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Martínez-Pérez IM, Zhang G, Ignatova Z, Zimmermann KH. Computational genes: a tool for molecular diagnosis and therapy of aberrant mutational phenotype. BMC Bioinformatics 2007; 8:365. [PMID: 17903261 PMCID: PMC2175521 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2105-8-365] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2007] [Accepted: 09/28/2007] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Background A finite state machine manipulating information-carrying DNA strands can be used to perform autonomous molecular-scale computations at the cellular level. Results We propose a new finite state machine able to detect and correct aberrant molecular phenotype given by mutated genetic transcripts. The aberrant mutations trigger a cascade reaction: specific molecular markers as input are released and induce a spontaneous self-assembly of a wild type protein or peptide, while the mutational disease phenotype is silenced. We experimentally demostrated in in vitro translation system that a viable protein can be autonomously assembled. Conclusion Our work demostrates the basic principles of computational genes and particularly, their potential to detect mutations, and as a response thereafter administer an output that suppresses the aberrant disease phenotype and/or restores the lost physiological function.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Gong Zhang
- Cellular Biochemistry, Max Planck Institute for Biochemistry, Martinsried 82152, Germany
| | - Zoya Ignatova
- Cellular Biochemistry, Max Planck Institute for Biochemistry, Martinsried 82152, Germany
| | - Karl-Heinz Zimmermann
- Institute of Computer Technology, Hamburg University of Technology, Hamburg 21073, Germany
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52
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Wochner A, Menger M, Rimmele M. Characterisation of aptamers for therapeutic studies. Expert Opin Drug Discov 2007; 2:1205-24. [DOI: 10.1517/17460441.2.9.1205] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
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53
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Yang J, Pan WH, Clawson GA, Richmond A. Systemic targeting inhibitor of kappaB kinase inhibits melanoma tumor growth. Cancer Res 2007; 67:3127-34. [PMID: 17409419 PMCID: PMC2665271 DOI: 10.1158/0008-5472.can-06-3547] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Constitutive activation of nuclear factor-kappaB (NF-kappaB) has been directly implicated in tumorigenesis of various cancer types, including melanoma. Inhibitor of kappaB kinase (IKK) functions as a major mediator of NF-kappaB activation. Thus, development of an IKK-specific inhibitor has been a high priority, although it remains unclear whether systemic inhibition of IKK will provide therapeutic benefit. In this study, we show that inhibition of NF-kappaB activity in melanocytes that are persistently expressing an active H-Ras(V12) gene and are deficient in the tumor suppressors inhibitor A of cyclin-dependent kinase 4/alternative reading frame results in reduction of melanoma tumor growth in vivo. This effect is, at least in part, via regulation of NF-kappaB nuclear activation and RelA phosphorylation. Based on this result, we developed a double hammerhead ribozyme long-term expression system to silence either IKKalpha or IKKbeta. The ribozymes were placed in an EBV construct and delivered i.v. to nude mice bearing melanoma lesions, which developed after i.v. injection of H-Ras-transformed melanoma cells. Our in vivo data show that knockdown of endogenous IKKbeta significantly reduces the growth of the melanoma lesions and knockdown of either IKKalpha or IKKbeta prolongs the life span of immunocompetent mice.
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MESH Headings
- Animals
- Base Sequence
- Cell Growth Processes/physiology
- Cell Transformation, Neoplastic/metabolism
- Cell Transformation, Neoplastic/pathology
- Female
- Genes, ras
- I-kappa B Kinase/antagonists & inhibitors
- I-kappa B Kinase/deficiency
- I-kappa B Kinase/genetics
- I-kappa B Kinase/metabolism
- Melanocytes/metabolism
- Melanoma, Experimental/enzymology
- Melanoma, Experimental/metabolism
- Melanoma, Experimental/pathology
- Mice
- Mice, Inbred BALB C
- Mice, Nude
- Molecular Sequence Data
- NF-kappa B/antagonists & inhibitors
- NF-kappa B/metabolism
- RNA, Catalytic/genetics
- RNA, Catalytic/metabolism
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinming Yang
- Department of Cancer Biology, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine and Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee
| | - Wei-Hua Pan
- Department of Pathology, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, The Gittlen Cancer Research Institute, Hershey Medical Center, Pennsylvania State University, Hershey, Pennsylvania
| | - Gary A. Clawson
- Department of Pathology, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, The Gittlen Cancer Research Institute, Hershey Medical Center, Pennsylvania State University, Hershey, Pennsylvania
| | - Ann Richmond
- Department of Cancer Biology, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine and Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee
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54
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Honcharenko D, Barman J, Varghese OP, Chattopadhyaya J. Comparison of the RNase H cleavage kinetics and blood serum stability of the north-conformationally constrained and 2'-alkoxy modified oligonucleotides. Biochemistry 2007; 46:5635-46. [PMID: 17411072 DOI: 10.1021/bi0620205] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
The RNase H cleavage potential of the RNA strand basepaired with the complementary antisense oligonucleotides (AONs) containing North-East conformationally constrained 1',2'-methylene-bridged (azetidine-T and oxetane-T) nucleosides, North-constrained 2',4'-ethylene-bridged (aza-ENA-T) nucleoside, and 2'-alkoxy modified nucleosides (2'-O-Me-T and 2'-O-MOE-T modifications) have been evaluated and compared under identical conditions. When compared to the native AON, the aza-ENA-T modified AON/RNA hybrid duplexes showed an increase of melting temperature (DeltaTm = 2.5-4 degrees C per modification), depending on the positions of the modified residues. The azetidine-T modified AONs showed a drop of 4-5.5 degrees C per modification with respect to the native AON/RNA hybrid, whereas the isosequential oxetane-T modified counterpart, showed a drop of approximately 5-6 degrees C per modification. The 2'-O-Me-T and 2'-O-MOE-T modifications, on the other hand, showed an increased of Tm by 0.5 C per modification in their AON/RNA hybrids. All of the partially modified AON/RNA hybrid duplexes were found to be good substrates for the RNase H mediated cleavage. The Km and Vmax values obtained from the RNA concentration-dependent kinetics of RNase H promoted cleavage reaction for all AON/RNA duplexes with identical modification site were compared with those of the reference native AON/RNA hybrid duplex. The catalytic activities (Kcat) of RNase H were found to be greater (approximately 1.4-2.6-fold) for all modified AON/RNA hybrids compared to those for the native AON/RNA duplex. However, the RNase H binding affinity (1/Km) showed a decrease (approximately 1.7-8.3-fold) for all modified AON/RNA hybrids. This resulted in less effective (approximately 1.1-3.2-fold) enzyme activity (Kcat/Km) for all modified AON/RNA duplexes with respect to the native counterpart. A stretch of five to seven nucleotides in the RNA strand (from the site of modifications in the complementary modified AON strand) was found to be resistant to RNase H digestion (giving a footprint) in the modified AON/RNA duplex. Thus, (i) the AON modification with azetidine-T created a resistant region of five to six nucleotides, (ii) modification with 2'-O-Me-T created a resistant stretch of six nucleotides, (iii) modification with aza-ENA-T created a resistant region of five to seven nucleotide residues, whereas (iv) modification with 2'-O-MOE-T created a resistant stretch of seven nucleotide residues. This shows the variable effect of the microstructure perturbation in the modified AON/RNA heteroduplex depending upon the chemical nature as well as the site of modifications in the AON strand. On the other hand, the enhanced blood serum as well as the 3'-exonuclease stability (using snake venom phosphodiesterase, SVPDE) showed the effect of the tight conformational constraint in the AON with aza-ENA-T modifications in that the 3'-exonuclease preferentially hydrolyzed the 3'-phosphodiester bond one nucleotide away (n + 1) from the modification site (n) compared to all other modified AONs, which were 3'-exonuclease cleaved at the 3'-phosphodiester of the modification site (n). The aza-ENA-T modification in the AONs made the 5'-residual oligonucleotides (including the n + 1 nucleotide) highly resistant in the blood serum (remaining after 48 h) compared to the native AON (fully degraded in 2 h). On the other hand, the 5'-residual oligonucleotides (including the n nucleotide) in azetidine-T, 2'-O-Me-T, and 2'-O-MOE-T modified AONs were more stable compared to that of the native counterpart but more easily degradable than that of aza-ENA-T containing AONs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dmytro Honcharenko
- Department of Bioorganic Chemistry, Box 581, Biomedical Center, University of Uppsala, S-751 23 Uppsala, Sweden
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55
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Insulin-like growth factor type I biology and targeting in malignant gliomas. Neuroscience 2007; 145:795-811. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2007.01.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 88] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2006] [Revised: 01/04/2007] [Accepted: 01/05/2007] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
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56
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Ciana P, Fumagalli M, Trincavelli ML, Verderio C, Rosa P, Lecca D, Ferrario S, Parravicini C, Capra V, Gelosa P, Guerrini U, Belcredito S, Cimino M, Sironi L, Tremoli E, Rovati GE, Martini C, Abbracchio MP. The orphan receptor GPR17 identified as a new dual uracil nucleotides/cysteinyl-leukotrienes receptor. EMBO J 2006; 25:4615-27. [PMID: 16990797 PMCID: PMC1589991 DOI: 10.1038/sj.emboj.7601341] [Citation(s) in RCA: 323] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2006] [Accepted: 08/22/2006] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Nucleotides and cysteinyl-leukotrienes (CysLTs) are unrelated signaling molecules inducing multiple effects through separate G-protein-coupled receptors: the P2Y and the CysLT receptors. Here we show that GPR17, a Gi-coupled orphan receptor at intermediate phylogenetic position between P2Y and CysLT receptors, is specifically activated by both families of endogenous ligands, leading to both adenylyl cyclase inhibition and intracellular calcium increases. Agonist-response profile, as determined by [(35)S]GTPgammaS binding, was different from that of already known CysLT and P2Y receptors, with EC(50) values in the nanomolar and micromolar range, for CysLTs and uracil nucleotides, respectively. Both rat and human receptors are highly expressed in the organs typically undergoing ischemic damage, that is, brain, heart and kidney. In vivo inhibition of GPR17 by either CysLT/P2Y receptor antagonists or antisense technology dramatically reduced ischemic damage in a rat focal ischemia model, suggesting GPR17 as the common molecular target mediating brain damage by nucleotides and CysLTs. In conclusion, the deorphanization of GPR17 revealed a dualistic receptor for two endogenous unrelated ligand families. These findings may lead to dualistic drugs of previously unexplored therapeutic potential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paolo Ciana
- Department of Pharmacological Sciences, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Marta Fumagalli
- Department of Pharmacological Sciences, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Maria Letizia Trincavelli
- Department of Psychiatry, Neurobiology, Pharmacology and Biotechnology, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Claudia Verderio
- Department of Medical Pharmacology, CNR Institute of Neuroscience, Cellular and Molecular Pharmacology, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Patrizia Rosa
- Department of Medical Pharmacology, CNR Institute of Neuroscience, Cellular and Molecular Pharmacology, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Davide Lecca
- Department of Pharmacological Sciences, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Silvia Ferrario
- Department of Pharmacological Sciences, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Chiara Parravicini
- Department of Pharmacological Sciences, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Valérie Capra
- Department of Pharmacological Sciences, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Paolo Gelosa
- Department of Pharmacological Sciences, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Uliano Guerrini
- Department of Pharmacological Sciences, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Silvia Belcredito
- Department of Pharmacological Sciences, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Mauro Cimino
- Institute of Pharmacology and Pharmacognosy, University of Urbino, Urbino, Italy
| | - Luigi Sironi
- Department of Pharmacological Sciences, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Elena Tremoli
- Department of Pharmacological Sciences, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
- Monzino Cardiologic Center IRCCS, Milan, Italy
| | - G Enrico Rovati
- Department of Pharmacological Sciences, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Claudia Martini
- Department of Psychiatry, Neurobiology, Pharmacology and Biotechnology, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Maria P Abbracchio
- Department of Pharmacological Sciences, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
- Department of Pharmacological Sciences, University of Milan, via Balzaretti 9, Milan 20133, Italy. Tel.: +390 250 318 310; Fax: +390 250 318 284; E-mail:
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57
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Chattopadhyay A, Goswami D, Dhotare B. A simple and stereodivergent strategy for the synthesis of 3′-C-branched 2′,3′-dideoxynucleosides exploiting (Z)-but-2-en-1,4-diol and (R)-2,3-cyclohexylideneglyceraldehyde. Tetrahedron Lett 2006. [DOI: 10.1016/j.tetlet.2006.04.120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
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58
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Parmentier JH, Zhang C, Estes A, Schaefer S, Malik KU. Essential role of PKC-zeta in normal and angiotensin II-accelerated neointimal growth after vascular injury. Am J Physiol Heart Circ Physiol 2006; 291:H1602-13. [PMID: 16679391 DOI: 10.1152/ajpheart.01363.2005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
The contribution of atypical protein kinase C (PKC)-zeta to ANG II-accelerated restenosis after endoluminal vascular injury was investigated by using the rat carotid balloon injury model. Exposure of injured arteries to ANG II resulted in an extensive neointimal thickening (1.9 times) compared with vehicle at day 14. Treatment with PKC-zeta antisense, but not scrambled, oligonucleotides reduced neointimal formation observed in the presence or absence of ANG II. Examination of early events (2 days) after injury showed an increase in cellularity in the perivascular area of the artery wall that was transferred to the adventitia and media after exposure to ANG II, events blocked by PKC-zeta antisense, but not scrambled, oligonucleotides. A positive correlation between medial cellularity at day 2 and extent of neointimal growth at day 14 was established. Immunohistochemical analysis showed that upregulation of inflammatory markers after injury, as well as infiltration of ED1(+) monocytes/macrophages from the perivascular area to the adventitia, was accelerated by ANG II. However, ANG II-stimulated medial increase in cellularity was proliferation independent, and these cells were monocyte chemoattractant protein-1(+)/vimentin(+) but ED1(-)/VCAM(-). PKC-zeta is degraded after injury, and inhibition of its neosynthesis in medial vascular smooth muscle cells or in infiltrating cells with PKC-zeta antisense attenuated medial cellularity and expression of inflammation mediators without reversing smooth muscle cell dedifferentiation. Together, these data indicate that PKC-zeta plays a critical role in normal and ANG II-accelerated neointimal growth through a mechanism involving upregulation of inflammatory mediators, leading to cell infiltration in the media of the vascular wall.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jean-Hugues Parmentier
- Dept. of Pharmacology, Crowe Bldg., Rm. 211, Univ. of Tennessee, 874 Union Ave., Memphis, TN 38163, USA.
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59
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Abstract
Androgenetic alopecia (hereditary thinning) is the most common cause of hair loss in both men and women. Chemotherapy-induced alopecia is another distressing cause of hair loss. With a better understanding of follicular biology and the signals responsible for hair growth and regression, targeted therapies for hair loss are being investigated. This review summarises investigational medications for androgenetic and chemotherapy-induced alopecia that are in preclinical stages or later.
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60
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Hemmrich K, Suschek CV, Kolb-Bachofen V. Antisense-mediated knockdown of iNOS expression in the presence of cytokines. Methods Enzymol 2006; 396:467-78. [PMID: 16291254 DOI: 10.1016/s0076-6879(05)96039-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/05/2023]
Abstract
The impact of nitric oxide (NO) synthesized after activation by proinflammatory cytokines and/or bacterial products by an inducible NO synthase (iNOS) is still contradictory. Various methods to inhibit iNOS expression or activity have been established. A relatively new approach to inhibit iNOS-derived NO production is the antisense (AS) technique, which theoretically provides a specific and efficient method for inhibiting gene expression and function. This chapter focuses on the application of iNOS-specific AS-oligodeoxynucleotide (ODN) and highlights some of the pitfalls that must be considered to use this technique effectively.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karsten Hemmrich
- Department of Plastic Surgery, Hand Surgery, Burn Center, University Hospital of the Aachen, University of Technology, Aachen, Germany
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61
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Werk D, Schubert S, Lindig V, Grunert HP, Zeichhardt H, Erdmann VA, Kurreck J. Developing an effective RNA interference strategy against a plus-strand RNA virus: silencing of coxsackievirus B3 and its cognate coxsackievirus-adenovirus receptor. Biol Chem 2005; 386:857-63. [PMID: 16164410 DOI: 10.1515/bc.2005.100] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Coxsackievirus B3 (CVB-3) is a plus-strand RNA virus that is believed to be the most common causal agent of viral myocarditis. Since no specific treatment for CVB-3 infections is available to date, we and others have recently started to develop RNA interference (RNAi) approaches to prevent virus propagation. Here we describe our strategy for the development of efficient small interfering RNAs (siRNAs) against viral genomes. Initially, fusion constructs of a reporter (green fluorescent protein) and viral subgenomic fragments were employed to select active siRNAs against the virus. Moreover, in an attempt to achieve sustained virus silencing and reduce the risk of generating escape mutants, only highly efficient siRNAs directed against regions of the viral genome that are unlikely to tolerate mutations were considered for virus inhibition. Two siRNAs directed against the 3D RNA-dependent RNA polymerase were found to inhibit virus propagation by 80-90%. The protective effect of the efficient siRNAs lasted for several days. Furthermore, we have first evidence that inhibition of the cellular coxsackievirus-adenovirus receptor (CAR) by RNAi also reduces the virus titre. Our strategy is likely to be applicable to other (RNA) viruses as well.
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Affiliation(s)
- Denise Werk
- Institute for Chemistry (Biochemistry), Free University of Berlin, Thielallee 63, D-14195 Berlin, Germany
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62
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Hemmrich K, Kröncke KD, Suschek CV, Kolb-Bachofen V. What sense lies in antisense inhibition of inducible nitric oxide synthase expression? Nitric Oxide 2005; 12:183-99. [PMID: 15894496 DOI: 10.1016/j.niox.2005.04.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2004] [Revised: 03/10/2005] [Accepted: 04/04/2005] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
The impact of nitric oxide (NO) synthesized after activation by proinflammatory cytokines and/or bacterial products by an inducible NO synthase (iNOS) is still contradictory. Expression of iNOS in inflammatory reactions is often found predominantly in cells of epithelial origin, and in these cases NO may serve as a protective agent limiting pathogen spreading, downregulating local inflammatory reactions by inducing production of Th2-like responses in a classical feedback circle, or limiting tissue damage during stress conditions. However, an abundant amount of data on chronic human disorders with predominant proinflammatory Th1-like reactions points to a destructive role of iNOS activity calling for a specific inhibition. Various methods to inhibit iNOS have been established to elucidate a protective versus a destructive role of NO during various stresses. In this review, we focus on antisense (AS)-mediated gene knock-down as a relatively new method to inhibit NO production and summarize the techniques applied and their successes. At least in theory, it provides a specific, rapid, and potentially high-throughput method for inhibiting gene expression and function. We here discuss the opportunities of iNOS-directed AS-ODN, and extensively deal with limitations and experimental problems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karsten Hemmrich
- Research Group Immunobiology, MED-Heinrich-Heine-University of Düsseldorf, Gebäude 23.12, Postfach 10 10 07, D-40001 Düsseldorf, Germany.
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63
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Overhoff M, Alken M, Far RKK, Lemaitre M, Lebleu B, Sczakiel G, Robbins I. Local RNA target structure influences siRNA efficacy: a systematic global analysis. J Mol Biol 2005; 348:871-81. [PMID: 15843019 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmb.2005.03.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 136] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2004] [Revised: 03/02/2005] [Accepted: 03/02/2005] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
The efficiency with which small interfering RNAs (siRNAs) down-regulate specific gene expression in living cells is variable and a number of sequence-governed, biochemical parameters of the siRNA duplex have been proposed for the design of an efficient siRNA. Some of these parameters have been clearly identified to influence the assembly of the RNA-induced silencing complex (RISC), or to favour the sequence preferences of the RISC endonuclease. For other parameters, it is difficult to ascertain whether the influence is a determinant of the siRNA per se, or a determinant of the target RNA, especially its local structural characteristics. In order to gain an insight into the effects of local target structure on the biological activity of siRNA, we have used large sets of siRNAs directed against local targets of the mRNAs of ICAM-1 and survivin. Target structures were classified as accessible or inaccessible using an original, iterative computational approach and by experimental RNase H mapping. The effectiveness of siRNA was characterized by measuring the IC50 values in cell culture and the maximal extent of target suppression. Mean IC50 values were tenfold lower for accessible local target sites, with respect to inaccessible ones. Mean maximal target suppression was improved. These data illustrate that local target structure does, indeed, influence the activity of siRNA. We suggest that local target screening can significantly improve the hit rate in the design of biologically active siRNAs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marita Overhoff
- Universität zu Lübeck, Institut für Molekulare Medizin, Ratzeburger Allee 160, D-23538 Lübeck, Germany
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64
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Yaghini FA, Zhang C, Parmentier JH, Estes AM, Jafari N, Schaefer SA, Malik KU. Contribution of arachidonic acid metabolites derived via cytochrome P4504A to angiotensin II-induced neointimal growth. Hypertension 2005; 45:1182-7. [PMID: 15897359 DOI: 10.1161/01.hyp.0000168051.04275.ea] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Angiotensin II and the arachidonic acid metabolite derived via cytochrome P450 20-hydroxyeicostetraenoic acid promote vasoconstriction and vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMC) proliferation. This study was conducted to determine if 20-hydroxyeicostetraenoic acid contributes to angiotensin II-induced neointimal formation in balloon-injured rat carotid artery. In anesthetized rats, the drugs were infused into the clamped segment of the injured right common carotid artery for 60 minutes. The drug solution and catheter were withdrawn, the common carotid artery was ligated, and blood flow was restored. Exposure of the injured artery to angiotensin II (200 nmol/L) or arachidonic acid (10 micromol/L) increased neointimal thickening at day 14 (intima/media ratio 0.71+/-0.14 with vehicle versus 1.65+/-0.10 with angiotensin II or 1.31+/-0.13 with arachidonic acid; P<0.05). Cytochrome P450 4A1 antisense, but not scrambled, oligodeoxynucleotide (100 nmol/L) reduced angiotensin II-induced or arachidonic acid-induced neointimal thickening (intima/media ratio 0.90+/-0.07 for angiotensin II and 0.95+/-0.06 for arachidonic acid). 20-hydroxyeicostetraenoic acid (0.5 micromol/L) also increased neointimal thickening of injured artery (intima/media ratio 1.15+/-0.03); this was not altered by cytochrome P450 4A1 antisense oligodeoxynucleotide. Angiotensin II, arachidonic acid, and 20-hydroxyeicostetraenoic acid also induced the expression of cytochrome P450 4A and increased the number of CD45-positive cells; the latter effect of angiotensin II and arachidonic acid, but not 20-hydroxyeicostetraenoic acid, was diminished by cytochrome P450 4A1 antisense oligodeoxynucleotide. These data suggest that arachidonic acid metabolites derived via cytochrome P450 4A, most likely 20-hydroxyeicostetraenoic acid, mediate angiotensin II-induced neointimal thickening in injured rat carotid artery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fariborz A Yaghini
- Department of Pharmacology and Center for Vascular Biology, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN, USA
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65
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Abstract
Recent advances in understanding the molecular and cellular basis of cardiovascular diseases, together with the availability of tools for genetic manipulation of the cardiovascular system, offer possibilities for new treatments. Gene therapies have demonstrated potential usefulness for treating complex cardiovascular diseases, such as hypertension, atherosclerosis and myocardial ischemia, in various animal models. Some of these experimental therapies are now undergoing clinical evaluation in patients with cardiovascular disease. However, the successful transition of these therapies into mainstream clinical practice awaits further improvements to vector platforms and delivery tools and the documentation of clinical feasibility, safety and efficacy through multi-center randomized trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luis G Melo
- Department of Physiology, Queen's University, 18 Stuart Street, Kingston, Ontario, K7L 3N6, Canada.
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66
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Shishkina GT, Kalinina TS, Dygalo NN. Attenuation of alpha2A-adrenergic receptor expression in neonatal rat brain by RNA interference or antisense oligonucleotide reduced anxiety in adulthood. Neuroscience 2005; 129:521-8. [PMID: 15541874 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2004.08.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/13/2004] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Brain alpha2-adrenergic receptors (alpha2-ARs) have been implicated in the regulation of anxiety, which is associated with stress. Environmental treatments during neonatal development could modulate the level of brain alpha2-AR expression and alter anxiety in adults, suggesting possible involvement of these receptors in early-life programming of anxiety state. The present study was undertaken to determine whether the reduction of the expression of A subtype of these receptors most abundant in the neonatal brain affects anxiety-related behavior in adulthood. We attenuated the expression of alpha2A-ARs during neonatal life by two different sequence specific approaches, antisense technology and RNA interference. Treatment of rats with the antisense oligodeoxynucleotide or short interfering RNA (siRNA) against alpha2A-ARs on the days 2-4 of their life, produced a marked acute decrease in the levels of both alpha2A-AR mRNA and [3H]RX821002 binding sites in the brainstem into which drugs were injected. The decrease of alpha2A-AR expression in the neonatal brainstem influenced the development of this receptor system in the brain regions as evidenced by the increased number of [3H]RX821002 binding sites in the hypothalamus of adult animals with both neonatal alpha2A-AR knockdown treatments; also in the frontal cortex of antisense-treated, and in the hippocampus of siRNA-treated adult rats. These adult animals also demonstrated a decreased anxiety in the elevated plus-maze as evidenced by an increased number of the open arm entries, greater proportion of time spent in the open arms, and more than a two-fold increase in the number of exploratory head dips. The results provide the first evidence that the reduction in the brain expression of a gene encoding for alpha2A-AR during neonatal life led to the long-term neurochemical and behavioral alterations. The data suggests that alterations in the expression of the receptor-specific gene during critical periods of brain development may be involved in early-life programming of anxiety-related behavior.
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MESH Headings
- Adrenergic alpha-Antagonists/pharmacokinetics
- Analysis of Variance
- Animals
- Animals, Genetically Modified
- Animals, Newborn
- Anxiety/drug therapy
- Behavior, Animal
- Blotting, Southern/methods
- Brain Stem/drug effects
- Brain Stem/growth & development
- Gene Expression Regulation, Developmental/drug effects
- Idazoxan/analogs & derivatives
- Idazoxan/pharmacokinetics
- Maze Learning/drug effects
- Norepinephrine/metabolism
- Oligodeoxyribonucleotides, Antisense/administration & dosage
- Protein Binding/drug effects
- RNA, Messenger/metabolism
- RNA, Small Interfering/administration & dosage
- Radioligand Assay
- Rats
- Rats, Wistar
- Receptors, Adrenergic, alpha-2/genetics
- Receptors, Adrenergic, alpha-2/metabolism
- Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction/methods
- Tritium/pharmacokinetics
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Affiliation(s)
- G T Shishkina
- Institute of Cytology and Genetics, Lavrentjev Av. 10, Novosibirsk 630090, Russia
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67
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Nosrati M, Li S, Bagheri S, Ginzinger D, Blackburn EH, Debs RJ, Kashani-Sabet M. Antitumor activity of systemically delivered ribozymes targeting murine telomerase RNA. Clin Cancer Res 2005; 10:4983-90. [PMID: 15297398 DOI: 10.1158/1078-0432.ccr-04-0134] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE To test ribozymes targeting mouse telomerase RNA (mTER) for suppression of the progression of B16-F10 murine melanoma metastases in vivo. EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN Hammerhead ribozymes were designed to target mTER. The ribozyme sequences were cloned into a plasmid expression vector containing EBV genomic elements that substantially prolong expression of genes delivered in vivo. The activity of various antitelomerase ribozymes or control constructs was examined after i.v. injection of cationic liposome:DNA complexes containing control or ribozyme constructs. Expression of ribozymes and mTER at various time points were evaluated by quantitative real-time PCR. Telomerase activity was examined using the telomeric repeat amplification protocol. RESULTS Systemic administration of cationic liposome:DNA complexes containing a plasmid-expressed ribozyme specifically targeting a cleavage site at mTER nucleotide 180 significantly reduced the metastatic progression of B16-F10 murine melanoma. The antitumor activity of the anti-TER 180 ribozyme in mice was abolished by a single inactivating base mutation in the ribozyme catalytic core. The EBV-based expression plasmid produced sustained levels of ribozyme expression for the full duration of the antitumor studies. In addition to antitumor activity, cationic liposome:DNA complex-based ribozyme treatment also produced reductions in both TER levels and telomerase enzymatic activity in tumor-bearing mice. CONCLUSIONS Systemic, plasmid-based ribozymes specifically targeting TER can reduce both telomerase activity and metastatic progression in tumor-bearing hosts. The work reported here demonstrates the potential utility of plasmid-based anti-TER ribozymes in the therapy of melanoma metastasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mehdi Nosrati
- Auerback Melanoma Research Laboratory, Cutaneous Oncology Program, Department of Dermatology, University of California San Francisco Cancer Center, San Francisco, California 94115, USA
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68
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Elmén J, Zhang HY, Zuber B, Ljungberg K, Wahren B, Wahlestedt C, Liang Z. Locked nucleic acid containing antisense oligonucleotides enhance inhibition of HIV-1 genome dimerization and inhibit virus replication. FEBS Lett 2005; 578:285-90. [PMID: 15589834 PMCID: PMC7232750 DOI: 10.1016/j.febslet.2004.11.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2004] [Revised: 11/05/2004] [Accepted: 11/09/2004] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
We have evaluated antisense design and efficacy of locked nucleic acid (LNA) and DNA oligonucleotide (ON) mix‐mers targeting the conserved HIV‐1 dimerization initiation site (DIS). LNA is a high affinity nucleotide analog, nuclease resistant and elicits minimal toxicity. We show that inclusion of LNA bases in antisense ONs augments the interference of HIV‐1 genome dimerization. We also demonstrate the concomitant RNase H activation by six consecutive DNA bases in an LNA/DNA mix‐mer. We show ON uptake via receptor‐mediated transfection of a human T‐cell line in which the mix‐mers subsequently inhibit replication of a clinical HIV‐1 isolate. Thus, the technique of LNA/DNA mix‐mer antisense ONs targeting the conserved HIV‐1 DIS region may provide a strategy to prevent HIV‐1 assembly in the clinic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joacim Elmén
- Center for Genomics and Bioinformatics, Karolinska Institutet, Berzeliusväg 35, 171 77 Stockholm, Sweden.
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69
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Bogucka M, Naus P, Pathmasiri W, Barman J, Chattopadhyaya J. Facile preparation of the oxetane-nucleosides. Org Biomol Chem 2005; 3:4362-72. [PMID: 16327897 DOI: 10.1039/b511406c] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
Efficient and practical large scale synthesis of suitably protected 1',2'-oxetane locked purine and pyrimidine nucleosides for incorporation in oligo-DNA or -RNA by solid-phase synthesis is reported. A high regio and stereoselectivity with preferential formation of the beta-anomer in the glycosylation reaction, using the Vorbrüggen procedure, was achieved by a convergent synthetic procedure with orthogonal protection strategy using either 1,2-di-O-acetyl-3,4-O-isopropylidene-6-O-(4-toluoyl)-d-psicofuranose or 2-O-acetyl-6-O-benzyl-1,3,4-tri-O-(4-toluoyl)-d-psicofuranose as the glycosyl donor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Małgorzata Bogucka
- Department of Bioorganic Chemistry, Box 581, Biomedical Center, University of Uppsala, S-75123 Uppsala, Sweden
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70
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PDE7 Inhibitors: Chemistry and Potential Therapeutic Utilites. ANNUAL REPORTS IN MEDICINAL CHEMISTRY 2005. [DOI: 10.1016/s0065-7743(05)40015-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register]
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71
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Drygin D, Barone S, Bennett CF. Sequence-dependent cytotoxicity of second-generation oligonucleotides. Nucleic Acids Res 2004; 32:6585-94. [PMID: 15604456 PMCID: PMC545465 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkh997] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2004] [Revised: 11/24/2004] [Accepted: 11/24/2004] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
In this study, we have examined the potential of second-generation antisense chimeric 2'-O-(2-methoxy)ethyl/DNA phosphorothioate oligonucleotides (ONs) to affect cell growth through non-antisense mechanisms. Evaluation of a series of ONs demonstrated that only a small number were cytotoxic at concentrations close to those required for antisense activity. Toxicity of the ONs appeared to be sequence dependent and could be affected by base and backbone modifications. Caspase-3 activation occurs with some ONs and it is most likely secondary to necrosis rather than apoptosis, since cells treated with toxic ONs did not show chromatin condensation, but did exhibit high-extracellular lactate dehydrogenase activity. Caspase-3 activation does not correlate with and appears not to be required for the inhibition of cell proliferation. Toxicity was only observed when ONs were delivered intracellularly. The mechanism by which one of the most cytotoxic ON produces cytotoxicity was investigated in more detail. Treatment with the cytotoxic ON caused disruption of lysosomes and Pepstatin A, a specific inhibitor of aspartic proteases, reduced the cytotoxicity of the ON. Reduction of lysosomal aspartic protease cathepsin D by prior treatment with cathepsin D-specific antisense ON did not attenuate the cytotoxicity, suggesting that other aspartic proteases play a crucial role in the cellular proliferation inhibition by ONs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Denis Drygin
- Isis Pharmaceuticals, 2292 Faraday Avenue, Carlsbad, CA 92008, USA
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72
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Pradeepkumar PI, Cheruku P, Plashkevych O, Acharya P, Gohil S, Chattopadhyaya J. Synthesis, physicochemical and biochemical studies of 1',2'-oxetane constrained adenosine and guanosine modified oligonucleotides, and their comparison with those of the corresponding cytidine and thymidine analogues. J Am Chem Soc 2004; 126:11484-99. [PMID: 15366894 DOI: 10.1021/ja048417i] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
We have earlier reported the synthesis and antisense properties of the conformationally constrained oxetane-C and -T containing oligonucleotides, which have shown effective down-regulation of the proto-oncogene c-myb mRNA in the K562 human leukemia cells. Here we report on the straightforward syntheses of the oxetane-A and oxetane-G nucleosides as well as their incorporations into antisense oligonucleotides (AONs), and compare their structural and antisense properties with those of the T and C modified AONs (including the thermostability and RNase H recruitment capability of the AON/RNA hybrid duplex by Michaelis-Menten kinetic analyses, their resistance in the human serum, as well as in the presence of exo and endonucleases).
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Affiliation(s)
- Pushpangadan I Pradeepkumar
- Contribution from the Department of Bioorganic Chemistry, Box 581, Biomedical Center, University of Uppsala, S-75123 Uppsala, Sweden
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73
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Achenbach TV, Brunner B, Heermeier K. Oligonucleotide-based knockdown technologies: antisense versus RNA interference. Chembiochem 2004; 4:928-35. [PMID: 14523910 DOI: 10.1002/cbic.200300708] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
The postgenomic era is characterized by an almost intimidating amount of information regarding the sequences and expression of previously unknown genes. In response, researchers have developed an increasing interest in functional studies. At the start of such a study, one may have little more than sequence information and bioinformatic annotation. The next step is to hypothesize a potential role in the context of a cell. Testing of the hypothesis needs to be fast, cheap, and applicable to a large number of genes. Knockdown methods that rely on binding of antisense oligonucleotides to mRNA combined with a subsequent functional assay in cell culture fulfil these requirements: sequence information is sufficient for synthesis of active inhibitors. Depending on the in vitro model chosen, knockdown of gene expression can be achieved with medium or even high throughput. The two most popular methods of knockdown in cell culture are the use of antisense oligonucleotides that rely on ribonuclease H (RNAse H)-dependent cleavage of mRNA, and RNA interference triggered by small double-stranded RNA molecules. Both methods act in a sequence-specific manner and can give efficient knockdown. In both cases, researchers struggle with nonspecific "off-target" effects and the difficulty of site selection. Studies that compare the methods differ in their judgment as to which method is superior.
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MESH Headings
- Enzyme Activation/drug effects
- Genetic Techniques
- Oligonucleotides, Antisense/chemistry
- Oligonucleotides, Antisense/pharmacology
- RNA Interference
- RNA, Catalytic/metabolism
- RNA, Double-Stranded/chemistry
- RNA, Double-Stranded/metabolism
- RNA, Messenger/chemistry
- RNA, Messenger/metabolism
- RNA, Small Interfering/biosynthesis
- RNA, Small Interfering/pharmacology
- RNA, Small Interfering/toxicity
- Ribonuclease H/metabolism
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Affiliation(s)
- Tatjana V Achenbach
- Aventis Pharma Deutschland GmbH, DI&A LG Functional Genomics, Industriepark Hoechst, Building G879, 65926 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
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74
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Melo LG, Gnecchi M, Pachori AS, Kong D, Wang K, Liu X, Pratt RE, Dzau VJ. Endothelium-Targeted Gene and Cell-Based Therapies for Cardiovascular Disease. Arterioscler Thromb Vasc Biol 2004; 24:1761-74. [PMID: 15308553 DOI: 10.1161/01.atv.0000142363.15113.88] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Most common cardiovascular diseases are accompanied by endothelial dysfunction. Because of its predominant role in the pathogenesis of cardiovascular disease, the vascular endothelium is an attractive therapeutic target. The identification of promoter sequences capable of rendering endothelial-specific transgene expression together with the recent development of vectors with enhanced tropism for endothelium may offer opportunities for the design of new strategies for modulation of endothelial function. Such strategies may be useful in the treatment of chronic diseases such as hypertension, atherosclerosis, and ischemic artery disease, as well as in acute myocardial infarction and during open heart surgery for prevention of ischemia and reperfusion (I/R)-induced injury. The recent identification of putative endothelial progenitor cells in peripheral blood may allow the design of autologous cell-based strategies for neovascularization of ischemic tissues and for the repair of injured blood vessels and bioengineering of vascular prosthesis. "Proof-of-concept" for some of these strategies has been established in animal models of cardiovascular disease. However the successful translation of these novel strategies into clinical application will require further developments in vector and delivery technologies. Further characterization of the processes involved in mobilization, migration, homing, and incorporation of endothelial progenitor cells into the target tissues is necessary, and the optimal conditions for therapeutic application of these cells need to be defined and standardized.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luis G Melo
- Department of Physiology, Queen's University, 18 Stuart Street, Kingston, Ontario, K7L 3N6, Canada.
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75
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Ahmad A, Khan S, Ahmad I. Mass spectrometry and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay methods for the quantitation of liposomal antisense oligonucleotide (LE-rafAON) in human plasma. Methods Enzymol 2004; 387:230-41. [PMID: 15172167 DOI: 10.1016/s0076-6879(04)87014-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/29/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Ateeq Ahmad
- Departmen of Pharmacokinetics, Metabolism, and Bioanalytical Research and Development, NeoPharm, Inc, Waukegan, IL 60085, USA
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76
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Melo LG, Pachori AS, Kong D, Gnecchi M, Wang K, Pratt RE, Dzau VJ. Gene and cell-based therapies for heart disease. FASEB J 2004; 18:648-63. [PMID: 15054087 DOI: 10.1096/fj.03-1171rev] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Heart disease remains the prevalent cause of premature death and accounts for a significant proportion of all hospital admissions. Recent developments in understanding the molecular mechanisms of myocardial disease have led to the identification of new therapeutic targets, and the availability of vectors with enhanced myocardial tropism offers the opportunity for the design of gene therapies for both protection and rescue of the myocardium. Genetic therapies have been devised to treat complex diseases such as myocardial ischemia, heart failure, and inherited myopathies in various animal models. Some of these experimental therapies have made a successful transition to clinical trial and are being considered for use in human patients. The recent isolation of endothelial and cardiomyocyte precursor cells from adult bone marrow may permit the design of strategies for repair of the damaged heart. Cell-based therapies may have potential application in neovascularization and regeneration of ischemic and infarcted myocardium, in blood vessel reconstruction, and in bioengineering of artificial organs and prostheses. We expect that advances in the field will lead to the development of safer and more efficient vectors. The advent of genomic screening technology should allow the identification of novel therapeutic targets and facilitate the detection of disease-causing polymorphisms that may lead to the design of individualized gene and cell-based therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luis G Melo
- Department of Physiology, Queen's University, Kingston, Ontario K7L 3N6, Canada.
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77
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Schubert S, Fürste JP, Werk D, Grunert HP, Zeichhardt H, Erdmann VA, Kurreck J. Gaining target access for deoxyribozymes. J Mol Biol 2004; 339:355-63. [PMID: 15136038 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmb.2004.03.064] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2004] [Revised: 03/24/2004] [Accepted: 03/25/2004] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Antisense oligonucleotides and ribozymes have been used widely to regulate gene expression by targeting mRNAs in a sequence-specific manner. Long RNAs, however, are highly structured molecules. Thus, up to 90% of putative cleavage sites have been shown to be inaccessible to classical RNA based ribozymes or DNAzymes. Here, we report the use of modified nucleotides to overcome barriers raised by internal structures of the target RNA. In our attempt to cleave a broad range of picornavirus RNAs, we generated a DNAzyme against a highly conserved sequence in the 5' untranslated region (5' UTR). While this DNAzyme was highly efficient against the 5' UTR of the human rhinovirus 14, it failed to cleave the identical target sequence within the RNA of the related coxsackievirus A21 (CAV-21). After introduction of 2'-O-methyl RNA or locked nucleic acid (LNA) monomers into the substrate recognition arms, the DNAzyme degraded the previously inaccessible virus RNA at a high catalytic rate even to completion, indicating that nucleotides with high target affinity were able to compete successfully with internal structures. We then adopted this strategy to two DNAzymes that we had found to be inactive in our earlier experiments. The modified DNAzymes proved to be highly effective against their respective target structures. Our approach may be useful for other ribozyme strategies struggling with accessibility problems, especially when being restricted to unique target sites.
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Affiliation(s)
- Steffen Schubert
- Institute for Chemistry (Biochemistry), Free University Berlin, Thielallee 63, D-14195 Berlin, Germany
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78
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Benimetskaya L, Stein CA. Antisense therapy: recent advances and relevance to prostate cancer. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2004; 1:20-30. [PMID: 15046709 DOI: 10.3816/cgc.2002.n.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Currently employed treatment options for patients with advanced and metastatic cancer such as surgery, radiation, hormone therapy, and chemotherapy are limited. In particular, the well known limitations of chemotherapy are at least in part due to a lack of specificity. The activation of dominant oncogenes and inactivation of tumor suppressor genes may represent novel targets for cancer therapy. Antisense therapy has been widely used to specifically and selectively inhibit the expression of selected genes at the messenger RNA level. Combinations of antisense oligonucleotides with chemotherapeutic agents may offer important advantages in cancer treatment. Several antisense drugs, especially oblimersen (G3139), have shown interesting results in experiments in animals, and have entered clinical trials. However, control oligonucleotides must be carefully chosen to separate antisense effects from the many potential nonspecific effects of oligonucleotides. This review summarizes the advantages and limitations of antisense therapy and its use in the treatment of androgen-independent prostate cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luba Benimetskaya
- Department of Medicine, Columbia University, College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York, NY 10032, USA
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79
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MESH Headings
- Antineoplastic Agents/administration & dosage
- Antineoplastic Agents/pharmacology
- Artificial Intelligence
- Automation/methods
- Biosensing Techniques/methods
- Carcinoma, Small Cell/diagnosis
- Carcinoma, Small Cell/drug therapy
- Carcinoma, Small Cell/genetics
- Computers, Molecular
- DNA, Antisense/administration & dosage
- DNA, Antisense/chemistry
- DNA, Antisense/genetics
- DNA, Antisense/pharmacology
- Drug Design
- Gene Expression Profiling
- Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic/drug effects
- Genetic Engineering/methods
- Genetic Therapy/methods
- Humans
- Male
- Prostatic Neoplasms/diagnosis
- Prostatic Neoplasms/drug therapy
- Prostatic Neoplasms/genetics
- RNA, Messenger/analysis
- RNA, Messenger/genetics
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80
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Yoo BH, Bochkareva E, Bochkarev A, Mou TC, Gray DM. 2'-O-methyl-modified phosphorothioate antisense oligonucleotides have reduced non-specific effects in vitro. Nucleic Acids Res 2004; 32:2008-16. [PMID: 15064360 PMCID: PMC390367 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkh516] [Citation(s) in RCA: 73] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Antisense oligodeoxynucleotides (ODNs) have biological activity in treating various forms of cancer. The antisense effects of two types of 20mer ODNs, phosphorothioate-modified ODNs (S-ODNs) and S-ODNs with 12 2'-O-methyl groups (Me-S-ODNs), targeted to sites 109 and 277 of bcl-2 mRNA, were compared. Both types were at least as effective as G3139 (Genta, Inc.) in reducing the level of Bcl-2 protein in T24 cells following a 4 h transfection at a dose of 0.1 micro M. Circular dichroism spectra showed that both types formed A-form duplexes with the complementary RNA, and the melting temperatures were in the order of Me-S-ODN.RNA > normal DNA.RNA > S-ODN.RNA. In comparison with the S-ODN, the Me-S-ODN had reduced toxic growth inhibitory effects, was less prone to bind the DNA-binding domain A of human replication protein A, and was as resistant to serum nucleases. Neither type of oligomer induced apoptosis, according to a PARP-cleavage assay. Hybrids formed with Me-S-ODN sequences were less sensitive to RNase H degradation than those formed with S-ODN sequences. Despite this latter disadvantage, the addition of 2'-O-methyl groups to a phosphorothioate-modified ODN is advantageous because of increased stability of binding and reduced non-specific effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Byong Hoon Yoo
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, Mail Stop FO31, The University of Texas at Dallas, PO Box 830688, Richardson, TX 75083-0688, USA
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81
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Abstract
The RAF-1 serine-threonine kinase plays a central role in signal transduction pathways involved in cell survival and proliferation. The concept of RAF-1-targeted disruption of cell signaling for therapeutic purposes was first advanced in 1989 with the demonstration of tumor growth inhibition in athymic mice and radiosensitization of human squamous carcinoma cells transfected with a vector expressing antisense cDNA. However, the clinical application of antisense strategies has awaited the development of improved antisense oligonucleotide technologies and drug delivery methods. Nuclease-resistant phosphorothioated antisense oligonucleotides have been the focus of pharmaceutical industry attention. In vivo delivery of nuclease-sensitive, natural backbone/phosphodiester oligonucleotides has remained a formidable challenge. Liposomal encapsulation of antisense oligonucleotides protects them from degradation and enhances drug delivery. Here, we review the importance of targeting RAF-1 signaling in cancer therapy and the preclinical and clinical experiences with a liposomal formulation of a nuclease-sensitive, ends-modified antisense RAF oligonucleotide.
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Affiliation(s)
- Usha Kasid
- Department of Radiation Medicine, Lombardi Cancer Center, Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington, DC 20007, USA
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82
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Stone LS, Vulchanova L. The pain of antisense: in vivo application of antisense oligonucleotides for functional genomics in pain and analgesia. Adv Drug Deliv Rev 2003; 55:1081-112. [PMID: 12935946 DOI: 10.1016/s0169-409x(03)00105-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
As the genomic revolution continues to evolve, there is an increasing demand for efficient and reliable tools for functional characterization of individual gene products. Antisense oligonucleotide-mediated knockdown has been used successfully as a functional genomics tool in animal models of pain and analgesia yet skepticism regarding the validity and utility of antisense technology remains. Contributing to this uncertainty are the lack of systematic studies exploring antisense oligonucleotide use in vivo and the many technical and methodological challenges intrinsic to the method. This article reviews the contributions of antisense oligonucleotide-based studies to the field of pain and analgesia and the general principles of antisense technology. A special emphasis is placed on technical issues surrounding the successful application of antisense oligonucleotides in vivo, including sequence selection, antisense oligonucleotide chemistry, DNA controls, route of administration, uptake, dose-dependence, time-course and adequate evaluation of knockdown.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura S Stone
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Minnesota, 6-125 Jackson Hall, 321 Church Street S.E., Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA.
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83
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Brar SS, Corbin Z, Kennedy TP, Hemendinger R, Thornton L, Bommarius B, Arnold RS, Whorton AR, Sturrock AB, Huecksteadt TP, Quinn MT, Krenitsky K, Ardie KG, Lambeth JD, Hoidal JR. NOX5 NAD(P)H oxidase regulates growth and apoptosis in DU 145 prostate cancer cells. Am J Physiol Cell Physiol 2003; 285:C353-69. [PMID: 12686516 DOI: 10.1152/ajpcell.00525.2002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 204] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Reactive oxygen species (ROS) appear to play an important role in regulating growth and survival of prostate cancer. However, the sources for ROS production in prostate cancer cells have not been determined. We report that ROS are generated by intact American Type Culture Collection DU 145 cells and by their membranes through a mechanism blocked by NAD(P)H oxidase inhibitors. ROS are critical for growth in these cells, because NAD(P)H oxidase inhibitors and antioxidants blocked proliferation. Components of the human phagocyte NAD(P)H oxidase, p22phox and gp91phox, as well as the Ca2+ concentration-responsive gp91phox homolog NOX5 were demonstrated in DU 145 cells by RT-PCR and sequencing. Although the protein product for p22phox was not detectable, both gp91phox and NOX5 were identified throughout the cell by immunostaining and confocal microscopy and NOX5 immunostaining was enhanced in a perinuclear location, corresponding to enhanced ROS production adjacent to the nuclear membrane imaged by 2',7'-dichlorofluorescin diacetate oxidation. The calcium ionophore ionomycin dramatically stimulated ferricytochrome c reduction in cell media, further supporting the importance of NOX5 for ROS production. Antisense oligonucleotides for NOX5 inhibited ROS production and cell proliferation in DU 145 cells. In contrast, antisense oligonucleotides to p22phox or gp91phox did not impair cell growth. Inhibition of ROS generation with antioxidants or NAD(P)H oxidase inhibitors increased apoptosis in cells. These results indicate that ROS generated by the newly described NOX5 oxidase are essential for prostate cancer growth, possibly by providing trophic intracellular oxidant tone that retards programmed cell death.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sukhdev S Brar
- Department of Internal Medicine, Carolinas Medical Center, Charlotte, NC 28232, USA
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84
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He T, Weintraub NL, Goswami PC, Chatterjee P, Flaherty DM, Domann FE, Oberley LW. Redox factor-1 contributes to the regulation of progression from G0/G1 to S by PDGF in vascular smooth muscle cells. Am J Physiol Heart Circ Physiol 2003; 285:H804-12. [PMID: 12730053 DOI: 10.1152/ajpheart.01080.2002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Redox factor-1 (Ref-1/APE), a multifunctional DNA base excision repair and redox regulation enzyme, plays an important role in oxidative signaling, transcription factor regulation, and cell cycle control. We hypothesized that Ref-1 plays a regulatory role in smooth muscle cell (SMC) proliferation induced by PDGF. Ref-1 antisense oligodeoxynucleotides (AODN), which diminished the level of Ref-1 protein in SMCs by approximately 50%, inhibited PDGF-BB (composed of the homodimer of B-polypeptide chain)-induced [3H]thymidine incorporation compared with control oligodeoxynucleotides. Ref-1 AODN inhibited PDGF-BB-induced S phase entry by approximately 63%, which was overcome by overexpression of Ref-1 by adenoviral-mediated gene transfer. Overexpression of Ref-1 alone without PDGF enhanced SMC entry into the S phase. Furthermore, decreasing Ref-1 protein by treatment of SMCs with Ref-1 AODN, or by immunodepletion of Ref-1 from nuclear extracts, inhibited PDGF-BB-induced activator protein-1 (AP-1) DNA binding activity. Chemical reduction restored the AP-1 DNA binding in Ref-1-depleted nuclear extracts. These results suggest that Ref-1 contributes to the regulation of PDGF-BB-stimulated cell cycle progression from G0/G1 to S in SMCs, with one of the possible steps being redox-regulation of AP-1 by Ref-1 protein.
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MESH Headings
- Angiogenesis Inducing Agents/pharmacology
- Animals
- Aorta, Thoracic/cytology
- Becaplermin
- Carbon-Oxygen Lyases/genetics
- Carbon-Oxygen Lyases/metabolism
- Cells, Cultured
- DNA-(Apurinic or Apyrimidinic Site) Lyase
- G1 Phase/drug effects
- G1 Phase/physiology
- Gene Expression
- Male
- Muscle, Smooth, Vascular/cytology
- Muscle, Smooth, Vascular/drug effects
- Muscle, Smooth, Vascular/metabolism
- Oligoribonucleotides, Antisense/pharmacology
- Platelet-Derived Growth Factor/pharmacology
- Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-sis
- Rats
- Rats, Sprague-Dawley
- Resting Phase, Cell Cycle/drug effects
- Resting Phase, Cell Cycle/physiology
- S Phase/drug effects
- S Phase/physiology
- Transcription Factor AP-1/genetics
- Transcription Factor AP-1/metabolism
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Affiliation(s)
- Tongrong He
- Free Radical and Radiation Biology Program, Dept. of Radiation Oncology, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242-1181, USA
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85
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Baron V, De Gregorio G, Krones-Herzig A, Virolle T, Calogero A, Urcis R, Mercola D. Inhibition of Egr-1 expression reverses transformation of prostate cancer cells in vitro and in vivo. Oncogene 2003; 22:4194-204. [PMID: 12833142 DOI: 10.1038/sj.onc.1206560] [Citation(s) in RCA: 82] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Transcription factor early growth response-1 (Egr-1) is a crucial regulator of cell growth, differentiation and survival. Several observations suggest that Egr-1 is growth promoting in prostate cancer cells and that blocking its function may impede cancer progression. To test this hypothesis, we developed phosphorothioate antisense oligonucleotides that efficiently inhibit Egr-1 expression without altering the expression of other family members Egr-2, Egr-3 and Egr-4. In TRAMP mouse-derived prostate cancer cell lines, our optimal antisense oligonucleotide decreased the expression of the Egr-1 target gene transforming growth factor-beta1 whereas a control oligonucleotide had no effect, indicating that the antisense blocked Egr-1 function as a transcription factor. The antisense oligonucleotide deregulated cell cycle progression and decreased proliferation of the three TRAMP cell lines by an average of 54+/-3%. Both colony formation and growth in soft agar were inhibited by the antisense oligonucleotide. When TRAMP mice were treated systemically for 10 weeks, the incidence of palpable tumors at 32 weeks of age in untreated mice or mice injected with the control scramble oligonucleotide was 87%, whereas incidence of tumors in antisense-Egr-1-treated mice was significantly reduced to 37% (P=0.026). Thus, Egr-1 plays a functional role in the transformed phenotype and may represent a valid target for prostate cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Véronique Baron
- Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center, 10835 Altman Row, San Diego, CA 92121, USA.
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86
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A1 receptor and adenosinergic homeostatic regulation of sleep-wakefulness: effects of antisense to the A1 receptor in the cholinergic basal forebrain. J Neurosci 2003. [PMID: 12764116 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.23-10-04278.2003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 121] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
We hypothesized that adenosine, acting via the A1 receptor, is a key factor in the homeostatic control of sleep. The increase in extracellular levels of adenosine during prolonged wakefulness is thought to facilitate the transition to sleep by reducing the discharge activity of wakefulness-promoting neurons in the basal forebrain. Adenosine A1 receptor control of the homeostatic regulation of sleep was tested by microdialysis perfusion of antisense oligonucleotides against the mRNA of the A1 receptor in the magnocellular cholinergic region of the basal forebrain of freely behaving rats. After microdialysis perfusion of A1 receptor antisense in the basal forebrain, spontaneous levels of sleep-wakefulness showed a significant reduction in non-rapid eye movement (REM) sleep with an increase in wakefulness. After 6 hr of sleep deprivation, the antisense-treated animals spent a significantly reduced amount of time in non-REM sleep, with postdeprivation recovery sleep hours 2-5 showing a reduction of approximately 50-60%. There was an even greater postdeprivation reduction in delta power (60-75%) and a concomitant increase in wakefulness. All behavioral state changes returned to control (baseline) values after the cessation of antisense administration. Control experiments with microdialysis perfusion of nonsense (randomized antisense) oligonucleotides and with artificial CSF showed no effect during postdeprivation recovery sleep or spontaneously occurring behavioral states. Antisense to the A1 receptor suppressed A1 receptor immunoreactivity but did not show any neurotoxicity as visualized by Fluoro-Jade staining. These data support our hypothesis that adenosine, acting via the A1 receptor, in the basal forebrain is a key component in the homeostatic regulation of sleep.
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87
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Grünweller A, Wyszko E, Bieber B, Jahnel R, Erdmann VA, Kurreck J. Comparison of different antisense strategies in mammalian cells using locked nucleic acids, 2'-O-methyl RNA, phosphorothioates and small interfering RNA. Nucleic Acids Res 2003; 31:3185-93. [PMID: 12799446 PMCID: PMC162243 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkg409] [Citation(s) in RCA: 224] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Locked nucleic acids (LNAs) and double-stranded small interfering RNAs (siRNAs) are rather new promising antisense molecules for cell culture and in vivo applications. Here, we compare LNA-DNA-LNA gapmer oligonucleotides and siRNAs with a phosphorothioate and a chimeric 2'-O-methyl RNA-DNA gapmer with respect to their capacities to knock down the expression of the vanilloid receptor subtype 1 (VR1). LNA-DNA-LNA gapmers with four or five LNAs on either side and a central stretch of 10 or 8 DNA monomers in the center were found to be active gapmers that inhibit gene expression. A comparative co-transfection study showed that siRNA is the most potent inhibitor of VR1-green fluorescent protein (GFP) expression. A specific inhibition was observed with an estimated IC50 of 0.06 nM. An LNA gapmer was found to be the most efficient single-stranded antisense oligonucleotide, with an IC50 of 0.4 nM being 175-fold lower than that of commonly used phosphorothioates (IC50 approximately 70 nM). In contrast, the efficiency of a 2'-O-methyl-modified oligonucleotide (IC50 approximately 220 nM) was 3-fold lower compared with the phosphorothioate. The high potency of siRNAs and chimeric LNA-DNA oligonucleotides make them valuable candidates for cell culture and in vivo applications targeting the VR1 mRNA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arnold Grünweller
- Freie Universität Berlin, Institut für Chemie-Biochemie, Thielallee 63, D-14195 Berlin, Germany
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88
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Thakkar MM, Winston S, McCarley RW. A1 receptor and adenosinergic homeostatic regulation of sleep-wakefulness: effects of antisense to the A1 receptor in the cholinergic basal forebrain. J Neurosci 2003; 23:4278-87. [PMID: 12764116 PMCID: PMC2002519] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2002] [Revised: 02/10/2003] [Accepted: 02/27/2003] [Indexed: 03/02/2023] Open
Abstract
We hypothesized that adenosine, acting via the A1 receptor, is a key factor in the homeostatic control of sleep. The increase in extracellular levels of adenosine during prolonged wakefulness is thought to facilitate the transition to sleep by reducing the discharge activity of wakefulness-promoting neurons in the basal forebrain. Adenosine A1 receptor control of the homeostatic regulation of sleep was tested by microdialysis perfusion of antisense oligonucleotides against the mRNA of the A1 receptor in the magnocellular cholinergic region of the basal forebrain of freely behaving rats. After microdialysis perfusion of A1 receptor antisense in the basal forebrain, spontaneous levels of sleep-wakefulness showed a significant reduction in non-rapid eye movement (REM) sleep with an increase in wakefulness. After 6 hr of sleep deprivation, the antisense-treated animals spent a significantly reduced amount of time in non-REM sleep, with postdeprivation recovery sleep hours 2-5 showing a reduction of approximately 50-60%. There was an even greater postdeprivation reduction in delta power (60-75%) and a concomitant increase in wakefulness. All behavioral state changes returned to control (baseline) values after the cessation of antisense administration. Control experiments with microdialysis perfusion of nonsense (randomized antisense) oligonucleotides and with artificial CSF showed no effect during postdeprivation recovery sleep or spontaneously occurring behavioral states. Antisense to the A1 receptor suppressed A1 receptor immunoreactivity but did not show any neurotoxicity as visualized by Fluoro-Jade staining. These data support our hypothesis that adenosine, acting via the A1 receptor, in the basal forebrain is a key component in the homeostatic regulation of sleep.
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MESH Headings
- Adenosine/physiology
- Animals
- Basal Nucleus of Meynert/chemistry
- Basal Nucleus of Meynert/drug effects
- Basal Nucleus of Meynert/physiology
- Behavior, Animal/drug effects
- Behavior, Animal/physiology
- Electroencephalography
- Homeostasis/drug effects
- Homeostasis/physiology
- Male
- Microdialysis
- Oligonucleotides, Antisense/genetics
- Oligonucleotides, Antisense/pharmacology
- Oligonucleotides, Antisense/toxicity
- Perfusion
- Prosencephalon/chemistry
- Prosencephalon/drug effects
- Prosencephalon/metabolism
- Rats
- Rats, Sprague-Dawley
- Receptors, Purinergic P1/genetics
- Receptors, Purinergic P1/immunology
- Receptors, Purinergic P1/metabolism
- Receptors, Purinergic P1/physiology
- Sleep/drug effects
- Sleep/physiology
- Sleep Deprivation/chemically induced
- Sleep Deprivation/physiopathology
- Sleep, REM/drug effects
- Sleep, REM/physiology
- Substantia Innominata/chemistry
- Substantia Innominata/drug effects
- Substantia Innominata/physiology
- Wakefulness/drug effects
- Wakefulness/physiology
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Affiliation(s)
- Mahesh M Thakkar
- Department of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School, Veterans Affairs Boston Healthcare System, Brockton Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Brockton, Massachusetts 02301, USA.
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89
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Bohula EA, Salisbury AJ, Sohail M, Playford MP, Riedemann J, Southern EM, Macaulay VM. The efficacy of small interfering RNAs targeted to the type 1 insulin-like growth factor receptor (IGF1R) is influenced by secondary structure in the IGF1R transcript. J Biol Chem 2003; 278:15991-7. [PMID: 12604614 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m300714200] [Citation(s) in RCA: 198] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
The type 1 insulin-like growth factor receptor (IGF1R) is often overexpressed by tumors and mediates growth and apoptosis protection. We previously showed that antisense reagents complementary to the IGF1R translation start site enhance radio- and chemosensitivity and impair Atm function. However these agents induce relatively modest IGF1R down-regulation and affect insulin receptor levels. To identify alternative sites for molecular targeting, we utilized scanning oligonucleotide arrays to probe the secondary structure of IGF1R mRNA. This strategy enabled selection of antisense oligonucleotides that generated high heteroduplex yield with IGF1R but not insulin receptor transcripts. Antisense oligonucleotides that hybridized strongly to IGF1R mRNA caused IGF1R down-regulation within intact tumor cells, whereas weakly hybridizing oligonucleotides were inactive. Furthermore, the ability of small interfering RNAs (siRNAs) to block IGF1R expression correlated with the accessibility of the target sequence within the transcript. Thus, siRNAs corresponding to weakly hybridizing oligonucleotides caused minor IGF1R down-regulation, whereas siRNAs homologous to accessible targets induced profound sequence-specific IGF1R gene silencing, blocked IGF signaling, and enhanced tumor cell radiosensitivity. This indicates that secondary structure in the target transcript has a major effect on siRNA efficacy. These findings have implications for siRNA design and suggest that IGF1R-targeting agents incorporating this mode of action have potential as anticancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erin A Bohula
- Cancer Research UK Laboratories, Weatherall Institute of Molecular Medicine, Headley Way, Headington, Oxford OX3 9DS, United Kingdom
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90
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Maeda T, Sepe P, Lahousse S, Tamaki S, Enjoji M, Wands JR, de la Monte SM. Antisense oligodeoxynucleotides directed against aspartyl (asparaginyl) beta-hydroxylase suppress migration of cholangiocarcinoma cells. J Hepatol 2003; 38:615-22. [PMID: 12713872 DOI: 10.1016/s0168-8278(03)00052-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/04/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Aspartyl (asparaginyl) beta-hydroxylase (AAH) is an alpha-ketoglutarate-dependent dioxygenase that hydroxylates aspartate and asparagine residues in EGF-like domains of proteins. The consensus sequence for AAH beta-hydroxylation occurs in signaling molecules such as Notch and Notch homologs, which have roles in cell migration. AIM This study evaluated the potential role of AAH in cell migration using cholangiocarcinoma cell lines as models due to their tendency to widely infiltrate the liver. METHODS Five human cholangiocarcinoma cell lines established from human tumors were examined for AAH expression and motility. The effect of antisense oligodeoxynucleotide inhibition of AAH on cholangiocarcinoma cell migration was investigated. RESULTS Western blot analysis detected the approximately 86 kDa AAH protein in all five cholangiocarcinoma cell lines, and higher levels of AAH in cell lines derived from moderately or poorly differentiated compared with well-differentiated tumors. Immunocytochemical staining and fluorescence activated cell sorting analysis revealed both surface and intracellular AAH immunoreactivity. Using the phagokinetic non-directional migration assay and a novel ATPLite luminescence-based directional migration assay, we correlated AAH expression with motility. Correspondingly, antisense and not sense or mutated antisense AAH oligodeoxynucleotides significantly inhibited AAH expression and motility in cholangiocarcinoma cells. CONCLUSIONS AAH over-expression may contribute to the infiltrative growth pattern of cholangiocarcinoma cells by promoting motility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takashi Maeda
- Departments of Medicine and Pathology, Liver Research Center, Rhode Island Hospital, Brown Medical School, 55 Claverick Street, 4th Floor, Providence, RI 02903, USA
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91
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Abstract
c-Myb is a transcription factor employed in the haematopoietic system and gastrointestinal tract to regulate the exquisite balance between cell division, differentiation and survival. In its absence, these tissues either fail to form, or show aberrant biology. Mice lacking a functional c-myb gene die in utero by day 15 of development. When inappropriately expressed, as is common in leukaemia and epithelial cancers of the breast, colon and gastro-oesophagus, c-Myb appears to activate gene targets of key importance to cancer progression and metastasis. These genes include cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), Bcl-2, BclX(L) and c-Myc, which influence diverse processes such as angiogenesis, proliferation and apoptosis. The clinical potential for blocking c-Myb expression in malignancies is based upon strong preclinical data and some trial-based evidence. The modest clinical experience to date has been with haematopoietic malignancies, but other disease classes may be amenable to similar interventions. The frontline agents to achieve this are nuclease-resistant oligodeoxynucleotides (ODNs), which are proving to be acceptable therapeutic reagents in terms of tolerable toxicities and delivery. Nevertheless, further effort must be focused on improving their efficacy, eliminating non-specific toxicity and optimising delivery. Optimisation issues aside, it would appear that anti-c-Myb therapies will be used with most success when combined with other agents, some of which will be established cytotoxic and differentiation-inducing drugs. This review will explore the future strategic use of ODNs in vivo, focusing on a wide spectrum of diseases, including several beyond the haematopoietic malignancies, in which c-Myb appears to play a role.
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MESH Headings
- Animals
- Anti-HIV Agents/administration & dosage
- Anti-HIV Agents/adverse effects
- Anti-HIV Agents/pharmacology
- Anti-HIV Agents/therapeutic use
- Antineoplastic Agents/administration & dosage
- Antineoplastic Agents/adverse effects
- Antineoplastic Agents/pharmacology
- Antineoplastic Agents/therapeutic use
- Carcinoma/drug therapy
- Carcinoma/genetics
- Cell Transformation, Neoplastic/drug effects
- Clinical Trials as Topic
- Drug Delivery Systems
- Drug Design
- Drug Therapy, Combination
- Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic/drug effects
- Gene Expression Regulation, Viral/drug effects
- Genes, myb/drug effects
- HIV Infections/drug therapy
- HIV Infections/genetics
- Hematopoiesis/drug effects
- Hematopoiesis/physiology
- Humans
- Mice
- Neoplasm Proteins/antagonists & inhibitors
- Neoplasm Proteins/biosynthesis
- Neoplasm Proteins/genetics
- Neoplasm Proteins/physiology
- Neoplasms/drug therapy
- Neoplasms/genetics
- Oligodeoxyribonucleotides/administration & dosage
- Oligodeoxyribonucleotides/adverse effects
- Oligodeoxyribonucleotides/pharmacology
- Oligodeoxyribonucleotides/therapeutic use
- Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-myb/antagonists & inhibitors
- Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-myb/biosynthesis
- Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-myb/physiology
- RNA, Messenger/chemistry
- RNA, Messenger/drug effects
- RNA, Neoplasm/chemistry
- RNA, Neoplasm/drug effects
- Transcription, Genetic/drug effects
- Treatment Outcome
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert G Ramsay
- Differentiation and Transcription Group, Trescowthick Laboratories, Peter MacCallum Cancer Institute, Victoria, Australia.
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92
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Heineke J, Kempf T, Kraft T, Hilfiker A, Morawietz H, Scheubel RJ, Caroni P, Lohmann SM, Drexler H, Wollert KC. Downregulation of cytoskeletal muscle LIM protein by nitric oxide: impact on cardiac myocyte hypertrophy. Circulation 2003; 107:1424-32. [PMID: 12642365 DOI: 10.1161/01.cir.0000055319.94801.fc] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND In chronic heart failure, myocardial expression of the inducible isoform of nitric oxide (NO) synthase (NOS2) is enhanced, leading to a sustained production of NO. We postulated that NO modulates expression of genes in cardiac myocytes that may be functionally important in the context of cardiac hypertrophy and failure. METHODS AND RESULTS As revealed by cDNA expression array analyses, the NO donor SNAP, which has been shown previously to inhibit agonist-induced cardiac myocyte hypertrophy, downregulates expression of the cytoskeleton-associated muscle LIM protein (MLP) in endothelin-1 (ET-1)-stimulated neonatal rat cardiac myocytes. Northern blotting and immunoblotting experiments confirmed this finding and established that SNAP negatively controls MLP mRNA (-49%, P<0.01) and protein (-52%, P<0.01) abundance in ET-1-treated cardiomyocytes via cGMP-dependent protein kinase and superoxide/peroxynitrite-dependent signaling pathways. Treatment of cardiac myocytes with IL-1beta and IFN-gamma downregulated MLP expression levels via induction of NOS2. Moreover, expression levels of NOS2 and MLP were inversely correlated in the failing human heart, indicating that NOS2 may regulate MLP abundance in vitro and in vivo. Antisense oligonucleotides were used to explore the functional consequences of reduced MLP expression levels in cardiac myocytes. Like SNAP, antisense downregulation of MLP protein expression (-52%, P<0.01) blunted the increases in protein synthesis, cell size, and sarcomere organization in response to ET-1 stimulation. Conversely, overexpression of MLP augmented cell size and sarcomere organization in cardiac myocytes. CONCLUSIONS NO negatively controls MLP expression in cardiac myocytes. Because MLP is necessary and sufficient for hypertrophy and sarcomere assembly, MLP downregulation may restrain hypertrophic growth in pathophysiological situations with increased cardiac NO production.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jörg Heineke
- Department of Cardiology and Angiology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
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93
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Splinter PL, Masyuk AI, LaRusso NF. Specific inhibition of AQP1 water channels in isolated rat intrahepatic bile duct units by small interfering RNAs. J Biol Chem 2003; 278:6268-74. [PMID: 12468529 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m212079200] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Cholangiocytes express water channels (i.e. aquaporins (AQPs)), proteins that are increasingly recognized as important in water transport by biliary epithelia. However, direct functional studies demonstrating AQP-mediated water transport in cholangiocytes are limited, in part because of the lack of specific AQP inhibitors. To address this issue, we designed, synthesized, and utilized small interfering RNAs (siRNAs) selective for AQP1 and investigated their effectiveness in altering AQP1-mediated water transport in intrahepatic bile duct units (IBDUs) isolated from rat liver. Twenty-four hours after transfection of IBDUs with siRNAs targeting two different regions of the AQP1 transcript, both AQP1 mRNA and protein expression were inhibited by 76.6-92.0 and 57.9-79.4%, respectively. siRNAs containing the same percent of base pairs as the AQP1-siRNAs but in random sequence (i.e. scrambled siRNAs) had no effect. Suppression of AQP1 expression in cholangiocytes resulted in a decrease in water transport by IBDUs in response to both an inward osmotic gradient (200 mosm) or a secretory agonist (forskolin), the osmotic water permeability coefficient (P(f)) decreasing up to 58.8% and net water secretion (J(v)) decreasing up to 87%. A strong correlation between AQP1 protein expression and water transport in IBDUs transfected with AQP1-siRNAs was consistent with the decrease in water transport by IBDUs resulting from AQP1 gene silencing by AQP1-siRNAs. This study is the first to demonstrate the feasibility of utilizing siRNAs to specifically reduce the expression of AQPs in epithelial cells and provides direct evidence of the contribution of AQP1 to water transport by biliary epithelia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrick L Splinter
- Center for Basic Research in Digestive Diseases, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Mayo Medical School, Clinic, and Foundation, Rochester, Minnesota 55905, USA
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94
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Shadidi M, Sioud M. Identification of novel carrier peptides for the specific delivery of therapeutics into cancer cells. FASEB J 2003; 17:256-8. [PMID: 12490548 DOI: 10.1096/fj.02-0280fje] [Citation(s) in RCA: 103] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
Cancer therapy is currently limited by the difficulty of achieving efficient delivery into target cells. To investigate whether therapeutics can be delivered specifically to cancer cells, we have explored the possibility of selecting small peptides that bind specifically, or preferentially, to breast cancer cell lines. By using random peptide phage libraries and an experimental approach that allows the selection of internalized peptides, cell-specific binding peptides have been identified. The peptides define a major core motif (LTVXPWY) that was not found in negative phages. Phage displaying LTVSPWY peptide sequence exhibited a specific binding to breast cancer cells. None of the selected peptides bound to human primary cells from different tissue origin (e.g., epithelial, endothelial, hematopoetic). The potential of the selected peptides to mediate cellular internalization in the context of phages and recombinant GFP-peptide fusions was demonstrated. By linking the LTVSPWY peptide to an antisense phosphorothioate oligonucleotide against the ErbB2 receptor, specific delivery to cancer cells was achieved. In contrast to free antisense, the peptide-antisense conjugates inhibited ErbB2 gene expression. Thus, efficient delivery of antisense oligonucleotides can be achieved by coupling them to cancer cell-specific peptides, identified by a method that did not require any knowledge about their corresponding receptors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohsen Shadidi
- Institute for Cancer Research, Department of Immunology, Molecular Medicine Group, The Norwegian Radium Hospital, Montebello, N-0310 Oslo, Norway
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95
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Weiss RH, Marshall D, Howard L, Corbacho AM, Cheung AT, Sawai ET. Suppression of breast cancer growth and angiogenesis by an antisense oligodeoxynucleotide to p21(Waf1/Cip1). Cancer Lett 2003; 189:39-48. [PMID: 12445676 DOI: 10.1016/s0304-3835(02)00495-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Abstract
Under some conditions, p21(Waf1/Cip1) plays an assembly factor role for the cyclins and cyclin-dependent kinases, and recent reports demonstrate that p21 can act as an anti-apoptotic protein. Thus, it is logical to exploit this function of p21 as an anti-cancer target. We have performed a pilot study showing that daily subcutaneous injection of a phosphorothioate antisense p21 oligodeoxynucleotide, which we have previously shown to attenuate p21 levels in vitro, into nude mice who have been implanted with highly metastatic breast cancer cells results in inhibition of tumor growth and angiogenesis. Inhibition of in vitro endothelial capillary formation confirms that these oligodeoxynucleotides have a direct effect upon tumor angiogenesis. The attractiveness of our novel approach to breast cancer therapy, which capitalizes on the anti-apoptotic function of p21, derives from the ease of transfection of antisense oligodeoxynucleotides as well as the observations that p21(-/-) mice do not develop spontaneous tumors, making techniques exploiting the assembly factor and anti-apoptotic role of p21 worthy of further study against breast cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert H Weiss
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of California, Davis, CA 95616, USA.
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96
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Cohen-Sacks H, Najajreh Y, Tchaikovski V, Gao G, Elazer V, Dahan R, Gati I, Kanaan M, Waltenberger J, Golomb G. Novel PDGFbetaR antisense encapsulated in polymeric nanospheres for the treatment of restenosis. Gene Ther 2002; 9:1607-16. [PMID: 12424613 DOI: 10.1038/sj.gt.3301830] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2002] [Accepted: 06/16/2002] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Nanospheres composed of the biocompatible and biodegradable polymer, poly-DL-lactide/glycolide and containing platelet-derived growth factor beta-receptor antisense (PDGFbetaR-AS) have been formulated and examined in vitro and in vivo in balloon-injured rat restenosis model. The nanospheres (approximately 300 nm) of homogenous size distribution exhibited high encapsulation efficiency (81%), and a sustained release of PDGFbetaR-AS (phosphorothioated). Cell internalization was visualized, and the inhibitory effect on SMC was observed. Partially phosphorothioated antisense sequences were found to be more specific than the fully phosphorothioated analogs. A significant antirestenotic effect of the naked AS sequence and the AS-NP (nanoparticles) was observed in the rat carotid in vivo model. The extent of mean neointimal formation 14 days after injection of AS-NP, measured as a percentage of luminal stenosis, was 32.21 +/- 4.75% in comparison to 54.89 +/- 8.84 and 53.84 +/- 5.58% in the blank-NP and SC-NP groups, respectively. It is concluded that PLGA nanospheres containing phosphorothioated oligodeoxynucleotide antisense could serve as an effective gene delivery systems for the treatment of restenosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- H Cohen-Sacks
- Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel
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97
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Abstract
Since their initial discovery, ribozymes have shown great promise not just as a tool in the manipulation of gene expression, but also as a novel therapeutic agent. This review discusses the promises and pitfalls of ribozyme technology, with a special emphasis on cancer-related applications, though relevance to skin disease will also be discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammed Kashani-Sabet
- Auerback Melanoma Research Laboratory, Cutaneous Oncology Program, UCSF Cancer Center, and Department of Dermatology, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California 94115, USA.
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98
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Torrence PF, Powell LD. The quest for an efficacious antiviral for respiratory syncytial virus. Antivir Chem Chemother 2002; 13:325-44. [PMID: 12718405 DOI: 10.1177/095632020201300601] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) continues as an emerging infectious disease not only among infants and children, but also for the immune-suppressed, hospitalized and the elderly. To date, ribavirin (Virazole) remains the only therapeutic agent approved for the treatment of RSV. The prophylactic administration of palivizumab is problematic and costly. The quest for an efficacious RSV antiviral has produced a greater understanding of the viral fusion process, a new hypothesis for the mechanism of action of ribavirin, and a promising antisense strategy combining the 2'-5' oligoadenylate antisense (2-5A-antisense) approach and RSV genomics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul F Torrence
- Department of Chemistry, Northern Arizona University, Flagstaff, Ariz., USA.
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99
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Tadros GM, Zhang XQ, Song J, Carl LL, Rothblum LI, Tian Q, Dunn J, Lytton J, Cheung JY. Effects of Na(+)/Ca(2+) exchanger downregulation on contractility and [Ca(2+)](i) transients in adult rat myocytes. Am J Physiol Heart Circ Physiol 2002; 283:H1616-26. [PMID: 12234816 DOI: 10.1152/ajpheart.00186.2002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Postmyocardial infarction (MI) rat myocytes demonstrated depressed Na(+)/Ca(2+) exchange (NCX1) activity, altered contractility, and intracellular Ca(2+) concentration ([Ca(2+)](i)) transients. We investigated whether NCX1 downregulation in normal myocytes resulted in contractility changes observed in MI myocytes. Myocytes infected with adenovirus expressing antisense (AS) oligonucleotides to NCX1 had 30% less NCX1 at 3 days and 66% less NCX1 at 6 days. The half-time of relaxation from caffeine-induced contracture was twice as long in ASNCX1 myocytes. Sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) Ca(2+)-ATPase abundance, SR Ca(2+) uptake, resting membrane potential, action potential amplitude and duration, L-type Ca(2+) current density and cell size were not affected by ASNCX1 treatment. At extracellular Ca(2+) concentration ([Ca(2+)](o)) of 5 mM, ASNCX1 myocytes had significantly lower contraction and [Ca(2+)](i) transient amplitudes and SR Ca(2+) contents than control myocytes. At 0.6 mM [Ca(2+)](o), contraction and [Ca(2+)](i) transient amplitudes and SR Ca(2+) contents were significantly higher in ASNCX1 myocytes. At 1.8 mM [Ca(2+)](o), contraction and [Ca(2+)](i) transient amplitudes were not different between control and ASNCX1 myocytes. This pattern of contractile and [Ca(2+)](i) transient abnormalities in ASNCX1 myocytes mimics that observed in rat MI myocytes. We conclude that downregulation of NCX1 in adult rat myocytes resulted in decreases in both Ca(2+) influx and efflux during a twitch. We suggest that depressed NCX1 activity may partly account for the contractile abnormalities after MI.
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Affiliation(s)
- George M Tadros
- Department of Medicine, Geisinger Medical Center, Danville, Pennsylvania 17822, USA
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Kronenwett R, Gräf T, Nedbal W, Weber M, Steidl U, Rohr UP, Möhler T, Haas R. Inhibition of angiogenesis in vitro by alphav integrin-directed antisense oligonucleotides. Cancer Gene Ther 2002; 9:587-96. [PMID: 12082459 DOI: 10.1038/sj.cgt.7700474] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2002] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
The integrin alpha v beta 3 plays a central role in angiogenesis. In this study, we used antisense oligodeoxyribonucleotides (ONs) directed against the alpha v subunit of alpha v beta 3 to inhibit integrin expression. Ten ON sequences, which were selected by systematic alignment of computer-predicted secondary structures of alpha v mRNA, were transfected into human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs). Following stimulation by PMA, five antisense ONs significantly inhibited alpha v mRNA and protein expression in activated HUVEC at a concentration of 0.05 mciroM with complete prevention of PMA-induced alpha v up-regulation by the most potent antisense ON. Inhibition of alpha v expression was associated with significant inhibition of migration of HUVEC by 28% and had no effect on proliferation and apoptosis. Moreover, transfection of antisense ON inhibited the formation of tube-like structures of HUVEC in Matrigel by 44%. In a cell culture model of angiogenesis consisting of a co-culture of endothelial cells with fibroblasts, transfection of antisense ONs resulted in an inhibition of tube formation of 61%. In conclusion, alpha v antisense ONs are potent inhibitors of angiogenesis in vitro. They might, therefore, be a therapeutic alternative to antagonists, which directly bind to alpha v integrins, and might be useful for the treatment of malignant tumors and hematological malignancies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ralf Kronenwett
- Department of Hematology, Oncology and Clinical Immunology, University of Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany.
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