51
|
Shanmugasundaram M, Senthilvelan A, Kore AR. Chemical Synthesis of a Locked Nucleic Acid-Substituted Dinucleotide Cap Analog. Curr Protoc 2021; 1:e22. [PMID: 33484497 DOI: 10.1002/cpz1.22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
This article describes a reliable and efficient method for synthesis of the dinucleotide cap analog m7(LNA) G[5']ppp[5']G containing a locked nucleic acid moiety. The required LNA intermediate for the final coupling reaction, m7(LNA) GDP, is prepared in six steps starting from 5'-DMTr-N-DMF LNA guanosine. The overall reaction involves removal of DMTr and DMF groups, 5' monophosphorylation, imidazolide formation, diphosphorylation, and regioselective m7 methylation. The final coupling reaction of m7(LNA) GDP with ImGMP in the presence of zinc chloride as a catalyst affords m7(LNA) G[5']ppp[5']G in 59% yield. © 2021 Wiley Periodicals LLC. Basic Protocol: Synthesis of an LNA-substituted dinucleotide cap analog Support Protocol: Preparation of the tris(tributylammonium) phosphate linker.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Anilkumar R Kore
- Life Sciences Solutions Group, Thermo Fisher Scientific, Austin, Texas
| |
Collapse
|
52
|
van Dülmen M, Muthmann N, Rentmeister A. Chemo-Enzymatic Modification of the 5' Cap Maintains Translation and Increases Immunogenic Properties of mRNA. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2021; 60:13280-13286. [PMID: 33751748 PMCID: PMC8250829 DOI: 10.1002/anie.202100352] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Eukaryotic mRNAs are emerging modalities for protein replacement therapy and vaccination. Their 5' cap is important for mRNA translation and immune response and can be naturally methylated at different positions by S-adenosyl-l-methionine (AdoMet)-dependent methyltransferases (MTases). We report on the cosubstrate scope of the MTase CAPAM responsible for methylation at the N6 -position of adenosine start nucleotides using synthetic AdoMet analogs. The chemo-enzymatic propargylation enabled production of site-specifically modified reporter-mRNAs. These cap-propargylated mRNAs were efficiently translated and showed ≈3-fold increased immune response in human cells. The same effects were observed when the receptor binding domain (RBD) of SARS-CoV-2-a currently tested epitope for mRNA vaccination-was used. Site-specific chemo-enzymatic modification of eukaryotic mRNA may thus be a suitable strategy to modulate translation and immune response of mRNAs for future therapeutic applications.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Melissa van Dülmen
- Department of Chemistry and PharmacyInstitute of BiochemistryCorrensstrasse 3648149MünsterGermany
| | - Nils Muthmann
- Department of Chemistry and PharmacyInstitute of BiochemistryCorrensstrasse 3648149MünsterGermany
| | - Andrea Rentmeister
- Department of Chemistry and PharmacyInstitute of BiochemistryCorrensstrasse 3648149MünsterGermany
- Cells in Motion Interfaculty CenterUniversity of MünsterGermany
| |
Collapse
|
53
|
Dülmen M, Muthmann N, Rentmeister A. Eine chemo‐enzymatische Modifizierung der 5′‐Kappe erhält die Translation und erhöht die Immunogenität der mRNA. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2021. [DOI: 10.1002/ange.202100352] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Melissa Dülmen
- Fachbereich Chemie und Pharmazie Institut für Biochemie Corrensstrasse 36 48149 Münster Deutschland
| | - Nils Muthmann
- Fachbereich Chemie und Pharmazie Institut für Biochemie Corrensstrasse 36 48149 Münster Deutschland
| | - Andrea Rentmeister
- Fachbereich Chemie und Pharmazie Institut für Biochemie Corrensstrasse 36 48149 Münster Deutschland
- Cells in Motion Interfaculty Center Westfälische Wilhelms-Universität Münster Deutschland
| |
Collapse
|
54
|
Senthilvelan A, Vonderfecht T, Shanmugasundaram M, Pal I, Potter J, Kore AR. Trinucleotide Cap Analogue Bearing a Locked Nucleic Acid Moiety: Synthesis, mRNA Modification, and Translation for Therapeutic Applications. Org Lett 2021; 23:4133-4136. [PMID: 34008991 DOI: 10.1021/acs.orglett.1c01037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
The synthesis of a new trinucleotide cap analogue containing a locked nucleic acid (LNA) moiety such as m7(LNA)G(5')ppp(5')AmpG and its molecular biology applications are described. The most appealing feature is that this new cap analogue outperforms the standard trinucleotide cap m7G(5')ppp(5')AmpG and the anti-reverse cap analogue m27,3'-OG(5')ppp(5')G by a factor of 5 in terms of translational efficiency.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Annamalai Senthilvelan
- Life Sciences Solutions Group, Thermo Fisher Scientific, 2130 Woodward Street, Austin, Texas 78744-1832, United States
| | - Tyson Vonderfecht
- Life Sciences Solutions Group, Thermo Fisher Scientific, 5781 Van Allen Way, Carlsbad, California 92008, United States
| | - Muthian Shanmugasundaram
- Life Sciences Solutions Group, Thermo Fisher Scientific, 2130 Woodward Street, Austin, Texas 78744-1832, United States
| | - Indra Pal
- Life Sciences Solutions Group, Thermo Fisher Scientific, 2202 North Bartlett Avenue, Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53202, United States
| | - Jason Potter
- Life Sciences Solutions Group, Thermo Fisher Scientific, 5781 Van Allen Way, Carlsbad, California 92008, United States
| | - Anilkumar R Kore
- Life Sciences Solutions Group, Thermo Fisher Scientific, 2130 Woodward Street, Austin, Texas 78744-1832, United States
| |
Collapse
|
55
|
Quantification of mRNA cap-modifications by means of LC-QqQ-MS. Methods 2021; 203:196-206. [PMID: 34058305 PMCID: PMC7612805 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymeth.2021.05.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2021] [Revised: 05/25/2021] [Accepted: 05/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Enzymatic modification of the 5'-cap is a versatile approach to modulate the properties of mRNAs. Transfer of methyl groups from S-adenosyl-l-methionine (AdoMet) or functional moieties from non-natural analogs by methyltransferases (MTases) allows for site-specific modifications at the cap. These modifications have been used to tune translation or control it in a temporal manner and even influence immunogenicity of mRNA. For quantification of the MTase-mediated cap modification, liquid chromatography coupled to tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) provides the required sensitivity and accuracy. Here, we describe the complete workflow starting from in vitro transcription to produce mRNAs, via their enzymatic modification at the cap with natural or non-natural moieties to the quantification of these cap-modifications by LC-QqQ-MS.
Collapse
|
56
|
Non-Immunotherapy Application of LNP-mRNA: Maximizing Efficacy and Safety. Biomedicines 2021; 9:biomedicines9050530. [PMID: 34068715 PMCID: PMC8151051 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines9050530] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2021] [Revised: 05/03/2021] [Accepted: 05/05/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Lipid nanoparticle (LNP) formulated messenger RNA-based (LNP-mRNA) vaccines came into the spotlight as the first vaccines against SARS-CoV-2 virus to be applied worldwide. Long-known benefits of mRNA-based technologies consisting of relatively simple and fast engineering of mRNA encoding for antigens and proteins of interest, no genomic integration, and fast and efficient manufacturing process compared with other biologics have been verified, thus establishing a basis for a broad range of applications. The intrinsic immunogenicity of LNP formulated in vitro transcribed (IVT) mRNA is beneficial to the LNP-mRNA vaccines. However, avoiding immune activation is critical for therapeutic applications of LNP-mRNA for protein replacement where targeted mRNA expression and repetitive administration of high doses for a lifetime are required. This review summarizes our current understanding of immune activation induced by mRNA, IVT byproducts, and LNP. It gives a comprehensive overview of the present status of preclinical and clinical studies in which LNP-mRNA is used for protein replacement and treatment of rare diseases with an emphasis on safety. Moreover, the review outlines innovations and strategies to advance pharmacology and safety of LNP-mRNA for non-immunotherapy applications.
Collapse
|
57
|
Zhang M, Song J, Yuan W, Zhang W, Sun Z. Roles of RNA Methylation on Tumor Immunity and Clinical Implications. Front Immunol 2021; 12:641507. [PMID: 33777035 PMCID: PMC7987906 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.641507] [Citation(s) in RCA: 68] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2020] [Accepted: 02/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
RNA methylation is a kind of RNA modification that exists widely in eukaryotes and prokaryotes. RNA methylation occurs not only in mRNA but also in ncRNA. According to the different sites of methylation, RNA methylation includes m6A, m5C, m7G, and 2-O-methylation modifications. Modifications affect the splicing, nucleation, stability and immunogenicity of RNA. RNA methylation is involved in many physiological and pathological processes. In the immune system, especially for tumor immunity, RNA methylation affects the maturation and response function of immune cells. Through the influence of RNA immunogenicity and innate immune components, modifications regulate the innate immunity of the body. Some recent studies verified that RNA methylation can regulate tumor immunity, which also provides a new idea for the future of treating immunological diseases and tumor immunotherapy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Maorun Zhang
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Junmin Song
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Weitang Yuan
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Wei Zhang
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Zhenqiang Sun
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China.,Academy of Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| |
Collapse
|
58
|
Kim J, Eygeris Y, Gupta M, Sahay G. Self-assembled mRNA vaccines. Adv Drug Deliv Rev 2021; 170:83-112. [PMID: 33400957 PMCID: PMC7837307 DOI: 10.1016/j.addr.2020.12.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 246] [Impact Index Per Article: 82.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2020] [Revised: 12/22/2020] [Accepted: 12/27/2020] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
mRNA vaccines have evolved from being a mere curiosity to emerging as COVID-19 vaccine front-runners. Recent advancements in the field of RNA technology, vaccinology, and nanotechnology have generated interest in delivering safe and effective mRNA therapeutics. In this review, we discuss design and self-assembly of mRNA vaccines. Self-assembly, a spontaneous organization of individual molecules, allows for design of nanoparticles with customizable properties. We highlight the materials commonly utilized to deliver mRNA, their physicochemical characteristics, and other relevant considerations, such as mRNA optimization, routes of administration, cellular fate, and immune activation, that are important for successful mRNA vaccination. We also examine the COVID-19 mRNA vaccines currently in clinical trials. mRNA vaccines are ready for the clinic, showing tremendous promise in the COVID-19 vaccine race, and have pushed the boundaries of gene therapy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jeonghwan Kim
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Oregon State University, Robertson Life Science Building, 2730 South Moody Avenue, Portland, Oregon 97201, USA
| | - Yulia Eygeris
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Oregon State University, Robertson Life Science Building, 2730 South Moody Avenue, Portland, Oregon 97201, USA
| | - Mohit Gupta
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Oregon State University, Robertson Life Science Building, 2730 South Moody Avenue, Portland, Oregon 97201, USA
| | - Gaurav Sahay
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Oregon State University, Robertson Life Science Building, 2730 South Moody Avenue, Portland, Oregon 97201, USA; Department of Biomedical Engineering, Oregon Health & Science University, Robertson Life Science Building, 2730 South Moody Avenue, Portland, Oregon 97201, USA; Department of Ophthalmology, Casey Eye Institute, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon 97239, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
59
|
Warminski M, Kowalska J, Nowak E, Kubacka D, Tibble R, Kasprzyk R, Sikorski PJ, Gross JD, Nowotny M, Jemielity J. Structural Insights into the Interaction of Clinically Relevant Phosphorothioate mRNA Cap Analogs with Translation Initiation Factor 4E Reveal Stabilization via Electrostatic Thio-Effect. ACS Chem Biol 2021; 16:334-343. [PMID: 33439620 PMCID: PMC7901015 DOI: 10.1021/acschembio.0c00864] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
![]()
mRNA-based
therapies and vaccines constitute a disruptive technology
with the potential to revolutionize modern medicine. Chemically modified
5′ cap structures have provided access to mRNAs with superior
translational properties that could benefit the currently flourishing
mRNA field. Prime examples of compounds that enhance mRNA properties
are antireverse cap analog diastereomers that contain an O-to-S substitution
within the β-phosphate (β-S-ARCA D1 and D2), where D1
is used in clinically investigated mRNA vaccines. The compounds were
previously found to have high affinity for eukaryotic translation
initiation factor 4E (eIF4E) and augment translation in vitro and in vivo. However, the molecular basis for the
beneficial “thio-effect” remains unclear. Here, we employed
multiple biophysical techniques and captured 11 cap analog-eIF4E crystallographic
structures to investigate the consequences of the β-O-to-S or
-Se substitution on the interaction with eIF4E. We determined the SP/RP configurations
of β-S-ARCA and related compounds and obtained structural insights
into the binding. Unexpectedly, in both stereoisomers, the β-S/Se
atom occupies the same binding cavity between Lys162 and Arg157, indicating
that the key driving force for complex stabilization is the interaction
of negatively charged S/Se with positively charged amino acids. This
was observed for all structural variants of the cap and required significantly
different conformations of the triphosphate for each diastereomer.
This finding explains why both β-S-ARCA diastereomers have higher
affinity for eIF4E than unmodified caps. Binding affinities determined
for di-, tri-, and oligonucleotide cap analogs suggested that the
“thio-effect” was preserved in longer RNAs. Our observations
broaden the understanding of thiophosphate biochemistry and enable
the rational design of translationally active mRNAs and eIF4E-targeting
drugs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Marcin Warminski
- Division of Biophysics, Institute of Experimental Physics, Faculty of Physics, University of Warsaw, Pasteura 5, 02-093 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Joanna Kowalska
- Division of Biophysics, Institute of Experimental Physics, Faculty of Physics, University of Warsaw, Pasteura 5, 02-093 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Elzbieta Nowak
- Laboratory of Protein Structure, International Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology, Ksiecia Trojdena 4, 02-109 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Dorota Kubacka
- Division of Biophysics, Institute of Experimental Physics, Faculty of Physics, University of Warsaw, Pasteura 5, 02-093 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Ryan Tibble
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, California 94158, United States
| | - Renata Kasprzyk
- Centre of New Technologies, University of Warsaw, Banacha 2c, 02-097 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Pawel J. Sikorski
- Centre of New Technologies, University of Warsaw, Banacha 2c, 02-097 Warsaw, Poland
| | - John D. Gross
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, California 94158, United States
| | - Marcin Nowotny
- Laboratory of Protein Structure, International Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology, Ksiecia Trojdena 4, 02-109 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Jacek Jemielity
- Centre of New Technologies, University of Warsaw, Banacha 2c, 02-097 Warsaw, Poland
| |
Collapse
|
60
|
Henderson JM, Ujita A, Hill E, Yousif-Rosales S, Smith C, Ko N, McReynolds T, Cabral CR, Escamilla-Powers JR, Houston ME. Cap 1 Messenger RNA Synthesis with Co-transcriptional CleanCap ® Analog by In Vitro Transcription. Curr Protoc 2021; 1:e39. [PMID: 33524237 DOI: 10.1002/cpz1.39] [Citation(s) in RCA: 73] [Impact Index Per Article: 24.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Synthetic messenger RNA (mRNA)-based therapeutics are an increasingly popular approach to gene and cell therapies, genome engineering, enzyme replacement therapy, and now, during the global SARS-CoV-2 pandemic, vaccine development. mRNA for such purposes can be synthesized through an enzymatic in vitro transcription (IVT) reaction and formulated for in vivo delivery. Mature mRNA requires a 5'-cap for gene expression and mRNA stability. There are two methods to add a cap in vitro: via a two-step multi-enzymatic reaction or co-transcriptionally. Co-transcriptional methods minimize reaction steps and enzymes needed to make mRNA when compared to enzymatic capping. CleanCap® AG co-transcriptional capping results in 5 mg/ml of IVT with 94% 5'-cap 1 structure. This is highly efficient compared to first-generation cap analogs, such as mCap and ARCA, that incorporate cap 0 structures at lower efficiency and reaction yield. This article describes co-transcriptional capping using TriLink Biotechnology's CleanCap® AG in IVT. © 2021 Wiley Periodicals LLC. Basic Protocol 1: IVT with CleanCap Basic Protocol 2: mRNA purification and analysis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Andrew Ujita
- TriLink Biotechnologies LLC, San Diego, California
| | | | | | - Cory Smith
- TriLink Biotechnologies LLC, San Diego, California
| | - Nicholas Ko
- TriLink Biotechnologies LLC, San Diego, California
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
61
|
Moya-Ramírez I, Bouton C, Kontoravdi C, Polizzi K. High resolution biosensor to test the capping level and integrity of mRNAs. Nucleic Acids Res 2021; 48:e129. [PMID: 33152073 PMCID: PMC7736790 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkaa955] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2020] [Revised: 09/22/2020] [Accepted: 10/08/2020] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
5′ Cap structures are ubiquitous on eukaryotic mRNAs, essential for post-transcriptional processing, translation initiation and stability. Here we describe a biosensor designed to detect the presence of cap structures on mRNAs that is also sensitive to mRNA degradation, so uncapped or degraded mRNAs can be detected in a single step. The biosensor is based on a chimeric protein that combines the recognition and transduction roles in a single molecule. The main feature of this sensor is its simplicity, enabling semi-quantitative analyses of capping levels with minimal instrumentation. The biosensor was demonstrated to detect the capping level on several in vitro transcribed mRNAs. Its sensitivity and dynamic range remained constant with RNAs ranging in size from 250 nt to approximately 2700 nt and the biosensor was able to detect variations in the capping level in increments of at least 20%, with a limit of detection of 2.4 pmol. Remarkably, it also can be applied to more complex analytes, such mRNA vaccines and mRNAs transcribed in vivo. This biosensor is an innovative example of a technology able to detect analytically challenging structures such as mRNA caps. It could find application in a variety of scenarios, from quality analysis of mRNA-based products such as vaccines to optimization of in vitro capping reactions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ignacio Moya-Ramírez
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Imperial College London, London SW7 2AZ, UK.,Imperial College Centre for Synthetic Biology, Imperial College London, London SW7 2AZ, UK
| | - Clement Bouton
- Department of Infectious Disease, Imperial College London, London W2 1NY, UK
| | - Cleo Kontoravdi
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Imperial College London, London SW7 2AZ, UK
| | - Karen Polizzi
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Imperial College London, London SW7 2AZ, UK.,Imperial College Centre for Synthetic Biology, Imperial College London, London SW7 2AZ, UK
| |
Collapse
|
62
|
Abstract
The mRNA epitranscriptome imparts diversity to gene expression by installing chemical modifications. Advances in detection methods have identified chemical modifications in eukaryotic, bacterial, and viral messenger RNAs (mRNAs). The biological functions of modifications in mRNAs still remain to be understood. Chemical modifications are introduced in synthetic mRNAs meant for therapeutic applications to maximize expression from the synthetic mRNAs and to evade the host immune response. This overview provides a background of chemical modifications found in mRNAs, with an emphasis on pseudouridine and its known effects on the mRNA life cycle, its potential applications in synthetic mRNA, and the methods used to assess its effects on mRNA translation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Bijoyita Roy
- RNA and Genome Editing, New England Biolabs Inc, Ipswich, MA, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
63
|
Strzelecka D, Smietanski M, Sikorski PJ, Warminski M, Kowalska J, Jemielity J. Phosphodiester modifications in mRNA poly(A) tail prevent deadenylation without compromising protein expression. RNA (NEW YORK, N.Y.) 2020; 26:1815-1837. [PMID: 32820035 PMCID: PMC7668260 DOI: 10.1261/rna.077099.120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2020] [Accepted: 08/13/2020] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Chemical modifications enable preparation of mRNAs with augmented stability and translational activity. In this study, we explored how chemical modifications of 5',3'-phosphodiester bonds in the mRNA body and poly(A) tail influence the biological properties of eukaryotic mRNA. To obtain modified and unmodified in vitro transcribed mRNAs, we used ATP and ATP analogs modified at the α-phosphate (containing either O-to-S or O-to-BH3 substitutions) and three different RNA polymerases-SP6, T7, and poly(A) polymerase. To verify the efficiency of incorporation of ATP analogs in the presence of ATP, we developed a liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) method for quantitative assessment of modification frequency based on exhaustive degradation of the transcripts to 5'-mononucleotides. The method also estimated the average poly(A) tail lengths, thereby providing a versatile tool for establishing a structure-biological property relationship for mRNA. We found that mRNAs containing phosphorothioate groups within the poly(A) tail were substantially less susceptible to degradation by 3'-deadenylase than unmodified mRNA and were efficiently expressed in cultured cells, which makes them useful research tools and potential candidates for future development of mRNA-based therapeutics.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Dominika Strzelecka
- Division of Biophysics, Institute of Experimental Physics, Faculty of Physics, University of Warsaw, 02-093 Warsaw, Poland
| | | | - Pawel J Sikorski
- Centre of New Technologies, University of Warsaw, 02-097 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Marcin Warminski
- Division of Biophysics, Institute of Experimental Physics, Faculty of Physics, University of Warsaw, 02-093 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Joanna Kowalska
- Division of Biophysics, Institute of Experimental Physics, Faculty of Physics, University of Warsaw, 02-093 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Jacek Jemielity
- Centre of New Technologies, University of Warsaw, 02-097 Warsaw, Poland
| |
Collapse
|
64
|
Abstract
Messenger RNA (mRNA) has immense potential for developing a wide range of therapies, including immunotherapy and protein replacement. As mRNA presents no risk of integration into the host genome and does not require nuclear entry for transfection, which allows protein production even in nondividing cells, mRNA-based approaches can be envisioned as safe and practical therapeutic strategies. Nevertheless, mRNA presents unfavorable characteristics, such as large size, immunogenicity, limited cellular uptake, and sensitivity to enzymatic degradation, which hinder its use as a therapeutic agent. While mRNA stability and immunogenicity have been ameliorated by direct modifications on the mRNA structure, further improvements in mRNA delivery are still needed for promoting its activity in biological settings. In this regard, nanomedicine has shown the ability for spatiotemporally controlling the function of a myriad of bioactive agents in vivo. Direct engineering of nanomedicine structures for loading, protecting, and releasing mRNA and navigating in biological environments can then be applied for promoting mRNA translation toward the development of effective treatments. Here, we review recent approaches aimed at enhancing mRNA function and its delivery through nanomedicines, with particular emphasis on their applications and eventual clinical translation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Satoshi Uchida
- Department of Bioengineering, Graduate School of Engineering, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8656, Japan.,Innovation Center of NanoMedicine, Kawasaki Institute of Industrial Promotion, 3-25-14, Tonomachi, Kawasaki 210-0821, Japan
| | - Federico Perche
- Centre de Biophysique Moléculaire, UPR4301 CNRS Rue Charles Sadron Orléans, Orléans 45071 Cedex 02, France
| | - Chantal Pichon
- Centre de Biophysique Moléculaire, UPR4301 CNRS Rue Charles Sadron Orléans, Orléans 45071 Cedex 02, France.,Faculty of Sciences and Techniques, University of Orléans, Orléans 45071 Cedex 02, France
| | - Horacio Cabral
- Department of Bioengineering, Graduate School of Engineering, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8656, Japan.,Innovation Center of NanoMedicine, Kawasaki Institute of Industrial Promotion, 3-25-14, Tonomachi, Kawasaki 210-0821, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
65
|
Benoni R, Culka M, Hudeček O, Gahurova L, Cahová H. Dinucleoside Polyphosphates as RNA Building Blocks with Pairing Ability in Transcription Initiation. ACS Chem Biol 2020; 15:1765-1772. [PMID: 32530599 DOI: 10.1021/acschembio.0c00178] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Dinucleoside polyphosphates (NpnNs) were discovered 50 years ago in all cells. They are often called alarmones, even though the molecular target of the alarm has not yet been identified. Recently, we showed that they serve as noncanonical initiating nucleotides (NCINs) and fulfill the role of 5' RNA caps in Escherichia coli. Here, we present molecular insight into their ability to be used as NCINs by T7 RNA polymerase in the initiation phase of transcription. In general, we observed NpnNs to be equally good substrates as canonical nucleotides for T7 RNA polymerase. Surprisingly, the incorporation of ApnGs boosts the production of RNA 10-fold. This behavior is due to the pairing ability of both purine moieties with the -1 and +1 positions of the antisense DNA strand. Molecular dynamic simulations revealed noncanonical pairing of adenosine with the thymine of the DNA.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Roberto Benoni
- Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry of the Czech Academy of Sciences Flemingovo nam. 2, 16610 Prague 6, Czech Republic
| | - Martin Culka
- Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry of the Czech Academy of Sciences Flemingovo nam. 2, 16610 Prague 6, Czech Republic
| | - Oldřich Hudeček
- Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry of the Czech Academy of Sciences Flemingovo nam. 2, 16610 Prague 6, Czech Republic
| | - Lenka Gahurova
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Faculty of Science, University of South Bohemia, Branisovska 1760, 37005 Ceske Budejovice, Czech Republic
| | - Hana Cahová
- Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry of the Czech Academy of Sciences Flemingovo nam. 2, 16610 Prague 6, Czech Republic
| |
Collapse
|
66
|
Williams GD, Gokhale NS, Snider DL, Horner SM. The mRNA Cap 2'- O-Methyltransferase CMTR1 Regulates the Expression of Certain Interferon-Stimulated Genes. mSphere 2020; 5:e00202-20. [PMID: 32404510 PMCID: PMC7227766 DOI: 10.1128/msphere.00202-20] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2020] [Accepted: 04/29/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Type I interferons (IFN) initiate an antiviral state through a signal transduction cascade that leads to the induction of hundreds of IFN-stimulated genes (ISGs) to restrict viral infection. Recently, RNA modifications on both host and viral RNAs have been described as regulators of infection. However, the impact of host mRNA cap modifications on the IFN response and how this regulates viral infection are unknown. Here, we reveal that CMTR1, an ISG that catalyzes 2'-O-methylation of the first transcribed nucleotide in cellular mRNA (Cap 1), promotes the protein expression of specific ISGs that contribute to the antiviral response. Depletion of CMTR1 reduces the IFN-induced protein levels of ISG15, MX1, and IFITM1, without affecting their transcript abundance. However, CMTR1 depletion does not significantly affect the IFN-induced protein or transcript abundance of IFIT1 and IFIT3. Importantly, knockdown of IFIT1, which acts with IFIT3 to inhibit the translation of RNAs lacking Cap 1 2'-O-methylation, restores protein expression of ISG15, MX1, and IFITM1 in cells depleted of CMTR1. Finally, we found that CMTR1 plays a role in restricting RNA virus replication, likely by ensuring the expression of specific antiviral ISGs. Taken together, these data reveal that CMTR1 is required to establish an antiviral state by ensuring the protein expression of a subset of ISGs during the type I IFN response.IMPORTANCE Induction of an efficient type I IFN response is important to control viral infection. We show that the host 2'-O-methyltransferase CMTR1 facilitates the protein expression of ISGs in human cells by preventing IFIT1 from inhibiting the translation of those mRNAs lacking cap 2'-O-methylation. Thus, CMTR1 promotes the IFN-mediated antiviral response.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Graham D Williams
- Department of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | - Nandan S Gokhale
- Department of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | - Daltry L Snider
- Department of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | - Stacy M Horner
- Department of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina, USA
- Department of Medicine, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina, USA
| |
Collapse
|