton bollworm after ingestion of the engineered bacteria. The stability analysis showed that the dsRNA from the engineered bacteria remained unchanged for 24 h in pH 7.0 KH2PO4/K2HPO4 buffer at room temperature. Both the qPCR and immunohistochemistry results showed that obvious decrease in CYP6B6 decreased compared with the corresponding controls, and the larval growth and development were significantly retarded, the rate of pupation declined, and insecticide tolerance decreased. Thus, the data show that CYP6B6 silencing can disturb the growth and development of cotton bollworm and also reduce its insecticide tolerance. These results provide a good foundation for applying RNAi strategies targeting insect P450 genes by transforming cotton or other plants for protection against the cotton bollworm.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jie Zhao
- Xinjiang Key Laboratory of Biological Resources and Genetic Engineering, Xinjiang University, Urumqi, Xinjiang, China (; ; ; )
| | - Ning Liu
- Institute of Crop Variety Resources, Xinjiang Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Urumqi, Xinjiang, China
| | - Ji Ma
- Xinjiang Key Laboratory of Biological Resources and Genetic Engineering, Xinjiang University, Urumqi, Xinjiang, China (; ; ; )
| | - Lina Huang
- Xinjiang Key Laboratory of Biological Resources and Genetic Engineering, Xinjiang University, Urumqi, Xinjiang, China (; ; ; )
| | - Xiaoning Liu
- Xinjiang Key Laboratory of Biological Resources and Genetic Engineering, Xinjiang University, Urumqi, Xinjiang, China (; ; ; )
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Chang W, Pei Y, Guidry EN, Zewge D, Parish CA, Sherer EC, DiMuzio J, Zhang H, South VJ, Strapps WR, Sepp-Lorenzino L, Colletti SL, Stanton MG. Systematic chemical modifications of single stranded siRNAs significantly improved CTNNB1 mRNA silencing. Bioorg Med Chem Lett 2016; 26:4513-4517. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bmcl.2016.07.064] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2016] [Revised: 07/25/2016] [Accepted: 07/27/2016] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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Master A, Wójcicka A, Giżewska K, Popławski P, Williams GR, Nauman A. A Novel Method for Gene-Specific Enhancement of Protein Translation by Targeting 5'UTRs of Selected Tumor Suppressors. PLoS One 2016; 11:e0155359. [PMID: 27171412 PMCID: PMC4865139 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0155359] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2015] [Accepted: 04/27/2016] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Translational control is a mechanism of protein synthesis regulation emerging as an important target for new therapeutics. Naturally occurring microRNAs and synthetic small inhibitory RNAs (siRNAs) are the most recognized regulatory molecules acting via RNA interference. Surprisingly, recent studies have shown that interfering RNAs may also activate gene transcription via the newly discovered phenomenon of small RNA-induced gene activation (RNAa). Thus far, the small activating RNAs (saRNAs) have only been demonstrated as promoter-specific transcriptional activators. FINDINGS We demonstrate that oligonucleotide-based trans-acting factors can also specifically enhance gene expression at the level of protein translation by acting at sequence-specific targets within the messenger RNA 5'-untranslated region (5'UTR). We designed a set of short synthetic oligonucleotides (dGoligos), specifically targeting alternatively spliced 5'UTRs in transcripts expressed from the THRB and CDKN2A suppressor genes. The in vitro translation efficiency of reporter constructs containing alternative TRβ1 5'UTRs was increased by up to more than 55-fold following exposure to specific dGoligos. Moreover, we found that the most folded 5'UTR has higher translational regulatory potential when compared to the weakly folded TRβ1 variant. This suggests such a strategy may be especially applied to enhance translation from relatively inactive transcripts containing long 5'UTRs of complex structure. SIGNIFICANCE This report represents the first method for gene-specific translation enhancement using selective trans-acting factors designed to target specific 5'UTR cis-acting elements. This simple strategy may be developed further to complement other available methods for gene expression regulation including gene silencing. The dGoligo-mediated translation-enhancing approach has the potential to be transferred to increase the translation efficiency of any suitable target gene and may have future application in gene therapy strategies to enhance expression of proteins including tumor suppressors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adam Master
- The Centre of Postgraduate Medical Education, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, ul. Marymoncka 99/103, 01-813, Warsaw, Poland
- BioTe21, Laboratory of Molecular Medical Biology, ul. Krolowej Jadwigi 33/3b, 30-209, Cracow, Poland
| | - Anna Wójcicka
- The Centre of Postgraduate Medical Education, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, ul. Marymoncka 99/103, 01-813, Warsaw, Poland
- Centre of New Technologies, University of Warsaw, Banacha 2c, 02-089, Warsaw, Poland
- Genomic Medicine, Medical University of Warsaw, Zwirki i Wigury 61, 02-091, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Kamilla Giżewska
- BioTe21, Laboratory of Molecular Medical Biology, ul. Krolowej Jadwigi 33/3b, 30-209, Cracow, Poland
| | - Piotr Popławski
- The Centre of Postgraduate Medical Education, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, ul. Marymoncka 99/103, 01-813, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Graham R. Williams
- Molecular Endocrinology Group, Department of Medicine, Imperial College London, Hammersmith Campus, London, W12 0NN, United Kingdom
| | - Alicja Nauman
- The Centre of Postgraduate Medical Education, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, ul. Marymoncka 99/103, 01-813, Warsaw, Poland
- Centre of New Technologies, University of Warsaw, Banacha 2c, 02-089, Warsaw, Poland
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Fan T, Wang S, Yu L, Yi H, Liu R, Geng W, Wan X, Ma Y, Cai L, Chen YH, Ruan Q. Treating psoriasis by targeting its susceptibility gene Rel. Clin Immunol 2016; 165:47-54. [DOI: 10.1016/j.clim.2016.03.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2015] [Revised: 03/02/2016] [Accepted: 03/13/2016] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
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Durso M, Gaglione M, Piras L, Mercurio ME, Terreri S, Olivieri M, Marinelli L, Novellino E, Incoronato M, Grieco P, Orsini G, Tonon G, Messere A, Cimmino A. Chemical modifications in the seed region of miRNAs 221/222 increase the silencing performances in gastrointestinal stromal tumor cells. Eur J Med Chem 2016; 111:15-25. [PMID: 26854374 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2016.01.047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2015] [Revised: 01/07/2016] [Accepted: 01/24/2016] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Most GastroIntestinal Stromal Tumors (GISTs) are characterized by KIT gene overexpression, which in turn is regulated by levels of microRNA 221 and microRNA 222. GISTs can also be distinguished by their miRNAs expression profile in which miRNAs 221/222 result reduced in comparison with GI normal tissues. In this paper, to restore normal miRNAs levels and to improve the silencing performances of miRNAs 221/222, new miRNA mimics in which guide strands are modified by Phosphorothioate (PS) and/or 2'-O-methyl RNA (2'-OMe) inside and outside the seed region, were synthesized and tested in GIST48 cells. We evaluated the positional effect of the chemical modifications on the miRNAs silencing activity, compared to natural and several commercial miRNA mimics. Our results show that chemically modified miRNAs 221/222 with alternating 2'-OMe-PS and natural nucleotides in the seed region are effective inhibitors of KIT gene expression and exhibit increased stability in rat plasma. Besides, their transfection in GIST 48 cells showed significant effects on different cellular processes in which KIT plays a functional role for tumor development (such as migration, cell proliferation, and apoptosis). Therefore, modified miRNAs 221/222 may provide an alternative therapeutic option for GIST treatment also aimed to overcome drug resistance concerns.
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Affiliation(s)
- Montano Durso
- Institute of Genetic and Biophysics "Adriano Buzzati Traverso", CNR, Via Pietro Castellino 111, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Maria Gaglione
- Department of Environmental, Biological and Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technologies, Second University of Naples, Via Vivaldi 43, 81100 Caserta, Italy
| | - Linda Piras
- National Research Council-CNR, Institute of Crystallography-IC, Via G. Amendola, 122/O, 70126 Bari, Italy
| | - Maria Emilia Mercurio
- Department of Environmental, Biological and Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technologies, Second University of Naples, Via Vivaldi 43, 81100 Caserta, Italy
| | - Sara Terreri
- Institute of Genetic and Biophysics "Adriano Buzzati Traverso", CNR, Via Pietro Castellino 111, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Michele Olivieri
- Institute of Genetic and Biophysics "Adriano Buzzati Traverso", CNR, Via Pietro Castellino 111, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Luciana Marinelli
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Naples "Federico II", Via D. Montesano 49, 80131 Napoli, Italy
| | - Ettore Novellino
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Naples "Federico II", Via D. Montesano 49, 80131 Napoli, Italy
| | | | - Paolo Grieco
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Naples "Federico II", Via D. Montesano 49, 80131 Napoli, Italy
| | | | | | - Anna Messere
- Department of Environmental, Biological and Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technologies, Second University of Naples, Via Vivaldi 43, 81100 Caserta, Italy.
| | - Amelia Cimmino
- Institute of Genetic and Biophysics "Adriano Buzzati Traverso", CNR, Via Pietro Castellino 111, 80131 Naples, Italy.
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Kokil GR, Veedu RN, Ramm GA, Prins JB, Parekh HS. Type 2 diabetes mellitus: limitations of conventional therapies and intervention with nucleic acid-based therapeutics. Chem Rev 2015; 115:4719-43. [PMID: 25918949 DOI: 10.1021/cr5002832] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Ganesh R Kokil
- †School of Pharmacy, Pharmacy Australia Centre of Excellence, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4102, Australia
| | - Rakesh N Veedu
- §Center for Comparative Genomics, Murdoch University, 90 South Street, Murdoch, WA 6150, Australia.,∥Western Australian Neuroscience Research Institute, Perth, WA 6150, Australia.,‡School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane QLD 4072 Australia
| | - Grant A Ramm
- ⊥The Hepatic Fibrosis Group, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, QLD 4006, Australia.,#Faculty of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4006, Australia
| | - Johannes B Prins
- ∇Mater Research Institute, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4101, Australia
| | - Harendra S Parekh
- †School of Pharmacy, Pharmacy Australia Centre of Excellence, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4102, Australia
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Garin D, Ahmadi M, Gauchez AS, Bohic S, Boccard S, Cloetens P, Fagret D, Berger F, Briat A, Ghezzi C, Pelletier L. In vivo siRNA distribution and pharmacokinetics assessed by nuclear imaging are modulated according to radiolabelling site. Nucl Med Biol 2015; 42:958-66. [PMID: 26388159 DOI: 10.1016/j.nucmedbio.2015.04.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2014] [Revised: 04/14/2015] [Accepted: 04/22/2015] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION RNA interference is efficient in in vitro studies, and appears as a therapeutic tool of major clinical interest. Nevertheless, the clinical utilisation of siRNAs is restrained by the poor availability of biodistribution data on this new class of pharmaceutics. This study aimed at defining the biodistribution and pharmacokinetics properties of an siRNA directed to the Casein Kinase-2 beta (CK2β) subunit, a potential target in cancer therapy. METHODS Four CK2β siRNAs were chemically modified on each extremity of sense or anti-sense strand and radioiodinated. The biodistribution of each entity was analysed in glioblastoma-bearing mice using nuclear imaging and compared to a control GFP siRNA. RESULTS The labelling process was associated with preservation of interference activity, except when applied to the 5' antisense terminus. Radioactivity was predominantly observed in organs of the excretory system after intravenous administration: liver, kidneys and bladder. Tumor/Contralateral muscle ratio showed significant differences depending on the labelling site. Activity associated with CK2β5's was quite constant over 2 hours, while CK2β3'as activity decreased by 40% in tumor. Finally, synchrotron X-ray analysis showed that CK2β3's is more abundant in tumor than in liver, brain or muscle, and uniformly distributed between intra- and extracellular compartments. CONCLUSIONS In this study, we highlighted the large influence of siRNAs radiolabelling position on their biodistribution and pharmacokinetic profiles, and proposed a systematic approach for the imaging of all siRNAs of clinical interest.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dominique Garin
- Laboratoire des Radiopharmaceutiques Biocliniques, INSERM UMR S1039, Faculté de médecine, F38700, La Tronche, France; Grenoble University, F38041, Saint-Martin-d'Hères, France.
| | - Mitra Ahmadi
- Laboratoire des Radiopharmaceutiques Biocliniques, INSERM UMR S1039, Faculté de médecine, F38700, La Tronche, France; Grenoble University, F38041, Saint-Martin-d'Hères, France
| | - Anne-Sophie Gauchez
- Laboratoire des Radiopharmaceutiques Biocliniques, INSERM UMR S1039, Faculté de médecine, F38700, La Tronche, France; CHU de Grenoble, CS 10217, F38043 Grenoble, France
| | - Sylvain Bohic
- INSERM U836, Team 6 - Synchrotron Radiation and Medical Research, Rue Fortuné Ferrini, F38706, La Tronche; European Synchrotron Radiation Facility, F38043, Grenoble Cedex 9, France
| | - Sandra Boccard
- Grenoble University, F38041, Saint-Martin-d'Hères, France; INSERM U836, Team 7 - Nanomedicine and brain, Rue Fortuné Ferrini, F38706 La Tronche
| | - Peter Cloetens
- European Synchrotron Radiation Facility, F38043, Grenoble Cedex 9, France
| | - Daniel Fagret
- Laboratoire des Radiopharmaceutiques Biocliniques, INSERM UMR S1039, Faculté de médecine, F38700, La Tronche, France; CHU de Grenoble, CS 10217, F38043 Grenoble, France; Grenoble University, F38041, Saint-Martin-d'Hères, France
| | - François Berger
- CHU de Grenoble, CS 10217, F38043 Grenoble, France; Grenoble University, F38041, Saint-Martin-d'Hères, France; INSERM U836, Team 7 - Nanomedicine and brain, Rue Fortuné Ferrini, F38706 La Tronche
| | - Arnaud Briat
- Laboratoire des Radiopharmaceutiques Biocliniques, INSERM UMR S1039, Faculté de médecine, F38700, La Tronche, France
| | - Catherine Ghezzi
- Laboratoire des Radiopharmaceutiques Biocliniques, INSERM UMR S1039, Faculté de médecine, F38700, La Tronche, France; Grenoble University, F38041, Saint-Martin-d'Hères, France
| | - Laurent Pelletier
- CHU de Grenoble, CS 10217, F38043 Grenoble, France; Grenoble University, F38041, Saint-Martin-d'Hères, France; INSERM U836, Team 7 - Nanomedicine and brain, Rue Fortuné Ferrini, F38706 La Tronche
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Fokina AA, Stetsenko DA, François JC. DNA enzymes as potential therapeutics: towards clinical application of 10-23 DNAzymes. Expert Opin Biol Ther 2015; 15:689-711. [PMID: 25772532 DOI: 10.1517/14712598.2015.1025048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 76] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Ongoing studies on the inhibition of gene expression at the mRNA level have identified several types of specific inhibitors such as antisense oligonucleotides, small interfering RNA, ribozymes and DNAzymes (Dz). After its discovery in 1997, the 10-23 Dz (which can cleave RNA efficiently and site-specifically, has flexible design, is independent from cell mechanisms, does not require expensive chemical modifications for effective use in vivo) has been employed to downregulate a range of therapeutically important genes. Recently, 10-23 Dzs have taken their first steps into clinical trials. AREAS COVERED This review focuses predominantly on Dz applications as potential antiviral, antibacterial, anti-cancer and anti-inflammatory agents as well as for the treatment of cardiovascular disease and diseases of CNS, summarizing results of their clinical trials up to the present day. EXPERT OPINION In comparison with antisense oligonucleotides and small interfering RNAs, Dzs do not usually show off-target effects due to their high specificity and lack of immunogenicity in vivo. As more results of clinical trials carried out so far are gradually becoming available, Dzs may turn out to be safe and well-tolerated therapeutics in humans. Therefore, there is a good chance that we may witness a deoxyribozyme drug reaching the clinic in the near future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alesya A Fokina
- Institute of Chemical Biology and Fundamental Medicine, Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences , 8 Lavrentiev Avenue, Novosibirsk 630090 , Russia
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Abstract
Recent findings have elucidated numerous novel biological functions for oligonucleotides. Current standard methods for the study of oligonucleotides (i.e., hybridization and PCR) are not fully equipped to deal with the experimental needs arising from these new discoveries. More importantly, as the intracellular capacity of oligonucleotides is being harnessed for biomedical applications, alternative bioanalytical techniques become indispensable in order to comply with ever-increasing regulatory requirements. Owing to its ability to detect oligonucleotides independent of their sequence, LC-MS is emerging as the analytical method of choice for oligonucleotides. In this article, the current applications of LC-MS in the analysis of oligonucleotides, with an emphasis on RNA therapeutics and biomarkers, will be examined. In addition, the theoretical framework of oligonucleotide ESI is carefully inspected with the purpose of identifying the contributing factors to MS signal intensity.
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50
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Chiarelli PA, Kievit FM, Zhang M, Ellenbogen RG. Bionanotechnology and the future of glioma. Surg Neurol Int 2015; 6:S45-58. [PMID: 25722933 PMCID: PMC4338483 DOI: 10.4103/2152-7806.151334] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2014] [Accepted: 10/15/2014] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Designer nanoscaled materials have the potential to revolutionize diagnosis and treatment for glioma. This review summarizes current progress in nanoparticle-based therapies for glioma treatment including targeting, drug delivery, gene delivery, and direct tumor ablation. Preclinical and current human clinical trials are discussed. Although progress in the field has been significant over the past decade, many successful strategies demonstrated in the laboratory have yet to be implemented in human clinical trials. Looking forward, we provide examples of combined treatment strategies, which harness the potential for nanoparticles to interact with their biochemical environment, and simultaneously with externally applied photons or magnetic fields. We present our notion of the "ideal" nanoparticle for glioma, a concept that may soon be realized.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter A Chiarelli
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington 98195, USA
| | - Forrest M Kievit
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington 98195, USA
| | - Miqin Zhang
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington 98195, USA ; Department of Materials Science and Engineering, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington 98195, USA
| | - Richard G Ellenbogen
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington 98195, USA
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