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Ouranidis A, Vavilis T, Mandala E, Davidopoulou C, Stamoula E, Markopoulou CK, Karagianni A, Kachrimanis K. mRNA Therapeutic Modalities Design, Formulation and Manufacturing under Pharma 4.0 Principles. Biomedicines 2021; 10:50. [PMID: 35052730 PMCID: PMC8773365 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines10010050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2021] [Revised: 12/17/2021] [Accepted: 12/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
In the quest for a formidable weapon against the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic, mRNA therapeutics have stolen the spotlight. mRNA vaccines are a prime example of the benefits of mRNA approaches towards a broad array of clinical entities and druggable targets. Amongst these benefits is the rapid cycle "from design to production" of an mRNA product compared to their peptide counterparts, the mutability of the production line should another target be chosen, the side-stepping of safety issues posed by DNA therapeutics being permanently integrated into the transfected cell's genome and the controlled precision over the translated peptides. Furthermore, mRNA applications are versatile: apart from vaccines it can be used as a replacement therapy, even to create chimeric antigen receptor T-cells or reprogram somatic cells. Still, the sudden global demand for mRNA has highlighted the shortcomings in its industrial production as well as its formulation, efficacy and applicability. Continuous, smart mRNA manufacturing 4.0 technologies have been recently proposed to address such challenges. In this work, we examine the lab and upscaled production of mRNA therapeutics, the mRNA modifications proposed that increase its efficacy and lower its immunogenicity, the vectors available for delivery and the stability considerations concerning long-term storage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andreas Ouranidis
- Department of Pharmaceutical Technology, School of Pharmacy, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54124 Thessaloniki, Greece
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54124 Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Theofanis Vavilis
- Laboratory of Biology and Genetics, School of Medicine, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54124 Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Evdokia Mandala
- Fourth Department of Internal Medicine, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54124 Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Christina Davidopoulou
- Department of Pharmaceutical Technology, School of Pharmacy, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54124 Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Eleni Stamoula
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54124 Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Catherine K Markopoulou
- Department of Pharmaceutical Technology, School of Pharmacy, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54124 Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Anna Karagianni
- Department of Pharmaceutical Technology, School of Pharmacy, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54124 Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Kyriakos Kachrimanis
- Department of Pharmaceutical Technology, School of Pharmacy, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54124 Thessaloniki, Greece
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Eukaryotic Translation Elongation is Modulated by Single Natural Nucleotide Derivatives in the Coding Sequences of mRNAs. Genes (Basel) 2019; 10:genes10020084. [PMID: 30691071 PMCID: PMC6409545 DOI: 10.3390/genes10020084] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2018] [Revised: 01/14/2019] [Accepted: 01/23/2019] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
RNA modifications are crucial factors for efficient protein synthesis. All classes of RNAs that are involved in translation are modified to different extents. Recently, mRNA modifications and their impact on gene regulation became a focus of interest because they can exert a variety of effects on the fate of mRNAs. mRNA modifications within coding sequences can either directly or indirectly interfere with protein synthesis. In order to investigate the roles of various natural occurring modified nucleotides, we site-specifically introduced them into the coding sequence of reporter mRNAs and subsequently translated them in HEK293T cells. The analysis of the respective protein products revealed a strong position-dependent impact of RNA modifications on translation efficiency and accuracy. Whereas a single 5-methylcytosine (m5C) or pseudouridine (Ψ) did not reduce product yields, N1-methyladenosine (m1A) generally impeded the translation of the respective modified mRNA. An inhibitory effect of 2′O-methlyated nucleotides (Nm) and N6-methyladenosine (m6A) was strongly dependent on their position within the codon. Finally, we could not attribute any miscoding potential to the set of mRNA modifications tested in HEK293T cells.
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Hoernes TP, Faserl K, Juen MA, Kremser J, Gasser C, Fuchs E, Shi X, Siewert A, Lindner H, Kreutz C, Micura R, Joseph S, Höbartner C, Westhof E, Hüttenhofer A, Erlacher MD. Translation of non-standard codon nucleotides reveals minimal requirements for codon-anticodon interactions. Nat Commun 2018; 9:4865. [PMID: 30451861 PMCID: PMC6242847 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-018-07321-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2018] [Accepted: 10/25/2018] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
The precise interplay between the mRNA codon and the tRNA anticodon is crucial for ensuring efficient and accurate translation by the ribosome. The insertion of RNA nucleobase derivatives in the mRNA allowed us to modulate the stability of the codon-anticodon interaction in the decoding site of bacterial and eukaryotic ribosomes, allowing an in-depth analysis of codon recognition. We found the hydrogen bond between the N1 of purines and the N3 of pyrimidines to be sufficient for decoding of the first two codon nucleotides, whereas adequate stacking between the RNA bases is critical at the wobble position. Inosine, found in eukaryotic mRNAs, is an important example of destabilization of the codon-anticodon interaction. Whereas single inosines are efficiently translated, multiple inosines, e.g., in the serotonin receptor 5-HT2C mRNA, inhibit translation. Thus, our results indicate that despite the robustness of the decoding process, its tolerance toward the weakening of codon-anticodon interactions is limited.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Philipp Hoernes
- Division of Genomics and RNomics, Biocenter, Medical University of Innsbruck, 6020, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Klaus Faserl
- Division of Clinical Biochemistry, Biocenter, Medical University of Innsbruck, 6020, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Michael Andreas Juen
- Institute of Organic Chemistry and Center for Molecular Biosciences (CMBI), University of Innsbruck, 6020, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Johannes Kremser
- Institute of Organic Chemistry and Center for Molecular Biosciences (CMBI), University of Innsbruck, 6020, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Catherina Gasser
- Institute of Organic Chemistry and Center for Molecular Biosciences (CMBI), University of Innsbruck, 6020, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Elisabeth Fuchs
- Institute of Organic Chemistry and Center for Molecular Biosciences (CMBI), University of Innsbruck, 6020, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Xinying Shi
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of California at San Diego, 9500 Gilman Drive, La Jolla, CA, 92093-0314, USA
| | - Aaron Siewert
- Institute of Organic Chemistry, University of Würzburg, Am Hubland, 97074, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Herbert Lindner
- Division of Clinical Biochemistry, Biocenter, Medical University of Innsbruck, 6020, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Christoph Kreutz
- Institute of Organic Chemistry and Center for Molecular Biosciences (CMBI), University of Innsbruck, 6020, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Ronald Micura
- Institute of Organic Chemistry and Center for Molecular Biosciences (CMBI), University of Innsbruck, 6020, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Simpson Joseph
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of California at San Diego, 9500 Gilman Drive, La Jolla, CA, 92093-0314, USA
| | - Claudia Höbartner
- Institute of Organic Chemistry, University of Würzburg, Am Hubland, 97074, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Eric Westhof
- Architecture and Reactivity of RNA, Institute of Molecular and Cellular Biology of the CNRS UPR9002/University of Strasbourg, Strasbourg, 67084, France
| | - Alexander Hüttenhofer
- Division of Genomics and RNomics, Biocenter, Medical University of Innsbruck, 6020, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Matthias David Erlacher
- Division of Genomics and RNomics, Biocenter, Medical University of Innsbruck, 6020, Innsbruck, Austria.
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Detection of ribonucleoside modifications by liquid chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA-GENE REGULATORY MECHANISMS 2018; 1862:280-290. [PMID: 30414470 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbagrm.2018.10.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2018] [Revised: 09/20/2018] [Accepted: 10/27/2018] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
A small set of ribonucleoside modifications have been found in different regions of mRNA including the open reading frame. Accurate detection of these specific modifications is critical to understanding their modulatory roles in facilitating mRNA maturation, translation and degradation. While transcriptome-wide next-generation sequencing (NGS) techniques could provide exhaustive information about the sites of one specific or class of modifications at a time, recent investigations strongly indicate cautionary interpretation due to the appearance of false positives. Therefore, it is suggested that NGS-based modification data can only be treated as predicted sites and their existence need to be validated by orthogonal methods. Liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) is an analytical technique that can yield accurate and reproducible information about the qualitative and quantitative characteristics of ribonucleoside modifications. Here, we review the recent advancements in LC-MS/MS technology that could help in securing accurate, gold-standard quality information about the resident post-transcriptional modifications of mRNA.
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Hoernes TP, Erlacher MD. Translating the epitranscriptome. WILEY INTERDISCIPLINARY REVIEWS-RNA 2016; 8. [PMID: 27345446 PMCID: PMC5215311 DOI: 10.1002/wrna.1375] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2016] [Revised: 05/25/2016] [Accepted: 05/31/2016] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
RNA modifications are indispensable for the translation machinery to provide accurate and efficient protein synthesis. Whereas the importance of transfer RNA (tRNA) and ribosomal RNA (rRNA) modifications has been well described and is unquestioned for decades, the significance of internal messenger RNA (mRNA) modifications has only recently been revealed. Novel experimental methods have enabled the identification of thousands of modified sites within the untranslated and translated regions of mRNAs. Thus far, N6‐methyladenosine (m6A), pseudouridine (Ψ), 5‐methylcytosine (m5C) and N1‐methyladenosine (m1A) were identified in eukaryal, and to some extent in prokaryal mRNAs. Several of the functions of these mRNA modifications have previously been reported, but many aspects remain elusive. Modifications can be important factors for the direct regulation of protein synthesis. The potential diversification of genomic information and regulation of RNA expression through editing and modifying mRNAs is versatile and many questions need to be addressed to completely elucidate the role of mRNA modifications. Herein, we summarize and highlight some recent findings on various co‐ and post‐transcriptional modifications, describing the impact of these processes on gene expression, with emphasis on protein synthesis. WIREs RNA 2017, 8:e1375. doi: 10.1002/wrna.1375 For further resources related to this article, please visit the WIREs website.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Philipp Hoernes
- Division of Genomics and RNomics, Biocenter, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Matthias David Erlacher
- Division of Genomics and RNomics, Biocenter, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
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