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Aman R, Syed MM, Saleh A, Melliti F, Gundra S, Wang Q, Marsic T, Mahas A, Mahfouz M. Peptide nucleic acid-assisted generation of targeted double-stranded DNA breaks with T7 endonuclease I. Nucleic Acids Res 2024; 52:3469-3482. [PMID: 38421613 PMCID: PMC11014363 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkae148] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2023] [Revised: 02/14/2024] [Accepted: 02/18/2024] [Indexed: 03/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Gene-editing technologies have revolutionized biotechnology, but current gene editors suffer from several limitations. Here, we harnessed the power of gamma-modified peptide nucleic acids (γPNAs) to facilitate targeted, specific DNA invasion and used T7 endonuclease I (T7EI) to recognize and cleave the γPNA-invaded DNA. Our data show that T7EI can specifically target PNA-invaded linear and circular DNA to introduce double-strand breaks (DSBs). Our PNA-Guided T7EI (PG-T7EI) technology demonstrates that T7EI can be used as a programmable nuclease capable of generating single or multiple specific DSBs in vitro under a broad range of conditions and could be potentially applied for large-scale genomic manipulation. With no protospacer adjacent motif (PAM) constraints and featuring a compact protein size, our PG-T7EI system will facilitate and expand DNA manipulations both in vitro and in vivo, including cloning, large-fragment DNA assembly, and gene editing, with exciting applications in biotechnology, medicine, agriculture, and synthetic biology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rashid Aman
- Laboratory for Genome Engineering and Synthetic Biology, Division of Biological Sciences, 4700 King Abdullah University of Science and Technology, Thuwal 23955-6900, Saudi Arabia
| | - Muntjeeb M Syed
- Laboratory for Genome Engineering and Synthetic Biology, Division of Biological Sciences, 4700 King Abdullah University of Science and Technology, Thuwal 23955-6900, Saudi Arabia
| | - Ahmed Saleh
- Laboratory for Genome Engineering and Synthetic Biology, Division of Biological Sciences, 4700 King Abdullah University of Science and Technology, Thuwal 23955-6900, Saudi Arabia
| | - Firdaws Melliti
- Laboratory for Genome Engineering and Synthetic Biology, Division of Biological Sciences, 4700 King Abdullah University of Science and Technology, Thuwal 23955-6900, Saudi Arabia
| | - Sivakrishna Rao Gundra
- Laboratory for Genome Engineering and Synthetic Biology, Division of Biological Sciences, 4700 King Abdullah University of Science and Technology, Thuwal 23955-6900, Saudi Arabia
| | - Qiaochu Wang
- Laboratory for Genome Engineering and Synthetic Biology, Division of Biological Sciences, 4700 King Abdullah University of Science and Technology, Thuwal 23955-6900, Saudi Arabia
| | - Tin Marsic
- Laboratory for Genome Engineering and Synthetic Biology, Division of Biological Sciences, 4700 King Abdullah University of Science and Technology, Thuwal 23955-6900, Saudi Arabia
| | - Ahmed Mahas
- Laboratory for Genome Engineering and Synthetic Biology, Division of Biological Sciences, 4700 King Abdullah University of Science and Technology, Thuwal 23955-6900, Saudi Arabia
- Department of Genetics, Harvard University, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Magdy M Mahfouz
- Laboratory for Genome Engineering and Synthetic Biology, Division of Biological Sciences, 4700 King Abdullah University of Science and Technology, Thuwal 23955-6900, Saudi Arabia
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2
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Shaw R, Basu M, Karmakar S, Ghosh MK. MGMT in TMZ-based glioma therapy: Multifaceted insights and clinical trial perspectives. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA. MOLECULAR CELL RESEARCH 2024; 1871:119673. [PMID: 38242327 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbamcr.2024.119673] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2023] [Revised: 01/05/2024] [Accepted: 01/10/2024] [Indexed: 01/21/2024]
Abstract
Temozolomide (TMZ) is the most preferred and approved chemotherapeutic drug for either first- or second-line chemotherapy for glioma patients across the globe. In glioma patients, resistance to treatment with alkylating drugs like TMZ is known to be conferred by exalted levels of MGMT gene expression. On the contrary, epigenetic silencing through MGMT gene promoter methylation leading to subsequent reduction in MGMT transcription and protein expression, is predicted to have a response favoring TMZ treatment. Thus, MGMT protein level in cancer cells is a crucial determining factor in indicating and predicting the choice of alkylating agents in chemotherapy or choosing glioma patients directly for a second line of treatment. Thus, in-depth research is necessary to achieve insights into MGMT gene regulation that has recently enticed a fascinating interest in epigenetic, transcriptional, post-transcriptional, and post-translational levels. Furthermore, MGMT promoter methylation, stability of MGMT protein, and related subsequent adaptive responses are also important contributors to strategic developments in glioma therapy. With applications to its identification as a prognostic biomarker, thus predicting response to advanced glioma therapy, this review aims to concentrate on the mechanistic role and regulation of MGMT gene expression at epigenetic, transcriptional, post-transcriptional, and post-translational levels functioning under the control of multiple signaling dynamics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rajni Shaw
- Cancer Biology and Inflammatory Disorder Division, Council of Scientific and Industrial Research-Indian Institute of Chemical Biology (CSIR-IICB), TRUE Campus, CN-6, Sector-V, Salt Lake, Kolkata-700091 & 4, Raja S.C. Mullick Road, Jadavpur, Kolkata 700032, India
| | - Malini Basu
- Department of Microbiology, Dhruba Chand Halder College, Dakshin Barasat, South 24, Paraganas 743372, India
| | - Subhajit Karmakar
- Cancer Biology and Inflammatory Disorder Division, Council of Scientific and Industrial Research-Indian Institute of Chemical Biology (CSIR-IICB), TRUE Campus, CN-6, Sector-V, Salt Lake, Kolkata-700091 & 4, Raja S.C. Mullick Road, Jadavpur, Kolkata 700032, India
| | - Mrinal K Ghosh
- Cancer Biology and Inflammatory Disorder Division, Council of Scientific and Industrial Research-Indian Institute of Chemical Biology (CSIR-IICB), TRUE Campus, CN-6, Sector-V, Salt Lake, Kolkata-700091 & 4, Raja S.C. Mullick Road, Jadavpur, Kolkata 700032, India.
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3
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Singh G, Monga V. Peptide Nucleic Acids: Recent Developments in the Synthesis and Backbone Modifications. Bioorg Chem 2023; 141:106860. [PMID: 37748328 DOI: 10.1016/j.bioorg.2023.106860] [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: 04/12/2023] [Revised: 09/07/2023] [Accepted: 09/09/2023] [Indexed: 09/27/2023]
Abstract
Nucleic acid represents the ideal drug candidate for protein targets that are hard to target or against which drug development is not easy. Peptide nucleic acids (PNAs) are synthesized by attaching modified peptide backbones generally derived from repetitive N-2-aminoethyl glycine units in place of the regular phosphodiester backbone and represent synthetic impersonator of nucleic acids that offers an exciting research field due to their fascinating spectrum of biotechnological, diagnostic and potential therapeutic applications. The semi-rigid peptide nucleic acid backbone serves as a nearly-perfect template for attaching complimentary base pairs on DNA or RNA in a sequence-dependent manner as described by Watson-Crick models. PNAs and their analogues are endowed with exceptionally high affinity and specificity for receptor sites, essentially due to their polyamide backbone's uncharged and flexible nature. The present review compiled various strategies to modify the polypeptide backbone for improving the target selectivity and stability of the PNAs in the body. The investigated biological activities carried out on PNAs have also been summarized in the present review.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gurpreet Singh
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, ISF College of Pharmacy, GT Road, Ghal Kalan, Moga 142001, Punjab, India
| | - Vikramdeep Monga
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Natural Products, Central University of Punjab, VPO-Ghudda, Bathinda 151401, Punjab, India.
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4
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Eskandari S, Rezayof A, Asghari SM, Hashemizadeh S. Neurobiochemical characteristics of arginine-rich peptides explain their potential therapeutic efficacy in neurodegenerative diseases. Neuropeptides 2023; 101:102356. [PMID: 37390744 DOI: 10.1016/j.npep.2023.102356] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2023] [Revised: 06/19/2023] [Accepted: 06/21/2023] [Indexed: 07/02/2023]
Abstract
Neurodegenerative diseases, including Alzheimer̕ s disease (AD), Parkinson̕ s disease (PD), Huntington̕ s disease (HD), and Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) require special attention to find new potential treatment methods. This review aims to summarize the current knowledge of the relationship between the biochemical properties of arginine-rich peptides (ARPs) and their neuroprotective effects to deal with the harmful effects of risk factors. It seems that ARPs have portrayed a promising and fantastic landscape for treating neurodegeneration-associated disorders. With multimodal mechanisms of action, ARPs play various unprecedented roles, including as the novel delivery platforms for entering the central nervous system (CNS), the potent antagonists for calcium influx, the invader molecules for targeting mitochondria, and the protein stabilizers. Interestingly, these peptides inhibit the proteolytic enzymes and block protein aggregation to induce pro-survival signaling pathways. ARPs also serve as the scavengers of toxic molecules and the reducers of oxidative stress agents. They also have anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and anti-cancer properties. Moreover, by providing an efficient nucleic acid delivery system, ARPs can play an essential role in developing various fields, including gene vaccines, gene therapy, gene editing, and imaging. ARP agents and ARP/cargo therapeutics can be raised as an emergent class of neurotherapeutics for neurodegeneration. Part of the aim of this review is to present recent advances in treating neurodegenerative diseases using ARPs as an emerging and powerful therapeutic tool. The applications and progress of ARPs-based nucleic acid delivery systems have also been discussed to highlight their usefulness as a broad-acting class of drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sedigheh Eskandari
- Department of Animal Biology, School of Biology, College of Science, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran; Institute of Biochemistry and Biophysics (IBB), University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran
| | - Ameneh Rezayof
- Department of Animal Biology, School of Biology, College of Science, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran.
| | - S Mohsen Asghari
- Institute of Biochemistry and Biophysics (IBB), University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Shiva Hashemizadeh
- School of Cognitive Sciences, Institute for Research in Fundamental Sciences, IPM, Tehran, Iran
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5
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Zhang W, Wang L, Wang R, Duan Z, Wang H. A blockade of microRNA-155 signal pathway has a beneficial effect on neural injury after intracerebral haemorrhage via reduction in neuroinflammation and oxidative stress. Arch Physiol Biochem 2022; 128:1235-1241. [PMID: 32412861 DOI: 10.1080/13813455.2020.1764047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
MicroRNAs (miRNAs) have important contributions to multiple pathophysiological processes for cellular response to stress and are considered as promising therapeutic targets with respect to drug development due to their small size, relative ease of delivery, and sequence specificity. Thus, in the current report, we examined the effects of inhibiting miRNA-155 (miR-155) on the levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines (PICs), oxidative stress products as well as vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in the parietal cortex and hippocampus of rats following intracerebral haemorrhage (ICH). Real time PCR was used to examine the levels of miR-155 in the parietal cortex and hippocampus of rats; and ELISA to measure IL-1β, IL-6 and TNF-α, oxidative 8-iso PGF2α and 8-OHdG, and VEGF. Additionally, modified neurological Severity Score (mNSS) was examined to indicate neurological function in animals. In results, with induction of ICH, the levels of miR-155 were amplified in the parietal cortex and hippocampus and this was accompanied with increases of IL-1β, IL-6 and TNF-α; and 8-iso PGF2α and 8-OHdG. Intracerebroventricular infusion of miR-155 inhibitor attenuated the elevation of PICs and amplification of oxidative stress products. Interestingly, miR-155 inhibitor promoted VEGF levels. Furthermore, inhibition of miR-155 led to improvement of neurological deficits in ICH rats. In conclusion, miR-155 signal in the parietal cortex and hippocampus is engaged in the processes of neural injury during ICH and blocking central miR-155 pathway plays a beneficial role in regulating neurological function via reduction in PICs and products of oxidative stress; and enhancement of VEGF. This has implications to target miR-155 and its downstream signal pathway for neuronal dysfunction and vulnerability related to ICH.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenwen Zhang
- Department of Anesthesiology, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Luping Wang
- Department of Anesthesiology, School and Hospital of Stomatology, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Ruimin Wang
- Department of Operation Room, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Zongsheng Duan
- Department of Anesthesiology, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Hushan Wang
- Department of Anesthesiology, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
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6
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Yang L, Li L, Chang P, Wei M, Chen J, Zhu C, Jia J. miR-25 Regulates Gastric Cancer Cell Growth and Apoptosis by Targeting EGR2. Front Genet 2021; 12:690196. [PMID: 34764975 PMCID: PMC8577570 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2021.690196] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2021] [Accepted: 10/01/2021] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Gastric cancer is one of the most common malignancies harmful to human health. The search for effective drugs or gene therapy has aroused the attention of scientists. So far, microRNAs, as small non-coding RNAs, have the potential to be therapeutic targets for cancer. Herein, we found a highly expressed miR-25 in gastric cancer cell. However, the function of miR-25 for gastric cancer cell growth and apoptosis was unknown. Functionally, we used RT-qPCR, western blot, CCK-8, and flow cytometry to detect gastric cancer cell growth and apoptosis. The results indicated that miR-25 promoted gastric cancer cell growth and inhibited their apoptosis. Mechanistically, we found that a gene EGR2 was a potential target gene of miR-25. Further dual-luciferase results supported this prediction. Moreover, knockdown of EGR2 promoted gastric cancer cell growth and inhibited their apoptosis by flow cytometry detection. Altogether, these findings revealed miR-25 as a regulator of gastric cancer cell growth and apoptosis through targeting EGR2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liuqing Yang
- Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Medical University, Xi' an, China
| | - Lina Li
- First Department of Medical Oncology, Affiliated Shaanxi Provincial Cancer Hospital, Xi'an, China
| | - Pan Chang
- Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Medical University, Xi' an, China
| | - Ming Wei
- Department of Pharmacology, Xi'an Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Jianting Chen
- Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Medical University, Xi' an, China
| | - Chaofan Zhu
- Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Medical University, Xi' an, China
| | - Jing Jia
- Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Medical University, Xi' an, China
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7
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Nasu K, Aoyagi Y, Zhu R, Okamoto M, Yano M, Kai K, Kawano Y. Role of repressed microRNAs in endometriosis. Med Mol Morphol 2021; 55:1-7. [PMID: 34463829 DOI: 10.1007/s00795-021-00303-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2021] [Accepted: 08/19/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Endometriosis is a common, estrogen-dependent benign tumor that affect 3-10% women of reproductive age, and is characterized by the ectopic growth of endometrial tissue, which is found primarily in the rectovaginal septum, ovaries, and pelvic peritoneum. To date, accumulating evidence suggests that various epigenetic aberrations, including the expression of aberrant microRNAs (miRNAs), play definite roles in the pathogenesis of endometriosis. This review summarizes the recent findings on the aberrantly repressed miRNAs, as well as their potential roles regarding the pathogenesis of endometriosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kaei Nasu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, Oita University, Idaigaoka 1-1, Hasama-machi, Yufu-shi, Oita, 879-5593, Japan. .,Division of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Support System for Community Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Oita University, Oita, Japan.
| | - Yoko Aoyagi
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, Oita University, Idaigaoka 1-1, Hasama-machi, Yufu-shi, Oita, 879-5593, Japan
| | - Ruofei Zhu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, Oita University, Idaigaoka 1-1, Hasama-machi, Yufu-shi, Oita, 879-5593, Japan
| | - Mamiko Okamoto
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, Oita University, Idaigaoka 1-1, Hasama-machi, Yufu-shi, Oita, 879-5593, Japan
| | - Mitsutake Yano
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, Oita University, Idaigaoka 1-1, Hasama-machi, Yufu-shi, Oita, 879-5593, Japan
| | - Kentaro Kai
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, Oita University, Idaigaoka 1-1, Hasama-machi, Yufu-shi, Oita, 879-5593, Japan
| | - Yasushi Kawano
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, Oita University, Idaigaoka 1-1, Hasama-machi, Yufu-shi, Oita, 879-5593, Japan
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8
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Zurlo M, Romagnoli R, Oliva P, Gasparello J, Finotti A, Gambari R. Synergistic effects of the combined treatment of U251 and T98G glioma cells with an anti‑tubulin tetrahydrothieno[2,3‑c]pyridine derivative and a peptide nucleic acid targeting miR‑221‑3p. Int J Oncol 2021; 59:61. [PMID: 34278445 PMCID: PMC8295028 DOI: 10.3892/ijo.2021.5241] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2021] [Accepted: 06/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
In the development of novel and more effective anti-cancer approaches, combined treatments appear to be of great interest, based on the possibility of obtaining relevant biological or therapeutic effects using lower concentrations of single drugs. Combination therapy may prove to be of utmost significance in the management of glioblastoma (GBM), a lethal malignancy that accounts for 42% of cancer cases of the central nervous system, with a median survival rate of 15 months. As regards novel therapeutic approaches, the authors have recently demonstrated that peptide nucleic acids (PNAs) that target microRNA (miRNA/miR)-221 are very active in inducing the apoptosis of glioma cells. Furthermore, in a recent study, the authors described two novel series of tubulin polymerization inhibitors based on the 4,5,6,7-tetrahydrothieno[2,3-c]pyridine and 4,5,6,7-tetrahydrobenzo[b]thiophene scaffold, which exerted a potent anti-proliferative effect on a variety of tumor cell lines. The present study aimed to verify the activity on glioblastoma cancer cell lines of one of the most active compounds tested, corresponding to 2-(3′, 4′, 5′-trimethoxyanilino)-3-cyano/alkoxycarbonyl-6-substituted-4 5,6,7-tetrahydrothiene[2,3-c] pyridine (compound 3b), used in combination with an anti-miR-221-3p PNA, already demonstrated to be able to induce high levels of apoptosis. To the best of our knowledge, the results obtained herein demonstrate for the first time a 'combination therapy' performed by the combined use of a PNA targeting miR-221 and the tetrahydrothiene[2,3-c]pyridine derivative 3b, supporting the concept that the combined treatment of GBM cells with a PNA against a specific upregulated oncomiRNA (in the present study a PNA targeting miR-221-3p was used) and anti-tubulin agents (in the present study derivative 3b was used) is an encouraging strategy which may be used to enhance the efficacy of anticancer therapies and at the same time, to reduce side-effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matteo Zurlo
- Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Ferrara University, I‑44121 Ferrara, Italy
| | - Romeo Romagnoli
- Department of Chemical, Pharmaceutical and Agricultural Sciences, Ferrara University, I‑44121 Ferrara, Italy
| | - Paola Oliva
- Department of Chemical, Pharmaceutical and Agricultural Sciences, Ferrara University, I‑44121 Ferrara, Italy
| | - Jessica Gasparello
- Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Ferrara University, I‑44121 Ferrara, Italy
| | - Alessia Finotti
- Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Ferrara University, I‑44121 Ferrara, Italy
| | - Roberto Gambari
- Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Ferrara University, I‑44121 Ferrara, Italy
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9
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Figueiredo J, Miranda A, Lopes-Nunes J, Carvalho J, Alexandre D, Valente S, Mergny JL, Cruz C. Targeting nucleolin by RNA G-quadruplex-forming motif. Biochem Pharmacol 2021; 189:114418. [PMID: 33460627 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2021.114418] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2020] [Revised: 01/08/2021] [Accepted: 01/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
A high level of nucleolin (NCL) expression is often associated with a poor prognosis of patients with lung cancer (LC), suggesting that NCL can be used as a possible biomarker. NCL has been shown to display a marked preference for the binding to G-quadruplexes (G4). Here, we investigate the formation of an RNA quadruplex structure in a sequence found in the human precursor pre-MIR150 with the potential to recognize NCL. Circular dichroism (CD) spectra of pre-MIR150 G4-forming sequence (designated by rG4) indicate the formation of a parallel quadruplex structure in KCl or when complexed with the well-known G4 ligand PhenDC3. The thermal stability of rG4 is very high, and further increases in the presence of PhenDC3. The binding affinities of rG4 to PhenDC3 and NCL RBD1,2 are similar with KD values in the nanomolar range. PAGE results suggest the formation of a ternary quadruplex-ligand-protein complex (rG4-PhenDC3-NCL RBD1,2), indicative that PhenDC3 does not prevent the binding of rG4 to NCL RBD1,2. Finally, rG4 can recognize NCL-positive cells and, when fluorescently labeled, can be used as a probe for this protein. ELISA experiments indicate altered NCL expression patterns in liquid biopsies of LC patients in a non-invasive manner, potentially helping the diagnosis, prognosis, and patient response to treatment. Hence, labeled rG4 could be used as a detection probe of LC in liquid biopsies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joana Figueiredo
- CICS-UBI - Centro de Investigação em Ciências da Saúde, Universidade da Beira Interior, Av. Infante D. Henrique, Covilhã, Portugal
| | - André Miranda
- CICS-UBI - Centro de Investigação em Ciências da Saúde, Universidade da Beira Interior, Av. Infante D. Henrique, Covilhã, Portugal
| | - Jéssica Lopes-Nunes
- CICS-UBI - Centro de Investigação em Ciências da Saúde, Universidade da Beira Interior, Av. Infante D. Henrique, Covilhã, Portugal
| | - Josué Carvalho
- CICS-UBI - Centro de Investigação em Ciências da Saúde, Universidade da Beira Interior, Av. Infante D. Henrique, Covilhã, Portugal
| | - Daniela Alexandre
- CICS-UBI - Centro de Investigação em Ciências da Saúde, Universidade da Beira Interior, Av. Infante D. Henrique, Covilhã, Portugal
| | - Salete Valente
- Serviço de Pneumologia do Centro Hospitalar Universitário Cova da Beira (CHUCB), Covilhã, Portugal
| | - Jean-Louis Mergny
- Institute of Biophysics of the CAS, v.v.i., Královopolská 135, 612 65 Brno, Czech Republic; Laboratoire d'Optique et Biosciences, Ecole Polytechnique, CNRS, INSERM, Institut Polytechnique de Paris, 91128 Palaiseau, France
| | - Carla Cruz
- CICS-UBI - Centro de Investigação em Ciências da Saúde, Universidade da Beira Interior, Av. Infante D. Henrique, Covilhã, Portugal.
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10
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Liang X, Liu M, Komiyama M. Recognition of Target Site in Various Forms of DNA and RNA by Peptide Nucleic Acid (PNA): From Fundamentals to Practical Applications. BULLETIN OF THE CHEMICAL SOCIETY OF JAPAN 2021. [DOI: 10.1246/bcsj.20210086] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Xingguo Liang
- College of Food Science and Engineering, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266003, P. R. China
- Laboratory for Marine Drugs and Bioproducts of Qingdao National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology, Qingdao 266235, P. R. China
| | - Mengqin Liu
- College of Food Science and Engineering, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266003, P. R. China
| | - Makoto Komiyama
- College of Food Science and Engineering, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266003, P. R. China
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11
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Comegna M, Conte G, Falanga AP, Marzano M, Cernera G, Di Lullo AM, Amato F, Borbone N, D'Errico S, Ungaro F, d'Angelo I, Oliviero G, Castaldo G. Assisting PNA transport through cystic fibrosis human airway epithelia with biodegradable hybrid lipid-polymer nanoparticles. Sci Rep 2021; 11:6393. [PMID: 33737583 PMCID: PMC7973768 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-85549-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2020] [Accepted: 03/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Cystic fibrosis (CF) is characterized by an airway obstruction caused by a thick mucus due to a malfunctioning Cystic Fibrosis Transmembrane Conductance Regulator (CFTR) protein. The sticky mucus restricts drugs in reaching target cells limiting the efficiency of treatments. The development of new approaches to enhance drug delivery to the lungs represents CF treatment's main challenge. In this work, we report the production and characterization of hybrid core–shell nanoparticles (hNPs) comprising a PLGA core and a dipalmitoylphosphatidylcholine (DPPC) shell engineered for inhalation. We loaded hNPs with a 7-mer peptide nucleic acid (PNA) previously considered for its ability to modulate the post-transcriptional regulation of the CFTR gene. We also investigated the in vitro release kinetics of hNPs and their efficacy in PNA delivery across the human epithelial airway barrier using an ex vivo model based on human primary nasal epithelial cells (HNEC) from CF patients. Confocal analyses and hNPs transport assay demonstrated the ability of hNPs to overcome the mucus barrier and release their PNA cargo within the cytoplasm, where it can exert its biological function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marika Comegna
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnologies, University of Naples Federico II, 80131, Naples, Italy.,CEINGE-Biotecnologie Avanzate S.c.a.r.l., 80145, Naples, Italy
| | - Gemma Conte
- Di.S.T.A.Bi.F., University of Campania Luigi Vanvitelli, 81100, Caserta, Italy
| | | | - Maria Marzano
- Institute of Crystallography, National Research Council, 70126, Bari, Italy
| | - Gustavo Cernera
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnologies, University of Naples Federico II, 80131, Naples, Italy.,CEINGE-Biotecnologie Avanzate S.c.a.r.l., 80145, Naples, Italy
| | - Antonella Miriam Di Lullo
- ENT Section, Department of Neuroscience, Reproductive and Odontostomatological Sciences, University of Naples Federico II, 80131, Naples, Italy
| | - Felice Amato
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnologies, University of Naples Federico II, 80131, Naples, Italy.,CEINGE-Biotecnologie Avanzate S.c.a.r.l., 80145, Naples, Italy
| | - Nicola Borbone
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Naples Federico II, 80131, Naples, Italy
| | - Stefano D'Errico
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Naples Federico II, 80131, Naples, Italy
| | - Francesca Ungaro
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Naples Federico II, 80131, Naples, Italy
| | - Ivana d'Angelo
- Di.S.T.A.Bi.F., University of Campania Luigi Vanvitelli, 81100, Caserta, Italy.
| | - Giorgia Oliviero
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnologies, University of Naples Federico II, 80131, Naples, Italy.
| | - Giuseppe Castaldo
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnologies, University of Naples Federico II, 80131, Naples, Italy.,CEINGE-Biotecnologie Avanzate S.c.a.r.l., 80145, Naples, Italy
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12
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Volpi S, Rozzi A, Rivi N, Neri M, Knoll W, Corradini R. Submonomeric Strategy with Minimal Protection for the Synthesis of C(2)-Modified Peptide Nucleic Acids. Org Lett 2021; 23:902-907. [PMID: 33417460 PMCID: PMC7880566 DOI: 10.1021/acs.orglett.0c04116] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2020] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
A novel synthesis of C(2)-modified peptide nucleic acids (PNAs) is proposed, using a submonomeric strategy with minimally protected building blocks, which allowed a reduction in the required synthetic steps. N(3)-unprotected, d-Lys- and d-Arg-based backbones were used to obtain positively charged PNAs with high optical purity, as inferred from chiral GC measurements. "Chiral-box" PNAs targeting the G12D point mutation of the KRAS gene were produced using this method, showing improved sequence selectivity for the mutated- vs wild-type DNA strand with respect to unmodified PNAs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefano Volpi
- Department
of Chemistry, Life Sciences and Environmental Sustainability, University of Parma, Parco Area delle Scienze 17/A, Parma, 43123, Italy
| | - Andrea Rozzi
- Department
of Chemistry, Life Sciences and Environmental Sustainability, University of Parma, Parco Area delle Scienze 17/A, Parma, 43123, Italy
| | - Nicola Rivi
- Department
of Chemistry, Life Sciences and Environmental Sustainability, University of Parma, Parco Area delle Scienze 17/A, Parma, 43123, Italy
| | - Martina Neri
- Department
of Chemistry, Life Sciences and Environmental Sustainability, University of Parma, Parco Area delle Scienze 17/A, Parma, 43123, Italy
| | - Wolfgang Knoll
- Department
of Chemistry, Life Sciences and Environmental Sustainability, University of Parma, Parco Area delle Scienze 17/A, Parma, 43123, Italy
- Biosensor
Technologies, AIT-Austrian Institute of Technology GmbH, Konrad-Lorenz-Straße 24, 3430, Tulln an der Donau, Austria
| | - Roberto Corradini
- Department
of Chemistry, Life Sciences and Environmental Sustainability, University of Parma, Parco Area delle Scienze 17/A, Parma, 43123, Italy
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13
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Tamanini A, Fabbri E, Jakova T, Gasparello J, Manicardi A, Corradini R, Finotti A, Borgatti M, Lampronti I, Munari S, Dechecchi MC, Cabrini G, Gambari R. A Peptide-Nucleic Acid Targeting miR-335-5p Enhances Expression of Cystic Fibrosis Transmembrane Conductance Regulator ( CFTR) Gene with the Possible Involvement of the CFTR Scaffolding Protein NHERF1. Biomedicines 2021; 9:biomedicines9020117. [PMID: 33530577 PMCID: PMC7911309 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines9020117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2020] [Revised: 01/03/2021] [Accepted: 01/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
(1) Background: Up-regulation of the Cystic Fibrosis Transmembrane Conductance Regulator gene (CFTR) might be of great relevance for the development of therapeutic protocols for cystic fibrosis (CF). MicroRNAs are deeply involved in the regulation of CFTR and scaffolding proteins (such as NHERF1, NHERF2 and Ezrin). (2) Methods: Content of miRNAs and mRNAs was analyzed by RT-qPCR, while the CFTR and NHERF1 production was analyzed by Western blotting. (3) Results: The results here described show that the CFTR scaffolding protein NHERF1 can be up-regulated in bronchial epithelial Calu-3 cells by a peptide-nucleic acid (PNA) targeting miR-335-5p, predicted to bind to the 3′-UTR sequence of the NHERF1 mRNA. Treatment of Calu-3 cells with this PNA (R8-PNA-a335) causes also up-regulation of CFTR. (4) Conclusions: We propose miR-335-5p targeting as a strategy to increase CFTR. While the efficiency of PNA-based targeting of miR-335-5p should be verified as a therapeutic strategy in CF caused by stop-codon mutation of the CFTR gene, this approach might give appreciable results in CF cells carrying other mutations impairing the processing or stability of CFTR protein, supporting its application in personalized therapy for precision medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Tamanini
- Section of Molecular Pathology, Department of Pathology and Diagnostics, University-Hospital of Verona, 37126 Verona, Italy; (A.T.); (S.M.)
| | - Enrica Fabbri
- Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy; (E.F.); (J.G.); (A.F.); (M.B.); (I.L.)
| | - Tiziana Jakova
- Department of Chemistry, Life Sciences and Environmental Sustainability, University of Parma, 43124 Parma, Italy; (T.J.); (A.M.); (R.C.)
| | - Jessica Gasparello
- Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy; (E.F.); (J.G.); (A.F.); (M.B.); (I.L.)
| | - Alex Manicardi
- Department of Chemistry, Life Sciences and Environmental Sustainability, University of Parma, 43124 Parma, Italy; (T.J.); (A.M.); (R.C.)
| | - Roberto Corradini
- Department of Chemistry, Life Sciences and Environmental Sustainability, University of Parma, 43124 Parma, Italy; (T.J.); (A.M.); (R.C.)
| | - Alessia Finotti
- Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy; (E.F.); (J.G.); (A.F.); (M.B.); (I.L.)
- Research Center on Innovative Therapies for Cystic Fibrosis, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy;
| | - Monica Borgatti
- Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy; (E.F.); (J.G.); (A.F.); (M.B.); (I.L.)
- Research Center on Innovative Therapies for Cystic Fibrosis, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy;
| | - Ilaria Lampronti
- Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy; (E.F.); (J.G.); (A.F.); (M.B.); (I.L.)
- Research Center on Innovative Therapies for Cystic Fibrosis, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy;
| | - Silvia Munari
- Section of Molecular Pathology, Department of Pathology and Diagnostics, University-Hospital of Verona, 37126 Verona, Italy; (A.T.); (S.M.)
| | - Maria Cristina Dechecchi
- Department of Neurosciences, Biomedicine and Movement, University of Verona, 37100 Verona, Italy;
| | - Giulio Cabrini
- Research Center on Innovative Therapies for Cystic Fibrosis, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy;
- Department of Neurosciences, Biomedicine and Movement, University of Verona, 37100 Verona, Italy;
| | - Roberto Gambari
- Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy; (E.F.); (J.G.); (A.F.); (M.B.); (I.L.)
- Research Center on Innovative Therapies for Cystic Fibrosis, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy;
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-0532-974443
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14
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Volpi S, Cancelli U, Neri M, Corradini R. Multifunctional Delivery Systems for Peptide Nucleic Acids. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2020; 14:14. [PMID: 33375595 PMCID: PMC7823687 DOI: 10.3390/ph14010014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2020] [Revised: 12/21/2020] [Accepted: 12/23/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The number of applications of peptide nucleic acids (PNAs)-oligonucleotide analogs with a polyamide backbone-is continuously increasing in both in vitro and cellular systems and, parallel to this, delivery systems able to bring PNAs to their targets have been developed. This review is intended to give to the readers an overview on the available carriers for these oligonucleotide mimics, with a particular emphasis on newly developed multi-component- and multifunctional vehicles which boosted PNA research in recent years. The following approaches will be discussed: (a) conjugation with carrier molecules and peptides; (b) liposome formulations; (c) polymer nanoparticles; (d) inorganic porous nanoparticles; (e) carbon based nanocarriers; and (f) self-assembled and supramolecular systems. New therapeutic strategies enabled by the combination of PNA and proper delivery systems are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Roberto Corradini
- Department of Chemistry, Life Sciences and Environmental Sustainability, University of Parma, 43124 Parma, Italy; (S.V.); (U.C.); (M.N.)
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15
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Krychtiuk KA, Speidl WS, Giannitsis E, Gigante B, Gorog DA, Jaffe AS, Mair J, Möckel M, Mueller C, Storey RF, Vilahur G, Wojta J, Huber K, Halvorsen S, Geisler T, Morais J, Lindahl B, Thygesen K. Biomarkers of coagulation and fibrinolysis in acute myocardial infarction: a joint position paper of the Association for Acute CardioVascular Care and the European Society of Cardiology Working Group on Thrombosis. EUROPEAN HEART JOURNAL-ACUTE CARDIOVASCULAR CARE 2020; 10:343-355. [PMID: 33620437 DOI: 10.1093/ehjacc/zuaa025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2020] [Accepted: 09/15/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
The formation of a thrombus in an epicardial artery may result in an acute myocardial infarction (AMI). Despite major advances in acute treatment using network approaches to allocate patients to timely reperfusion and optimal antithrombotic treatment, patients remain at high risk for thrombotic complications. Ongoing activation of the coagulation system as well as thrombin-mediated platelet activation may both play a crucial role in this context. Whether measurement of circulating biomarkers of coagulation and fibrinolysis could be useful for risk stratification in secondary prevention is currently not fully understood. In addition, measurement of such biomarkers could be helpful to identify thrombus formation as the leading mechanism for AMI. The introduction of biomarkers of myocardial injury such as high-sensitivity cardiac troponins made rule-out of AMI even more precise. However, elevated markers of myocardial injury cannot provide proof of a type 1 AMI, let alone thrombus formation. The combined measurement of markers of myocardial injury with biomarkers reflecting ongoing thrombus formation might be helpful for the fast and correct diagnosis of an atherothrombotic type 1 AMI. This position paper gives an overview of the current knowledge and possible role of biomarkers of coagulation and fibrinolysis for the diagnosis of AMI, risk stratification, and individualized treatment strategies in patients with AMI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Konstantin A Krychtiuk
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Internal Medicine II, Medical University of Vienna, Waehringer Guertel 18-20, 1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Walter S Speidl
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Internal Medicine II, Medical University of Vienna, Waehringer Guertel 18-20, 1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Evangelos Giannitsis
- Department of Internal Medicine III, Cardiology, Angiology, Pulmonology, Medical University of Heidelberg, Im Neuenheimer Feld 672, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Bruna Gigante
- Unit of Cardiovascular Medicine, Department of Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Solnavägen 1, 171 77 Solna, Sweden.,Department of Clinical Science, Danderyds Hospital, Entrévägen 2, 182 57 Danderyd, Sweden
| | - Diana A Gorog
- Department of Medicine, National Heart & Lung Institute, Imperial College, Guy Scadding Building, Dovehouse St, Chelsea, London SW3 6LY, UK.,Postgraduate Medical School, University of Hertfordshire, Hatfield, UK
| | - Allan S Jaffe
- Department of Cardiology, Mayo Clinic, 1216 2nd St SW Rochester, MN 55902, USA.,Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, Mayo Clinic, 1216 2nd St SW Rochester, MN 55902, USA
| | - Johannes Mair
- Department of Internal Medicine III - Cardiology and Angiology, Medical University Innsbruck, Anichstraße 35, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Martin Möckel
- Division of Emergency and Acute Medicine and Chest Pain Units, Charite - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Campus Mitte and Virchow, Augustenburger Pl. 1, 13353 Berlin, Germany
| | - Christian Mueller
- Cardiovascular Research Institute Basel (CRIB), University Hospital Basel, University of Basel, Spitalstrasse 2, 4056 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Robert F Storey
- Cardiovascular Research Unit, Department of Infection Immunity and Cardiovascular Disease, University of Sheffield, Medical School, Beech Hill Rd, Sheffield S10 2RX, UK
| | - Gemma Vilahur
- Cardiovascular Program ICCC - Research Institute Hospital de la Santa Creu i Sant Pau, IIB-Sant Pau, Carrer de Sant Quintí, 89, 08041 Barcelona, Spain.,Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red Cardiovascular (CIBERCV), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Calle de Melchor Fernández Almagro, 3, 28029 Madrid, Spain
| | - Johann Wojta
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Internal Medicine II, Medical University of Vienna, Waehringer Guertel 18-20, 1090 Vienna, Austria.,Ludwig Boltzmann Institute for Cardiovascular Research, Waehringer Guertel 18-20, 1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Kurt Huber
- Ludwig Boltzmann Institute for Cardiovascular Research, Waehringer Guertel 18-20, 1090 Vienna, Austria.,3rd Medical Department of Cardiology and Intensive Care Medicine, Wilhelminenhospital, Montleartstraße 37, 1160 Vienna, Austria
| | - Sigrun Halvorsen
- Department of Cardiology, Oslo University Hospital Ulleval, University of Oslo, Kirkeveien 166, 0450 Oslo, Norway
| | - Tobias Geisler
- University Hospital Tübingen, Hoppe-Seyler-Straße 3, 72076 Tübingen, Germany
| | - Joao Morais
- Division of Cardiology, Santo Andre's Hospital, R. de Santo André, 2410-197 Leiria, Portugal
| | - Bertil Lindahl
- Department of Medical Sciences, Uppsala Clinical Research Center, Dag Hammarskjölds Väg 38, 751 85 Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Kristian Thygesen
- Department of Cardiology, Aarhus University Hospital, Palle Juul-Jensens Blvd. 161, 8200 Aarhus N, Denmark
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16
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Fabbri E, Tamanini A, Jakova T, Gasparello J, Manicardi A, Corradini R, Finotti A, Borgatti M, Lampronti I, Munari S, Dechecchi MC, Cabrini G, Gambari R. Treatment of human airway epithelial Calu-3 cells with a peptide-nucleic acid (PNA) targeting the microRNA miR-101-3p is associated with increased expression of the cystic fibrosis Transmembrane Conductance Regulator () gene. Eur J Med Chem 2020; 209:112876. [PMID: 33127171 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2020.112876] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2020] [Revised: 09/17/2020] [Accepted: 09/22/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Since the identification of microRNAs (miRNAs) involved in the regulation of Cystic Fibrosis Transmembrane Conductance Regulator (CFTR) gene, miRNAs known to down-regulate the expression of the CFTR and associated proteins have been investigated as potential therapeutic targets. Here we show that miR-101-3p, targeting the 3'-UTR sequence of the CFTR mRNA, can be selectively inhibited by a peptide nucleic acid (PNA) carrying a full complementary sequence. With respect to clinical relevance of microRNA targeting, it is expected that reduction in concentration of miRNAs (the anti-miRNA approach) could be associated with increasing amounts of target mRNAs. Consistently to this hypothesis, we report that PNA-mediated inhibition of miR-101-3p was accompanied by CFTR up-regulation. Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) was performed in order to verify the effects of the anti-miR-101-3p PNA on the Calu-3 miRNome. Upon inhibition of miR-101-3p we observed a fold change (FC) expression <2 of the majority of miRNAs (403/479, 84.13%), whereas we identified a list of dysregulated miRNAs, suggesting that specific miRNA inhibition (in our case miR-101-3p) might be accompanied by alteration of expression of other miRNAs, some of them known to be involved in Cystic Fibrosis (CF), such as miR-155-5p and miR-125b-5p.
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Affiliation(s)
- Enrica Fabbri
- Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, University of Ferrara, Italy
| | - Anna Tamanini
- Laboratory of Molecular Pathology, Department of Pathology and Diagnostics, University Hospital of Verona, Italy
| | - Tiziana Jakova
- Department of Chemistry, Life Sciences and Environmental Sustainability, University of Parma, Section of Clinical Biochemistry, Italy
| | - Jessica Gasparello
- Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, University of Ferrara, Italy
| | - Alex Manicardi
- Department of Chemistry, Life Sciences and Environmental Sustainability, University of Parma, Section of Clinical Biochemistry, Italy; Department of Organic and Macromolecular Chemistry, University of Ghent, Belgium
| | - Roberto Corradini
- Department of Chemistry, Life Sciences and Environmental Sustainability, University of Parma, Section of Clinical Biochemistry, Italy
| | - Alessia Finotti
- Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, University of Ferrara, Italy
| | - Monica Borgatti
- Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, University of Ferrara, Italy
| | - Ilaria Lampronti
- Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, University of Ferrara, Italy
| | - Silvia Munari
- Laboratory of Molecular Pathology, Department of Pathology and Diagnostics, University Hospital of Verona, Italy
| | | | - Giulio Cabrini
- Department of Neurosciences, Biomedicine and Movement, University of Verona, Verona, Italy; Research Center for Innovative Therapies of Cystic Fibrosis, University of Ferrara, Italy
| | - Roberto Gambari
- Research Center for Innovative Therapies of Cystic Fibrosis, University of Ferrara, Italy.
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17
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Liu D, Zhao D, Zhao Y, Wang Y, Zhao Y, Wen C. Inhibition of microRNA-155 Alleviates Cognitive Impairment in Alzheimer's Disease and Involvement of Neuroinflammation. Curr Alzheimer Res 2020; 16:473-482. [PMID: 31456514 DOI: 10.2174/1567205016666190503145207] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2019] [Revised: 03/25/2019] [Accepted: 04/30/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Neuroinflammation has important effects on cognitive functions in the pathophysiological process of Alzheimer's Disease (AD). In the current report, we determined the effects of microRNA-155 (miR-155) on the levels of IL-1β, IL-6 and TNF-α, and their respective receptors in the hippocampus using a rat model of AD. METHODS Real-time RT-PCR, ELISA and western blot analysis were used to examine the miR-155, PICs and PIC receptors. The Morris water maze and spatial working memory tests were used to assess cognitive functions. RESULTS miR-155 was increased in the hippocampus of AD rats, accompanied by amplification of IL-1β, IL-6 and TNF-α. Intracerebroventricular infusion of miR-155 inhibitor, but not its scramble attenuated the increases of IL-1β, IL-6 and TNF-α and upregulation of their receptors. MiR-155 inhibitor also attenuated upregulation of apoptotic Caspase-3 in the hippocampus of AD rats. Notably, inhibition of miR- 155 or PIC receptors largely recovered the impaired learning performance in AD rat. CONCLUSION We showed the critical role of miR-155 in regulating the memory impairment in AD rats likely via engagement of neuroinflammatory mechanisms, suggesting that miR-155 and its signaling molecules may present prospects in preventing and/or improving the development of the impaired cognitive functions in AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dandan Liu
- Center of Physical Examination, The First Hospital of Jilin University Changchun, Jilin 130021, China
| | - Dandan Zhao
- Department of Pediatric Gastroenterology, The First Hospital of Jilin University Changchun, Jilin 130021, China
| | - Yingkai Zhao
- Department of Gerontology, The First Hospital of Jilin University Changchun, Jilin 130021, China
| | - Yan Wang
- Department of Gerontology, The First Hospital of Jilin University Changchun, Jilin 130021, China
| | - Yong Zhao
- Department of Thoracic Surgery The First Hospital of Jilin University Changchun, Jilin 130021, China
| | - Chengfei Wen
- Department of Cardiology, The First Hospital (Eastern Division) of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin 130031, China
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18
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Zhou Y, Zhang L, Guan J, Yin X. Improvement of lung ischemia-reperfusion injury by inhibition of microRNA-155 via reductions in neuroinflammation and oxidative stress of vagal afferent nerve. Pulm Circ 2020; 10:2045894020922125. [PMID: 32547733 PMCID: PMC7273343 DOI: 10.1177/2045894020922125] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2020] [Accepted: 03/25/2020] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Lung ischemia–reperfusion injury (LIRI) is a common clinical concern. As the injury
occurs, the pulmonary afferent nerves play a key role in regulating respiratory functions
under pathophysiological conditions. The present study was to examine the effects of
inhibiting microRNA-155 on the levels of proinflammatory cytokines and products of
oxidative stress in the pulmonary vagal afferent nerves and the commissural nucleus of the
solitary tract (cNTS) after LIRI. A rat model of LIRI was used. ELISA method was employed
to examine proinflammatory cytokines, namely, IL-1β, IL-6 and TNF-α; and key biomarkers of
oxidative stress, 8-isoprostaglandin F2α (8-iso PGF2α) and 8-hydroxy-2′-deoxyguanosine
(8-OHdG). In results, in the process of LIRI, the levels of microRNA-155 were amplified in
the vagal afferent nerves and cNTS, and this was accompanied with increases of IL-1β, IL-6
and TNF-α; and 8-iso PGF2α and 8-OHdG. Application of microRNA-155 inhibitor, but not its
scramble, attenuated the elevation of proinflammatory cytokines and amplification of 8-iso
PGF2α and 8-OHdG in those nerve tissues. In conclusion, we observed the abnormalities in
the pulmonary afferent pathways at the levels of the peripheral nerves and brainstem,
which is likely to affect respiratory functions as LIRI occurs. Our data suggest that
blocking microRNA-155 signal pathways plays a beneficial role in regulating LIRI via
inhibiting responses of neuroinflammation and oxidative stress signal pathways to
LIRI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan Zhou
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Lianjie Zhang
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Jingjing Guan
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Xin Yin
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
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19
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Sun L, Ji S, Xing J. Inhibition of microRNA-155 Alleviates Neurological Dysfunction Following Transient Global Ischemia and Contribution of Neuroinflammation and Oxidative Stress in the Hippocampus. Curr Pharm Des 2020; 25:4310-4317. [PMID: 31556851 DOI: 10.2174/1381612825666190926162229] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2019] [Accepted: 09/18/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND/AIMS Central pro-inflammatory cytokine (PIC) signal is involved in neurological deficits after transient global ischemia induced by cardiac arrest (CA). The present study was to examine the role of microRNA- 155 (miR-155) in regulating IL-1β, IL-6 and TNF-α in the hippocampus of rats with induction of CA. We further examined the levels of products of oxidative stress 8-isoprostaglandin F2α (8-iso PGF2α, indication of oxidative stress); and 8-hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG, indication of protein oxidation) after cerebral inhibition of miR-155. METHODS CA was induced by asphyxia and followed by cardiopulmonary resuscitation in rats. ELISA and western blot analysis were used to determine the levels of PICs and products of oxidative stress; and the protein expression of NADPH oxidase (NOXs) in the hippocampus. In addition, neurological severity score and brain edema were examined to assess neurological functions. RESULTS We observed amplification of IL-1β, IL-6 and TNF-α along with 8-iso PGF2α and 8-OHdG in the hippocampus of CA rats. Cerebral administration of miR-155 inhibitor diminished upregulation of PICs in the hippocampus. This also attenuated products of oxidative stress and upregulation of NOX4. Notably, inhibition of miR-155 improved neurological severity score and brain edema and this was linked to signal pathways of PIC and oxidative stress. CONCLUSION We showed the significant role of blocking miR-155 signal in improving the neurological function in CA rats likely via inhibition of signal pathways of neuroinflammation and oxidative stress, suggesting that miR-155 may be a target in preventing and/or alleviating development of the impaired neurological functions during CA-evoked global cerebral ischemia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lichao Sun
- Department of Emergency Medicine, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin 130021, China
| | - Shouqin Ji
- Jiutai District People's Hospital of Changchun, Changchun, Jilin 130500, China
| | - Jihong Xing
- Department of Emergency Medicine, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin 130021, China
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20
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Dias F, Teixeira AL, Nogueira I, Morais M, Maia J, Bodo C, Ferreira M, Silva A, Vilhena M, Lobo J, Sequeira JP, Maurício J, Oliveira J, Kok K, Costa-Silva B, Medeiros R. Extracellular Vesicles Enriched in hsa-miR-301a-3p and hsa-miR-1293 Dynamics in Clear Cell Renal Cell Carcinoma Patients: Potential Biomarkers of Metastatic Disease. Cancers (Basel) 2020; 12:cancers12061450. [PMID: 32498409 PMCID: PMC7352268 DOI: 10.3390/cancers12061450] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2020] [Accepted: 05/29/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) is the most aggressive subtype of kidney cancer and up to 40% of patients submitted to surgery with a curative intent will relapse. Thus, the aim of this study was to analyze the applicability of an Extracellular vesicle (EV) derived miRNA profile as potential prognosis biomarkers in ccRCC patients. We analyzed a nine-miRNA profile in plasma EVs from 32 ccRCC patients with localized disease (before and after surgery) and in 37 patients with metastatic disease. We observed that the levels of EV-derived hsa-miR-25-3p, hsa-miR-126-5p, hsa-miR-200c-3p, and hsa-miR-301a-3p decreased after surgery, whereas hsa-miR-1293 EV-levels increased. Furthermore, metastatic patients presented higher levels of hsa-miR-301a-3p and lower levels of hsa-miR-1293 when compared to patients with localized disease after surgery. Functional enrichment analysis of the targets of the four miRNAs that decreased after surgery resulted in an enrichment of terms related to cell cycle, proliferation, and metabolism, suggesting that EV-miRNA enrichment in the presence of the tumor could represent an epigenetic mechanism to sustain tumor development. Taken together, these results suggest that EVs content varies depending on the presence or absence of the disease and that an increase of EV-derived hsa-miR-301a-3p, and decrease of EV-derived hsa-miR-1293, may be potential biomarkers of metastatic ccRCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francisca Dias
- Molecular Oncology and Viral Pathology Group, IPO-Porto Research Center (CI-IPOP), Portuguese Oncology Institute of Porto (IPO-Porto), Research Center- LAB2, E Bdg 1st floor, Rua Dr António Bernardino de Almeida, 4200-072 Porto, Portugal; (F.D.); (I.N.); (M.M.); (R.M.)
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences Abel Salazar, University of Porto (ICBAS-UP), Rua Jorge Viterbo Ferreira 228, 4050-513 Porto, Portugal
| | - Ana Luísa Teixeira
- Molecular Oncology and Viral Pathology Group, IPO-Porto Research Center (CI-IPOP), Portuguese Oncology Institute of Porto (IPO-Porto), Research Center- LAB2, E Bdg 1st floor, Rua Dr António Bernardino de Almeida, 4200-072 Porto, Portugal; (F.D.); (I.N.); (M.M.); (R.M.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +351-225084000 (ext. 5410)
| | - Inês Nogueira
- Molecular Oncology and Viral Pathology Group, IPO-Porto Research Center (CI-IPOP), Portuguese Oncology Institute of Porto (IPO-Porto), Research Center- LAB2, E Bdg 1st floor, Rua Dr António Bernardino de Almeida, 4200-072 Porto, Portugal; (F.D.); (I.N.); (M.M.); (R.M.)
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences Abel Salazar, University of Porto (ICBAS-UP), Rua Jorge Viterbo Ferreira 228, 4050-513 Porto, Portugal
- Research Department of the Portuguese League Against Cancer Regional Nucleus of the North (LPCC-NRN), Estrada da Circunvalação 6657, 4200-177 Porto, Portugal
| | - Mariana Morais
- Molecular Oncology and Viral Pathology Group, IPO-Porto Research Center (CI-IPOP), Portuguese Oncology Institute of Porto (IPO-Porto), Research Center- LAB2, E Bdg 1st floor, Rua Dr António Bernardino de Almeida, 4200-072 Porto, Portugal; (F.D.); (I.N.); (M.M.); (R.M.)
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences Abel Salazar, University of Porto (ICBAS-UP), Rua Jorge Viterbo Ferreira 228, 4050-513 Porto, Portugal
- Research Department of the Portuguese League Against Cancer Regional Nucleus of the North (LPCC-NRN), Estrada da Circunvalação 6657, 4200-177 Porto, Portugal
| | - Joana Maia
- Systems Oncology Group, Champalimaud Research, Champalimaud Centre for the Unknown, Av. Brasília, 1400-038 Lisbon, Portugal; (J.M.); (C.B.); (B.C.-S.)
- Graduate Program in Areas of Basic and Applied Biology (GABBA), University of Porto, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal
| | - Cristian Bodo
- Systems Oncology Group, Champalimaud Research, Champalimaud Centre for the Unknown, Av. Brasília, 1400-038 Lisbon, Portugal; (J.M.); (C.B.); (B.C.-S.)
| | - Marta Ferreira
- Department of Medical Oncology, Portuguese Oncology Institute of Porto (IPO-Porto), Rua Dr António Bernardino de Almeida, 4200-072 Porto, Portugal; (M.F.); (J.M.)
| | - Alexandra Silva
- Department of Urology, Portuguese Oncology Institute of Porto (IPO-Porto), Rua Dr António Bernardino de Almeida, 4200-072 Porto, Portugal; (A.S.); (M.V.); (J.O.)
| | - Manuela Vilhena
- Department of Urology, Portuguese Oncology Institute of Porto (IPO-Porto), Rua Dr António Bernardino de Almeida, 4200-072 Porto, Portugal; (A.S.); (M.V.); (J.O.)
| | - João Lobo
- Department of Pathology, Portuguese Oncology Institute of Porto (IPO-Porto), Rua Dr António Bernardino de Almeida, 4200-072 Porto, Portugal;
- Cancer Biology and Epigenetics Group, IPO-Porto Research Center (CI-IPOP), Portuguese Oncology Institute of Porto (IPO-Porto), Research Center- LAB3, F Bdg 1st floor, Rua Dr António Bernardino de Almeida, 4200-072 Porto, Portugal;
| | - José Pedro Sequeira
- Cancer Biology and Epigenetics Group, IPO-Porto Research Center (CI-IPOP), Portuguese Oncology Institute of Porto (IPO-Porto), Research Center- LAB3, F Bdg 1st floor, Rua Dr António Bernardino de Almeida, 4200-072 Porto, Portugal;
| | - Joaquina Maurício
- Department of Medical Oncology, Portuguese Oncology Institute of Porto (IPO-Porto), Rua Dr António Bernardino de Almeida, 4200-072 Porto, Portugal; (M.F.); (J.M.)
| | - Jorge Oliveira
- Department of Urology, Portuguese Oncology Institute of Porto (IPO-Porto), Rua Dr António Bernardino de Almeida, 4200-072 Porto, Portugal; (A.S.); (M.V.); (J.O.)
| | - Klaas Kok
- Department of Genetics, University Medical Center Groningen (UMCG), University of Groningen, Hanzeplein 1, 9713 GZ Groningen, P.O. Box 30.001, 9700 RB Groningen, The Netherlands;
| | - Bruno Costa-Silva
- Systems Oncology Group, Champalimaud Research, Champalimaud Centre for the Unknown, Av. Brasília, 1400-038 Lisbon, Portugal; (J.M.); (C.B.); (B.C.-S.)
| | - Rui Medeiros
- Molecular Oncology and Viral Pathology Group, IPO-Porto Research Center (CI-IPOP), Portuguese Oncology Institute of Porto (IPO-Porto), Research Center- LAB2, E Bdg 1st floor, Rua Dr António Bernardino de Almeida, 4200-072 Porto, Portugal; (F.D.); (I.N.); (M.M.); (R.M.)
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences Abel Salazar, University of Porto (ICBAS-UP), Rua Jorge Viterbo Ferreira 228, 4050-513 Porto, Portugal
- Research Department of the Portuguese League Against Cancer Regional Nucleus of the North (LPCC-NRN), Estrada da Circunvalação 6657, 4200-177 Porto, Portugal
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto (FMUP), Alameda Prof. Hernâni Monteiro, 4200-319 Porto, Portugal
- Biomedical Research Center (CEBIMED), Faculty of Health Sciences of Fernando Pessoa University (UFP), Praça 9 de Abril 349, 4249-004 Porto, Portugal
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microRNAs in the Antitumor Immune Response and in Bone Metastasis of Breast Cancer: From Biological Mechanisms to Therapeutics. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21082805. [PMID: 32316552 PMCID: PMC7216039 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21082805] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2020] [Revised: 04/03/2020] [Accepted: 04/15/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Breast cancer is the most common type of cancer in women, and the occurrence of metastasis drastically worsens the prognosis and reduces overall survival. Understanding the biological mechanisms that regulate the transformation of malignant cells, the consequent metastatic transformation, and the immune surveillance in the tumor progression would contribute to the development of more effective and targeted treatments. In this context, microRNAs (miRNAs) have proven to be key regulators of the tumor-immune cells crosstalk for the hijack of the immunosurveillance to promote tumor cells immune escape and cancer progression, as well as modulators of the metastasis formation process, ranging from the preparation of the metastatic site to the transformation into the migrating phenotype of tumor cells. In particular, their deregulated expression has been linked to the aberrant expression of oncogenes and tumor suppressor genes to promote tumorigenesis. This review aims at summarizing the role and functions of miRNAs involved in antitumor immune response and in the metastasis formation process in breast cancer. Additionally, miRNAs are promising targets for gene therapy as their modulation has the potential to support or inhibit specific mechanisms to negatively affect tumorigenesis. With this perspective, the most recent strategies developed for miRNA-based therapeutics are illustrated.
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A Peptide Nucleic Acid (PNA) Masking the miR-145-5p Binding Site of the 3'UTR of the Cystic Fibrosis Transmembrane Conductance Regulator ( CFTR) mRNA Enhances CFTR Expression in Calu-3 Cells. Molecules 2020; 25:molecules25071677. [PMID: 32260566 PMCID: PMC7181265 DOI: 10.3390/molecules25071677] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2020] [Revised: 03/31/2020] [Accepted: 04/02/2020] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Peptide nucleic acids (PNAs) have been demonstrated to be very useful tools for gene regulation at different levels and with different mechanisms of action. In the last few years the use of PNAs for targeting microRNAs (anti-miRNA PNAs) has provided impressive advancements. In particular, targeting of microRNAs involved in the repression of the expression of the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) gene, which is defective in cystic fibrosis (CF), is a key step in the development of new types of treatment protocols. In addition to the anti-miRNA therapeutic strategy, inhibition of miRNA functions can be reached by masking the miRNA binding sites present within the 3′UTR region of the target mRNAs. The objective of this study was to design a PNA masking the binding site of the microRNA miR-145-5p present within the 3′UTR of the CFTR mRNA and to determine its activity in inhibiting miR-145-5p function, with particular focus on the expression of both CFTR mRNA and CFTR protein in Calu-3 cells. The results obtained support the concept that the PNA masking the miR-145-5p binding site of the CFTR mRNA is able to interfere with miR-145-5p biological functions, leading to both an increase of CFTR mRNA and CFTR protein content.
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23
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Duan Z, Zhang J, Li J, Pang X, Wang H. Inhibition of microRNA-155 Reduces Neuropathic Pain During Chemotherapeutic Bortezomib via Engagement of Neuroinflammation. Front Oncol 2020; 10:416. [PMID: 32296644 PMCID: PMC7141419 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2020.00416] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2019] [Accepted: 03/10/2020] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
As a chemotherapeutic agent, bortezomib (BTZ) is used for the treatment of multiple myeloma with adverse effect of painful peripheral neuropathy. Our current study was to determine the inhibitory effects of blocking microRNA-155 (miR-155) signal on BTZ-induced neuropathic pain and the underlying mechanisms. We employed real time RT-PCR and western blot analysis to examine the miR-155 and expression of pro−inflammatory tumor necrosis factor-α receptor (TNFR1) in the dorsal horn of the spinal cord. Its downstream signals p38-MAPK and JNK and transient receptor potential ankyrin 1 (TRPA1) were also determined. Mechanical pain and cold sensitivity were assessed by behavioral test. In result, inhibition of miR-155 significantly attenuated mechanical allodynia and thermal hyperalgesia in BTZ rats, which was accompanied with decreasing expression of TNFR1, p38-MAPK, JNK, and TRPA1. In contrast, miRNA-155 mimics amplified TNFR1-TRPA1 pathway and augmented mechanical pain and cold sensitivity. In addition, mechanical and thermal hypersensitivity induced by miRNA-155 mimics were attenuated after blocking TNFR1, p38-MAPK, JNK, and TRPA1. Overall, we show the key role of miR-155 in modifying BTZ-induced neuropathic pain through TNFR1-TRPA1 pathway, suggesting that miR-155 is a potential target in preventing neuropathic pain development during intervention of BTZ.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zongsheng Duan
- Department of Anesthesiology, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Jian Zhang
- Department of Anesthesiology, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Jing Li
- Department of Radiology, The Second Part of The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Xiaochuan Pang
- Clinical Laboratory, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Hushan Wang
- Department of Anesthesiology, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
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24
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Mercurio S, Cauteruccio S, Manenti R, Candiani S, Scarì G, Licandro E, Pennati R. Exploring miR-9 Involvement in Ciona intestinalis Neural Development Using Peptide Nucleic Acids. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21062001. [PMID: 32183450 PMCID: PMC7139483 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21062001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2020] [Revised: 03/12/2020] [Accepted: 03/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The microRNAs are small RNAs that regulate gene expression at the post-transcriptional level and can be involved in the onset of neurodegenerative diseases and cancer. They are emerging as possible targets for antisense-based therapy, even though the in vivo stability of miRNA analogues is still questioned. We tested the ability of peptide nucleic acids, a novel class of nucleic acid mimics, to downregulate miR-9 in vivo in an invertebrate model organism, the ascidian Ciona intestinalis, by microinjection of antisense molecules in the eggs. It is known that miR-9 is a well-conserved microRNA in bilaterians and we found that it is expressed in epidermal sensory neurons of the tail in the larva of C. intestinalis. Larvae developed from injected eggs showed a reduced differentiation of tail neurons, confirming the possibility to use peptide nucleic acid PNA to downregulate miRNA in a whole organism. By identifying putative targets of miR-9, we discuss the role of this miRNA in the development of the peripheral nervous system of ascidians.
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Affiliation(s)
- Silvia Mercurio
- Department of Environmental Science and Policy, Università degli Studi di Milano, 20133 Milano, Italy; (S.M.); (R.M.); (R.P.)
| | - Silvia Cauteruccio
- Department of Chemistry, Università degli Studi di Milano, 20133 Milano, Italy;
- Correspondence: (S.C.); (S.C.); Tel.: +39-0250314147 (S.C.); +39-0103538051 (S.C.)
| | - Raoul Manenti
- Department of Environmental Science and Policy, Università degli Studi di Milano, 20133 Milano, Italy; (S.M.); (R.M.); (R.P.)
| | - Simona Candiani
- Department of Earth Science, Environment and Life, Università degli Studi di Genova, 16132 Genova, Italy
- Correspondence: (S.C.); (S.C.); Tel.: +39-0250314147 (S.C.); +39-0103538051 (S.C.)
| | - Giorgio Scarì
- Department of Biosciences, Università degli Studi di Milano, 20133 Milano, Italy;
| | - Emanuela Licandro
- Department of Chemistry, Università degli Studi di Milano, 20133 Milano, Italy;
| | - Roberta Pennati
- Department of Environmental Science and Policy, Università degli Studi di Milano, 20133 Milano, Italy; (S.M.); (R.M.); (R.P.)
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25
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Current Evidence on Potential Uses of MicroRNA Biomarkers for Migraine: From Diagnosis to Treatment. Mol Diagn Ther 2019; 23:681-694. [DOI: 10.1007/s40291-019-00428-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
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26
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Gasparello J, Papi C, Zurlo M, Corradini R, Gambari R, Finotti A. Demonstrating specificity of bioactive peptide nucleic acids (PNAs) targeting microRNAs for practical laboratory classes of applied biochemistry and pharmacology. PLoS One 2019; 14:e0221923. [PMID: 31509554 PMCID: PMC6738603 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0221923] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2019] [Accepted: 08/19/2019] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Practical laboratory classes teaching molecular pharmacology approaches employed in the development of therapeutic strategies are of great interest for students of courses in Biotechnology, Applied Biology, Pharmaceutic and Technology Chemistry, Translational Oncology. Unfortunately, in most cases the technology to be transferred to learning students is complex and requires multi-step approaches. In this respect, simple and straightforward experimental protocols might be of great interest. This study was aimed at presenting a laboratory exercise focusing (a) on a very challenging therapeutic strategy, i.e. microRNA therapeutics, and (b) on the employment of biomolecules of great interest in applied biology and pharmacology, i.e. peptide nucleic acids (PNAs). The aims of the practical laboratory were to determine: (a) the possible PNA-mediated arrest in RT-qPCR, to be eventually used to demonstrate PNA targeting of selected miRNAs; (b) the possible lack of activity on mutated PNA sequences; (c) the effects (if any) on the amplification of other unrelated miRNA sequences. The results which can be obtained support the following conclusions: PNA-mediated arrest in RT-qPCR can be analyzed in a easy way; mutated PNA sequences are completely inactive; the effects of the employed PNAs are specific and no inhibitory effect occurs on other unrelated miRNA sequences. This activity is simple (cell culture, RNA extraction, RT-qPCR are all well-established technologies), fast (starting from isolated and characterized RNA, few hours are just necessary), highly reproducible (therefore easily employed by even untrained students). On the other hand, these laboratory lessons require some facilities, the most critical being the availability of instruments for PCR. While this might be a problem in the case these instruments are not available, we would like to underline that determination of the presence or of a lack of amplified product can be also obtained using standard analytical approaches based on agarose gel electrophoresis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica Gasparello
- Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Chiara Papi
- Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Matteo Zurlo
- Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Roberto Corradini
- Department of Chemistry, Life Sciences and Environmental Sustainability, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - Roberto Gambari
- Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
- Interuniversity Consortium for Biotechnology (CIB), Trieste, Italy
- * E-mail:
| | - Alessia Finotti
- Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
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Nielsen BS, Holmstrøm K. Combined MicroRNA In Situ Hybridization and Immunohistochemical Detection of Protein Markers. Methods Mol Biol 2019; 1953:271-286. [PMID: 30912028 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-4939-9145-7_17] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
MicroRNAs are short (18-23 nucleotides) noncoding RNAs involved in posttranscriptional regulation of gene expression through their specific binding to the 3'UTR of mRNAs. MicroRNAs can be detected in tissues using specific locked nucleic acid (LNA)-enhanced probes. The characterization of microRNA expression in tissues by in situ detection is often crucial following a microRNA biomarker discovery phase in order to validate the candidate microRNA biomarker and allow better interpretation of its molecular functions and derived cellular interactions. The in situ hybridization data provides information about contextual distribution and cellular origin of the microRNA. By combining microRNA in situ hybridization with immunohistochemical staining of protein markers, it is possible to precisely characterize the microRNA-expressing cells and to identify the potential microRNA targets. This combined technology can also help to monitor changes in the level of potential microRNA targets in a therapeutic setting. In this chapter, we present a fluorescence-based detection method that allows the combination of microRNA in situ hybridization with immunohistochemical staining of one and, in this updated version of the paper, two protein markers detected with primary antibodies raised in the same host species.
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Zhang W, Wang L, Pang X, Zhang J, Guan Y. Role of microRNA-155 in modifying neuroinflammation and γ-aminobutyric acid transporters in specific central regions after post-ischaemic seizures. J Cell Mol Med 2019; 23:5017-5024. [PMID: 31144434 PMCID: PMC6653087 DOI: 10.1111/jcmm.14358] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2019] [Revised: 03/14/2019] [Accepted: 04/14/2019] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
In the central nervous system, interleukin (IL)‐1β, IL‐6 and tumour necrosis factor (TNF)‐α have a regulatory role in pathophysiological processes of epilepsy. In addition, γ‐aminobutyric acid (GABA) transporter type 1 and type 3 (GAT‐1 and GAT‐3) modulate the levels of extracellular GABA in involvement in the neuroinflammation on epileptogenesis. Thus, in the current report we examined the effects of inhibiting microRNA‐155 (miR‐155) on the levels of IL‐1β, IL‐6 and TNF‐α, and expression of GAT‐1 and GAT‐3 in the parietal cortex, hippocampus and amygdala of rats with nonconvulsive seizure (NCS) following cerebral ischaemia. Real time RT‐PCR, ELISA and Western blot analysis were used to examine the miR‐155, proinflammatory cytokines (PICs) and GAT‐1/GAT‐3 respectively. With induction of NCS, the levels of miR‐155 were amplified in the parietal cortex, hippocampus and amygdala and this was accompanied with increases of IL‐1β, IL‐6 and TNF‐α. In those central areas, expression of GAT‐1 and GAT‐3 was upregulated; and GABA was reduced in rats following NCS. Intracerebroventricular infusion of miR‐155 inhibitor attenuated the elevation of PICs, amplification of GAT‐1 and GAT‐3 and impairment of GABA. Furthermore, inhibition of miR‐155 decreased the number of NCS events following cerebral ischaemia. Inhibition of miR‐155 further improved post‐ischaemia‐evoked NCS by altering neuroinflammation‐GABA signal pathways in the parietal cortex, hippocampus and amygdala. Results suggest the role of miR‐155 in regulating post‐ischaemic seizures via PICs‐GABA mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenwen Zhang
- Department of Anesthesiology, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, China
| | - Luping Wang
- Department of Anesthesiology, School and Hospital of Stomatology, Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, China
| | - Xiaochuan Pang
- Clinical Laboratory, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, China
| | - Jian Zhang
- Department of Anesthesiology, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, China
| | - Yi Guan
- Department of Neurosurgery, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, China
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Milani R, Brognara E, Fabbri E, Manicardi A, Corradini R, Finotti A, Gasparello J, Borgatti M, Cosenza LC, Lampronti I, Dechecchi MC, Cabrini G, Gambari R. Targeting miR‑155‑5p and miR‑221‑3p by peptide nucleic acids induces caspase‑3 activation and apoptosis in temozolomide‑resistant T98G glioma cells. Int J Oncol 2019; 55:59-68. [PMID: 31180529 PMCID: PMC6561624 DOI: 10.3892/ijo.2019.4810] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2018] [Accepted: 03/26/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
The present study investigated the effects of the combined treatment of two peptide nucleic acids (PNAs), directed against microRNAs involved in caspase‑3 mRNA regulation (miR‑155‑5p and miR‑221‑3p) in the temozolomide (TMZ)‑resistant T98G glioma cell line. These PNAs were conjugated with an octaarginine tail in order to obtain an efficient delivery to treated cells. The effects of singularly administered PNAs or a combined treatment with both PNAs were examined on apoptosis, with the aim to determine whether reversion of the drug‑resistance phenotype was obtained. Specificity of the PNA‑mediated effects was analyzed by reverse transcription‑quantitative polymerase‑chain reaction, which demonstrated that the effects of R8‑PNA‑a155 and R8-PNA-a221 anti‑miR PNAs were specific. Furthermore, the results obtained confirmed that both PNAs induced apoptosis when used on the temozolomide‑resistant T98G glioma cell line. Notably, co‑administration of both anti‑miR‑155 and anti‑miR‑221 PNAs was associated with an increased proapoptotic activity. In addition, TMZ further increased the induction of apoptosis in T98G cells co‑treated with anti‑miR‑155 and anti‑miR‑221 PNAs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roberta Milani
- Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, University of Ferrara, I‑144121 Ferrara, Italy
| | - Eleonora Brognara
- Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, University of Ferrara, I‑144121 Ferrara, Italy
| | - Enrica Fabbri
- Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, University of Ferrara, I‑144121 Ferrara, Italy
| | - Alex Manicardi
- Department of Chemistry, Life Sciences and Environmental Sustainability, University of Parma, I‑143214 Parma, Italy
| | - Roberto Corradini
- Department of Chemistry, Life Sciences and Environmental Sustainability, University of Parma, I‑143214 Parma, Italy
| | - Alessia Finotti
- Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, University of Ferrara, I‑144121 Ferrara, Italy
| | - Jessica Gasparello
- Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, University of Ferrara, I‑144121 Ferrara, Italy
| | - Monica Borgatti
- Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, University of Ferrara, I‑144121 Ferrara, Italy
| | - Lucia Carmela Cosenza
- Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, University of Ferrara, I‑144121 Ferrara, Italy
| | - Ilaria Lampronti
- Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, University of Ferrara, I‑144121 Ferrara, Italy
| | | | - Giulio Cabrini
- Laboratory of Molecular Pathology, University‑Hospital of Verona, I‑37126 Verona, Italy
| | - Roberto Gambari
- Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, University of Ferrara, I‑144121 Ferrara, Italy
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Cauteruccio S, Panigati M, Veronese L, Zaffaroni N, Folini M, Licandro E. Luminescent dinuclear rhenium(I) PNA conjugates for microRNA-21 targeting: Synthesis, chemico-physical and biological characterization. J Organomet Chem 2019. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jorganchem.2019.02.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
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31
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Miao F, Wang R, Cui G, Li X, Wang T, Li X. Engagement of MicroRNA-155 in Exaggerated Oxidative Stress Signal and TRPA1 in the Dorsal Horn of the Spinal Cord and Neuropathic Pain During Chemotherapeutic Oxaliplatin. Neurotox Res 2019; 36:712-723. [PMID: 31016687 DOI: 10.1007/s12640-019-00039-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2019] [Revised: 03/29/2019] [Accepted: 04/01/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Oxaliplatin (OXL) is a third-generation chemotherapeutic agent commonly used to treat metastatic digestive tumors, but one of the main limiting complications of OXL is painful peripheral neuropathy. The present study was to examine the inhibitory effects of blocking microRNA-155 (miR-155) in the dorsal horn of the spinal cord on neuropathic pain induced by OXL in rats and the underlying mechanisms. Behavioral test was performed to examine mechanical pain and cold sensitivity in rats. Real-time RT-PCR and ELISA were employed to determine miR-155 and products of oxidative stress 8-isoprostaglandin F2α (8-iso PGF2α) and 8-hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG) in the dorsal horn. Western blot analysis was used to examine expression of Nrf2-antioxidant response element (Nrf2-ARE), NADPH oxidases (NOXs), and transient receptor potential ankyrin 1 (TRPA1). In results, intrathecal administration of miR-155 inhibitor attenuated mechanical allodynia and cold hyperalgesia in rats with OXL therapy and this was accompanied with restoring of impaired Nrf2-ARE in the dorsal horn. A blockade of miR-155 also attenuated expression of NOX subtype 4 (NOX4) and thereby decreased the levels of 8-iso PGF2α/8-OHdG in the dorsal horn of OXL rats. In addition, inhibiting NOX4 decreased products of oxidative stress in the dorsal horn and attenuated upregulation of TRPA1 induced by OXL. In conclusion, data show the critical role of miR-155 in regulating OXL-induced neuropathic pain likely via oxidative stress-TRPA1 signal pathway, indicating that inhibition of miR-155 has potential benefits in preventing neuropathic pain development during intervention of OXL.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fenghua Miao
- Tumor Center, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, 130021, Jilin, China
| | - Rong Wang
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, The First Hospital of Jilin University, 71 Xinmin Street, Changchun, 130021, Jilin, China
| | - Guozhen Cui
- Tumor Center, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, 130021, Jilin, China
| | - Xiaoguang Li
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, The First Hospital of Jilin University, 71 Xinmin Street, Changchun, 130021, Jilin, China
| | - Ting Wang
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, The First Hospital of Jilin University, 71 Xinmin Street, Changchun, 130021, Jilin, China.
| | - Xue Li
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, The First Hospital of Jilin University, 71 Xinmin Street, Changchun, 130021, Jilin, China.
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Theranostics of Genetic Diseases. Mol Diagn Ther 2019; 23:153-154. [DOI: 10.1007/s40291-019-00395-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
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Manicardi A, Gambari R, de Cola L, Corradini R. Preparation of Anti-miR PNAs for Drug Development and Nanomedicine. Methods Mol Biol 2019; 1811:49-63. [PMID: 29926445 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-4939-8582-1_4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
Peptide Nucleic Acids (PNAs) are oligonucleotide mimics that can be used to block the biological action of microRNA, thus affecting gene expression post-transcriptionally. PNAs are obtained with solid-phase peptide synthesis, and can be easily conjugated to other peptides. Conjugation with R8-Peptide or modification of the PNA backbone (at C5 or C2 carbon) with arginine side chains allows efficient cellular uptake. The present protocol describes the synthesis of cationic PNAs that can be used alone as drugs or for efficient co-delivery in suitable inorganic nanocarriers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alex Manicardi
- Department of Chemistry, Life Sciences and Environmental Sustainability, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - Roberto Gambari
- Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Luisa de Cola
- Institut de Science et d'Ingénierie Supramoléculaires (ISIS) Université de Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France
| | - Roberto Corradini
- Department of Chemistry, Life Sciences and Environmental Sustainability, University of Parma, Parma, Italy.
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34
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Croci S, Manicardi A, Rubagotti S, Bonacini M, Iori M, Capponi PC, Cicoria G, Parmeggiani M, Salvarani C, Versari A, Corradini R, Asti M. 64Cu and fluorescein labeled anti-miRNA peptide nucleic acids for the detection of miRNA expression in living cells. Sci Rep 2019; 9:3376. [PMID: 30833583 PMCID: PMC6399270 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-35800-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2017] [Accepted: 11/08/2018] [Indexed: 01/23/2023] Open
Abstract
MiRNAs are single stranded RNAs of 18–22 nucleotides. They are promising diagnostic and prognostic markers for several pathologies including tumors, neurodegenerative, cardiovascular and autoimmune diseases. In the present work the development and characterization of anti-miRNA radiolabeled probes based on peptide nucleic acids (PNAs) for potential non-invasive molecular imaging in vivo of giant cell arteritis are described. MiR-146a and miR-146b-5p were selected as targets because they have been found up-regulated in this disease. Anti-miR and scramble PNAs were synthesized and linked to carboxyfluorescein or DOTA. DOTA-anti-miR PNAs were then labelled with copper-64 (64Cu) to function as non-invasive molecular imaging tools. The affinity of the probes for the targets was assessed in vitro by circular dichroism and melting temperature. Differential uptake of fluorescein and 64Cu labeled anti-miRNA probes was tested on BCPAP and A549 cell lines, expressing different levels of miR-146a and -146b-5p. The experiments showed that the anti-miR-146a PNAs were more effective than the anti-miR-146b-5p PNAs. Anti-miR-146a PNAs could bind both miR-146a and miR-146b-5p. The uptake of fluorescein and 64Cu labeled anti-miR-146a PNAs was higher than that of the negative control scramble PNAs in miRNA expressing cells in vitro. 64Cu-anti-miR-146a PNAs might be further investigated for non-invasive PET imaging of miR-146 overexpressing diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefania Croci
- Clinical Immunology, Allergy, and Advanced Biotechnologies Unit, Diagnostic Imaging and Laboratory Medicine Department, Azienda Unità Sanitaria Locale-IRCCS di Reggio Emilia, 42123, Reggio Emilia, Italy
| | - Alex Manicardi
- Department of Chemistry, Live Sciences and Environmental Sustainability, University of Parma, Parco Area delle Scienze, Parma, 43124, Italy.,Organic and Biomimetic Chemistry Research Group, Department of Organic Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Ghent University, Krijgslaan 281-S4, Gent, 9000, Belgium
| | - Sara Rubagotti
- Nuclear Medicine Unit, Oncology and Advanced Technologies Department, Azienda Unità Sanitaria Locale-IRCCS di Reggio Emilia, 42123, Reggio Emilia, Italy
| | - Martina Bonacini
- Clinical Immunology, Allergy, and Advanced Biotechnologies Unit, Diagnostic Imaging and Laboratory Medicine Department, Azienda Unità Sanitaria Locale-IRCCS di Reggio Emilia, 42123, Reggio Emilia, Italy
| | - Michele Iori
- Nuclear Medicine Unit, Oncology and Advanced Technologies Department, Azienda Unità Sanitaria Locale-IRCCS di Reggio Emilia, 42123, Reggio Emilia, Italy
| | - Pier Cesare Capponi
- Nuclear Medicine Unit, Oncology and Advanced Technologies Department, Azienda Unità Sanitaria Locale-IRCCS di Reggio Emilia, 42123, Reggio Emilia, Italy
| | - Gianfranco Cicoria
- Medical Physics Department, University Hospital "S. Orsola-Malpighi", 40138, Bologna, Italy
| | - Maria Parmeggiani
- Clinical Immunology, Allergy, and Advanced Biotechnologies Unit, Diagnostic Imaging and Laboratory Medicine Department, Azienda Unità Sanitaria Locale-IRCCS di Reggio Emilia, 42123, Reggio Emilia, Italy
| | - Carlo Salvarani
- Rheumatology Unit, Azienda Unità Sanitaria Locale-IRCCS di Reggio Emilia, 42123, Reggio Emilia, Italy.,Department of Surgery, Medicine, Dentistry and Morphological Sciences with interest in Transplant, Oncology and Regenerative Medicine, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Annibale Versari
- Nuclear Medicine Unit, Oncology and Advanced Technologies Department, Azienda Unità Sanitaria Locale-IRCCS di Reggio Emilia, 42123, Reggio Emilia, Italy
| | - Roberto Corradini
- Department of Chemistry, Live Sciences and Environmental Sustainability, University of Parma, Parco Area delle Scienze, Parma, 43124, Italy
| | - Mattia Asti
- Nuclear Medicine Unit, Oncology and Advanced Technologies Department, Azienda Unità Sanitaria Locale-IRCCS di Reggio Emilia, 42123, Reggio Emilia, Italy.
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Efficient cell penetration and delivery of peptide nucleic acids by an argininocalix[4]arene. Sci Rep 2019; 9:3036. [PMID: 30816154 PMCID: PMC6395679 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-39211-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2018] [Accepted: 01/03/2019] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
The application of Peptide Nucleic Acids (PNAs), mimics of DNA lacking the sugar-phosphate backbone, for antisense/anti-gene therapy and gene editing is limited by their low uptake by cells. Currently, no simple and efficient delivery systems and methods are available to solve this open issue. One of the most promising approach is the modification of the PNA structure through the covalent linkage of poliarginine tails, but this means that every PNA intended to be internalized must be modified. Herein we report the results relative to the delivery ability of a macrocyclic multivalent tetraargininocalix[4]arene (1) used as non-covalent vector for anti-miR-221-3p PNAs. High delivery efficiency, low cytotoxicity, maintenance of the PNA biological activity and ease preparation of the transfection formulation, simply attained by mixing PNA and calixarene, candidate this vector as universal delivery system for this class of nucleic acid analogues.
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36
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Miranda-Gonçalves V, Lameirinhas A, Henrique R, Jerónimo C. Metabolism and Epigenetic Interplay in Cancer: Regulation and Putative Therapeutic Targets. Front Genet 2018; 9:427. [PMID: 30356832 PMCID: PMC6190739 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2018.00427] [Citation(s) in RCA: 75] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2018] [Accepted: 09/10/2018] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Alterations in the epigenome and metabolism affect molecular rewiring of cancer cells facilitating cancer development and progression. Modulation of histone and DNA modification enzymes occurs owing to metabolic reprogramming driven by oncogenes and expression of metabolism-associated genes is, in turn, epigenetically regulated, promoting the well-known metabolic reprogramming of cancer cells and, consequently, altering the metabolome. Thus, several malignant traits are supported by the interplay between metabolomics and epigenetics, promoting neoplastic transformation. In this review we emphasize the importance of tumour metabolites in the activity of most chromatin-modifying enzymes and implication in neoplastic transformation. Furthermore, candidate targets deriving from metabolism of cancer cells and altered epigenetic factors is emphasized, focusing on compounds that counteract the epigenomic-metabolic interplay in cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vera Miranda-Gonçalves
- Cancer Biology and Epigenetics Group, Research Center (CI-IPOP), Portuguese Oncology Institute of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Ana Lameirinhas
- Cancer Biology and Epigenetics Group, Research Center (CI-IPOP), Portuguese Oncology Institute of Porto, Porto, Portugal.,Master in Oncology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences Abel Salazar (ICBAS), University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Rui Henrique
- Cancer Biology and Epigenetics Group, Research Center (CI-IPOP), Portuguese Oncology Institute of Porto, Porto, Portugal.,Department of Pathology, Portuguese Oncology Institute of Porto, Porto, Portugal.,Department of Pathology and Molecular Immunology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences Abel Salazar (ICBAS), University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Carmen Jerónimo
- Cancer Biology and Epigenetics Group, Research Center (CI-IPOP), Portuguese Oncology Institute of Porto, Porto, Portugal.,Department of Pathology and Molecular Immunology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences Abel Salazar (ICBAS), University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
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37
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Finotti A, Allegretti M, Gasparello J, Giacomini P, Spandidos DA, Spoto G, Gambari R. Liquid biopsy and PCR-free ultrasensitive detection systems in oncology (Review). Int J Oncol 2018; 53:1395-1434. [PMID: 30085333 PMCID: PMC6086621 DOI: 10.3892/ijo.2018.4516] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2018] [Accepted: 07/31/2018] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
In oncology, liquid biopsy is used in the detection of next-generation analytes, such as tumor cells, cell-free nucleic acids and exosomes in peripheral blood and other body fluids from cancer patients. It is considered one of the most advanced non-invasive diagnostic systems to enable clinically relevant actions and implement precision medicine. Medical actions include, but are not limited to, early diagnosis, staging, prognosis, anticipation (lead time) and the prediction of therapy responses, as well as follow-up. Historically, the applications of liquid biopsy in cancer have focused on circulating tumor cells (CTCs). More recently, this analysis has been extended to circulating free DNA (cfDNA) and microRNAs (miRNAs or miRs) associated with cancer, with potential applications for development into multi-marker diagnostic, prognostic and therapeutic signatures. Liquid biopsies avoid some key limitations of conventional tumor tissue biopsies, including invasive tumor sampling, under-representation of tumor heterogeneity and poor description of clonal evolution during metastatic dissemination, strongly reducing the need for multiple sampling. On the other hand, this approach suffers from important drawbacks, i.e., the fragmentation of cfDNA, the instability of RNA, the low concentrations of certain analytes in body fluids and the confounding presence of normal, as well as aberrant DNAs and RNAs. For these reasons, the analysis of cfDNA has been mostly focused on mutations arising in, and pathognomonicity of, tumor DNA, while the analysis of cfRNA has been mostly focused on miRNA patterns strongly associated with neoplastic transformation/progression. This review lists some major applicative areas, briefly addresses how technology is bypassing liquid biopsy limitations, and places a particular emphasis on novel, PCR-free platforms. The ongoing collaborative efforts of major international consortia are reviewed. In addition to basic and applied research, we will consider technological transfer, including patents, patent applications and available information on clinical trials aimed at verifying the potential of liquid biopsy in cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessia Finotti
- Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Ferrara University, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
| | - Matteo Allegretti
- Oncogenomics and Epigenetic Unit, IRCCS Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, 00144 Rome, Italy
| | - Jessica Gasparello
- Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Ferrara University, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
| | - Patrizio Giacomini
- Oncogenomics and Epigenetic Unit, IRCCS Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, 00144 Rome, Italy
| | - Demetrios A Spandidos
- Laboratory of Clinical Virology, Medical School, University of Crete, 71003 Heraklion, Crete, Greece
| | - Giuseppe Spoto
- Department of Chemistry, Catania University, 95125 Catania, Italy
| | - Roberto Gambari
- Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Ferrara University, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
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Poller W, Dimmeler S, Heymans S, Zeller T, Haas J, Karakas M, Leistner DM, Jakob P, Nakagawa S, Blankenberg S, Engelhardt S, Thum T, Weber C, Meder B, Hajjar R, Landmesser U. Non-coding RNAs in cardiovascular diseases: diagnostic and therapeutic perspectives. Eur Heart J 2018; 39:2704-2716. [PMID: 28430919 PMCID: PMC6454570 DOI: 10.1093/eurheartj/ehx165] [Citation(s) in RCA: 273] [Impact Index Per Article: 45.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2016] [Revised: 01/14/2017] [Accepted: 03/15/2017] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Recent research has demonstrated that the non-coding genome plays a key role in genetic programming and gene regulation during development as well as in health and cardiovascular disease. About 99% of the human genome do not encode proteins, but are transcriptionally active representing a broad spectrum of non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) with important regulatory and structural functions. Non-coding RNAs have been identified as critical novel regulators of cardiovascular risk factors and cell functions and are thus important candidates to improve diagnostics and prognosis assessment. Beyond this, ncRNAs are rapidly emgerging as fundamentally novel therapeutics. On a first level, ncRNAs provide novel therapeutic targets some of which are entering assessment in clinical trials. On a second level, new therapeutic tools were developed from endogenous ncRNAs serving as blueprints. Particularly advanced is the development of RNA interference (RNAi) drugs which use recently discovered pathways of endogenous short interfering RNAs and are becoming versatile tools for efficient silencing of protein expression. Pioneering clinical studies include RNAi drugs targeting liver synthesis of PCSK9 resulting in highly significant lowering of LDL cholesterol or targeting liver transthyretin (TTR) synthesis for treatment of cardiac TTR amyloidosis. Further novel drugs mimicking actions of endogenous ncRNAs may arise from exploitation of molecular interactions not accessible to conventional pharmacology. We provide an update on recent developments and perspectives for diagnostic and therapeutic use of ncRNAs in cardiovascular diseases, including atherosclerosis/coronary disease, post-myocardial infarction remodelling, and heart failure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wolfgang Poller
- Department of Cardiology, CBF, CC11, Charite Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Campus Benjamin Franklin, Charite Centrum 11 (Cardiovascular Medicine), Hindenburgdamm 20, Berlin, Germany
- German Center for Cardiovascular Research (DZHK), Site Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Stefanie Dimmeler
- Institute for Cardiovascular Regeneration, Center of Molecular Medicine, Johann Wolfgang Goethe Universität, Theodor-Stern-Kai 7, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
- DZHK, Site Rhein-Main, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Stephane Heymans
- Center for Heart Failure Research, Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht (CARIM), Maastricht University, Maastricht, Netherlands
| | - Tanja Zeller
- Clinic for General and Interventional Cardiology, University Heart Center Hamburg, Martinistrasse 52, Hamburg, Germany
- DZHK, Site Hamburg/Kiel/Lübeck, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Jan Haas
- Institute for Cardiomyopathies Heidelberg (ICH), Universitätsklinikum Heidelberg, Im Neuenheimer Feld 669, Heidelberg, Germany
- DZHK, Site Heidelberg/Mannheim, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Mahir Karakas
- Clinic for General and Interventional Cardiology, University Heart Center Hamburg, Martinistrasse 52, Hamburg, Germany
- DZHK, Site Hamburg/Kiel/Lübeck, Hamburg, Germany
| | - David-Manuel Leistner
- Department of Cardiology, CBF, CC11, Charite Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Campus Benjamin Franklin, Charite Centrum 11 (Cardiovascular Medicine), Hindenburgdamm 20, Berlin, Germany
- German Center for Cardiovascular Research (DZHK), Site Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Philipp Jakob
- Department of Cardiology, CBF, CC11, Charite Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Campus Benjamin Franklin, Charite Centrum 11 (Cardiovascular Medicine), Hindenburgdamm 20, Berlin, Germany
- German Center for Cardiovascular Research (DZHK), Site Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Shinichi Nakagawa
- RNA Biology Laboratory, RIKEN Advanced Research Institute, Wako, Saitama, Japan
- RNA Biology Laboratory, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Hokkaido University, Kita 12-jo Nishi 6-chome, Kita-ku, Sapporo, Japan
| | - Stefan Blankenberg
- Clinic for General and Interventional Cardiology, University Heart Center Hamburg, Martinistrasse 52, Hamburg, Germany
- DZHK, Site Hamburg/Kiel/Lübeck, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Stefan Engelhardt
- Institute for Pharmacology and Toxikology, Technische Universität München, Biedersteiner Strasse 29, München, Germany
- DZHK, Site Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Thomas Thum
- Institute of Molecular and Translational Therapeutic Strategies (IMTTS), Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Christian Weber
- DZHK, Site Munich, Munich, Germany
- Institute for Cardiovascular Prevention (IPEK), Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität, Pettenkoferstrasse 8a/9, Munich, Germany
| | - Benjamin Meder
- Institute for Cardiomyopathies Heidelberg (ICH), Universitätsklinikum Heidelberg, Im Neuenheimer Feld 669, Heidelberg, Germany
- DZHK, Site Heidelberg/Mannheim, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Roger Hajjar
- Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Ulf Landmesser
- Department of Cardiology, CBF, CC11, Charite Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Campus Benjamin Franklin, Charite Centrum 11 (Cardiovascular Medicine), Hindenburgdamm 20, Berlin, Germany
- German Center for Cardiovascular Research (DZHK), Site Berlin, Berlin, Germany
- Berlin Institute of Health, Kapelle-Ufer 2, Berlin, Germany
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Fabbri E, Tamanini A, Jakova T, Gasparello J, Manicardi A, Corradini R, Sabbioni G, Finotti A, Borgatti M, Lampronti I, Munari S, Dechecchi MC, Cabrini G, Gambari R. A Peptide Nucleic Acid against MicroRNA miR-145-5p Enhances the Expression of the Cystic Fibrosis Transmembrane Conductance Regulator (CFTR) in Calu-3 Cells. Molecules 2017; 23:molecules23010071. [PMID: 29286300 PMCID: PMC6017273 DOI: 10.3390/molecules23010071] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2017] [Revised: 12/05/2017] [Accepted: 12/14/2017] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Peptide nucleic acids (PNAs) are very useful tools for gene regulation at different levels, but in particular in the last years their use for targeting microRNA (anti-miR PNAs) has provided impressive advancements. In this respect, microRNAs related to the repression of cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) gene, which is defective in cystic fibrosis, are of great importance in the development of new type of treatments. In this paper we propose the use of an anti-miR PNA for targeting miR-145, a microRNA reported to suppress CFTR expression. Octaarginine-anti-miR PNA conjugates were delivered to Calu-3 cells, exerting sequence dependent targeting of miR-145-5p. This allowed to enhance expression of the miR-145 regulated CFTR gene, analyzed at mRNA (RT-qPCR, Reverse Transcription quantitative Polymerase Chain Reaction) and CFTR protein (Western blotting) level.
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Affiliation(s)
- Enrica Fabbri
- Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy.
| | - Anna Tamanini
- Laboratory of Molecular Pathology, University-Hospital, 37126 Verona, Italy.
| | - Tiziana Jakova
- Department of Chemistry, Life Sciences and Environmental Sustainability, University of Parma, 43124 Parma, Italy.
| | - Jessica Gasparello
- Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy.
| | - Alex Manicardi
- Department of Chemistry, Life Sciences and Environmental Sustainability, University of Parma, 43124 Parma, Italy.
| | - Roberto Corradini
- Department of Chemistry, Life Sciences and Environmental Sustainability, University of Parma, 43124 Parma, Italy.
| | - Giuseppe Sabbioni
- Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy.
| | - Alessia Finotti
- Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy.
| | - Monica Borgatti
- Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy.
| | - Ilaria Lampronti
- Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy.
| | - Silvia Munari
- Laboratory of Molecular Pathology, University-Hospital, 37126 Verona, Italy.
| | | | - Giulio Cabrini
- Laboratory of Molecular Pathology, University-Hospital, 37126 Verona, Italy.
| | - Roberto Gambari
- Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy.
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40
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Saha S, Mitra S, Yadav RK. A Stack-based Ensemble Framework for Detecting Cancer MicroRNA Biomarkers. GENOMICS, PROTEOMICS & BIOINFORMATICS 2017; 15:381-388. [PMID: 29246520 PMCID: PMC5828659 DOI: 10.1016/j.gpb.2016.10.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2016] [Revised: 09/18/2016] [Accepted: 10/18/2016] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
MicroRNA (miRNA) plays vital roles in biological processes like RNA splicing and regulation of gene expression. Studies have revealed that there might be possible links between oncogenesis and expression profiles of some miRNAs, due to their differential expression between normal and tumor tissues. However, the automatic classification of miRNAs into different categories by considering the similarity of their expression values has rarely been addressed. This article proposes a solution framework for solving some real-life classification problems related to cancer, miRNA, and mRNA expression datasets. In the first stage, a multiobjective optimization based framework, non-dominated sorting genetic algorithm II, is proposed to automatically determine the appropriate classifier type, along with its suitable parameter and feature combinations, pertinent for classifying a given dataset. In the second page, a stack-based ensemble technique is employed to get a single combinatorial solution from the set of solutions obtained in the first stage. The performance of the proposed two-stage approach is evaluated on several cancer and RNA expression profile datasets. Compared to several state-of-the-art approaches for classifying different datasets, our method shows supremacy in the accuracy of classification.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sriparna Saha
- Department of Computer Science and Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology, Patna 801103, India.
| | - Sayantan Mitra
- Department of Computer Science and Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology, Patna 801103, India
| | - Ravi Kant Yadav
- Department of Computer Science and Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology, Patna 801103, India
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41
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Gasparello J, Fabbri E, Bianchi N, Breveglieri G, Zuccato C, Borgatti M, Gambari R, Finotti A. BCL11A mRNA Targeting by miR-210: A Possible Network Regulating γ-Globin Gene Expression. Int J Mol Sci 2017; 18:ijms18122530. [PMID: 29186860 PMCID: PMC5751133 DOI: 10.3390/ijms18122530] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2017] [Revised: 11/16/2017] [Accepted: 11/22/2017] [Indexed: 01/23/2023] Open
Abstract
The involvement of microRNAs in the control of repressors of human γ-globin gene transcription has been firmly demonstrated, as described for the miR-486-3p mediated down-regulation of BCL11A. On the other hand, we have reported that miR-210 is involved in erythroid differentiation and, possibly, in γ-globin gene up-regulation. In the present study, we have identified the coding sequence of BCL11A as a possible target of miR-210. The following results sustain this hypothesis: (a) interactions between miR-210 and the miR-210 BCL11A site were demonstrated by SPR-based biomolecular interaction analysis (BIA); (b) the miR-210 site of BCL11A is conserved through molecular evolution; (c) forced expression of miR-210 leads to decrease of BCL11A-XL and increase of γ-globin mRNA content in erythroid cells, including erythroid precursors isolated from β-thalassemia patients. Our study suggests that the coding mRNA sequence of BCL11A can be targeted by miR-210. In addition to the theoretical point of view, these data are of interest from the applied point of view, supporting a novel strategy to inhibit BCL11A by mimicking miR-210 functions, accordingly with the concept supported by several papers and patent applications that inhibition of BCL11A is an efficient strategy for fetal hemoglobin induction in the treatment of β-thalassemia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica Gasparello
- Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Ferrara University, 44121 Ferrara, Italy; (J.G.); (E.F.); (N.B.); (G.B.); (C.Z.); (M.B.)
- Laboratory for the Development of Pharmacological and Pharmacogenomic Therapy of Thalassaemia, Biotechnology Center, Ferrara University, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
| | - Enrica Fabbri
- Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Ferrara University, 44121 Ferrara, Italy; (J.G.); (E.F.); (N.B.); (G.B.); (C.Z.); (M.B.)
| | - Nicoletta Bianchi
- Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Ferrara University, 44121 Ferrara, Italy; (J.G.); (E.F.); (N.B.); (G.B.); (C.Z.); (M.B.)
| | - Giulia Breveglieri
- Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Ferrara University, 44121 Ferrara, Italy; (J.G.); (E.F.); (N.B.); (G.B.); (C.Z.); (M.B.)
- Laboratory for the Development of Pharmacological and Pharmacogenomic Therapy of Thalassaemia, Biotechnology Center, Ferrara University, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
| | - Cristina Zuccato
- Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Ferrara University, 44121 Ferrara, Italy; (J.G.); (E.F.); (N.B.); (G.B.); (C.Z.); (M.B.)
| | - Monica Borgatti
- Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Ferrara University, 44121 Ferrara, Italy; (J.G.); (E.F.); (N.B.); (G.B.); (C.Z.); (M.B.)
| | - Roberto Gambari
- Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Ferrara University, 44121 Ferrara, Italy; (J.G.); (E.F.); (N.B.); (G.B.); (C.Z.); (M.B.)
- Laboratory for the Development of Pharmacological and Pharmacogenomic Therapy of Thalassaemia, Biotechnology Center, Ferrara University, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
- Correspondence: (R.G.); (A.F.); Tel.: +39-0532-974443 (R.G.); +39-0532-974510 (A.F.); Fax: +39-0532-974500 (R.G. & A.F.)
| | - Alessia Finotti
- Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Ferrara University, 44121 Ferrara, Italy; (J.G.); (E.F.); (N.B.); (G.B.); (C.Z.); (M.B.)
- Laboratory for the Development of Pharmacological and Pharmacogenomic Therapy of Thalassaemia, Biotechnology Center, Ferrara University, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
- Correspondence: (R.G.); (A.F.); Tel.: +39-0532-974443 (R.G.); +39-0532-974510 (A.F.); Fax: +39-0532-974500 (R.G. & A.F.)
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42
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Manicardi A, Rozzi A, Korom S, Corradini R. Building on the peptide nucleic acid (PNA) scaffold: a biomolecular engineering approach. Supramol Chem 2017. [DOI: 10.1080/10610278.2017.1371720] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Alex Manicardi
- Dipartimento di Scienze Chimiche, della Vita e della Sostenibilità Ambientale, Università di Parma, Parma, Italy
- Organic and Biomimetic Chemistry Research Group (OBCR), Department of Organic and Macromolecular Chemistry, Faculty of Sciences – Ghent University Campus Sterre, Belgium
| | - Andrea Rozzi
- Dipartimento di Scienze Chimiche, della Vita e della Sostenibilità Ambientale, Università di Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - Saša Korom
- National Institute for Biostructures and Biosystems (INBB), Roma, Italy
| | - Roberto Corradini
- Dipartimento di Scienze Chimiche, della Vita e della Sostenibilità Ambientale, Università di Parma, Parma, Italy
- National Institute for Biostructures and Biosystems (INBB), Roma, Italy
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Li R, Wang Y, Wang P, Lu J. A dual discrimination mode for improved specificity towards let-7a detection via a single-base mutated padlock probe-based exponential rolling circle amplification. LUMINESCENCE 2017; 32:1574-1581. [PMID: 28685952 DOI: 10.1002/bio.3362] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2017] [Revised: 05/09/2017] [Accepted: 05/11/2017] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
MicroRNA (miRNA) family members are usually highly homologous sequences, and it is a challenging task to selectively detect one miRNA member from other family members in medical diagnosis. Here, we describe the design of a dual discrimination mode for improved specificity towards let-7a detection over the other members of the let-7 family, in which an intentional base mutation was introduced into the padlock probe of an exponential rolling circle amplification. The inherent discrimination power of the padlock probe and the introduced base mutation constituted a dual discrimination mode, which provided enhanced specificity for let-7a, even over single-base mismatched family sequences. Furthermore, the assay enabled the quantitative detection of let-7a in a dynamic range from 200 amol to 100 fmol. This technique has also been successfully applied to real small RNA samples extracted from human lung cancers. For the first time, through intentionally mutating one base on the padlock probe of the exponential rolling circle amplification (RCA), we improved the discrimination capability for let-7 family members, while maintaining adequate sensitivity. Overall, this dual discrimination mode and the high amplification strategy have the potential to be extended to other short, but highly homologous, miRNA sequences.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruixue Li
- School of Pharmacy, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yinan Wang
- School of Pharmacy, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Pei Wang
- School of Pharmacy, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jianzhong Lu
- School of Pharmacy, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
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Morais M, Dias F, Teixeira AL, Medeiros R. MicroRNAs and altered metabolism of clear cell renal cell carcinoma: Potential role as aerobic glycolysis biomarkers. Biochim Biophys Acta Gen Subj 2017; 1861:2175-2185. [PMID: 28579513 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbagen.2017.05.028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2016] [Revised: 05/09/2017] [Accepted: 05/30/2017] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Warburg Effect is a metabolic switch that occurs in most of cancer cells but its advantages are not fully understood. This switch is known to happen in renal cell carcinoma (RCC), which is the most common solid cancer of the adult kidney. RCC carcinogenesis is related to pVHL loss and Hypoxia Inducible Factor (HIF) activation, ultimately leading to the activation of several genes related to glycolysis. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) regulate gene expression at a post-transcriptional level and are also deregulated in several cancers, including RCC. SCOPE OF REVIEW This review focuses in the miRNAs that direct target enzymes involved in glycolysis and that are deregulated in several cancers. It also reviews the possible application of miRNAs in the improvement of clinical patients' management. MAJOR CONCLUSIONS Several miRNAs that direct target enzymes involved in glycolysis are downregulated in cancer, strongly influencing the Warburg Effect. Due to this strong influence, FDG-PET can possibly benefit from measurement of these miRNAs. Restoring their levels can also bring an improvement to the current therapies. GENERAL SIGNIFICANCE Despite being known for almost a hundred years, the Warburg Effect is not fully understood. MiRNAs are now known to be intrinsically connected with this effect and present an opportunity to understand it. They also open a new door to improve current diagnosis and prognosis tests as well as to complement current therapies. This is urgent for cancers like RCC, mostly due to the lack of an efficient screening test for early relapse detection and follow-up and the development of resistance to current therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariana Morais
- Molecular Oncology and Viral Pathology Group, IPO-Porto Research Center (CI-IPOP), Portuguese Oncology Institute of Porto (IPO-Porto), Porto, Portugal; ICBAS, Abel Salazar Institute for the Biomedical Sciences, University of Porto, Portugal
| | - Francisca Dias
- Molecular Oncology and Viral Pathology Group, IPO-Porto Research Center (CI-IPOP), Portuguese Oncology Institute of Porto (IPO-Porto), Porto, Portugal; ICBAS, Abel Salazar Institute for the Biomedical Sciences, University of Porto, Portugal; Research Department, LPCC-Portuguese League, Against Cancer (NRNorte), Porto, Portugal
| | - Ana L Teixeira
- Molecular Oncology and Viral Pathology Group, IPO-Porto Research Center (CI-IPOP), Portuguese Oncology Institute of Porto (IPO-Porto), Porto, Portugal; Research Department, LPCC-Portuguese League, Against Cancer (NRNorte), Porto, Portugal.
| | - Rui Medeiros
- Molecular Oncology and Viral Pathology Group, IPO-Porto Research Center (CI-IPOP), Portuguese Oncology Institute of Porto (IPO-Porto), Porto, Portugal; Research Department, LPCC-Portuguese League, Against Cancer (NRNorte), Porto, Portugal; CEBIMED, Faculty of Health Sciences, Fernando Pessoa University, Porto, Portugal; FMUP, Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto, Portugal.
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45
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Verona MD, Verdolino V, Palazzesi F, Corradini R. Focus on PNA Flexibility and RNA Binding using Molecular Dynamics and Metadynamics. Sci Rep 2017; 7:42799. [PMID: 28211525 PMCID: PMC5314342 DOI: 10.1038/srep42799] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2016] [Accepted: 01/13/2017] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Peptide Nucleic Acids (PNAs) can efficiently target DNA or RNA acting as chemical tools for gene regulation. Their backbone modification and functionalization is often used to increase the affinity for a particular sequence improving selectivity. The understanding of the trading forces that lead the single strand PNA to bind the DNA or RNA sequence is preparatory for any further rational design, but a clear and unique description of this process is still not complete. In this paper we report further insights into this subject, by a computational investigation aiming at the characterization of the conformations of a single strand PNA and how these can be correlated to its capability in binding DNA/RNA. Employing Metadynamics we were able to better define conformational pre-organizations of the single strand PNA and γ-modified PNA otherwise unrevealed through classical molecular dynamics. Our simulations driven on backbone modified PNAs lead to the conclusion that this γ-functionalization affects the single strand preorganization and targeting properties to the DNA/RNA, in agreement with circular dichroism (CD) spectra obtained for this class of compounds. MD simulations on PNA:RNA dissociation and association mechanisms allowed to reveal the critical role of central bases and preorganization in the binding process.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Vincenzo Verdolino
- Department of Chemistry and Applied Biosciences, ETH Zurich, c/o Università della Svizzera Italiana Campus, 6900 Lugano, Switzerland
- Facoltà di Informatica, Instituto di Scienze Computazionali, Università della Svizzera Italiana, 6900 Lugano, Switzerland
| | - Ferruccio Palazzesi
- Department of Chemistry and Applied Biosciences, ETH Zurich, c/o Università della Svizzera Italiana Campus, 6900 Lugano, Switzerland
- Facoltà di Informatica, Instituto di Scienze Computazionali, Università della Svizzera Italiana, 6900 Lugano, Switzerland
| | - Roberto Corradini
- Dipartimento di Chimica, University of Parma, Italy, 43124, Italy
- National Institute for Biostructures and Biosystems (INBB)-Viale delle Medaglie d’Oro, 305, 00136 Roma, Italy
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Reschke CR, Silva LFA, Norwood BA, Senthilkumar K, Morris G, Sanz-Rodriguez A, Conroy RM, Costard L, Neubert V, Bauer S, Farrell MA, O'Brien DF, Delanty N, Schorge S, Pasterkamp RJ, Rosenow F, Henshall DC. Potent Anti-seizure Effects of Locked Nucleic Acid Antagomirs Targeting miR-134 in Multiple Mouse and Rat Models of Epilepsy. MOLECULAR THERAPY-NUCLEIC ACIDS 2016; 6:45-56. [PMID: 28325299 PMCID: PMC5363384 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtn.2016.11.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2016] [Revised: 11/29/2016] [Accepted: 11/29/2016] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
Current anti-epileptic drugs (AEDs) act on a limited set of neuronal targets, are ineffective in a third of patients with epilepsy, and do not show disease-modifying properties. MicroRNAs are small noncoding RNAs that regulate levels of proteins by post-transcriptional control of mRNA stability and translation. MicroRNA-134 is involved in controlling neuronal microstructure and brain excitability and previous studies showed that intracerebroventricular injections of locked nucleic acid (LNA), cholesterol-tagged antagomirs targeting microRNA-134 (Ant-134) reduced evoked and spontaneous seizures in mouse models of status epilepticus. Translation of these findings would benefit from evidence of efficacy in non-status epilepticus models and validation in another species. Here, we report that electrographic seizures and convulsive behavior are strongly reduced in adult mice pre-treated with Ant-134 in the pentylenetetrazol model. Pre-treatment with Ant-134 did not affect the severity of status epilepticus induced by perforant pathway stimulation in adult rats, a toxin-free model of acquired epilepsy. Nevertheless, Ant-134 post-treatment reduced the number of rats developing spontaneous seizures by 86% in the perforant pathway stimulation model and Ant-134 delayed epileptiform activity in a rat ex vivo hippocampal slice model. The potent anticonvulsant effects of Ant-134 in multiple models may encourage pre-clinical development of this approach to epilepsy therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cristina R Reschke
- Department of Physiology and Medical Physics, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, Dublin D02 YN77, Ireland
| | - Luiz F Almeida Silva
- Department of Physiology and Medical Physics, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, Dublin D02 YN77, Ireland
| | - Braxton A Norwood
- Department of Neurology, Philipps University, Marburg 35043, Germany; Department of Neurology, Epilepsy Center Frankfurt Rhine-Main, Goethe University, Frankfurt 60528, Germany
| | - Ketharini Senthilkumar
- Department of Physiology and Medical Physics, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, Dublin D02 YN77, Ireland; Department of Translational Neuroscience, Brain Center Rudolf Magnus, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht 3584 CG, the Netherlands
| | - Gareth Morris
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Epilepsy, Institute of Neurology, University College of London, London WC1N 3BG, UK
| | - Amaya Sanz-Rodriguez
- Department of Physiology and Medical Physics, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, Dublin D02 YN77, Ireland
| | - Ronán M Conroy
- Department of Epidemiology and Public Health Medicine, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, Dublin D02 YN77, Ireland
| | - Lara Costard
- Department of Neurology, Philipps University, Marburg 35043, Germany
| | - Valentin Neubert
- Department of Neurology, Philipps University, Marburg 35043, Germany
| | - Sebastian Bauer
- Department of Neurology, Philipps University, Marburg 35043, Germany; Department of Neurology, Epilepsy Center Frankfurt Rhine-Main, Goethe University, Frankfurt 60528, Germany
| | - Michael A Farrell
- Department of Pathology, Beaumont Hospital, Beaumont, Dublin D09 C562, Ireland
| | - Donncha F O'Brien
- Department of Neurological Surgery, Beaumont Hospital, Beaumont, Dublin D09 C562, Ireland
| | - Norman Delanty
- Department of Neurology, Beaumont Hospital, Beaumont, Dublin D09 C562, Ireland
| | - Stephanie Schorge
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Epilepsy, Institute of Neurology, University College of London, London WC1N 3BG, UK
| | - R Jeroen Pasterkamp
- Department of Translational Neuroscience, Brain Center Rudolf Magnus, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht 3584 CG, the Netherlands
| | - Felix Rosenow
- Department of Neurology, Philipps University, Marburg 35043, Germany; Department of Neurology, Epilepsy Center Frankfurt Rhine-Main, Goethe University, Frankfurt 60528, Germany
| | - David C Henshall
- Department of Physiology and Medical Physics, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, Dublin D02 YN77, Ireland.
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Wang J, Iwanowycz S, Yu F, Jia X, Leng S, Wang Y, Li W, Huang S, Ai W, Fan D. microRNA-155 deficiency impairs dendritic cell function in breast cancer. Oncoimmunology 2016; 5:e1232223. [PMID: 27999745 PMCID: PMC5139631 DOI: 10.1080/2162402x.2016.1232223] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2016] [Revised: 08/28/2016] [Accepted: 08/29/2016] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
In antitumor immunity, dendritic cells (DCs) capture, process, and present tumor antigens to T cells, initiating a tumoricidal response. However, DCs are often dysfunctional due to their exposure to the tumor microenvironment (TME), leading to tumor escape from immune surveillance. Here, a vital role of microRNA-155 (miR-155) in regulating the function of DCs in breast cancer is reported. Host miR-155 deficiency enhanced breast cancer growth in mice, accompanied by reduced DCs in the tumors and draining lymph nodes. miR-155 deficiency in DCs impaired their maturation, migration ability, cytokine production, and the ability to activate T cells. We demonstrate that miR-155 regulates DC migration through epigenetic modulation of CCR7 expression. Moreover, IL-6 and IL-10, two cytokines abundant in the TME, are found to impair DC maturation by suppressing miR-155 expression. Furthermore, animal studies show that a lack of miR-155 diminishes the effectiveness of DC-based immunotherapy for breast cancer. In conclusion, these findings suggest that miR-155 is a master regulator of DC function in breast cancer, including maturation, cytokine secretion, migration toward lymph nodes, and activation of T-cells. These results suggest that boosting the expression of a single microRNA, miR-155, may significantly improve the efficacy of DC-based immunotherapies for breast cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junfeng Wang
- Centre for Stem Cell Research and Application, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China; Department of Cell Biology and Anatomy, University of South Carolina School of Medicine, Columbia, SC, USA
| | - Stephen Iwanowycz
- Department of Cell Biology and Anatomy, University of South Carolina School of Medicine , Columbia, SC, USA
| | - Fang Yu
- Department of Cell Biology and Anatomy, University of South Carolina School of Medicine , Columbia, SC, USA
| | - Xuemei Jia
- Department of Cell Biology and Anatomy, University of South Carolina School of Medicine , Columbia, SC, USA
| | - Shuilong Leng
- Department of Cell Biology and Anatomy, University of South Carolina School of Medicine , Columbia, SC, USA
| | - Yuzhen Wang
- Department of Cell Biology and Anatomy, University of South Carolina School of Medicine , Columbia, SC, USA
| | - Wei Li
- Department of Cell Biology and Anatomy, University of South Carolina School of Medicine , Columbia, SC, USA
| | - Shiang Huang
- Centre for Stem Cell Research and Application, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology , Wuhan, China
| | - Walden Ai
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology and Immunology, University of South Carolina School of Medicine , Columbia, SC, USA
| | - Daping Fan
- Department of Cell Biology and Anatomy, University of South Carolina School of Medicine , Columbia, SC, USA
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MicroRNA miR-93-5p regulates expression of IL-8 and VEGF in neuroblastoma SK-N-AS cells. Oncol Rep 2016; 35:2866-72. [PMID: 26986724 DOI: 10.3892/or.2016.4676] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2015] [Accepted: 07/27/2015] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
The role of the microRNA miR-93-5p on the secretome profile and the expression levels of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and interleukin-8 (IL-8) was investigated in the neuroblastoma SK-N-AS cell line by Bio-Plex analysis and RT-qPCR. The results indicate that VEGF and IL-8 are the major miR-93-5p molecular targets. This conclusion was based on in vitro transfection with pre-miR-93-5p and anti-miR-93-5p; these treatments inversely modulated both VEGF and IL-8 gene expression and protein release in the neuroblastoma SK-N-AS cell line. Computational analysis showed the presence of miR-93-5p consensus sequences in the 3'UTR region of both VEGF and IL-8 mRNAs, predicting possible interaction with miR-93-5p and confirming a potential regulatory role of this microRNA.
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49
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Ali SS, Kala C, Abid M, Ahmad N, Sharma US, Khan NA. Pathological microRNAs in acute cardiovascular diseases and microRNA therapeutics. JOURNAL OF ACUTE DISEASE 2016. [DOI: 10.1016/j.joad.2015.08.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022] Open
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50
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Brognara E, Fabbri E, Montagner G, Gasparello J, Manicardi A, Corradini R, Bianchi N, Finotti A, Breveglieri G, Borgatti M, Lampronti I, Milani R, Dechecchi MC, Cabrini G, Gambari R. High levels of apoptosis are induced in human glioma cell lines by co-administration of peptide nucleic acids targeting miR-221 and miR-222. Int J Oncol 2015; 48:1029-38. [PMID: 26708164 DOI: 10.3892/ijo.2015.3308] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2015] [Accepted: 09/04/2015] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
The biological activity of a combined treatment of U251, U373 and T98G glioma cell lines with two anti-miR PNAs, directed against miR‑221 and miR‑222 and conjugated with an ocataarginine tail (R8-PNA-a221 and R8-PNA-a222) for efficient cellular delivery, was determined. Apoptosis was analyzed, and the effect of the combined treatment of glioma cells with either or both PNAs on the reversion of drug-resistance phenotype was assessed in the temozolomide-resistant T98G glioma cell line. Selectivity of PNA/miRNA interactions was studied by surface plasmon resonance (SPR)-based Biacore analysis. Specificity of the PNA effects at the cellular level was analyzed by RT-qPCR. These experiments support the concept that the effects of R8-PNA-a221 and R8-PNA-a222 are specific. The studies on apoptosis confirmed that the R8-PNA-a221 induces apoptosis and demonstrated the pro-apoptotic effects of R8-PNA-a222. Remarkably, increased pro-apoptotic effects were obtained with the co-administration of both anti-miR‑221 and anti-miR‑222 PNAs. In addition, co-administration of R8-PNA-a221 and R8-PNA-a222 induced apoptosis of TMZ-treated T98G cells at a level higher than that obtained following singular administration of R8-PNA-a221 or R8-PNA-a222.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eleonora Brognara
- Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Enrica Fabbri
- Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Giulia Montagner
- Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Jessica Gasparello
- Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Alex Manicardi
- Department of Chemistry, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
| | | | - Nicoletta Bianchi
- Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Alessia Finotti
- Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Giulia Breveglieri
- Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Monica Borgatti
- Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Ilaria Lampronti
- Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Roberta Milani
- Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | | | - Giulio Cabrini
- Laboratory of Molecular Pathology, University-Hospital of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Roberto Gambari
- Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
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