Effects in live cells of a c-myc anti-gene PNA linked to a nuclear localization signal

Nuclear localization and antisense effect of PNA internalized by ASGP-R-mediated endocytosis with protein/DNA conjugates

In order for peptide nucleic acids (PNAs) to be effective as therapeutic agents, methods for cellular delivery must be developed. Here we demonstrate spontaneous nuclear localization and antisense effects of peptide nucleic acids (PNAs) delivered to hepatic cells through asialoglycoprotein receptor-mediated endocytosis. Asialofetuin conjugates with DNA oligonucleotides (AF/DNA) complementary to the PNA of interest were designed as cell-specific delivery vectors. PNAs hybridized to the asialofetuin-oligonucleotide conjugates were internalized into murine primary hepatocytes and human HepG2 hepatocarcinoma cells effectively through receptor-mediated endocytosis in vitro. After a 4-h incubation, PNAs were largely localized in the nuclei of the cells; the mechanisms involved are still unclear. More than 70% inhibition of telomerase activity was observed when PNAs complementary to the RNA template of human telomerase were delivered to HepG2 cells using AF/DNA. The PNAs were stably associated with the AF/DNA conjugates in 50% serum at 37°C for at least 3h. The PNAs were spontaneously released from the conjugate through a strand exchange mechanism when complementary nucleic acid was added. The complexation of PNAs with the AF/DNA conjugates resulted in delivery of PNAs to liver after intravenous injection into mice. The present study indicates that conjugation to a natural proteinous ligand can be used as a non-toxic vector for cellular delivery of oligonucleotide analogs.

Design of embedded chimeric peptide nucleic acids that efficiently enter and accurately reactivate gene expression in vivo

Pharmacological treatments designed to reactivate fetal γ-globin can lead to an effective and successful clinical outcome in patients with hemoglobinopathies. However, new approaches remain highly desired because such treatments are not equally effective for all patients, and toxicity issues remain. We have taken a systematic approach to develop an embedded chimeric peptide nucleic acid (PNA) that effectively enters the cell and the nucleus, binds to its target site at the human fetal γ-globin promoter, and reactivates this transcript in adult transgenic mouse bone marrow and human primary peripheral blood cells. In vitro and in vivo DNA-binding assays in conjunction with live-cell imaging have been used to establish and optimize chimeric PNA design parameters that lead to successful gene activation. Our final molecule contains a specific γ-promoter-binding PNA sequence embedded within two amino acid motifs: one leads to efficient cell/nuclear entry, and the other generates transcriptional reactivation of the target. These embedded PNAs overcome previous limitations and are generally applicable to the design of in vivo transcriptional activation reagents that can be directed to any promoter region of interest and are of direct relevance to clinical applications that would benefit from such a need.

Application of peptide nucleic acid towards development of nanobiosensor arrays

Peptide nucleic acid (PNA) is the modified DNA or DNA analogue with a neutral peptide backbone instead of a negatively charged sugar phosphate. PNA exhibits chemical stability, resistant to enzymatic degradation inside living cell, recognizing specific sequences of nucleic acid, formation of stable hybrid complexes like PNA/DNA/PNA triplex, strand invasion, extraordinary thermal stability and ionic strength, and unique hybridization relative to nucleic acids. These unique physicobiochemical properties of PNA enable a new mode of detection, which is a faster and more reliable analytical process and finds applications in the molecular diagnostics and pharmaceutical fields. Besides, a variety of unique characteristic features, PNAs replace DNA as a probe for biomolecular tool in the molecular genetic diagnostics, cytogenetics, and various pharmaceutical potentials as well as for the development of sensors/arrays/chips and many more investigation purposes. This review paper discusses the various current aspects related with PNAs, making a new hot device in the commercial applications like nanobiosensor arrays.

Iron oxide-based nanomagnets in nanomedicine: fabrication and applications

Iron oxide-based nanomagnets have attracted a great deal of attention in nanomedicine over the past decade. Down to the nanoscale, superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles can only be magnetized in the presence of an external magnetic field, which makes them capable of forming stable colloids in a physio-biological medium. Their superparamagnetic property, together with other intrinsic properties, such as low cytotoxicity, colloidal stability, and bioactive molecule conjugation capability, makes such nanomagnets ideal in both in-vitro and in-vivo biomedical applications. In this review, a chemical, physical, and biological synthetic approach to prepare iron oxide-based nanomagnets with different physicochemical properties was illustrated and compared. The growing interest in iron oxide-based nanomagnets with multifunctionalities was explored in cancer diagnostics and treatment, focusing on their combined roles in a magnetic resonance contrast agent, hyperthermia, and magnetic force assisted drug delivery. Iron oxides as magnetic carriers in gene therapy were reviewed with a focus on the sophisticated design and construction of magnetic vectors. Finally, the iron oxide-based nanomagnet also represents a very promising tool in particle/cell interfacing in controlling cellular functionalities, such as adhesion, proliferation, differentiation, and cell patterning, in stem cell therapy and tissue engineering applications.

Introduction of disulfide bond to the main chain of PNA to switch its hybridization and invasion activity

In order to facilitate the removal of peptide nucleic acid (PNA), when necessary, from its duplexes and invasion complexes, a disulfide bond was introduced to its main chain. The disulfide bond was readily cleaved by various reducing agents (2-mercaptoethanol, dl-dithiothreitol, and tris(2-carboxyethyl)phosphine) even when the PNA was forming a duplex with its complementary DNA. The resultant two short PNA fragments were spontaneously removed from the DNA. Double-duplex invasion complexes of two disulfide-containing PNA strands were also promptly cleaved by the reducing agents. By using this modified PNA, a desired DNA fragment was picked up from DNA mixtures, and obtained in a pure form (free from the PNA) by the reductive treatment. Importantly, this separation was achieved at low temperatures (e.g., 37 degrees C), where all the DNAs (and other biomolecules if any) should be kept intact. Strong potential of the modified PNA for various biological applications has been indicated.

Antisense applications for biological control

Although Nature's antisense approaches are clearly impressive, this Perspectives article focuses on the experimental uses of antisense reagents (ASRs) for control of biological processes. ASRs comprise antisense oligonucleotides (ASOs), and their catalytically active counterparts ribozymes and DNAzymes, as well as small interfering RNAs (siRNAs). ASOs and ribozymes/DNAzymes target RNA molecules on the basis of Watson-Crick base pairing in sequence-specific manner. ASOs generally result in destruction of the target RNA by RNase-H mediated mechanisms, although they may also sterically block translation, also resulting in loss of protein production. Ribozymes and DNAzymes cleave target RNAs after base pairing via their antisense flanking arms. siRNAs, which contain both sense and antisense regions from a target RNA, can mediate target RNA destruction via RNAi and the RISC, although they can also function at the transcriptional level. A considerable number of ASRs (mostly ASOs) have progressed into clinical trials, although most have relatively long histories in Phase I/II settings. Clinical trial results are surprisingly difficult to find, although few ASRs appear to have yet established efficacy in Phase III levels. Evolution of ASRs has included: (a) Modifications to ASOs to render them nuclease resistant, with analogous modifications to siRNAs being developed; and (b) Development of strategies to select optimal sites for targeting. Perhaps the biggest barrier to effective therapies with ASRs is the "Delivery Problem." Various liposomal vehicles have been used for systemic delivery with some success, and recent modifications appear to enhance systemic delivery, at least to liver. Various nanoparticle formulations are now being developed which may also enhance delivery. Going forward, topical applications of ASRs would seem to have the best chances for success. In summary, modifications to ASRs to enhance stability, improve targeting, and incremental improvements in delivery vehicles continue to make ASRs attractive as molecular therapeutics, but their advance toward the bedside has been agonizingly slow.

Pharmacokinetic analysis of polyamide nucleic-acid-cell penetrating peptide conjugates targeted against HIV-1 transactivation response element

We have demonstrated that polyamide nucleic acids complementary to the transactivation response (TAR) element of HIV-1 LTR inhibit HIV-1 production when transfected in HIV-1 infected cells. We have further shown that anti-TAR PNA (PNA(TAR)) conjugated with cell-penetrating peptide (CPP) is rapidly taken up by cells and exhibits strong antiviral and anti-HIV-1 virucidal activities. Here, we pharmacokinetically analyzed (125)I-labeled PNA(TAR) conjugated with two CPPs: a 16-mer penetratin derived from antennapedia and a 13-mer Tat peptide derived from HIV-1 Tat. We administered the (125)I-labeled PNA(TAR)-CPP conjugates to male Balb/C mice through intraperitoneal or gavage routes. The naked (125)I-labeled PNA(TAR) was used as a control. Following a single administration of the labeled compounds, their distribution and retention in various organs were monitored at various time points. Regardless of the administration route, a significant accumulation of each PNA(TAR)-CPP conjugate was found in different mouse organs and tissues. The clearance profile of the accumulated radioactivity from different organs displayed a biphasic exponential pathway whereby part of the radioactivity cleared rapidly, but a significant portion of it was slowly released over a prolonged period. The kinetics of clearance of individual PNA(TAR)-CPP conjugates slightly varied in different organs, while the overall biphasic clearance pattern remained unaltered regardless of the administration route. Surprisingly, unconjugated naked PNA(TAR) displayed a similar distribution and clearance profile in most organs studied although extent of its uptake was lower than the PNA(TAR)-CPP conjugates.

PNAEmu can significantly reduce Burkitt's lymphoma tumor burden in a SCID mice model: cells dissemination similar to the human disease

In human Burkitt's Lymphoma (BL) BRG cells, a t(8;14) translocation, placing c-myc near the Emu enhancer of the H chain locus, causes tumor expansion. Earlier, we showed that a peptide nucleic acid complementary to the Emu sequence (PNAEmu), specifically inhibited the expression of translocated c-myc and impaired the growth of BRG cells-induced subcutaneous tumors in mice suffering from severe combined immunodeficiency (SCID). In this study, the therapeutic potential of PNAEmu was evaluated in a systemic mouse model. BRG-BL cells transfected with the luciferase gene were inoculated intravenously into SCID mice resulting in a preferential expansion, similar to the one of human adult patients, in the abdominal cavity, central nervous system and bone marrow. The mice were chronically injected intraperitoneally either with PNAEmu or with control PNA. The treatment was stopped when the control animals developed severe neurological symptoms. As detected both by inspection at necropsy and imaging, overall tumor growth in PNAEmu-treated mice decreased by >80%. Histological and immunohistochemical studies showed, only in PNAEmu-treated mice, a substantially reduced BL cell growth at the major sites of invasion and vast areas of necrosis in the lymphomatous tissues, with concomitant c-myc expression downregulation. Altogether, the data support the therapeutic potential of PNAEmu in human adult BL.

Enhanced cellular uptake and cytotoxicity studies of organometallic bioconjugates of the NLS peptide in Hep G2 cells

SPACE INVADERS: Organometallic fragments such as the ferrocenyl group (shown in red in the picture) help to enhance cellular entry of NLS peptides. Eventually, these nontoxic conjugates find their way to the cellular nucleus as shown by fluorescence microscopy studies in this work. Intracellular delivery to biomolecular targets is still a major challenge in molecular and cell biology. We recently found that attaching an organometallic group, namely the cobaltocenium cation, to the SV 40 large T antigen nuclear localisation signal (NLS) greatly enhances cellular uptake of the conjugate (Noor et al., Angew. Chem. Int. Ed. 2005, 45, 2429). In addition, nuclear localisation of the conjugate was observed. In this work, we present a thorough investigation of this novel cellular delivery system with respect to the nature of the metal complex and the peptide sequence. A number of ferrocene ((Fe(II)), neutral metal complex) and cobaltocenium ((Co(III)), cationic metal complex) bioconjugates with both the NLS wild-type sequence PKKKRKV and a scrambled sequence (NLS(scr), KKVKPKR) were prepared by solid-phase peptide synthesis (SPPS). Cellular and nuclear uptake of these bioconjugates was studied by fluorescence microscopy on living Hep G2 cells. In addition, cytotoxicity screening on the conjugates was carried out, as the toxic effects of several simple metallocenes have been noted previously. Rapid cellular uptake as well as nuclear localisation was observed for the metal-NLS conjugates, but not for any dipeptide controls, the metal-NLS(scr) conjugates or any metal-free conjugates. It thus appears that the presence of a metallocene, but not its charge, and the correct NLS sequence is essential for cellular uptake. Fluorescence microscopy co-localisation studies did not reveal a significant endosomal entrapment of the conjugates. The metallocene not only provides a hydrophobic handle for membrane translocation but also facilitates the localisation and distribution of the conjugate in the cytoplasm. The NLS peptide on the other hand is responsible for the nuclear localisation of the bioconjugate. Finally, none of the conjugates were found to be toxic up to the highest concentrations that was tested (1 mM) against the Hep G2 cells that were used in this study. In conclusion, this work supports metallocene-NLS bioconjugates, in particular with the very robust cobaltocenium group, as a simple but potent, nontoxic system for cellular uptake and nuclear delivery. Concurrently, our finding is relevant to the still-unresolved question of cytotoxicity of metallocenes because it excludes binding and/or damage to the DNA as a mechanism of metallocene cytotoxicity. This finding is confirmed by a combined yeast cytotoxicity/genotoxicity assay, which also shows very little toxic effects for all organometal-NLS conjugates that were tested.

Design and synthesis of intrinsically cell-penetrating nucleopeptides

Nucleopeptides, which are constituted of alpha-amino acids bearing nucleobases at their side chains, are able to penetrate into cells and to reach the nucleus without cytotoxic effects.

Effective delivery of antisense peptide nucleic acid oligomers into cells by anthrax protective antigen

Peptide nucleic acid (PNA) is highly stable and binds to complementary RNA and DNA with high affinity, but it resists cellular uptake, thereby limiting its bioavailability. We investigated whether protectiveantigen (PA, a non-toxic component of anthrax toxin) could transport antisense PNA oligomers into reporter cells that contain luciferase transgenes with mutant beta-globin IVS2 intronic inserts, which permit aberrant pre-mRNA splicing and impair luciferase expression. PNA oligomers antisense to mutant splice sites in these IVS2 inserts induced luciferase expression when effectively delivered into the cells. PNA 18-mers with C-terminal poly-lysine tails [PNA(Lys)(8)] demonstrated modest sequence-specific antisense activity by themselves at micromolar concentrations in luc-IVS2 reporter cell cultures. However, this activity was greatly amplified by PA. Antisense PNA(Lys)(8) with but not without PA also corrected the IVS2-654 beta-globin splice defect in cultured erythroid precursor cells from a patient with beta-thalassemia [genotype, IVS2-654(beta(0)/beta(E))], providing further evidence that anthrax PA can effectively transport antisense PNA oligomers into cells.

Circular dichroism study of DNA binding by a potential anticancer peptide nucleic acid targeted against the MYCN oncogene

The interaction with DNA of a peptide nucleic acid (PNA) oligomer (16nt) conjugated with a nuclear localization signal (NLS) peptide, which was previously found to be able to inhibit tumor cell proliferation through block of transcription of the MYCN oncogene, was studied by UV and CD spectroscopy. While data obtained by UV were not conclusive, the use of circular dichroism gave clear-cut evidence of the formation of a PNA:DNA duplex of exceptionally high stability (Tm >or= 90 degrees C). Using the same approach, the effect of mutations on DNA:PNA stability was evaluated, and was found in accordance with that expected for a Watson-Crick interaction. The role of the NLS peptide was evaluated by using a PNA lacking of this part, which gave rise to less stable PNA:DNA duplexes. Finally, a competition experiment carried out with a 26mer dsDNA, containing the target 16mer sequence in its middle region, in the presence of PNA-NLS gave evidence for the formation of a ternary complex at 25 degrees , while at higher temperature, the PNA:DNA duplex and the displaced homologous DNA strand were detected. The present results support the possibility of an analogous mechanism of action of this antitumor PNA in vivo.

Cell penetrating peptide conjugates of steric block oligonucleotides

Charge neutral steric block oligonucleotide analogues, such as peptide nucleic acids (PNA) or phosphorodiamidate morpholino oligomers (PMO), have promising biological and pharmacological properties for antisense applications, such as for example in mRNA splicing redirection. However, cellular uptake of free oligomers is poor and the utility of conjugates of PNA or PMO to cell penetrating peptides (CPP), such as Tat or Penetratin, is limited by endosomal sequestration. Two new families of arginine-rich CPPs named (R-Ahx-R)(4) AhxB and R(6)Pen allow efficient nuclear delivery of splice correcting PNA and PMO at micromolar concentrations in the absence of endosomolytic agents. The in vivo efficacy of (R-Ahx-R)(4) AhxB PMO conjugates has been demonstrated in mouse models of Duchenne muscular dystrophy and in various viral infections.

On The Biomedical Promise of Cell Penetrating Peptides: Limits Versus Prospects

The cell membrane poses a substantial hurdle to the use of pharmacologically active biomacromolecules that are not per se actively translocated into cells. An appealing approach to deliver such molecules involves tethering or complexing them with so-called cell penetrating peptides (CPPs) that are able to cross the plasma membrane of mammalian cells. The CPP approach is currently a major avenue in engineering delivery systems that are hoped to mediate the non-invasive import of problematic cargos into cells. The large number of different cargo molecules that have been efficiently delivered by CPPs ranges from small molecules to proteins and even liposomes and particles. With respect to the involved mechanism(s) there is increasing evidence for endocytosis as a major route of entry. Moreover, in terms of intracellular trafficking, current data argues for the transport to acidic early endosomal compartments with cytosolic release mediated via retrograde delivery through the Golgi apparatus and the endoplasmic reticulum. The focus of this review is to revisit the performance of cell penetrating peptides for drug delivery. To this aim we cover both accomplishments and failures and report on new prospects of the CPP approach. Besides a selection of successful case histories of CPPs we also review the limitations of CPP mediated translocation. In particular, we comment on the impact of (i) metabolic degradation, (ii) the cell line and cellular differentiation state dependent uptake of CPPs, as well as (iii) the regulation of their endocytic traffic by Rho-family GTPases. Further on, we aim at the identification of promising niches for CPP application in drug delivery. In this context, as inspired by current literature, we focus on three principal areas: (i) the delivery of antineoplastic agents, (ii) the delivery of CPPs as antimicrobials, and (iii) the potential of CPPs to target inflammatory tissues.

The peptide nucleic acid targeted to a regulatory sequence of the translocated c-myc oncogene in Burkitt's lymphoma lacks immunogenicity: follow-up characterization of PNAEmu-NLS

The present study aims to evaluate the antigenicity of a PNA complementary to the Emu sequence (PNAEmu) with cancer therapeutic potential properties in Burkitt's lymphoma (BL). In BL cells, the c-myc oncogene is repositioned next to the Emu enhancer of the immunoglobulin (Ig) locus, due to chromosomal translocation, and up-regulated. PNAEmu linked to a nuclear localization signal peptide was shown specifically to block c-myc hyperexpression by inhibiting cell growth in vitro and in vivo. Recently, we reported that the administration of PNAEmu to mice, following inoculation with BL cells, hinders tumor growth without toxic effects. To investigate the potential use of PNAEmu in clinical applications further, we tested its antigenicity. Mice were inoculated with an emulsion of free PNA or PNA crosslinked to the immunogenic carrier keyhole limpet hemocyanin (KLH) with Freund's adjuvant. Antibodies to free PNA were undetected, whereas both IgG and IgM antibodies to PNA-KLH were detected in mouse serum 28 and 38 days after inoculation.

Chirality as a tool in nucleic acid recognition: principles and relevance in biotechnology and in medicinal chemistry

The understanding of the interaction of chiral species with DNA or RNA is very important for the development of new tools in biology and of new drugs. Several cases in which chirality is a crucial point in determining the DNA binding mode are reviewed and discussed, with the aim of illustrating how chirality can be considered as a tool for improving the understanding of mechanisms and the effectiveness of nucleic acid recognition. The review is divided into two parts: the former describes examples of chiral species interacting with DNA: intercalators, metal complexes, and groove binders; the latter part is dedicated to chirality in DNA analogs, with discussion of phosphate stereochemistry and chirality of ribose substitutes, in particular of peptide nucleic acids (PNAs) for which a number of works have been published recently dealing with the effect of chirality in DNA recognition. The discussion is intended to show how enantiomeric recognition originates at the molecular level, by exploiting the enormous progresses recently achieved in the field of structural characterization of complexes formed by nucleic acid with their ligands by crystallographic and spectroscopic methods. Examples of application of the DNA binding molecules described and the role of chirality in DNA recognition relevant for biotechnology or medicinal chemistry are reported.

Activation of TLX3 and NKX2-5 in t(5;14)(q35;q32) T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia by remote 3'-BCL11B enhancers and coregulation by PU.1 and HMGA1

In T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia, alternative t(5;14)(q35;q32.2) forms effect dysregulation of either TLX3 or NKX2-5 homeobox genes at 5q35 by juxtaposition with 14q32.2 breakpoints dispersed across the BCL11B downstream genomic desert. Leukemic gene dysregulation by t(5;14) was investigated by DNA inhibitory treatments with 26-mer double-stranded DNA oligonucleotides directed against candidate enhancers at, or near, orphan T-cell DNase I hypersensitive sites located between 3'-BCL11B and VRK1. NKX2-5 down-regulation in t(5;14) PEER cells was almost entirely restricted to DNA inhibitory treatment targeting enhancers within the distal breakpoint cluster region and was dose and sequence dependent, whereas enhancers near 3'-BCL11B regulated that gene only. Chromatin immunoprecipitation assays showed that the four most effectual NKX2-5 ectopic enhancers were hyperacetylated. These enhancers clustered approximately 1 Mbp downstream of BCL11B, within a region displaying multiple regulatory stigmata, including a TCRA enhancer motif, deep sequence conservation, and tight nuclear matrix attachment relaxed by trichostatin A treatment. Intriguingly, although TLX3/NKX2-5 promoter/exon 1 regions were hypoacetylated, their expression was trichostatin A sensitive, implying extrinsic regulation by factor(s) under acetylation control. Knockdown of PU.1, known to be trichostatin A responsive and which potentially binds TLX3/NKX2-5 promoters, effected down-regulation of both homeobox genes. Moreover, genomic analysis showed preferential enrichment near ectopic enhancers of binding sites for the PU.1 cofactor HMGA1, the knockdown of which also inhibited NKX2-5. We suggest that HMGA1 and PU.1 coregulate ectopic homeobox gene expression in t(5;14) T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia by interactions mediated at the nuclear matrix. Our data document homeobox gene dysregulation by a novel regulatory region at 3'-BCL11B responsive to histone deacetylase inhibition and highlight a novel class of potential therapeutic target amid noncoding DNA.

Zorro locked nucleic acid induces sequence-specific gene silencing

Locked nucleic acids (LNAs) are synthetic analogs of nucleic acids that contain a bridging methylene carbon between the 2' and 4' positions of the ribose ring. In this study, we generated a novel sequence-specific antigene molecule "Zorro LNA", which simultaneously binds to both strands, and that induced effective and specific strand invasion into DNA duplexes and potent inhibition of gene transcription, also in a cellular context. By comparing the Zorro LNA with linear LNA as well as an optimized bisPNA (peptide nucleic acid) oligonucleotide directed against the same target sites, respectively, we found that the Zorro LNA construct was unique in its ability to arrest gene transcription in mammalian cells. To our knowledge, this is the first time that in mammalian cells, gene transcription was blocked by a nucleic acid analog in a sequence-specific way using low but saturated binding of a blocking agent. This offers a novel type of antigene drug that is easy to synthesize.

Lack of mutagenicity and clastogenicity of PNAEmu-NLS targeted to a regulatory sequence of the translocated c-myc oncogene in Burkitt's lymphoma

Peptide nucleic acids (PNAs) are synthetic homolog of nucleic acids in which the phosphate-sugar polynucleotide backbone is replaced by a flexible polyamide. They bind complementary polynucleotide sequences with higher affinity and specificity than their natural counterparts. PNAs linked to the appropriate nuclear localization signal (NLS) peptide have been used to selectively down-regulate the expression of several genes in viable cells. For example in Burkitt's lymphoma (BL) cells the c-myc oncogene is translocated in proximity to the Emu enhancer of the Ig gene locus and upregulated. PNAs complementary to the second exon of c-myc or to the Emu enhancer sequence (PNAEmu-NLS), selectively and specifically block the expression of the c-myc oncogene and inhibit cell growth in vitro and in vivo. PNAEmu-NLS administration to mice did not exhibit toxic effects even at the highest concentration allowed by the experimental conditions. Because of the accumulating data confirming PNAEmu-NLS potential therapeutic value, PNAEmu-NLS was evaluated for the inability to induce mutations in tester strains of Salmonella typhimurium, Escherichia coli, and at the hprt locus in Chinese hamster ovary cells (CHO). Moreover, the induction of chromosomal aberrations in CHO cells and of micronuclei in human lymphocytes were investigated. We may conclude that PNAEmu-NLS neither induces mutations nor has clastogenic effects as detectable by treatment under the standard test conditions.

The taming of the cell penetrating domain of the HIV Tat: myths and realities

Protein transduction with cell penetrating peptides over the past several years has been shown to be an effective way of delivering proteins in vitro and now several reports have also shown valuable in vivo applications in correcting disease states. An impressive bioinspired phenomenon of crossing biological barriers came from HIV transactivator Tat protein. Specifically, the protein transduction domain of HIV Tat has been shown to be a potent pleiotropic peptide in protein delivery. Various approaches such as molecular modeling, arginine guanidinium head group structural strategy, multimerization of PTD sequence and phage display system have been applied for taming of the PTD. This has resulted in identification of PTD variants which are efficient in cell membrane penetration and cytoplasmic delivery. In spite of these state of the art technologies, the dilemma of low protein transduction efficiency and target specific delivery of PTD fusion proteins remains unsolved. Moreover, some misconceptions about PTD of Tat in the literature require considerations. We have assembled critical information on secretory, plasma membrane penetration and transcellular properties of Tat and PTD using molecular analysis and available experimental evidences.

RNA targeting with peptide conjugates of oligonucleotides, siRNA and PNA

Towards the development of oligonucleotide analogues and siRNA as drugs, one potential alternative to the use of liposomal transfection agents is the covalent conjugation of a cell-penetrating peptide (CPP), with the intention of imparting on the oligonucleotide or siRNA an enhanced ability to enter mammalian cells and reach the appropriate RNA target. We have developed robust methods for the chemical synthesis of disulfide-linked conjugates of oligonucleotide analogues, siRNA and peptide nucleic acids (PNA) with a range of cationic and other CPPs. In a HeLa cell assay with integrated plasmid reporters of Tat-dependent trans-activation at the TAR RNA target in the cell nucleus, we were unable to obtain steric block inhibition of gene expression for conjugates of CPPs with a 12-mer oligonucleotide mixmer of 2'-O-methyl and locked nucleic acids units. By contrast, we were able to obtain some reductions in expression of P38alpha MAP kinase mRNA in HeLa cells using microM concentrations of Penetratin or Tat peptides conjugated to the 3'-end of the sense strand of siRNA. However, the most promising results to date have been with a 16-mer PNA conjugated to the CPP Transportan or a double CPP R(6)-Penetratin, where we have demonstrated Tat-dependent trans-activation inhibition in HeLa cells. Results to date suggest the possibility of development of CPP-PNA conjugates as anti-HIV agents as well as other potential applications involving nuclear cell delivery, such as the redirection of splicing.

Orientation preferences of backbone secondary amide functional groups in peptide nucleic acid complexes: quantum chemical calculations reveal an intrinsic preference of cationic D-amino acid-based chiral PNA analogues for the P-form

Geometric descriptions of nonideal interresidue hydrogen bonding and backbone-base water bridging in the minor groove are established in terms of polyamide backbone carbonyl group orientation from analyses of residue junction conformers in experimentally determined peptide nucleic acid (PNA) complexes. Two types of interresidue hydrogen bonding are identified in PNA conformers in heteroduplexes with nucleic acids that adopt A-like basepair stacking. Quantum chemical calculations on the binding of a water molecule to an O2 base atom in glycine-based PNA thymine dimers indicate that junctions modeled with P-form backbone conformations are lower in energy than a dimer comprising the predominant conformation observed in A-like helices. It is further shown in model systems that PNA analogs based on D-lysine are better able to preorganize in a conformation exclusive to P-form helices than is glycine-based PNA. An intrinsic preference for this conformation is also exhibited by positively charged chiral PNA dimers carrying 3-amino-D-alanine or 4-aza-D-leucine residue units that provide for additional rigidity by side-chain hydrogen bonding to the backbone carbonyl oxygen. Structural modifications stabilizing P-form helices may obviate the need for large heterocycles to target DNA pyrimidine bases via PNA.DNA-PNA triplex formation. Quantum chemical modeling methods are used to propose candidate PNA Hoogsteen strand designs.

Therapeutically promising PNA complementary to a regulatory sequence for c-myc: pharmacokinetics in an animal model of human Burkitt's lymphoma

In Burkitt's lymphoma (BL) cells c-myc is often translocated in proximity to the Emu enhancer of the Ig gene locus. This translocation causes c-myc hyperexpression and an increase in the cells' proliferative capacity. A peptide nucleic acid (PNA) complementary to enhancer Emu intronic sequence (PNAEmu), linked to a nuclear localization signal (NLS), selectively and specifically blocks the expression of the c-myc oncogene under Emu control in vitro, suggesting potential therapeutic use. To explore this issue further, we have determined the pharmacokinetics of (14)C-labeled PNAEmu in SCID mice where a human tumor is established by inoculation of cells from a BL cell line. The data demonstrate that the compound has a relatively long life in vivo in tissues and, in particular, in BL tumor mass. Furthermore, in this animal model, PNAEmu shows low or no toxicity. All these results are in favor of a successful preclinical application in a BL human tumor animal model of a PNA targeting a regulatory, nontranscribed DNA sequence that can selectively inhibit the hyperexpression of a translocated gene linked to neoplastic cell expansion.

Inhibition of Burkitt's lymphoma cells growth in SCID mice by a PNA specific for a regulatory sequence of the translocated c-myc

In Burkitt's lymphoma (BL) cells due to a t(8;14) chromosomal translocation c-myc is often placed in proximity to the Emu enhancer of the Ig locus and upregulated. We demonstrated that in BL cells a peptide nucleic acid (PNA), complementary to intronic Emu sequences (PNAEmuwt), specifically blocks the expression of the c-myc oncogene under the Emu enhancer control and inhibits BL cell growth in culture. Here, we investigated whether PNAEmuwt was also able to block tumor growth in SCID mice inoculated with human BL cell lines. After subcutaneous inoculum in mice BL cells reproducibly form tumors. Both pre-treatment of BL cells with PNAEmuwt before inoculum and chronic intravenous administration of PNAEmuwt to mice already inoculated with BL cells selectively caused increased latency of tumor appearance and decreased final tumor size. Tumors from PNAEmuwt-treated animals showed substantial areas of cell necrosis and of c-myc downregulation. Inhibition of tumor growth was specific and was not observed with PNAEmumut carrying sequence mutations and in BL cell lines where the translocated c-myc is not under the control of the Emu enhancer. These data confirm the potential therapeutic value of PNA targeted to regulatory non-coding regions.

Antisense locked nucleic acids efficiently suppress BCR/ABL and induce cell growth decline and apoptosis in leukemic cells

Chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) develops when a hematopoietic stem cell acquires the Philadelphia chromosome carrying the BCR/ABL fusion gene. This gives the transformed cells a proliferative advantage over normal hematopoietic cells. Silencing the BCR/ABL oncogene by treatment with specific drugs remains an important therapeutic goal. In this work, we used locked nucleic acid (LNA)-modified oligonucleotides to silence BCR/ABL and reduce CML cell proliferation, as these oligonucleotides are resistant to nucleases and exhibit an exceptional affinity for cognate RNA. The anti-BCR/ABL oligonucleotides were designed as LNA-DNA gapmers, consisting of end blocks of 3/4 LNA monomers and a central DNA stretch of 13/14 deoxyribonucleotides. The gapmers were complementary to the b2a2 and b3a2 mRNA junctions with which they form hybrid duplexes that have melting temperatures of 79 degrees C and 75 degrees C, respectively, in a 20 mmol/L NaCl-buffered (pH 7.4) solution. Like DNA, the designed LNA-DNA gapmers were capable of activating RNase H and promote cleavage of the target b2a2 and b3a2 BCR/ABL mRNAs. The treatment of CML cells with junction-specific antisense gapmers resulted in a strong and specific reduction of the levels of BCR/ABL transcripts ( approximately 20% of control) and protein p210(BCR/ABL) ( approximately 30% of control). Moreover, the antisense oligonucleotides suppressed cell growth up to 40% of control and induced apoptosis, as indicated by the increase of caspase-3/7 activity in the treated cells. Finally, the b2a2-specific antisense gapmer used in combination with STI571 (imatinib mesylate), a tyrosine kinase inhibitor of p210(BCR/ABL), produced an enhanced antiproliferative effect in KYO-1 cells, which compared with K562 cells are refractory to STI571. The data of this study support the application of BCR/ABL antisense LNA-DNA gapmers, used either alone or in combination with STI571, as potential antileukemic agents.

Photochemically induced gene silencing using PNA-peptide conjugates

The potential for exploration of peptide nucleic acid (PNA) as an experimental and therapeutic regulator of gene expression has been hampered by a poor delivery and a lack of site-specific targeting. In the present study, we have developed an efficient strategy for nuclear delivery of PNA by combining cationically charged PNA-peptide conjugates and photochemical internalization (PCI) technology. When using the S100A4 gene as a model system, a consistent downregulation to around 10% remaining protein signal was obtained in three selected cell lines. Furthermore, a dose-dependent and time-dependent inhibition of the S100A4 protein was demonstrated. A main benefit of the strategy proposed is the possibility of site-specific targeting.

The Myc oncoprotein as a therapeutic target for human cancer

Myc expression is deregulated in a wide range of human cancers and is often associated with aggressive, poorly differentiated tumors. The Myc protein is a transcription factor that regulates a variety of cellular processes including cell growth and proliferation, cell-cycle progression, transcription, differentiation, apoptosis, and cell motility. Potential strategies that either inhibit the growth promoting effect of Myc and/or activate its pro-apoptotic function are presently being explored. In this review, we give an overview of Myc activation in human tumors and discuss current strategies aimed at targeting Myc for cancer treatment. Such therapies could have potential in combination with mechanistically different cytotoxic drugs to combat and eradicate tumors cells.

Synthesis of cell-permeable peptide nucleic acids and characterization of their hybridization and uptake properties

Guanidine-based peptide nucleic acid (GPNA) monomers and oligomers containing all four natural (adenine (A), cytosine (C), guanine (G), and thymine (T)) and two unnatural (2-thiouracil (sU) and 2,6-diaminopurine (D)) nucleobases have been synthesized. Thermal denaturation study showed that GPNA oligomers containing alternate D-backbone configuration bind sequence-specifically to DNA and, when incubated with mammalian cells, localized specifically to the endoplasmic reticulum (ER).

Evaluation of transfection protocols for unmodified and modified peptide nucleic acid (PNA) oligomers

We have compared the efficacy of different transfection protocols reported for peptide nucleic acid (PNA) oligomers. A precise evaluation of uptake efficacy was achieved by using a positive readout assay based on the ability of a PNA oligomer to correct aberrant splicing of a recombinant luciferase gene. The study comprised transfection of PNA conjugated to acridine, adamantyl, decanoic acid, and porphyrine (acr-PNA, ada-PNA, deca-PNA, and por-RNA, respectively) and unmodified PNA partially hybridized to a DNA oligomer (PNA/DNA cotransfection). Furthermore, the effect of conjugation to a nuclear localization signal (NLS) was evaluated as part of the PNA/DNA cotransfection protocol. Transfection of the tested PNAs was systematically optimized. PNA/DNA cotransfection was found to produce the highest luciferase activity, but only after careful selection of the DNA oligonucleotide. Both a cationic lipid, Lipofectamine, and a nonliposomal cationic polymer, polyethylenimine (PEI, ExGen 500), were efficient transfection reagents for the PNA/DNA complex. However, Lipofectamine, in contrast to PEI, showed severe side effects, such as cytotoxicity. acr-PNA, ada-PNA, and por-PNA were transfectable with efficacies between 5 and 10 times lower than that seen with PNA/DNA cotransfection. Conjugation of PNA to NLS had no effect on PNA/DNA cotransfection efficacy. An important lesson from the study was the finding that because of uncontrollable biologic variations, even optimal transfection conditions differed to a certain extend from experiment to experiment in an unpredictable way.

Promising nucleic acid analogs and mimics: characteristic features and applications of PNA, LNA, and morpholino

Nucleic acid analogs and mimics are commonly the modifications of native nucleic acids at the nucleobase, the sugar ring, or the phosphodiester backbone. Many forms of promising nucleic acid analogs and mimics are available, such as locked nucleic acids (LNAs), peptide nucleic acids (PNAs), and morpholinos. LNAs, PNAs, and morpholinos can form both duplexes and triplexes and have improved biostability. They have become a general and versatile tool for DNA and RNA recognition. LNA is a general and versatile tool for specific, high-affinity recognition of single-stranded DNA (ssDNA) and single-stranded RNA (ssRNA). LNA can be used for designing LNA oligoes for hybridization studies or as real time polymerase chain reaction probes in the form of Taqman probes. LNA also has therapeutic and diagnostic applications. PNA is another type of DNA analog with neutral charge. The extreme stability of PNA makes it an ideal candidate for the antisense and antigene application. PNA is used as probe for gene cloning, mutation detection, and in homologous recombination studies. It was also used to design transcription factor decoy molecules for target gene induction. Morpholino, another structural type, was devised to circumvent cost problems associated with DNA analogs. It has become the premier knockdown tool in developmental biology due to its cytosolic delivery in the embryos by microinjection. Thus, the nucleic acid analogs provide an advantage to design and implementation, therapies, and research assays, which were not implemented due to limitations associated with standard nucleic acids chemistry.

Synthesis and application of negatively charged PNA analogues

Negatively charged DNA mimics containing phosphonate analogoues of peptide nucleic acids were designed, and their physicochemical and biological properties were evaluated in the comparison with natural oligonucleotides, classical peptide nucleic acids, and morpholino phosphorodiamidate oligonucleotide analogues. The results obtained revealed a high potential of phosphonate-containing PNA derivatives for a number of biological applications, such as diagnostic, nucleic acids analysis, and inhibition of gene expression.

In vivo identification of ribonucleoprotein-RNA interactions

To understand the role of RNA-binding proteins (RBPs) in the regulation of gene expression, methods are needed for the in vivo identification of RNA-protein interactions. We have developed the peptide nucleic acid (PNA)-assisted identification of RBP technology to enable the identification of proteins that complex with a target RNA in vivo. Specific regions of the 3' and 5' UTRs of ankylosis mRNA were targeted by antisense PNAs transported into cortical neurons by the cell-penetrating peptide transportan 10. An array of proteins was isolated in complex with or near the targeted regions of the ankylosis mRNA through UV-induced crosslinking of the annealed PNA-RNA-RBP complex. The first evidence for pharmacological modulation of these specific protein-RNA associations was observed. These data show that the PNA-assisted identification of the RBP technique is a reliable method to rapidly identify proteins interacting in vivo with the target RNA.

Biological activity and biotechnological aspects of peptide nucleic acid

During the latest decades a number of different nucleic acid analogs containing natural nucleobases on a modified backbone have been synthesized. An example of this is peptide nucleic acid (PNA), a DNA mimic with a noncyclic peptide-like backbone, which was first synthesized in 1991. Owing to its flexible and neutral backbone PNA displays very good hybridization properties also at low-ion concentrations and has subsequently attracted large interest both in biotechnology and biomedicine. Numerous modifications have been made, which could be of value for particular settings. However, the original PNA does so far perform well in many diverse applications. The high biostability makes it interesting for in vivo use, although the very limited diffusion over lipid membranes requires further modifications in order to make it suitable for treatment in eukaryotic cells. The possibility to use this nucleic acid analog for gene regulation and gene editing is discussed. Peptide nucleic acid is now also used for specific genetic detection in a number of diagnostic techniques, as well as for site-specific labeling and hybridization of functional molecules to both DNA and RNA, areas that are also discussed in this chapter.

[The peptide nucleic acids (PNAs): "high-tech" probes for genetic and molecular cytogenetic investigations]

The peptide nucleic acids (PNAs) constitute a remarkable new class of synthetic nucleic acids analogs, in which the sugar phosphate backbone is replaced by repeating N-(2-aminoethyl) glycine units linked by amine bonds and to which the nucleobases are fixed. This structure gives to PNAs the capacity to hybridize with high affinity and specificity to complementary RNA and DNA sequences, and a great resistance to nucleases and proteinases. Originally conceived as ligands for the study of double stranded DNA, the unique physico-chemical properties of PNAs have led to the development of a large variety of research and diagnostic assays, including antigene and antisense therapy and genome mapping. Several sensitive and robust PNA-dependent methods have been designed for modulating polymerase chain reactions, detecting genomic polymorphisms and mutations or capturing nucleic acids. Over the last few years, the use of PNAs has proven its powerful usefulness in cytogenetics for the rapid in situ identification of human chromosomes and the detection of aneuploidies. Recent studies have reported the successful use of chromosome-specific PNA probes on human lymphocytes, amniocytes, spermatozoa as well as on isolated oocytes and blastomeres. Muticolor PNA protocols have been described for the identification of several human chromosomes, indicating that PNAs could become a powerful tool for in situ chromosomal investigation.

Antigene property of PNA conjugated to the nuclear localization signal peptide

Peptide nucleic acid (PNA) is a DNA mimic with antigene properties. To enhance its capacity to enter in the cell and internalize in the nucleus, PNA has been conjugated to the nuclear localization signal (NLS) peptide, PKKKRKV PNA-NLS conjugates form stable hybrids with complementary DNA strands and poorly tolerate mismatched base pairing. Employed against cancer-associated genes, PNA-NLS exhibited a potent and specific antigene activity, suggesting exciting therapeutic approaches to cancer.

Cancer therapeutics: targeting the dark side of Myc

The potent Myc oncoprotein plays a pivotal role as a regulator of tumorigenesis in numerous human cancers of diverse origin. Experimental evidence shows that inhibiting Myc significantly halts tumour cell growth and proliferation. This review summarises recent progress in understanding the function of Myc as a transcription factor, with emphasis on key protein interactions and target gene regulation. In addition, major advances in drug development aimed at eliminating Myc are described, including antisense and triple helix forming oligonucleotides, porphyrins and siRNA. Future anti-Myc strategies are also discussed that inhibit Myc at the level of expression and/or function. Targeting the dark side of Myc with novel therapeutic agents promises to have a profound impact in combating cancer.

Anti-gene peptide nucleic acid specifically inhibits MYCN expression in human neuroblastoma cells leading to cell growth inhibition and apoptosis

We developed an anti-gene peptide nucleic acid (PNA) for selective inhibition of MYCN transcription in neuroblastoma cells, targeted against a unique sequence in the antisense DNA strand of exon 2 of MYCN and linked at its NH(2) terminus to a nuclear localization signal peptide. Fluorescence microscopy showed specific nuclear delivery of the PNA in six human neuroblastoma cell lines: GI-LI-N and IMR-32 (MYCN-amplified/overexpressed); SJ-N-KP and NB-100 (MYCN-unamplified/low-expressed); and GI-CA-N and GI-ME-N (MYCN-unamplified/unexpressed). Antiproliferative effects were observable at 24 hours (GI-LI-N, 60%; IMR-32, 70%) and peaked at 72 hours (GI-LI-N, 80%; IMR-32, 90%; SK-N-KP, 60%; NB-100, 50%); no reduction was recorded for GI-CA-N and GI-ME-N (controls). In MYCN-amplified/overexpressed IMR-32 cells and MYCN-unamplified/low-expressed SJ-N-KP cells, inhibition was recorded of MYCN mRNA (by real-time PCR) and N-Myc (Western blotting); these inhibitory effects increased over 3 days after single treatment in IMR-32. Anti-gene PNA induced G(1)-phase accumulation (39-53%) in IMR-32 and apoptosis (56% annexin V-positive cells at 24 hours in IMR-32 and 22% annexin V-positive cells at 48 hours in SJ-N-KP). Selective activity of the PNA was shown by altering three point mutations, and by the observation that an anti-gene PNA targeted against the noncoding DNA strand did not exert any effect. These findings could encourage research into development of an anti-gene PNA-based tumor-specific agent for neuroblastoma (and other neoplasms) with MYCN expression.

Targeting and regulation of the HER-2/neu oncogene promoter with bis-peptide nucleic acids

Antigene oligonucleotides have the potential to regulate gene expression through site-specific DNA binding. However, in vivo applications have been hindered by inefficient cellular uptake, degradation, and strand displacement. Peptide nucleic acids (PNAs) address several of these problems, as they are resistant to degradation and bind DNA with high affinity. We designed two cationic pyrimidine bis-PNAs (cpy-PNAs) to target the polypurine tract of the HER-2/neu promoter and compared them to an unmodified phosphodiester triplex-forming oligonucleotide (TFO1) and a TFO-nitrogen mustard conjugate (TFO2). PNA1 contains a + 2 charge and bound two adjacent 9-bp target sequences with high affinity and specificity, but only at low pH. PNA2 contains a +5 charge and bound one 11-bp target with high affinity up to pH 7.4, but with lower specificity. The PNA:DNA:PNA triplex formed by these cpy-bis-PNAs presented a stable barrier to DNA polymerase extension. The cpy-bis-PNAs and the TFO-alkylator conjugate prevented HER-2/neu transcription in a reporter gene assay (TFO2 = PNA1 > PNA2 >> TFO1). Both PNAs and TFOs were effective at binding the target sequence in naked genomic DNA, but only the TFO-alkylator (TFO2) and the more cationic PNA (PNA2) were detected at the endogenous HER-2/neu promoter in permeabilized cells. This work demonstrates the potential for preventing HER-2/neu gene expression with cpy-bis-PNAs in tumor cells.

Synthesis and cellular uptake of cell delivering PNA-peptide conjugates

The synthesis and cellular uptake of fluorescently labelled PNA-peptide conjugates is described; Dde/Mmt protected PNA monomers, fully orthogonal to Fmoc chemistry, were used to develop a flexible strategy to give Peptide Nucleic Acids conjugated to tri- and hepta-arginine and the short basic Tat(48-57) peptide as examples of cellular penetrating peptides, thereby allowing efficient cellular delivery of PNA into cells.

The use of peptide nucleic acids for in situ identification of human chromosomes

The peptide nucleic acids (PNAs) constitute a remarkable new class of synthetic nucleic acid analogues, based on their peptide-like backbone. This structure gives to PNAs the capacity to hybridize with high affinity and specificity to complementary RNA and DNA sequences and a great resistance to nucleases and proteinases. Originally conceived as ligands for the study of double-stranded DNA, the unique physicochemical properties of PNAs have led to the development of a large variety of research and diagnostic assays, including antigene and antisense therapy, genome mapping, and mutation detection. Over the past few years, PNAs have been shown to be powerful tools in cytogenetics for the rapid in situ identification of human chromosomes and the detection of aneuploidies. Recent studies have reported the successful use of chromosome-specific PNA probes on human lymphocytes, amniocytes, and spermatozoa, as well as on isolated oocytes and blastomeres. Multicolor PNA protocols have been described for the identification of several human chromosomes, indicating that PNAs could become a powerful complement to FISH for in situ chromosomal investigation.

The peptide nucleic acids (PNAs), powerful tools for molecular genetics and cytogenetics

Peptide nucleic acids (PNAs) are synthetic mimics of DNA in which the deoxyribose phosphate backbone is replaced by a pseudo-peptide polymer to which the nucleobases are linked. PNAs hybridize with complementary DNAs or RNAs with remarkably high affinity and specificity, essentially because of their uncharged and flexible polyamide backbone. The unique physico-chemical properties of PNAs have led to the development of a variety of research assays, and over the last few years, the use of PNAs has proven their powerful usefulness in molecular biology procedures and diagnostic assays. The more recent applications of PNA involve their use as molecular hybridization probes. Thus, several sensitive and robust PNA-dependent methods have been designed for developing antigene and anticancer drugs, modulating PCR reactions, detecting genomic mutation or labelling chromosomes in situ.

Sequence-specific inhibition of duck hepatitis B virus reverse transcription by peptide nucleic acids (PNA)

BACKGROUND/AIMS

Peptide nucleic acids (PNAs) appear as promising new antisense agents, that have not yet been examined as hepatitis B virus (HBV) inhibitors. Our aim was to study the ability of PNAs targeting the duck HBV (DHBV) encapsidation signal epsilon to inhibit reverse transcription (RT) and to compare their efficacy with phosphorothioate oligodeoxynucleotides (S-ODNs).

METHODS

The effect of two partly overlapping PNAs targeting epsilon and of analogous S-ODNs was tested in cell-free transcription and translation system for DHBV RT expression. In addition their antiviral effect was investigated in primary duck hepatocytes (PDH).

RESULTS

Both PNAs reproducibly inhibited DHBV RT in a dose-dependent manner with IC(50) of 10nM, whereas up to 600-fold higher concentration of S-ODNs was required for similar inhibition. The PNA targeting the bulge and upper stem of epsilon appeared as more efficient RT inhibitor than the PNA targeting only the bulge. Importantly, the inhibition was highly sequence-specific since double-mismatched PNA had no effect on the RT reaction. Moreover, in PDH the PNA coupled to Arg(7) cationic delivery peptide decreased DHBV replication.

CONCLUSIONS

We provide the first evidence that PNAs targeting the bulge and upper stem of epsilon can efficiently and in a sequence-specific manner inhibit DHBV RT.