1
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Dume B, Licarete E, Banciu M. Advancing cancer treatments: The role of oligonucleotide-based therapies in driving progress. MOLECULAR THERAPY. NUCLEIC ACIDS 2024; 35:102256. [PMID: 39045515 PMCID: PMC11264197 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtn.2024.102256] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/25/2024]
Abstract
Although recent advancements in cancer immunology have resulted in the approval of numerous immunotherapies, minimal progress has been observed in addressing hard-to-treat cancers. In this context, therapeutic oligonucleotides, including interfering RNAs, antisense oligonucleotides, aptamers, and DNAzymes, have gained a central role in cancer therapeutic approaches due to their capacity to regulate gene expression and protein function with reduced toxicity compared with conventional chemotherapeutics. Nevertheless, systemic administration of naked oligonucleotides faces many extra- and intracellular challenges that can be overcome by using effective delivery systems. Thus, viral and non-viral carriers can improve oligonucleotide stability and intracellular uptake, enhance tumor accumulation, and increase the probability of endosomal escape while minimizing other adverse effects. Therefore, gaining more insight into fundamental mechanisms of actions of various oligonucleotides and the challenges posed by naked oligonucleotide administration, this article provides a comprehensive review of the recent progress on oligonucleotide delivery systems and an overview of completed and ongoing cancer clinical trials that can shape future oncological treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bogdan Dume
- Doctoral School in Integrative Biology, Faculty of Biology and Geology, Babes-Bolyai University, 400006 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Emilia Licarete
- Department of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, Centre of Systems Biology, Biodiversity and Bioresources, Faculty of Biology and Geology, Babes-Bolyai University, 400006 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Manuela Banciu
- Department of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, Centre of Systems Biology, Biodiversity and Bioresources, Faculty of Biology and Geology, Babes-Bolyai University, 400006 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
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2
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Prokhorova DV, Kupryushkin MS, Zhukov SA, Zharkov TD, Dovydenko IS, Yakovleva KI, Pereverzev IM, Matveeva AM, Pyshnyi DV, Stepanov GA. Effect of the Phosphoryl Guanidine Modification in Chimeric DNA-RNA crRNAs on the Activity of the CRISPR-Cas9 System In Vitro. ACS Chem Biol 2024; 19:1311-1319. [PMID: 38814157 DOI: 10.1021/acschembio.4c00147] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/31/2024]
Abstract
Currently, the CRISPR-Cas9 system serves as a prevalent tool for genome editing and gene expression regulation. Its therapeutic application is limited by off-target effects that can affect genomic integrity through nonspecific, undesirable changes in the genome. Various strategies have been explored to mitigate the off-target effects. Many approaches focus on modifying components of the system, namely, Cas9 and guide RNAs, to enhance specificity. However, a common challenge is that methods aiming to increase specificity often result in a significant reduction in the editing efficiency. Here, we introduce a novel approach to modifying crRNA to balance CRISPR-Cas9 specificity and efficiency. Our approach involves incorporating nucleoside modifications, such as replacing ribo- to deoxyribonucleosides and backbone modifications, using phosphoryl guanidine groups, specifically 1,3-dimethylimidazolidin-2-ylidene phosphoramidate. In this case, within the first 10 nucleotides from the 5' crRNA end, phosphodiester bonds are substituted with phosphoryl guanidine groups. We demonstrate that crRNAs containing a combination of deoxyribonucleosides and single or multiple phosphoryl guanidine groups facilitate the modulation of CRISPR-Cas9 system activity while improving its specificity in vitro.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daria V Prokhorova
- Institute of Chemical Biology and Fundamental Medicine of the Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Lavrentiev Avenue 8, Novosibirsk 630090, Russia
| | - Maxim S Kupryushkin
- Institute of Chemical Biology and Fundamental Medicine of the Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Lavrentiev Avenue 8, Novosibirsk 630090, Russia
| | - Sergey A Zhukov
- Institute of Chemical Biology and Fundamental Medicine of the Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Lavrentiev Avenue 8, Novosibirsk 630090, Russia
| | - Timofey D Zharkov
- Institute of Chemical Biology and Fundamental Medicine of the Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Lavrentiev Avenue 8, Novosibirsk 630090, Russia
| | - Ilya S Dovydenko
- Institute of Chemical Biology and Fundamental Medicine of the Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Lavrentiev Avenue 8, Novosibirsk 630090, Russia
| | - Kristina I Yakovleva
- Institute of Chemical Biology and Fundamental Medicine of the Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Lavrentiev Avenue 8, Novosibirsk 630090, Russia
| | - Ivan M Pereverzev
- Institute of Chemical Biology and Fundamental Medicine of the Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Lavrentiev Avenue 8, Novosibirsk 630090, Russia
| | - Anastasiya M Matveeva
- Institute of Chemical Biology and Fundamental Medicine of the Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Lavrentiev Avenue 8, Novosibirsk 630090, Russia
| | - Dmitriy V Pyshnyi
- Institute of Chemical Biology and Fundamental Medicine of the Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Lavrentiev Avenue 8, Novosibirsk 630090, Russia
| | - Grigory A Stepanov
- Institute of Chemical Biology and Fundamental Medicine of the Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Lavrentiev Avenue 8, Novosibirsk 630090, Russia
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3
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Klabenkova KV, Zhdanova PV, Burakova EA, Bizyaev SN, Fokina AA, Stetsenko DA. A Convenient Oligonucleotide Conjugation via Tandem Staudinger Reaction and Amide Bond Formation at the Internucleotidic Phosphate Position. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:2007. [PMID: 38396686 PMCID: PMC10889076 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25042007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2023] [Revised: 01/31/2024] [Accepted: 02/05/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Staudinger reaction on the solid phase between an electronodeficit organic azide, such as sulfonyl azide, and the phosphite triester formed upon phosphoramidite coupling is a convenient method for the chemical modification of oligonucleotides at the internucleotidic phosphate position. In this work, 4-carboxybenzenesulfonyl azide, either with a free carboxy group or in the form of an activated ester such as pentafluorophenyl, 4-nitrophenyl, or pentafluorobenzyl, was used to introduce a carboxylic acid function to the terminal or internal internucleotidic phosphate of an oligonucleotide via the Staudinger reaction. A subsequent treatment with excess primary alkyl amine followed by the usual work-up, after prior activation with a suitable peptide coupling agent such as a uronium salt/1-hydroxybenzotriazole in the case of a free carboxyl, afforded amide-linked oligonucleotide conjugates in good yields including multiple conjugations of up to the exhaustive modification at each phosphate position for a weakly activated pentafluorobenzyl ester, whereas more strongly activated and, thus, more reactive aryl esters provided only single conjugations at the 5'-end. The conjugates synthesized include those with di- and polyamines that introduce a positively charged side chain to potentially assist the intracellular delivery of the oligonucleotide.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristina V. Klabenkova
- Department of Physics, Novosibirsk State University, 2 Pirogov Str., Novosibirsk 630090, Russia; (K.V.K.); (E.A.B.); (S.N.B.); (A.A.F.)
- Institute of Cytology and Genetics, Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, 10 Lavrentiev Ave., Novosibirsk 630090, Russia
| | - Polina V. Zhdanova
- Department of Natural Sciences, Novosibirsk State University, 2 Pirogov Str., Novosibirsk 630090, Russia;
| | - Ekaterina A. Burakova
- Department of Physics, Novosibirsk State University, 2 Pirogov Str., Novosibirsk 630090, Russia; (K.V.K.); (E.A.B.); (S.N.B.); (A.A.F.)
- Institute of Cytology and Genetics, Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, 10 Lavrentiev Ave., Novosibirsk 630090, Russia
| | - Sergei N. Bizyaev
- Department of Physics, Novosibirsk State University, 2 Pirogov Str., Novosibirsk 630090, Russia; (K.V.K.); (E.A.B.); (S.N.B.); (A.A.F.)
- Institute of Cytology and Genetics, Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, 10 Lavrentiev Ave., Novosibirsk 630090, Russia
| | - Alesya A. Fokina
- Department of Physics, Novosibirsk State University, 2 Pirogov Str., Novosibirsk 630090, Russia; (K.V.K.); (E.A.B.); (S.N.B.); (A.A.F.)
- Institute of Cytology and Genetics, Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, 10 Lavrentiev Ave., Novosibirsk 630090, Russia
| | - Dmitry A. Stetsenko
- Department of Physics, Novosibirsk State University, 2 Pirogov Str., Novosibirsk 630090, Russia; (K.V.K.); (E.A.B.); (S.N.B.); (A.A.F.)
- Institute of Cytology and Genetics, Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, 10 Lavrentiev Ave., Novosibirsk 630090, Russia
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4
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Zharkov TD, Markov OV, Zhukov SA, Khodyreva SN, Kupryushkin MS. Influence of Combinations of Lipophilic and Phosphate Backbone Modifications on Cellular Uptake of Modified Oligonucleotides. Molecules 2024; 29:452. [PMID: 38257365 PMCID: PMC10818405 DOI: 10.3390/molecules29020452] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2023] [Revised: 01/12/2024] [Accepted: 01/15/2024] [Indexed: 01/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Numerous types of oligonucleotide modifications have been developed since automated synthesis of DNA/RNA became a common instrument in the creation of synthetic oligonucleotides. Despite the growing number of types of oligonucleotide modifications under development, only a few of them and, moreover, their combinations have been studied widely enough in terms of their influence on the properties of corresponding NA constructions. In the present study, a number of oligonucleotides with combinations of 3'-end lipophilic (a single cholesteryl or a pair of dodecyl residues) and phosphate backbone modifications were synthesized. The influence of the combination of used lipophilic groups with phosphate modifications of various natures and different positions on the efficiency of cell penetration was evaluated. The obtained results indicate that even a couple of phosphate modifications are able to affect a set of oligonucleotide properties in a complex manner and can remarkably change cellular uptake. These data clearly show that the strategy of using different patterns of modification combinations has great potential for the rational design of oligonucleotide structures with desired predefined properties.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Maxim S. Kupryushkin
- Institute of Chemical Biology and Fundamental Medicine, Siberian Branch of RAS, Lavrentiev Ave. 8, 630090 Novosibirsk, Russia; (T.D.Z.); (O.V.M.); (S.A.Z.); (S.N.K.)
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5
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Zareie AR, Dabral P, Verma SC. G-Quadruplexes in the Regulation of Viral Gene Expressions and Their Impacts on Controlling Infection. Pathogens 2024; 13:60. [PMID: 38251367 PMCID: PMC10819198 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens13010060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2023] [Revised: 01/05/2024] [Accepted: 01/05/2024] [Indexed: 01/23/2024] Open
Abstract
G-quadruplexes (G4s) are noncanonical nucleic acid structures that play significant roles in regulating various biological processes, including replication, transcription, translation, and recombination. Recent studies have identified G4s in the genomes of several viruses, such as herpes viruses, hepatitis viruses, and human coronaviruses. These structures are implicated in regulating viral transcription, replication, and virion production, influencing viral infectivity and pathogenesis. G4-stabilizing ligands, like TMPyP4, PhenDC3, and BRACO19, show potential antiviral properties by targeting and stabilizing G4 structures, inhibiting essential viral life-cycle processes. This review delves into the existing literature on G4's involvement in viral regulation, emphasizing specific G4-stabilizing ligands. While progress has been made in understanding how these ligands regulate viruses, further research is needed to elucidate the mechanisms through which G4s impact viral processes. More research is necessary to develop G4-stabilizing ligands as novel antiviral agents. The increasing body of literature underscores the importance of G4s in viral biology and the development of innovative therapeutic strategies against viral infections. Despite some ligands' known regulatory effects on viruses, a deeper comprehension of the multifaceted impact of G4s on viral processes is essential. This review advocates for intensified research to unravel the intricate relationship between G4s and viral processes, paving the way for novel antiviral treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Subhash C. Verma
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Nevada, Reno School of Medicine, 1664 N Virginia Street, Reno, NV 89557, USA; (A.R.Z.); (P.D.)
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6
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Sanati M, Afshari AR, Ahmadi SS, Kesharwani P, Sahebkar A. Advances in liposome-based delivery of RNA therapeutics for cancer treatment. PROGRESS IN MOLECULAR BIOLOGY AND TRANSLATIONAL SCIENCE 2024; 204:177-218. [PMID: 38458738 DOI: 10.1016/bs.pmbts.2023.12.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/10/2024]
Abstract
Liposomal drug delivery systems stand as versatile therapeutic platforms for precisely targeting related elements in cancerous tissues owing to their intrinsic passive and acquired active targeting capabilities and exceptional compatibility with physiologic environments. When the capacity of liposomes as nanocarriers is combined with the revolutionary potential of RNA therapies in affecting undruggable targets, the outcome would be promising drug candidates as game-changers in the cancer treatment arena. However, optimizing liposome composition, physicochemical properties, and surface chemistry is paramount to maximizing their pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic attributes. This review highlighted the potential of liposomes as nanovehicles for RNA therapeutics through a literature review and looked at the most recent preclinical and clinical advancements in utilizing liposomal RNA therapeutics for cancer management. Notably, the discovery of novel targets, advancements in liposome engineering, and organizing well-planned clinical trials would help uncover the incredible potential of these nanotherapeutics in cancer patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mehdi Sanati
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Birjand University of Medical Sciences, Birjand, Iran; Experimental and Animal Study Center, Birjand University of Medical Sciences, Birjand, Iran
| | - Amir R Afshari
- Natural Products and Medicinal Plants Research Center, North Khorasan University of Medical Sciences, Bojnurd, Iran; Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, North Khorasan University of Medical Sciences, Bojnurd, Iran
| | - Seyed Sajad Ahmadi
- Department of Ophthalmology, Khatam-Ol-Anbia Hospital, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Prashant Kesharwani
- Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmaceutical Education and Research, Jamia Hamdard, New Delhi, India
| | - Amirhossein Sahebkar
- Biotechnology Research Center, Pharmaceutical Technology Institute, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran; Applied Biomedical Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran.
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7
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Pfeiffer LS, Stafforst T. Precision RNA base editing with engineered and endogenous effectors. Nat Biotechnol 2023; 41:1526-1542. [PMID: 37735261 DOI: 10.1038/s41587-023-01927-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2022] [Accepted: 07/26/2023] [Indexed: 09/23/2023]
Abstract
RNA base editing refers to the rewriting of genetic information within an intact RNA molecule and serves various functions, such as evasion of the endogenous immune system and regulation of protein function. To achieve this, certain enzymes have been discovered in human cells that catalyze the conversion of one nucleobase into another. This natural process could be exploited to manipulate and recode any base in a target transcript. In contrast to DNA base editing, analogous changes introduced in RNA are not permanent or inheritable but rather allow reversible and doseable effects that appeal to various therapeutic applications. The current practice of RNA base editing involves the deamination of adenosines and cytidines, which are converted to inosines and uridines, respectively. In this Review, we summarize current site-directed RNA base-editing strategies and highlight recent achievements to improve editing efficiency, precision, codon-targeting scope and in vivo delivery into disease-relevant tissues. Besides engineered editing effectors, we focus on strategies to harness endogenous adenosine deaminases acting on RNA (ADAR) enzymes and discuss limitations and future perspectives to apply the tools in basic research and as a therapeutic modality. We expect the field to realize the first RNA base-editing drug soon, likely on a well-defined genetic disease. However, the long-term challenge will be to carve out the sweet spot of the technology where its unique ability is exploited to modulate signaling cues, metabolism or other clinically relevant processes in a safe and doseable manner.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura S Pfeiffer
- Interfaculty Institute of Biochemistry, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Thorsten Stafforst
- Interfaculty Institute of Biochemistry, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany.
- Gene and RNA Therapy Center, Faculty of Medicine, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany.
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8
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Zharkov TD, Mironova EM, Markov OV, Zhukov SA, Khodyreva SN, Kupryushkin MS. Fork- and Comb-like Lipophilic Structures: Different Chemical Approaches to the Synthesis of Oligonucleotides with Multiple Dodecyl Residues. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:14637. [PMID: 37834092 PMCID: PMC10572690 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241914637] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2023] [Revised: 09/21/2023] [Accepted: 09/22/2023] [Indexed: 10/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Lipophilic oligonucleotide conjugates represent a powerful tool for nucleic acid cellular delivery, and many methods for their synthesis have been developed over the past few decades. In the present study, a number of chemical approaches for the synthesis of different fork- and comb-like dodecyl-containing oligonucleotide structures were performed, including use of non-nucleotide units and different types of phosphate modifications such as alkyl phosphoramidate, phosphoryl guanidine, and triazinyl phosphoramidate. The influence of the number of introduced lipophilic residues, their mutual arrangement, and the type of formed modification backbone on cell penetration was evaluated. The results obtained indicate great potential in the developed chemical approaches, not only for the synthesis of complex oligonucleotide structures but also for the fine-tuning of their properties.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - Maxim S. Kupryushkin
- Institute of Chemical Biology and Fundamental Medicine, Siberian Branch of RAS, Lavrentiev Ave. 8, 630090 Novosibirsk, Russia; (T.D.Z.); (E.M.M.); (O.V.M.); (S.A.Z.); (S.N.K.)
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9
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Kawamoto Y, Wu Y, Takahashi Y, Takakura Y. Development of nucleic acid medicines based on chemical technology. Adv Drug Deliv Rev 2023; 199:114872. [PMID: 37244354 DOI: 10.1016/j.addr.2023.114872] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2023] [Revised: 05/01/2023] [Accepted: 05/12/2023] [Indexed: 05/29/2023]
Abstract
Oligonucleotide-based therapeutics have attracted attention as an emerging modality that includes the modulation of genes and their binding proteins related to diseases, allowing us to take action on previously undruggable targets. Since the late 2010s, the number of oligonucleotide medicines approved for clinical uses has dramatically increased. Various chemistry-based technologies have been developed to improve the therapeutic properties of oligonucleotides, such as chemical modification, conjugation, and nanoparticle formation, which can increase nuclease resistance, enhance affinity and selectivity to target sites, suppress off-target effects, and improve pharmacokinetic properties. Similar strategies employing modified nucleobases and lipid nanoparticles have been used for developing coronavirus disease 2019 mRNA vaccines. In this review, we provide an overview of the development of chemistry-based technologies aimed at using nucleic acids for developing therapeutics over the past several decades, with a specific emphasis on the structural design and functionality of chemical modification strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yusuke Kawamoto
- Department of Biopharmaceutics and Drug Metabolism, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kyoto University, Sakyo, Kyoto 606-8501, Japan.
| | - You Wu
- Department of Biopharmaceutics and Drug Metabolism, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kyoto University, Sakyo, Kyoto 606-8501, Japan
| | - Yuki Takahashi
- Department of Biopharmaceutics and Drug Metabolism, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kyoto University, Sakyo, Kyoto 606-8501, Japan
| | - Yoshinobu Takakura
- Department of Biopharmaceutics and Drug Metabolism, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kyoto University, Sakyo, Kyoto 606-8501, Japan.
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10
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Lee SH, Ng CX, Wong SR, Chong PP. MiRNAs Overexpression and Their Role in Breast Cancer: Implications for Cancer Therapeutics. Curr Drug Targets 2023; 24:484-508. [PMID: 36999414 DOI: 10.2174/1389450124666230329123409] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2022] [Revised: 12/20/2022] [Accepted: 01/30/2023] [Indexed: 04/01/2023]
Abstract
MicroRNAs have a plethora of roles in various biological processes in the cells and most human cancers have been shown to be associated with dysregulation of the expression of miRNA genes. MiRNA biogenesis involves two alternative pathways, the canonical pathway which requires the successful cooperation of various proteins forming the miRNA-inducing silencing complex (miRISC), and the non-canonical pathway, such as the mirtrons, simtrons, or agotrons pathway, which bypasses and deviates from specific steps in the canonical pathway. Mature miRNAs are secreted from cells and circulated in the body bound to argonaute 2 (AGO2) and miRISC or transported in vesicles. These miRNAs may regulate their downstream target genes via positive or negative regulation through different molecular mechanisms. This review focuses on the role and mechanisms of miRNAs in different stages of breast cancer progression, including breast cancer stem cell formation, breast cancer initiation, invasion, and metastasis as well as angiogenesis. The design, chemical modifications, and therapeutic applications of synthetic anti-sense miRNA oligonucleotides and RNA mimics are also discussed in detail. The strategies for systemic delivery and local targeted delivery of the antisense miRNAs encompass the use of polymeric and liposomal nanoparticles, inorganic nanoparticles, extracellular vesicles, as well as viral vectors and viruslike particles (VLPs). Although several miRNAs have been identified as good candidates for the design of antisense and other synthetic modified oligonucleotides in targeting breast cancer, further efforts are still needed to study the most optimal delivery method in order to drive the research beyond preclinical studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sau Har Lee
- School of Biosciences, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, Taylor's University, Subang Jaya, Selangor, Malaysia
- Centre for Drug Discovery and Molecular Pharmacology (CDDMP), Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, Taylor's University, Subang Jaya, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Chu Xin Ng
- School of Biosciences, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, Taylor's University, Subang Jaya, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Sharon Rachel Wong
- School of Biosciences, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, Taylor's University, Subang Jaya, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Pei Pei Chong
- School of Biosciences, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, Taylor's University, Subang Jaya, Selangor, Malaysia
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11
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Stepanov AV, Kalinin RS, Shipunova VO, Zhang D, Xie J, Rubtsov YP, Ukrainskaya VM, Schulga A, Konovalova EV, Volkov DV, Yaroshevich IA, Moysenovich AM, Belogurov AA, Zhang H, Telegin GB, Chernov AS, Maschan MA, Terekhov SS, Wu P, Deyev SM, Lerner RA, Gabibov AG, Altman S. Switchable targeting of solid tumors by BsCAR T cells. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2022; 119:e2210562119. [PMID: 36343224 PMCID: PMC9674235 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2210562119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2022] [Accepted: 08/09/2022] [Indexed: 08/01/2023] Open
Abstract
The development of chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cell therapy has become a critical milestone in modern oncotherapy. Despite the remarkable in vitro effectiveness, the problem of safety and efficacy of CAR T cell therapy against solid tumors is challenged by the lack of tumor-specific antigens required to avoid on-target off-tumor effects. Spatially separating the cytotoxic function of CAR T cells from tumor antigen recognition provided by protein mediators allows for the precise control of CAR T cell cytotoxicity. Here, the high affinity and capability of the bacterial toxin-antitoxin barnase-barstar system were adopted to guide CAR T cells to solid tumors. The complementary modules based on (1) ankyrin repeat (DARPin)-barnase proteins and (2) barstar-based CAR (BsCAR) were designed to provide switchable targeting to tumor cells. The alteration of the DARPin-barnase switches enabled the targeting of different tumor antigens with a single BsCAR. A gradual increase in cytokine release and tunable BsCAR T cell cytotoxicity was achieved by varying DARPin-barnase loads. Switchable BsCAR T cell therapy was able to eradicate the HER2+ ductal carcinoma in vivo. Guiding BsCAR T cells by DARPin-barnase switches provides a universal approach for a controlled multitargeted adoptive immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexey V. Stepanov
- Department of Chemistry, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA 92037
| | - Roman S. Kalinin
- Department of Chemistry, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA 92037
| | - Victoria O. Shipunova
- M.M. Shemyakin and Yu.A. Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow 117997, Russia
| | - Ding Zhang
- Department of Chemistry, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA 92037
| | - Jia Xie
- Department of Chemistry, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA 92037
| | - Yuri P. Rubtsov
- M.M. Shemyakin and Yu.A. Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow 117997, Russia
| | - Valeria M. Ukrainskaya
- M.M. Shemyakin and Yu.A. Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow 117997, Russia
| | - Alexey Schulga
- M.M. Shemyakin and Yu.A. Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow 117997, Russia
| | - Elena V. Konovalova
- M.M. Shemyakin and Yu.A. Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow 117997, Russia
| | - Dmitry V. Volkov
- M.M. Shemyakin and Yu.A. Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow 117997, Russia
| | - Igor A. Yaroshevich
- M.M. Shemyakin and Yu.A. Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow 117997, Russia
| | - Anastasiia M. Moysenovich
- M.M. Shemyakin and Yu.A. Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow 117997, Russia
| | - Alexey A. Belogurov
- M.M. Shemyakin and Yu.A. Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow 117997, Russia
| | - Hongkai Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology and College of Life Sciences, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, China
| | - Georgij B. Telegin
- M.M. Shemyakin and Yu.A. Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow 117997, Russia
| | - Alexandr S. Chernov
- M.M. Shemyakin and Yu.A. Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow 117997, Russia
| | - Mikhail A. Maschan
- Dmitry Rogachev National Medical Research Center of Pediatric Hematology, Oncology, and Immunology, Moscow 117997, Russia
| | - Stanislav S. Terekhov
- M.M. Shemyakin and Yu.A. Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow 117997, Russia
- Department of Chemistry, Lomonosov Moscow State University, Moscow 119991, Russia
| | - Peng Wu
- Department of Chemistry, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA 92037
| | - Sergey M. Deyev
- M.M. Shemyakin and Yu.A. Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow 117997, Russia
| | - Richard A. Lerner
- Department of Chemistry, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA 92037
| | - Alexander G. Gabibov
- M.M. Shemyakin and Yu.A. Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow 117997, Russia
- Department of Chemistry, Lomonosov Moscow State University, Moscow 119991, Russia
| | - Sidney Altman
- Department of Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology, Yale University, New Haven, CT 06520
- School of Life Sciences, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ 85287
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Helm J, Schöls L, Hauser S. Towards Personalized Allele-Specific Antisense Oligonucleotide Therapies for Toxic Gain-of-Function Neurodegenerative Diseases. Pharmaceutics 2022; 14:pharmaceutics14081708. [PMID: 36015334 PMCID: PMC9416334 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics14081708] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2022] [Revised: 08/11/2022] [Accepted: 08/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Antisense oligonucleotides (ASOs) are single-stranded nucleic acid strings that can be used to selectively modify protein synthesis by binding complementary (pre-)mRNA sequences. By specific arrangements of DNA and RNA into a chain of nucleic acids and additional modifications of the backbone, sugar, and base, the specificity and functionality of the designed ASOs can be adjusted. Thereby cellular uptake, toxicity, and nuclease resistance, as well as binding affinity and specificity to its target (pre-)mRNA, can be modified. Several neurodegenerative diseases are caused by autosomal dominant toxic gain-of-function mutations, which lead to toxic protein products driving disease progression. ASOs targeting such mutations—or even more comprehensively, associated variants, such as single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs)—promise a selective degradation of the mutant (pre-)mRNA while sparing the wild type allele. By this approach, protein expression from the wild type strand is preserved, and side effects from an unselective knockdown of both alleles can be prevented. This makes allele-specific targeting strategies a focus for future personalized therapies. Here, we provide an overview of current strategies to develop personalized, allele-specific ASO therapies for the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases, such Huntington’s disease (HD) and spinocerebellar ataxia type 3 (SCA3/MJD).
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Affiliation(s)
- Jacob Helm
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), 72076 Tübingen, Germany
- Hertie Institute for Clinical Brain Research and Department of Neurology, University of Tübingen, 72076 Tübingen, Germany
- Graduate School of Cellular and Molecular Neuroscience, University of Tübingen, 72076 Tübingen, Germany
| | - Ludger Schöls
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), 72076 Tübingen, Germany
- Hertie Institute for Clinical Brain Research and Department of Neurology, University of Tübingen, 72076 Tübingen, Germany
| | - Stefan Hauser
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), 72076 Tübingen, Germany
- Hertie Institute for Clinical Brain Research and Department of Neurology, University of Tübingen, 72076 Tübingen, Germany
- Correspondence:
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