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Jurj A, Fontana B, Varani G, Calin GA. Small molecules targeting microRNAs: new opportunities and challenges in precision cancer therapy. Trends Cancer 2024; 10:809-824. [PMID: 39107162 DOI: 10.1016/j.trecan.2024.06.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2023] [Revised: 06/17/2024] [Accepted: 06/20/2024] [Indexed: 08/09/2024]
Abstract
Noncoding RNAs, especially miRNAs, play a pivotal role in cancer initiation and metastasis, underscoring their susceptibility to precise modulation via small molecule inhibitors. This review examines the innovative strategy of targeting oncogenic miRNAs with small drug-like molecules, an approach that can reshape the cancer treatment landscape. We review the current understanding of the multifaceted roles of miRNAs in oncogenesis, highlighting emerging therapeutic paradigms that have the potential to expand cancer treatment options. As research on small molecule inhibitors of miRNA is still in its early stages, ongoing investigative efforts and the development of new technologies and chemical matter are essential to fulfill the significant potential of this innovative approach to cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ancuta Jurj
- Department of Translational Molecular Pathology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Beatrice Fontana
- Department of Translational Molecular Pathology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA; Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences (DIMEC), Alma Mater Studiorum University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Gabriele Varani
- Department of Chemistry, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA.
| | - George A Calin
- Department of Translational Molecular Pathology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA; Center for RNA Interference and Non-Coding RNAs, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA.
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2
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Tadesse K, Benhamou RI. Targeting MicroRNAs with Small Molecules. Noncoding RNA 2024; 10:17. [PMID: 38525736 PMCID: PMC10961812 DOI: 10.3390/ncrna10020017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2024] [Revised: 03/07/2024] [Accepted: 03/10/2024] [Indexed: 03/26/2024] Open
Abstract
MicroRNAs (miRs) have been implicated in numerous diseases, presenting an attractive target for the development of novel therapeutics. The various regulatory roles of miRs in cellular processes underscore the need for precise strategies. Recent advances in RNA research offer hope by enabling the identification of small molecules capable of selectively targeting specific disease-associated miRs. This understanding paves the way for developing small molecules that can modulate the activity of disease-associated miRs. Herein, we discuss the progress made in the field of drug discovery processes, transforming the landscape of miR-targeted therapeutics by small molecules. By leveraging various approaches, researchers can systematically identify compounds to modulate miR function, providing a more potent intervention either by inhibiting or degrading miRs. The implementation of these multidisciplinary approaches bears the potential to revolutionize treatments for diverse diseases, signifying a significant stride towards the targeting of miRs by precision medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Raphael I. Benhamou
- The Institute for Drug Research of the School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem 91120, Israel
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3
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Haniff HS, Liu X, Tong Y, Meyer SM, Knerr L, Lemurell M, Abegg D, Aikawa H, Adibekian A, Disney MD. A structure-specific small molecule inhibits a miRNA-200 family member precursor and reverses a type 2 diabetes phenotype. Cell Chem Biol 2022; 29:300-311.e10. [PMID: 34320373 PMCID: PMC8867599 DOI: 10.1016/j.chembiol.2021.07.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2020] [Revised: 05/07/2021] [Accepted: 07/02/2021] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
MicroRNA families are ubiquitous in the human transcriptome, yet targeting of individual members is challenging because of sequence homology. Many secondary structures of the precursors to these miRNAs (pri- and pre-miRNAs), however, are quite different. Here, we demonstrate both in vitro and in cellulis that design of structure-specific small molecules can inhibit a particular miRNA family member to modulate a disease pathway. The miR-200 family consists of five miRNAs, miR-200a, -200b, -200c, -141, and -429, and is associated with type 2 diabetes (T2D). We designed a small molecule that potently and selectively targets pre-miR-200c's structure and reverses a pro-apoptotic effect in a pancreatic β cell model. In contrast, an oligonucleotide targeting the RNA's sequence inhibited all family members. Global proteomics and RNA sequencing analyses further demonstrate selectivity for miR-200c. Collectively, these studies establish that miR-200c plays an important role in T2D, and small molecules targeting RNA structure can be an important complement to oligonucleotides.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hafeez S. Haniff
- The Scripps Research Institute, Department of Chemistry, 130 Scripps Way, Jupiter, FL 33458, USA,These authors contributed equally
| | - Xiaohui Liu
- The Scripps Research Institute, Department of Chemistry, 130 Scripps Way, Jupiter, FL 33458, USA,These authors contributed equally
| | - Yuquan Tong
- The Scripps Research Institute, Department of Chemistry, 130 Scripps Way, Jupiter, FL 33458, USA
| | - Samantha M. Meyer
- The Scripps Research Institute, Department of Chemistry, 130 Scripps Way, Jupiter, FL 33458, USA
| | - Laurent Knerr
- Medicinal Chemistry, Research and Early Development Cardiovascular, Renal and Metabolism, BioPharmaceuticals R&D, AstraZeneca, Pepparedsleden, 1, Gothenburg, Mölndal 431 83, Sweden
| | - Malin Lemurell
- Medicinal Chemistry, Research and Early Development Cardiovascular, Renal and Metabolism, BioPharmaceuticals R&D, AstraZeneca, Pepparedsleden, 1, Gothenburg, Mölndal 431 83, Sweden
| | - Daniel Abegg
- The Scripps Research Institute, Department of Chemistry, 130 Scripps Way, Jupiter, FL 33458, USA
| | - Haruo Aikawa
- The Scripps Research Institute, Department of Chemistry, 130 Scripps Way, Jupiter, FL 33458, USA
| | - Alexander Adibekian
- The Scripps Research Institute, Department of Chemistry, 130 Scripps Way, Jupiter, FL 33458, USA
| | - Matthew D. Disney
- The Scripps Research Institute, Department of Chemistry, 130 Scripps Way, Jupiter, FL 33458, USA,To whom correspondence is addressed;
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4
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Benhamou RI, Choudhary S, Lekah E, Tong Y, Disney MD. Bioinformatic Searching for Optimal RNA Targets of Dimeric Compounds Informs Design of a MicroRNA-27a Inhibitor. ACS Chem Biol 2022; 17:5-10. [PMID: 34898169 PMCID: PMC9594105 DOI: 10.1021/acschembio.1c00395] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
Abstract
Various studies have shown that selective molecular recognition of RNA targets by small molecules in cells, although challenging, is indeed possible. One facile strategy to enhance selectivity and potency is binding two or more sites within an RNA simultaneously with a single molecule. To simplify the identification of targets amenable to such a strategy, we informatically mined all human microRNA (miRNA) precursors to identify those with two proximal noncanonically paired sites. We selected oncogenic microRNA-27a (miR-27a) for further study as a lead molecule binds its Drosha site and a nearby internal loop, affording a homodimer that potently and specifically inhibits miR-27a processing in both breast cancer and prostate cancer cells. This reduction of mature miR-27a ameliorates an oncogenic cellular phenotype with nanomolar activity. Collectively, these studies demonstrate that synergistic bioinformatic and experimental approaches can define targets that may be more amenable to small molecule targeting than others.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raphael I. Benhamou
- Department of Chemistry, The Scripps Research Institute, Jupiter, Florida 33458, United States
| | - Shruti Choudhary
- Department of Chemistry, The Scripps Research Institute, Jupiter, Florida 33458, United States
| | - Elizabeth Lekah
- Department of Chemistry, The Scripps Research Institute, Jupiter, Florida 33458, United States
| | - Yuquan Tong
- Department of Chemistry, The Scripps Research Institute, Jupiter, Florida 33458, United States
| | - Matthew D. Disney
- Department of Chemistry, The Scripps Research Institute, Jupiter, Florida 33458, United States
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5
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Ma N, Fan L, Dong Y, Xu X, Yu C, Chen J, Ren J. New PCSK9 inhibitor miR-552-3p reduces LDL-C via enhancing LDLR in high fat diet-fed mice. Pharmacol Res 2021; 167:105562. [PMID: 33737240 DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2021.105562] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2020] [Revised: 03/12/2021] [Accepted: 03/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
PCSK9 has emerged as a promising new therapeutic target for hyperlipidemia. The efficacy of PCSK9 siRNA in clinic trials clues the feasibility of exploring more PCSK9 inhibitors based on genetic inhibition in the treatment of hyperlipidemia. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) as a class of endogenous non-coding small RNAs can regulate genes at transcriptional and/or translational level. Here, we screened miRNAs from the prediction of TargetScan database with possible inhibitory activities in PCSK9 protein level via AlphaLISA and Western blotting, in which miR-552-3p was selected out for its strongest inhibitory effect. MiR-552-3p could bind to the 3' untranslated region (3'-UTR) of PCSK9 to inhibit translation and interact with the promoter of PCSK9 to suppress transcription. Further in vitro and in vivo experiments proved the effects of miR-552-3p on PCSK9 and downstream effectors: it could increase LDLR protein level, promote LDL-C uptake in HepG2 cells and lower serum LDL-C in high fat diet (HFD)-fed mice. In conclusion, our findings firstly identified miR-552-3p as a new PCSK9 inhibitor with the dual-inhibition mechanism, which suggested the possible application of miR-552-3p in the treatment of hyperlipidemia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ningning Ma
- Center for Drug Safety Evaluation and Research, State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 501 Haike Road, Shanghai 201203, China; School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, 100 Haike Road, Shanghai 201210, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, No.19 A Yuquan Road, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Lei Fan
- Center for Drug Safety Evaluation and Research, State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 501 Haike Road, Shanghai 201203, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, No.19 A Yuquan Road, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Yunxia Dong
- Center for Drug Safety Evaluation and Research, State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 501 Haike Road, Shanghai 201203, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, No.19 A Yuquan Road, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Xiaoding Xu
- Center for Drug Safety Evaluation and Research, State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 501 Haike Road, Shanghai 201203, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, No.19 A Yuquan Road, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Chuwei Yu
- Center for Drug Safety Evaluation and Research, State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 501 Haike Road, Shanghai 201203, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, No.19 A Yuquan Road, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Jing Chen
- Center for Drug Safety Evaluation and Research, State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 501 Haike Road, Shanghai 201203, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, No.19 A Yuquan Road, Beijing 100049, China.
| | - Jin Ren
- Center for Drug Safety Evaluation and Research, State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 501 Haike Road, Shanghai 201203, China; School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, 100 Haike Road, Shanghai 201210, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, No.19 A Yuquan Road, Beijing 100049, China.
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6
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Brok J, Mavinkurve-Groothuis AMC, Drost J, Perotti D, Geller JI, Walz AL, Geoerger B, Pasqualini C, Verschuur A, Polanco A, Jones KP, van den Heuvel-Eibrink M, Graf N, Spreafico F. Unmet needs for relapsed or refractory Wilms tumour: Mapping the molecular features, exploring organoids and designing early phase trials - A collaborative SIOP-RTSG, COG and ITCC session at the first SIOPE meeting. Eur J Cancer 2020; 144:113-122. [PMID: 33341445 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejca.2020.11.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2020] [Revised: 10/22/2020] [Accepted: 11/10/2020] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
Wilms tumour (WT) accounts for about 6% of all childhood cancers and overall survival of WT is about 90% in international protocols. However, for WT subgroups with much poorer prognoses, i.e. typically high-risk (unfavorable) histology and/or relapse, there is an unmet need to better understand the biology of WT and to translate biological findings into clinics through early phase clinical trials that evaluate innovative therapies. The main challenges are the small numbers of children suitable for early phase trials, the genetic heterogeneity of WT and the low number of somatic mutations that are currently considered 'druggable'. Accordingly, a joint meeting between clinical and biology experts from the international cooperative groups of the Renal Tumour Study Group of the International Society of Paediatric Oncology, the Renal Tumour Committee of the Children's Oncology Group and the European Innovative Therapies for Children with Cancer consortium and parents representatives was organised during the first SIOPE meeting in Prague, 2019. We reviewed WT molecular features, ongoing/planned early phase trials and explored available knowledge on organoid technology. The key messages were: (1) relapsed WT should undergo whenever possible thorough molecular characterization and be enrolled in protocols or trials with systematic data collecting and reporting; (2) WT displays few known 'actionable' targets and currently no novel agent has appeared promising; (3) we need to improve the enrolment rate of WT candidates in early phase trials especially for the relatively small subgroup of relapses with an adverse prognostic signature; (4) despite some agnostic early phase trials existing, development of WT-focused trials are warranted; (5) growing organoids with parallel testing of drug panels seems feasible and may direct individual treatment and encourage clinical researchers to incorporate the most promising agents into early phase trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jesper Brok
- Developmental Biology and Cancer Research and Teaching Department, UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, University College London, UK; Department of Paediatric Haematology and Oncology, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen University Hospital, Denmark Division of Pediatric Oncology, Denmark.
| | | | - Jarno Drost
- Princess Máxima Center for Pediatric Oncology, Utrecht, the Netherlands; Oncode Institute, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Daniela Perotti
- Molecular Bases of Genetic Risk and Genetic Testing Unit, Department of Research, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale Dei Tumori, Milan, Italy
| | - James I Geller
- Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Amy L Walz
- Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Birgit Geoerger
- Gustave Roussy Cancer Center, Department of Pediatric and Adolescent Oncology, INSERM U1015, Université Paris-Saclay, Villejuif, France
| | - Claudia Pasqualini
- Gustave Roussy Cancer Center, Department of Pediatric and Adolescent Oncology, INSERM U1015, Université Paris-Saclay, Villejuif, France
| | - Arnauld Verschuur
- Dept. of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, Hôpital D'Enfants de La Timone, APHM, Marseille, France
| | - Angela Polanco
- National Cancer Research Institute Children's Group Consumer Representative, London, UK
| | - Kathy P Jones
- Developmental Biology and Cancer Research and Teaching Department, UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, University College London, UK
| | | | - Norbert Graf
- Dept. Haematology and Oncology, Saarland University Hospital, Homburg, Germany
| | - Filippo Spreafico
- Department of Medical Oncology and Hematology, Pediatric Oncology Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale Dei Tumori, Milan, Italy
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Abstract
Pediatric and adolescent renal tumors account for approximately 7% of all new cancer diagnoses in the USA each year. The prognosis and treatment are varied based on factors including the underlying histology and tumor stage, with survival rates ranging from greater than 90% in favorable histology Wilms tumor to almost universally fatal in other disease types, including those patients with advanced stage malignant rhabdoid tumor and renal medullary carcinoma. In recent years, our understanding of the underlying genetic drivers of the different types of pediatric kidney cancer has dramatically increased, opening the door to utilization of new targeted biologic agents alone or in combination with conventional chemotherapy to improve outcomes. Several ongoing clinical trials are investigating the use of a variety of targeted agents in pediatric patients with underlying genetic aberrations. In this manuscript, the underlying biology and early phase clinical trials relevant to pediatric renal cancers are reviewed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amy L Walz
- Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA.
| | | | - James I Geller
- Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, USA
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8
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Martin C, De Piccoli S, Gaysinski M, Becquart C, Azoulay S, Di Giorgio A, Duca M. Unveiling RNA‐Binding Properties of Verapamil and Preparation of New Derivatives as Inhibitors of HIV‐1 Tat‐TAR Interaction. Chempluschem 2020. [DOI: 10.1002/cplu.201900650] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Céline Martin
- Université Côte d'Azur Institute of Chemistry of Nice (ICN) 28 avenue Valrose 06100 Nice France
| | - Serena De Piccoli
- Université Côte d'Azur Institute of Chemistry of Nice (ICN) 28 avenue Valrose 06100 Nice France
| | - Marc Gaysinski
- Université Côte d'Azur Institute of Chemistry of Nice (ICN) 28 avenue Valrose 06100 Nice France
| | - Cécile Becquart
- Université Côte d'Azur Institute of Chemistry of Nice (ICN) 28 avenue Valrose 06100 Nice France
| | - Stéphane Azoulay
- Université Côte d'Azur Institute of Chemistry of Nice (ICN) 28 avenue Valrose 06100 Nice France
| | - Audrey Di Giorgio
- Université Côte d'Azur Institute of Chemistry of Nice (ICN) 28 avenue Valrose 06100 Nice France
| | - Maria Duca
- Université Côte d'Azur Institute of Chemistry of Nice (ICN) 28 avenue Valrose 06100 Nice France
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Translation of the intrinsically disordered protein α-synuclein is inhibited by a small molecule targeting its structured mRNA. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2020; 117:1457-1467. [PMID: 31900363 PMCID: PMC6983430 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1905057117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Many proteins are refractory to targeting because they lack small-molecule binding pockets. An alternative to drugging these proteins directly is to target the messenger (m)RNA that encodes them, thereby reducing protein levels. We describe such an approach for the difficult-to-target protein α-synuclein encoded by the SNCA gene. Multiplication of the SNCA gene locus causes dominantly inherited Parkinson's disease (PD), and α-synuclein protein aggregates in Lewy bodies and Lewy neurites in sporadic PD. Thus, reducing the expression of α-synuclein protein is expected to have therapeutic value. Fortuitously, the SNCA mRNA has a structured iron-responsive element (IRE) in its 5' untranslated region (5' UTR) that controls its translation. Using sequence-based design, we discovered small molecules that target the IRE structure and inhibit SNCA translation in cells, the most potent of which is named Synucleozid. Both in vitro and cellular profiling studies showed Synucleozid directly targets the α-synuclein mRNA 5' UTR at the designed site. Mechanistic studies revealed that Synucleozid reduces α-synuclein protein levels by decreasing the amount of SNCA mRNA loaded into polysomes, mechanistically providing a cytoprotective effect in cells. Proteome- and transcriptome-wide studies showed that the compound's selectivity makes Synucleozid suitable for further development. Importantly, transcriptome-wide analysis of mRNAs that encode intrinsically disordered proteins revealed that each has structured regions that could be targeted with small molecules. These findings demonstrate the potential for targeting undruggable proteins at the level of their coding mRNAs. This approach, as applied to SNCA, is a promising disease-modifying therapeutic strategy for PD and other α-synucleinopathies.
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Di Giorgio A, Duca M. Synthetic small-molecule RNA ligands: future prospects as therapeutic agents. MEDCHEMCOMM 2019; 10:1242-1255. [PMID: 31534649 PMCID: PMC6748380 DOI: 10.1039/c9md00195f] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2019] [Accepted: 04/30/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
RNA is one of the most intriguing and promising biological targets for the discovery of innovative drugs in many pathologies and various biologically relevant RNAs that could serve as drug targets have already been identified. Among the most important ones, one can mention prokaryotic ribosomal RNA which is the target of several marketed antibiotics, viral RNAs or oncogenic microRNAs that are tightly involved in the development and progression of various cancers. Oligonucleotides are efficient and specific RNA targeting agents but suffer from poor pharmacodynamic and pharmacokinetic properties. For this reason, a number of synthetic small-molecule ligands have been identified and studied upon screening of chemical libraries or focused design of RNA binders. In this review, we report the most relevant examples of synthetic compounds bearing sufficient selectivity to envisage clinical studies and future therapeutic applications with a particular attention for the main strategies that can be undertaken toward the improvement of selectivity and biological activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Di Giorgio
- Université Côte d'Azur , CNRS , Institute of Chemistry of Nice (ICN) , Nice , France .
| | - M Duca
- Université Côte d'Azur , CNRS , Institute of Chemistry of Nice (ICN) , Nice , France .
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11
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Vo DD, Becquart C, Tran TPA, Di Giorgio A, Darfeuille F, Staedel C, Duca M. Building of neomycin-nucleobase-amino acid conjugates for the inhibition of oncogenic miRNAs biogenesis. Org Biomol Chem 2019; 16:6262-6274. [PMID: 30116813 DOI: 10.1039/c8ob01858h] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are a recently discovered category of small RNA molecules that regulate gene expression at the post-transcriptional level. Accumulating evidence indicates that miRNAs are aberrantly expressed in a variety of human cancers, thus being oncogenic. The inhibition of oncogenic miRNAs (defined as the blocking of miRNAs' production or function) would find application in the therapy of different types of cancer in which these miRNAs are implicated. In this work, we describe the design and synthesis of new small-molecule RNA ligands with the aim of inhibiting Dicer-mediated processing of oncogenic miRNAs. One of the synthesized compound (4b) composed of the aminoglycoside neomycin conjugated to an artificial nucleobase and to amino acid histidine is able to selectively decrease miR-372 levels in gastric adenocarcinoma (AGS) cells and to restore the expression of the target LATS2 protein. This activity led to the inhibition of proliferation of these cells. The study of the interactions of 4b with pre-miR-372 allowed for the elucidation of the molecular mechanism of the conjugate, thus leading to new perspectives for the design of future inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Duc Duy Vo
- Université Côte d'Azur, CNRS, Institute of Chemistry of Nice (ICN), Nice, France.
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12
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Ginestier C, Birnbaum D, Charafe-Jauffret E. Flick the cancer stem cells' switch to turn cancer off. Mol Cell Oncol 2017; 4:e1319896. [PMID: 28868341 DOI: 10.1080/23723556.2017.1319896] [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: 04/03/2017] [Revised: 04/11/2017] [Accepted: 04/11/2017] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
Tumors are organized in a cellular hierarchy with a population of cancer stem cell (CSC) driving cancer progression and resistance to treatment. Recently, we identified miR-600 as a bimodal switcher that balances breast CSC-fate from a self-renewing to a differentiation state, with a direct impact on tumor progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christophe Ginestier
- Aix Marseille University, CNRS, INSERM, Institut Paoli-Calmettes, CRCM, Molecular Oncology "Equipe labellisée Ligue Contre le Cancer," Marseille, France
| | - Daniel Birnbaum
- Aix Marseille University, CNRS, INSERM, Institut Paoli-Calmettes, CRCM, Molecular Oncology "Equipe labellisée Ligue Contre le Cancer," Marseille, France
| | - Emmanuelle Charafe-Jauffret
- Aix Marseille University, CNRS, INSERM, Institut Paoli-Calmettes, CRCM, Molecular Oncology "Equipe labellisée Ligue Contre le Cancer," Marseille, France
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