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Asl ER, Sarabandi S, Shademan B, Dalvandi K, sheikhansari G, Nourazarian A. MicroRNA targeting: A novel therapeutic intervention for ovarian cancer. Biochem Biophys Rep 2023; 35:101519. [PMID: 37521375 PMCID: PMC10382632 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrep.2023.101519] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2023] [Revised: 07/20/2023] [Accepted: 07/21/2023] [Indexed: 08/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Ovarian cancer, a perilous form of cancer affecting the female reproductive system, exhibits intricate communication networks that contribute to its progression. This study aims to identify crucial molecular abnormalities linked to the disease to enhance diagnostic and therapeutic strategies. In particular, we investigate the role of microRNAs (miRNAs) as diagnostic biomarkers and explore their potential in treating ovarian cancer. By targeting miRNAs, which can influence multiple pathways and genes, substantial therapeutic benefits can be attained. In this review we want to shed light on the promising application of miRNA-based interventions and provide insights into the specific miRNAs implicated in ovarian cancer pathogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elmira Roshani Asl
- Social Determinants of Health Research Center, Saveh University of Medical Sciences, Saveh, Iran
| | - Sajed Sarabandi
- Department of Veterinary, Faculty of Medicine Sciences, Islamic Azad University of Karaj, Karaj, Iran
| | - Behrouz Shademan
- Stem Cell Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Kourosh Dalvandi
- Ministry of Health and Medical Education, Health Department, Tehran, Iran
| | | | - Alireza Nourazarian
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Khoy University of Medical Sciences, Khoy, Iran
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2
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Pradeep SP, Malik S, Slack FJ, Bahal R. Unlocking the potential of chemically modified peptide nucleic acids for RNA-based therapeutics. RNA (NEW YORK, N.Y.) 2023; 29:434-445. [PMID: 36653113 PMCID: PMC10019372 DOI: 10.1261/rna.079498.122] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2022] [Accepted: 01/12/2023] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
RNA therapeutics have emerged as next-generation therapy for the treatment of many diseases. Unlike small molecules, RNA targeted drugs are not limited by the availability of binding pockets on the protein, but rather utilize Watson-Crick (WC) base-pairing rules to recognize the target RNA and modulate gene expression. Antisense oligonucleotides (ASOs) present a powerful therapeutic approach to treat disorders triggered by genetic alterations. ASOs recognize the cognate site on the target RNA to alter gene expression. Nine single-stranded ASOs have been approved for clinical use and several candidates are in late-stage clinical trials for both rare and common diseases. Several chemical modifications, including phosphorothioates, locked nucleic acid, phosphorodiamidate, morpholino, and peptide nucleic acids (PNAs), have been investigated for efficient RNA targeting. PNAs are synthetic DNA mimics where the deoxyribose phosphate backbone is replaced by N-(2-aminoethyl)-glycine units. The neutral pseudopeptide backbone of PNAs contributes to enhanced binding affinity and high biological stability. PNAs hybridize with the complementary site in the target RNA and act by a steric hindrance--based mechanism. In the last three decades, various PNA designs, chemical modifications, and delivery strategies have been explored to demonstrate their potential as an effective and safe RNA-targeting platform. This review covers the advances in PNA-mediated targeting of coding and noncoding RNAs for a myriad of therapeutic applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sai Pallavi Pradeep
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Connecticut, Storrs, Connecticut 06269, USA
| | - Shipra Malik
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Connecticut, Storrs, Connecticut 06269, USA
| | - Frank J Slack
- HMS Initiative for RNA Medicine, Department of Pathology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, USA
| | - Raman Bahal
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Connecticut, Storrs, Connecticut 06269, USA
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3
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Bekkouche I, Shishonin AY, Vetcher AA. Recent Development in Biomedical Applications of Oligonucleotides with Triplex-Forming Ability. Polymers (Basel) 2023; 15:polym15040858. [PMID: 36850142 PMCID: PMC9964087 DOI: 10.3390/polym15040858] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2022] [Revised: 01/31/2023] [Accepted: 02/02/2023] [Indexed: 02/12/2023] Open
Abstract
A DNA structure, known as triple-stranded DNA, is made up of three oligonucleotide chains that wind around one another to form a triple helix (TFO). Hoogsteen base pairing describes how triple-stranded DNA may be built at certain conditions by the attachment of the third strand to an RNA, PNA, or DNA, which might all be employed as oligonucleotide chains. In each of these situations, the oligonucleotides can be employed as an anchor, in conjunction with a specific bioactive chemical, or as a messenger that enables switching between transcription and replication through the triplex-forming zone. These data are also considered since various illnesses have been linked to the expansion of triplex-prone sequences. In light of metabolic acidosis and associated symptoms, some consideration is given to the impact of several low-molecular-weight compounds, including pH on triplex production in vivo. The review is focused on the development of biomedical oligonucleotides with triplexes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Incherah Bekkouche
- Nanotechnology Scientific and Educational Center, Institute of Biochemical Technology and Nanotechnology, Peoples’ Friendship University of Russia (RUDN), Miklukho-Maklaya Str. 6, Moscow 117198, Russia
| | - Alexander Y. Shishonin
- Complementary and Integrative Health Clinic of Dr. Shishonin, 5, Yasnogorskaya Str., Moscow 117588, Russia
| | - Alexandre A. Vetcher
- Nanotechnology Scientific and Educational Center, Institute of Biochemical Technology and Nanotechnology, Peoples’ Friendship University of Russia (RUDN), Miklukho-Maklaya Str. 6, Moscow 117198, Russia
- Complementary and Integrative Health Clinic of Dr. Shishonin, 5, Yasnogorskaya Str., Moscow 117588, Russia
- Correspondence:
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4
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MicroRNAs miR-584-5p and miR-425-3p Are Up-Regulated in Plasma of Colorectal Cancer (CRC) Patients: Targeting with Inhibitor Peptide Nucleic Acids Is Associated with Induction of Apoptosis in Colon Cancer Cell Lines. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 15:cancers15010128. [PMID: 36612125 PMCID: PMC9817681 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15010128] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2022] [Revised: 12/13/2022] [Accepted: 12/20/2022] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Liquid biopsy has dramatically changed cancer management in the last decade; however, despite the huge number of miRNA signatures available for diagnostic or prognostic purposes, it is still unclear if dysregulated miRNAs in the bloodstream could be used to develop miRNA-based therapeutic approaches. In one author's previous work, nine miRNAs were found to be dysregulated in early-stage colon cancer (CRC) patients by NGS analysis followed by RT-dd-PCR validation. In the present study, the biological effects of the targeting of the most relevant dysregulated miRNAs with anti-miRNA peptide nucleic acids (PNAs) were verified, and their anticancer activity in terms of apoptosis induction was evaluated. Our data demonstrate that targeting bloodstream up-regulated miRNAs using anti-miRNA PNAs leads to the down-regulation of target miRNAs associated with inhibition of the activation of the pro-apoptotic pathway in CRC cellular models. Moreover, very high percentages of apoptotic cells were found when the anti-miRNA PNAs were associated with other pro-apoptotic agents, such as sulforaphane (SFN). The presented data sustain the idea that the targeting of miRNAs up-regulated in the bloodstream with a known role in tumor pathology might be a tool for the design of protocols for anti-tumor therapy based on miRNA-targeting molecules.
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Ivanov GS, Tribulovich VG, Pestov NB, David TI, Amoah AS, Korneenko TV, Barlev NA. Artificial genetic polymers against human pathologies. Biol Direct 2022; 17:39. [PMID: 36474260 PMCID: PMC9727881 DOI: 10.1186/s13062-022-00353-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2022] [Accepted: 11/29/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Originally discovered by Nielsen in 1991, peptide nucleic acids and other artificial genetic polymers have gained a lot of interest from the scientific community. Due to their unique biophysical features these artificial hybrid polymers are now being employed in various areas of theranostics (therapy and diagnostics). The current review provides an overview of their structure, principles of rational design, and biophysical features as well as highlights the areas of their successful implementation in biology and biomedicine. Finally, the review discusses the areas of improvement that would allow their use as a new class of therapeutics in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gleb S Ivanov
- Institute of Cytology, Tikhoretsky Ave 4, Saint Petersburg, Russia, 194064
- St. Petersburg State Technological Institute (Technical University), Saint Petersburg, Russia, 190013
| | - Vyacheslav G Tribulovich
- St. Petersburg State Technological Institute (Technical University), Saint Petersburg, Russia, 190013
| | - Nikolay B Pestov
- Chumakov Federal Scientific Center for Research and Development of Immune-and-Biological Products, Moscow, Russia, 108819
- Phystech School of Biological and Medical Physics, Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology, Dolgoprudny, Moscow Region, Russia, 141701
- Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Moscow, Russia, 117997
- Institute of Biomedical Chemistry, Moscow, Russia, 119121б
| | - Temitope I David
- Phystech School of Biological and Medical Physics, Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology, Dolgoprudny, Moscow Region, Russia, 141701
| | - Abdul-Saleem Amoah
- Phystech School of Biological and Medical Physics, Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology, Dolgoprudny, Moscow Region, Russia, 141701
| | - Tatyana V Korneenko
- Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Moscow, Russia, 117997
| | - Nikolai A Barlev
- Institute of Cytology, Tikhoretsky Ave 4, Saint Petersburg, Russia, 194064.
- Institute of Biomedical Chemistry, Moscow, Russia, 119121б.
- School of Medicine, Nazarbayev University, 010000, Astana, Kazakhstan.
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6
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Economos NG, Quijano E, Carufe KEW, Perera J, Glazer P. Antispacer peptide nucleic acids for sequence-specific CRISPR-Cas9 modulation. Nucleic Acids Res 2022; 50:e59. [PMID: 35235944 PMCID: PMC9177974 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkac095] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2021] [Revised: 01/22/2022] [Accepted: 02/22/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite the rapid and broad implementation of CRISPR-Cas9-based technologies, convenient tools to modulate dose, timing, and precision remain limited. Building on methods using synthetic peptide nucleic acids (PNAs) to bind RNA with unusually high affinity, we describe guide RNA (gRNA) spacer-targeted, or 'antispacer', PNAs as a tool to modulate Cas9 binding and activity in cells in a sequence-specific manner. We demonstrate that PNAs rapidly and efficiently target complexed gRNA spacer sequences at low doses and without design restriction for sequence-selective Cas9 inhibition. We further show that short PAM-proximal antispacer PNAs achieve potent cleavage inhibition (over 2000-fold reduction) and that PAM-distal PNAs modify gRNA affinity to promote on-target specificity. Finally, we apply antispacer PNAs for temporal regulation of two dCas9-fusion systems. These results present a novel rational approach to nucleoprotein engineering and describe a rapidly implementable antisense platform for CRISPR-Cas9 modulation to improve spatiotemporal versatility and safety across applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicholas G Economos
- Department of Therapeutic Radiology, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06520 USA
- Department of Genetics, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06520 USA
| | - Elias Quijano
- Department of Therapeutic Radiology, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06520 USA
- Department of Genetics, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06520 USA
| | - Kelly E W Carufe
- Department of Therapeutic Radiology, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06520 USA
- Department of Genetics, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06520 USA
| | - J Dinithi R Perera
- Department of Therapeutic Radiology, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06520 USA
| | - Peter M Glazer
- Department of Therapeutic Radiology, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06520 USA
- Department of Genetics, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06520 USA
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7
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Zaccagnini G, Greco S, Voellenkle C, Gaetano C, Martelli F. miR-210 hypoxamiR in Angiogenesis and Diabetes. Antioxid Redox Signal 2022; 36:685-706. [PMID: 34521246 DOI: 10.1089/ars.2021.0200] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Significance: microRNA-210 (miR-210) is the master hypoxia-inducible miRNA (hypoxamiR) since it has been found to be significantly upregulated under hypoxia in a wide range of cell types. Recent advances: Gene ontology analysis of its targets indicates that miR-210 modulates several aspects of cellular response to hypoxia. Due to its high pleiotropy, miR-210 not only plays a protective role by fine-tuning mitochondrial metabolism and inhibiting red-ox imbalance and apoptosis, but it can also promote cell proliferation, differentiation, and migration, substantially contributing to angiogenesis. Critical issues: As most miRNAs, modulating different gene pathways, also miR-210 can potentially lead to different and even opposite effects, depending on the physio-pathological contexts in which it acts. Future direction: The use of miRNAs as therapeutics is a fast growing field. This review aimed at highlighting the role of miR-210 in angiogenesis in the context of ischemic cardiovascular diseases and diabetes in order to clarify the molecular mechanisms underpinning miR-210 action. Particular attention will be dedicated to experimentally validated miR-210 direct targets involved in cellular processes related to angiogenesis and diabetes mellitus, such as mitochondrial metabolism, redox balance, apoptosis, migration, and adhesion. Antioxid. Redox Signal. 36, 685-706.
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Affiliation(s)
- Germana Zaccagnini
- Molecular Cardiology Laboratory, IRCCS Policlinico San Donato, San Donato Milanese, Italy
| | - Simona Greco
- Molecular Cardiology Laboratory, IRCCS Policlinico San Donato, San Donato Milanese, Italy
| | - Christine Voellenkle
- Molecular Cardiology Laboratory, IRCCS Policlinico San Donato, San Donato Milanese, Italy
| | - Carlo Gaetano
- Laboratorio di Epigenetica, Istituti Clinici Scientifici Maugeri IRCCS, Pavia, Italy
| | - Fabio Martelli
- Molecular Cardiology Laboratory, IRCCS Policlinico San Donato, San Donato Milanese, Italy
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8
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Zurlo M, Romagnoli R, Oliva P, Gasparello J, Finotti A, Gambari R. Synergistic effects of the combined treatment of U251 and T98G glioma cells with an anti‑tubulin tetrahydrothieno[2,3‑c]pyridine derivative and a peptide nucleic acid targeting miR‑221‑3p. Int J Oncol 2021; 59:61. [PMID: 34278445 PMCID: PMC8295028 DOI: 10.3892/ijo.2021.5241] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2021] [Accepted: 06/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
In the development of novel and more effective anti-cancer approaches, combined treatments appear to be of great interest, based on the possibility of obtaining relevant biological or therapeutic effects using lower concentrations of single drugs. Combination therapy may prove to be of utmost significance in the management of glioblastoma (GBM), a lethal malignancy that accounts for 42% of cancer cases of the central nervous system, with a median survival rate of 15 months. As regards novel therapeutic approaches, the authors have recently demonstrated that peptide nucleic acids (PNAs) that target microRNA (miRNA/miR)-221 are very active in inducing the apoptosis of glioma cells. Furthermore, in a recent study, the authors described two novel series of tubulin polymerization inhibitors based on the 4,5,6,7-tetrahydrothieno[2,3-c]pyridine and 4,5,6,7-tetrahydrobenzo[b]thiophene scaffold, which exerted a potent anti-proliferative effect on a variety of tumor cell lines. The present study aimed to verify the activity on glioblastoma cancer cell lines of one of the most active compounds tested, corresponding to 2-(3′, 4′, 5′-trimethoxyanilino)-3-cyano/alkoxycarbonyl-6-substituted-4 5,6,7-tetrahydrothiene[2,3-c] pyridine (compound 3b), used in combination with an anti-miR-221-3p PNA, already demonstrated to be able to induce high levels of apoptosis. To the best of our knowledge, the results obtained herein demonstrate for the first time a 'combination therapy' performed by the combined use of a PNA targeting miR-221 and the tetrahydrothiene[2,3-c]pyridine derivative 3b, supporting the concept that the combined treatment of GBM cells with a PNA against a specific upregulated oncomiRNA (in the present study a PNA targeting miR-221-3p was used) and anti-tubulin agents (in the present study derivative 3b was used) is an encouraging strategy which may be used to enhance the efficacy of anticancer therapies and at the same time, to reduce side-effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matteo Zurlo
- Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Ferrara University, I‑44121 Ferrara, Italy
| | - Romeo Romagnoli
- Department of Chemical, Pharmaceutical and Agricultural Sciences, Ferrara University, I‑44121 Ferrara, Italy
| | - Paola Oliva
- Department of Chemical, Pharmaceutical and Agricultural Sciences, Ferrara University, I‑44121 Ferrara, Italy
| | - Jessica Gasparello
- Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Ferrara University, I‑44121 Ferrara, Italy
| | - Alessia Finotti
- Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Ferrara University, I‑44121 Ferrara, Italy
| | - Roberto Gambari
- Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Ferrara University, I‑44121 Ferrara, Italy
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Liang X, Liu M, Komiyama M. Recognition of Target Site in Various Forms of DNA and RNA by Peptide Nucleic Acid (PNA): From Fundamentals to Practical Applications. BULLETIN OF THE CHEMICAL SOCIETY OF JAPAN 2021. [DOI: 10.1246/bcsj.20210086] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Xingguo Liang
- College of Food Science and Engineering, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266003, P. R. China
- Laboratory for Marine Drugs and Bioproducts of Qingdao National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology, Qingdao 266235, P. R. China
| | - Mengqin Liu
- College of Food Science and Engineering, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266003, P. R. China
| | - Makoto Komiyama
- College of Food Science and Engineering, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266003, P. R. China
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10
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Finotti A, Gasparello J, Casnati A, Corradini R, Gambari R, Sansone F. Delivery of Peptide Nucleic Acids Using an Argininocalix[4]arene as Vector. Methods Mol Biol 2021; 2211:123-143. [PMID: 33336275 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-0943-9_10] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
The importance of peptide nucleic acids (PNAs) for alteration of gene expression is nowadays firmly established. PNAs are characterized by a pseudo-peptide backbone composed of N-(2-aminoethyl)glycine units and have been found to be excellent candidates for antisense and antigene therapies. Recently, PNAs have been demonstrated to alter the action of microRNAs and thus can be considered very important tools for miRNA therapeutics. In fact, the pharmacological modulation of microRNA activity appears to be a very interesting approach in the development of new types of drugs. Among the limits of PNAs in applied molecular biology, the delivery to target cells and tissues is of key importance. The aim of this chapter is to describe methods for the efficient delivery of unmodified PNAs designed to target microRNAs involved in cancer, using as model system miR-221-3p and human glioma cells as in vitro experimental cellular system. The methods employed to deliver PNAs targeting miR-221-3p here presented are based on a macrocyclic multivalent tetraargininocalix[4]arene used as non-covalent vector for anti-miR-221-3p PNAs. High delivery efficiency, low cytotoxicity, maintenance of the PNA biological activity, and easy preparation makes this vector a candidate for a universal delivery system for this class of nucleic acid analogs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessia Finotti
- Section of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Ferrara University, Ferrara, Italy.
| | - Jessica Gasparello
- Section of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Ferrara University, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Alessandro Casnati
- Department of Chemistry, Life Sciences and Environmental Sustainability, Parma University, Parma, Italy
| | - Roberto Corradini
- Department of Chemistry, Life Sciences and Environmental Sustainability, Parma University, Parma, Italy
| | - Roberto Gambari
- Section of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Ferrara University, Ferrara, Italy.,Interuniversity Consortium for Biotechnology, Trieste University, Trieste, Italy
| | - Francesco Sansone
- Department of Chemistry, Life Sciences and Environmental Sustainability, Parma University, Parma, Italy.
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Ulker OC, Panieri E, Suzen S, Jaganjac M, Zarkovic N, Saso L. Short overview on the relevance of microRNA-reactive oxygen species (ROS) interactions and lipid peroxidation for modulation of oxidative stress-mediated signalling pathways in cancer treatment. J Pharm Pharmacol 2021; 74:503-515. [PMID: 33769543 DOI: 10.1093/jpp/rgab045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2020] [Accepted: 02/18/2021] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Modulation of oxidative stress-mediated signalling pathways is constantly getting more attention as a valuable therapeutic strategy in cancer treatment. Although complexity of redox signalling pathways might represent a major hurdle, the development of advanced -omics technologies allow thorough studies on cancer-specific biology, which is essential to elucidate the impact of these signalling pathways in cancer cells. The scope of our review is to provide updated information about recent developments in cancer treatment. KEY FINDINGS In recent years identifying oxidative stress-mediated signalling pathways is a major goal of cancer research assuming it may provide novel therapeutic approaches through the development of agents that may have better tissue penetration and therefore affect specific redox signalling pathways. In this review, we discuss some recent studies focussed on the modulation of oxidative stress-related signalling pathways as a novel anti-cancer treatment, with a particular emphasis on the induction of lipid peroxidation. CONCLUSIONS Characterization and modulation of oxidative stress-mediated signalling pathways and lipid peroxidation products will continue to foster novel interest and further investigations, which may pave the way for more effective, selective, and personalized integrative biomedicine treatment strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ozge Cemiloglu Ulker
- Department of Pharmaceutical Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Ankara University, Tandogan, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Emiliano Panieri
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology "Vittorio Erspamer", Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Sibel Suzen
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Ankara University, Tandogan, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Morana Jaganjac
- Laboratory for Oxidative Stress, Rudjer Boskovic Institute, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Neven Zarkovic
- Laboratory for Oxidative Stress, Rudjer Boskovic Institute, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Luciano Saso
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology "Vittorio Erspamer", Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
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Abstract
The involvement of microRNAs in human pathologies is firmly established. Accordingly, the pharmacological modulation of microRNA activity appears to be a very interesting approach in the development of new types of drugs (miRNA therapeutics). One important research area is the possible development of miRNA therapeutics in the field of rare diseases. In this respect, appealing molecules are based on peptide nucleic acids (PNAs), displaying, in their first description, a pseudo-peptide backbone composed of N-(2-aminoethyl)glycine units, and found to be excellent candidates for antisense and antigene therapies. The aim of the present article is to describe methods for determining the activity of PNAs designed to target microRNAs involved in cystic fibrosis, using as model system miR-145-5p and its target cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) mRNA. The methods employed to study the effects of PNAs targeting miR-145-5p are presented here by discussing data obtained using as cellular model system the human lung epithelial Calu-3 cell line.
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13
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Fabbri E, Tamanini A, Jakova T, Gasparello J, Manicardi A, Corradini R, Finotti A, Borgatti M, Lampronti I, Munari S, Dechecchi MC, Cabrini G, Gambari R. Treatment of human airway epithelial Calu-3 cells with a peptide-nucleic acid (PNA) targeting the microRNA miR-101-3p is associated with increased expression of the cystic fibrosis Transmembrane Conductance Regulator () gene. Eur J Med Chem 2020; 209:112876. [PMID: 33127171 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2020.112876] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2020] [Revised: 09/17/2020] [Accepted: 09/22/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Since the identification of microRNAs (miRNAs) involved in the regulation of Cystic Fibrosis Transmembrane Conductance Regulator (CFTR) gene, miRNAs known to down-regulate the expression of the CFTR and associated proteins have been investigated as potential therapeutic targets. Here we show that miR-101-3p, targeting the 3'-UTR sequence of the CFTR mRNA, can be selectively inhibited by a peptide nucleic acid (PNA) carrying a full complementary sequence. With respect to clinical relevance of microRNA targeting, it is expected that reduction in concentration of miRNAs (the anti-miRNA approach) could be associated with increasing amounts of target mRNAs. Consistently to this hypothesis, we report that PNA-mediated inhibition of miR-101-3p was accompanied by CFTR up-regulation. Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) was performed in order to verify the effects of the anti-miR-101-3p PNA on the Calu-3 miRNome. Upon inhibition of miR-101-3p we observed a fold change (FC) expression <2 of the majority of miRNAs (403/479, 84.13%), whereas we identified a list of dysregulated miRNAs, suggesting that specific miRNA inhibition (in our case miR-101-3p) might be accompanied by alteration of expression of other miRNAs, some of them known to be involved in Cystic Fibrosis (CF), such as miR-155-5p and miR-125b-5p.
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Affiliation(s)
- Enrica Fabbri
- Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, University of Ferrara, Italy
| | - Anna Tamanini
- Laboratory of Molecular Pathology, Department of Pathology and Diagnostics, University Hospital of Verona, Italy
| | - Tiziana Jakova
- Department of Chemistry, Life Sciences and Environmental Sustainability, University of Parma, Section of Clinical Biochemistry, Italy
| | - Jessica Gasparello
- Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, University of Ferrara, Italy
| | - Alex Manicardi
- Department of Chemistry, Life Sciences and Environmental Sustainability, University of Parma, Section of Clinical Biochemistry, Italy; Department of Organic and Macromolecular Chemistry, University of Ghent, Belgium
| | - Roberto Corradini
- Department of Chemistry, Life Sciences and Environmental Sustainability, University of Parma, Section of Clinical Biochemistry, Italy
| | - Alessia Finotti
- Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, University of Ferrara, Italy
| | - Monica Borgatti
- Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, University of Ferrara, Italy
| | - Ilaria Lampronti
- Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, University of Ferrara, Italy
| | - Silvia Munari
- Laboratory of Molecular Pathology, Department of Pathology and Diagnostics, University Hospital of Verona, Italy
| | | | - Giulio Cabrini
- Department of Neurosciences, Biomedicine and Movement, University of Verona, Verona, Italy; Research Center for Innovative Therapies of Cystic Fibrosis, University of Ferrara, Italy
| | - Roberto Gambari
- Research Center for Innovative Therapies of Cystic Fibrosis, University of Ferrara, Italy.
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14
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Malik S, Lim J, Slack FJ, Braddock DT, Bahal R. Next generation miRNA inhibition using short anti-seed PNAs encapsulated in PLGA nanoparticles. J Control Release 2020; 327:406-419. [PMID: 32835710 DOI: 10.1016/j.jconrel.2020.08.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2020] [Revised: 08/14/2020] [Accepted: 08/17/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Selective inhibition of microRNAs (miRNAs) offers a new avenue for cancer therapeutics. While most of the current anti-miRNA (antimiR) reagents target full length miRNAs, here we investigate novel nanoparticle-delivered short PNA probes containing cationic domains targeting the seed region of the miRNA for effective antimiR therapy. For proof of concept, we tested PNAs targeting miRNA-155 and employed poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA)-based nanoparticle formulation for delivery. A comprehensive evaluation of PLGA nanoparticles (NPs) containing short PNA probes showed significantly superior loading, release profile, and uniform size distribution, compared to conventional non-cationic PNA probes. Confocal microscopy and flow cytometry analyses showed efficient transfection efficiency and uniform distribution of PLGA NPs containing short PNA probes in the cytoplasm. Functional analysis also confirmed efficient miRNA-155 inhibition including an effect on its downstream target proteins. Further, reduced tumor growth was observed after systemic delivery of PLGA nanoparticles containing short PNA probes in vivo in a xenograft mouse model following inhibition of miR-155. There was no evidence of acute or chronic toxicity associated with systemic delivery of PLGA NPs containing short PNA probes in the mice. Overall, in this paper we present a novel antimiR strategy based on PLGA nanoparticle delivered short PNA probes for potential cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shipra Malik
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT 06269, USA
| | - Jihoon Lim
- Department of Pathology, BIDMC Cancer Center, Harvard Medical School, 330, Brookline Ave, Boston, MA 02215, USA
| | - Frank J Slack
- Department of Pathology, BIDMC Cancer Center, Harvard Medical School, 330, Brookline Ave, Boston, MA 02215, USA
| | - Demetrios T Braddock
- Department of Pathology, Yale University School of Medicine, 310 Cedar Street, New Haven, CT 06510, USA
| | - Raman Bahal
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT 06269, USA.
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15
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Gasparello J, Gambari L, Papi C, Rozzi A, Manicardi A, Corradini R, Gambari R, Finotti A. High Levels of Apoptosis Are Induced in the Human Colon Cancer HT-29 Cell Line by Co-Administration of Sulforaphane and a Peptide Nucleic Acid Targeting miR-15b-5p. Nucleic Acid Ther 2020; 30:164-174. [DOI: 10.1089/nat.2019.0825] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Jessica Gasparello
- Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Laura Gambari
- Laboratorio RAMSES, IRCCS Istituto Ortopedico Rizzoli, Bologna, Italy
| | - Chiara Papi
- Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Andrea Rozzi
- Department of Chemistry, Life Sciences and Environmental Sustainability, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - Alex Manicardi
- Department of Chemistry, Life Sciences and Environmental Sustainability, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - Roberto Corradini
- Department of Chemistry, Life Sciences and Environmental Sustainability, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - Roberto Gambari
- Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Alessia Finotti
- Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
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16
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microRNAs in the Antitumor Immune Response and in Bone Metastasis of Breast Cancer: From Biological Mechanisms to Therapeutics. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21082805. [PMID: 32316552 PMCID: PMC7216039 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21082805] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2020] [Revised: 04/03/2020] [Accepted: 04/15/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Breast cancer is the most common type of cancer in women, and the occurrence of metastasis drastically worsens the prognosis and reduces overall survival. Understanding the biological mechanisms that regulate the transformation of malignant cells, the consequent metastatic transformation, and the immune surveillance in the tumor progression would contribute to the development of more effective and targeted treatments. In this context, microRNAs (miRNAs) have proven to be key regulators of the tumor-immune cells crosstalk for the hijack of the immunosurveillance to promote tumor cells immune escape and cancer progression, as well as modulators of the metastasis formation process, ranging from the preparation of the metastatic site to the transformation into the migrating phenotype of tumor cells. In particular, their deregulated expression has been linked to the aberrant expression of oncogenes and tumor suppressor genes to promote tumorigenesis. This review aims at summarizing the role and functions of miRNAs involved in antitumor immune response and in the metastasis formation process in breast cancer. Additionally, miRNAs are promising targets for gene therapy as their modulation has the potential to support or inhibit specific mechanisms to negatively affect tumorigenesis. With this perspective, the most recent strategies developed for miRNA-based therapeutics are illustrated.
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17
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A Peptide Nucleic Acid (PNA) Masking the miR-145-5p Binding Site of the 3'UTR of the Cystic Fibrosis Transmembrane Conductance Regulator ( CFTR) mRNA Enhances CFTR Expression in Calu-3 Cells. Molecules 2020; 25:molecules25071677. [PMID: 32260566 PMCID: PMC7181265 DOI: 10.3390/molecules25071677] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2020] [Revised: 03/31/2020] [Accepted: 04/02/2020] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Peptide nucleic acids (PNAs) have been demonstrated to be very useful tools for gene regulation at different levels and with different mechanisms of action. In the last few years the use of PNAs for targeting microRNAs (anti-miRNA PNAs) has provided impressive advancements. In particular, targeting of microRNAs involved in the repression of the expression of the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) gene, which is defective in cystic fibrosis (CF), is a key step in the development of new types of treatment protocols. In addition to the anti-miRNA therapeutic strategy, inhibition of miRNA functions can be reached by masking the miRNA binding sites present within the 3′UTR region of the target mRNAs. The objective of this study was to design a PNA masking the binding site of the microRNA miR-145-5p present within the 3′UTR of the CFTR mRNA and to determine its activity in inhibiting miR-145-5p function, with particular focus on the expression of both CFTR mRNA and CFTR protein in Calu-3 cells. The results obtained support the concept that the PNA masking the miR-145-5p binding site of the CFTR mRNA is able to interfere with miR-145-5p biological functions, leading to both an increase of CFTR mRNA and CFTR protein content.
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18
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Mercurio S, Cauteruccio S, Manenti R, Candiani S, Scarì G, Licandro E, Pennati R. Exploring miR-9 Involvement in Ciona intestinalis Neural Development Using Peptide Nucleic Acids. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21062001. [PMID: 32183450 PMCID: PMC7139483 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21062001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2020] [Revised: 03/12/2020] [Accepted: 03/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The microRNAs are small RNAs that regulate gene expression at the post-transcriptional level and can be involved in the onset of neurodegenerative diseases and cancer. They are emerging as possible targets for antisense-based therapy, even though the in vivo stability of miRNA analogues is still questioned. We tested the ability of peptide nucleic acids, a novel class of nucleic acid mimics, to downregulate miR-9 in vivo in an invertebrate model organism, the ascidian Ciona intestinalis, by microinjection of antisense molecules in the eggs. It is known that miR-9 is a well-conserved microRNA in bilaterians and we found that it is expressed in epidermal sensory neurons of the tail in the larva of C. intestinalis. Larvae developed from injected eggs showed a reduced differentiation of tail neurons, confirming the possibility to use peptide nucleic acid PNA to downregulate miRNA in a whole organism. By identifying putative targets of miR-9, we discuss the role of this miRNA in the development of the peripheral nervous system of ascidians.
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Affiliation(s)
- Silvia Mercurio
- Department of Environmental Science and Policy, Università degli Studi di Milano, 20133 Milano, Italy; (S.M.); (R.M.); (R.P.)
| | - Silvia Cauteruccio
- Department of Chemistry, Università degli Studi di Milano, 20133 Milano, Italy;
- Correspondence: (S.C.); (S.C.); Tel.: +39-0250314147 (S.C.); +39-0103538051 (S.C.)
| | - Raoul Manenti
- Department of Environmental Science and Policy, Università degli Studi di Milano, 20133 Milano, Italy; (S.M.); (R.M.); (R.P.)
| | - Simona Candiani
- Department of Earth Science, Environment and Life, Università degli Studi di Genova, 16132 Genova, Italy
- Correspondence: (S.C.); (S.C.); Tel.: +39-0250314147 (S.C.); +39-0103538051 (S.C.)
| | - Giorgio Scarì
- Department of Biosciences, Università degli Studi di Milano, 20133 Milano, Italy;
| | - Emanuela Licandro
- Department of Chemistry, Università degli Studi di Milano, 20133 Milano, Italy;
| | - Roberta Pennati
- Department of Environmental Science and Policy, Università degli Studi di Milano, 20133 Milano, Italy; (S.M.); (R.M.); (R.P.)
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19
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PNA-Based MicroRNA Detection Methodologies. Molecules 2020; 25:molecules25061296. [PMID: 32178411 PMCID: PMC7144472 DOI: 10.3390/molecules25061296] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2020] [Revised: 03/06/2020] [Accepted: 03/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
MicroRNAs (miRNAs or miRs) are small noncoding RNAs involved in the fine regulation of post-transcriptional processes in the cell. The physiological levels of these short (20-22-mer) oligonucleotides are important for the homeostasis of the organism, and therefore dysregulation can lead to the onset of cancer and other pathologies. Their importance as biomarkers is constantly growing and, in this context, detection methods based on the hybridization to peptide nucleic acids (PNAs) are gaining their place in the spotlight. After a brief overview of their biogenesis, this review will discuss the significance of targeting miR, providing a wide range of PNA-based approaches to detect them at biologically significant concentrations, based on electrochemical, fluorescence and colorimetric assays.
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20
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Hornung JE, Hellwig N, Göbel MW. Peptide Nucleic Acid Conjugates of Quinone Methide Precursors Alkylate Ribonucleic Acid after Activation with Light. Bioconjug Chem 2020; 31:639-645. [PMID: 31904221 DOI: 10.1021/acs.bioconjchem.9b00796] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Quinone methide precursors 2 and 3 were protected with a photoreactive 2-nitrobenzyl group and conjugated to peptide nucleic acids (PNA) using a Huisgen click reaction. After brief irradiation at 365 nm, cross-linking with complementary RNA strands started and was analyzed with an ALFexpress sequencer. When this method was used, the gel temperature had a major influence on apparent rates. Quinone methides are known to form transient as well as stable bonds with nucleotides. Although both were detected at 25 °C, analysis at 57 °C only recorded the stable types of cross-links, suggesting much slower alkylation kinetics. Linker 11 allowed us to attach quinone methides to internal positions of the PNA/RNA duplex and to capture a model of miR-20a with good efficiency.
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21
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Gasparello J, Papi C, Zurlo M, Corradini R, Gambari R, Finotti A. Demonstrating specificity of bioactive peptide nucleic acids (PNAs) targeting microRNAs for practical laboratory classes of applied biochemistry and pharmacology. PLoS One 2019; 14:e0221923. [PMID: 31509554 PMCID: PMC6738603 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0221923] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2019] [Accepted: 08/19/2019] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Practical laboratory classes teaching molecular pharmacology approaches employed in the development of therapeutic strategies are of great interest for students of courses in Biotechnology, Applied Biology, Pharmaceutic and Technology Chemistry, Translational Oncology. Unfortunately, in most cases the technology to be transferred to learning students is complex and requires multi-step approaches. In this respect, simple and straightforward experimental protocols might be of great interest. This study was aimed at presenting a laboratory exercise focusing (a) on a very challenging therapeutic strategy, i.e. microRNA therapeutics, and (b) on the employment of biomolecules of great interest in applied biology and pharmacology, i.e. peptide nucleic acids (PNAs). The aims of the practical laboratory were to determine: (a) the possible PNA-mediated arrest in RT-qPCR, to be eventually used to demonstrate PNA targeting of selected miRNAs; (b) the possible lack of activity on mutated PNA sequences; (c) the effects (if any) on the amplification of other unrelated miRNA sequences. The results which can be obtained support the following conclusions: PNA-mediated arrest in RT-qPCR can be analyzed in a easy way; mutated PNA sequences are completely inactive; the effects of the employed PNAs are specific and no inhibitory effect occurs on other unrelated miRNA sequences. This activity is simple (cell culture, RNA extraction, RT-qPCR are all well-established technologies), fast (starting from isolated and characterized RNA, few hours are just necessary), highly reproducible (therefore easily employed by even untrained students). On the other hand, these laboratory lessons require some facilities, the most critical being the availability of instruments for PCR. While this might be a problem in the case these instruments are not available, we would like to underline that determination of the presence or of a lack of amplified product can be also obtained using standard analytical approaches based on agarose gel electrophoresis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica Gasparello
- Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Chiara Papi
- Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Matteo Zurlo
- Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Roberto Corradini
- Department of Chemistry, Life Sciences and Environmental Sustainability, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - Roberto Gambari
- Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
- Interuniversity Consortium for Biotechnology (CIB), Trieste, Italy
- * E-mail:
| | - Alessia Finotti
- Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
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22
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Mammoli F, Parenti S, Lomiento M, Gemelli C, Atene CG, Grande A, Corradini R, Manicardi A, Fantini S, Zanocco-Marani T, Ferrari S. Physiological expression of miR-130a during differentiation of CD34 + human hematopoietic stem cells results in the inhibition of monocyte differentiation. Exp Cell Res 2019; 382:111445. [PMID: 31152707 DOI: 10.1016/j.yexcr.2019.05.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2018] [Revised: 05/20/2019] [Accepted: 05/23/2019] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
MicroRNAs (miRNA) are small noncoding RNAs that regulate gene expression by targeting mRNAs in a sequence specific manner, thereby determining their degradation or inhibiting translation. They are involved in processes such as proliferation, differentiation and apoptosis by fine-tuning the expression of genes underlying such events. The expression of specific miRNAs is involved in hematopoietic differentiation and their deregulation contributes to the development of hematopoietic malignancies such as acute myeloid leukemia (AML). miR-130a is over-expressed in AML. Here we show that miR-130a is physiologically expressed in myeloblasts and down-regulated during monocyte differentiation. Gain- and loss-of-function experiments performed on CD34+ human hematopoietic stem cells confirmed that expression of miR-130a inhibits monocyte differentiation by interfering with the expression of key transcription factors HOXA10, IRF8, KLF4, MAFB and PU-1. The data obtained in this study highlight that the correct modulation of miR-130a is necessary for normal differentiation to occur and confirming that deregulation of this miRNA might underlie the differentiation block occurring in AML.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fabiana Mammoli
- Istituto Scientifico Romagnolo per lo Studio e la Cura dei Tumori (IRST) Srl - IRCCS, Italy.
| | - Sandra Parenti
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Via Campi 287, 41125, Modena, Italy.
| | - Mariana Lomiento
- Sant'Orsola Malpighi Hospital, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy.
| | - Claudia Gemelli
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Via Campi 287, 41125, Modena, Italy.
| | - Claudio Giacinto Atene
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Via Campi 287, 41125, Modena, Italy.
| | - Alexis Grande
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Via Campi 287, 41125, Modena, Italy.
| | - Roberto Corradini
- Department of Chemistry, Life Sciences and Environmental Sustainability, University of Parma, Parco Area delle Scienze 17/A, I-43124 Parma, Italy.
| | - Alex Manicardi
- Department of Organic and Macromolecular Chemistry Organic and Biomimetic Chemistry Research Group (OBCR) Faculty of Sciences - Ghent University Campus Sterre, Krijgslaan, 281 S4 B-9000 Gent, Belgium.
| | - Sebastian Fantini
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Via Campi 287, 41125, Modena, Italy.
| | - Tommaso Zanocco-Marani
- Istituto Scientifico Romagnolo per lo Studio e la Cura dei Tumori (IRST) Srl - IRCCS, Italy.
| | - Sergio Ferrari
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Via Campi 287, 41125, Modena, Italy.
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23
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Milani R, Brognara E, Fabbri E, Manicardi A, Corradini R, Finotti A, Gasparello J, Borgatti M, Cosenza LC, Lampronti I, Dechecchi MC, Cabrini G, Gambari R. Targeting miR‑155‑5p and miR‑221‑3p by peptide nucleic acids induces caspase‑3 activation and apoptosis in temozolomide‑resistant T98G glioma cells. Int J Oncol 2019; 55:59-68. [PMID: 31180529 PMCID: PMC6561624 DOI: 10.3892/ijo.2019.4810] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2018] [Accepted: 03/26/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
The present study investigated the effects of the combined treatment of two peptide nucleic acids (PNAs), directed against microRNAs involved in caspase‑3 mRNA regulation (miR‑155‑5p and miR‑221‑3p) in the temozolomide (TMZ)‑resistant T98G glioma cell line. These PNAs were conjugated with an octaarginine tail in order to obtain an efficient delivery to treated cells. The effects of singularly administered PNAs or a combined treatment with both PNAs were examined on apoptosis, with the aim to determine whether reversion of the drug‑resistance phenotype was obtained. Specificity of the PNA‑mediated effects was analyzed by reverse transcription‑quantitative polymerase‑chain reaction, which demonstrated that the effects of R8‑PNA‑a155 and R8-PNA-a221 anti‑miR PNAs were specific. Furthermore, the results obtained confirmed that both PNAs induced apoptosis when used on the temozolomide‑resistant T98G glioma cell line. Notably, co‑administration of both anti‑miR‑155 and anti‑miR‑221 PNAs was associated with an increased proapoptotic activity. In addition, TMZ further increased the induction of apoptosis in T98G cells co‑treated with anti‑miR‑155 and anti‑miR‑221 PNAs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roberta Milani
- Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, University of Ferrara, I‑144121 Ferrara, Italy
| | - Eleonora Brognara
- Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, University of Ferrara, I‑144121 Ferrara, Italy
| | - Enrica Fabbri
- Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, University of Ferrara, I‑144121 Ferrara, Italy
| | - Alex Manicardi
- Department of Chemistry, Life Sciences and Environmental Sustainability, University of Parma, I‑143214 Parma, Italy
| | - Roberto Corradini
- Department of Chemistry, Life Sciences and Environmental Sustainability, University of Parma, I‑143214 Parma, Italy
| | - Alessia Finotti
- Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, University of Ferrara, I‑144121 Ferrara, Italy
| | - Jessica Gasparello
- Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, University of Ferrara, I‑144121 Ferrara, Italy
| | - Monica Borgatti
- Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, University of Ferrara, I‑144121 Ferrara, Italy
| | - Lucia Carmela Cosenza
- Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, University of Ferrara, I‑144121 Ferrara, Italy
| | - Ilaria Lampronti
- Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, University of Ferrara, I‑144121 Ferrara, Italy
| | | | - Giulio Cabrini
- Laboratory of Molecular Pathology, University‑Hospital of Verona, I‑37126 Verona, Italy
| | - Roberto Gambari
- Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, University of Ferrara, I‑144121 Ferrara, Italy
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24
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Finotti A, Fabbri E, Lampronti I, Gasparello J, Borgatti M, Gambari R. MicroRNAs and Long Non-coding RNAs in Genetic Diseases. Mol Diagn Ther 2019; 23:155-171. [PMID: 30610665 PMCID: PMC6469593 DOI: 10.1007/s40291-018-0380-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Since the discovery and classification of non-coding RNAs, their roles have gained great attention. In this respect, microRNAs and long non-coding RNAs have been firmly demonstrated to be linked to regulation of gene expression and onset of human diseases, including rare genetic diseases; therefore they are suitable targets for therapeutic intervention. This issue, in the context of rare genetic diseases, is being considered by an increasing number of research groups and is of key interest to the health community. In the case of rare genetic diseases, the possibility of developing personalized therapy in precision medicine has attracted the attention of researchers and clinicians involved in developing "orphan medicinal products" and proposing these to the European Medicines Agency (EMA) and to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Office of Orphan Products Development (OOPD) in the United States. The major focuses of these activities are the evaluation and development of products (drugs, biologics, devices, or medical foods) considered to be promising for diagnosis and/or treatment of rare diseases or conditions, including rare genetic diseases. In an increasing number of rare genetic diseases, analysis of microRNAs and long non-coding RNAs has been proven a promising strategy. These diseases include, but are not limited to, Duchenne muscular dystrophy, cystic fibrosis, Rett syndrome, and β-thalassemia. In conclusion, a large number of approaches based on targeting microRNAs and long non-coding RNAs are expected in the field of molecular diagnosis and therapy, with a facilitated technological transfer in the case of rare genetic diseases, in virtue of the existing regulation concerning these diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessia Finotti
- Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Section of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Ferrara, Via Fossato di Mortara n.74, 44121, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Enrica Fabbri
- Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Section of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Ferrara, Via Fossato di Mortara n.74, 44121, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Ilaria Lampronti
- Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Section of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Ferrara, Via Fossato di Mortara n.74, 44121, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Jessica Gasparello
- Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Section of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Ferrara, Via Fossato di Mortara n.74, 44121, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Monica Borgatti
- Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Section of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Ferrara, Via Fossato di Mortara n.74, 44121, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Roberto Gambari
- Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Section of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Ferrara, Via Fossato di Mortara n.74, 44121, Ferrara, Italy.
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25
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Manicardi A, Gambari R, de Cola L, Corradini R. Preparation of Anti-miR PNAs for Drug Development and Nanomedicine. Methods Mol Biol 2019; 1811:49-63. [PMID: 29926445 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-4939-8582-1_4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
Peptide Nucleic Acids (PNAs) are oligonucleotide mimics that can be used to block the biological action of microRNA, thus affecting gene expression post-transcriptionally. PNAs are obtained with solid-phase peptide synthesis, and can be easily conjugated to other peptides. Conjugation with R8-Peptide or modification of the PNA backbone (at C5 or C2 carbon) with arginine side chains allows efficient cellular uptake. The present protocol describes the synthesis of cationic PNAs that can be used alone as drugs or for efficient co-delivery in suitable inorganic nanocarriers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alex Manicardi
- Department of Chemistry, Life Sciences and Environmental Sustainability, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - Roberto Gambari
- Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Luisa de Cola
- Institut de Science et d'Ingénierie Supramoléculaires (ISIS) Université de Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France
| | - Roberto Corradini
- Department of Chemistry, Life Sciences and Environmental Sustainability, University of Parma, Parma, Italy.
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26
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Wang X, Xiao X, Zhang B, Li J, Zhang Y. A self-assembled peptide nucleic acid-microRNA nanocomplex for dual modulation of cancer-related microRNAs. Chem Commun (Camb) 2019; 55:2106-2109. [PMID: 30698603 DOI: 10.1039/c9cc00002j] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Abstract
Here, we report a new strategy for the construction of a peptide nucleic acid-microRNA nanocomplex with dual function to simultaneously suppress oncogenic microRNAs and upregulate tumor-suppressive microRNAs in target cancer cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xingxing Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Analytical Chemistry for Life Sciences, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Advanced Organic Materials, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210023, China.
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27
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Croci S, Manicardi A, Rubagotti S, Bonacini M, Iori M, Capponi PC, Cicoria G, Parmeggiani M, Salvarani C, Versari A, Corradini R, Asti M. 64Cu and fluorescein labeled anti-miRNA peptide nucleic acids for the detection of miRNA expression in living cells. Sci Rep 2019; 9:3376. [PMID: 30833583 PMCID: PMC6399270 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-35800-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2017] [Accepted: 11/08/2018] [Indexed: 01/23/2023] Open
Abstract
MiRNAs are single stranded RNAs of 18-22 nucleotides. They are promising diagnostic and prognostic markers for several pathologies including tumors, neurodegenerative, cardiovascular and autoimmune diseases. In the present work the development and characterization of anti-miRNA radiolabeled probes based on peptide nucleic acids (PNAs) for potential non-invasive molecular imaging in vivo of giant cell arteritis are described. MiR-146a and miR-146b-5p were selected as targets because they have been found up-regulated in this disease. Anti-miR and scramble PNAs were synthesized and linked to carboxyfluorescein or DOTA. DOTA-anti-miR PNAs were then labelled with copper-64 (64Cu) to function as non-invasive molecular imaging tools. The affinity of the probes for the targets was assessed in vitro by circular dichroism and melting temperature. Differential uptake of fluorescein and 64Cu labeled anti-miRNA probes was tested on BCPAP and A549 cell lines, expressing different levels of miR-146a and -146b-5p. The experiments showed that the anti-miR-146a PNAs were more effective than the anti-miR-146b-5p PNAs. Anti-miR-146a PNAs could bind both miR-146a and miR-146b-5p. The uptake of fluorescein and 64Cu labeled anti-miR-146a PNAs was higher than that of the negative control scramble PNAs in miRNA expressing cells in vitro. 64Cu-anti-miR-146a PNAs might be further investigated for non-invasive PET imaging of miR-146 overexpressing diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefania Croci
- Clinical Immunology, Allergy, and Advanced Biotechnologies Unit, Diagnostic Imaging and Laboratory Medicine Department, Azienda Unità Sanitaria Locale-IRCCS di Reggio Emilia, 42123, Reggio Emilia, Italy
| | - Alex Manicardi
- Department of Chemistry, Live Sciences and Environmental Sustainability, University of Parma, Parco Area delle Scienze, Parma, 43124, Italy
- Organic and Biomimetic Chemistry Research Group, Department of Organic Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Ghent University, Krijgslaan 281-S4, Gent, 9000, Belgium
| | - Sara Rubagotti
- Nuclear Medicine Unit, Oncology and Advanced Technologies Department, Azienda Unità Sanitaria Locale-IRCCS di Reggio Emilia, 42123, Reggio Emilia, Italy
| | - Martina Bonacini
- Clinical Immunology, Allergy, and Advanced Biotechnologies Unit, Diagnostic Imaging and Laboratory Medicine Department, Azienda Unità Sanitaria Locale-IRCCS di Reggio Emilia, 42123, Reggio Emilia, Italy
| | - Michele Iori
- Nuclear Medicine Unit, Oncology and Advanced Technologies Department, Azienda Unità Sanitaria Locale-IRCCS di Reggio Emilia, 42123, Reggio Emilia, Italy
| | - Pier Cesare Capponi
- Nuclear Medicine Unit, Oncology and Advanced Technologies Department, Azienda Unità Sanitaria Locale-IRCCS di Reggio Emilia, 42123, Reggio Emilia, Italy
| | - Gianfranco Cicoria
- Medical Physics Department, University Hospital "S. Orsola-Malpighi", 40138, Bologna, Italy
| | - Maria Parmeggiani
- Clinical Immunology, Allergy, and Advanced Biotechnologies Unit, Diagnostic Imaging and Laboratory Medicine Department, Azienda Unità Sanitaria Locale-IRCCS di Reggio Emilia, 42123, Reggio Emilia, Italy
| | - Carlo Salvarani
- Rheumatology Unit, Azienda Unità Sanitaria Locale-IRCCS di Reggio Emilia, 42123, Reggio Emilia, Italy
- Department of Surgery, Medicine, Dentistry and Morphological Sciences with interest in Transplant, Oncology and Regenerative Medicine, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Annibale Versari
- Nuclear Medicine Unit, Oncology and Advanced Technologies Department, Azienda Unità Sanitaria Locale-IRCCS di Reggio Emilia, 42123, Reggio Emilia, Italy
| | - Roberto Corradini
- Department of Chemistry, Live Sciences and Environmental Sustainability, University of Parma, Parco Area delle Scienze, Parma, 43124, Italy
| | - Mattia Asti
- Nuclear Medicine Unit, Oncology and Advanced Technologies Department, Azienda Unità Sanitaria Locale-IRCCS di Reggio Emilia, 42123, Reggio Emilia, Italy.
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Efficient cell penetration and delivery of peptide nucleic acids by an argininocalix[4]arene. Sci Rep 2019; 9:3036. [PMID: 30816154 PMCID: PMC6395679 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-39211-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2018] [Accepted: 01/03/2019] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
The application of Peptide Nucleic Acids (PNAs), mimics of DNA lacking the sugar-phosphate backbone, for antisense/anti-gene therapy and gene editing is limited by their low uptake by cells. Currently, no simple and efficient delivery systems and methods are available to solve this open issue. One of the most promising approach is the modification of the PNA structure through the covalent linkage of poliarginine tails, but this means that every PNA intended to be internalized must be modified. Herein we report the results relative to the delivery ability of a macrocyclic multivalent tetraargininocalix[4]arene (1) used as non-covalent vector for anti-miR-221-3p PNAs. High delivery efficiency, low cytotoxicity, maintenance of the PNA biological activity and ease preparation of the transfection formulation, simply attained by mixing PNA and calixarene, candidate this vector as universal delivery system for this class of nucleic acid analogues.
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Ducsay CA, Goyal R, Pearce WJ, Wilson S, Hu XQ, Zhang L. Gestational Hypoxia and Developmental Plasticity. Physiol Rev 2018; 98:1241-1334. [PMID: 29717932 PMCID: PMC6088145 DOI: 10.1152/physrev.00043.2017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 105] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Hypoxia is one of the most common and severe challenges to the maintenance of homeostasis. Oxygen sensing is a property of all tissues, and the response to hypoxia is multidimensional involving complicated intracellular networks concerned with the transduction of hypoxia-induced responses. Of all the stresses to which the fetus and newborn infant are subjected, perhaps the most important and clinically relevant is that of hypoxia. Hypoxia during gestation impacts both the mother and fetal development through interactions with an individual's genetic traits acquired over multiple generations by natural selection and changes in gene expression patterns by altering the epigenetic code. Changes in the epigenome determine "genomic plasticity," i.e., the ability of genes to be differentially expressed according to environmental cues. The genomic plasticity defined by epigenomic mechanisms including DNA methylation, histone modifications, and noncoding RNAs during development is the mechanistic substrate for phenotypic programming that determines physiological response and risk for healthy or deleterious outcomes. This review explores the impact of gestational hypoxia on maternal health and fetal development, and epigenetic mechanisms of developmental plasticity with emphasis on the uteroplacental circulation, heart development, cerebral circulation, pulmonary development, and the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis and adipose tissue. The complex molecular and epigenetic interactions that may impact an individual's physiology and developmental programming of health and disease later in life are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charles A. Ducsay
- The Lawrence D. Longo, MD Center for Perinatal Biology, Department of Basic Sciences, Loma Linda University School of Medicine, Loma Linda, California
| | - Ravi Goyal
- The Lawrence D. Longo, MD Center for Perinatal Biology, Department of Basic Sciences, Loma Linda University School of Medicine, Loma Linda, California
| | - William J. Pearce
- The Lawrence D. Longo, MD Center for Perinatal Biology, Department of Basic Sciences, Loma Linda University School of Medicine, Loma Linda, California
| | - Sean Wilson
- The Lawrence D. Longo, MD Center for Perinatal Biology, Department of Basic Sciences, Loma Linda University School of Medicine, Loma Linda, California
| | - Xiang-Qun Hu
- The Lawrence D. Longo, MD Center for Perinatal Biology, Department of Basic Sciences, Loma Linda University School of Medicine, Loma Linda, California
| | - Lubo Zhang
- The Lawrence D. Longo, MD Center for Perinatal Biology, Department of Basic Sciences, Loma Linda University School of Medicine, Loma Linda, California
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30
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Jasiński M, Feig M, Trylska J. Improved Force Fields for Peptide Nucleic Acids with Optimized Backbone Torsion Parameters. J Chem Theory Comput 2018; 14:3603-3620. [PMID: 29791152 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jctc.8b00291] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Peptide nucleic acids are promising nucleic acid analogs for antisense therapies as they can form stable duplex and triplex structures with DNA and RNA. Computational studies of PNA-containing duplexes and triplexes are an important component for guiding their design, yet existing force fields have not been well validated and parametrized with modern computational capabilities. We present updated CHARMM and Amber force fields for PNA that greatly improve the stability of simulated PNA-containing duplexes and triplexes in comparison with experimental structures and allow such systems to be studied on microsecond time scales. The force field modifications focus on reparametrized PNA backbone torsion angles to match high-level quantum mechanics reference energies for a model compound. The microsecond simulations of PNA-PNA, PNA-DNA, PNA-RNA, and PNA-DNA-PNA complexes also allowed a comprehensive analysis of hydration and ion interactions with such systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maciej Jasiński
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology , Michigan State University , East Lansing , Michigan 48824 , United States.,Centre of New Technologies , University of Warsaw , Warsaw , Poland
| | - Michael Feig
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology , Michigan State University , East Lansing , Michigan 48824 , United States
| | - Joanna Trylska
- Centre of New Technologies , University of Warsaw , Warsaw , Poland
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31
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Grijalvo S, Alagia A, Jorge AF, Eritja R. Covalent Strategies for Targeting Messenger and Non-Coding RNAs: An Updated Review on siRNA, miRNA and antimiR Conjugates. Genes (Basel) 2018; 9:E74. [PMID: 29415514 PMCID: PMC5852570 DOI: 10.3390/genes9020074] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2018] [Revised: 01/26/2018] [Accepted: 01/26/2018] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Oligonucleotide-based therapy has become an alternative to classical approaches in the search of novel therapeutics involving gene-related diseases. Several mechanisms have been described in which demonstrate the pivotal role of oligonucleotide for modulating gene expression. Antisense oligonucleotides (ASOs) and more recently siRNAs and miRNAs have made important contributions either in reducing aberrant protein levels by sequence-specific targeting messenger RNAs (mRNAs) or restoring the anomalous levels of non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) that are involved in a good number of diseases including cancer. In addition to formulation approaches which have contributed to accelerate the presence of ASOs, siRNAs and miRNAs in clinical trials; the covalent linkage between non-viral vectors and nucleic acids has also added value and opened new perspectives to the development of promising nucleic acid-based therapeutics. This review article is mainly focused on the strategies carried out for covalently modifying siRNA and miRNA molecules. Examples involving cell-penetrating peptides (CPPs), carbohydrates, polymers, lipids and aptamers are discussed for the synthesis of siRNA conjugates whereas in the case of miRNA-based drugs, this review article makes special emphasis in using antagomiRs, locked nucleic acids (LNAs), peptide nucleic acids (PNAs) as well as nanoparticles. The biomedical applications of siRNA and miRNA conjugates are also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Santiago Grijalvo
- Institute of Advanced Chemistry of Catalonia (IQAC, CSIC), Jordi Girona 18-26, 08034 Barcelona, Spain.
- Networking Centre in Bioengineering, Biomaterials and Nanomedicine (CIBER-BBN), Jordi Girona 18-26, 08034 Barcelona, Spain.
| | - Adele Alagia
- Networking Centre in Bioengineering, Biomaterials and Nanomedicine (CIBER-BBN), Jordi Girona 18-26, 08034 Barcelona, Spain.
| | - Andreia F Jorge
- Coimbra Chemistry Centre, (CQC), Department of Chemistry, University of Coimbra, Rua Larga, 3004-535 Coimbra, Portugal.
| | - Ramon Eritja
- Institute of Advanced Chemistry of Catalonia (IQAC, CSIC), Jordi Girona 18-26, 08034 Barcelona, Spain.
- Networking Centre in Bioengineering, Biomaterials and Nanomedicine (CIBER-BBN), Jordi Girona 18-26, 08034 Barcelona, Spain.
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32
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Fabbri E, Tamanini A, Jakova T, Gasparello J, Manicardi A, Corradini R, Sabbioni G, Finotti A, Borgatti M, Lampronti I, Munari S, Dechecchi MC, Cabrini G, Gambari R. A Peptide Nucleic Acid against MicroRNA miR-145-5p Enhances the Expression of the Cystic Fibrosis Transmembrane Conductance Regulator (CFTR) in Calu-3 Cells. Molecules 2017; 23:molecules23010071. [PMID: 29286300 PMCID: PMC6017273 DOI: 10.3390/molecules23010071] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2017] [Revised: 12/05/2017] [Accepted: 12/14/2017] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Peptide nucleic acids (PNAs) are very useful tools for gene regulation at different levels, but in particular in the last years their use for targeting microRNA (anti-miR PNAs) has provided impressive advancements. In this respect, microRNAs related to the repression of cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) gene, which is defective in cystic fibrosis, are of great importance in the development of new type of treatments. In this paper we propose the use of an anti-miR PNA for targeting miR-145, a microRNA reported to suppress CFTR expression. Octaarginine-anti-miR PNA conjugates were delivered to Calu-3 cells, exerting sequence dependent targeting of miR-145-5p. This allowed to enhance expression of the miR-145 regulated CFTR gene, analyzed at mRNA (RT-qPCR, Reverse Transcription quantitative Polymerase Chain Reaction) and CFTR protein (Western blotting) level.
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Affiliation(s)
- Enrica Fabbri
- Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy.
| | - Anna Tamanini
- Laboratory of Molecular Pathology, University-Hospital, 37126 Verona, Italy.
| | - Tiziana Jakova
- Department of Chemistry, Life Sciences and Environmental Sustainability, University of Parma, 43124 Parma, Italy.
| | - Jessica Gasparello
- Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy.
| | - Alex Manicardi
- Department of Chemistry, Life Sciences and Environmental Sustainability, University of Parma, 43124 Parma, Italy.
| | - Roberto Corradini
- Department of Chemistry, Life Sciences and Environmental Sustainability, University of Parma, 43124 Parma, Italy.
| | - Giuseppe Sabbioni
- Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy.
| | - Alessia Finotti
- Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy.
| | - Monica Borgatti
- Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy.
| | - Ilaria Lampronti
- Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy.
| | - Silvia Munari
- Laboratory of Molecular Pathology, University-Hospital, 37126 Verona, Italy.
| | | | - Giulio Cabrini
- Laboratory of Molecular Pathology, University-Hospital, 37126 Verona, Italy.
| | - Roberto Gambari
- Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy.
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Elskens J, Manicardi A, Costi V, Madder A, Corradini R. Synthesis and Improved Cross-Linking Properties of C5-Modified Furan Bearing PNAs. Molecules 2017; 22:molecules22112010. [PMID: 29156637 PMCID: PMC6150320 DOI: 10.3390/molecules22112010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2017] [Revised: 11/07/2017] [Accepted: 11/09/2017] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Over the past decades, peptide nucleic acid/DNA (PNA:DNA) duplex stability has been improved via backbone modification, often achieved via introducing an amino acid side chain at the α- or γ-position in the PNA sequence. It was previously shown that interstrand cross-linking can further enhance the binding event. In this work, we combined both strategies to fine-tune PNA crosslinking towards single stranded DNA sequences using a furan oxidation-based crosslinking method; for this purpose, γ-l-lysine and γ-l-arginine furan-PNA monomers were synthesized and incorporated in PNA sequences via solid phase synthesis. It was shown that the l-lysine γ-modification had a beneficial effect on crosslink efficiency due to pre-organization of the PNA helix and a favorable electrostatic interaction between the positively-charged lysine and the negatively-charged DNA backbone. Moreover, the crosslink yield could be optimized by carefully choosing the type of furan PNA monomer. This work is the first to describe a selective and biocompatible furan crosslinking strategy for crosslinking of γ-modified PNA sequences towards single-stranded DNA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joke Elskens
- Organic and Biomimetic Chemistry Research Group, Department of Organic and Macromolecular Chemistry, Ghent University, Krijgslaan 281-S4, 9000 Gent, Belgium.
| | - Alex Manicardi
- Organic and Biomimetic Chemistry Research Group, Department of Organic and Macromolecular Chemistry, Ghent University, Krijgslaan 281-S4, 9000 Gent, Belgium.
- Department of Chemistry, Life Sciences and Environmental Sustainability, University of Parma, Parco Area delle Scienze 17/A, 43124 Parma, Italy.
| | - Valentina Costi
- Department of Chemistry, Life Sciences and Environmental Sustainability, University of Parma, Parco Area delle Scienze 17/A, 43124 Parma, Italy.
| | - Annemieke Madder
- Organic and Biomimetic Chemistry Research Group, Department of Organic and Macromolecular Chemistry, Ghent University, Krijgslaan 281-S4, 9000 Gent, Belgium.
| | - Roberto Corradini
- Department of Chemistry, Life Sciences and Environmental Sustainability, University of Parma, Parco Area delle Scienze 17/A, 43124 Parma, Italy.
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34
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Gupta A, Quijano E, Liu Y, Bahal R, Scanlon SE, Song E, Hsieh WC, Braddock DE, Ly DH, Saltzman WM, Glazer PM. Anti-tumor Activity of miniPEG-γ-Modified PNAs to Inhibit MicroRNA-210 for Cancer Therapy. MOLECULAR THERAPY-NUCLEIC ACIDS 2017; 9:111-119. [PMID: 29246289 PMCID: PMC5633812 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtn.2017.09.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2017] [Revised: 09/05/2017] [Accepted: 09/06/2017] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
MicroRNAs (miRs) are frequently overexpressed in human cancers. In particular, miR-210 is induced in hypoxic cells and acts to orchestrate the adaptation of tumor cells to hypoxia. Silencing oncogenic miRs such as miR-210 may therefore offer a promising approach to anticancer therapy. We have developed a miR-210 inhibition strategy based on a new class of conformationally preorganized antisense γ peptide nucleic acids (γPNAs) that possess vastly superior RNA-binding affinity, improved solubility, and favorable biocompatibility. For cellular delivery, we encapsulated the γPNAs in poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) nanoparticles (NPs). Our results show that γPNAs targeting miR-210 cause significant delay in growth of a human tumor xenograft in mice compared to conventional PNAs. Further, histopathological analyses show considerable necrosis, fibrosis, and reduced cell proliferation in γPNA-treated tumors compared to controls. Overall, our work provides a chemical framework for a novel anti-miR therapeutic approach using γPNAs that should facilitate rational design of agents to potently inhibit oncogenic microRNAs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anisha Gupta
- Department of Therapeutic Radiology, Yale University, New Haven, CT 06510, USA
| | - Elias Quijano
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Yale University, New Haven, CT 06520, USA
| | - Yanfeng Liu
- Department of Therapeutic Radiology, Yale University, New Haven, CT 06510, USA
| | - Raman Bahal
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT 06269, USA
| | - Susan E Scanlon
- Department of Therapeutic Radiology, Yale University, New Haven, CT 06510, USA
| | - Eric Song
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Yale University, New Haven, CT 06520, USA
| | - Wei-Che Hsieh
- Department of Chemistry and Center for Nucleic Acids Science and Technology (CNAST), Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
| | | | - Danith H Ly
- Department of Chemistry and Center for Nucleic Acids Science and Technology (CNAST), Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
| | - W Mark Saltzman
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Yale University, New Haven, CT 06520, USA
| | - Peter M Glazer
- Department of Therapeutic Radiology, Yale University, New Haven, CT 06510, USA; Department of Genetics, Yale University, New Haven, CT 06510, USA.
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35
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Verona MD, Verdolino V, Palazzesi F, Corradini R. Focus on PNA Flexibility and RNA Binding using Molecular Dynamics and Metadynamics. Sci Rep 2017; 7:42799. [PMID: 28211525 PMCID: PMC5314342 DOI: 10.1038/srep42799] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2016] [Accepted: 01/13/2017] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Peptide Nucleic Acids (PNAs) can efficiently target DNA or RNA acting as chemical tools for gene regulation. Their backbone modification and functionalization is often used to increase the affinity for a particular sequence improving selectivity. The understanding of the trading forces that lead the single strand PNA to bind the DNA or RNA sequence is preparatory for any further rational design, but a clear and unique description of this process is still not complete. In this paper we report further insights into this subject, by a computational investigation aiming at the characterization of the conformations of a single strand PNA and how these can be correlated to its capability in binding DNA/RNA. Employing Metadynamics we were able to better define conformational pre-organizations of the single strand PNA and γ-modified PNA otherwise unrevealed through classical molecular dynamics. Our simulations driven on backbone modified PNAs lead to the conclusion that this γ-functionalization affects the single strand preorganization and targeting properties to the DNA/RNA, in agreement with circular dichroism (CD) spectra obtained for this class of compounds. MD simulations on PNA:RNA dissociation and association mechanisms allowed to reveal the critical role of central bases and preorganization in the binding process.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Vincenzo Verdolino
- Department of Chemistry and Applied Biosciences, ETH Zurich, c/o Università della Svizzera Italiana Campus, 6900 Lugano, Switzerland
- Facoltà di Informatica, Instituto di Scienze Computazionali, Università della Svizzera Italiana, 6900 Lugano, Switzerland
| | - Ferruccio Palazzesi
- Department of Chemistry and Applied Biosciences, ETH Zurich, c/o Università della Svizzera Italiana Campus, 6900 Lugano, Switzerland
- Facoltà di Informatica, Instituto di Scienze Computazionali, Università della Svizzera Italiana, 6900 Lugano, Switzerland
| | - Roberto Corradini
- Dipartimento di Chimica, University of Parma, Italy, 43124, Italy
- National Institute for Biostructures and Biosystems (INBB)-Viale delle Medaglie d’Oro, 305, 00136 Roma, Italy
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36
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Gooding M, Malhotra M, Evans JC, Darcy R, O'Driscoll CM. Oligonucleotide conjugates - Candidates for gene silencing therapeutics. Eur J Pharm Biopharm 2016; 107:321-40. [PMID: 27521696 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejpb.2016.07.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2016] [Revised: 07/24/2016] [Accepted: 07/25/2016] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
The potential therapeutic and diagnostic applications of oligonucleotides (ONs) have attracted great attention in recent years. The capability of ONs to selectively inhibit target genes through antisense and RNA interference mechanisms, without causing un-intended sideeffects has led them to be investigated for various biomedical applications, especially for the treatment of viral diseases and cancer. In recent years, many researchers have focused on enhancing the stability and target specificity of ONs by encapsulating/complexing them with polymers or lipid chains to formulate nanoparticles/nanocomplexes/micelles. Also, chemical modification of nucleic acids has emerged as an alternative to impart stability to ONs against nucleases and other degrading enzymes and proteins found in blood. In addition to chemically modifying the nucleic acids directly, another strategy that has emerged, involves conjugating polymers/peptide/aptamers/antibodies/proteins, preferably to the sense strand (3'end) of siRNAs. Conjugation to the siRNA not only enhances the stability and targeting specificity of the siRNA, but also allows for the development of self-administering siRNA formulations, with a much smaller size than what is usually observed for nanoparticle (∼200nm). This review concentrates mainly on approaches and studies involving ON-conjugates for biomedical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matt Gooding
- Pharmacodelivery Group, School of Pharmacy, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
| | - Meenakshi Malhotra
- Pharmacodelivery Group, School of Pharmacy, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
| | - James C Evans
- Pharmacodelivery Group, School of Pharmacy, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
| | - Raphael Darcy
- Pharmacodelivery Group, School of Pharmacy, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
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MicroRNA-363 and GATA-1 are regulated by HIF-1α in K562 cells under hypoxia. Mol Med Rep 2016; 14:2503-10. [PMID: 27485543 PMCID: PMC4991751 DOI: 10.3892/mmr.2016.5578] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2016] [Accepted: 07/28/2016] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
The aim of the present study was to investigate regulatory relationships among hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α), microRNA and erythroid transcription factors. K562 cells were transfected with HIF-1α knockout or with overexpression lentivirus of plasmid (MOI 10). The cells were divided into 3 groups: the negative control, overexpressing and interference groups. The cells were cultured under normoxia and hypoxia. Expression of miR-17*, miR-363 and miR-574-5p in the three groups was determined by quantitative PCR. Expression levels of erythroid transcription factor mRNAs such as GATA-1/GATA-2 and nuclear factor-erythroid 2 (NF-E2) were measured using RT-qPCR while the protein expression was studied using western blot analysis. Under normoxia or hypoxia, the levels of miR-17*, miR-363 and miR-574-5p in the overexpression group were higher than those in the other groups. Differences were statistically significant (P<0.05). Under hypoxia, the level of miR-363 in the interference group was less than that in the negative control group and difference was statistically significant (P<0.05). The level of GATA-1 mRNA in the overexpression group was higher than that in the negative control group, however, in the interference group the level was lower than that in the overexpression group under both normoxic and hypoxic conditions. The level of GATA-2 mRNA in the interference group was higher than that in other two groups under normoxic or hypoxic conditions. The NF-E2 mRNA was reversely related to GATA-2. The levels of HIF-1α, GATA-1 and NF-E2 mRNAs in the negative control under hypoxia were higher than those of normoxia. The level of HIF-1α mRNA in the overexpression group in hypoxia was lower than that in normoxia, while the GATA-1 and GATA-2 mRNA showed a reverse association. The levels of HIF-1α and GATA-2 mRNA in the interference group under hypoxia were higher compared to those of normoxia. Differences were statistically significant (P<0.05). Western blot results suggested that GATA-1, GATA-2 and NF-E2 protein expression correlated with changes in their respective mRNA transcription levels. The results therefore suggested that GATA-l and miR-363 were involved in the regulation of hematopoiesis via the HIF-1α pathway in K562 cells under hypoxic condition. The hsa-miR-17* and hsa-miR-574-5p were not entirely dependent on HIF-1α, suggesting possible complex regulatory mechanisms involved in hypoxia.
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Ghidini A, Bergquist H, Murtola M, Punga T, Zain R, Strömberg R. Clamping of RNA with PNA enables targeting of microRNA. Org Biomol Chem 2016; 14:5210-3. [PMID: 27203783 DOI: 10.1039/c6ob00516k] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
To be able to target microRNAs also at stages where these are in a double stranded or hairpin form we have studied BisPNA designed to clamp the target and give sufficient affinity to allow for strand invasion. We show that BisPNA complexes are more stable with RNA than with DNA. In addition, 24-mer BisPNA (AntimiR) constructs form complexes with a hairpin RNA that is a model of the microRNA miR-376b, suggesting that PNA-clamping may be an effective way of targeting microRNAs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alice Ghidini
- Department of Biosciences and Nutrition, Karolinska Institutet, Novum, 141 83 Huddinge, Stockholm, Sweden.
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Manicardi A, Gyssels E, Corradini R, Madder A. Furan-PNA: a mildly inducible irreversible interstrand crosslinking system targeting single and double stranded DNA. Chem Commun (Camb) 2016; 52:6930-3. [PMID: 27147261 DOI: 10.1039/c6cc02062c] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
We here report on the design and synthesis of tailor-made furan-modified peptide nucleic acid (PNA) probes for covalent targeting of single stranded DNA through a crosslinking strategy. After introducing furan-containing building blocks into a PNA sequence, hybridization and furan-oxidation based crosslinking to DNA is investigated. The structure of the crosslinked products is characterized and preliminary investigations concerning the application of these systems to double stranded DNA are shown.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Manicardi
- Department of Chemistry, University of Parma, Parco Area delle Scienze 17/A, Parma 43124, Italy.
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Targeting oncomiRNAs and mimicking tumor suppressor miRNAs: Νew trends in the development of miRNA therapeutic strategies in oncology (Review). Int J Oncol 2016; 49:5-32. [PMID: 27175518 PMCID: PMC4902075 DOI: 10.3892/ijo.2016.3503] [Citation(s) in RCA: 164] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2016] [Accepted: 04/29/2016] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
MicroRNA (miRNA or miR) therapeutics in cancer are based on targeting or mimicking miRNAs involved in cancer onset, progression, angiogenesis, epithelial-mesenchymal transition and metastasis. Several studies conclusively have demonstrated that miRNAs are deeply involved in tumor onset and progression, either behaving as tumor-promoting miRNAs (oncomiRNAs and metastamiRNAs) or as tumor suppressor miRNAs. This review focuses on the most promising examples potentially leading to the development of anticancer, miRNA-based therapeutic protocols. The inhibition of miRNA activity can be readily achieved by the use of miRNA inhibitors and oligomers, including RNA, DNA and DNA analogues (miRNA antisense therapy), small molecule inhibitors, miRNA sponges or through miRNA masking. On the contrary, the enhancement of miRNA function (miRNA replacement therapy) can be achieved by the use of modified miRNA mimetics, such as plasmid or lentiviral vectors carrying miRNA sequences. Combination strategies have been recently developed based on the observation that i) the combined administration of different antagomiR molecules induces greater antitumor effects and ii) some anti-miR molecules can sensitize drug-resistant tumor cell lines to therapeutic drugs. In this review, we discuss two additional issues: i) the combination of miRNA replacement therapy with drug administration and ii) the combination of antagomiR and miRNA replacement therapy. One of the solid results emerging from different independent studies is that miRNA replacement therapy can enhance the antitumor effects of the antitumor drugs. The second important conclusion of the reviewed studies is that the combination of anti-miRNA and miRNA replacement strategies may lead to excellent results, in terms of antitumor effects.
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MicroRNA miR-93-5p regulates expression of IL-8 and VEGF in neuroblastoma SK-N-AS cells. Oncol Rep 2016; 35:2866-72. [PMID: 26986724 DOI: 10.3892/or.2016.4676] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2015] [Accepted: 07/27/2015] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
The role of the microRNA miR-93-5p on the secretome profile and the expression levels of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and interleukin-8 (IL-8) was investigated in the neuroblastoma SK-N-AS cell line by Bio-Plex analysis and RT-qPCR. The results indicate that VEGF and IL-8 are the major miR-93-5p molecular targets. This conclusion was based on in vitro transfection with pre-miR-93-5p and anti-miR-93-5p; these treatments inversely modulated both VEGF and IL-8 gene expression and protein release in the neuroblastoma SK-N-AS cell line. Computational analysis showed the presence of miR-93-5p consensus sequences in the 3'UTR region of both VEGF and IL-8 mRNAs, predicting possible interaction with miR-93-5p and confirming a potential regulatory role of this microRNA.
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Abstract
Toll-like receptors (TLR), a family of pattern-recognition receptors (PRRs) stimulated by pathogen-associated molecular patterns (PAMPs), generate antigen-triggered innate and adaptive immune responses. Recent studies have indicated that several small, regulatory RNAs, called microRNAs (miRNas), are induced by TLR activation in immune cells and that many microRNAs can control the inflammatory process and response to infection by positively or negatively regulating TLR signaling. Among these miRNAs, aberrant microRNA-155 (miR-155) has been implicated in diverse immune processes including the pathogenesis of several autoimmune diseases and cancer. Here, we discuss the role of miR-155 in TLR-mediated and TLR-related immune system regulation. Furthermore, we present our current knowledge of the design, in vivo delivery strategies, and therapeutic efficacy of miR-155 inhibitors in various inflammatory disorders and cancer, including a protocol on the use of miRNA-155 inhibitors in experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE).
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucien P Garo
- Ann Romney Center for Neurologic Diseases, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, 77 Avenue Louis Pasteur, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
| | - Gopal Murugaiyan
- Ann Romney Center for Neurologic Diseases, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, 77 Avenue Louis Pasteur, Boston, MA, 02115, USA.
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Brognara E, Fabbri E, Montagner G, Gasparello J, Manicardi A, Corradini R, Bianchi N, Finotti A, Breveglieri G, Borgatti M, Lampronti I, Milani R, Dechecchi MC, Cabrini G, Gambari R. High levels of apoptosis are induced in human glioma cell lines by co-administration of peptide nucleic acids targeting miR-221 and miR-222. Int J Oncol 2015; 48:1029-38. [PMID: 26708164 DOI: 10.3892/ijo.2015.3308] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2015] [Accepted: 09/04/2015] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
The biological activity of a combined treatment of U251, U373 and T98G glioma cell lines with two anti-miR PNAs, directed against miR‑221 and miR‑222 and conjugated with an ocataarginine tail (R8-PNA-a221 and R8-PNA-a222) for efficient cellular delivery, was determined. Apoptosis was analyzed, and the effect of the combined treatment of glioma cells with either or both PNAs on the reversion of drug-resistance phenotype was assessed in the temozolomide-resistant T98G glioma cell line. Selectivity of PNA/miRNA interactions was studied by surface plasmon resonance (SPR)-based Biacore analysis. Specificity of the PNA effects at the cellular level was analyzed by RT-qPCR. These experiments support the concept that the effects of R8-PNA-a221 and R8-PNA-a222 are specific. The studies on apoptosis confirmed that the R8-PNA-a221 induces apoptosis and demonstrated the pro-apoptotic effects of R8-PNA-a222. Remarkably, increased pro-apoptotic effects were obtained with the co-administration of both anti-miR‑221 and anti-miR‑222 PNAs. In addition, co-administration of R8-PNA-a221 and R8-PNA-a222 induced apoptosis of TMZ-treated T98G cells at a level higher than that obtained following singular administration of R8-PNA-a221 or R8-PNA-a222.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eleonora Brognara
- Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Enrica Fabbri
- Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Giulia Montagner
- Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Jessica Gasparello
- Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Alex Manicardi
- Department of Chemistry, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
| | | | - Nicoletta Bianchi
- Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Alessia Finotti
- Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Giulia Breveglieri
- Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Monica Borgatti
- Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Ilaria Lampronti
- Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Roberta Milani
- Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | | | - Giulio Cabrini
- Laboratory of Molecular Pathology, University-Hospital of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Roberto Gambari
- Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
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Sczepanski JT, Joyce GF. Specific Inhibition of MicroRNA Processing Using L-RNA Aptamers. J Am Chem Soc 2015; 137:16032-7. [PMID: 26652064 DOI: 10.1021/jacs.5b06696] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
In vitro selection was used to obtain l-RNA aptamers that bind the distal stem-loop of various precursor microRNAs (pre-miRs). These l-aptamers, termed "aptamiRs", bind their corresponding pre-miR target through highly specific tertiary interactions rather than Watson-Crick pairing. Formation of a pre-miR-aptamiR complex inhibits Dicer-mediated processing of the pre-miR, which is required to form the mature functional microRNA. One of the aptamiRs, which was selected to bind oncogenic pre-miR-155, inhibits Dicer processing under simulated physiological conditions, with an IC50 of 87 nM. Given that l-RNAs are intrinsically resistant to nuclease degradation, these results suggest that aptamiRs might be pursued as a new class of miR inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonathan T Sczepanski
- Department of Chemistry and The Skaggs Institute for Chemical Biology, The Scripps Research Institute , 10550 North Torrey Pines Road, La Jolla, California 92037, United States
| | - Gerald F Joyce
- Department of Chemistry and The Skaggs Institute for Chemical Biology, The Scripps Research Institute , 10550 North Torrey Pines Road, La Jolla, California 92037, United States
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Bertucci A, Prasetyanto EA, Septiadi D, Manicardi A, Brognara E, Gambari R, Corradini R, De Cola L. Combined Delivery of Temozolomide and Anti-miR221 PNA Using Mesoporous Silica Nanoparticles Induces Apoptosis in Resistant Glioma Cells. SMALL (WEINHEIM AN DER BERGSTRASSE, GERMANY) 2015; 11:5687-95. [PMID: 26395266 DOI: 10.1002/smll.201500540] [Citation(s) in RCA: 102] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2015] [Revised: 07/22/2015] [Indexed: 05/14/2023]
Abstract
Mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSNPs), 100 nm in size, incorporating a Cy5 fluorophore within the silica framework, are synthesized and loaded with the anti-cancer drug temozolomide (TMZ), used in the treatment of gliomas. The surface of the particles is then decorated, using electrostatic interactions, with a polyarginine-peptide nucleic acid (R8-PNA) conjugate targeting the miR221 microRNA. The multi-functional nanosystem thus obtained is rapidly internalized into glioma C6 or T98G cells. The anti-miR activity of the PNA is retained, as confirmed by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) measurements and induction of apoptosis is observed in temozolomide-resistant cell lines. The TMZ-loaded MSNPs show an enhanced pro-apoptotic effect, and the combined effect of TMZ and R8-PNA in the MSNPs shows the most effective induction of apoptosis (70.9% of apoptotic cells) thus far achieved in the temozolomide-resistant T98G cell line.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessandro Bertucci
- Institut de science et d'ingénierie supramoléculaire (ISIS) & icFRC, Université de Strasbourg & CNRS, 8 Rue Gaspard Monge, Strasbourg, 67000, France
- Dipartimento di Chimica, Università di Parma, Parco Area delle Scienze 17/A, Parma, 43124, Italy
| | - Eko Adi Prasetyanto
- Institut de science et d'ingénierie supramoléculaire (ISIS) & icFRC, Université de Strasbourg & CNRS, 8 Rue Gaspard Monge, Strasbourg, 67000, France
| | - Dedy Septiadi
- Institut de science et d'ingénierie supramoléculaire (ISIS) & icFRC, Université de Strasbourg & CNRS, 8 Rue Gaspard Monge, Strasbourg, 67000, France
| | - Alex Manicardi
- Dipartimento di Chimica, Università di Parma, Parco Area delle Scienze 17/A, Parma, 43124, Italy
| | - Eleonora Brognara
- Dipartimento di Scienze della Vita e Biotecnologie, Università di Ferrara, Via Luigi Borsari 46, Ferrara, 44121, Italy
| | - Roberto Gambari
- Dipartimento di Scienze della Vita e Biotecnologie, Università di Ferrara, Via Luigi Borsari 46, Ferrara, 44121, Italy
| | - Roberto Corradini
- Dipartimento di Chimica, Università di Parma, Parco Area delle Scienze 17/A, Parma, 43124, Italy
| | - Luisa De Cola
- Institut de science et d'ingénierie supramoléculaire (ISIS) & icFRC, Université de Strasbourg & CNRS, 8 Rue Gaspard Monge, Strasbourg, 67000, France
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Fabbri E, Brognara E, Montagner G, Ghimenton C, Eccher A, Cantù C, Khalil S, Bezzerri V, Provezza L, Bianchi N, Finotti A, Borgatti M, Moretto G, Chilosi M, Cabrini G, Gambari R. Regulation of IL-8 gene expression in gliomas by microRNA miR-93. BMC Cancer 2015; 15:661. [PMID: 26449498 PMCID: PMC4598972 DOI: 10.1186/s12885-015-1659-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2015] [Accepted: 09/28/2015] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Different strategies have been proposed to target neoangiogenesis in gliomas, besides those targeting Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF). The chemokine Interleukin-8 (IL-8) has been shown to possess both tumorigenic and proangiogenic properties. Although different pathways of induction of IL-8 gene expression have been already elucidated, few data are available on its post-transcriptional regulation in gliomas. Methods Here we investigated the role of the microRNA miR-93 on the expression levels of IL-8 and other pro-inflammatory genes by RT-qPCR and Bio-Plex analysis. We used different disease model systems, including clinical samples from glioma patients and two glioma cell lines, U251 and T98G. Results IL-8 and VEGF transcripts are highly expressed in low and high grade gliomas in respect to reference healthy brain; miR-93 expression is also increased and inversely correlated with transcription of IL-8 and VEGF genes. Computational analysis showed the presence of miR-93 consensus sequences in the 3′UTR region of both VEGF and IL-8 mRNAs, predicting possible interaction with miR-93 and suggesting a potential regulatory role of this microRNA. In vitro transfection with pre-miR-93 and antagomiR-93 inversely modulated VEGF and IL-8 gene expression and protein release when the glioma cell line U251 was considered. Similar data were obtained on IL-8 gene regulation in the other glioma cell line analyzed, T98G. The effect of pre-miR-93 and antagomiR-93 in U251 cells has been extended to the secretion of a panel of cytokines, chemokines and growth factors, which consolidated the concept of a role of miR-93 in IL-8 and VEGF gene expression and evidenced a potential regulatory role also for MCP-1 and PDGF (also involved in angiogenesis). Conclusion In conclusion, our results suggest an increasing role of miR-93 in regulating the level of expression of several genes involved in the angiogenesis of gliomas. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12885-015-1659-1) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Enrica Fabbri
- Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Section of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Ferrara, Via Fossato di Mortara n.74, 44121, Ferrara, Italy.
| | - Eleonora Brognara
- Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Section of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Ferrara, Via Fossato di Mortara n.74, 44121, Ferrara, Italy.
| | - Giulia Montagner
- Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Section of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Ferrara, Via Fossato di Mortara n.74, 44121, Ferrara, Italy.
| | - Claudio Ghimenton
- Department of Pathology and Diagnostics, Laboratory of Molecular Pathology, University-Hospital of Verona, P.le A Stefani n.1, 37126, Verona, Italy.
| | - Albino Eccher
- Department of Pathology and Diagnostics, Laboratory of Molecular Pathology, University-Hospital of Verona, P.le A Stefani n.1, 37126, Verona, Italy.
| | - Cinzia Cantù
- Department of Pathology and Diagnostics, Laboratory of Molecular Pathology, University-Hospital of Verona, P.le A Stefani n.1, 37126, Verona, Italy.
| | - Susanna Khalil
- Department of Pathology and Diagnostics, Laboratory of Molecular Pathology, University-Hospital of Verona, P.le A Stefani n.1, 37126, Verona, Italy.
| | - Valentino Bezzerri
- Department of Pathology and Diagnostics, Laboratory of Molecular Pathology, University-Hospital of Verona, P.le A Stefani n.1, 37126, Verona, Italy.
| | - Lisa Provezza
- Department of Pathology and Diagnostics, Laboratory of Molecular Pathology, University-Hospital of Verona, P.le A Stefani n.1, 37126, Verona, Italy.
| | - Nicoletta Bianchi
- Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Section of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Ferrara, Via Fossato di Mortara n.74, 44121, Ferrara, Italy.
| | - Alessia Finotti
- Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Section of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Ferrara, Via Fossato di Mortara n.74, 44121, Ferrara, Italy.
| | - Monica Borgatti
- Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Section of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Ferrara, Via Fossato di Mortara n.74, 44121, Ferrara, Italy.
| | - Giuseppe Moretto
- Department of Neurosciences, University-Hospital of Verona, P.le A Stefani n.1, Verona, 37126, Italy.
| | - Marco Chilosi
- Department of Pathology and Diagnostics, Laboratory of Molecular Pathology, University-Hospital of Verona, P.le A Stefani n.1, 37126, Verona, Italy.
| | - Giulio Cabrini
- Department of Pathology and Diagnostics, Laboratory of Molecular Pathology, University-Hospital of Verona, P.le A Stefani n.1, 37126, Verona, Italy.
| | - Roberto Gambari
- Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Section of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Ferrara, Via Fossato di Mortara n.74, 44121, Ferrara, Italy.
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Avitabile C, Accardo A, Ringhieri P, Morelli G, Saviano M, Montagner G, Fabbri E, Gallerani E, Gambari R, Romanelli A. Incorporation of Naked Peptide Nucleic Acids into Liposomes Leads to Fast and Efficient Delivery. Bioconjug Chem 2015; 26:1533-41. [PMID: 26176882 DOI: 10.1021/acs.bioconjchem.5b00156] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
The delivery of peptide nucleic acids (PNAs) to cells is a very challenging task. We report here that a liposomal formulation composed of egg PC/cholesterol/DSPE-PEG2000 can be loaded, according to different encapsulation techniques, with PNA or fluorescent PNA oligomers. PNA loaded liposomes efficiently and quickly promote the uptake of a PNA targeting the microRNA miR-210 in human erythroleukemic K562 cells. By using this innovative delivery system for PNA, down-regulation of miR-210 is achieved at a low PNA concentration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Concetta Avitabile
- †Institute of Biostructure and Bioimaging (IBB), CNR, via Mezzocannone 16, 80134 Napoli, Italy
| | - Antonella Accardo
- ‡Department of Pharmacy, University of Naples "Federico II", via Mezzocannone 16, 80134 Napoli, Italy.,§Interuniversity Research Centre on Bioactive Peptides (CIRPeB), via Mezzocannone 16, 80134 Napoli, Italy
| | - Paola Ringhieri
- ‡Department of Pharmacy, University of Naples "Federico II", via Mezzocannone 16, 80134 Napoli, Italy
| | - Giancarlo Morelli
- ‡Department of Pharmacy, University of Naples "Federico II", via Mezzocannone 16, 80134 Napoli, Italy.,§Interuniversity Research Centre on Bioactive Peptides (CIRPeB), via Mezzocannone 16, 80134 Napoli, Italy
| | - Michele Saviano
- §Interuniversity Research Centre on Bioactive Peptides (CIRPeB), via Mezzocannone 16, 80134 Napoli, Italy.,∥Institute of Crystallography (IC), CNR, Via Amendola 122, 70126 Bari, Italy
| | - Giulia Montagner
- ⊥Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnologies, University of Ferrara, via Fossato di Mortara 74, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
| | - Enrica Fabbri
- ⊥Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnologies, University of Ferrara, via Fossato di Mortara 74, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
| | - Eleonora Gallerani
- ⊥Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnologies, University of Ferrara, via Fossato di Mortara 74, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
| | - Roberto Gambari
- ⊥Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnologies, University of Ferrara, via Fossato di Mortara 74, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
| | - Alessandra Romanelli
- ‡Department of Pharmacy, University of Naples "Federico II", via Mezzocannone 16, 80134 Napoli, Italy.,§Interuniversity Research Centre on Bioactive Peptides (CIRPeB), via Mezzocannone 16, 80134 Napoli, Italy
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Manipulating miRNA Expression: A Novel Approach for Colon Cancer Prevention and Chemotherapy. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2015; 1:141-153. [PMID: 26029495 DOI: 10.1007/s40495-015-0020-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Small non-coding RNA has been implicated in the control of various cellular processes such as proliferation, apoptosis, and differentiation. About 50% of the miRNA genes are positioned in cancer-associated genomic regions. Several studies have shown that miRNA expression is deregulated in cancer and modulating their expression has reversed the cancer phenotype. Therefore, mechanisms to modulate microRNA (miRNA) activity have provided a novel opportunity for cancer prevention and therapy. In addition, a common cause for development of colorectal cancers is environmental and lifestyle factors. One such factor, diet has been shown to modulate miRNA expression in colorectal cancer patients. In this chapter, we will summarize the work demonstrating that miRNAs are novel promising drug targets for cancer chemoprevention and therapy. Improved delivery, increased stability and enhanced regulation of off-target effects will overcome the current challenges of this exciting approach in the field of cancer prevention and therapy.
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Isothermal circular-strand-displacement polymerization of DNA and microRNA in digital microfluidic devices. Anal Bioanal Chem 2015; 407:1533-43. [PMID: 25579461 DOI: 10.1007/s00216-014-8405-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2014] [Revised: 11/12/2014] [Accepted: 12/10/2014] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Nucleic-acid amplification is a crucial step in nucleic-acid-sequence-detection assays. The use of digital microfluidic devices to miniaturize amplification techniques reduces the required sample volume and the analysis time and offers new possibilities for process automation and integration in a single device. The recently introduced droplet polymerase-chain-reaction (PCR) amplification methods require repeated cycles of two or three temperature-dependent steps during the amplification of the nucleic-acid target sequence. In contrast, low-temperature isothermal-amplification methods have no need for thermal cycling, thus requiring simplified microfluidic-device features. Here, the combined use of digital microfluidics and molecular-beacon (MB)-assisted isothermal circular-strand-displacement polymerization (ICSDP) to detect microRNA-210 sequences is described. MicroRNA-210 has been described as the most consistently and predominantly upregulated hypoxia-inducible factor. The nmol L(-1)-pmol L(-1) detection capabilities of the method were first tested by targeting single-stranded DNA sequences from the genetically modified Roundup Ready soybean. The ability of the droplet-ICSDP method to discriminate between full-matched, single-mismatched, and unrelated sequences was also investigated. The detection of a range of nmol L(-1)-pmol L(-1) microRNA-210 solutions compartmentalized in nanoliter-sized droplets was performed, establishing the ability of the method to detect as little as 10(-18) mol of microRNA target sequences compartmentalized in 20 nL droplets. The suitability of the method for biological samples was tested by detecting microRNA-210 from transfected K562 cells.
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50
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Moccia M, Adamo MFA, Saviano M. Insights on chiral, backbone modified peptide nucleic acids: Properties and biological activity. ARTIFICIAL DNA, PNA & XNA 2014; 5:e1107176. [PMID: 26752710 PMCID: PMC5329900 DOI: 10.1080/1949095x.2015.1107176] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2015] [Revised: 10/02/2015] [Accepted: 10/07/2015] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
PNAs are emerging as useful synthetic devices targeting natural miRNAs. In particular 3 classes of structurally modified PNAs analogs are herein described, namely α, β and γ, which differ by their backbone modification. Their mode and binding affinity for natural nucleic acids and their use in medicinal chemistry as potential miRNA binders is discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Moccia
- Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche-Institute of Cristallography; Bari, Italy
| | - Mauro F A Adamo
- Centre for Synthesis and Chemical Biology (CSCB); Department of Pharmaceutical & Medicinal Chemistry; Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland; Dublin, Ireland
| | - Michele Saviano
- Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche-Institute of Cristallography; Bari, Italy
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