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Sujith S, Naresh R, Srivisanth BU, Sajeevan A, Rajaramon S, David H, Solomon AP. Aptamers: precision tools for diagnosing and treating infectious diseases. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2024; 14:1402932. [PMID: 39386170 PMCID: PMC11461471 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2024.1402932] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2024] [Accepted: 09/03/2024] [Indexed: 10/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Infectious diseases represent a significant global health challenge, with bacteria, fungi, viruses, and parasitic protozoa being significant causative agents. The shared symptoms among diseases and the emergence of new pathogen variations make diagnosis and treatment complex. Conventional diagnostic methods are laborious and intricate, underscoring the need for rapid, accurate techniques. Aptamer-based technologies offer a promising solution, as they are cost-effective, sensitive, specific, and convenient for molecular disease diagnosis. Aptamers, which are single-stranded RNA or DNA sequences, serve as nucleotide equivalents of monoclonal antibodies, displaying high specificity and affinity for target molecules. They are structurally robust, allowing for long-term storage without substantial activity loss. Aptamers find applications in diverse fields such as drug screening, material science, and environmental monitoring. In biomedicine, they are extensively studied for biomarker detection, diagnostics, imaging, and targeted therapy. This comprehensive review focuses on the utility of aptamers in managing infectious diseases, particularly in the realms of diagnostics and therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - Helma David
- Quorum Sensing Laboratory, Centre for Research in Infectious Diseases (CRID), School of Chemical and Biotechnology, SASTRA Deemed to be University, Thanjavur, India
| | - Adline Princy Solomon
- Quorum Sensing Laboratory, Centre for Research in Infectious Diseases (CRID), School of Chemical and Biotechnology, SASTRA Deemed to be University, Thanjavur, India
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Roesmann F, Müller L, Klaassen K, Heß S, Widera M. Interferon-Regulated Expression of Cellular Splicing Factors Modulates Multiple Levels of HIV-1 Gene Expression and Replication. Viruses 2024; 16:938. [PMID: 38932230 PMCID: PMC11209495 DOI: 10.3390/v16060938] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2024] [Revised: 05/31/2024] [Accepted: 06/03/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Type I interferons (IFN-Is) are pivotal in innate immunity against human immunodeficiency virus I (HIV-1) by eliciting the expression of IFN-stimulated genes (ISGs), which encompass potent host restriction factors. While ISGs restrict the viral replication within the host cell by targeting various stages of the viral life cycle, the lesser-known IFN-repressed genes (IRepGs), including RNA-binding proteins (RBPs), affect the viral replication by altering the expression of the host dependency factors that are essential for efficient HIV-1 gene expression. Both the host restriction and dependency factors determine the viral replication efficiency; however, the understanding of the IRepGs implicated in HIV-1 infection remains greatly limited at present. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the current understanding regarding the impact of the RNA-binding protein families, specifically the two families of splicing-associated proteins SRSF and hnRNP, on HIV-1 gene expression and viral replication. Since the recent findings show specifically that SRSF1 and hnRNP A0 are regulated by IFN-I in various cell lines and primary cells, including intestinal lamina propria mononuclear cells (LPMCs) and peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs), we particularly discuss their role in the context of the innate immunity affecting HIV-1 replication.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fabian Roesmann
- Institute for Medical Virology, University Hospital Frankfurt, Goethe University Frankfurt, Paul-Ehrlich-Str. 40, 60596 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Lisa Müller
- Institute of Virology, Medical Faculty, University Hospital Düsseldorf, Heinrich-Heine-University Düsseldorf, Universitätsstr. 1, 40225 Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Katleen Klaassen
- Institute for Medical Virology, University Hospital Frankfurt, Goethe University Frankfurt, Paul-Ehrlich-Str. 40, 60596 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Stefanie Heß
- Institute for Medical Virology, University Hospital Frankfurt, Goethe University Frankfurt, Paul-Ehrlich-Str. 40, 60596 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Marek Widera
- Institute for Medical Virology, University Hospital Frankfurt, Goethe University Frankfurt, Paul-Ehrlich-Str. 40, 60596 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
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Sousa AM, Ferreira D, Rodrigues LR, Pereira MO. Aptamer-based therapy for fighting biofilm-associated infections. J Control Release 2024; 367:522-539. [PMID: 38295992 DOI: 10.1016/j.jconrel.2024.01.061] [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: 09/30/2023] [Revised: 01/06/2024] [Accepted: 01/27/2024] [Indexed: 02/06/2024]
Abstract
Biofilms are key players in the pathogenesis of most of chronic infections associated with host tissue or fluids and indwelling medical devices. These chronic infections are hard to be treated due to the increased biofilms tolerance towards antibiotics in comparison to planktonic (or free living) cells. Despite the advanced understanding of their formation and physiology, biofilms continue to be a challenge and there is no standardized therapeutic approach in clinical practice to eradicate them. Aptamers offer distinctive properties, including excellent affinity, selectivity, stability, making them valuable tools for therapeutic purposes. This review explores the flexibility and designability of aptamers as antibiofilm drugs but, importantly, as targeting tools for diverse drug and delivery systems. It highlights specific examples of application of aptamers in biofilms of diverse species according to different modes of action including inhibition of motility and adhesion, blocking of quorum sensing molecules, and dispersal of biofilm-cells to planktonic state. Moreover, it discusses the limitations and challenges that impaired an increased success of the use of aptamers on biofilm management, as well as the opportunities related to aptamers modifications that can significantly expand their applicability on the biofilm field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Margarida Sousa
- CEB - Centre of Biological Engineering, University of Minho, 4710-057 Braga, Portugal; LABBELS - Associate Laboratory, Braga, Guimarães, Portugal.
| | - Débora Ferreira
- CEB - Centre of Biological Engineering, University of Minho, 4710-057 Braga, Portugal; LABBELS - Associate Laboratory, Braga, Guimarães, Portugal
| | - Lígia Raquel Rodrigues
- CEB - Centre of Biological Engineering, University of Minho, 4710-057 Braga, Portugal; LABBELS - Associate Laboratory, Braga, Guimarães, Portugal
| | - Maria Olívia Pereira
- CEB - Centre of Biological Engineering, University of Minho, 4710-057 Braga, Portugal; LABBELS - Associate Laboratory, Braga, Guimarães, Portugal.
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Pal R, Deb I, Sarzynska J, Lahiri A. LNA-induced dynamic stability in a therapeutic aptamer: insights from molecular dynamics simulations. J Biomol Struct Dyn 2022; 41:2221-2230. [PMID: 35100936 DOI: 10.1080/07391102.2022.2029567] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
Modulation of structural and thermodynamic properties of nucleic acids with synthetic modifications is a promising area of research with possible applications in nanotechnology and nanotherapeutics. Locked nucleic acid (LNA) is one such modification in which the C4' and O2' atoms of the sugar moiety are connected through a methylene bridge. The LNA modified DNA aptamer RNV66, and its unmodified counterpart V7t1, both of which target the vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) implicated in oncogenic angiogenesis, have a G-rich tract that can fold into G-quadruplex structures. However, it is not understood why V7t1 has a polymorphic structure while its LNA modified counterpart RNV66 has a unique quadruplex fold with higher nuclease resistance, thermal stability and greater binding affinity for VEGF. In this work, we have performed extensive molecular dynamics simulations of RNV66 and V7t1 to study and compare the structural and dynamic consequences of the insertion of LNAs. It was observed that the increase in dynamic stability was significant in the presence of LNA residues and our protocol for combining different torsional parameters using OL15 for the DNA aptamer and parm99_LNA along with parmbsc0 and βOL15 for the LNAs nicely reproduced the experimentally observed conformational features of RNV66. Our observations would help in further theoretical studies in understanding the lack of frustration in the folding of the LNA modified aptamer and its higher affinity for VEGF.Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rupak Pal
- Department of Biophysics, Molecular Biology, and Bioinformatics, University of Calcutta, Kolkata, India
| | - Indrajit Deb
- Department of Biophysics, Molecular Biology, and Bioinformatics, University of Calcutta, Kolkata, India
| | - Joanna Sarzynska
- Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Polish Academy of Sciences, Poznań, Poland
| | - Ansuman Lahiri
- Department of Biophysics, Molecular Biology, and Bioinformatics, University of Calcutta, Kolkata, India
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Wu J, Wang S, Li X, Zhang Q, Yang J, Ma Y, Guan Z, Yang Z. Selective Anti-melanoma Effect of Phosphothioated Aptamer Encapsulated by Neutral Cytidinyl/Cationic Lipids. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:660233. [PMID: 34262898 PMCID: PMC8273494 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.660233] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2021] [Accepted: 06/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
BC15-31 is a DNA aptamer that targets heterogeneous nuclear ribonucleoprotein A1 (hnRNP A1), which plays a crucial role in the process of pre-RNA maturation and is also essential for the rapid proliferation of tumor cells. In this research, we modified BC15-31 with a phosphorothioate (PS) backbone, LNA, and 2-O-MOE to enhance its stability and target affinity. In addition, a neutral cytidinyl lipid (DNCA) and a cationic lipid (CLD) were mixed to encapsulate modified aptamers with the aim of improving their cell permeability with low toxicity. Under the DNCA/CLD package, aptamers are mainly distributed in the nucleus. A modified sequence WW-24 showed an excellent selective anti-melanoma (A375 cells, ∼25 nM, 80%) activity, targeted to both hnRNP A1 and hnRNP A2/B1 found by the BLI experiment, and induced more early and late apoptosis in vitro, which also showed stronger antitumor effect and longer accumulation time in vivo. These results provide a new strategy for further clinical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Shuhe Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Xiang Li
- State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Qi Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Jie Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Yuan Ma
- State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Zhu Guan
- State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Zhenjun Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, China
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Heydari M, Gholoobi A, Ranjbar G, Rahbar N, Sany SBT, Mobarhan MG, Ferns GA, Rezayi M. Aptamers as potential recognition elements for detection of vitamins and minerals: a systematic and critical review. Crit Rev Clin Lab Sci 2019; 57:126-144. [PMID: 31680587 DOI: 10.1080/10408363.2019.1678566] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Background: Vitamin and mineral deficiencies are prevalent globally, and extensive efforts have been made to assess their status. Most traditional methods are expensive and time-consuming; therefore, developments of rapid, simple, specific, and sensitive methods for the assessment of vitamins and minerals in biological samples are of high importance in research. Aptamers are synthetic nucleic acid single-stranded DNA or RNA that can be synthesized in vitro. They can be engineered to be analyte-specific and have been suggested as a substitute for monoclonal antibodies, due to their high sensitivity and affinity. In addition, aptamers can be chemically synthesized and readily modified for use as biosensors. These features make aptamers a promising tool for the detection of biological analytes. In this review, we provide an overview of the potential use of aptamer-based biosensors.Methods: Search terms were conducted on several online databases, including Google Scholar, PubMed, Scopus, and Science Direct from January 2000 to August 2019. Eligibility criteria were used and quality evaluation was performed. Following the review of 4349 articles, 39 articles met the inclusion criteria.Results: Aptasensors have recently been developed for the detection of vitamins by using optical methods, with a detection range from 74 pM to 204 pM, and lower limit of detection of 2.4 pM. Both electrochemical and optical methods have been used for detection of minerals, however electrochemical methods show a wider linear range and lower detection limits compared to optical methods with a wide linear range from 0.2 fM to 1.0 mM and limit of detection of 14.7 fM.Conclusion: The current report reviews recent developments in aptamer-based biosensors for detection of vitamins and minerals. Studies have shown that aptasensors' properties are suitable for the quantification of vitamins and minerals with high sensitivity, affinity, and specificity. Nevertheless, the limitations and future directions of aptamers require further research and new technological innovation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maryam Heydari
- Nanotechnology Research Center, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran
| | - Aida Gholoobi
- Department of Modern Sciences and Technologies, Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Golnaz Ranjbar
- Department of Nutrition, Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Nadereh Rahbar
- Nanotechnology Research Center, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran.,Medicinal Chemistry Departments, School of Pharmacy, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran
| | - Seyedeh Belin Tavakoly Sany
- Department of Health Education and Health Promotion, Faculty of Health, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Majid Ghayour Mobarhan
- Metabolic Syndrome Research Center, School of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Gordon A Ferns
- Division of Medical Education, Brighton & Sussex Medical School, Brighton, UK
| | - Majid Rezayi
- Metabolic Syndrome Research Center, School of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran.,Medical Toxicology Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran.,Department of Medical Biotechnology and Nanotechnology, School of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
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Wu M, Chen J, Veroniaina H, Mukhopadhyay S, Wu Z, Wu Z, Qi X. Pea-like nanocabins enable autonomous cruise and step-by-step drug pushing for deep tumor inhibition. NANOMEDICINE : NANOTECHNOLOGY, BIOLOGY, AND MEDICINE 2019; 18:122-134. [PMID: 30858086 DOI: 10.1016/j.nano.2019.02.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2018] [Revised: 01/10/2019] [Accepted: 02/26/2019] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
Pea-like nanocabins (HA@APT§DOX) were designed for deep tumor inhibition. The AS1411 aptamer (APT) constituted "core shelf" which guaranteed DOX "beans" could be embedded, while the outer HA acted as "pea shell" coating. During the circulation (primary orbit), HA@APT§DOX could autonomously cruise until leak through tumor vasculature. Upon tumor superficial site, the "pea shell" could be degraded by highly expressed hyaluronic acid enzymes (HAase) and peel-off, resulting in orbit changing of released APT§DOX to reach the deep tumor tissue. Furthermore, APT§DOX could be specifically uptaken into A549 tumor cells (secondary orbit). Finally, DOX was released under the acidic environment of lysosome, and delivered into nuclear (targeting orbit) to achieve drug pushing for deep tumor inhibition. More importantly, the in vivo imaging and anti-tumor effects evaluations showed that these nanocabins could effectively enhance drugs accumulation in tumor sites and inhibit tumor growth, with reduced systemic toxicity in 4T1 tumor-bearing mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ming Wu
- Key Laboratory of Modern Chinese Medicines, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, PR China
| | - Jiaojiao Chen
- Key Laboratory of Modern Chinese Medicines, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, PR China
| | | | - Subhankar Mukhopadhyay
- Key Laboratory of Modern Chinese Medicines, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, PR China
| | - Ziheng Wu
- Jiangning Campus, High School Affiliated to Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing, PR China
| | - Zhenghong Wu
- Key Laboratory of Modern Chinese Medicines, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, PR China.
| | - Xiaole Qi
- Key Laboratory of Modern Chinese Medicines, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, PR China.
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Hillebrand F, Ostermann PN, Müller L, Degrandi D, Erkelenz S, Widera M, Pfeffer K, Schaal H. Gymnotic Delivery of LNA Mixmers Targeting Viral SREs Induces HIV-1 mRNA Degradation. Int J Mol Sci 2019; 20:ijms20051088. [PMID: 30832397 PMCID: PMC6429378 DOI: 10.3390/ijms20051088] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2019] [Revised: 02/22/2019] [Accepted: 02/25/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Transcription of the HIV-1 provirus generates a viral pre-mRNA, which is alternatively spliced into more than 50 HIV-1 mRNAs encoding all viral proteins. Regulation of viral alternative splice site usage includes the presence of splicing regulatory elements (SREs) which can dramatically impact RNA expression and HIV-1 replication when mutated. Recently, we were able to show that two viral SREs, GI3-2 and ESEtat, are important players in the generation of viral vif, vpr and tat mRNAs. Furthermore, we demonstrated that masking these SREs by transfected locked nucleic acid (LNA) mixmers affect the viral splicing pattern and viral particle production. With regard to the development of future therapeutic LNA mixmer-based antiretroviral approaches, we delivered the GI3-2 and the ESEtat LNA mixmers “nakedly”, without the use of transfection reagents (gymnosis) into HIV-1 infected cells. Surprisingly, we observed that gymnotically-delivered LNA mixmers accumulated in the cytoplasm, and seemed to co-localize with GW bodies and induced degradation of mRNAs containing their LNA target sequence. The GI3-2 and the ESEtat LNA-mediated RNA degradation resulted in abrogation of viral replication in HIV-1 infected Jurkat and PM1 cells as well as in PBMCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Frank Hillebrand
- Institute of Virology, Medical Faculty, Heinrich-Heine-University Düsseldorf, 40225 Düsseldorf, Germany.
| | - Philipp Niklas Ostermann
- Institute of Virology, Medical Faculty, Heinrich-Heine-University Düsseldorf, 40225 Düsseldorf, Germany.
| | - Lisa Müller
- Institute of Virology, Medical Faculty, Heinrich-Heine-University Düsseldorf, 40225 Düsseldorf, Germany.
| | - Daniel Degrandi
- Institute of Medical Microbiology and Hospital Hygiene, Medical Faculty, Heinrich-Heine-University Düsseldorf, 40225 Düsseldorf, Germany.
| | - Steffen Erkelenz
- Institute of Virology, Medical Faculty, Heinrich-Heine-University Düsseldorf, 40225 Düsseldorf, Germany.
| | - Marek Widera
- Institute of Virology, Medical Faculty, Heinrich-Heine-University Düsseldorf, 40225 Düsseldorf, Germany.
| | - Klaus Pfeffer
- Institute of Medical Microbiology and Hospital Hygiene, Medical Faculty, Heinrich-Heine-University Düsseldorf, 40225 Düsseldorf, Germany.
| | - Heiner Schaal
- Institute of Virology, Medical Faculty, Heinrich-Heine-University Düsseldorf, 40225 Düsseldorf, Germany.
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Röthlisberger P, Hollenstein M. Aptamer chemistry. Adv Drug Deliv Rev 2018; 134:3-21. [PMID: 29626546 DOI: 10.1016/j.addr.2018.04.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 218] [Impact Index Per Article: 36.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2018] [Revised: 03/28/2018] [Accepted: 04/03/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Aptamers are single-stranded DNA or RNA molecules capable of tightly binding to specific targets. These functional nucleic acids are obtained by an in vitro Darwinian evolution method coined SELEX (Systematic Evolution of Ligands by EXponential enrichment). Compared to their proteinaceous counterparts, aptamers offer a number of advantages including a low immunogenicity, a relative ease of large-scale synthesis at affordable costs with little or no batch-to-batch variation, physical stability, and facile chemical modification. These alluring properties have propelled aptamers into the forefront of numerous practical applications such as the development of therapeutic and diagnostic agents as well as the construction of biosensing platforms. However, commercial success of aptamers still proceeds at a weak pace. The main factors responsible for this delay are the susceptibility of aptamers to degradation by nucleases, their rapid renal filtration, suboptimal thermal stability, and the lack of functional group diversity. Here, we describe the different chemical methods available to mitigate these shortcomings. Particularly, we describe the chemical post-SELEX processing of aptamers to include functional groups as well as the inclusion of modified nucleoside triphosphates into the SELEX protocol. These methods will be illustrated with successful examples of chemically modified aptamers used as drug delivery systems, in therapeutic applications, and as biosensing devices.
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Sertznig H, Hillebrand F, Erkelenz S, Schaal H, Widera M. Behind the scenes of HIV-1 replication: Alternative splicing as the dependency factor on the quiet. Virology 2018; 516:176-188. [PMID: 29407375 DOI: 10.1016/j.virol.2018.01.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2017] [Revised: 01/10/2018] [Accepted: 01/11/2018] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
Alternative splicing plays a key role in the HIV-1 life cycle and is essential to maintain an equilibrium of mRNAs that encode viral proteins and polyprotein-isoforms. In particular, since all early HIV-1 proteins are expressed from spliced intronless and late enzymatic and structural proteins from intron containing, i.e. splicing repressed viral mRNAs, cellular splicing factors and splicing regulatory proteins are crucial for the replication capacity. In this review, we will describe the complex network of cis-acting splicing regulatory elements (SREs), which are mainly localized in the neighbourhoods of all HIV-1 splice sites and warrant the proper ratio of individual transcript isoforms. Since SREs represent binding sites for trans-acting cellular splicing factors interacting with the cellular spliceosomal apparatus we will review the current knowledge of interactions between viral RNA and cellular proteins as well as their impact on viral replication. Finally, we will discuss potential therapeutic approaches targeting HIV-1 alternative splicing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Helene Sertznig
- Institute for Virology, University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Frank Hillebrand
- Institute of Virology, Heinrich Heine University, University Hospital, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Steffen Erkelenz
- Institute for Genetics, Cologne Excellence Cluster on Cellular Stress Responses in Aging-Associated Diseases (CECAD), University of Cologne, Germany
| | - Heiner Schaal
- Institute of Virology, Heinrich Heine University, University Hospital, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Marek Widera
- Institute for Virology, University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany.
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Morita Y, Leslie M, Kameyama H, Volk DE, Tanaka T. Aptamer Therapeutics in Cancer: Current and Future. Cancers (Basel) 2018; 10:cancers10030080. [PMID: 29562664 PMCID: PMC5876655 DOI: 10.3390/cancers10030080] [Citation(s) in RCA: 130] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2018] [Revised: 03/13/2018] [Accepted: 03/15/2018] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Aptamer-related technologies represent a revolutionary advancement in the capacity to rapidly develop new classes of targeting ligands. Structurally distinct RNA and DNA oligonucleotides, aptamers mimic small, protein-binding molecules and exhibit high binding affinity and selectivity. Although their molecular weight is relatively small—approximately one-tenth that of monoclonal antibodies—their complex tertiary folded structures create sufficient recognition surface area for tight interaction with target molecules. Additionally, unlike antibodies, aptamers can be readily chemically synthesized and modified. In addition, aptamers’ long storage period and low immunogenicity are favorable properties for clinical utility. Due to their flexibility of chemical modification, aptamers are conjugated to other chemical entities including chemotherapeutic agents, siRNA, nanoparticles, and solid phase surfaces for therapeutic and diagnostic applications. However, as relatively small sized oligonucleotides, aptamers present several challenges for successful clinical translation. Their short plasma half-lives due to nuclease degradation and rapid renal excretion necessitate further structural modification of aptamers for clinical application. Since the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval of the first aptamer drug, Macugen® (pegaptanib), which treats wet-age-related macular degeneration, several aptamer therapeutics for oncology have followed and shown promise in pre-clinical models as well as clinical trials. This review discusses the advantages and challenges of aptamers and introduces therapeutic aptamers under investigation and in clinical trials for cancer treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yoshihiro Morita
- Stephenson Cancer Center, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, 975 NE 10th, BRC-W, Rm 1415, Oklahoma City, OK 73104, USA.
| | - Macall Leslie
- Stephenson Cancer Center, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, 975 NE 10th, BRC-W, Rm 1415, Oklahoma City, OK 73104, USA.
| | - Hiroyasu Kameyama
- Stephenson Cancer Center, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, 975 NE 10th, BRC-W, Rm 1415, Oklahoma City, OK 73104, USA.
| | - David E Volk
- McGovern Medical School, Institute of Molecular Medicine, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, 1825 Hermann Pressler, Houston, TX 77030, USA.
| | - Takemi Tanaka
- Stephenson Cancer Center, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, 975 NE 10th, BRC-W, Rm 1415, Oklahoma City, OK 73104, USA.
- Department of Pathology, College of Medicine, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, 940 SL Young Blvd, Oklahoma City, OK 73104, USA.
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Rahimi F. Aptamers Selected for Recognizing Amyloid β-Protein-A Case for Cautious Optimism. Int J Mol Sci 2018; 19:ijms19030668. [PMID: 29495486 PMCID: PMC5877529 DOI: 10.3390/ijms19030668] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2018] [Revised: 02/18/2018] [Accepted: 02/22/2018] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Aptamers are versatile oligonucleotide ligands used for molecular recognition of diverse targets. However, application of aptamers to the field of amyloid β-protein (Aβ) has been limited so far. Aβ is an intrinsically disordered protein that exists in a dynamic conformational equilibrium, presenting time-dependent ensembles of short-lived, metastable structures and assemblies that have been generally difficult to isolate and characterize. Moreover, despite understanding of potential physiological roles of Aβ, this peptide has been linked to the pathogenesis of Alzheimer disease, and its pathogenic roles remain controversial. Accumulated scientific evidence thus far highlights undesirable or nonspecific interactions between selected aptamers and different Aβ assemblies likely due to the metastable nature of Aβ or inherent affinity of RNA oligonucleotides to β-sheet-rich fibrillar structures of amyloidogenic proteins. Accordingly, lessons drawn from Aβ–aptamer studies emphasize that purity and uniformity of the protein target and rigorous characterization of aptamers’ specificity are important for realizing and garnering the full potential of aptamers selected for recognizing Aβ or other intrinsically disordered proteins. This review summarizes studies of aptamers selected for recognizing different Aβ assemblies and highlights controversies, difficulties, and limitations of such studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Farid Rahimi
- Division of Biomedical Science and Biochemistry, Research School of Biology, The Australian National University, Canberra, ACT 2601, Australia.
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Davydova A, Vorobjeva M, Pyshnyi D, Altman S, Vlassov V, Venyaminova A. Aptamers against pathogenic microorganisms. Crit Rev Microbiol 2015; 42:847-65. [PMID: 26258445 PMCID: PMC5022137 DOI: 10.3109/1040841x.2015.1070115] [Citation(s) in RCA: 67] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
An important current issue of modern molecular medicine and biotechnology is the search for new approaches to early diagnostic assays and adequate therapy of infectious diseases. One of the promising solutions to this problem might be a development of nucleic acid aptamers capable of interacting specifically with bacteria, protozoa, and viruses. Such aptamers can be used for the specific recognition of infectious agents as well as for blocking of their functions. The present review summarizes various modern SELEX techniques used in this field, and of several currently identified aptamers against viral particles and unicellular organisms, and their applications. The prospects of applying nucleic acid aptamers for the development of novel detection systems and antibacterial and antiviral drugs are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Davydova
- a Institute of Chemical Biology and Fundamental Medicine, Siberian Division of Russian Academy of Sciences , Novosibirsk , Russia and
| | - Maria Vorobjeva
- a Institute of Chemical Biology and Fundamental Medicine, Siberian Division of Russian Academy of Sciences , Novosibirsk , Russia and
| | - Dmitrii Pyshnyi
- a Institute of Chemical Biology and Fundamental Medicine, Siberian Division of Russian Academy of Sciences , Novosibirsk , Russia and
| | - Sidney Altman
- b Department of Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology , Yale University , New Haven , CT , USA
| | - Valentin Vlassov
- a Institute of Chemical Biology and Fundamental Medicine, Siberian Division of Russian Academy of Sciences , Novosibirsk , Russia and
| | - Alya Venyaminova
- a Institute of Chemical Biology and Fundamental Medicine, Siberian Division of Russian Academy of Sciences , Novosibirsk , Russia and
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Ashrafuzzaman M. Aptamers as both drugs and drug-carriers. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2014; 2014:697923. [PMID: 25295268 PMCID: PMC4177733 DOI: 10.1155/2014/697923] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2013] [Revised: 08/04/2014] [Accepted: 08/22/2014] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Aptamers are short nucleic acid oligos. They may serve as both drugs and drug-carriers. Their use as diagnostic tools is also evident. They can be generated using various experimental, theoretical, and computational techniques. The systematic evolution of ligands by exponential enrichment which uses iterative screening of nucleic acid libraries is a popular experimental technique. Theory inspired methodology entropy-based seed-and-grow strategy that designs aptamer templates to bind specifically to targets is another one. Aptamers are predicted to be highly useful in producing general drugs and theranostic drugs occasionally for certain diseases like cancer, Alzheimer's disease, and so on. They bind to various targets like lipids, nucleic acids, proteins, small organic compounds, and even entire organisms. Aptamers may also serve as drug-carriers or nanoparticles helping drugs to get released in specific target regions. Due to better target specific physical binding properties aptamers cause less off-target toxicity effects. Therefore, search for aptamer based drugs, drug-carriers, and even diagnostic tools is expanding fast. The biophysical properties in relation to the target specific binding phenomena of aptamers, energetics behind the aptamer transport of drugs, and the consequent biological implications will be discussed. This review will open up avenues leading to novel drug discovery and drug delivery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Md. Ashrafuzzaman
- Department of Biochemistry, College of Science, King Saud University, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia
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15
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Kuwahara M, Obika S. In vitro selection of BNA (LNA) aptamers. ARTIFICIAL DNA, PNA & XNA 2014; 4:39-48. [PMID: 24044051 DOI: 10.4161/adna.25786] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2013] [Accepted: 07/17/2013] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
Recently, we achieved the first in vitro selection of 2'-O,4'-C-methylene bridged/locked nucleic acid (2',4'-BNA/LNA) aptamers. High-affinity thrombin-binding aptamers (TBAs) were obtained from DNA-based libraries containing 2'-O,4'-C-methylene-bridged/linked bicyclic ribonucleotides (B/L nucleotides) in the 5'-primer region, using the method of capillary electrophoresis systematic evolution of ligands by exponential enrichment (CE-SELEX). Furthermore, a similar selection protocol could provide TBAs that contain B/L nucleotides in both primer and random regions. We review technical challenges involved in the generation of various BNA libraries using analogs of B/L nucleoside-5'-triphosphate and polymerase variants and also discuss applications of these libraries to the selection of BNA (LNA) aptamers, as well as future prospects for their therapeutic and diagnostic uses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Masayasu Kuwahara
- Graduate School of Science and Technology; Gunma University; Gunma, Japan
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16
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Marušič M, Veedu RN, Wengel J, Plavec J. G-rich VEGF aptamer with locked and unlocked nucleic acid modifications exhibits a unique G-quadruplex fold. Nucleic Acids Res 2013; 41:9524-36. [PMID: 23935071 PMCID: PMC3814366 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkt697] [Citation(s) in RCA: 72] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
The formation of a single G-quadruplex structure adopted by a promising 25 nt G-rich vascular endothelial growth factor aptamer in a K+ rich environment was facilitated by locked nucleic acid modifications. An unprecedented all parallel-stranded monomeric G-quadruplex with three G-quartet planes exhibits several unique structural features. Five consecutive guanine residues are all involved in G-quartet formation and occupy positions in adjacent DNA strands, which are bridged with a no-residue propeller-type loop. A two-residue D-shaped loop facilitates inclusion of an isolated guanine residue into the vacant spot within the G-quartet. The remaining two G-rich tracts of three residues each adopt parallel orientation and are linked with edgewise and propeller loops. Both 5′ with 3 nt and 3′ with 4 nt overhangs display well-defined conformations, with latter adopting a basket handle topology. Locked residues contribute to thermal stabilization of the adopted structure and formation of structurally pre-organized intermediates that facilitate folding into a single G-quadruplex. Understanding the impact of chemical modifications on folding, thermal stability and structural polymorphism of G-quadruplexes provides means for the improvement of vascular endothelial growth factor aptamers and advances our insights into driving nucleic acid structure by locking or unlocking the conformation of sugar moieties of nucleotides in general.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maja Marušič
- Slovenian NMR Center, National Institute of Chemistry, Hajdrihova 19, SI-1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia, School of Chemistry & Molecular Biosciences, University of Queensland, St Lucia, Brisbane, 4072 Australia, Nucleic Acid Center, Department of Physics, Chemistry and Pharmacy, University of Southern Denmark, 5230 Odense M, Denmark, EN-FIST Center of Excellence, SI-1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia and Faculty of Chemistry and Chemical Technology, University of Ljubljana, SI-1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
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Amplification and re-generation of LNA-modified libraries. Molecules 2012; 17:13087-97. [PMID: 23128088 PMCID: PMC6268865 DOI: 10.3390/molecules171113087] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2012] [Revised: 10/31/2012] [Accepted: 11/01/2012] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Locked nucleic acids (LNA) confer high thermal stability and nuclease resistance to oligonucleotides. The discovery of polymerases that accept LNA triphosphates has led us to propose a scheme for the amplification and re-generation of LNA-containing oligonucleotide libraries. Such libraries could be used for in vitro selection of e.g., native LNA aptamers. We maintained an oligonucleotide library encoding 40 randomized positions with LNA ATP, GTP, CTP, and TTP for 7 rounds of ‘mock’ in vitro selection in the absence of a target and analyzed the sequence composition after rounds 1, 4 and 7. We observed a decrease in LNA-A content from 20.5% in round 1 to 6.6% in round 7. This decrease was accompanied by a substantial bias against successive LNA-As (poly-LNA adenosine tracts) and a relative over-representation of single LNA-As. Maintaining a library with LNA TTP yielded similar results. Together, these results suggest that dispersed LNA monomers are tolerated in our in vitro selection protocol, and that LNA-modified libraries can be sustained for up to at least seven selection rounds, albeit at reduced levels. This enables the discovery of native LNA aptamers and similar oligonucleotide structures.
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Inhibition of HIV Replication by Cyclic and Hairpin PNAs Targeting the HIV-1 TAR RNA Loop. J Nucleic Acids 2012; 2012:591025. [PMID: 23029603 PMCID: PMC3457641 DOI: 10.1155/2012/591025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2012] [Accepted: 07/12/2012] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Human immunodeficiency virus-1 (HIV-1) replication and gene expression entails specific interaction of the viral protein Tat with its transactivation responsive element (TAR), to form a highly stable stem-bulge-loop structure. Previously, we described triphenylphosphonium (TPP) cation-based vectors that efficiently deliver nucleotide analogs (PNAs) into the cytoplasm of cells. In particular, we showed that the TPP conjugate of a linear 16-mer PNA targeting the apical stem-loop region of TAR impedes Tat-mediated transactivation of the HIV-1 LTR in vitro and also in cell culture systems. In this communication, we conjugated TPP to cyclic and hairpin PNAs targeting the loop region of HIV-1 TAR and evaluated their antiviral efficacy in a cell culture system. We found that TPP-cyclic PNAs containing only 8 residues, showed higher antiviral potency compared to hairpin PNAs of 12 or 16 residues. We further noted that the TPP-conjugates of the 8-mer cyclic PNA as well as the 16-mer linear PNA displayed similar antiviral efficacy. However, cyclic PNAs were shown to be highly specific to their target sequences. This communication emphasizes on the importance of small constrained cyclic PNAs over both linear and hairpin structures for targeting biologically relevant RNA hairpins.
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Mascini M, Palchetti I, Tombelli S. Nucleic acid and peptide aptamers: fundamentals and bioanalytical aspects. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2011; 51:1316-32. [PMID: 22213382 DOI: 10.1002/anie.201006630] [Citation(s) in RCA: 244] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2010] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
In recent years new nucleic acid and protein-based combinatorial molecules have attracted the attention of researchers working in various areas of science, ranging from medicine to analytical chemistry. These molecules, called aptamers, have been proposed as alternatives to antibodies in many different applications. The aim of this Review is to illustrate the peculiarities of these combinatorial molecules which have initially been explored for their importance in molecular medicine, but have enormous potential in other biotechnological fields historically dominated by antibodies, such as bioassays. A description of these molecules is given, and the methods for their selection and production are also summarized. Moreover, critical aspects related to these molecules are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marco Mascini
- Dipartimento di Chimica Ugo Schiff, Università degli Studi di Firenze, Via della Lastruccia 3, 50019 Sesto Fiorentino, Italy.
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Mascini M, Palchetti I, Tombelli S. Nucleinsäure- und Peptidaptamere: Grundlagen und bioanalytische Aspekte. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2011. [DOI: 10.1002/ange.201006630] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
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21
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Abstract
Aptamers are single-stranded structured oligonucleotides (DNA or RNA) that can bind to a wide range of targets ("apatopes") with high affinity and specificity. These nucleic acid ligands, generated from pools of random-sequence by an in vitro selection process referred to as systematic evolution of ligands by exponential enrichment (SELEX), have now been identified as excellent tools for chemical biology, therapeutic delivery, diagnosis, research, and monitoring therapy in real-time imaging. Today, aptamers represent an interesting class of modern Pharmaceuticals which with their low immunogenic potential mimic extend many of the properties of monoclonal antibodies in diagnostics, research, and therapeutics. More recently, chimeric aptamer approach employing many different possible types of chimerization strategies has generated more stable and efficient chimeric aptamers with aptamer-aptamer, aptamer-nonaptamer biomacromolecules (siRNAs, proteins) and aptamer-nanoparticle chimeras. These chimeric aptamers when conjugated with various biomacromolecules like locked nucleic acid (LNA) to potentiate their stability, biodistribution, and targeting efficiency, have facilitated the accurate targeting in preclinical trials. We developed LNA-aptamer (anti-nucleolin and EpCAM) complexes which were loaded in iron-saturated bovine lactofeerin (Fe-blf)-coated dopamine modified surface of superparamagnetic iron oxide (Fe3O4) nanoparticles (SPIONs). This complex was used to deliver the specific aptamers in tumor cells in a co-culture model of normal and cancer cells. This review focuses on the chimeric aptamers, currently in development that are likely to find future practical applications in concert with other therapeutic molecules and modalities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jagat R Kanwar
- Nanomedicine Laboratory of Immunology and Molecular Biomedical Research (LIMBR), Centre for Biotechnology and Interdisciplinary Biosciences (BioDeakin), Institute for Technology and Research Innovation (ITRI), Geelong Technology Precinct (GTP), Deakin University, Victoria, Australia.
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22
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Veedu RN, Wengel J. Locked nucleic acids: promising nucleic acid analogs for therapeutic applications. Chem Biodivers 2010; 7:536-42. [PMID: 20232325 DOI: 10.1002/cbdv.200900343] [Citation(s) in RCA: 193] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Locked Nucleic Acid (LNA) is a unique nucleic-acid modification possessing very high binding affinity and excellent specificity toward complementary RNA or DNA oligonucleotides. The remarkable properties exhibited by LNA oligonucleotides have been employed in different nucleic acid-based therapeutic strategies both in vitro and in vivo. Herein, we highlight the applications of LNA nucleotides for controlling gene expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rakesh N Veedu
- Nucleic Acid Center, Department of Physics and Chemistry, University of Southern Denmark, Campusvej 55, DK-5230 Odense M.
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23
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Bhattacharya S, Osman H. Novel targets for anti-retroviral therapy. J Infect 2009; 59:377-86. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jinf.2009.09.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2009] [Revised: 09/29/2009] [Accepted: 09/30/2009] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
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24
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Appella DH. Non-natural nucleic acids for synthetic biology. Curr Opin Chem Biol 2009; 13:687-96. [PMID: 19879178 PMCID: PMC3152792 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbpa.2009.09.030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2009] [Revised: 09/24/2009] [Accepted: 09/29/2009] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Genetic manipulation is an important facet of synthetic biology but can be complicated by undesired nuclease degradation. Incorporating non-natural nucleic acids into a gene could convey resistance to nucleases and promote expression. The compatibility of non-natural nucleosides with polymerases is reviewed with a focus on results from the past two years. Details are provided about how the different systems could be useful in synthetic biology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel H Appella
- National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Department of Health and Human Services, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA.
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25
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Silencing viral microRNA as a novel antiviral therapy? J Biomed Biotechnol 2009; 2009:419539. [PMID: 19704916 PMCID: PMC2688686 DOI: 10.1155/2009/419539] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2008] [Accepted: 03/20/2009] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Viruses are intracellular parasites that ensure their existence by converting host cells into viral particle producing entities or into hiding places rendering the virus invisible to the host immune system. Some viruses may also survive by transforming the infected cell into an immortal tumour cell. MicroRNAs are small non-coding transcripts that function as posttranscriptional regulators of gene expression. Viruses encode miRNAs that regulate expression of both cellular and viral genes, and contribute to the pathogenic properties of viruses. Hence, neutralizing the action of viral miRNAs expression by complementary single-stranded oligonucleotides or so-called anti-miRNAs may represent a strategy to combat viral infections and viral-induced pathogenesis. This review describes the miRNAs encoded by human viruses, and discusses the possible therapeutic applications of anti-miRNAs against viral diseases.
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26
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Veedu RN, Wengel J. Locked nucleic acid nucleoside triphosphates and polymerases: on the way towards evolution of LNA aptamers. MOLECULAR BIOSYSTEMS 2009; 5:787-92. [PMID: 19603111 DOI: 10.1039/b905513b] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
Among numerous nucleic acid analogs reported in the past decades, locked nucleic acid (LNA) has received substantial attention and has become a significant tool within chemical biology disciplines like molecular biology research, diagnostics and therapeutic development. However, despite their obvious structurally unique properties, LNA-based aptamers for diagnostic and therapeutic applications remain largely unexplored. Future evolution of LNA oligonucleotide aptamers will depend on scientific breakthroughs relating to enzymatic polymerization using LNA nucleoside triphosphates as substrates. Herein, we highlight recent developments in this direction using various polymerases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rakesh N Veedu
- Department of Physics and Chemistry, Nucleic Acid Center, University of Southern Denmark, Campusvej 55, Odense M, Denmark
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27
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Barciszewski J, Medgaard M, Koch T, Kurreck J, Erdmann VA. Locked nucleic acid aptamers. Methods Mol Biol 2009; 535:165-86. [PMID: 19377996 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-59745-557-2_10] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
The aptamer technology has been introduced in the early 1990s. With this technique ligands for organic dyes and proteins have been identified in many research field, providing various inhibitory molecules that allow functional interference in biological systems. Aptamers can therefore be employed for various applications ranging from diagnostic to therapeutic assay formats. Locked nucleic acid aptamers (LNA-Aps) are oligonucleotides containing one or more LNA nucleotide monomers with a bicyclic furanose unit locked in an RNA mimicking sugar conformation, evolved in vitro to bind target ligands with high affinity and specificity. LNA-Aps are attractive alternatives to antibody- and small-molecule-based therapeutics due to their stability, low toxicity and immunogenecity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jan Barciszewski
- Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry of the Polish Academy of Sciences, , Poznan, Poland
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Lebars I, Richard T, Di Primo C, Toulmé JJ. NMR structure of a kissing complex formed between the TAR RNA element of HIV-1 and a LNA-modified aptamer. Nucleic Acids Res 2007; 35:6103-14. [PMID: 17768146 PMCID: PMC2094059 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkm655] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
The trans-activating responsive (TAR) RNA element located in the 5′ untranslated region of the HIV-1 genome is a 57-nt imperfect stem-loop essential for the viral replication. TAR regulates transcription by interacting with both viral and cellular proteins. RNA hairpin aptamers specific for TAR were previously identified by in vitro selection [Ducongé,F. and Toulmé,J.J. (1999) In vitro selection identifies key determinants for loop-loop interactions: RNA aptamers selective for the TAR RNA element of HIV-1. RNA, 5, 1605–1614]. These aptamers display a 5′-GUCCCAGA-3′ consensus apical loop, partially complementary to the TAR one, leading to the formation of a TAR–aptamer kissing complex. The conserved GA combination (underlined in the consensus sequence) has been shown to be crucial for the formation of a highly stable complex. To improve the nuclease resistance of the aptamer and to increase its affinity for TAR, locked nucleic acid (LNA) nucleotides were introduced in the aptamer apical loop. LNA are nucleic acids analogues that contain a 2′-O,4′-C methylene linkage and that raise the thermostablity of duplexes. We solved the NMR solution structure of the TAR–LNA-modified aptamer kissing complex. Structural analysis revealed the formation of a non-canonical G•A pair leading to increased stacking at the stem-loop junction. Our data also showed that the introduction of LNA residues provides an enhanced stability while maintaining a normal Watson–Crick base pairing with a loop–loop conformation close to an A-type.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isabelle Lebars
- CNRS-Université Bordeaux 1-ENITAB, UMR 5248 CBMN, Institut Européen de Chimie et Biologie, Pessac, F-33607, France.
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29
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Upert G, Mehiri M, Di Giorgio A, Condom R, Patino N. Solid-phase synthesis and thermal denaturation study of cyclic PNAs targeting the HIV-1 TAR RNA loop. Bioorg Med Chem Lett 2007; 17:6026-30. [PMID: 17826994 DOI: 10.1016/j.bmcl.2007.07.030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2007] [Revised: 07/04/2007] [Accepted: 07/05/2007] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
Cyclic PNAs targeting the HIV-1 TAR RNA loop have been synthesized following a convenient solid-phase strategy which allows on-resin cyclisation. UV-monitored thermal denaturation studies demonstrate that these cyclic PNAs are able to strongly interact with their TAR RNA target, very likely through the formation of a six-base pair stable complex, involving the TAR RNA loop.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gregory Upert
- Laboratoire de Chimie des Molécules Bioactives et des Arômes (LCMBA), UMR UNSA-CNRS 6001, Université de Nice-Sophia Antipolis, 06108 Nice Cedex 2, France
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30
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Di Primo C, Lebars I. Determination of refractive index increment ratios for protein-nucleic acid complexes by surface plasmon resonance. Anal Biochem 2007; 368:148-55. [PMID: 17659251 DOI: 10.1016/j.ab.2007.06.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2007] [Revised: 06/12/2007] [Accepted: 06/13/2007] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Three nucleic acid-protein complexes of 1:1 stoichiometry were analyzed by surface plasmon resonance on a Biacore biosensor to test whether or not proteins and nucleic acids yielded similar refractive index increments on binding. The expected maximum response in resonance units, (RU(exp))(max), and the observed one, (RU(obs))(max), on saturation of immobilized targets by interacting partners were compared to determine the ratio of (deltan/deltaC)(protein) to (deltan/deltaC)(nucleic acid), where n is the refractive index at the surface and C is the concentration of one partner. Our results suggest that proteins and nucleic acids behave similarly and that the discrepancy between the expected and observed maximum responses for such complexes reflects inaccurate evaluation of the binding responses. Therefore, no correction of the instrument response is required for protein and nucleic acid interaction studies on a Biacore biosensor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carmelo Di Primo
- INSERM U869, Institut Européen de Chimie et Biologie, Pessac F-33607, France.
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