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Keuthan CJ, Karma S, Zack DJ. Alternative RNA Splicing in the Retina: Insights and Perspectives. Cold Spring Harb Perspect Med 2023; 13:a041313. [PMID: 36690463 PMCID: PMC10547393 DOI: 10.1101/cshperspect.a041313] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
Alternative splicing is a fundamental and highly regulated post-transcriptional process that enhances transcriptome and proteome diversity. This process is particularly important in neuronal tissues, such as the retina, which exhibit some of the highest levels of differentially spliced genes in the body. Alternative splicing is regulated both temporally and spatially during neuronal development, can be cell-type-specific, and when altered can cause a number of pathologies, including retinal degeneration. Advancements in high-throughput sequencing technologies have facilitated investigations of the alternative splicing landscape of the retina in both healthy and disease states. Additionally, innovations in human stem cell engineering, specifically in the generation of 3D retinal organoids, which recapitulate many aspects of the in vivo retinal microenvironment, have aided studies of the role of alternative splicing in human retinal development and degeneration. Here we review these advances and discuss the ongoing development of strategies for the treatment of alternative splicing-related retinal disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Casey J Keuthan
- Department of Ophthalmology, Wilmer Eye Institute, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland 21231, USA
| | - Sadik Karma
- Department of Ophthalmology, Wilmer Eye Institute, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland 21231, USA
| | - Donald J Zack
- Departments of Ophthalmology, Wilmer Eye Institute, Neuroscience, Molecular Biology and Genetics, and Genetic Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland 21231, USA
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2
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Abstract
RNA-based therapeutics have entered the mainstream with seemingly limitless possibilities to treat all categories of neurological disease. Here, common RNA-based drug modalities such as antisense oligonucleotides, small interfering RNAs, RNA aptamers, RNA-based vaccines and mRNA drugs are reviewed highlighting their current and potential applications. Rapid progress has been made across rare genetic diseases and neurodegenerative disorders, but safe and effective delivery to the brain remains a significant challenge for many applications. The advent of individualized RNA-based therapies for ultra-rare diseases is discussed against the backdrop of the emergence of this field into more common conditions such as Alzheimer's disease and ischaemic stroke. There remains significant untapped potential in the use of RNA-based therapeutics for behavioural disorders and tumours of the central nervous system; coupled with the accelerated development expected over the next decade, the true potential of RNA-based therapeutics to transform the therapeutic landscape in neurology remains to be uncovered.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karen Anthony
- Centre for Physical Activity and Life Sciences, University of Northampton, Northampton, UK
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3
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Palacio-Castañeda V, Brock R, Verdurmen WPR. Generation of Protein-Phosphorodiamidate Morpholino Oligomer Conjugates for Efficient Cellular Delivery via Anthrax Protective Antigen. Methods Mol Biol 2022; 2434:129-141. [PMID: 35213014 PMCID: PMC9703282 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-2010-6_8] [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] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Phosphorodiamidate morpholino oligomers (PMOs) offer great promise as therapeutic agents for translation blocking or splice modulation due to their high stability and affinity for target sequences. However, in spite of their neutral charge as compared to natural oligonucleotides or phosphorothioate analogs, they still show little permeability for cellular membranes, highlighting the need for effective cytosolic delivery strategies. In addition, the implementation of strategies for efficient cellular targeting is highly desirable to minimize side effects and maximize the drug dose at its site of action. Anthrax toxin is a three-protein toxin of which the pore-forming protein anthrax protective antigen (PA) can be redirected to a receptor of choice and lethal factor (LF), one of the two substrate proteins, can be coupled to various cargoes for efficient cytosolic cargo delivery. In this protocol, we describe the steps to produce the proteins and protein conjugates required for cytosolic delivery of PMOs through the cation-selective pore generated by anthrax protective antigen. The method relies on the introduction of a unique cysteine at the C-terminal end of a truncated LF (aa 1-254), high-yield expression of the (truncated) toxin proteins in E. coli, functionalization of a PMO with a maleimide group and coupling of the maleimide-functionalized PMO to the unique cysteine on LF by maleimide-thiol conjugation chemistry. Through co-administration of PA with LF-PMO conjugates, an efficient cytosolic delivery of PMOs can be obtained.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valentina Palacio-Castañeda
- Department of Biochemistry, Radboud Institute for Molecular Life Sciences (RIMLS), Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Roland Brock
- Department of Biochemistry, Radboud Institute for Molecular Life Sciences (RIMLS), Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Wouter P R Verdurmen
- Department of Biochemistry, Radboud Institute for Molecular Life Sciences (RIMLS), Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands.
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Mansard L, Baux D, Vaché C, Blanchet C, Meunier I, Willems M, Faugère V, Baudoin C, Moclyn M, Bianchi J, Dollfus H, Gilbert-Dussardier B, Dupin-Deguine D, Bonneau D, Drumare I, Odent S, Zanlonghi X, Claustres M, Koenig M, Kalatzis V, Roux AF. The Study of a 231 French Patient Cohort Significantly Extends the Mutational Spectrum of the Two Major Usher Genes MYO7A and USH2A. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms222413294. [PMID: 34948090 PMCID: PMC8703989 DOI: 10.3390/ijms222413294] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2021] [Revised: 12/03/2021] [Accepted: 12/08/2021] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Usher syndrome is an autosomal recessive disorder characterized by congenital hearing loss combined with retinitis pigmentosa, and in some cases, vestibular areflexia. Three clinical subtypes are distinguished, and MYO7A and USH2A represent the two major causal genes involved in Usher type I, the most severe form, and type II, the most frequent form, respectively. Massively parallel sequencing was performed on a cohort of patients in the context of a molecular diagnosis to confirm clinical suspicion of Usher syndrome. We report here 231 pathogenic MYO7A and USH2A genotypes identified in 73 Usher type I and 158 Usher type II patients. Furthermore, we present the ACMG classification of the variants, which comprise all types. Among them, 68 have not been previously reported in the literature, including 12 missense and 16 splice variants. We also report a new deep intronic variant in USH2A. Despite the important number of molecular studies published on these two genes, we show that during the course of routine genetic diagnosis, undescribed variants continue to be identified at a high rate. This is particularly pertinent in the current era, where therapeutic strategies based on DNA or RNA technologies are being developed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luke Mansard
- Molecular Genetics Laboratory, University of Montpellier, CHU Montpellier, F-34000 Montpellier, France; (L.M.); (D.B.); (C.V.); (V.F.); (C.B.); (M.M.); (J.B.); (M.C.); (M.K.)
| | - David Baux
- Molecular Genetics Laboratory, University of Montpellier, CHU Montpellier, F-34000 Montpellier, France; (L.M.); (D.B.); (C.V.); (V.F.); (C.B.); (M.M.); (J.B.); (M.C.); (M.K.)
- Institute for Neurosciences of Montpellier (INM), University of Montpellier, Inserm, F-34000 Montpellier, France; (I.M.); (M.W.); (V.K.)
| | - Christel Vaché
- Molecular Genetics Laboratory, University of Montpellier, CHU Montpellier, F-34000 Montpellier, France; (L.M.); (D.B.); (C.V.); (V.F.); (C.B.); (M.M.); (J.B.); (M.C.); (M.K.)
- Institute for Neurosciences of Montpellier (INM), University of Montpellier, Inserm, F-34000 Montpellier, France; (I.M.); (M.W.); (V.K.)
| | - Catherine Blanchet
- National Reference Centre for Inherited Sensory Diseases, University Montpellier, CHU Montpellier, F-34000 Montpellier, France;
- Oto Laryngology Department, University of Montpellier, CHU Montpellier, F-34000 Montpellier, France
| | - Isabelle Meunier
- Institute for Neurosciences of Montpellier (INM), University of Montpellier, Inserm, F-34000 Montpellier, France; (I.M.); (M.W.); (V.K.)
- National Reference Centre for Inherited Sensory Diseases, University Montpellier, CHU Montpellier, F-34000 Montpellier, France;
| | - Marjolaine Willems
- Institute for Neurosciences of Montpellier (INM), University of Montpellier, Inserm, F-34000 Montpellier, France; (I.M.); (M.W.); (V.K.)
- Medical Genetics Department, University of Montpellier, CHU Montpellier, F-34000 Montpellier, France
| | - Valérie Faugère
- Molecular Genetics Laboratory, University of Montpellier, CHU Montpellier, F-34000 Montpellier, France; (L.M.); (D.B.); (C.V.); (V.F.); (C.B.); (M.M.); (J.B.); (M.C.); (M.K.)
| | - Corinne Baudoin
- Molecular Genetics Laboratory, University of Montpellier, CHU Montpellier, F-34000 Montpellier, France; (L.M.); (D.B.); (C.V.); (V.F.); (C.B.); (M.M.); (J.B.); (M.C.); (M.K.)
| | - Melody Moclyn
- Molecular Genetics Laboratory, University of Montpellier, CHU Montpellier, F-34000 Montpellier, France; (L.M.); (D.B.); (C.V.); (V.F.); (C.B.); (M.M.); (J.B.); (M.C.); (M.K.)
| | - Julie Bianchi
- Molecular Genetics Laboratory, University of Montpellier, CHU Montpellier, F-34000 Montpellier, France; (L.M.); (D.B.); (C.V.); (V.F.); (C.B.); (M.M.); (J.B.); (M.C.); (M.K.)
| | - Helene Dollfus
- Reference Center for Rare Affections in Ophthalmology Genetics (CARGO), Institute of Medical Genetics of Alsace, University of Strasbourg, CHU Strasbourg, F-67000 Strasbourg, France;
| | | | - Delphine Dupin-Deguine
- Medical Genetics Department, University of Toulouse, CHU Purpan, F-31000 Toulouse, France;
| | - Dominique Bonneau
- Medical Genetics Department, University of Angers, CHU Angers, F-49000 Angers, France;
| | - Isabelle Drumare
- Vision and Neuro-Ophthalmology Department, University of Lille, CHU Lille, F-59000 Lille, France;
| | - Sylvie Odent
- Clinical Genetics Service, University Hospital, Genetics and Development Institute of Rennes IDGDR, UMR6290 University of Rennes, F-35000 Rennes, France;
| | - Xavier Zanlonghi
- Center of Competence for Rare Diseases, Jules Verne Clinic, F-44000 Nantes, France;
| | - Mireille Claustres
- Molecular Genetics Laboratory, University of Montpellier, CHU Montpellier, F-34000 Montpellier, France; (L.M.); (D.B.); (C.V.); (V.F.); (C.B.); (M.M.); (J.B.); (M.C.); (M.K.)
| | - Michel Koenig
- Molecular Genetics Laboratory, University of Montpellier, CHU Montpellier, F-34000 Montpellier, France; (L.M.); (D.B.); (C.V.); (V.F.); (C.B.); (M.M.); (J.B.); (M.C.); (M.K.)
| | - Vasiliki Kalatzis
- Institute for Neurosciences of Montpellier (INM), University of Montpellier, Inserm, F-34000 Montpellier, France; (I.M.); (M.W.); (V.K.)
| | - Anne-Françoise Roux
- Molecular Genetics Laboratory, University of Montpellier, CHU Montpellier, F-34000 Montpellier, France; (L.M.); (D.B.); (C.V.); (V.F.); (C.B.); (M.M.); (J.B.); (M.C.); (M.K.)
- Institute for Neurosciences of Montpellier (INM), University of Montpellier, Inserm, F-34000 Montpellier, France; (I.M.); (M.W.); (V.K.)
- Correspondence:
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5
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Kalatzis V, Roux AF, Meunier I. Molecular Therapy for Choroideremia: Pre-clinical and Clinical Progress to Date. Mol Diagn Ther 2021; 25:661-675. [PMID: 34661884 DOI: 10.1007/s40291-021-00558-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
Choroideremia is an inherited retinal disease characterised by a degeneration of the light-sensing photoreceptors, supporting retinal pigment epithelium and underlying choroid. Patients present with the same symptoms as those with classic rod-cone dystrophy: (1) night blindness early in life; (2) progressive peripheral visual field loss, and (3) central vision decline with a slow progression to legal blindness. Choroideremia is monogenic and caused by mutations in CHM. Eight clinical trials (three phase 1/2, four phase 2, and one phase 3) have started (four of which are already finished) to evaluate the therapeutic efficacy of gene supplementation mediated by subretinal delivery of an adeno-associated virus serotype 2 (AAV2/2) vector expressing CHM. Furthermore, one phase 1 clinical trial has been initiated to evaluate the efficiency of a novel AAV variant to deliver CHM to the outer retina following intravitreal delivery. Lastly, a non-viral-mediated CHM replacement strategy is currently under development, which could lead to a future clinical trial. Here, we summarise the rationale behind these various studies, as well as any results published to date. The diversity of these trials currently places choroideremia at the forefront of the retinal gene therapy field. As a consequence, the trial outcomes, regardless of the results, have the potential to change the landscape of gene supplementation for inherited retinal diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vasiliki Kalatzis
- Institute for Neurosciences of Montpellier, Univ Montpellier, Inserm U1298, Hôpital St Eloi, 80 Avenue Augustin Fliche, 34091, Montpellier, France.
| | - Anne-Françoise Roux
- Institute for Neurosciences of Montpellier, Univ Montpellier, Inserm U1298, Hôpital St Eloi, 80 Avenue Augustin Fliche, 34091, Montpellier, France.,Molecular Genetics Laboratory, Univ Montpellier, CHU Montpellier, Montpellier, France
| | - Isabelle Meunier
- Institute for Neurosciences of Montpellier, Univ Montpellier, Inserm U1298, Hôpital St Eloi, 80 Avenue Augustin Fliche, 34091, Montpellier, France.,National Reference Centre for Inherited Sensory Diseases, University of Montpellier, CHU Montpellier, Montpellier, France
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6
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Genetics, pathogenesis and therapeutic developments for Usher syndrome type 2. Hum Genet 2021; 141:737-758. [PMID: 34331125 DOI: 10.1007/s00439-021-02324-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2021] [Accepted: 07/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Usher syndrome (USH) is a rare, autosomal recessively inherited disorder resulting in a combination of sensorineural hearing loss and a progressive loss of vision resulting from retinitis pigmentosa (RP), occasionally accompanied by an altered vestibular function. More and more evidence is building up indicating that also sleep deprivation, olfactory dysfunction, deficits in tactile perception and reduced sperm motility are part of the disease etiology. USH can be clinically classified into three different types, of which Usher syndrome type 2 (USH2) is the most prevalent. In this review, we, therefore, assess the genetic and clinical aspects, available models and therapeutic developments for USH2. Mutations in USH2A, ADGRV1 and WHRN have been described to be responsible for USH2, with USH2A being the most frequently mutated USH-associated gene, explaining 50% of all cases. The proteins encoded by the USH2 genes together function in a dynamic protein complex that, among others, is found at the photoreceptor periciliary membrane and at the base of the hair bundles of inner ear hair cells. To unravel the pathogenic mechanisms underlying USH2, patient-derived cellular models and animal models including mouse, zebrafish and drosophila, have been generated that all in part mimic the USH phenotype. Multiple cellular and genetic therapeutic approaches are currently under development for USH2, mainly focused on preserving or partially restoring the visual function of which one is already in the clinical phase. These developments are opening a new gate towards a possible treatment for USH2 patients.
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Abstract
Antisense oligonucleotides (AON) are synthetic single-stranded fragments of nucleic acids that bind to a specific complementary messenger RNA (mRNA) sequence and change the final gene product. AON were initially approved for treating cytomegalovirus retinitis and have shown promise in treating Mendelian systemic disease. AON are currently being investigated as a treatment modality for many ophthalmic diseases, including inherited retinal disorders (IRD), inflammatory response and wound healing after glaucoma surgery, and macular degeneration. They provide a possible solution to gene therapy for IRD that are not candidates for adeno-associated virus (AAV) delivery. This chapter outlines the historical background of AON and reviews clinical applications and ongoing clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kevin Ferenchak
- Inherited Retinal Disorders Service, Massachusetts Eye and Ear, Department of Ophthalmology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Iris Deitch
- Inherited Retinal Disorders Service, Massachusetts Eye and Ear, Department of Ophthalmology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Rachel Huckfeldt
- Inherited Retinal Disorders Service, Massachusetts Eye and Ear, Department of Ophthalmology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
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8
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The Alter Retina: Alternative Splicing of Retinal Genes in Health and Disease. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22041855. [PMID: 33673358 PMCID: PMC7917623 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22041855] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2021] [Revised: 02/08/2021] [Accepted: 02/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Alternative splicing of mRNA is an essential mechanism to regulate and increase the diversity of the transcriptome and proteome. Alternative splicing frequently occurs in a tissue- or time-specific manner, contributing to differential gene expression between cell types during development. Neural tissues present extremely complex splicing programs and display the highest number of alternative splicing events. As an extension of the central nervous system, the retina constitutes an excellent system to illustrate the high diversity of neural transcripts. The retina expresses retinal specific splicing factors and produces a large number of alternative transcripts, including exclusive tissue-specific exons, which require an exquisite regulation. In fact, a current challenge in the genetic diagnosis of inherited retinal diseases stems from the lack of information regarding alternative splicing of retinal genes, as a considerable percentage of mutations alter splicing or the relative production of alternative transcripts. Modulation of alternative splicing in the retina is also instrumental in the design of novel therapeutic approaches for retinal dystrophies, since it enables precision medicine for specific mutations.
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Byrne M, Vathipadiekal V, Apponi L, Iwamoto N, Kandasamy P, Longo K, Liu F, Looby R, Norwood L, Shah A, Shelke JD, Shivalila C, Yang H, Yin Y, Guo L, Bowman K, Vargeese C. Stereochemistry Enhances Potency, Efficacy, and Durability of Malat1 Antisense Oligonucleotides In Vitro and In Vivo in Multiple Species. Transl Vis Sci Technol 2021; 10:23. [PMID: 33510962 PMCID: PMC7804567 DOI: 10.1167/tvst.10.1.23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2020] [Accepted: 12/15/2020] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Purpose Antisense oligonucleotides have been under investigation as potential therapeutics for many diseases, including inherited retinal diseases. Chemical modifications, such as chiral phosphorothioate (PS) backbone modification, are often used to improve stability and pharmacokinetic properties of these molecules. We aimed to generate a stereopure MALAT1 (metastasis-associated lung adenocarcinoma transcript 1) antisense oligonucleotide as a tool to assess the impact stereochemistry has on potency, efficacy, and durability of oligonucleotide activity when delivered by intravitreal injection to eye. Methods We generated a stereopure oligonucleotide (MALAT1-200) and assessed the potency, efficacy, and durability of its MALAT1 RNA-depleting activity compared with a stereorandom mixture, MALAT1-181, and other controls in in vitro assays, in vivo mouse and nonhuman primate (NHP) eyes, and ex vivo human retina cultures. Results The activity of the stereopure oligonucleotide is superior to its stereorandom mixture counterpart with the same sequence and chemical modification pattern in in vitro assays, in vivo mouse and NHP eyes, and ex vivo human retina cultures. Findings in NHPs showed durable activity of the stereopure oligonucleotide in the retina, with nearly 95% reduction of MALAT1 RNA maintained for 4 months postinjection. Conclusions An optimized, stereopure antisense oligonucleotide shows enhanced potency, efficacy, and durability of MALAT1 RNA depletion in the eye compared with its stereorandom counterpart in multiple preclinical models. Translational Relevance As novel therapeutics, stereopure oligonucleotides have the potential to enable infrequent administration and low-dose regimens for patients with genetic diseases of the eye.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Anee Shah
- Wave Life Sciences, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | | | | | | | - Yuan Yin
- Wave Life Sciences, Cambridge, MA, USA
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11
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Breuel S, Vorm M, Bräuer AU, Owczarek-Lipska M, Neidhardt J. Combining Engineered U1 snRNA and Antisense Oligonucleotides to Improve the Treatment of a BBS1 Splice Site Mutation. MOLECULAR THERAPY. NUCLEIC ACIDS 2019; 18:123-130. [PMID: 31541798 PMCID: PMC6796732 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtn.2019.08.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2019] [Revised: 06/14/2019] [Accepted: 08/01/2019] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Manipulation of pre-mRNA processing is a promising approach toward overcoming disease-causing mutations and treating human diseases. We show that a combined treatment applying two splice-manipulating technologies improves therapeutic efficacies to correct mutation-induced splice defects. Previously, we identified a family affected by retinitis pigmentosa caused by the homozygous BBS1 splice donor site mutation c.479G > A. The mutation leads to both exon 5 skipping and intron 5 retention. We developed a therapeutic approach applying lentivirus-mediated gene delivery of engineered U1 small nuclear RNA (U1), which resulted in increased levels of correctly spliced BBS1. Herein, we show that the therapeutic effect of the engineered U1 efficiently reverted exon skipping but failed to reduce the intron retention. To complement the engineered U1 treatment, we identified four different antisense oligonucleotides (AONs) that block intron 5 retention in BBS1 transcripts. A treatment using engineered U1 in combination with AONs showed the highest therapeutic efficacy and increased the amount of correctly spliced BBS1 transcripts. We did not detect elevated levels of apoptotic cell death in AON-treated cell lines. In conclusion, engineered U1 or AONs provide efficient therapies with complementary effects and can be combined to increase efficacy of therapeutic approaches to correct splice defects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saskia Breuel
- Human Genetics, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Oldenburg, Oldenburg, Germany
| | - Mariann Vorm
- Human Genetics, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Oldenburg, Oldenburg, Germany
| | - Anja U Bräuer
- Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Oldenburg, Oldenburg, Germany; Research Center Neurosensory Science, University of Oldenburg, Germany
| | - Marta Owczarek-Lipska
- Human Genetics, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Oldenburg, Oldenburg, Germany
| | - John Neidhardt
- Human Genetics, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Oldenburg, Oldenburg, Germany; Research Center Neurosensory Science, University of Oldenburg, Germany; Joint research training group of the Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Oldenburg, Germany and the University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, Netherlands.
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Antisense Oligonucleotide-Based Splice Correction of a Deep-Intronic Mutation in CHM Underlying Choroideremia. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2019; 1074:83-89. [PMID: 29721931 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-319-75402-4_11] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
Abstract
Choroideremia is a progressive genetic eye disorder caused by mutations in the CHM gene that encodes the Rab escort protein-1 (REP-1). One of the many CHM mutations described so far is a deep-intronic variant, c.315-4587T>A, that creates a novel splice acceptor site resulting in the insertion of a 98-bp pseudoexon in the CHM transcript. Antisense oligonucleotides (AONs) are a potential therapeutic tool for correcting splice defects, as they have the properties to bind to the pre-mRNA and redirect the splicing process. Previously, we used AONs to correct aberrant splicing events caused by a recurrent intronic mutation in CEP290 underlying Leber congenital amaurosis. Here, we expand the use of these therapeutic molecules for the c.315-4587T>A deep-intronic mutation in CHM by demonstrating splice correction in patient-derived lymphoblast cells.
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Targeted exon skipping of a CEP290 mutation rescues Joubert syndrome phenotypes in vitro and in a murine model. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2018; 115:12489-12494. [PMID: 30446612 PMCID: PMC6298104 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1809432115] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Genetic treatments of renal ciliopathies leading to cystic kidney disease would provide a real advance in current therapies. Mutations in CEP290 underlie a ciliopathy called Joubert syndrome (JBTS). Human disease phenotypes include cerebral, retinal, and renal disease, which typically progresses to end stage renal failure (ESRF) within the first two decades of life. While currently incurable, there is often a period of years between diagnosis and ESRF that provides a potential window for therapeutic intervention. By studying patient biopsies, patient-derived kidney cells, and a mouse model, we identify abnormal elongation of primary cilia as a key pathophysiological feature of CEP290-associated JBTS and show that antisense oligonucleotide (ASO)-induced splicing of the mutated exon (41, G1890*) restores protein expression in patient cells. We demonstrate that ASO-induced splicing leading to exon skipping is tolerated, resulting in correct localization of CEP290 protein to the ciliary transition zone, and restoration of normal cilia length in patient kidney cells. Using a gene trap Cep290 mouse model of JBTS, we show that systemic ASO treatment can reduce the cystic burden of diseased kidneys in vivo. These findings indicate that ASO treatment may represent a promising therapeutic approach for kidney disease in CEP290-associated ciliopathy syndromes.
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Dulla K, Aguila M, Lane A, Jovanovic K, Parfitt DA, Schulkens I, Chan HL, Schmidt I, Beumer W, Vorthoren L, Collin RWJ, Garanto A, Duijkers L, Brugulat-Panes A, Semo M, Vugler AA, Biasutto P, Adamson P, Cheetham ME. Splice-Modulating Oligonucleotide QR-110 Restores CEP290 mRNA and Function in Human c.2991+1655A>G LCA10 Models. MOLECULAR THERAPY. NUCLEIC ACIDS 2018; 12:730-740. [PMID: 30114557 PMCID: PMC6092551 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtn.2018.07.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 109] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2018] [Revised: 07/18/2018] [Accepted: 07/18/2018] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Leber congenital amaurosis type 10 (LCA10) is a severe inherited retinal dystrophy associated with mutations in CEP290. The deep intronic c.2991+1655A>G mutation in CEP290 is the most common mutation in LCA10 individuals and represents an ideal target for oligonucleotide therapeutics. Here, a panel of antisense oligonucleotides was designed to correct the splicing defect associated with the mutation and screened for efficacy and safety. This identified QR-110 as the best-performing molecule. QR-110 restored wild-type CEP290 mRNA and protein expression levels in CEP290 c.2991+1655A>G homozygous and compound heterozygous LCA10 primary fibroblasts. Furthermore, in homozygous three-dimensional iPSC-derived retinal organoids, QR-110 showed a dose-dependent restoration of mRNA and protein function, as measured by percentage and length of photoreceptor cilia, without off-target effects. Localization studies in wild-type mice and rabbits showed that QR-110 readily reached all retinal layers, with an estimated half-life of 58 days. It was well tolerated following intravitreal injection in monkeys. In conclusion, the pharmacodynamic, pharmacokinetic, and safety properties make QR-110 a promising candidate for treating LCA10, and clinical development is currently ongoing.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Rob W J Collin
- Department of Human Genetics, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - Alejandro Garanto
- Department of Human Genetics, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - Lonneke Duijkers
- Department of Human Genetics, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | | | | | | | | | - Peter Adamson
- ProQR Therapeutics, Leiden, the Netherlands; UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, London, UK.
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15
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Valkenburg D, van Cauwenbergh C, Lorenz B, van Genderen MM, Bertelsen M, Pott JWR, Coppieters F, de Zaeytijd J, Thiadens AAHJ, Klaver CCW, Kroes HY, van Schooneveld MJ, Preising M, Hoyng CB, Leroy BP, van den Born LI, Collin RWJ. Clinical Characterization of 66 Patients With Congenital Retinal Disease Due to the Deep-Intronic c.2991+1655A>G Mutation inCEP290. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2018; 59:4384-4391. [DOI: 10.1167/iovs.18-24817] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Dyon Valkenburg
- Department of Ophthalmology, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
- Radboud University Medical Center, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behavior, Cognitive Neuroscience Department, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Caroline van Cauwenbergh
- Department of Ophthalmology, Ghent University and Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium
- Center for Medical Genetics Ghent, Ghent University and Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Birgit Lorenz
- Department of Ophthalmology, Giessen University Medical Center, Giessen, Germany
| | | | - Mette Bertelsen
- Department of Ophthalmology, Righospitalet, Glostrup, Denmark
- Department of Clinical Genetics, Righospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Jan-Willem R. Pott
- Department of Ophthalmology, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Frauke Coppieters
- Center for Medical Genetics Ghent, Ghent University and Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Julie de Zaeytijd
- Department of Ophthalmology, Ghent University and Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium
| | | | - Caroline C. W. Klaver
- Department of Ophthalmology, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
- Department of Ophthalmology, Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
- Department of Epidemiology, Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Hester Y. Kroes
- Department of Genetics, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | | | - Markus Preising
- Department of Ophthalmology, Giessen University Medical Center, Giessen, Germany
| | - Carel B. Hoyng
- Department of Ophthalmology, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
- Radboud University Medical Center, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behavior, Cognitive Neuroscience Department, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Bart P. Leroy
- Department of Ophthalmology, Ghent University and Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium
- Center for Medical Genetics Ghent, Ghent University and Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium
- Division of Ophthalmology & Center for Cellular & Molecular Therapeutics, The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States
| | | | - Rob W. J. Collin
- Radboud University Medical Center, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behavior, Cognitive Neuroscience Department, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
- Department of Human Genetics, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
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16
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Soens ZT, Branch J, Wu S, Yuan Z, Li Y, Li H, Wang K, Xu M, Rajan L, Motta FL, Simões RT, Lopez-Solache I, Ajlan R, Birch DG, Zhao P, Porto FB, Sallum J, Koenekoop RK, Sui R, Chen R. Leveraging splice-affecting variant predictors and a minigene validation system to identify Mendelian disease-causing variants among exon-captured variants of uncertain significance. Hum Mutat 2017; 38:1521-1533. [PMID: 28714225 DOI: 10.1002/humu.23294] [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: 05/16/2017] [Revised: 06/20/2017] [Accepted: 07/11/2017] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
The genetic heterogeneity of Mendelian disorders results in a significant proportion of patients that are unable to be assigned a confident molecular diagnosis after conventional exon sequencing and variant interpretation. Here, we evaluated how many patients with an inherited retinal disease (IRD) have variants of uncertain significance (VUS) that are disrupting splicing in a known IRD gene by means other than affecting the canonical dinucleotide splice site. Three in silico splice-affecting variant predictors were leveraged to annotate and prioritize variants for splicing functional validation. An in vitro minigene system was used to assay each variant's effect on splicing. Starting with 745 IRD patients lacking a confident molecular diagnosis, we validated 23 VUS as splicing variants that likely explain disease in 26 patients. Using our results, we optimized in silico score cutoffs to guide future variant interpretation. Variants that alter base pairs other than the canonical GT-AG dinucleotide are often not considered for their potential effect on RNA splicing but in silico tools and a minigene system can be utilized for the prioritization and validation of such splice-disrupting variants. These variants can be overlooked causes of human disease but can be identified using conventional exon sequencing with proper interpretation guidelines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zachry T Soens
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas.,Human Genome Sequencing Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas
| | - Justin Branch
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas.,Human Genome Sequencing Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas
| | - Shijing Wu
- Department of Ophthalmology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Peking Union Medical College, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Zhisheng Yuan
- Department of Ophthalmology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Peking Union Medical College, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Yumei Li
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas.,Human Genome Sequencing Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas
| | - Hui Li
- Department of Ophthalmology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Peking Union Medical College, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Keqing Wang
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas.,Human Genome Sequencing Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas
| | - Mingchu Xu
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas.,Human Genome Sequencing Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas
| | - Lavan Rajan
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas.,Human Genome Sequencing Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas
| | - Fabiana L Motta
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Paulista School of Medicine, Federal University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Renata T Simões
- Department of Retina and Vitreous, Ophthalmologic Center of Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil.,Instituto de Ensino e Pesquisa da Santa Casa de Belo Horizonte Hospital - IEP/SCBH, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Irma Lopez-Solache
- McGill Ocular Genetics Laboratory and Centre, Department of Paediatric Surgery, Human Genetics, and Ophthalmology, McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Radwan Ajlan
- McGill Ocular Genetics Laboratory and Centre, Department of Paediatric Surgery, Human Genetics, and Ophthalmology, McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - David G Birch
- Retina Foundation of the Southwest and Department of Ophthalmology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas
| | - Peiquan Zhao
- Department of Ophthalmology, Xin Hua Hospital affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Fernanda B Porto
- Department of Retina and Vitreous, Ophthalmologic Center of Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil.,Instituto de Ensino e Pesquisa da Santa Casa de Belo Horizonte Hospital - IEP/SCBH, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Juliana Sallum
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Paulista School of Medicine, Federal University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Robert K Koenekoop
- McGill Ocular Genetics Laboratory and Centre, Department of Paediatric Surgery, Human Genetics, and Ophthalmology, McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Ruifang Sui
- Department of Ophthalmology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Peking Union Medical College, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Rui Chen
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas.,Human Genome Sequencing Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas.,Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas.,Department of Structural and Computational Biology & Molecular Biophysics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas
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17
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Cornelis SS, Bax NM, Zernant J, Allikmets R, Fritsche LG, den Dunnen JT, Ajmal M, Hoyng CB, Cremers FPM. In Silico Functional Meta-Analysis of 5,962 ABCA4 Variants in 3,928 Retinal Dystrophy Cases. Hum Mutat 2017; 38:400-408. [PMID: 28044389 DOI: 10.1002/humu.23165] [Citation(s) in RCA: 87] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2016] [Revised: 12/20/2016] [Accepted: 12/27/2016] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Variants in the ABCA4 gene are associated with a spectrum of inherited retinal diseases (IRDs), most prominently with autosomal recessive (ar) Stargardt disease (STGD1) and ar cone-rod dystrophy. The clinical outcome to a large degree depends on the severity of the variants. To provide an accurate prognosis and to select patients for novel treatments, functional significance assessment of nontruncating ABCA4 variants is important. We collected all published ABCA4 variants from 3,928 retinal dystrophy cases in a Leiden Open Variation Database, and compared their frequency in 3,270 Caucasian IRD cases with 33,370 non-Finnish European control individuals. Next to the presence of 270 protein-truncating variants, 191 nontruncating variants were significantly enriched in the patient cohort. Furthermore, 30 variants were deemed benign. Assessing the homozygous occurrence of frequent variants in IRD cases based on the allele frequencies in control individuals confirmed the mild nature of the p.[Gly863Ala, Gly863del] variant and identified three additional mild variants (p.(Ala1038Val), c.5714+5G>A, and p.(Arg2030Gln)). The p.(Gly1961Glu) variant was predicted to act as a mild variant in most cases. Based on these data, in silico analyses, and American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics guidelines, we provide pathogenicity classifications on a five-tier scale from benign to pathogenic for all variants in the ABCA4-LOVD database.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stéphanie S Cornelis
- Department of Human Genetics, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands.,Department of Ophthalmology, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Nathalie M Bax
- Department of Ophthalmology, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands.,Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Radboud University, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Jana Zernant
- Department of Ophthalmology, Columbia University, New York, New York
| | - Rando Allikmets
- Department of Ophthalmology, Columbia University, New York, New York.,Department of Pathology & Cell Biology, Columbia University, New York, New York
| | - Lars G Fritsche
- Department of Public Health, K.G. Jebsen Center for Genetic Epidemiology, NTNU, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim, Norway
| | - Johan T den Dunnen
- Departments of Clinical Genetics and Human Genetics, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Muhammad Ajmal
- Department of Biosciences, Faculty of Science, COMSATS Institute of Information Technology, Islamabad, Pakistan
| | - Carel B Hoyng
- Department of Ophthalmology, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands.,Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Radboud University, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Frans P M Cremers
- Department of Human Genetics, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands.,Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Radboud University, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
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18
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Chen WK, Yu XH, Yang W, Wang C, He WS, Yan YG, Zhang J, Wang WJ. lncRNAs: novel players in intervertebral disc degeneration and osteoarthritis. Cell Prolif 2016; 50. [PMID: 27859817 PMCID: PMC6529103 DOI: 10.1111/cpr.12313] [Citation(s) in RCA: 106] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2016] [Accepted: 09/23/2016] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
The term long non‐coding RNA (lncRNA) refers to a group of RNAs with length more than 200 nucleotides, limited protein‐coding potential, and having widespread biological functions, including regulation of transcriptional patterns and protein activity, formation of endogenous small interfering RNAs (siRNAs) and natural microRNA (miRNA) sponges. Intervertebral disc degeneration (IDD) and osteoarthritis (OA) are the most common chronic, prevalent and age‐related degenerative musculoskeletal disorders. Numbers of lncRNAs are differentially expressed in human degenerative nucleus pulposus tissue and OA cartilage. Moreover, some lncRNAs have been shown to be involved in multiple pathological processes during OA, including extracellular matrix (ECM) degradation, inflammatory responses, apoptosis and angiogenesis. In this review, we summarize current knowledge concerning lncRNAs, from their biogenesis, classification and biological functions to molecular mechanisms and therapeutic potential in IDD and OA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wen-Kang Chen
- Department of Spine Surgery, the First Affiliated Hospital, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan, China
| | - Xiao-Hua Yu
- Medical Research Center, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan, China
| | - Wei Yang
- Department of Hand and Micro-surgery, the First Affiliated Hospital, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan, China
| | - Cheng Wang
- Department of Spine Surgery, the First Affiliated Hospital, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan, China
| | - Wen-Si He
- Department of Spine Surgery, the First Affiliated Hospital, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan, China
| | - Yi-Guo Yan
- Department of Spine Surgery, the First Affiliated Hospital, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan, China
| | - Jian Zhang
- Department of Hand and Micro-surgery, the First Affiliated Hospital, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan, China
| | - Wen-Jun Wang
- Department of Spine Surgery, the First Affiliated Hospital, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan, China
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19
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Antisense Oligonucleotide-based Splice Correction for USH2A-associated Retinal Degeneration Caused by a Frequent Deep-intronic Mutation. MOLECULAR THERAPY. NUCLEIC ACIDS 2016; 5:e381. [PMID: 27802265 DOI: 10.1038/mtna.2016.89] [Citation(s) in RCA: 93] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2016] [Accepted: 09/07/2016] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Usher syndrome (USH) is the most common cause of combined deaf-blindness in man. The hearing loss can be partly compensated by providing patients with hearing aids or cochlear implants, but the loss of vision is currently untreatable. In general, mutations in the USH2A gene are the most frequent cause of USH explaining up to 50% of all patients worldwide. The first deep-intronic mutation in the USH2A gene (c.7595-2144A>G) was reported in 2012, leading to the insertion of a pseudoexon (PE40) into the mature USH2A transcript. When translated, this PE40-containing transcript is predicted to result in a truncated non-functional USH2A protein. In this study, we explored the potential of antisense oligonucleotides (AONs) to prevent aberrant splicing of USH2A pre-mRNA as a consequence of the c.7595-2144A>G mutation. Engineered 2'-O-methylphosphorothioate AONs targeting the PE40 splice acceptor site and/or exonic splice enhancer regions displayed significant splice correction potential in both patient derived fibroblasts and a minigene splice assay for USH2A c.7595-2144A>G, whereas a non-binding sense oligonucleotide had no effect on splicing. Altogether, AON-based splice correction could be a promising approach for the development of a future treatment for USH2A-associated retinitis pigmentosa caused by the deep-intronic c.7595-2144A>G mutation.
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20
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Ebrahim AS, Sabbagh H, Liddane A, Raufi A, Kandouz M, Al-Katib A. Hematologic malignancies: newer strategies to counter the BCL-2 protein. J Cancer Res Clin Oncol 2016; 142:2013-22. [PMID: 27043233 DOI: 10.1007/s00432-016-2144-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2015] [Accepted: 03/09/2016] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION BCL-2 is the founding member of the BCL-2 family of apoptosis regulatory proteins that either induce (pro-apoptotic) or inhibit (anti-apoptotic) apoptosis. The anti-apoptotic BCL-2 is classified as an oncogene, as damage to the BCL-2 gene has been shown to cause a number of cancers, including lymphoma. Ongoing research has demonstrated that disruption of BCL-2 leads to cell death. BCL-2 is also known to be involved in the development of resistance to chemotherapeutic agents, further underscoring the importance of targeting the BCL-2 gene in cancer therapeutics. Thus, numerous approaches have been developed to block or modulate the production of BCL-2 at the RNA level using antisense oligonucleotides or at the protein level with BCL-2 inhibitors, such as the novel ABT737. METHODS In this article, we briefly review previous strategies to target the BCL-2 gene and focus on a new approach to silence DNA, DNA interference (DNAi). RESULTS AND CONCLUSION DNA interference is aimed at blocking BCL-2 gene transcription. Evaluations of this technology in preclinical and early clinical studies are very encouraging and strongly support further development of DNAi as cancer therapeutics. A pilot phase II clinical trial in patients with relapsed or refractory non-Hodgkin lymphoma, PNT2258 demonstrated clinical benefit in 11 of 13 patients with notable responses in diffuse large B cell lymphoma and follicular lymphoma. By targeting the DNA directly, the DNAi technology promises to be more effective compared with other gene-interference strategies that target the RNA or protein but leaves the dysregulated DNA functional.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abdul Shukkur Ebrahim
- Department of Internal Medicine-Lymphoma Research Lab, Wayne State University and School of Medicine, 8229 Scott Hall, 540 E. Canfield, Detroit, MI, 48201, USA
| | - Hussam Sabbagh
- Department of Internal Medicine-Lymphoma Research Lab, Wayne State University and School of Medicine, 8229 Scott Hall, 540 E. Canfield, Detroit, MI, 48201, USA
| | - Allison Liddane
- Department of Internal Medicine-Lymphoma Research Lab, Wayne State University and School of Medicine, 8229 Scott Hall, 540 E. Canfield, Detroit, MI, 48201, USA
| | - Ali Raufi
- Department of Internal Medicine-Lymphoma Research Lab, Wayne State University and School of Medicine, 8229 Scott Hall, 540 E. Canfield, Detroit, MI, 48201, USA
| | - Mustapha Kandouz
- Department of Pathology, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI, 48201, USA
| | - Ayad Al-Katib
- Department of Internal Medicine-Lymphoma Research Lab, Wayne State University and School of Medicine, 8229 Scott Hall, 540 E. Canfield, Detroit, MI, 48201, USA.
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