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Zaghloul EM, Gissberg O, Moreno PMD, Siggens L, Hällbrink M, Jørgensen AS, Ekwall K, Zain R, Wengel J, Lundin KE, Smith CIE. CTG repeat-targeting oligonucleotides for down-regulating Huntingtin expression. Nucleic Acids Res 2017; 45:5153-5169. [PMID: 28334749 PMCID: PMC5435994 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkx111] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2015] [Accepted: 02/06/2017] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Huntington's disease (HD) is a fatal, neurodegenerative disorder in which patients suffer from mobility, psychological and cognitive impairments. Existing therapeutics are only symptomatic and do not significantly alter the disease progression or increase life expectancy. HD is caused by expansion of the CAG trinucleotide repeat region in exon 1 of the Huntingtin gene (HTT), leading to the formation of mutant HTT transcripts (muHTT). The toxic gain-of-function of muHTT protein is a major cause of the disease. In addition, it has been suggested that the muHTT transcript contributes to the toxicity. Thus, reduction of both muHTT mRNA and protein levels would ideally be the most useful therapeutic option. We herein present a novel strategy for HD treatment using oligonucleotides (ONs) directly targeting the HTT trinucleotide repeat DNA. A partial, but significant and potentially long-term, HTT knock-down of both mRNA and protein was successfully achieved. Diminished phosphorylation of HTT gene-associated RNA-polymerase II is demonstrated, suggestive of reduced transcription downstream the ON-targeted repeat. Different backbone chemistries were found to have a strong impact on the ON efficiency. We also successfully use different delivery vehicles as well as naked uptake of the ONs, demonstrating versatility and possibly providing insights for in vivo applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eman M Zaghloul
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Clinical Research Center, Karolinska Institutet, SE-141 86 Huddinge, Stockholm, Sweden.,Department of Pharmaceutics, Faculty of Pharmacy, Alexandria University, El-Khartoum square, Azareeta, 21 521 Alexandria, Egypt
| | - Olof Gissberg
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Clinical Research Center, Karolinska Institutet, SE-141 86 Huddinge, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Pedro M D Moreno
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Clinical Research Center, Karolinska Institutet, SE-141 86 Huddinge, Stockholm, Sweden.,Instituto de Engenharia Biomédica, Universidade do Porto, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal.,Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, Universidade do Porto, 4200-135, Porto, Portugal
| | - Lee Siggens
- Department of Biosciences and Nutrition, Karolinska Institutet, Huddinge, Sweden, SE-141 86, Huddinge, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Mattias Hällbrink
- Department of Neurochemistry, Stockholm University, SE-106 91 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Anna S Jørgensen
- Department of Physics and Chemistry, Nucleic Acid Centre University of Southern Denmark, DK-5230 Odense, Denmark
| | - Karl Ekwall
- Department of Biosciences and Nutrition, Karolinska Institutet, Huddinge, Sweden, SE-141 86, Huddinge, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Rula Zain
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Clinical Research Center, Karolinska Institutet, SE-141 86 Huddinge, Stockholm, Sweden.,Department of Clinical Genetics, Centre for Rare Diseases, Karolinska University Hospital, SE-171 76 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Jesper Wengel
- Department of Physics and Chemistry, Nucleic Acid Centre University of Southern Denmark, DK-5230 Odense, Denmark
| | - Karin E Lundin
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Clinical Research Center, Karolinska Institutet, SE-141 86 Huddinge, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - C I Edvard Smith
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Clinical Research Center, Karolinska Institutet, SE-141 86 Huddinge, Stockholm, Sweden
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Pabon-Martinez YV, Xu Y, Villa A, Lundin KE, Geny S, Nguyen CH, Pedersen EB, Jørgensen PT, Wengel J, Nilsson L, Smith CIE, Zain R. LNA effects on DNA binding and conformation: from single strand to duplex and triplex structures. Sci Rep 2017; 7:11043. [PMID: 28887512 PMCID: PMC5591256 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-017-09147-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2017] [Accepted: 07/20/2017] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The anti-gene strategy is based on sequence-specific recognition of double-strand DNA by triplex forming (TFOs) or DNA strand invading oligonucleotides to modulate gene expression. To be efficient, the oligonucleotides (ONs) should target DNA selectively, with high affinity. Here we combined hybridization analysis and electrophoretic mobility shift assay with molecular dynamics (MD) simulations to better understand the underlying structural features of modified ONs in stabilizing duplex- and triplex structures. Particularly, we investigated the role played by the position and number of locked nucleic acid (LNA) substitutions in the ON when targeting a c-MYC or FXN (Frataxin) sequence. We found that LNA-containing single strand TFOs are conformationally pre-organized for major groove binding. Reduced content of LNA at consecutive positions at the 3'-end of a TFO destabilizes the triplex structure, whereas the presence of Twisted Intercalating Nucleic Acid (TINA) at the 3'-end of the TFO increases the rate and extent of triplex formation. A triplex-specific intercalating benzoquinoquinoxaline (BQQ) compound highly stabilizes LNA-containing triplex structures. Moreover, LNA-substitution in the duplex pyrimidine strand alters the double helix structure, affecting x-displacement, slide and twist favoring triplex formation through enhanced TFO major groove accommodation. Collectively, these findings should facilitate the design of potent anti-gene ONs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Y Vladimir Pabon-Martinez
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Clinical Research Center, Karolinska Institutet, SE-141 86, Huddinge, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - You Xu
- Department of Biosciences and Nutrition, Karolinska Institutet, SE-141 83, Huddinge, Sweden
| | - Alessandra Villa
- Department of Biosciences and Nutrition, Karolinska Institutet, SE-141 83, Huddinge, Sweden
| | - Karin E Lundin
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Clinical Research Center, Karolinska Institutet, SE-141 86, Huddinge, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Sylvain Geny
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Clinical Research Center, Karolinska Institutet, SE-141 86, Huddinge, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Chi-Hung Nguyen
- Institut Curie, PSL Research University, UMR 9187-U 1196, CNRS-Institut Curie, INSERM, Centre Universitaire, Orsay, France
| | - Erik B Pedersen
- Department of Physics, Chemistry and Pharmacy, Nucleic Acid Center, University of Southern Denmark, DK-5230, Odense M, Denmark
| | - Per T Jørgensen
- Department of Physics, Chemistry and Pharmacy, Nucleic Acid Center, University of Southern Denmark, DK-5230, Odense M, Denmark
| | - Jesper Wengel
- Department of Physics, Chemistry and Pharmacy, Nucleic Acid Center, University of Southern Denmark, DK-5230, Odense M, Denmark
| | - Lennart Nilsson
- Department of Biosciences and Nutrition, Karolinska Institutet, SE-141 83, Huddinge, Sweden
| | - C I Edvard Smith
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Clinical Research Center, Karolinska Institutet, SE-141 86, Huddinge, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Rula Zain
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Clinical Research Center, Karolinska Institutet, SE-141 86, Huddinge, Stockholm, Sweden.
- Department of Clinical Genetics, Centre for Rare Diseases, Karolinska University Hospital, SE-171 76, Stockholm, Sweden.
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Lundin KE, Gissberg O, Smith CE. Oligonucleotide Therapies: The Past and the Present. Hum Gene Ther 2015; 26:475-85. [PMID: 26160334 PMCID: PMC4554547 DOI: 10.1089/hum.2015.070] [Citation(s) in RCA: 193] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2015] [Accepted: 07/04/2015] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
In this review we address the development of oligonucleotide (ON) medicines from a historical perspective by listing the landmark discoveries in this field. The various biological processes that have been targeted and the corresponding ON interventions found in the literature are discussed together with brief updates on some of the more recent developments. Most ON therapies act through antisense mechanisms and are directed against various RNA species, as exemplified by gapmers, steric block ONs, antagomirs, small interfering RNAs (siRNAs), micro-RNA mimics, and splice switching ONs. However, ONs binding to Toll-like receptors and those forming aptamers have completely different modes of action. Similar to other novel medicines, the path to success has been lined with numerous failures, where different therapeutic ONs did not stand the test of time. Since the first ON drug was approved for clinical use in 1998, the therapeutic landscape has changed considerably, but many challenges remain until the expectations for this new form of medicine are met. However, there is room for cautious optimism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karin E. Lundin
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Clinical Research Center, Karolinska Institutet, Karolinska University Hospital Huddinge, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Olof Gissberg
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Clinical Research Center, Karolinska Institutet, Karolinska University Hospital Huddinge, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - C.I. Edvard Smith
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Clinical Research Center, Karolinska Institutet, Karolinska University Hospital Huddinge, Stockholm, Sweden
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Lundin KE, Højland T, Hansen BR, Persson R, Bramsen JB, Kjems J, Koch T, Wengel J, Smith CIE. Biological activity and biotechnological aspects of locked nucleic acids. ADVANCES IN GENETICS 2013; 82:47-107. [PMID: 23721720 DOI: 10.1016/b978-0-12-407676-1.00002-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 73] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Locked nucleic acid (LNA) is one of the most promising new nucleic acid analogues that has been produced under the past two decades. In this chapter, we have tried to cover many of the different areas, where this molecule has been used to improve the function of synthetic oligonucleotides (ONs). The use of LNA in antisense ONs, including gapmers, splice-switching ONs, and siLNA, as well as antigene ONs, is reviewed. Pharmacokinetics as well as pharmacodynamics of LNA ONs and a description of selected compounds in, or close to, clinical testing are described. In addition, new LNA modifications and the adaptation of enzymes for LNA incorporation are reviewed. Such enzymes may become important for the development of stabilized LNA-containing aptamers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karin E Lundin
- Clinical Research Center, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Novum, Huddinge, Stockholm, Sweden.
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