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Reis-Claro I, Silva MI, Moutinho A, Garcia BC, Pereira-Castro I, Moreira A. Application of the iPLUS non-coding sequence in improving biopharmaceuticals production. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2024; 12:1355957. [PMID: 38380261 PMCID: PMC10876878 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2024.1355957] [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: 12/14/2023] [Accepted: 01/25/2024] [Indexed: 02/22/2024] Open
Abstract
The biotechnological landscape has witnessed significant growth in biological therapeutics particularly in the field of recombinant protein production. Here we investigate the function of 3'UTR cis-regulatory elements in increasing mRNA and protein levels in different biological therapeutics and model systems, spanning from monoclonal antibodies to mRNA vaccines. We explore the regulatory function of iPLUS - a universal sequence capable of consistently augmenting recombinant protein levels. By incorporating iPLUS in a vector to express a monoclonal antibody used in immunotherapy, in a mammalian cell line used by the industry (ExpiCHO), trastuzumab production increases by 2-fold. As yeast Pichia pastoris is widely used in the manufacture of industrial enzymes and pharmaceuticals, we then used iPLUS in tandem (3x) and iPLUSv2 (a variant of iPLUS) to provide proof-of-concept data that it increases the production of a reporter protein more than 100-fold. As iPLUS functions by also increasing mRNA levels, we hypothesize that these sequences could be used as an asset in the mRNA vaccine industry. In fact, by including iPLUSv2 downstream of Spike we were able to double its production. Moreover, the same effect was observed when we introduced iPLUSv2 downstream of MAGEC2, a tumor-specific antigen tested for cancer mRNA vaccines. Taken together, our study provides data (TLR4) showing that iPLUS may be used as a valuable asset in a variety of systems used by the biotech and biopharmaceutical industry. Our results underscore the critical role of non-coding sequences in controlling gene expression, offering a promising avenue to accelerate, enhance, and cost-effectively optimize biopharmaceutical production processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Inês Reis-Claro
- Gene Regulation, i3S—Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Maria Inês Silva
- Gene Regulation, i3S—Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Ana Moutinho
- Gene Regulation, i3S—Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Beatriz C. Garcia
- Gene Regulation, i3S—Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Isabel Pereira-Castro
- Gene Regulation, i3S—Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal
- IBMC—Instituto de Biologia Molecular e Celular, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Alexandra Moreira
- Gene Regulation, i3S—Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal
- IBMC—Instituto de Biologia Molecular e Celular, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal
- ICBAS—Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas Abel Salazar, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal
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2
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Li B, London E. Inner leaflet cationic lipid increases nucleic acid loading independently of outer leaflet lipid charge in asymmetric liposomes. Methods 2023; 219:16-21. [PMID: 37683900 PMCID: PMC10680395 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymeth.2023.08.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2023] [Revised: 07/17/2023] [Accepted: 08/14/2023] [Indexed: 09/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Use of cationic lipid vesicles (liposomes) can yield large amounts of nucleic acid entrapped inside the vesicles and/or bound to the external surface of the vesicles. To show a method to prepare asymmetric lipid vesicles (liposomes) with high amounts of entrapped nucleic acid is possible, symmetric and asymmetric lipid vesicles composed of mixtures of neutral (zwitterionic), anionic, and/or cationic phospholipids were formed in the presence of oligo DNA. For symmetric large unilamellar vesicles nucleic acid association with vesicles was roughly 100 times greater for vesicles with a net cationic charge than for vesicles having a net neutral or anionic net charge. A high degree of association between nucleic acid and lipid was also achieved using asymmetric large unilamellar vesicles with a net cationic charge in their inner leaflet, even when they had an anionic charge in their outer leaflet. In contrast, asymmetric vesicles in which only the outer leaflet had a net cationic charge had only low amounts of vesicle-associated nucleic acid, similar in amount to the amount of nucleic acid associated with asymmetric vesicles with an outer leaflet having a net anionic charge. These results indicate that in asymmetric vesicles with cationic lipid enriched inner leaflets nucleic acid is largely entrapped inside the vesicle lumen rather than bound to their external surface, and that asymmetric vesicles can be used to trap high amounts of nucleic acid even when using a lipid composition in the outer leaflet of a lipid vesicle that does not associate with nucleic acids. Such asymmetrically charged vesicles should have applications in studies of membrane protein-nucleic acid interactions as well as in studies of how membrane charge asymmetry can influence membrane protein structure, orientation, and function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bingchen Li
- Dept. of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY 11794-5215, USA
| | - Erwin London
- Dept. of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY 11794-5215, USA.
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3
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Kwon C, Chung AJ. Highly efficient mRNA delivery with nonlinear microfluidic cell stretching for cellular engineering. LAB ON A CHIP 2023; 23:1758-1767. [PMID: 36727443 DOI: 10.1039/d2lc01115h] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
In the past few years, messenger RNA (mRNA) has emerged as a promising therapeutic agent for the treatment and prevention of various diseases. Clinically, mRNA-based drugs have been used for cancer immunotherapy, infectious diseases, and genomic disorders. To maximize the therapeutic efficacy of mRNA, the exact amount of mRNAs must be delivered to the target locations without degradation; however, traditional delivery modalities, such as lipid carriers and electroporation, are suboptimal because of their high cost, cell-type sensitivity, low scalability, transfection/delivery inconsistency, and/or loss of cell functionality. Therefore, new effective and stable delivery methods are required. Accordingly, we present a novel nonlinear microfluidic cell stretching (μ-cell stretcher) platform that leverages viscoelastic fluids, i.e., methylcellulose (MC) solutions, and cell mechanoporation for highly efficient and robust intracellular mRNA delivery. In the proposed platform, cells suspended in MC solutions with mRNAs were injected into a microchannel where they rapidly passed through a single constriction. Owing to the use of viscoelastic MC solutions, a high shear force was applied to the cells, effectively creating transient nanopores. This feature allows mRNAs to be effectively internalized through generated membrane discontinuities. Using this platform, high delivery efficiency (∼97%), high throughput (∼3.5 × 105 cells per min), cell-type-/cargo-size-insensitive delivery, simple operation (single-step), low analyte consumption, low-cost operation (<$1), and nearly clogging-free operation were demonstrated, demonstrating the high potential of the proposed platform for application in mRNA-based cellular engineering research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chan Kwon
- Department of Bioengineering, Korea University, 02841 Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Interdisciplinary Program in Precision Public Health (PPH), Korea University, 02841 Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Aram J Chung
- Department of Bioengineering, Korea University, 02841 Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Interdisciplinary Program in Precision Public Health (PPH), Korea University, 02841 Seoul, Republic of Korea
- School of Biomedical Engineering, Korea University, 02841 Seoul, Republic of Korea.
- MxT Biotech, 04785 Seoul, Republic of Korea
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4
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Son S, Lee K. Development of mRNA Vaccines/Therapeutics and Their Delivery System. Mol Cells 2023; 46:41-47. [PMID: 36697236 PMCID: PMC9880606 DOI: 10.14348/molcells.2023.2165] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2022] [Revised: 12/18/2022] [Accepted: 12/18/2022] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
The rapid development of mRNA vaccines has contributed to the management of the current coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, suggesting that this technology may be used to manage future outbreaks of infectious diseases. Because the antigens targeted by mRNA vaccines can be easily altered by simply changing the sequence present in the coding region of mRNA structures, it is more appropriate to develop vaccines, especially during rapidly developing outbreaks of infectious diseases. In addition to allowing rapid development, mRNA vaccines have great potential in inducing successful antigen-specific immunity by expressing target antigens in cells and simultaneously triggering immune responses. Indeed, the two COVID-19 mRNA vaccines approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration have shown significant efficacy in preventing infections. The ability of mRNAs to produce target proteins that are defective in specific diseases has enabled the development of options to treat intractable diseases. Clinical applications of mRNA vaccines/therapeutics require strategies to safely deliver the RNA molecules into targeted cells. The present review summarizes current knowledge about mRNA vaccines/ therapeutics, their clinical applications, and their delivery strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sora Son
- College of Pharmacy and Research Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Gyeongsang National University, Jinju 52828, Korea
| | - Kyuri Lee
- College of Pharmacy and Research Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Gyeongsang National University, Jinju 52828, Korea
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5
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Patel HK, Zhang K, Utegg R, Stephens E, Salem S, Welch H, Grobe S, Schlereth J, Kuhn AN, Ryczek J, Cirelli DJ, Lerch TF. Characterization of BNT162b2 mRNA to Evaluate Risk of Off-Target Antigen Translation. J Pharm Sci 2023; 112:1364-1371. [PMID: 36642376 PMCID: PMC9836996 DOI: 10.1016/j.xphs.2023.01.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2022] [Revised: 01/07/2023] [Accepted: 01/07/2023] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
mRNA vaccines have been established as a safe and effective modality, thanks in large part to the expedited development and approval of COVID-19 vaccines. In addition to the active, full-length mRNA transcript, mRNA fragment species can be present as a byproduct of the cell-free transcription manufacturing process or due to mRNA hydrolysis. In the current study, mRNA fragment species from BNT162b2 mRNA were isolated and characterized. The translational viability of intact and fragmented mRNA species was further explored using orthogonal expression systems to understand the risk of truncated spike protein or off-target antigen translation. The study demonstrates that mRNA fragments are primarily derived from premature transcriptional termination during manufacturing, and only full-length mRNA transcripts are viable for expression of the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein antigen.
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Affiliation(s)
- Himakshi K Patel
- Analytical Research and Development, Biotherapeutics Pharmaceutical Sciences, Pfizer Inc., Andover, MA 01810, USA
| | - Kun Zhang
- Analytical Research and Development, Biotherapeutics Pharmaceutical Sciences, Pfizer Inc., Chesterfield, MO 63017, USA
| | - Rachael Utegg
- Analytical Research and Development, Biotherapeutics Pharmaceutical Sciences, Pfizer Inc., Andover, MA 01810, USA
| | - Elaine Stephens
- Analytical Research and Development, Biotherapeutics Pharmaceutical Sciences, Pfizer Inc., Andover, MA 01810, USA
| | - Shauna Salem
- Analytical Research and Development, Biotherapeutics Pharmaceutical Sciences, Pfizer Inc., Andover, MA 01810, USA
| | - Heidi Welch
- Analytical Research and Development, Biotherapeutics Pharmaceutical Sciences, Pfizer Inc., Andover, MA 01810, USA
| | | | | | | | - Jeff Ryczek
- Analytical Research and Development, Biotherapeutics Pharmaceutical Sciences, Pfizer Inc., Chesterfield, MO 63017, USA
| | - David J Cirelli
- Analytical Research and Development, Biotherapeutics Pharmaceutical Sciences, Pfizer Inc., Andover, MA 01810, USA
| | - Thomas F Lerch
- Analytical Research and Development, Biotherapeutics Pharmaceutical Sciences, Pfizer Inc., Chesterfield, MO 63017, USA.
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6
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Li CY, Liang Z, Hu Y, Zhang H, Setiasabda KD, Li J, Ma S, Xia X, Kuang Y. Cytidine-containing tails robustly enhance and prolong protein production of synthetic mRNA in cell and in vivo. MOLECULAR THERAPY. NUCLEIC ACIDS 2022; 30:300-310. [PMID: 36320322 PMCID: PMC9614650 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtn.2022.10.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2022] [Accepted: 10/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Synthetic mRNAs are rising rapidly as alternative therapeutic agents for delivery of proteins. However, the practical use of synthetic mRNAs has been restricted by their low cellular stability as well as poor protein production efficiency. The key roles of poly(A) tail on mRNA biology inspire us to explore the optimization of tail sequence to overcome the aforementioned limitations. Here, the systematic substitution of non-A nucleotides in the tails revealed that cytidine-containing tails can substantially enhance the protein production rate and duration of synthetic mRNAs both in vitro and in vivo. Such C-containing tails shield synthetic mRNAs from deadenylase CCR4-NOT transcription complex, as the catalytic CNOT proteins, especially CNOT6L and CNOT7, have lower efficiency in trimming of cytidine. Consistently, these enhancement effects of C-containing tails were observed on all synthetic mRNAs tested and were independent of transfection reagents and cell types. As the C-containing tails can be used along with other mRNA enhancement technologies to synergically boost protein production, we believe that these tails can be broadly used on synthetic mRNAs to directly promote their clinical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cheuk Yin Li
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Clear Water Bay, Kowloon, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Zhenghua Liang
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Clear Water Bay, Kowloon, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Yaxin Hu
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Clear Water Bay, Kowloon, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Hongxia Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510060, China
| | - Kharis Daniel Setiasabda
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Clear Water Bay, Kowloon, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Jiawei Li
- Tsinghua-Berkeley Shenzhen Institute, Tsinghua Shenzhen International Graduate School, Tsinghua University, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518057, China
| | - Shaohua Ma
- Tsinghua-Berkeley Shenzhen Institute, Tsinghua Shenzhen International Graduate School, Tsinghua University, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518057, China
| | - Xiaojun Xia
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510060, China
| | - Yi Kuang
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Clear Water Bay, Kowloon, Hong Kong SAR, China,HKUST Shenzhen Research Institute, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518057, China,Corresponding author Yi Kuang, Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Hong Kong, Hong Kong.
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7
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Drazkowska K, Tomecki R, Warminski M, Baran N, Cysewski D, Depaix A, Kasprzyk R, Kowalska J, Jemielity J, Sikorski P. 2'-O-Methylation of the second transcribed nucleotide within the mRNA 5' cap impacts the protein production level in a cell-specific manner and contributes to RNA immune evasion. Nucleic Acids Res 2022; 50:9051-9071. [PMID: 36018811 PMCID: PMC9458431 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkac722] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2022] [Revised: 08/02/2022] [Accepted: 08/16/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
In mammals, m7G-adjacent nucleotides undergo extensive modifications. Ribose of the first or first and second transcribed nucleotides can be subjected to 2'-O-methylation to form cap1 or cap2, respectively. When the first transcribed nucleotide is 2'-O-methylated adenosine, it can be additionally modified to N6,2'-O-dimethyladenosine (m6Am). Recently, the crucial role of cap1 in distinguishing between 'self' and 'non-self' in mammalian cells during viral infection was revealed. Here, we attempted to understand the impact of cap methylations on RNA-related processes. Therefore, we synthesized tetranucleotide cap analogues and used them for RNA capping during in vitro transcription. Using this tool, we found that 2'-O-methylation of the second transcribed nucleotide within the mRNA 5' cap influences protein production levels in a cell-specific manner. This modification can strongly hamper protein biosynthesis or have no influence on protein production levels, depending on the cell line. Interestingly, 2'-O-methylation of the second transcribed nucleotide and the presence of m6Am as the first transcribed nucleotide serve as determinants that define transcripts as 'self' and contribute to transcript escape from the host innate immune response. Additionally, cap methylation status does not influence transcript affinity towards translation initiation factor eIF4E or in vitro susceptibility to decapping by DCP2; however, we observe the resistance of cap2-RNA to DXO (decapping exoribonuclease)-mediated decapping and degradation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karolina Drazkowska
- Centre of New Technologies, University of Warsaw, Banacha 2c, 02-097 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Rafal Tomecki
- Institute of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Polish Academy of Sciences, Pawinskiego 5a, 02-106 Warsaw, Poland,Institute of Genetics and Biotechnology, Faculty of Biology, University of Warsaw, Pawinskiego 5a, 02-106 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Marcin Warminski
- Division of Biophysics, Institute of Experimental Physics, Faculty of Physics, University of Warsaw, Pasteura 5, 02-093 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Natalia Baran
- Centre of New Technologies, University of Warsaw, Banacha 2c, 02-097 Warsaw, Poland,Department of Environmental Microbiology and Biotechnology, Institute of Microbiology, Faculty of Biology, University of Warsaw, Miecznikowa 1, 02-096 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Dominik Cysewski
- Institute of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Polish Academy of Sciences, Pawinskiego 5a, 02-106 Warsaw, Poland,Clinical Research Centre, Medical University of Bialystok, M. Sklodowskiej-Curie 24a, 15-276 Bialystok, Poland
| | - Anaïs Depaix
- Centre of New Technologies, University of Warsaw, Banacha 2c, 02-097 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Renata Kasprzyk
- Centre of New Technologies, University of Warsaw, Banacha 2c, 02-097 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Joanna Kowalska
- Division of Biophysics, Institute of Experimental Physics, Faculty of Physics, University of Warsaw, Pasteura 5, 02-093 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Jacek Jemielity
- Centre of New Technologies, University of Warsaw, Banacha 2c, 02-097 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Pawel J Sikorski
- To whom correspondence should be addressed. Tel: +48 22 55 43775; Fax: +48 22 55 43771;
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8
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Review: RNA-based diagnostic markers discovery and therapeutic targets development in cancer. Pharmacol Ther 2022; 234:108123. [PMID: 35121000 DOI: 10.1016/j.pharmthera.2022.108123] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2021] [Revised: 01/19/2022] [Accepted: 01/25/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
The present review aimed to outline different types of RNAs in cancer diagnostics and treatment, and to provide novel insights into their clinical applications. RNAs, including mRNA, long non-coding (lnc)RNA, circular (circ)RNA and micro (mi)RNA, are now increasingly utilized in the diagnosis and treatment of various cancers. Each aforementioned type of RNA possess their own unique characteristics and could be aberrantly expressed as diagnostic markers or therapeutic targets in different cancers. In addition to mRNAs, which have become a promising alternative in cancer diagnostics and therapy, the uses of lncRNA, circRNA and miRNA in predictive tumor diagnostics and therapy has rapidly increased in recent years. In the present review, the mechanisms of mRNA, lncRNA, circRNA and miRNA in regulating and participating in the development of different cancers were determined, and their potential capacity in cancer diagnostics and therapy were investigated. In addition, the present review analyzed the assoaciations between different RNAs and their subsequent potential in cancer prediction and treatment.
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9
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Qin S, Tang X, Chen Y, Chen K, Fan N, Xiao W, Zheng Q, Li G, Teng Y, Wu M, Song X. mRNA-based therapeutics: powerful and versatile tools to combat diseases. Signal Transduct Target Ther 2022; 7:166. [PMID: 35597779 PMCID: PMC9123296 DOI: 10.1038/s41392-022-01007-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 168] [Impact Index Per Article: 84.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2022] [Revised: 04/04/2022] [Accepted: 04/19/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The therapeutic use of messenger RNA (mRNA) has fueled great hope to combat a wide range of incurable diseases. Recent rapid advances in biotechnology and molecular medicine have enabled the production of almost any functional protein/peptide in the human body by introducing mRNA as a vaccine or therapeutic agent. This represents a rising precision medicine field with great promise for preventing and treating many intractable or genetic diseases. In addition, in vitro transcribed mRNA has achieved programmed production, which is more effective, faster in design and production, as well as more flexible and cost-effective than conventional approaches that may offer. Based on these extraordinary advantages, mRNA vaccines have the characteristics of the swiftest response to large-scale outbreaks of infectious diseases, such as the currently devastating pandemic COVID-19. It has always been the scientists’ desire to improve the stability, immunogenicity, translation efficiency, and delivery system to achieve efficient and safe delivery of mRNA. Excitingly, these scientific dreams have gradually been realized with the rapid, amazing achievements of molecular biology, RNA technology, vaccinology, and nanotechnology. In this review, we comprehensively describe mRNA-based therapeutics, including their principles, manufacture, application, effects, and shortcomings. We also highlight the importance of mRNA optimization and delivery systems in successful mRNA therapeutics and discuss the key challenges and opportunities in developing these tools into powerful and versatile tools to combat many genetic, infectious, cancer, and other refractory diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shugang Qin
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, Frontiers Science Center for Disease-related Molecular Network, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Xiaoshan Tang
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, Frontiers Science Center for Disease-related Molecular Network, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Yuting Chen
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, Frontiers Science Center for Disease-related Molecular Network, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Kepan Chen
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, Frontiers Science Center for Disease-related Molecular Network, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Na Fan
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, Frontiers Science Center for Disease-related Molecular Network, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Wen Xiao
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, Frontiers Science Center for Disease-related Molecular Network, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Qian Zheng
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, Frontiers Science Center for Disease-related Molecular Network, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Guohong Li
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, Frontiers Science Center for Disease-related Molecular Network, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Yuqing Teng
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, Frontiers Science Center for Disease-related Molecular Network, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Min Wu
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of North Dakota, Grand Forks, ND, 58203, USA
| | - Xiangrong Song
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, Frontiers Science Center for Disease-related Molecular Network, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China.
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10
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Wang Y, Tang CY, Wan XF. Antigenic characterization of influenza and SARS-CoV-2 viruses. Anal Bioanal Chem 2022; 414:2841-2881. [PMID: 34905077 PMCID: PMC8669429 DOI: 10.1007/s00216-021-03806-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2021] [Revised: 11/21/2021] [Accepted: 11/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Antigenic characterization of emerging and re-emerging viruses is necessary for the prevention of and response to outbreaks, evaluation of infection mechanisms, understanding of virus evolution, and selection of strains for vaccine development. Primary analytic methods, including enzyme-linked immunosorbent/lectin assays, hemagglutination inhibition, neuraminidase inhibition, micro-neutralization assays, and antigenic cartography, have been widely used in the field of influenza research. These techniques have been improved upon over time for increased analytical capacity, and some have been mobilized for the rapid characterization of the SARS-CoV-2 virus as well as its variants, facilitating the development of highly effective vaccines within 1 year of the initially reported outbreak. While great strides have been made for evaluating the antigenic properties of these viruses, multiple challenges prevent efficient vaccine strain selection and accurate assessment. For influenza, these barriers include the requirement for a large virus quantity to perform the assays, more than what can typically be provided by the clinical samples alone, cell- or egg-adapted mutations that can cause antigenic mismatch between the vaccine strain and circulating viruses, and up to a 6-month duration of vaccine development after vaccine strain selection, which allows viruses to continue evolving with potential for antigenic drift and, thus, antigenic mismatch between the vaccine strain and the emerging epidemic strain. SARS-CoV-2 characterization has faced similar challenges with the additional barrier of the need for facilities with high biosafety levels due to its infectious nature. In this study, we review the primary analytic methods used for antigenic characterization of influenza and SARS-CoV-2 and discuss the barriers of these methods and current developments for addressing these challenges.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yang Wang
- MU Center for Influenza and Emerging Infectious Diseases (CIEID), University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, USA
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, School of Medicine, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, USA
- Bond Life Sciences Center, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, USA
| | - Cynthia Y Tang
- MU Center for Influenza and Emerging Infectious Diseases (CIEID), University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, USA
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, School of Medicine, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, USA
- Bond Life Sciences Center, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, USA
- Institute for Data Science and Informatics, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, USA
| | - Xiu-Feng Wan
- MU Center for Influenza and Emerging Infectious Diseases (CIEID), University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, USA.
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, School of Medicine, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, USA.
- Bond Life Sciences Center, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, USA.
- Institute for Data Science and Informatics, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, USA.
- Department of Electrical Engineering & Computer Science, College of Engineering, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, USA.
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11
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Montano D. Frequency and Associations of Adverse Reactions of COVID-19 Vaccines Reported to Pharmacovigilance Systems in the European Union and the United States. Front Public Health 2022; 9:756633. [PMID: 35186864 PMCID: PMC8850379 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2021.756633] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2021] [Accepted: 12/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
IntroductionThis study aims to provide a risk assessment of the adverse reactions related to the COVID-19 vaccines manufactured by AstraZeneca, Janssen, Moderna, and Pfizer-BioNTech which have been in use in the European Union and the United States between December 2020 and October 2021.MethodsData from the European Database of Suspected Adverse Drug Reaction (EudraVigilance) and the Vaccine Adverse Events Reporting System (VAERS) from 2020 to October 2021 are analysed. More than 7.8 million adverse reactions of about 1.6 million persons are included. The adverse reactions are classified with the Common Toxicity Criteria (CTC) categories. COVID-19 vaccine exposures and adverse reactions reported between December 2020 and October 2021 are compared to influenza vaccine exposures and adverse reactions reported between 2020 and 2021. The population-level vaccine exposures to COVID-19 and influenza vaccines comprised about 451 million and 437 million exposures, respectively. Absolute and relative risk estimates are calculated by CTC categories and COVID-19 vaccines for the EU and US populations aged 18 years and older.ResultsA higher risk of reporting serious adverse reactions was observed for the COVID-19 vaccines in comparison to the influenza vaccines. Individuals age 65 and older were associated with a higher frequency of death, hospitalisations, and life-threatening reactions than younger individuals (relative risk estimates between 1.49 99% CI [1.44–1.55] and 8.61 99% CI [8.02–9.23]). Outcome onset of serious adverse reactions occurred within the first 7 days after vaccination in about 77.6–89.1% of cases. The largest absolute risks were observed for allergic, constitutional reactions, dermatological, gastrointestinal, neurological reactions, and localised and non-localised pain. The largest relative risks between COVID-19 vs. influenza vaccines were observed for allergic reactions, arrhythmia, general cardiovascular events, coagulation, haemorrhages, gastrointestinal, ocular, sexual organs reactions, and thrombosis.ConclusionThe present study provides an overview of adverse reactions frequently reported to the pharmacovigilance systems following COVID-19 vaccination in the EU and US populations. Despite the limitations of passive reporting systems, these results may inform further clinical research investigating in more detail the pathophysiological mechanisms potentially associated with the COVID-19 vaccines.
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12
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Cox A, Lim SA, Chung EJ. Strategies to deliver RNA by nanoparticles for therapeutic potential. Mol Aspects Med 2022; 83:100991. [PMID: 34366123 PMCID: PMC8792155 DOI: 10.1016/j.mam.2021.100991] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2021] [Accepted: 07/08/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
The use of a variety of RNA molecules, including messenger RNA, small interfering RNA, and microRNA, has shown great potential for prevention and therapy of many pathologies. However, this therapeutic promise has historically been limited by short in vivo half-life, lack of targeted delivery, and safety issues. Nanoparticle (NP)-mediated delivery has been a successful platform to overcome these limitations, with multiple formulations already in clinical trials and approved by the FDA. Although there is a diversity of NPs in terms of material formulation, size, shape, and charge that have been proposed for biomedical applications, specific modifications are required to facilitate sufficient RNA delivery and adequate therapeutic effect. This includes optimization of (i) RNA incorporation into NPs, (ii) specific cell targeting, (iii) cellular uptake and (iv) endosomal escape ability. In this review, we summarize the methods by which NPs can be modified for RNA delivery to achieve optimal therapeutic effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alysia Cox
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA.
| | - Siyoung A Lim
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA.
| | - Eun Ji Chung
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA; Mork Family Department of Chemical Engineering and Materials Science, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA; Department of Medicine, Division of Nephrology and Hypertension, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA; Department of Surgery, Division of Vascular Surgery and Endovascular Therapy, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA.
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13
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Hu R, Yu Y, Wang H. The LMCD1-AS1/miR-526b-3p/OSBPL5 axis promotes cell proliferation, migration and invasion in non-small cell lung cancer. BMC Pulm Med 2022; 22:30. [PMID: 35000595 PMCID: PMC8744214 DOI: 10.1186/s12890-022-01820-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2021] [Accepted: 12/31/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE To explore the specific role and regulatory mechanism of oxysterol binding protein like 5 (OSBPL5) in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). METHODS AND RESULTS Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) analysis demonstrated that OSBPL5 expression was notably elevated in NSCLC tissues and cell lines, and Kaplan-Meier analysis manifested that high OSBPL5 expression was closely related to the poor prognosis of NSCLC patients. Besides, according to the results from western blot analysis, cell counting kit-8, EdU and Transwell assays, knockdown of OSBPL5 suppressed NSCLC cell proliferation, migration, invasion and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) process. Additionally, by performing qRT-PCR analysis, luciferase reporter and RNA pull-down assays, we verified that OSBPL5 was a downstream target of miR-526b-3p and long noncoding RNA (lncRNA) LMCD1-AS1 served as a sponge for miR-526b-3p. Moreover, from rescue assays, we observed that OSBPL5 overexpression offset LMCD1-AS1 knockdown-mediated inhibition in cell proliferation, migration, invasion and EMT in NSCLC. CONCLUSIONS This paper was the first to probe the molecular regulatory mechanism of OSBPL5 involving the LMCD1-AS1/miR-526b-3p axis in NSCLC and our results revealed that the LMCD1-AS1/miR-526b-3p/OSBPL5 axis facilitates NSCLC cell proliferation, migration, invasion and EMT, which may offer a novel therapeutic direction for NSCLC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rui Hu
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Shengli Oilfield Central Hospital, 31 Jinan Road, Dongying, 257034, Shandong, China
| | - Yankai Yu
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Shengli Oilfield Central Hospital, 31 Jinan Road, Dongying, 257034, Shandong, China
| | - Haining Wang
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Shengli Oilfield Central Hospital, 31 Jinan Road, Dongying, 257034, Shandong, China.
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14
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Huang L, Zhang L, Li W, Li S, Wen J, Li H, Liu Z. Advances in Development of mRNA-Based Therapeutics. Curr Top Microbiol Immunol 2022; 440:147-166. [PMID: 32683507 DOI: 10.1007/82_2020_222] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
Recently, mRNA-based therapeutics have been greatly boosted since the development of novel technologies of both mRNA synthesis and delivery system. Promising results were showed in both preclinical and clinical studies in the field of cancer vaccine, tumor immunotherapy, infectious disease prevention and protein replacement therapy. Recent advancements in clinical trials also encouraged scientists to attempt new applications of mRNA therapy such as gene editing and cell programming. These studies bring mRNA therapeutics closer to real-world application. Herein, we provide an overview of recent advances in mRNA-based therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lei Huang
- Stemirna Therapeutics Inc, Shanghai, 201206, China
| | - Luyao Zhang
- Stemirna Therapeutics Inc, Shanghai, 201206, China
| | - Weiwei Li
- Stemirna Therapeutics Inc, Shanghai, 201206, China
| | - Shiqiang Li
- Stemirna Therapeutics Inc, Shanghai, 201206, China
| | - Jianguo Wen
- Stemirna Therapeutics Inc, Shanghai, 201206, China
| | - Hangwen Li
- Stemirna Therapeutics Inc, Shanghai, 201206, China.
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Abstract
RNA-based therapeutics have shown great promise in treating a broad spectrum of diseases through various mechanisms including knockdown of pathological genes, expression of therapeutic proteins, and programmed gene editing. Due to the inherent instability and negative-charges of RNA molecules, RNA-based therapeutics can make the most use of delivery systems to overcome biological barriers and to release the RNA payload into the cytosol. Among different types of delivery systems, lipid-based RNA delivery systems, particularly lipid nanoparticles (LNPs), have been extensively studied due to their unique properties, such as simple chemical synthesis of lipid components, scalable manufacturing processes of LNPs, and wide packaging capability. LNPs represent the most widely used delivery systems for RNA-based therapeutics, as evidenced by the clinical approvals of three LNP-RNA formulations, patisiran, BNT162b2, and mRNA-1273. This review covers recent advances of lipids, lipid derivatives, and lipid-derived macromolecules used in RNA delivery over the past several decades. We focus mainly on their chemical structures, synthetic routes, characterization, formulation methods, and structure-activity relationships. We also briefly describe the current status of representative preclinical studies and clinical trials and highlight future opportunities and challenges.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuebao Zhang
- Division of Pharmaceutics & Pharmacology, College of Pharmacy, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio 43210, United States
| | - Changzhen Sun
- Division of Pharmaceutics & Pharmacology, College of Pharmacy, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio 43210, United States
| | - Chang Wang
- Division of Pharmaceutics & Pharmacology, College of Pharmacy, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio 43210, United States
| | - Katarina E Jankovic
- Division of Pharmaceutics & Pharmacology, College of Pharmacy, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio 43210, United States
| | - Yizhou Dong
- Division of Pharmaceutics & Pharmacology, College of Pharmacy, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio 43210, United States
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The Center for Clinical and Translational Science, The Comprehensive Cancer Center, Dorothy M. Davis Heart & Lung Research Institute, Department of Radiation Oncology, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio 43210, United States
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16
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Gao M, Zhang Q, Feng XH, Liu J. Synthetic modified messenger RNA for therapeutic applications. Acta Biomater 2021; 131:1-15. [PMID: 34133982 PMCID: PMC8198544 DOI: 10.1016/j.actbio.2021.06.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2021] [Revised: 05/16/2021] [Accepted: 06/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Synthetic modified messenger RNA (mRNA) has manifested great potentials for therapeutic applications such as vaccines and gene therapies, with the recent mRNA vaccines for global pandemic COVID-19 (corona virus disease 2019) attracting the tremendous attention. The chemical modifications and delivery vehicles of synthetic mRNAs are the two key factors for their in vivo therapeutic applications. Chemical modifications like nucleoside methylation endow the synthetic mRNAs with high stability and reduced stimulation of innate immunity. The development of scalable production of synthetic mRNA and efficient mRNA formulation and delivery strategies in recent years have remarkably advanced the field. It is worth noticing that we had limited knowledge on the roles of mRNA modifications in the past. However, the last decade has witnessed not only new discoveries of several naturally occurring mRNA modifications but also substantial advances in understanding their roles on regulating gene expression. It is highly necessary to reconsider the therapeutic system made by synthetic modified mRNAs and delivery vectors. In this review, we will mainly discuss the roles of various chemical modifications on synthetic mRNAs, briefly summarize the progresses of mRNA delivery strategies, and highlight some latest mRNA therapeutics applications including infectious disease vaccines, cancer immunotherapy, mRNA-based genetic reprogramming and protein replacement, mRNA-based gene editing. Statement of significance The development of synthetic mRNA drug holds great promise but lies behind small molecule and protein drugs largely due to the challenging issues regarding its stability, immunogenicity and potency. In the last 15 years, these issues have beensubstantially addressed by synthesizing chemically modified mRNA and developing powerful delivery systems; the mRNA therapeutics has entered an exciting new era begun with the approved mRNA vaccines for the COVID-19 infection disease. Here, we provide recent progresses in understanding the biological roles of various RNA chemical modifications, in developing mRNA delivery systems, and in advancing the emerging mRNA-based therapeutic applications, with the purpose to inspire the community to spawn new ideas for curing diseases.
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To KKW, Cho WCS. An overview of rational design of mRNA-based therapeutics and vaccines. Expert Opin Drug Discov 2021; 16:1307-1317. [PMID: 34058918 DOI: 10.1080/17460441.2021.1935859] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Messenger RNA (mRNA)-based therapeutics and vaccines have emerged as a disruptive new drug class for various applications, including regenerative medicine, cancer treatment, and prophylactic and therapeutic vaccinations. AREAS COVERED This review provides an update about the rational structure-based design of various formats of mRNA-based therapeutics. The authors discuss the recent advances in the mRNA modifications that have been used to enhance stability, promote translation efficiency and regulate immunogenicity for specific applications. EXPERT OPINION Extensive research efforts have been made to optimize mRNA constructs and preparation procedures to unleash the full potential of mRNA-based therapeutics and vaccines. Sequence optimization (untranslated region and codon usage), chemical engineering of nucleotides and modified 5'cap, and optimization of in vitro transcription and mRNA purification protocols have overcome the major obstacles (instability, delivery, immunogenicity and safety) hindering the clinical applications of mRNA therapeutics and vaccines. The optimized design parameters should not be applied as default to different biological systems, but rather individually optimized for each mRNA sequence and intended application. Further advancement in the mRNA design and delivery technologies for achieving cell type- and organ site-specificity will broaden the scope and usefulness of this new class of drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kenneth K W To
- School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - William C S Cho
- Department of Clinical Oncology, Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Hong Kong, China
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18
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Zhang H, Qiu C, Zeng H, Zhu W, Lyu W, Lao X. Upregulation of Stress-Induced Protein Kinase CK1 Delta is associated with a Poor Prognosis for patients with Hepatocellular Carcinoma. Genet Test Mol Biomarkers 2021; 25:504-514. [PMID: 34280005 DOI: 10.1089/gtmb.2020.0093] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective: This study was designed to analyze the expression of CSNK1D in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and investigate the relationship between the expression of CSNK1D and the prognosis of HCC patients. Methods: The CSNK1D and alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) expression levels in patients with HCC and their corresponding clinical data were downloaded from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and sorted with a Perl program. CSNK1D and AFP expression differences in liver tissue and liver cancer were compared and analyzed, based on the online database human cancer metastasis database, the relationships between the expression levels of CSNK1D and AFP and the proliferation and metastases of HCC were explored. The immunohistochemical data obtained from the Human Protein Atlas Database further verified the differences in the expression levels of CSNK1D and AFP in liver tissues and liver cancer tissues. Through Kaplan-Meier survival analysis, the effects of CSNK1D and AFP expression levels on the prognosis of patients with HCC were investigated, and the influences of and patients' gender, age and grades of cancer cells, tumor size, the status of lymph node metastasis, distant metastasis, and tumor stage on the expression of CSNK1D were analyzed with R language. The influence of differential expressions of CSNK1D on survival time was compared and the prognostic factors influencing the survival of HCC patients were statistically explored by univariate analysis and multivariate analysis. The potential influencing mechanism of CSNK1D on the prognosis of HCC patients was explored by Gene Set Enrichment Analysis (GSEA) enrichment. Results: The expression level of CSNK1D and AFP in cancer foci was significantly higher than that in normal tissues, However, in the same patient, the expression levels of AFP in paracarcinoma tissues and cancer tissues showed no significant difference. The expression level of CSNK1D in HCC with distant metastases was higher than that in those without metastasis, but the expression level of AFP in metastatic HCC was lower than that in those HCC without metastases. In immunohistochemical tests, CSNK1D was moderately positive in normal liver tissues, slightly positive in normal bile duct tissues, and highly positive in HCC. AFP was slightly positive in normal liver tissues and negative in HCC, but it was not detected in normal intrahepatic bile duct tissue. Survival analysis results suggested that the higher expression level of CSNK1D corresponded to the shorter survival period, whereas the expression level of AFP showed no significant influence on survival time. The expression level of CSNK1D was not correlated with gender, age, the status of lymph node metastasis status, or distant metastasis of patients. The main factors influencing the expression level of CSNK1D included tumor size, cancer cell grade, and tumor stage. The expression levels of CSNK1D in T2 and T3 were higher than that in T1. The expression levels of CSNK1D in G3 and G4 were higher than that in G1. The expression levels of CSNK1D in Stage II and Stage III were higher than that in Stage I. Univariate analysis suggested that tumor size, cell grade, distant metastasis, clinical stage, and CSNK1D expression level were the prognostic factors influencing the survival of patients. Multivariate analysis suggested that CSNK1D expression level was an independent factor influencing the prognosis of HCC patients. GSEA enrichment analysis indicated that CSNK1D mainly affected the prognosis of HCC patients through cell cycle, WNT signaling pathway, amino acid degradation metabolism, and other pathways. Conclusion: CSNK1D is an independent influencing factor for the prognosis of HCC patients and has the potential to be developed as a potential therapeutic target for HCC, and better than AFP in predicting the prognosis of HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Haifeng Zeng
- Zhaoqing First People's Hospital, Zhaoqing, China
| | - Wentian Zhu
- Zhaoqing First People's Hospital, Zhaoqing, China
| | - Weidong Lyu
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Sassari, Sassari, Italy
| | - Xuejun Lao
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
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19
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Zheng Y, Luo Y, Chen X, Li H, Huang B, Zhou B, Zhu L, Kang X, Geng W. The role of mRNA in the development, diagnosis, treatment and prognosis of neural tumors. Mol Cancer 2021; 20:49. [PMID: 33673851 PMCID: PMC7934508 DOI: 10.1186/s12943-021-01341-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2020] [Accepted: 02/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Neural tumors can generally be divided into central nervous system tumors and peripheral nervous tumors. Because this type of tumor is located in the nerve, even benign tumors are often difficult to remove by surgery. In addition, the majority of neural tumors are malignant, and it is particular the same for the central nervous system tumors. Even treated with the means such as chemotherapy and radiotherapy, they are also difficult to completely cure. In recent years, an increasingly number of studies have focused on the use of mRNA to treat tumors, representing an emerging gene therapy. The use of mRNA can use the expression of some functional proteins for the treatment of genetic disorders or tissue repair, and it can also be applied to immunotherapy through the expression of antigens, antibodies or receptors. Therefore, although these therapies are not fully-fledged enough, they have a broad research prospect. In addition, there are many ways to treat tumors using mRNA vaccines and exosomes carrying mRNA, which have drawn much attention. In this study, we reviewed the current research on the role of mRNA in the development, diagnosis, treatment and prognosis of neural tumors, and examine the future research prospects of mRNA in neural tumors and the opportunities and challenges that will arise in the future application of clinical treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yiyang Zheng
- Department of Anesthesiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325000, People's Republic of China.,School & Hospital of Stomatology, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325000, People's Republic of China
| | - Yanyan Luo
- Department of Anesthesiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325000, People's Republic of China
| | - Xixi Chen
- Department of Anesthesiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325000, People's Republic of China
| | - Huiting Li
- Department of Anesthesiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325000, People's Republic of China
| | - Baojun Huang
- Department of Anesthesiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325000, People's Republic of China
| | - Baofeng Zhou
- Department of Anesthesiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325000, People's Republic of China
| | - Liqing Zhu
- Department of clinical laboratory, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325000, People's Republic of China.
| | - Xianhui Kang
- Department of Anesthesiology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China.
| | - Wujun Geng
- Department of Anesthesiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325000, People's Republic of China.
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20
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Safe and effective aerosolization of in vitro transcribed mRNA to the respiratory tract epithelium of horses without a transfection agent. Sci Rep 2021; 11:371. [PMID: 33432084 PMCID: PMC7801524 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-79855-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2020] [Accepted: 12/10/2020] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Vaccines and therapeutics using in vitro transcribed mRNA hold enormous potential for human and veterinary medicine. Transfection agents are widely considered to be necessary to protect mRNA and enhance transfection, but they add expense and raise concerns regarding quality control and safety. We found that such complex mRNA delivery systems can be avoided when transfecting epithelial cells by aerosolizing the mRNA into micron-sized droplets. In an equine in vivo model, we demonstrated that the translation of mRNA into a functional protein did not depend on the addition of a polyethylenimine (PEI)-derived transfection agent. We were able to safely and effectively transfect the bronchial epithelium of foals using naked mRNA (i.e., mRNA formulated in a sodium citrate buffer without a delivery vehicle). Endoscopic examination of the bronchial tree and histology of mucosal biopsies indicated no gross or microscopic adverse effects of the transfection. Our data suggest that mRNA administered by an atomization device eliminates the need for chemical transfection agents, which can reduce the cost and the safety risks of delivering mRNA to the respiratory tract of animals and humans.
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21
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Abstract
Messenger RNA (mRNA) has immense potential for developing a wide range of therapies, including immunotherapy and protein replacement. As mRNA presents no risk of integration into the host genome and does not require nuclear entry for transfection, which allows protein production even in nondividing cells, mRNA-based approaches can be envisioned as safe and practical therapeutic strategies. Nevertheless, mRNA presents unfavorable characteristics, such as large size, immunogenicity, limited cellular uptake, and sensitivity to enzymatic degradation, which hinder its use as a therapeutic agent. While mRNA stability and immunogenicity have been ameliorated by direct modifications on the mRNA structure, further improvements in mRNA delivery are still needed for promoting its activity in biological settings. In this regard, nanomedicine has shown the ability for spatiotemporally controlling the function of a myriad of bioactive agents in vivo. Direct engineering of nanomedicine structures for loading, protecting, and releasing mRNA and navigating in biological environments can then be applied for promoting mRNA translation toward the development of effective treatments. Here, we review recent approaches aimed at enhancing mRNA function and its delivery through nanomedicines, with particular emphasis on their applications and eventual clinical translation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Satoshi Uchida
- Department of Bioengineering, Graduate School of Engineering, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8656, Japan.,Innovation Center of NanoMedicine, Kawasaki Institute of Industrial Promotion, 3-25-14, Tonomachi, Kawasaki 210-0821, Japan
| | - Federico Perche
- Centre de Biophysique Moléculaire, UPR4301 CNRS Rue Charles Sadron Orléans, Orléans 45071 Cedex 02, France
| | - Chantal Pichon
- Centre de Biophysique Moléculaire, UPR4301 CNRS Rue Charles Sadron Orléans, Orléans 45071 Cedex 02, France.,Faculty of Sciences and Techniques, University of Orléans, Orléans 45071 Cedex 02, France
| | - Horacio Cabral
- Department of Bioengineering, Graduate School of Engineering, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8656, Japan.,Innovation Center of NanoMedicine, Kawasaki Institute of Industrial Promotion, 3-25-14, Tonomachi, Kawasaki 210-0821, Japan
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22
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Nelson J, Sorensen EW, Mintri S, Rabideau AE, Zheng W, Besin G, Khatwani N, Su SV, Miracco EJ, Issa WJ, Hoge S, Stanton MG, Joyal JL. Impact of mRNA chemistry and manufacturing process on innate immune activation. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2020; 6:eaaz6893. [PMID: 32637598 PMCID: PMC7314518 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.aaz6893] [Citation(s) in RCA: 172] [Impact Index Per Article: 43.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2019] [Accepted: 05/11/2020] [Indexed: 05/21/2023]
Abstract
Messenger RNA (mRNA) represents an attractive therapeutic modality for potentially a wide range of clinical indications but requires uridine chemistry modification and/or tuning of the production process to prevent activation of cellular innate immune sensors and a concomitant reduction in protein expression. To decipher the relative contributions of these factors on immune activation, here, we compared, in multiple cell and in vivo models, mRNA that encodes human erythropoietin incorporating either canonical uridine or N1-methyl-pseudouridine (1mΨ), synthesized by either a standard process shown to have double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) impurities or a modified process that yields a highly purified mRNA preparation. Our data demonstrate that the lowest stimulation of immune endpoints was with 1mΨ made by the modified process, while mRNA containing canonical uridine was immunostimulatory regardless of process. These findings confirm that uridine modification and the reduction of dsRNA impurities are both necessary and sufficient at controlling the immune-activating profile of therapeutic mRNA.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Wei Zheng
- Moderna Inc., 200 Technology Square, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Stephen Hoge
- Moderna Inc., 200 Technology Square, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | | | - John L. Joyal
- Moderna Inc., 200 Technology Square, Cambridge, MA, USA
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23
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Ohno H, Akamine S, Saito H. Synthetic mRNA-Based Systems in Mammalian Cells. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2020; 4:e1900247. [PMID: 32402126 DOI: 10.1002/adbi.201900247] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2019] [Revised: 02/17/2020] [Accepted: 02/19/2020] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
Living organisms are programmed to perform multiple functions by sensing intra- and extra-cellular environments and by controlling gene expressions. Synthetic biologists aim to program cells by mimicking, designing, and constructing genetic circuits. Synthetic mRNA-based genetic switches and circuits have attracted attention for future therapeutic applications because of their safety and functional diversity. Here, the mRNA-based switches and circuits that detect specific microRNAs or proteins expressed in a target cell to control transgene expression and cell fate are reviewed. Future perspectives of artificial RNA systems for cell engineering will also be addressed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hirohisa Ohno
- 53 Kawahara-cho, Shogoin, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto, 606-8507, Japan
| | - Sae Akamine
- 53 Kawahara-cho, Shogoin, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto, 606-8507, Japan
| | - Hirohide Saito
- 53 Kawahara-cho, Shogoin, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto, 606-8507, Japan
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24
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Sikorski PJ, Warminski M, Kubacka D, Ratajczak T, Nowis D, Kowalska J, Jemielity J. The identity and methylation status of the first transcribed nucleotide in eukaryotic mRNA 5' cap modulates protein expression in living cells. Nucleic Acids Res 2020; 48:1607-1626. [PMID: 31984425 PMCID: PMC7038993 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkaa032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2019] [Revised: 01/08/2020] [Accepted: 01/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
7-Methylguanosine 5' cap on mRNA is necessary for efficient protein expression in vitro and in vivo. Recent studies revealed structural diversity of endogenous mRNA caps, which carry different 5'-terminal nucleotides and additional methylations (2'-O-methylation and m6A). Currently available 5'-capping methods do not address this diversity. We report trinucleotide 5' cap analogs (m7GpppN(m)pG), which are utilized by RNA polymerase T7 to initiate transcription from templates carrying Φ6.5 promoter and enable production of mRNAs differing in the identity of the first transcribed nucleotide (N = A, m6A, G, C, U) and its methylation status (±2'-O-methylation). HPLC-purified mRNAs carrying these 5' caps were used to study protein expression in three mammalian cell lines (3T3-L1, HeLa and JAWS II). The highest expression was observed for mRNAs carrying 5'-terminal A/Am and m6Am, whereas the lowest was observed for G and Gm. The mRNAs carrying 2'-O-methyl at the first transcribed nucleotide (cap 1) had significantly higher expression than unmethylated counterparts (cap 0) only in JAWS II dendritic cells. Further experiments indicated that the mRNA expression characteristic does not correlate with affinity for translation initiation factor 4E or in vitro susceptibility to decapping, but instead depends on mRNA purity and the immune state of the cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pawel J Sikorski
- Centre of New Technologies, University of Warsaw, Banacha 2C, 02-097 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Marcin Warminski
- Division of Biophysics, Institute of Experimental Physics, Faculty of Physics, University of Warsaw, Pasteura 5, 02-093 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Dorota Kubacka
- Division of Biophysics, Institute of Experimental Physics, Faculty of Physics, University of Warsaw, Pasteura 5, 02-093 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Tomasz Ratajczak
- Centre of New Technologies, University of Warsaw, Banacha 2C, 02-097 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Dominika Nowis
- Centre of New Technologies, University of Warsaw, Banacha 2C, 02-097 Warsaw, Poland
- Department of Genomic Medicine, Medical University of Warsaw, Nielubowicza 5, 02-097 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Joanna Kowalska
- Division of Biophysics, Institute of Experimental Physics, Faculty of Physics, University of Warsaw, Pasteura 5, 02-093 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Jacek Jemielity
- Centre of New Technologies, University of Warsaw, Banacha 2C, 02-097 Warsaw, Poland
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25
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Weng Y, Li C, Yang T, Hu B, Zhang M, Guo S, Xiao H, Liang XJ, Huang Y. The challenge and prospect of mRNA therapeutics landscape. Biotechnol Adv 2020; 40:107534. [PMID: 32088327 DOI: 10.1016/j.biotechadv.2020.107534] [Citation(s) in RCA: 187] [Impact Index Per Article: 46.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2019] [Revised: 02/05/2020] [Accepted: 02/15/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Messenger RNA (mRNA)-based therapeutics hold the potential to cause a major revolution in the pharmaceutical industry because they can be used for precise and individualized therapy, and enable patients to produce therapeutic proteins in their own bodies without struggling with the comprehensive manufacturing issues associated with recombinant proteins. Compared with the current therapeutics, the production of mRNA is much cost-effective, faster and more flexible because it can be easily produced by in vitro transcription, and the process is independent of mRNA sequence. Moreover, mRNA vaccines allow people to develop personalized medications based on sequencing results and/or personalized conditions rapidly. Along with the great potential from bench to bedside, technical obstacles facing mRNA pharmaceuticals are also obvious. The stability, immunogenicity, translation efficiency, and delivery are all pivotal issues need to be addressed. In the recently published research results, these issues are gradually being overcome by state-of-the-art development technologies. In this review, we describe the structural properties and modification technologies of mRNA, summarize the latest advances in developing mRNA delivery systems, review the preclinical and clinical applications, and put forward our views on the prospect and challenges of developing mRNA into a new class of drug.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuhua Weng
- School of Life Science, Advanced Research Institute of Multidisciplinary Science, Key Laboratory of Molecular Medicine and Biotherapy, Institute of Engineering Medicine, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing 100081, PR China
| | - Chunhui Li
- School of Life Science, Advanced Research Institute of Multidisciplinary Science, Key Laboratory of Molecular Medicine and Biotherapy, Institute of Engineering Medicine, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing 100081, PR China
| | - Tongren Yang
- School of Life Science, Advanced Research Institute of Multidisciplinary Science, Key Laboratory of Molecular Medicine and Biotherapy, Institute of Engineering Medicine, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing 100081, PR China
| | - Bo Hu
- School of Life Science, Advanced Research Institute of Multidisciplinary Science, Key Laboratory of Molecular Medicine and Biotherapy, Institute of Engineering Medicine, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing 100081, PR China
| | - Mengjie Zhang
- School of Life Science, Advanced Research Institute of Multidisciplinary Science, Key Laboratory of Molecular Medicine and Biotherapy, Institute of Engineering Medicine, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing 100081, PR China
| | - Shuai Guo
- School of Life Science, Advanced Research Institute of Multidisciplinary Science, Key Laboratory of Molecular Medicine and Biotherapy, Institute of Engineering Medicine, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing 100081, PR China
| | - Haihua Xiao
- Beijing National Laboratory for Molecular Sciences, State Key Laboratory of Polymer Physics and Chemistry, Institute of Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100190, PR China
| | - Xing-Jie Liang
- Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), Key Laboratory for Biomedical Effects of Nanomaterials and Nanosafety, CAS Center for Excellence in Nanoscience, National Center for Nanoscience and Technology of China, Beijing 100190, PR China
| | - Yuanyu Huang
- School of Life Science, Advanced Research Institute of Multidisciplinary Science, Key Laboratory of Molecular Medicine and Biotherapy, Institute of Engineering Medicine, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing 100081, PR China.
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26
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Nanomedicines to Deliver mRNA: State of the Art and Future Perspectives. NANOMATERIALS 2020; 10:nano10020364. [PMID: 32093140 PMCID: PMC7075285 DOI: 10.3390/nano10020364] [Citation(s) in RCA: 112] [Impact Index Per Article: 28.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2020] [Revised: 02/14/2020] [Accepted: 02/16/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
The use of messenger RNA (mRNA) in gene therapy is increasing in recent years, due to its unique features compared to plasmid DNA: Transient expression, no need to enter into the nucleus and no risk of insertional mutagenesis. Nevertheless, the clinical application of mRNA as a therapeutic tool is limited by its instability and ability to activate immune responses; hence, mRNA chemical modifications together with the design of suitable vehicles result essential. This manuscript includes a revision of the strategies employed to enhance in vitro transcribed (IVT) mRNA functionality and efficacy, including the optimization of its stability and translational efficiency, as well as the regulation of its immunostimulatory properties. An overview of the nanosystems designed to protect the mRNA and to overcome the intra and extracellular barriers for successful delivery is also included. Finally, the present and future applications of mRNA nanomedicines for immunization against infectious diseases and cancer, protein replacement, gene editing, and regenerative medicine are highlighted.
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27
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Miedziak B, Dobieżyńska A, Darżynkiewicz ZM, Bartkowska J, Miszkiewicz J, Kowalska J, Warminski M, Tyras M, Trylska J, Jemielity J, Darzynkiewicz E, Grzela R. Kinetic analysis of IFIT1 and IFIT5 interactions with different native and engineered RNAs and its consequences for designing mRNA-based therapeutics. RNA (NEW YORK, N.Y.) 2020; 26:58-68. [PMID: 31658992 PMCID: PMC6913129 DOI: 10.1261/rna.073304.119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2019] [Accepted: 10/24/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
In response to foreign RNA, cellular antiviral mechanisms stimulate high expression of interferon-induced proteins with tetratricopeptide repeats (IFITs). Two members of the IFIT protein family, IFIT1 and IFIT5, are capable of binding the very terminal 5' end of mRNA. In eukaryotes, these mRNA termini contain a cap structure (m7GpppN, cap 0) that is often subjected to further modifications. Here, we performed a thorough examination of IFIT1 and IFIT5 binding to a wide spectrum of differently capped as well as fully uncapped mRNAs. The kinetic analysis of IFIT1 and IFIT5 interactions with mRNA ligands indicates that the cap structure modifications considerably influence the stability of IFIT1/RNA complexes. The most stable complexes were formed between IFIT1 and GpppG/A- and m7GpppG/A-RNAs. Unexpectedly, we found that NAD+- and NADH-capped RNAs associate with IFIT5 with kinetic parameters comparable to pppG-RNA. Finally, we measured interactions of IFIT1 with mRNAs bearing modified synthetic cap analogs that start to become the important tools in biotechnological and medicinal research. We found that incorporation of modified cap analogs to the RNA protects the latter, to a certain degree, from the translational inhibition caused by IFIT1 protein.
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Affiliation(s)
- Beata Miedziak
- Centre of New Technologies, University of Warsaw, 02-097 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Anna Dobieżyńska
- Centre of New Technologies, University of Warsaw, 02-097 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Zbigniew M Darżynkiewicz
- Centre of New Technologies, University of Warsaw, 02-097 Warsaw, Poland
- Division of Biophysics, Institute of Experimental Physics, Faculty of Physics, University of Warsaw, 02-097 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Julia Bartkowska
- Centre of New Technologies, University of Warsaw, 02-097 Warsaw, Poland
- Division of Biophysics, Institute of Experimental Physics, Faculty of Physics, University of Warsaw, 02-097 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Joanna Miszkiewicz
- Centre of New Technologies, University of Warsaw, 02-097 Warsaw, Poland
- College of Inter-Faculty Individual Studies in Mathematics and Natural Sciences, University of Warsaw, 02-097 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Joanna Kowalska
- Division of Biophysics, Institute of Experimental Physics, Faculty of Physics, University of Warsaw, 02-097 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Marcin Warminski
- Division of Biophysics, Institute of Experimental Physics, Faculty of Physics, University of Warsaw, 02-097 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Michal Tyras
- Centre of New Technologies, University of Warsaw, 02-097 Warsaw, Poland
- College of Inter-Faculty Individual Studies in Mathematics and Natural Sciences, University of Warsaw, 02-097 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Joanna Trylska
- Centre of New Technologies, University of Warsaw, 02-097 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Jacek Jemielity
- Centre of New Technologies, University of Warsaw, 02-097 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Edward Darzynkiewicz
- Centre of New Technologies, University of Warsaw, 02-097 Warsaw, Poland
- Division of Biophysics, Institute of Experimental Physics, Faculty of Physics, University of Warsaw, 02-097 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Renata Grzela
- Centre of New Technologies, University of Warsaw, 02-097 Warsaw, Poland
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Okay S, Özge Özcan Ö, Karahan M. Nanoparticle-based delivery platforms for mRNA vaccine development. AIMS BIOPHYSICS 2020. [DOI: 10.3934/biophy.2020023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
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29
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Kim HJ, Ogura S, Otabe T, Kamegawa R, Sato M, Kataoka K, Miyata K. Fine-Tuning of Hydrophobicity in Amphiphilic Polyaspartamide Derivatives for Rapid and Transient Expression of Messenger RNA Directed Toward Genome Engineering in Brain. ACS CENTRAL SCIENCE 2019; 5:1866-1875. [PMID: 31807688 PMCID: PMC6891845 DOI: 10.1021/acscentsci.9b00843] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2019] [Indexed: 05/14/2023]
Abstract
Rapid and transient expression of in vitro transcribed mRNA (IVT mRNA) in target cells is a current major challenge in genome engineering therapy. To improve mRNA delivery efficiency, a series of amphiphilic polyaspartamide derivatives were synthesized to contain various hydrophobic moieties with cationic diethylenetriamine (DET) moieties in the side chain and systematically compared as mRNA delivery vehicles (or mRNA-loaded polyplexes). The obtained results demonstrated that the side chain structures of polyaspartamide derivatives were critical for the mRNA delivery efficiency of polyplexes. Interestingly, when the mRNA delivery efficiencies (or the luciferase expression levels in cultured cells) were plotted against an octanol-water partition coefficient (log P) as an indicator of hydrophobicity, a log P threshold was clearly observed to obtain high levels of mRNA expression. Indeed, 3.5 orders of magnitude difference in the expression level is observed between -2.45 and -2.31 in log P. This threshold of log P for the mRNA transfection efficiency apparently correlated with those for the polyplex stability and cellular uptake efficiency. Among the polyaspartamide derivatives with log P > -2.31, a polyaspartamide derivative with 11 residues of 2-cyclohexylethyl (CHE) moieties and 15 residues of DET moieties in the side chains elicited the highest mRNA expression in cultured cells. The optimized polyplex further accomplished highly efficient, rapid, and transient IVT mRNA expression in mouse brain after intracerebroventricular and intrathecal injection. Ultimately, the polyplex allowed for the highly efficient target gene deletion via the expression of Streptococcus pyogenes Cas9 nuclease-coding IVT mRNA in the ependymal layer of ventricles in a reporter mouse model. These results demonstrate the utility of log P driven polymer design for in vivo IVT mRNA delivery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hyun Jin Kim
- Center
for Disease Biology and Integrative Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-0033, Japan
- E-mail:
| | - Satomi Ogura
- Department
of Materials Engineering, Graduate School of Engineering, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8656, Japan
| | - Takahiro Otabe
- Graduate
School of Arts and Sciences, The University
of Tokyo, 3-8-1 Komaba, Meguro-ku, Tokyo 153-8902, Japan
| | - Rimpei Kamegawa
- Department
of Materials Engineering, Graduate School of Engineering, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8656, Japan
| | - Moritoshi Sato
- Graduate
School of Arts and Sciences, The University
of Tokyo, 3-8-1 Komaba, Meguro-ku, Tokyo 153-8902, Japan
| | - Kazunori Kataoka
- Innovation
Center of NanoMedicine, Kawasaki Institute
of Industrial Promotion, 3-25-14 Tonomachi, Kawasaki-ku, Kawasaki 210-0821, Japan
- Institute
for Future Initiatives, The University of
Tokyo, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-0033, Japan
| | - Kanjiro Miyata
- Department
of Materials Engineering, Graduate School of Engineering, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8656, Japan
- E-mail:
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Tang X, Zhang S, Fu R, Zhang L, Huang K, Peng H, Dai L, Chen Q. Therapeutic Prospects of mRNA-Based Gene Therapy for Glioblastoma. Front Oncol 2019; 9:1208. [PMID: 31781503 PMCID: PMC6857656 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2019.01208] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2019] [Accepted: 10/23/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The treatment of glioblastoma has been a big challenge for decades in the oncological field mainly owing to its unique biological characteristics, such as high heterogeneity, diffusing invasiveness, and capacity to resist conventional therapies. The mRNA-based therapeutic modality holds many superior features, including easy manipulation, rapid and transient expression, and adaptive convertibility without mutagenesis, which are suitable for dealing with glioblastoma's complexity and variability. Synthetic anticancer mRNAs carried by various vehicles act as the ultimate attackers of the tumor across biological barriers. In this modality, specifically targeted glioblastoma treatment can be guaranteed by adding targeting molecules at certain levels. The choice of mRNA-bearing vehicle and administration method is a fully patient-tailored selection. This review covers the advantages and possible limitations of mRNA-based gene therapy, the in vitro synthesis of mRNA, the feasible methods for synthetic mRNA delivery and clinical therapeutic prospects of mRNA-based gene therapy for glioblastoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiangjun Tang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China.,Department of Neurosurgery, Taihe Hospital, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan, China.,Department of Neurosurgery, Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong, University Health Science Center, Xi'an, China
| | - Shenqi Zhang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Rui Fu
- Department of Neurosurgery, Taihe Hospital, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan, China
| | - Li Zhang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Taihe Hospital, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan, China
| | - Kuanming Huang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Taihe Hospital, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan, China
| | - Hao Peng
- Department of Neurosurgery, Taihe Hospital, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan, China
| | - Longjun Dai
- Department of Neurosurgery, Taihe Hospital, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan, China.,Department of Surgery, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Qianxue Chen
- Department of Neurosurgery, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
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Intranodal administration of mRNA encoding nucleoprotein provides cross-strain immunity against influenza in mice. J Transl Med 2019; 17:242. [PMID: 31345237 PMCID: PMC6659201 DOI: 10.1186/s12967-019-1991-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2019] [Accepted: 07/17/2019] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Current human influenza vaccines lack the adaptability to match the mutational rate of the virus and therefore require annual revisions. Because of extensive manufacturing times and the possibility that antigenic alterations occur during viral vaccine strain production, an inherent risk exists for antigenic mismatch between the new influenza vaccine and circulating viruses. Targeting more conserved antigens such as nucleoprotein (NP) could provide a more sustainable vaccination strategy by inducing long term and heterosubtypic protection against influenza. We previously demonstrated that intranodal mRNA injection can induce potent antigen-specific T-cell responses. In this study, we investigated whether intranodal administration of mRNA encoding NP can induce T-cell responses capable of protecting against a heterologous influenza virus challenge. Methods BALB/c mice were immunized in the inguinal lymph nodes with different vaccination regimens of mRNA encoding NP. Immune responses were compared with NP DNA vaccination via IFN-γ ELISPOT and in vivo cytotoxicity. For survival experiments, mice were prime-boost vaccinated with 17 µg NP mRNA and infected with 1LD50 of H1N1 influenza virus 8 weeks after boost. Weight was monitored and viral titers, cytokines and immune cell populations in the bronchoalveolar lavage, and IFN-γ responses in the spleen were analyzed. Results Our results demonstrate that NP mRNA induces superior systemic T-cell responses against NP compared to classical DNA vaccination. These responses were sustained for several weeks even at low vaccine doses. Upon challenge infection, vaccination with NP mRNA resulted in reduced lung viral titers and improved recovery from infection. Finally, we show that vaccination with NP mRNA affects the immune response in infected lungs by lowering immune cell infiltration while increasing the fraction of T cells, monocytes and MHC II+ alveolar macrophages within immune infiltrates. This change was associated with altered levels of both pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines. Conclusions These findings suggest that intranodal vaccination with NP mRNA induces cross-strain immunity against influenza, but also highlight a paradox of influenza immunity, whereby robust immune responses can provide protection, but can also transiently exacerbate symptoms during infection. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s12967-019-1991-3) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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32
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Therapeutic mRNA delivery to leukocytes. J Control Release 2019; 305:165-175. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jconrel.2019.05.032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2019] [Revised: 05/15/2019] [Accepted: 05/19/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
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33
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Trepotec Z, Geiger J, Plank C, Aneja MK, Rudolph C. Segmented poly(A) tails significantly reduce recombination of plasmid DNA without affecting mRNA translation efficiency or half-life. RNA (NEW YORK, N.Y.) 2019; 25:507-518. [PMID: 30647100 PMCID: PMC6426288 DOI: 10.1261/rna.069286.118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2018] [Accepted: 12/22/2018] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
Extensive research in the past decade has brought mRNA closer to the clinical realization of its therapeutic potential. One common structural feature for all cellular messenger RNAs is a poly(A) tail, which can either be brought in cotranscriptionally via the DNA template (plasmid- or PCR-based) or added to the mRNA in a post-transcriptional enzymatic process. Plasmids containing poly(A) regions recombine in E. coli, resulting in extensive shortening of the poly(A) tail. Using a segmented poly(A) approach, we could significantly reduce recombination of plasmids in E. coli without any negative effect on mRNA half-life and protein expression. This effect was independent of the coding sequence. A segmented poly(A) tail is characterized in that it consists of at least two A-containing elements, each defined as a nucleotide sequence consisting of 40-60 adenosines, separated by a spacer element of different length. Furthermore, reducing the spacer length between the poly(A) segments resulted in higher translation efficiencies compared to homogeneous poly(A) tail and reduced recombination (depending upon the choice of spacer nucleotide). Our results demonstrate the superior potential of segmented poly(A) tails compared to the conventionally used homogeneous poly(A) tails with respect to recombination of the plasmids and the resulting mRNA performance (half-life and translational efficiency).
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Affiliation(s)
- Zeljka Trepotec
- Department of Pediatrics, Ludwig-Maximilian-University of Munich, 80337 Munich, Germany
| | | | - Christian Plank
- Ethris GmbH, Planegg, 82152 Planegg, Germany
- Institute of Molecular Immunology and Experimental Oncology, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technische Universität München, 81675 Munich, Germany
| | | | - Carsten Rudolph
- Department of Pediatrics, Ludwig-Maximilian-University of Munich, 80337 Munich, Germany
- Ethris GmbH, Planegg, 82152 Planegg, Germany
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Weissberg O, Gross G. Endowing human CD8 T cells with a veto-like recognition capacity via the electroporation of MHC-I/CD3ζ mRNA. Transpl Immunol 2019; 55:101202. [PMID: 30904624 DOI: 10.1016/j.trim.2019.03.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2018] [Revised: 03/14/2019] [Accepted: 03/19/2019] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
Graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) and transplant rejection as a result of host-versus-graft (HVG) response have remained two major complications of allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo-HSCT). When donors are partially HLA-mismatched unrelated or haploidentical related, their severity correlates with the degree of HLA disparity. Specific elimination of alloreactive donor or recipient T cells targeting the mismatched HLA products could markedly alleviate both complications while only minimally affecting graft-versus-tumor (GVT) response or engraftment. To redirect human CD8 T cells against alloreactive CD8 T cells we electroporate these cells with in-vitro-transcribed mRNA encoding MHC-I heavy chains fused with the signaling portion of CD3ζ. Here we show that peripheral blood human CD8 T cells expressing H-2Kb/CD3ζ or H-2Kd/CD3ζ respond to anti-MHC-I stimuli in a strictly specific manner. This study paves the way for further advancing this approach as a means to dampen GVHD and HVG that are caused by HLA disparity in allo-HSCT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Orly Weissberg
- Immunology Laboratory, MIGAL, Galilee Research Institute, Kiryat Shmona, Israel; Department of Biotechnology, Tel-Hai College, Upper Galilee, Israel
| | - Gideon Gross
- Immunology Laboratory, MIGAL, Galilee Research Institute, Kiryat Shmona, Israel; Department of Biotechnology, Tel-Hai College, Upper Galilee, Israel.
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35
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Li B, Zhang X, Dong Y. Nanoscale platforms for messenger RNA delivery. WILEY INTERDISCIPLINARY REVIEWS. NANOMEDICINE AND NANOBIOTECHNOLOGY 2019; 11:e1530. [PMID: 29726120 PMCID: PMC6443240 DOI: 10.1002/wnan.1530] [Citation(s) in RCA: 95] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2018] [Revised: 03/27/2018] [Accepted: 04/01/2018] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Messenger RNA (mRNA) has become a promising class of drugs for diverse therapeutic applications in the past few years. A series of clinical trials are ongoing or will be initiated in the near future for the treatment of a variety of diseases. Currently, mRNA-based therapeutics mainly focuses on ex vivo transfection and local administration in clinical studies. Efficient and safe delivery of therapeutically relevant mRNAs remains one of the major challenges for their broad applications in humans. Thus, effective delivery systems are urgently needed to overcome this limitation. In recent years, numerous nanoscale biomaterials have been constructed for mRNA delivery in order to protect mRNA from extracellular degradation and facilitate endosomal escape after cellular uptake. Nanoscale platforms have expanded the feasibility of mRNA-based therapeutics, and enabled its potential applications to protein replacement therapy, cancer immunotherapy, therapeutic vaccines, regenerative medicine, and genome editing. This review focuses on recent advances, challenges, and future directions in nanoscale platforms designed for mRNA delivery, including lipid and lipid-derived nanoparticles, polymer-based nanoparticles, protein derivatives mRNA complexes, and other types of nanomaterials. This article is categorized under: Nanotechnology Approaches to Biology > Nanoscale Systems in Biology Biology-Inspired Nanomaterials > Lipid-Based Structures Biology-Inspired Nanomaterials > Nucleic Acid-Based Structures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bin Li
- Division of Pharmaceutics and Pharmaceutical Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio
| | - Xinfu Zhang
- Division of Pharmaceutics and Pharmaceutical Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio
| | - Yizhou Dong
- Division of Pharmaceutics and Pharmaceutical Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio
- The Center for Clinical and Translational Science, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio
- James Comprehensive Cancer Center, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio
- Dorothy M. Davis Heart & Lung Research Institute, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio
- Department of Radiation Oncology, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio
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Improving mRNA-Based Therapeutic Gene Delivery by Expression-Augmenting 3' UTRs Identified by Cellular Library Screening. Mol Ther 2018; 27:824-836. [PMID: 30638957 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymthe.2018.12.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 174] [Impact Index Per Article: 29.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2018] [Revised: 12/11/2018] [Accepted: 12/11/2018] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Synthetic mRNA has emerged as a powerful tool for the transfer of genetic information, and it is being explored for a variety of therapeutic applications. Many of these applications require prolonged intracellular persistence of mRNA to improve bioavailability of the encoded protein. mRNA molecules are intrinsically unstable and their intracellular kinetics depend on the UTRs embracing the coding sequence, in particular the 3' UTR elements. We describe here a novel and generally applicable cell-based selection process for the identification of 3' UTRs that augment the expression of proteins encoded by synthetic mRNA. Moreover, we show, for two applications of mRNA therapeutics, namely, (1) the delivery of vaccine antigens in order to mount T cell immune responses and (2) the introduction of reprogramming factors into differentiated cells in order to induce pluripotency, that mRNAs tagged with the 3' UTR elements discovered in this study outperform those with commonly used 3' UTRs. This approach further leverages the utility of mRNA as a gene therapy drug format.
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Kocmik I, Piecyk K, Rudzinska M, Niedzwiecka A, Darzynkiewicz E, Grzela R, Jankowska-Anyszka M. Modified ARCA analogs providing enhanced translational properties of capped mRNAs. Cell Cycle 2018; 17:1624-1636. [PMID: 29954234 DOI: 10.1080/15384101.2018.1486164] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Nowadays gene manipulation techniques ("DNA therapy") undergo progressive development and become widely used in industry and medicine. Since new advances in mRNA technologies are capable for obtaining particles with increased stability and translational efficiency, RNA become an attractive alternative for advancement of DNA therapy. For the past years studies have been conducted to explore different modification in mRNA cap structure and its effect on RNA properties. Recently we have shown that modification of the cap structure at the N2 position of 7-methylguanosine leads to an enhancement in translation inhibition. Currently, we have decided to exploit translational properties of mRNA capped with the ARCA (anti-reversed cap) analogs modified within N2 position of purine moiety s. We designed and synthesized three new dinucleotide cap analogs and investigated them in the rabbit reticulocyte lysate (RRL) and the human embryonic kidney derived HEK293 cell line, in vitro translational model systems. The obtained data indicate that, in both translational assays, the cap analogs synthesized by us when incorporated into mRNA improved its translational properties compared to the ARCA capped transcripts. Furthermore, the introduced modifications enhanced stability of the capped transcripts in HEK293 cells, which become higher compared to that of the transcripts capped with regular cap or with ARCA. Additionally one of the synthesized cap analogs revealed strong translation inhibition potency in RRL system, with IC50 value 1.7 µM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ilona Kocmik
- a Faculty of Chemistry , University of Warsaw , Warsaw , Poland
| | - Karolina Piecyk
- a Faculty of Chemistry , University of Warsaw , Warsaw , Poland
| | | | - Anna Niedzwiecka
- c Laboratory of Biological Physics , Institute of Physics, Polish Academy of Sciences , Warsaw , Poland
| | - Edward Darzynkiewicz
- b Centre of New Technologies , University of Warsaw , Warsaw , Poland.,d Division of Biophysics, Institute of Experimental Physics, Faculty of Physics , University of Warsaw , Warsaw , Poland
| | - Renata Grzela
- b Centre of New Technologies , University of Warsaw , Warsaw , Poland
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Meng Z, O'Keeffe-Ahern J, Lyu J, Pierucci L, Zhou D, Wang W. A new developing class of gene delivery: messenger RNA-based therapeutics. Biomater Sci 2018; 5:2381-2392. [PMID: 29063914 DOI: 10.1039/c7bm00712d] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Gene therapy has long been held as having the potential to become a front line treatment for various genetic disorders. However, the direct delivery of nucleic acids to correct a genetic disorder has numerous limitations owing to the inability of naked nucleic acids (DNA and RNA) to traverse the cell membrane. Recently, messenger RNA (mRNA) based delivery has become a more attractive alternative to DNA due to the relatively easier transfection process, higher efficiency and safety profile. As with all gene therapies, the central challenge that remains is the efficient delivery of nucleic acids intracellularly. This review presents the recent progress in mRNA delivery, focusing on comparing the advantages and limitations of non-viral based delivery vectors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhao Meng
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300072, China
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39
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Wu C, Liu W, Ruan T, Zhu X, Tao K, Zhang W. Overexpression of mRNA-decapping enzyme 1a affects survival rate in colorectal carcinoma. Oncol Lett 2018; 16:1095-1100. [PMID: 29963186 DOI: 10.3892/ol.2018.8730] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2017] [Accepted: 02/02/2018] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Processing bodies (P-bodies) are one of the most well understood types of RNA granules, and are associated with a variety of diseases, including cancer. mRNA-decapping enzyme 1a (DCP1a), which may be used as a marker to analyze P-bodies, participates in the removal of the 5'-methylguanosine cap from eukaryotic mRNAs as a cofactor. The aim of the present study was to analyze the association between DCP1a expression and clinical features in colorectal carcinoma (CRC). The levels of DCP1a mRNA expression were detected by reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction assay in carcinoma and non-carcinoma tissues from 75 patients, while the protein expression levels were evaluated by immunohistochemistry and western blotting. Additional associations between DCP1a expression and clinical characteristics were analyzed by χ2 test and Cox regression analysis. In the 75 cases, the levels of DCP1a mRNA and protein expression were increased in colorectal carcinoma tissues compared with non-carcinoma tissues. A high expression of DCP1a was significantly associated with lower survival rates in patients with CRC compared with patients with low DCP1a expression (P=0.001). Associations with depth of invasion (P=0.008), lymph node metastasis (P=0.001) and tumor node metastasis stage (P=0.001) were also observed. Additional Cox regression analysis revealed that the DCP1a expression (P=0.012) is an independent factor in survival rate. It was also identified that DCP1a may have high expression in colorectal carcinoma tissues and be associated with poor prognosis. This suggests that DCP1a may be a diagnostic marker or prognostic indicator to assist with patient assessments and therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chuanqing Wu
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei 430022, P.R. China
| | - Weizhen Liu
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei 430022, P.R. China
| | - Tuo Ruan
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei 430022, P.R. China
| | - Xiaojie Zhu
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei 430022, P.R. China
| | - Kaixiong Tao
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei 430022, P.R. China
| | - Weikang Zhang
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei 430022, P.R. China
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40
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Prieve MG, Harvie P, Monahan SD, Roy D, Li AG, Blevins TL, Paschal AE, Waldheim M, Bell EC, Galperin A, Ella-Menye JR, Houston ME. Targeted mRNA Therapy for Ornithine Transcarbamylase Deficiency. Mol Ther 2018; 26:801-813. [PMID: 29433939 PMCID: PMC5910669 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymthe.2017.12.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 80] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2017] [Revised: 12/21/2017] [Accepted: 12/28/2017] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
We describe a novel, two-nanoparticle mRNA delivery system and show that it is highly effective as a means of intracellular enzyme replacement therapy (i-ERT) using a murine model of ornithine transcarbamylase deficiency (OTCD). Our Hybrid mRNA Technology delivery system (HMT) comprises an inert lipid nanoparticle that protects the mRNA from nucleases in the blood as it distributes to the liver and a polymer micelle that targets hepatocytes and triggers endosomal release of mRNA. This results in high-level synthesis of the desired protein specifically in the liver. HMT delivery of human OTC mRNA normalizes plasma ammonia and urinary orotic acid levels, and leads to a prolonged survival benefit in the murine OTCD model. HMT represents a unique, non-viral mRNA delivery method that allows multi-dose, systemic administration for treatment of single-gene inherited metabolic diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mary G Prieve
- PhaseRx, Inc., 410 W. Harrison Street, Suite 300, Seattle, WA 98119, USA.
| | - Pierrot Harvie
- PhaseRx, Inc., 410 W. Harrison Street, Suite 300, Seattle, WA 98119, USA
| | - Sean D Monahan
- PhaseRx, Inc., 410 W. Harrison Street, Suite 300, Seattle, WA 98119, USA
| | - Debashish Roy
- PhaseRx, Inc., 410 W. Harrison Street, Suite 300, Seattle, WA 98119, USA
| | - Allen G Li
- PhaseRx, Inc., 410 W. Harrison Street, Suite 300, Seattle, WA 98119, USA
| | - Teri L Blevins
- PhaseRx, Inc., 410 W. Harrison Street, Suite 300, Seattle, WA 98119, USA
| | - Amber E Paschal
- PhaseRx, Inc., 410 W. Harrison Street, Suite 300, Seattle, WA 98119, USA
| | - Matt Waldheim
- PhaseRx, Inc., 410 W. Harrison Street, Suite 300, Seattle, WA 98119, USA
| | - Eric C Bell
- PhaseRx, Inc., 410 W. Harrison Street, Suite 300, Seattle, WA 98119, USA
| | - Anna Galperin
- PhaseRx, Inc., 410 W. Harrison Street, Suite 300, Seattle, WA 98119, USA
| | | | - Michael E Houston
- PhaseRx, Inc., 410 W. Harrison Street, Suite 300, Seattle, WA 98119, USA
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41
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Kwon H, Kim M, Seo Y, Moon YS, Lee HJ, Lee K, Lee H. Emergence of synthetic mRNA: In vitro synthesis of mRNA and its applications in regenerative medicine. Biomaterials 2017; 156:172-193. [PMID: 29197748 DOI: 10.1016/j.biomaterials.2017.11.034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 104] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2017] [Revised: 10/25/2017] [Accepted: 11/21/2017] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
The field of gene therapy has evolved over the past two decades after the first introduction of nucleic acid drugs, such as plasmid DNA (pDNA). With the development of in vitro transcription (IVT) methods, synthetic mRNA has become an emerging class of gene therapy. IVT mRNA has several advantages over conventional pDNA for the expression of target proteins. mRNA does not require nuclear localization to mediate protein translation. The intracellular process for protein expression is much simpler and there is no potential risk of insertion mutagenesis. Having these advantages, the level of protein expression is far enhanced as comparable to that of viral expression systems. This makes IVT mRNA a powerful alternative gene expression system for various applications in regenerative medicine. In this review, we highlight the synthesis and preparation of IVT mRNA and its therapeutic applications. The article includes the design and preparation of IVT mRNA, chemical modification of IVT mRNA, and therapeutic applications of IVT mRNA in cellular reprogramming, stem cell engineering, and protein replacement therapy. Finally, future perspectives and challenges of IVT mRNA are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hyokyoung Kwon
- College of Pharmacy, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ewha Womans University, Seoul 03760, Republic of Korea
| | - Minjeong Kim
- College of Pharmacy, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ewha Womans University, Seoul 03760, Republic of Korea
| | - Yunmi Seo
- College of Pharmacy, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ewha Womans University, Seoul 03760, Republic of Korea
| | - Yae Seul Moon
- College of Pharmacy, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ewha Womans University, Seoul 03760, Republic of Korea
| | - Hwa Jeong Lee
- College of Pharmacy, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ewha Womans University, Seoul 03760, Republic of Korea
| | - Kyuri Lee
- College of Pharmacy, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ewha Womans University, Seoul 03760, Republic of Korea.
| | - Hyukjin Lee
- College of Pharmacy, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ewha Womans University, Seoul 03760, Republic of Korea.
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42
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Rydzik AM, Warminski M, Sikorski PJ, Baranowski MR, Walczak S, Kowalska J, Zuberek J, Lukaszewicz M, Nowak E, W Claridge TD, Darzynkiewicz E, Nowotny M, Jemielity J. mRNA cap analogues substituted in the tetraphosphate chain with CX2: identification of O-to-CCl2 as the first bridging modification that confers resistance to decapping without impairing translation. Nucleic Acids Res 2017; 45:8661-8675. [PMID: 28666355 PMCID: PMC5587727 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkx569] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2016] [Accepted: 06/20/2017] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Analogues of the mRNA 5'-cap are useful tools for studying mRNA translation and degradation, with emerging potential applications in novel therapeutic interventions including gene therapy. We report the synthesis of novel mono- and dinucleotide cap analogues containing dihalogenmethylenebisphosphonate moiety (i.e. one of the bridging O atom substituted with CCl2 or CF2) and their properties in the context of cellular translational and decapping machineries, compared to phosphate-unmodified and previously reported CH2-substituted caps. The analogues were bound tightly to eukaryotic translation initiation factor 4E (eIF4E), with CCl2-substituted analogues having the highest affinity. When incorporated into mRNA, the CCl2-substituted dinucleotide most efficiently promoted cap-dependent translation. Moreover, the CCl2-analogues were potent inhibitors of translation in rabbit reticulocyte lysate. The crystal structure of eIF4E in complex with the CCl2-analogue revealed a significantly different ligand conformation compared to that of the unmodified cap analogue, which likely contributes to the improved binding. Both CCl2- and CF2- analogues showed lower susceptibility to hydrolysis by the decapping scavenger enzyme (DcpS) and, when incorporated into RNA, conferred stability against major cellular decapping enzyme (Dcp2) to transcripts. Furthermore, the use of difluoromethylene cap analogues was exemplified by the development of 19F NMR assays for DcpS activity and eIF4E binding.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna M Rydzik
- Division of Biophysics, Institute of Experimental Physics, Faculty of Physics, University of Warsaw, Zwirki i Wigury 93, 02-089 Warsaw, Poland.,Chemistry Research Laboratory, University of Oxford, 12 Mansfield Road, Oxford OX1 3TA, UK
| | - Marcin Warminski
- Division of Biophysics, Institute of Experimental Physics, Faculty of Physics, University of Warsaw, Zwirki i Wigury 93, 02-089 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Pawel J Sikorski
- Centre of New Technologies, University of Warsaw, Banacha 2c, 02-097 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Marek R Baranowski
- Division of Biophysics, Institute of Experimental Physics, Faculty of Physics, University of Warsaw, Zwirki i Wigury 93, 02-089 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Sylwia Walczak
- Centre of New Technologies, University of Warsaw, Banacha 2c, 02-097 Warsaw, Poland.,College of Inter-Faculty Individual Studies in Mathematics and Natural Sciences, University of Warsaw, Zwirki i Wigury 93, 02-089 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Joanna Kowalska
- Division of Biophysics, Institute of Experimental Physics, Faculty of Physics, University of Warsaw, Zwirki i Wigury 93, 02-089 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Joanna Zuberek
- Division of Biophysics, Institute of Experimental Physics, Faculty of Physics, University of Warsaw, Zwirki i Wigury 93, 02-089 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Maciej Lukaszewicz
- Division of Biophysics, Institute of Experimental Physics, Faculty of Physics, University of Warsaw, Zwirki i Wigury 93, 02-089 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Elzbieta Nowak
- Laboratory of Protein Structure, International Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology, 4 Ksiecia Trojdena Street, 02-109 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Timothy D W Claridge
- Chemistry Research Laboratory, University of Oxford, 12 Mansfield Road, Oxford OX1 3TA, UK
| | - Edward Darzynkiewicz
- Division of Biophysics, Institute of Experimental Physics, Faculty of Physics, University of Warsaw, Zwirki i Wigury 93, 02-089 Warsaw, Poland.,Centre of New Technologies, University of Warsaw, Banacha 2c, 02-097 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Marcin Nowotny
- Laboratory of Protein Structure, International Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology, 4 Ksiecia Trojdena Street, 02-109 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Jacek Jemielity
- Centre of New Technologies, University of Warsaw, Banacha 2c, 02-097 Warsaw, Poland
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43
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Mamot A, Sikorski PJ, Warminski M, Kowalska J, Jemielity J. Azido-Functionalized 5′ Cap Analogues for the Preparation of Translationally Active mRNAs Suitable for Fluorescent Labeling in Living Cells. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2017. [DOI: 10.1002/ange.201709052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Adam Mamot
- University of Warsaw; Centre of New Technologies; Laboratory of Bioorganic Chemistry; Banacha 2c 02-097 Warsaw Poland
- University of Warsaw; Faculty of Chemistry; Pasteura 1 02-093 Warsaw Poland
| | - Pawel J. Sikorski
- University of Warsaw; Centre of New Technologies; Laboratory of Bioorganic Chemistry; Banacha 2c 02-097 Warsaw Poland
| | - Marcin Warminski
- University of Warsaw; Faculty of Physics; Institute of Experimental Physics, Division of Biophysics; Pasteura 5 02-093 Warsaw Poland
| | - Joanna Kowalska
- University of Warsaw; Faculty of Physics; Institute of Experimental Physics, Division of Biophysics; Pasteura 5 02-093 Warsaw Poland
| | - Jacek Jemielity
- University of Warsaw; Centre of New Technologies; Laboratory of Bioorganic Chemistry; Banacha 2c 02-097 Warsaw Poland
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44
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Mamot A, Sikorski PJ, Warminski M, Kowalska J, Jemielity J. Azido-Functionalized 5' Cap Analogues for the Preparation of Translationally Active mRNAs Suitable for Fluorescent Labeling in Living Cells. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2017; 56:15628-15632. [PMID: 29048718 DOI: 10.1002/anie.201709052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2017] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
The 7-methylguanosine (m7 G) cap structure is a unique feature present at the 5' ends of messenger RNAs (mRNAs), and it can be subjected to extensive modifications, resulting in alterations to mRNA properties (e.g. translatability, susceptibility to degradation). It also can provide molecular tools to study mRNA metabolism. We developed new mRNA 5' cap analogues that enable the site-specific labeling of RNA at the 5' end using strain-promoted azide-alkyne cycloaddition (SPAAC) without disrupting the basic function of mRNA in protein biosynthesis. Some of these azide-functionalized compounds are equipped with additional modifications to augment mRNA properties. The application of these tools was demonstrated by labeling translationally active mRNAs in living cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adam Mamot
- University of Warsaw, Centre of New Technologies, Laboratory of Bioorganic Chemistry, Banacha 2c, 02-097, Warsaw, Poland.,University of Warsaw, Faculty of Chemistry, Pasteura 1, 02-093, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Pawel J Sikorski
- University of Warsaw, Centre of New Technologies, Laboratory of Bioorganic Chemistry, Banacha 2c, 02-097, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Marcin Warminski
- University of Warsaw, Faculty of Physics, Institute of Experimental Physics, Division of Biophysics, Pasteura 5, 02-093, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Joanna Kowalska
- University of Warsaw, Faculty of Physics, Institute of Experimental Physics, Division of Biophysics, Pasteura 5, 02-093, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Jacek Jemielity
- University of Warsaw, Centre of New Technologies, Laboratory of Bioorganic Chemistry, Banacha 2c, 02-097, Warsaw, Poland
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45
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Granot Y, Peer D. Delivering the right message: Challenges and opportunities in lipid nanoparticles-mediated modified mRNA therapeutics-An innate immune system standpoint. Semin Immunol 2017; 34:68-77. [PMID: 28890238 DOI: 10.1016/j.smim.2017.08.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 95] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2017] [Revised: 08/29/2017] [Accepted: 08/30/2017] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
mRNA molecules hold tremendous potential as a tool for gene therapy of a wide range of diseases. However, the main hurdle in implementation of mRNA for therapeutics, the systemic delivery of mRNA molecules to target cells, remains a challenge. A feasible solution for this challenge relies in the rapidly evolving field of nucleic acid-loaded nanocarriers and specifically in the established family of lipid-based nanoparticles (LNPs). Herein, we will discuss the main factors, which determine the fate of modified mRNA (mmRNA)-loaded LNPs in-vivo, and will focus on their interactions with the innate immune system as a main consideration in the design of lipid-based mmRNA delivery platforms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yasmin Granot
- Laboratory of Precision NanoMedicine, Dept. of Cell Research & Immunology, George S. Wise Faculty of Life Sciences, Tel Aviv 69978, Israel; Dept. of Materials Sciences and Engineering, Iby and Aladar Fleischman Faculty of Engineering, Tel Aviv 69978, Israel; Center for Nanoscience and Nanotechnology, Tel Aviv 69978, Israel; Cancer Biology Research Center, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 69978, Israel
| | - Dan Peer
- Laboratory of Precision NanoMedicine, Dept. of Cell Research & Immunology, George S. Wise Faculty of Life Sciences, Tel Aviv 69978, Israel; Dept. of Materials Sciences and Engineering, Iby and Aladar Fleischman Faculty of Engineering, Tel Aviv 69978, Israel; Center for Nanoscience and Nanotechnology, Tel Aviv 69978, Israel; Cancer Biology Research Center, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 69978, Israel.
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46
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Schrom E, Huber M, Aneja M, Dohmen C, Emrich D, Geiger J, Hasenpusch G, Herrmann-Janson A, Kretzschmann V, Mykhailyk O, Pasewald T, Oak P, Hilgendorff A, Wohlleber D, Hoymann HG, Schaudien D, Plank C, Rudolph C, Kubisch-Dohmen R. Translation of Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme 2 upon Liver- and Lung-Targeted Delivery of Optimized Chemically Modified mRNA. MOLECULAR THERAPY. NUCLEIC ACIDS 2017; 7:350-365. [PMID: 28624211 PMCID: PMC5423349 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtn.2017.04.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2017] [Revised: 04/07/2017] [Accepted: 04/07/2017] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Changes in lifestyle and environmental conditions give rise to an increasing prevalence of liver and lung fibrosis, and both have a poor prognosis. Promising results have been reported for recombinant angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) protein administration in experimental liver and lung fibrosis. However, the full potential of ACE2 may be achieved by localized translation of a membrane-anchored form. For this purpose, we advanced the latest RNA technology for liver- and lung-targeted ACE2 translation. We demonstrated in vitro that transfection with ACE2 chemically modified messenger RNA (cmRNA) leads to robust translation of fully matured, membrane-anchored ACE2 protein. In a second step, we designed eight modified ACE2 cmRNA sequences and identified a lead sequence for in vivo application. Finally, formulation of this ACE2 cmRNA in tailor-made lipidoid nanoparticles and in lipid nanoparticles led to liver- and lung-targeted translation of significant amounts of ACE2 protein, respectively. In summary, we provide evidence that RNA transcript therapy (RTT) is a promising approach for ACE2-based treatment of liver and lung fibrosis to be tested in fibrotic disease models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eva Schrom
- Department of Pediatrics, LMU Munich, 80802 Munich, Germany; Ethris GmbH, 82152 Planegg, Germany
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Prajakta Oak
- Comprehensive Pneumology Center, Institute of Lung Biology and Disease, Helmholtz Zentrum Munich, 81377 Munich, Germany
| | - Anne Hilgendorff
- Comprehensive Pneumology Center, Institute of Lung Biology and Disease, Helmholtz Zentrum Munich, 81377 Munich, Germany
| | - Dirk Wohlleber
- Institute of Molecular Immunology and Experimental Oncology, TU Munich, 81675 Munich, Germany
| | - Heinz-Gerd Hoymann
- Fraunhofer Institute for Toxicology and Experimental Medicine, 30625 Hannover, Germany
| | - Dirk Schaudien
- Fraunhofer Institute for Toxicology and Experimental Medicine, 30625 Hannover, Germany
| | - Christian Plank
- Ethris GmbH, 82152 Planegg, Germany; Institute of Molecular Immunology and Experimental Oncology, TU Munich, 81675 Munich, Germany
| | - Carsten Rudolph
- Department of Pediatrics, LMU Munich, 80802 Munich, Germany; Ethris GmbH, 82152 Planegg, Germany.
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47
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Elimination of large tumors in mice by mRNA-encoded bispecific antibodies. Nat Med 2017; 23:815-817. [PMID: 28604701 DOI: 10.1038/nm.4356] [Citation(s) in RCA: 158] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2016] [Accepted: 05/16/2017] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
The potential of bispecific T cell-engaging antibodies is hindered by manufacturing challenges and short serum half-life. We circumvented these limitations by treating mice with in vitro-transcribed pharmacologically optimized, nucleoside-modified mRNA encoding the antibody. We achieved sustained endogenous synthesis of the antibody, which eliminated advanced tumors as effectively as the corresponding purified bispecific antibody. Because manufacturing of pharmaceutical mRNA is fast, this approach could accelerate the clinical development of novel bispecific antibodies.
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48
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Charge-altering releasable transporters (CARTs) for the delivery and release of mRNA in living animals. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2017; 114:E448-E456. [PMID: 28069945 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1614193114] [Citation(s) in RCA: 179] [Impact Index Per Article: 25.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Functional delivery of mRNA to tissues in the body is key to implementing fundamentally new and potentially transformative strategies for vaccination, protein replacement therapy, and genome editing, collectively affecting approaches for the prevention, detection, and treatment of disease. Broadly applicable tools for the efficient delivery of mRNA into cultured cells would advance many areas of research, and effective and safe in vivo mRNA delivery could fundamentally transform clinical practice. Here we report the step-economical synthesis and evaluation of a tunable and effective class of synthetic biodegradable materials: charge-altering releasable transporters (CARTs) for mRNA delivery into cells. CARTs are structurally unique and operate through an unprecedented mechanism, serving initially as oligo(α-amino ester) cations that complex, protect, and deliver mRNA and then change physical properties through a degradative, charge-neutralizing intramolecular rearrangement, leading to intracellular release of functional mRNA and highly efficient protein translation. With demonstrated utility in both cultured cells and animals, this mRNA delivery technology should be broadly applicable to numerous research and therapeutic applications.
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49
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Abstract
RNA vaccines are attractive, because they exhibit characteristics of subunit vaccines and live-attenuated vectors, including flexible production and induction of both humoral and cellular immunity. While human proof-of-concept for RNA vaccines is still pending, the nascent field of RNA therapeutics has already attracted substantial industry and government funding as well as record investments of private venture capital. Most recently, the WHO acknowledged messenger RNA (mRNA) as a new therapeutic class. In this chapter, we briefly review key developments in RNA vaccines and outline the contents of this volume of Methods in Molecular Biology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Kramps
- Boehringer Ingelheim Pharma GmbH & Co. KG, Binger Strasse 173, 55216, Ingelheim am Rhein, Germany.
| | - Knut Elbers
- Boehringer Ingelheim GmbH, Binger Strasse 173, 55216, Ingelheim am Rhein, Germany.
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50
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Ferizi M, Aneja MK, Balmayor ER, Badieyan ZS, Mykhaylyk O, Rudolph C, Plank C. Human cellular CYBA UTR sequences increase mRNA translation without affecting the half-life of recombinant RNA transcripts. Sci Rep 2016; 6:39149. [PMID: 27974853 PMCID: PMC5156912 DOI: 10.1038/srep39149] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2016] [Accepted: 11/18/2016] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Modified nucleotide chemistries that increase the half-life (T1/2) of transfected recombinant mRNA and the use of non-native 5'- and 3'-untranslated region (UTR) sequences that enhance protein translation are advancing the prospects of transcript therapy. To this end, a set of UTR sequences that are present in mRNAs with long cellular T1/2 were synthesized and cloned as five different recombinant sequence set combinations as upstream 5'-UTR and/or downstream 3'-UTR regions flanking a reporter gene. Initial screening in two different cell systems in vitro revealed that cytochrome b-245 alpha chain (CYBA) combinations performed the best among all other UTR combinations and were characterized in detail. The presence or absence of CYBA UTRs had no impact on the mRNA stability of transfected mRNAs, but appeared to enhance the productivity of transfected transcripts based on the measurement of mRNA and protein levels in cells. When CYBA UTRs were fused to human bone morphogenetic protein 2 (hBMP2) coding sequence, the recombinant mRNA transcripts upon transfection produced higher levels of protein as compared to control transcripts. Moreover, transfection of human adipose mesenchymal stem cells with recombinant hBMP2-CYBA UTR transcripts induced bone differentiation demonstrating the osteogenic and therapeutic potential for transcript therapy based on hybrid UTR designs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mehrije Ferizi
- Institute of Molecular Immunology- Experimental Oncology, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technische Universität München, Munich, 81675, Germany
- Ethris GmbH, Planegg, 82152, Germany
| | | | - Elizabeth R. Balmayor
- Experimental Trauma Surgery, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technische Universität München, Munich, 81675, Germany
| | - Zohreh Sadat Badieyan
- Institute of Molecular Immunology- Experimental Oncology, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technische Universität München, Munich, 81675, Germany
| | - Olga Mykhaylyk
- Institute of Molecular Immunology- Experimental Oncology, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technische Universität München, Munich, 81675, Germany
- Ethris GmbH, Planegg, 82152, Germany
| | | | - Christian Plank
- Institute of Molecular Immunology- Experimental Oncology, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technische Universität München, Munich, 81675, Germany
- Ethris GmbH, Planegg, 82152, Germany
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