1
|
Alameh MG, Tavakoli Naeini A, Dwivedi G, Lesage F, Buschmann MD, Lavertu M. Chitosan siRNA Nanoparticles Produce Significant Non-Toxic Functional Gene Silencing in Kidney Cortices. Polymers (Basel) 2024; 16:2547. [PMID: 39274180 DOI: 10.3390/polym16172547] [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: 07/30/2024] [Revised: 08/30/2024] [Accepted: 09/02/2024] [Indexed: 09/16/2024] Open
Abstract
Chitosan shows effective nucleic acid delivery. To understand the influence of chitosan's molecular weight, dose, payload, and hyaluronic acid coating on in vivo toxicity, immune stimulation, biodistribution and efficacy, precisely characterized chitosans were formulated with unmodified or chemically modified siRNA to control for innate immune stimulation. The hemocompatibility, cytokine induction, hematological and serological responses were assessed. Body weight, clinical signs, in vivo biodistribution and functional target knockdown were monitored. Hemolysis was found to be dose- and MW-dependent with the HA coating abrogating hemolysis. Compared to cationic lipid nanoparticles, uncoated and HA-coated chitosan nanoparticles did not induce immune stimulation or hematologic toxicity. Liver and kidney biomarkers remained unchanged with chitosan formulations, while high doses of cationic lipid nanoparticles led to increased transaminase levels and a decrease in body weight. Uncoated and HA-coated nanoparticles accumulated in kidneys with functional knockdown for uncoated chitosan formulations reaching 60%, suggesting potential applications in the treatment of kidney diseases.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mohamad-Gabriel Alameh
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering, Polytechnique Montreal, 2500 Chem. de Polytechnique, Montréal, QC H3T 1J4, Canada
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Polytechnique Montreal, 2500 Chem. de Polytechnique, Montreal, QC H3T 1J4, Canada
| | - Ashkan Tavakoli Naeini
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering, Polytechnique Montreal, 2500 Chem. de Polytechnique, Montréal, QC H3T 1J4, Canada
| | - Garima Dwivedi
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering, Polytechnique Montreal, 2500 Chem. de Polytechnique, Montréal, QC H3T 1J4, Canada
| | - Frederic Lesage
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering, Polytechnique Montreal, 2500 Chem. de Polytechnique, Montréal, QC H3T 1J4, Canada
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Polytechnique Montreal, 2500 Chem. de Polytechnique, Montreal, QC H3T 1J4, Canada
| | - Michael D Buschmann
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering, Polytechnique Montreal, 2500 Chem. de Polytechnique, Montréal, QC H3T 1J4, Canada
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Polytechnique Montreal, 2500 Chem. de Polytechnique, Montreal, QC H3T 1J4, Canada
| | - Marc Lavertu
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering, Polytechnique Montreal, 2500 Chem. de Polytechnique, Montréal, QC H3T 1J4, Canada
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Polytechnique Montreal, 2500 Chem. de Polytechnique, Montreal, QC H3T 1J4, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Tran BT, Go S, Kim KR, Chung HS, Ahn DR. The positional and numerical effect of N 6-methyladenosine in tracrRNA on the DNA cleavage activity of Cas9. RSC Adv 2024; 14:20529-20535. [PMID: 38946770 PMCID: PMC11209871 DOI: 10.1039/d4ra03957b] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2024] [Accepted: 06/21/2024] [Indexed: 07/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Post-transcriptional modifications on the guide RNAs utilized in the Cas9 system may have the potential to impact the activity of Cas9. In this study, we synthesized a series of tracrRNAs containing N 6-methyadenosine (m6A), a prevalent post-transcriptional modification, at various positions. We evaluated the effect of these modifications on the DNA cleavage activity of Cas9. Our results show that multiple m6As in the anti-repeat region of tracrRNA reduce the DNA cleavage activity of Cas9. This suggests that the m6A-modified tracrRNA can be used for Cas9 only when the number and the position of the modified residue are properly chosen in tracrRNA.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Binh Thanh Tran
- Chemical and Biological Integrative Research Center, Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST) Hwarangno 14-gil 5, Seongbuk-gu Seoul 02792 Republic of Korea
| | - Seulgi Go
- Chemical and Biological Integrative Research Center, Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST) Hwarangno 14-gil 5, Seongbuk-gu Seoul 02792 Republic of Korea
| | - Kyoung-Ran Kim
- Chemical and Biological Integrative Research Center, Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST) Hwarangno 14-gil 5, Seongbuk-gu Seoul 02792 Republic of Korea
| | - Hak Suk Chung
- Chemical and Biological Integrative Research Center, Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST) Hwarangno 14-gil 5, Seongbuk-gu Seoul 02792 Republic of Korea
- Division of Bio-Medical Science and Technology, KIST School, University of Science and Technology (UST) Seoul 02792 Republic of Korea
| | - Dae-Ro Ahn
- Chemical and Biological Integrative Research Center, Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST) Hwarangno 14-gil 5, Seongbuk-gu Seoul 02792 Republic of Korea
- Division of Bio-Medical Science and Technology, KIST School, University of Science and Technology (UST) Seoul 02792 Republic of Korea
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Moreira L, Guimarães NM, Santos RS, Loureiro JA, Pereira MDC, Azevedo NF. Oligonucleotide probes for imaging and diagnosis of bacterial infections. Crit Rev Biotechnol 2024:1-20. [PMID: 38830823 DOI: 10.1080/07388551.2024.2344574] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2023] [Accepted: 06/17/2023] [Indexed: 06/05/2024]
Abstract
The rise of infectious diseases as a public health concern has necessitated the development of rapid and precise diagnostic methods. Imaging techniques like nuclear and optical imaging provide the ability to diagnose infectious diseases within the body, eliminating delays caused by sampling and pre-enrichments of clinical samples and offering spatial information that can aid in a more informed diagnosis. Traditional molecular probes are typically created to image infected tissue without accurately identifying the pathogen. In contrast, oligonucleotides can be tailored to target specific RNA sequences, allowing for the identification of pathogens, and even generating antibiotic susceptibility profiles by focusing on drug resistance genes. Despite the benefits that nucleic acid mimics (NAMs) have provided in terms of stabilizing oligonucleotides, the inadequate delivery of these relatively large molecules into the cytoplasm of bacteria remains a challenge for widespread use of this technology. This review summarizes the key advancements in the field of oligonucleotide probes for in vivo imaging, highlighting the most promising delivery systems described in the literature for developing optical imaging through in vivo hybridization.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Luís Moreira
- LEPABE - Laboratory for Process Engineering, Environment, Biotechnology and Energy, Faculty of Engineering, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
- ALiCE - Associate Laboratory in Chemical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Nuno Miguel Guimarães
- LEPABE - Laboratory for Process Engineering, Environment, Biotechnology and Energy, Faculty of Engineering, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
- ALiCE - Associate Laboratory in Chemical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Rita Sobral Santos
- LEPABE - Laboratory for Process Engineering, Environment, Biotechnology and Energy, Faculty of Engineering, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
- ALiCE - Associate Laboratory in Chemical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Joana Angélica Loureiro
- LEPABE - Laboratory for Process Engineering, Environment, Biotechnology and Energy, Faculty of Engineering, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
- ALiCE - Associate Laboratory in Chemical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Maria do Carmo Pereira
- LEPABE - Laboratory for Process Engineering, Environment, Biotechnology and Energy, Faculty of Engineering, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
- ALiCE - Associate Laboratory in Chemical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Nuno Filipe Azevedo
- LEPABE - Laboratory for Process Engineering, Environment, Biotechnology and Energy, Faculty of Engineering, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
- ALiCE - Associate Laboratory in Chemical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Ahmed T. Lipid nanoparticle mediated small interfering RNA delivery as a potential therapy for Alzheimer's disease. Eur J Neurosci 2024; 59:2915-2954. [PMID: 38622050 DOI: 10.1111/ejn.16336] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2023] [Revised: 02/21/2024] [Accepted: 03/14/2024] [Indexed: 04/17/2024]
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a neurodegenerative condition that exhibits a gradual decline in cognitive function and is prevalent among a significant number of individuals globally. The use of small interfering RNA (siRNA) molecules in RNA interference (RNAi) presents a promising therapeutic strategy for AD. Lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) have been developed as a delivery vehicle for siRNA, which can selectively suppress target genes, by enhancing cellular uptake and safeguarding siRNA from degradation. Numerous research studies have exhibited the effectiveness of LNP-mediated siRNA delivery in reducing amyloid beta (Aβ) levels and enhancing cognitive function in animal models of AD. The feasibility of employing LNP-mediated siRNA delivery as a therapeutic approach for AD is emphasized by the encouraging outcomes reported in clinical studies for other medical conditions. The use of LNP-mediated siRNA delivery has emerged as a promising strategy to slow down or even reverse the progression of AD by targeting the synthesis of tau phosphorylation and other genes linked to the condition. Improvement of the delivery mechanism and determination of the most suitable siRNA targets are crucial for the efficacious management of AD. This review focuses on the delivery of siRNA through LNPs as a promising therapeutic strategy for AD, based on the available literature.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tanvir Ahmed
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, North South University, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Chernikov IV, Bachkova IK, Sen’kova AV, Meschaninova MI, Savin IA, Vlassov VV, Zenkova MA, Chernolovskaya EL. Cholesterol-Modified Anti-Il6 siRNA Reduces the Severity of Acute Lung Injury in Mice. Cells 2024; 13:767. [PMID: 38727303 PMCID: PMC11083178 DOI: 10.3390/cells13090767] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2024] [Revised: 04/27/2024] [Accepted: 04/29/2024] [Indexed: 05/13/2024] Open
Abstract
Small interfering RNA (siRNA) holds significant therapeutic potential by silencing target genes through RNA interference. Current clinical applications of siRNA have been primarily limited to liver diseases, while achievements in delivery methods are expanding their applications to various organs, including the lungs. Cholesterol-conjugated siRNA emerges as a promising delivery approach due to its low toxicity and high efficiency. This study focuses on developing a cholesterol-conjugated anti-Il6 siRNA and the evaluation of its potency for the potential treatment of inflammatory diseases using the example of acute lung injury (ALI). The biological activities of different Il6-targeted siRNAs containing chemical modifications were evaluated in J774 cells in vitro. The lead cholesterol-conjugated anti-Il6 siRNA after intranasal instillation demonstrated dose-dependent therapeutic effects in a mouse model of ALI induced by lipopolysaccharide (LPS). The treatment significantly reduced Il6 mRNA levels, inflammatory cell infiltration, and the severity of lung inflammation. IL6 silencing by cholesterol-conjugated siRNA proves to be a promising strategy for treating inflammatory diseases, with potential applications beyond the lungs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ivan V. Chernikov
- Institute of Chemical Biology and Fundamental Medicine, Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Acad. Lavrentiev Ave. 8, 630090 Novosibirsk, Russia; (I.V.C.); (I.K.B.); (A.V.S.); (M.I.M.); (I.A.S.); (M.A.Z.)
| | - Irina K. Bachkova
- Institute of Chemical Biology and Fundamental Medicine, Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Acad. Lavrentiev Ave. 8, 630090 Novosibirsk, Russia; (I.V.C.); (I.K.B.); (A.V.S.); (M.I.M.); (I.A.S.); (M.A.Z.)
- Faculty of Natural Sciences, Novosibirsk State University, Pirogova Str., 1, 630090 Novosibirsk, Russia
| | - Aleksandra V. Sen’kova
- Institute of Chemical Biology and Fundamental Medicine, Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Acad. Lavrentiev Ave. 8, 630090 Novosibirsk, Russia; (I.V.C.); (I.K.B.); (A.V.S.); (M.I.M.); (I.A.S.); (M.A.Z.)
| | - Mariya I. Meschaninova
- Institute of Chemical Biology and Fundamental Medicine, Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Acad. Lavrentiev Ave. 8, 630090 Novosibirsk, Russia; (I.V.C.); (I.K.B.); (A.V.S.); (M.I.M.); (I.A.S.); (M.A.Z.)
| | - Innokenty A. Savin
- Institute of Chemical Biology and Fundamental Medicine, Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Acad. Lavrentiev Ave. 8, 630090 Novosibirsk, Russia; (I.V.C.); (I.K.B.); (A.V.S.); (M.I.M.); (I.A.S.); (M.A.Z.)
| | - Valentin V. Vlassov
- Institute of Chemical Biology and Fundamental Medicine, Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Acad. Lavrentiev Ave. 8, 630090 Novosibirsk, Russia; (I.V.C.); (I.K.B.); (A.V.S.); (M.I.M.); (I.A.S.); (M.A.Z.)
| | - Marina A. Zenkova
- Institute of Chemical Biology and Fundamental Medicine, Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Acad. Lavrentiev Ave. 8, 630090 Novosibirsk, Russia; (I.V.C.); (I.K.B.); (A.V.S.); (M.I.M.); (I.A.S.); (M.A.Z.)
| | - Elena L. Chernolovskaya
- Institute of Chemical Biology and Fundamental Medicine, Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Acad. Lavrentiev Ave. 8, 630090 Novosibirsk, Russia; (I.V.C.); (I.K.B.); (A.V.S.); (M.I.M.); (I.A.S.); (M.A.Z.)
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Holland R, Lam K, Jeng S, McClintock K, Palmer L, Schreiner P, Wood M, Zhao W, Heyes J. Silicon Ether Ionizable Lipids Enable Potent mRNA Lipid Nanoparticles with Rapid Tissue Clearance. ACS NANO 2024; 18:10374-10387. [PMID: 38567845 PMCID: PMC11025127 DOI: 10.1021/acsnano.3c09028] [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: 09/19/2023] [Revised: 03/13/2024] [Accepted: 03/20/2024] [Indexed: 04/17/2024]
Abstract
The advent of mRNA for nucleic acid (NA) therapeutics has unlocked many diverse areas of research and clinical investigation. However, the shorter intracellular half-life of mRNA compared with other NAs may necessitate more frequent dosing regimens. Because lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) are the principal delivery system used for mRNA, this could lead to tolerability challenges associated with an accumulated lipid burden. This can be addressed by introducing enzymatically cleaved carboxylic esters into the hydrophobic domains of lipid components, notably, the ionizable lipid. However, enzymatic activity can vary significantly with age, disease state, and species, potentially limiting the application in humans. Here we report an alternative approach to ionizable lipid degradability that relies on nonenzymatic hydrolysis, leading to a controlled and highly efficient lipid clearance profile. We identify highly potent examples and demonstrate their exceptional tolerability in multiple preclinical species, including multidosing in nonhuman primates (NHP).
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Richard Holland
- Genevant
Science Corporation, Unit 155-887 Great Northern Way, Vancouver, British Columbia V5T 4T5, Canada
| | - Kieu Lam
- Genevant
Science Corporation, Unit 155-887 Great Northern Way, Vancouver, British Columbia V5T 4T5, Canada
| | - Sunny Jeng
- Genevant
Science Corporation, Unit 155-887 Great Northern Way, Vancouver, British Columbia V5T 4T5, Canada
| | - Kevin McClintock
- Genevant
Science Corporation, Unit 155-887 Great Northern Way, Vancouver, British Columbia V5T 4T5, Canada
| | - Lorne Palmer
- Genevant
Science Corporation, Unit 155-887 Great Northern Way, Vancouver, British Columbia V5T 4T5, Canada
| | - Petra Schreiner
- Genevant
Science Corporation, Unit 155-887 Great Northern Way, Vancouver, British Columbia V5T 4T5, Canada
| | - Mark Wood
- Genevant
Science Corporation, Unit 155-887 Great Northern Way, Vancouver, British Columbia V5T 4T5, Canada
| | - Wenchen Zhao
- Genevant
Science Corporation, Unit 155-887 Great Northern Way, Vancouver, British Columbia V5T 4T5, Canada
| | - James Heyes
- Genevant
Science Corporation, Unit 155-887 Great Northern Way, Vancouver, British Columbia V5T 4T5, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Dahal S, Bastola S, Ramamurthi A. JNK2 silencing lipid nanoparticles for elastic matrix repair. J Biomed Mater Res A 2024; 112:562-573. [PMID: 37815147 DOI: 10.1002/jbm.a.37618] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2023] [Revised: 08/08/2023] [Accepted: 09/07/2023] [Indexed: 10/11/2023]
Abstract
The over-expression of c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK2), a stress activated mitogen kinase, in the aortic wall plays a critical role in the formation and progression of abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA). This triggers chronic downstream upregulation of elastolytic matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), MMPs2 and 9 to cause progressive proteolytic breakdown of the wall elastic matrix. We have previously shown that siNRA knockdown of JNK2 gene expression in an AAA culture model stimulates downstream elastin gene expression, elastic fiber formation, crosslinking and reduces elastolytic MMPs2 and 9. Since naked siRNA poorly routes to intracellular targets, has poor stability in blood, and could be potentially toxic and immunogenic, this project is aimed to develop PEGylated lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) for delivery of JNK siRNA and to generate evidence of successful JNK2 knockdown and downstream attenuation of MMP2 gene and protein expressions. LNPs were formulated using thin-film hydration technique and had the size of 100-200 nm with zeta-potential ranging between 30 and 40 mV. JNK siRNA loaded PEGylated LNPs successfully knocked down JNK2 in cytokine-activated rat aneurysmal smooth muscle (EaRASMC) cultures. This resulted in a downstream decrease in MMP2 gene and protein expression and an upward trend in expression of genes for proteins critical for elastic fiber assembly such as elastin (ELN) and lysyl oxidase (LOX). Our result indicates cationic LNPs to be potential carriers for JNK siRNA delivery improving potency for elastin homeostasis required for AAA repair which could possibly provide benefits in preventing the progression of small AAAs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shataakshi Dahal
- Department of Bioengineering, Lehigh University, Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Suraj Bastola
- Department of Bioengineering, Lehigh University, Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Anand Ramamurthi
- Department of Bioengineering, Lehigh University, Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, USA
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Teng M, Xia ZJ, Lo N, Daud K, He HH. Assembling the RNA therapeutics toolbox. MEDICAL REVIEW (2021) 2024; 4:110-128. [PMID: 38680684 PMCID: PMC11046573 DOI: 10.1515/mr-2023-0062] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2023] [Accepted: 02/29/2024] [Indexed: 05/01/2024]
Abstract
From the approval of COVID-19 mRNA vaccines to the 2023 Nobel Prize awarded for nucleoside base modifications, RNA therapeutics have entered the spotlight and are transforming drug development. While the term "RNA therapeutics" has been used in various contexts, this review focuses on treatments that utilize RNA as a component or target RNA for therapeutic effects. We summarize the latest advances in RNA-targeting tools and RNA-based technologies, including but not limited to mRNA, antisense oligos, siRNAs, small molecules and RNA editors. We focus on the mechanisms of current FDA-approved therapeutics but also provide a discussion on the upcoming workforces. The clinical utility of RNA-based therapeutics is enabled not only by the advances in RNA technologies but in conjunction with the significant improvements in chemical modifications and delivery platforms, which are also briefly discussed in the review. We summarize the latest RNA therapeutics based on their mechanisms and therapeutic effects, which include expressing proteins for vaccination and protein replacement therapies, degrading deleterious RNA, modulating transcription and translation efficiency, targeting noncoding RNAs, binding and modulating protein activity and editing RNA sequences and modifications. This review emphasizes the concept of an RNA therapeutic toolbox, pinpointing the readers to all the tools available for their desired research and clinical goals. As the field advances, the catalog of RNA therapeutic tools continues to grow, further allowing researchers to combine appropriate RNA technologies with suitable chemical modifications and delivery platforms to develop therapeutics tailored to their specific clinical challenges.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mona Teng
- Department of Medical Biophysics, Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Ziting Judy Xia
- Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Nicholas Lo
- Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Kashif Daud
- Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Housheng Hansen He
- Department of Medical Biophysics, Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Nappi F. Non-Coding RNA-Targeted Therapy: A State-of-the-Art Review. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:3630. [PMID: 38612441 PMCID: PMC11011542 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25073630] [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: 01/23/2024] [Revised: 03/11/2024] [Accepted: 03/21/2024] [Indexed: 04/14/2024] Open
Abstract
The use of non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) as drug targets is being researched due to their discovery and their role in disease. Targeting ncRNAs, including microRNAs (miRNAs) and long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs), is an attractive approach for treating various diseases, such as cardiovascular disease and cancer. This seminar discusses the current status of ncRNAs as therapeutic targets in different pathological conditions. Regarding miRNA-based drugs, this approach has made significant progress in preclinical and clinical testing for cardiovascular diseases, where the limitations of conventional pharmacotherapy are evident. The challenges of miRNA-based drugs, including specificity, delivery, and tolerability, will be discussed. New approaches to improve their success will be explored. Furthermore, it extensively discusses the potential development of targeted therapies for cardiovascular disease. Finally, this document reports on the recent advances in identifying and characterizing microRNAs, manipulating them, and translating them into clinical applications. It also addresses the challenges and perspectives towards clinical application.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Francesco Nappi
- Department of Cardiac Surgery, Centre Cardiologique du Nord, 93200 Saint-Denis, France
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Jadhav V, Vaishnaw A, Fitzgerald K, Maier MA. RNA interference in the era of nucleic acid therapeutics. Nat Biotechnol 2024; 42:394-405. [PMID: 38409587 DOI: 10.1038/s41587-023-02105-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2022] [Accepted: 12/15/2023] [Indexed: 02/28/2024]
Abstract
Two decades of research on RNA interference (RNAi) have transformed a breakthrough discovery in biology into a robust platform for a new class of medicines that modulate mRNA expression. Here we provide an overview of the trajectory of small-interfering RNA (siRNA) drug development, including the first approval in 2018 of a liver-targeted siRNA interference (RNAi) therapeutic in lipid nanoparticles and subsequent approvals of five more RNAi drugs, which used metabolically stable siRNAs combined with N-acetylgalactosamine ligands for conjugate-based liver delivery. We also consider the remaining challenges in the field, such as delivery to muscle, brain and other extrahepatic organs. Today's RNAi therapeutics exhibit high specificity, potency and durability, and are transitioning from applications in rare diseases to widespread, chronic conditions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Vasant Jadhav
- Research & Development, Alnylam Pharmaceuticals, Cambridge, MA, USA.
| | - Akshay Vaishnaw
- Research & Development, Alnylam Pharmaceuticals, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Kevin Fitzgerald
- Research & Development, Alnylam Pharmaceuticals, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Martin A Maier
- Research & Development, Alnylam Pharmaceuticals, Cambridge, MA, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Rebolledo LP, Ke W, Cedrone E, Wang J, Majithia K, Johnson MB, Dokholyan NV, Dobrovolskaia MA, Afonin KA. Immunostimulation of Fibrous Nucleic Acid Nanoparticles Can be Modulated through Aptamer-Based Functional Moieties: Unveiling the Structure-Activity Relationship and Mechanistic Insights. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2024; 16:8430-8441. [PMID: 38344840 PMCID: PMC10895590 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.3c17779] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2023] [Revised: 01/23/2024] [Accepted: 01/30/2024] [Indexed: 02/23/2024]
Abstract
Fibrous nanomaterials containing silica, titanium oxide, and carbon nanotubes are notoriously known for their undesirable inflammatory responses and associated toxicities that have been extensively studied in the environmental and occupational toxicology fields. Biopersistance and inflammation of "hard" nanofibers prevent their broader biomedical applications. To utilize the structural benefits of fibrous nanomaterials for functionalization with moieties of therapeutic significance while preventing undesirable immune responses, researchers employ natural biopolymers─RNA and DNA─to design "soft" and biodegradable nanomaterials with controlled immunorecognition. Nucleic acid nanofibers have been shown to be safe and efficacious in applications that do not require their delivery into the cells such as the regulation of blood coagulation. Previous studies demonstrated that unlike traditional therapeutic nucleic acids (e.g., CpG DNA oligonucleotides) nucleic acid nanoparticles (NANPs), when used without a carrier, are not internalized by the immune cells and, as such, do not induce undesirable cytokine responses. In contrast, intracellular delivery of NANPs results in cytokine responses that are dependent on the physicochemical properties of these nanomaterials. However, the structure-activity relationship of innate immune responses to intracellularly delivered fibrous NANPs is poorly understood. Herein, we employ the intracellular delivery of model RNA/DNA nanofibers functionalized with G-quadruplex-based DNA aptamers to investigate how their structural properties influence cytokine responses. We demonstrate that nanofibers' scaffolds delivered to the immune cells using lipofectamine induce interferon response via the cGAS-STING signaling pathway activation and that DNA aptamers incorporation shields the fibers from recognition by cGAS and results in a lower interferon response. This structure-activity relationship study expands the current knowledge base to inform future practical applications of intracellularly delivered NANPs as vaccine adjuvants and immunotherapies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Laura P Rebolledo
- Nanoscale Science Program, Department of Chemistry, University of North Carolina Charlotte, Charlotte, North Carolina 28223, United States
| | - Weina Ke
- Nanoscale Science Program, Department of Chemistry, University of North Carolina Charlotte, Charlotte, North Carolina 28223, United States
| | - Edward Cedrone
- Nanotechnology Characterization Laboratory, Cancer Research Technology Program, Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research Sponsored by the National Cancer Institute, Frederick, Maryland 21701, United States
| | - Jian Wang
- Department of Pharmacology, Penn State College of Medicine, Hershey, Pennsylvania 17033, United States
| | - Krishna Majithia
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of North Carolina Charlotte, Charlotte, North Carolina 28223, United States
| | - M Brittany Johnson
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of North Carolina Charlotte, Charlotte, North Carolina 28223, United States
| | - Nikolay V Dokholyan
- Department of Pharmacology, Penn State College of Medicine, Hershey, Pennsylvania 17033, United States
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, Penn State College of Medicine, Hershey, Pennsylvania 17033, United States
| | - Marina A Dobrovolskaia
- Nanotechnology Characterization Laboratory, Cancer Research Technology Program, Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research Sponsored by the National Cancer Institute, Frederick, Maryland 21701, United States
| | - Kirill A Afonin
- Nanoscale Science Program, Department of Chemistry, University of North Carolina Charlotte, Charlotte, North Carolina 28223, United States
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Diwan R, Bhatt HN, Beaven E, Nurunnabi M. Emerging delivery approaches for targeted pulmonary fibrosis treatment. Adv Drug Deliv Rev 2024; 204:115147. [PMID: 38065244 PMCID: PMC10787600 DOI: 10.1016/j.addr.2023.115147] [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: 08/26/2023] [Revised: 11/02/2023] [Accepted: 11/29/2023] [Indexed: 01/01/2024]
Abstract
Pulmonary fibrosis (PF) is a progressive, and life-threatening interstitial lung disease which causes scarring in the lung parenchyma and thereby affects architecture and functioning of lung. It is an irreversible damage to lung functioning which is related to epithelial cell injury, immense accumulation of immune cells and inflammatory cytokines, and irregular recruitment of extracellular matrix. The inflammatory cytokines trigger the differentiation of fibroblasts into activated fibroblasts, also known as myofibroblasts, which further increase the production and deposition of collagen at the injury sites in the lung. Despite the significant morbidity and mortality associated with PF, there is no available treatment that efficiently and effectively treats the disease by reversing their underlying pathologies. In recent years, many therapeutic regimens, for instance, rho kinase inhibitors, Smad signaling pathway inhibitors, p38, BCL-xL/ BCL-2 and JNK pathway inhibitors, have been found to be potent and effective in treating PF, in preclinical stages. However, due to non-selectivity and non-specificity, the therapeutic molecules also result in toxicity mediated severe side effects. Hence, this review demonstrates recent advances on PF pathology, mechanism and targets related to PF, development of various drug delivery systems based on small molecules, RNAs, oligonucleotides, peptides, antibodies, exosomes, and stem cells for the treatment of PF and the progress of various therapeutic treatments in clinical trials to advance PF treatment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rimpy Diwan
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, The University of Texas El Paso, El Paso, TX 79902, United States; Department of Biomedical Engineering, College of Engineering, The University of Texas El Paso, El Paso, TX 79968, United States
| | - Himanshu N Bhatt
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, The University of Texas El Paso, El Paso, TX 79902, United States; Department of Biomedical Engineering, College of Engineering, The University of Texas El Paso, El Paso, TX 79968, United States
| | - Elfa Beaven
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, The University of Texas El Paso, El Paso, TX 79902, United States; Department of Biomedical Engineering, College of Engineering, The University of Texas El Paso, El Paso, TX 79968, United States
| | - Md Nurunnabi
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, The University of Texas El Paso, El Paso, TX 79902, United States; Department of Biomedical Engineering, College of Engineering, The University of Texas El Paso, El Paso, TX 79968, United States; The Border Biomedical Research Center, The University of Texas El Paso, El Paso, TX 79968, United States.
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Yadav D, Malviya R. Vector-Mediated Delivery of Transgenes and RNA Interference-Based Gene Silencing Sequences to Astrocytes for Disease Management: Advances and Prospectives. Curr Gene Ther 2024; 24:110-121. [PMID: 37921145 DOI: 10.2174/0115665232264527231013072728] [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: 05/29/2023] [Revised: 08/08/2023] [Accepted: 08/19/2023] [Indexed: 11/04/2023]
Abstract
Astrocytes are a type of important glial cell in the brain that serve crucial functions in regulating neuronal activity, facilitating communication between neurons, and keeping everything in balance. In this abstract, we explore current methods and future approaches for using vectors to precisely target astrocytes in the fight against various illnesses. In order to deliver therapeutic cargo selectively to astrocytes, researchers have made tremendous progress by using viral vectors such as adeno-associated viruses (AAVs) and lentiviruses. It has been established that engineered viral vectors are capable of either crossing the blood-brain barrier (BBB) or being delivered intranasally, which facilitates their entrance into the brain parenchyma. These vectors are able to contain transgenes that code for neuroprotective factors, synaptic modulators, or anti-inflammatory medicines, which pave the way for multiple approaches to disease intervention. Strategies based on RNA interference (RNAi) make vector-mediated astrocyte targeting much more likely to work. Small interfering RNAs (siRNAs) and short hairpin RNAs (shRNAs) are two types of RNA that can be made to silence disease-related genes in astrocytes. Vector-mediated delivery in conjunction with RNAi techniques provides a powerful toolkit for investigating the complex biological pathways that contribute to disease development. However, there are still a number of obstacles to overcome in order to perfect the specificity, safety, and duration of vector-mediated astrocyte targeting. In order to successfully translate research findings into clinical practise, it is essential to minimise off-target effects and the risk of immunogenicity. To demonstrate the therapeutic effectiveness of these strategies, rigorous preclinical investigation and validation are required.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Deepika Yadav
- Department of Pharmacy, School of Medical and Allied Sciences, Galgotias University, Greater Noida, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Rishabha Malviya
- Department of Pharmacy, School of Medical and Allied Sciences, Galgotias University, Greater Noida, Uttar Pradesh, India
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Kaushal A. Innate immune regulations and various siRNA modalities. Drug Deliv Transl Res 2023; 13:2704-2718. [PMID: 37219704 PMCID: PMC10204684 DOI: 10.1007/s13346-023-01361-4] [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] [Accepted: 04/29/2023] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
RNAi therapeutics are designed to produce the precise silencing effects against the gene-linked diseases which were known to be untreatable in the past. The highly immunostimulatory nature of siRNA enhances the off-target effects and easily get attacked by nucleases; hence, their modulation is essentially required for accurate alterations to be made in the structures to intensify the pharmacological attributes. The phosphonate modifications act as shield against undue phosphorylation effects, and the molecular changes in ribose sugar lowers the level of immunogenicity and increases the binding efficacy. When bases are substituted with virtual/or pseudo bases, they eventually reduce the off-target effects. These changes modulate the nucleic acid sensors and control the hyper-activation of innate immune response. Various modification designs based on STC (universal pattern), ESC, ESC + (advanced patterns) and disubstrate have been explored to silence the gene expression of various diseases e.g., hepatitis, HIV, influenza, RSV, CNV and acute kidney injury. This review describes the various innovative siRNA therapeutics and their implications on the developed immune regulations to silence the disease effects. siRNA causes the silencing effects through RISC processing. The innate immune signalling is induced by both TLR-dependent and TLR-independent pathways. Modification chemistries are utilized to modulate the immune response.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Anju Kaushal
- New Zealand Organization for Quality-Member, Auckland, New Zealand.
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Li B, London E. Inner leaflet cationic lipid increases nucleic acid loading independently of outer leaflet lipid charge in asymmetric liposomes. Methods 2023; 219:16-21. [PMID: 37683900 PMCID: PMC10680395 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymeth.2023.08.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2023] [Revised: 07/17/2023] [Accepted: 08/14/2023] [Indexed: 09/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Use of cationic lipid vesicles (liposomes) can yield large amounts of nucleic acid entrapped inside the vesicles and/or bound to the external surface of the vesicles. To show a method to prepare asymmetric lipid vesicles (liposomes) with high amounts of entrapped nucleic acid is possible, symmetric and asymmetric lipid vesicles composed of mixtures of neutral (zwitterionic), anionic, and/or cationic phospholipids were formed in the presence of oligo DNA. For symmetric large unilamellar vesicles nucleic acid association with vesicles was roughly 100 times greater for vesicles with a net cationic charge than for vesicles having a net neutral or anionic net charge. A high degree of association between nucleic acid and lipid was also achieved using asymmetric large unilamellar vesicles with a net cationic charge in their inner leaflet, even when they had an anionic charge in their outer leaflet. In contrast, asymmetric vesicles in which only the outer leaflet had a net cationic charge had only low amounts of vesicle-associated nucleic acid, similar in amount to the amount of nucleic acid associated with asymmetric vesicles with an outer leaflet having a net anionic charge. These results indicate that in asymmetric vesicles with cationic lipid enriched inner leaflets nucleic acid is largely entrapped inside the vesicle lumen rather than bound to their external surface, and that asymmetric vesicles can be used to trap high amounts of nucleic acid even when using a lipid composition in the outer leaflet of a lipid vesicle that does not associate with nucleic acids. Such asymmetrically charged vesicles should have applications in studies of membrane protein-nucleic acid interactions as well as in studies of how membrane charge asymmetry can influence membrane protein structure, orientation, and function.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Bingchen Li
- Dept. of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY 11794-5215, USA
| | - Erwin London
- Dept. of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY 11794-5215, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Kang H, Ga YJ, Kim SH, Cho YH, Kim JW, Kim C, Yeh JY. Small interfering RNA (siRNA)-based therapeutic applications against viruses: principles, potential, and challenges. J Biomed Sci 2023; 30:88. [PMID: 37845731 PMCID: PMC10577957 DOI: 10.1186/s12929-023-00981-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2023] [Accepted: 10/04/2023] [Indexed: 10/18/2023] Open
Abstract
RNA has emerged as a revolutionary and important tool in the battle against emerging infectious diseases, with roles extending beyond its applications in vaccines, in which it is used in the response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Since their development in the 1990s, RNA interference (RNAi) therapeutics have demonstrated potential in reducing the expression of disease-associated genes. Nucleic acid-based therapeutics, including RNAi therapies, that degrade viral genomes and rapidly adapt to viral mutations, have emerged as alternative treatments. RNAi is a robust technique frequently employed to selectively suppress gene expression in a sequence-specific manner. The swift adaptability of nucleic acid-based therapeutics such as RNAi therapies endows them with a significant advantage over other antiviral medications. For example, small interfering RNAs (siRNAs) are produced on the basis of sequence complementarity to target and degrade viral RNA, a novel approach to combat viral infections. The precision of siRNAs in targeting and degrading viral RNA has led to the development of siRNA-based treatments for diverse diseases. However, despite the promising therapeutic benefits of siRNAs, several problems, including impaired long-term protein expression, siRNA instability, off-target effects, immunological responses, and drug resistance, have been considerable obstacles to the use of siRNA-based antiviral therapies. This review provides an encompassing summary of the siRNA-based therapeutic approaches against viruses while also addressing the obstacles that need to be overcome for their effective application. Furthermore, we present potential solutions to mitigate major challenges.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hara Kang
- Department of Life Sciences, College of Life Sciences and Bioengineering, Incheon National University, Academy-Ro 119, Yeonsu-Gu, Incheon, 22012, South Korea
| | - Yun Ji Ga
- Department of Life Sciences, College of Life Sciences and Bioengineering, Incheon National University, Academy-Ro 119, Yeonsu-Gu, Incheon, 22012, South Korea
| | - Soo Hyun Kim
- Department of Life Sciences, College of Life Sciences and Bioengineering, Incheon National University, Academy-Ro 119, Yeonsu-Gu, Incheon, 22012, South Korea
| | - Young Hoon Cho
- Department of Life Sciences, College of Life Sciences and Bioengineering, Incheon National University, Academy-Ro 119, Yeonsu-Gu, Incheon, 22012, South Korea
| | - Jung Won Kim
- Department of Life Sciences, College of Life Sciences and Bioengineering, Incheon National University, Academy-Ro 119, Yeonsu-Gu, Incheon, 22012, South Korea
- Convergence Research Center for Insect Vectors, Incheon National University, Academy-Ro 119, Yeonsu-Gu, Incheon, 22012, South Korea
| | - Chaeyeon Kim
- Department of Life Sciences, College of Life Sciences and Bioengineering, Incheon National University, Academy-Ro 119, Yeonsu-Gu, Incheon, 22012, South Korea
| | - Jung-Yong Yeh
- Department of Life Sciences, College of Life Sciences and Bioengineering, Incheon National University, Academy-Ro 119, Yeonsu-Gu, Incheon, 22012, South Korea.
- Research Institute for New Drug Development, Incheon National University, Academy-Ro 119, Yeonsu-Gu, Incheon, 22012, South Korea.
- Convergence Research Center for Insect Vectors, Incheon National University, Academy-Ro 119, Yeonsu-Gu, Incheon, 22012, South Korea.
- KU Center for Animal Blood Medical Science, College of Veterinary Medicine, Konkuk University, 120 Neungdong-Ro, Gwangjin-Gu, Seoul, 05029, South Korea.
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Ranjbar S, Zhong XB, Manautou J, Lu X. A holistic analysis of the intrinsic and delivery-mediated toxicity of siRNA therapeutics. Adv Drug Deliv Rev 2023; 201:115052. [PMID: 37567502 PMCID: PMC10543595 DOI: 10.1016/j.addr.2023.115052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2023] [Revised: 07/15/2023] [Accepted: 08/08/2023] [Indexed: 08/13/2023]
Abstract
Small interfering RNAs (siRNAs) are among the most promising therapeutic platforms in many life-threatening diseases. Owing to the significant advances in siRNA design, many challenges in the stability, specificity and delivery of siRNA have been addressed. However, safety concerns and dose-limiting toxicities still stand among the reasons for the failure of clinical trials of potent siRNA therapies, calling for a need of more comprehensive understanding of their potential mechanisms of toxicity. This review delves into the intrinsic and delivery related toxicity mechanisms of siRNA drugs and takes a holistic look at the safety failure of the clinical trials to identify the underlying causes of toxicity. In the end, the current challenges, and potential solutions for the safety assessment and high throughput screening of investigational siRNA and delivery systems as well as considerations for design strategies of safer siRNA therapeutics are outlined.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sheyda Ranjbar
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, University of Connecticut, 69 North Eagleville Road, Storrs, CT 06269, USA
| | - Xiao-Bo Zhong
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, University of Connecticut, 69 North Eagleville Road, Storrs, CT 06269, USA
| | - José Manautou
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, University of Connecticut, 69 North Eagleville Road, Storrs, CT 06269, USA
| | - Xiuling Lu
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, University of Connecticut, 69 North Eagleville Road, Storrs, CT 06269, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Dhas Y, Arshad N, Biswas N, Jones LD, Ashili S. MicroRNA-21 Silencing in Diabetic Nephropathy: Insights on Therapeutic Strategies. Biomedicines 2023; 11:2583. [PMID: 37761024 PMCID: PMC10527294 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines11092583] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2023] [Revised: 09/13/2023] [Accepted: 09/17/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
In diabetes, possibly the most significant site of microvascular damage is the kidney. Due to diabetes and/or other co-morbidities, such as hypertension and age-related nephron loss, a significant number of people with diabetes suffer from kidney diseases. Improved diabetic care can reduce the prevalence of diabetic nephropathy (DN); however, innovative treatment approaches are still required. MicroRNA-21 (miR-21) is one of the most studied multipotent microRNAs (miRNAs), and it has been linked to renal fibrosis and exhibits significantly altered expression in DN. Targeting miR-21 offers an advantage in DN. Currently, miR-21 is being pharmacologically silenced through various methods, all of which are in early development. In this review, we summarize the role of miR-21 in the molecular pathogenesis of DN and several therapeutic strategies to use miR-21 as a therapeutic target in DN. The existing experimental interventions offer a way to rectify the lower miRNA levels as well as to reduce the higher levels. Synthetic miRNAs also referred to as miR-mimics, can compensate for abnormally low miRNA levels. Furthermore, strategies like oligonucleotides can be used to alter the miRNA levels. It is reasonable to target miR-21 for improved results because it directly contributes to the pathological processes of kidney diseases, including DN.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yogita Dhas
- Rhenix Lifesciences, Hyderabad 500038, India
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
19
|
Han H, Xing L, Chen BT, Liu Y, Zhou TJ, Wang Y, Zhang LF, Li L, Cho CS, Jiang HL. Progress on the pathological tissue microenvironment barrier-modulated nanomedicine. Adv Drug Deliv Rev 2023; 200:115051. [PMID: 37549848 DOI: 10.1016/j.addr.2023.115051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2023] [Revised: 07/21/2023] [Accepted: 08/04/2023] [Indexed: 08/09/2023]
Abstract
Imbalance in the tissue microenvironment is the main obstacle to drug delivery and distribution in the human body. Before penetrating the pathological tissue microenvironment to the target site, therapeutic agents are usually accompanied by three consumption steps: the first step is tissue physical barriers for prevention of their penetration, the second step is inactivation of them by biological molecules, and the third step is a cytoprotective mechanism for preventing them from functioning on specific subcellular organelles. However, recent studies in drug-hindering mainly focus on normal physiological rather than pathological microenvironment, and the repair of damaged physiological barriers is also rarely discussed. Actually, both the modulation of pathological barriers and the repair of damaged physiological barriers are essential in the disease treatment and the homeostasis maintenance. In this review, we present an overview describing the latest advances in the generality of these pathological barriers and barrier-modulated nanomedicine. Overall, this review holds considerable significance for guiding the design of nanomedicine to increase drug efficacy in the future.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Han Han
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 211198, China
| | - Lei Xing
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 211198, China; College of Pharmacy, Yanbian University, Yanji 133002, China
| | - Bi-Te Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 211198, China
| | - Yang Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 211198, China
| | - Tian-Jiao Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 211198, China
| | - Yi Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 211198, China
| | - Ling-Feng Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 211198, China
| | - Ling Li
- Department of Endocrinology, Zhongda Hospital, School of Medicine, Southeast University, Nanjing 210009, China.
| | - Chong-Su Cho
- Department of Agricultural Biotechnology and Research Institute for Agriculture and Life Sciences, Seoul National University, Seoul, 08826, Korea.
| | - Hu-Lin Jiang
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 211198, China; College of Pharmacy, Yanbian University, Yanji 133002, China.
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Abdelaal AM, Sohal IS, Iyer S, Sudarshan K, Kothandaraman H, Lanman NA, Low PS, Kasinski AL. A first-in-class fully modified version of miR-34a with outstanding stability, activity, and anti-tumor efficacy. Oncogene 2023; 42:2985-2999. [PMID: 37666938 PMCID: PMC10541324 DOI: 10.1038/s41388-023-02801-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2023] [Revised: 07/25/2023] [Accepted: 07/28/2023] [Indexed: 09/06/2023]
Abstract
Altered by defects in p53, epigenetic silencing, and genomic loss, the microRNA miR-34a represents one of the most clinically relevant tumor-suppressive microRNAs. Without question, a striking number of patients with cancer would benefit from miR-34a replacement, if poor miR-34a stability, non-specific delivery, and delivery-associated toxicity could be overcome. Here, we highlight a fully modified version of miR-34a (FM-miR-34a) that overcomes these hurdles when conjugated to a synthetically simplistic ligand. FM-miR-34a is orders of magnitude more stable than a partially modified version, without compromising its activity, leading to stronger repression of a greater number of miR-34a targets. FM-miR-34a potently inhibited proliferation and invasion, and induced sustained downregulation of endogenous target genes for >120 h following in vivo delivery. In vivo targeting was achieved through conjugating FM-miR-34a to folate (FM-FolamiR-34a), which inhibited tumor growth leading to complete cures in some mice. These results have the ability to revitalize miR-34a as an anti-cancer agent, providing a strong rationale for clinical testing.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ahmed M Abdelaal
- Department of Biological Sciences, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, 47907, USA
| | - Ikjot S Sohal
- Department of Biological Sciences, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, 47907, USA.
| | - Shreyas Iyer
- Department of Biological Sciences, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, 47907, USA
| | - Kasireddy Sudarshan
- Department of of Chemistry, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, 47907, USA
| | - Harish Kothandaraman
- Purdue Institute for Cancer Research, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, 47907, USA
| | - Nadia A Lanman
- Purdue Institute for Cancer Research, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, 47907, USA
- Department of Comparative Pathobiology, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, 47907, USA
| | - Philip S Low
- Department of of Chemistry, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, 47907, USA
- Purdue Institute for Cancer Research, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, 47907, USA
| | - Andrea L Kasinski
- Department of Biological Sciences, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, 47907, USA.
- Purdue Institute for Cancer Research, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, 47907, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
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: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [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.
Collapse
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.
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Goyenvalle A, Jimenez-Mallebrera C, van Roon W, Sewing S, Krieg AM, Arechavala-Gomeza V, Andersson P. Considerations in the Preclinical Assessment of the Safety of Antisense Oligonucleotides. Nucleic Acid Ther 2023; 33:1-16. [PMID: 36579950 PMCID: PMC9940817 DOI: 10.1089/nat.2022.0061] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
The nucleic acid therapeutics field has made tremendous progress in the past decades. Continuous advances in chemistry and design have led to many successful clinical applications, eliciting even more interest from researchers including both academic groups and drug development companies. Many preclinical studies in the field focus on improving the delivery of antisense oligonucleotide drugs (ONDs) and/or assessing their efficacy in target tissues, often neglecting the evaluation of toxicity, at least in early phases of development. A series of consensus recommendations regarding regulatory considerations and expectations have been generated by the Oligonucleotide Safety Working Group and the Japanese Research Working Group for the International Council for Harmonisation of Technical Requirements for Pharmaceuticals for Human Use S6 and Related Issues (WGS6) in several white papers. However, safety aspects should also be kept in sight in earlier phases while screening and designing OND to avoid subsequent failure in the development phase. Experts and members of the network "DARTER," a COST Action funded by the Cooperation in Science and Technology of the EU, have utilized their collective experience working with OND, as well as their insights into OND-mediated toxicities, to generate a series of consensus recommendations to assess OND toxicity in early stages of preclinical research. In the past few years, several publications have described predictive assays, which can be used to assess OND-mediated toxicity in vitro or ex vivo to filter out potential toxic candidates before moving to in vivo phases of preclinical development, that is, animal toxicity studies. These assays also have the potential to provide translational insight since they allow a safety evaluation in human in vitro systems. Yet, small preliminary in vivo studies should also be considered to complement this early assessment. In this study, we summarize the state of the art and provide guidelines and recommendations on the different tests available for these early stage preclinical assessments.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Aurélie Goyenvalle
- Université Paris-Saclay, UVSQ, Inserm, END-ICAP, Versailles, France.,Address correspondence to: Aurélie Goyenvalle, PhD, Université Paris-Saclay, UVSQ, Inserm, END-ICAP, Versailles 78000, France
| | - Cecilia Jimenez-Mallebrera
- Laboratorio de Investigación Aplicada en Enfermedades Neuromusculares, Unidad de Patología Neuromuscular, Servicio de Neuropediatría, Institut de Recerca Sant Joan de Déu, Esplugues de Llobregat, Spain.,Centro de Investigaciones Biomédicas en Red de Enfermedades Raras (CIBERER), Madrid, Spain.,Departamento de Genética, Microbiología y Estadística, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Willeke van Roon
- Department of Human Genetics, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Sabine Sewing
- Pharma Research and Early Development, Roche Innovation Center Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Arthur M. Krieg
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts, Worcester, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Virginia Arechavala-Gomeza
- Neuromuscular Disorders, Biocruces Bizkaia Health Research Institute, Barakaldo, Spain.,Ikerbasque, Basque Foundation for Science, Bilbao, Spain
| | - Patrik Andersson
- Safety Innovation, Safety Sciences, Clinical Pharmacology and Safety Sciences, R&D, AstraZeneca, Gothenburg, Sweden.,Address correspondence to: Patrik Andersson, PhD, Safety Innovation, Safety Sciences, Clinical Pharmacology and Safety Sciences, R&D, AstraZeneca, Pepparedsleden 1, Mölndal, Gothenburg 431 83, Sweden
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Kuboi Y, Suzuki Y, Motoi S, Matsui C, Toritsuka N, Nakatani T, Tahara K, Takahashi Y, Ida Y, Tomimatsu A, Soejima M, Imai T. Identification of potent siRNA targeting complement C5 and its robust activity in pre-clinical models of myasthenia gravis and collagen-induced arthritis. MOLECULAR THERAPY. NUCLEIC ACIDS 2023; 31:339-351. [PMID: 36789273 PMCID: PMC9900455 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtn.2023.01.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2022] [Accepted: 01/10/2023] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
Complement component 5 (C5), an important molecule in the complement cascade, blockade by antibodies shows clinical efficacy in treating complement-mediated disorders. However, insufficient blockading induced by single-nucleotide polymorphisms in the C5 protein or frequent development of "breakthrough" intravascular hemolysis in patients with paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria treated with eculizumab have been reported. Herein, we developed a lipid nanoparticle (LNP)-formulated siRNA targeting C5 that was efficiently delivered to the liver and silenced C5 expression. We identified a potent C5-siRNA with an in vitro IC50 of 420 pM and in vivo ED50 of 0.017 mg/kg following a single administration. Single or repeated administrations of the LNP-formulated C5-siRNA allowed robust and durable suppression of liver C5 expression in mice. Complement C5 silencing ameliorated C5b-dependent anti-acetylcholine receptor antibody-induced myasthenia gravis and C5a-dependent collagen-induced arthritis symptoms. Similarly, in nonhuman primates, a single administration of C5-siRNA/LNP-induced dose-dependent plasma C5 suppression and concomitantly inhibited serum complement activity; complement activity recovered to the pre-treatment levels at 65 days post administration, thus indicating that the complement activity can be controlled for a specific period. Our findings provide the foundation for further developing C5-siRNA delivered via LNPs as a potential therapeutic for complement-mediated diseases.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yoshikazu Kuboi
- KAN Research Institute, Inc., 6-8-2 Minatojima minamimachi, Chuo-ku, Kobe, Hyogo 650-0047, Japan
- Corresponding author: Yoshikazu Kuboi, MS, KAN Research Institute, Inc., 6-8-2 Minatojima minamimachi, Kobe, Hyogo 650-0047, Japan.
| | - Yuta Suzuki
- Tsukuba Research Laboratories, Eisai Co., Ltd., 5-1-3 Tokodai, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 300-2635, Japan
| | - Sotaro Motoi
- KAN Research Institute, Inc., 6-8-2 Minatojima minamimachi, Chuo-ku, Kobe, Hyogo 650-0047, Japan
| | - Chiyuki Matsui
- KAN Research Institute, Inc., 6-8-2 Minatojima minamimachi, Chuo-ku, Kobe, Hyogo 650-0047, Japan
| | - Naoki Toritsuka
- Tsukuba Research Laboratories, Eisai Co., Ltd., 5-1-3 Tokodai, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 300-2635, Japan
| | - Tomoya Nakatani
- KAN Research Institute, Inc., 6-8-2 Minatojima minamimachi, Chuo-ku, Kobe, Hyogo 650-0047, Japan
| | - Kazuhiro Tahara
- Tsukuba Research Laboratories, Eisai Co., Ltd., 5-1-3 Tokodai, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 300-2635, Japan
| | - Yoshinori Takahashi
- Tsukuba Research Laboratories, Eisai Co., Ltd., 5-1-3 Tokodai, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 300-2635, Japan
| | - Yoko Ida
- KAN Research Institute, Inc., 6-8-2 Minatojima minamimachi, Chuo-ku, Kobe, Hyogo 650-0047, Japan
| | - Ayaka Tomimatsu
- KAN Research Institute, Inc., 6-8-2 Minatojima minamimachi, Chuo-ku, Kobe, Hyogo 650-0047, Japan
| | - Motohiro Soejima
- KAN Research Institute, Inc., 6-8-2 Minatojima minamimachi, Chuo-ku, Kobe, Hyogo 650-0047, Japan
| | - Toshio Imai
- KAN Research Institute, Inc., 6-8-2 Minatojima minamimachi, Chuo-ku, Kobe, Hyogo 650-0047, Japan
- Advanced Therapeutic Target Discovery, Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine, 1-5-6 Minatojima-minamimachi, Chuo-ku, Kobe 650-0047, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
Sapkota S, Gantier MP. Selecting Therapeutic Antisense Oligonucleotides with Gene Targeting and TLR8 Potentiating Bifunctionality. Methods Mol Biol 2023; 2691:225-234. [PMID: 37355549 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-3331-1_17] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/26/2023]
Abstract
A growing body of preclinical evidence has led to the hypothesis that human Toll-like receptor 8 (hTLR8) activation in the tumor microenvironment (TME) could have potent anticancer effects through its action on monocytes, myeloid dendritic cells (mDCs), and natural killer (NK) cells. This has motivated the initiation of several clinical trials for chemical hTLR8 agonists in a variety of cancers. Concurrently, a growing number of synthetic antisense oligonucleotides (ASOs) are being developed as cancer therapeutics. We have recently reported that 2'-O-methyl (2'OMe)-modified ASOs can potentiate sensing of hTLR8 chemical agonists in a sequence-dependent manner. This suggests that select gene-targeting ASOs with anticancer activity may synergize with low-dose hTLR8 agonists in the TME. Here, we provide a detailed protocol to rapidly screen and identify such synthetic bifunctional oligonucleotides with synergistic activity on hTLR8 sensing.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sunil Sapkota
- Centre for Innate Immunity and Infectious Diseases, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Clayton, VIC, Australia
- Department of Molecular and Translational Science, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia
| | - Michael P Gantier
- Centre for Innate Immunity and Infectious Diseases, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Clayton, VIC, Australia.
- Department of Molecular and Translational Science, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia.
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
Sun D, Lu ZR. Structure and Function of Cationic and Ionizable Lipids for Nucleic Acid Delivery. Pharm Res 2023; 40:27-46. [PMID: 36600047 PMCID: PMC9812548 DOI: 10.1007/s11095-022-03460-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 37.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2022] [Accepted: 12/08/2022] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
Hereditary genetic diseases, cancer, and infectious diseases are affecting global health and become major health issues, but the treatment development remains challenging. Gene therapies using DNA plasmid, RNAi, miRNA, mRNA, and gene editing hold great promise. Lipid nanoparticle (LNP) delivery technology has been a revolutionary development, which has been granted for clinical applications, including mRNA vaccines against SARS-CoV-2 infections. Due to the success of LNP systems, understanding the structure, formulation, and function relationship of the lipid components in LNP systems is crucial for design more effective LNP. Here, we highlight the key considerations for developing an LNP system. The evolution of structure and function of lipids as well as their LNP formulation from the early-stage simple formulations to multi-components LNP and multifunctional ionizable lipids have been discussed. The flexibility and platform nature of LNP enable efficient intracellular delivery of a variety of therapeutic nucleic acids and provide many novel treatment options for the diseases that are previously untreatable.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Da Sun
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Case Western Reserve University, Wickenden 427, Mail Stop 7207, 10900 Euclid Avenue, Cleveland, OH, 44106, USA
| | - Zheng-Rong Lu
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Case Western Reserve University, Wickenden 427, Mail Stop 7207, 10900 Euclid Avenue, Cleveland, OH, 44106, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
26
|
siRNA Functionalized Lipid Nanoparticles (LNPs) in Management of Diseases. Pharmaceutics 2022; 14:pharmaceutics14112520. [PMID: 36432711 PMCID: PMC9694336 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics14112520] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2022] [Revised: 11/13/2022] [Accepted: 11/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
RNAi (RNA interference)-based technology is emerging as a versatile tool which has been widely utilized in the treatment of various diseases. siRNA can alter gene expression by binding to the target mRNA and thereby inhibiting its translation. This remarkable potential of siRNA makes it a useful candidate, and it has been successively used in the treatment of diseases, including cancer. However, certain properties of siRNA such as its large size and susceptibility to degradation by RNases are major drawbacks of using this technology at the broader scale. To overcome these challenges, there is a requirement for versatile tools for safe and efficient delivery of siRNA to its target site. Lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) have been extensively explored to this end, and this paper reviews different types of LNPs, namely liposomes, solid lipid NPs, nanostructured lipid carriers, and nanoemulsions, to highlight this delivery mode. The materials and methods of preparation of the LNPs have been described here, and pertinent physicochemical properties such as particle size, surface charge, surface modifications, and PEGylation in enhancing the delivery performance (stability and specificity) have been summarized. We have discussed in detail various challenges facing LNPs and various strategies to overcome biological barriers to undertake the safe delivery of siRNA to a target site. We additionally highlighted representative therapeutic applications of LNP formulations with siRNA that may offer unique therapeutic benefits in such wide areas as acute myeloid leukaemia, breast cancer, liver disease, hepatitis B and COVID-19 as recent examples.
Collapse
|
27
|
Shah AM, Giacca M. Small non-coding RNA therapeutics for cardiovascular disease. Eur Heart J 2022; 43:4548-4561. [PMID: 36106499 PMCID: PMC9659475 DOI: 10.1093/eurheartj/ehac463] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2021] [Revised: 07/29/2022] [Accepted: 08/11/2022] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Novel bio-therapeutic agents that harness the properties of small, non-coding nucleic acids hold great promise for clinical applications. These include antisense oligonucleotides that inhibit messenger RNAs, microRNAs (miRNAs), or long non-coding RNAs; positive effectors of the miRNA pathway (short interfering RNAs and miRNA mimics); or small RNAs that target proteins (i.e. aptamers). These new therapies also offer exciting opportunities for cardiovascular diseases and promise to move the field towards more precise approaches based on disease mechanisms. There have been substantial advances in developing chemical modifications to improve the in vivo pharmacological properties of antisense oligonucleotides and reduce their immunogenicity. Carrier methods (e.g. RNA conjugates, polymers, and lipoplexes) that enhance cellular uptake of RNA therapeutics and stability against degradation by intracellular nucleases are also transforming the field. A number of small non-coding RNA therapies for cardiovascular indications are now approved. Moreover, there is a large pipeline of therapies in clinical development and an even larger list of putative therapies emerging from pre-clinical studies. Progress in this area is reviewed herein along with the hurdles that need to be overcome to allow a broader clinical translation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ajay M Shah
- King’s College London, British Heart Foundation Centre of Research Excellence, School of Cardiovascular and Metabolic Medicine and Sciences, The James Black Centre, 125 Coldharbour Lane, London SE5 9NU, UK
| | - Mauro Giacca
- King’s College London, British Heart Foundation Centre of Research Excellence, School of Cardiovascular and Metabolic Medicine and Sciences, The James Black Centre, 125 Coldharbour Lane, London SE5 9NU, UK
| |
Collapse
|
28
|
Vaillant A. Oligonucleotide-Based Therapies for Chronic HBV Infection: A Primer on Biochemistry, Mechanisms and Antiviral Effects. Viruses 2022; 14:v14092052. [PMID: 36146858 PMCID: PMC9502277 DOI: 10.3390/v14092052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2022] [Revised: 09/08/2022] [Accepted: 09/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Three types of oligonucleotide-based medicines are under clinical development for the treatment of chronic HBV infection. Antisense oligonucleotides (ASOs) and synthetic interfering RNA (siRNA) are designed to degrade HBV mRNA, and nucleic acid polymers (NAPs) stop the assembly and secretion of HBV subviral particles. Extensive clinical development of ASOs and siRNA for a variety of liver diseases has established a solid understanding of their pharmacodynamics, accumulation in different tissue types in the liver, pharmacological effects, off-target effects and how chemical modifications and delivery approaches affect these parameters. These effects are highly conserved for all ASO and siRNA used in human studies to date. The clinical assessment of several ASO and siRNA compounds in chronic HBV infection in recent years is complicated by the different delivery approaches used. Moreover, these assessments have not considered the large clinical database of ASO/siRNA function in other liver diseases and known off target effects in other viral infections. The goal of this review is to summarize the current understanding of ASO/siRNA/NAP pharmacology and integrate these concepts into current clinical results for these compounds in the treatment of chronic HBV infection.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Andrew Vaillant
- Replicor Inc., 6100 Royalmount Avenue, Montreal, QC H4P 2R2, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
29
|
Chemical optimization of siRNA for safe and efficient silencing of placental sFLT1. MOLECULAR THERAPY. NUCLEIC ACIDS 2022; 29:135-149. [PMID: 35847173 PMCID: PMC9263991 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtn.2022.06.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2022] [Accepted: 06/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Preeclampsia (PE) is a rising, potentially lethal complication of pregnancy. PE is driven primarily by the overexpression of placental soluble fms-like tyrosine kinase 1 (sFLT1), a validated diagnostic and prognostic marker of the disease when normalized to placental growth factor (PlGF) levels. Injecting cholesterol-conjugated, fully modified, small interfering RNAs (siRNAs) targeting sFLT1 mRNA into pregnant mice or baboons reduces placental sFLT1 and ameliorates clinical signs of PE, providing a strong foundation for the development of a PE therapeutic. siRNA delivery, potency, and safety are dictated by conjugate chemistry, siRNA duplex structure, and chemical modification pattern. Here, we systematically evaluate these parameters and demonstrate that increasing 2'-O-methyl modifications and 5' chemical stabilization and using sequence-specific duplex asymmetry and a phosphocholine-docosanoic acid conjugate enhance placental accumulation, silencing efficiency and safety of sFLT1-targeting siRNAs. The optimization strategy here provides a framework for the chemical optimization of siRNAs for PE as well as other targets and clinical indications.
Collapse
|
30
|
Nanoparticles-Based Strategies to Improve the Delivery of Therapeutic Small Interfering RNA in Precision Oncology. Pharmaceutics 2022; 14:pharmaceutics14081586. [PMID: 36015212 PMCID: PMC9415718 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics14081586] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2022] [Revised: 07/14/2022] [Accepted: 07/23/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Small interfering RNA (siRNA) can selectively suppress the expression of disease-causing genes, holding great promise in the treatment of human diseases, including malignant cancers. In recent years, with the development of chemical modification and delivery technology, several siRNA-based therapeutic drugs have been approved for the treatment of non-cancerous liver diseases. Nevertheless, the clinical development of siRNA-based cancer therapeutics remains a major translational challenge. The main obstacles of siRNA therapeutics in oncology include both extracellular and intracellular barriers, such as instability under physiological conditions, insufficient tumor targeting and permeability (particularly for extrahepatic tumors), off-target effects, poor cellular uptake, and inefficient endosomal escape. The development of clinically suitable and effective siRNA delivery systems is expected to overcome these challenges. Herein, we mainly discuss recent strategies to improve the delivery and efficacy of therapeutic siRNA in cancer, including the application of non-viral nanoparticle-based carriers, the selection of target genes for therapeutic silencing, and the combination with other therapeutic modalities. In addition, we also provide an outlook on the ongoing challenges and possible future developments of siRNA-based cancer therapeutics during clinical translation.
Collapse
|
31
|
Yang B, Zhou B, Li C, Li X, Shi Z, Li Y, Zhu C, Li X, Hua Y, Pan Y, He J, Cao T, Sun Y, Liu W, Ge M, Yang YR, Dong Y, Liu D. A Biostable l-DNA Hydrogel with Improved Stability for Biomedical Applications. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2022; 61:e202202520. [PMID: 35445515 DOI: 10.1002/anie.202202520] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2022] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
DNA hydrogels have attracted increasing attention owing to their excellent permeability and high mechanical strength, together with thixotropy, versatile programmability and good biocompatibility. However, the moderate biostability and immune stimulation of DNA have arisen as big concerns for future potential clinical applications. Herein, we report the self-assembly of a novel l-DNA hydrogel, which inherited the extraordinary physical properties of a d-DNA hydrogel. With the mirror-isomer deoxyribose, this hydrogel exhibited improved biostability, withstanding fetal bovine serum (FBS) for at least 1 month without evident decay of its mechanical properties. The low inflammatory response of the l-DNA hydrogel has been verified both in vitro and in vivo. Hence, this l-DNA hydrogel with outstanding biostability and biocompatibility can be anticipated to serve as an ideal 3D cell-culture matrix and implanted bio-scaffold for long-term biomedical applications.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Bo Yang
- Key Laboratory of Bioorganic Phosphorus Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Department of Chemistry, Tsinghua University, 100084, Beijing, China
| | - Bini Zhou
- Key Laboratory of Bioorganic Phosphorus Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Department of Chemistry, Tsinghua University, 100084, Beijing, China
| | - Cuifeng Li
- School of Life Sciences, Institute for Immunology, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Protein Sciences, Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Structural Biology, Collaborative Innovation Centre for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, Beijing Key Lab for Immunological Research on Chronic Diseases, Tsinghua University, 100084, Beijing, China.,Tsinghua-Peking Center for Life Sciences, 100084, Beijing, China
| | - Xiaowei Li
- Zenji Research Laboratories (Nanjing) Ltd., Building 9, Phase 2, Zifeng Research and Development Center, Qiaolin Tablet, Economic Development Zone, Pukou District, Nanjing, 211806 Jiangsu, China
| | - Ziwei Shi
- CAS Key Laboratory of Colloid, Interface and Chemical Thermodynamics, Institute of Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, 100190, Beijing, China
| | - Yuxin Li
- School of Life Sciences, Institute for Immunology, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Protein Sciences, Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Structural Biology, Collaborative Innovation Centre for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, Beijing Key Lab for Immunological Research on Chronic Diseases, Tsinghua University, 100084, Beijing, China
| | - Chenyou Zhu
- Key Laboratory of Bioorganic Phosphorus Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Department of Chemistry, Tsinghua University, 100084, Beijing, China
| | - Xin Li
- Key Laboratory of Bioorganic Phosphorus Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Department of Chemistry, Tsinghua University, 100084, Beijing, China
| | - Yi Hua
- Key Laboratory of Bioorganic Phosphorus Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Department of Chemistry, Tsinghua University, 100084, Beijing, China
| | - Yufan Pan
- Key Laboratory of Bioorganic Phosphorus Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Department of Chemistry, Tsinghua University, 100084, Beijing, China
| | - Jian He
- Zenji Research Laboratories (Nanjing) Ltd., Building 9, Phase 2, Zifeng Research and Development Center, Qiaolin Tablet, Economic Development Zone, Pukou District, Nanjing, 211806 Jiangsu, China
| | - Tianyang Cao
- Key Laboratory of Bioorganic Phosphorus Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Department of Chemistry, Tsinghua University, 100084, Beijing, China
| | - Yawei Sun
- College of Chemical Engineering, China University of Petroleum (East China), 258000, Qingdao, China
| | - Wanli Liu
- School of Life Sciences, Institute for Immunology, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Protein Sciences, Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Structural Biology, Collaborative Innovation Centre for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, Beijing Key Lab for Immunological Research on Chronic Diseases, Tsinghua University, 100084, Beijing, China.,Tsinghua-Peking Center for Life Sciences, 100084, Beijing, China
| | - Min Ge
- Zenji Research Laboratories (Nanjing) Ltd., Building 9, Phase 2, Zifeng Research and Development Center, Qiaolin Tablet, Economic Development Zone, Pukou District, Nanjing, 211806 Jiangsu, China
| | - Yuhe R Yang
- CAS Key Laboratory of Nanosystem and Hierarchical Fabrication, CAS Center for Excellence in Nanoscience, National Center for Nanoscience and Technology, 100190, Beijing, China
| | - Yuanchen Dong
- CAS Key Laboratory of Colloid, Interface and Chemical Thermodynamics, Institute of Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, 100190, Beijing, China
| | - Dongsheng Liu
- Key Laboratory of Bioorganic Phosphorus Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Department of Chemistry, Tsinghua University, 100084, Beijing, China
| |
Collapse
|
32
|
Quick J, Santos ND, Cheng MHY, Chander N, Brimacombe CA, Kulkarni J, van der Meel R, Tam YYC, Witzigmann D, Cullis PR. Lipid nanoparticles to silence androgen receptor variants for prostate cancer therapy. J Control Release 2022; 349:174-183. [PMID: 35780952 DOI: 10.1016/j.jconrel.2022.06.051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2022] [Revised: 06/22/2022] [Accepted: 06/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Advanced-stage prostate cancer remains an incurable disease with poor patient prognosis. There is an unmet clinical need to target androgen receptor (AR) splice variants, which are key drivers of the disease. Some AR splice variants are insensitive to conventional hormonal or androgen deprivation therapy due to loss of the androgen ligand binding domain at the C-terminus and are constitutively active. Here we explore the use of RNA interference (RNAi) to target a universally conserved region of all AR splice variants for cleavage and degradation, thereby eliminating protein level resistance mechanisms. To this end, we tested five siRNA sequences designed against exon 1 of the AR mRNA and identified several that induced potent knockdown of full-length and truncated variant ARs in the 22Rv1 human prostate cancer cell line. We then demonstrated that 2'O methyl modification of the top candidate siRNA (siARvm) enhanced AR and AR-V7 mRNA silencing potency in both 22Rv1 and LNCaP cells, which represent two different prostate cancer models. For downstream in vivo delivery, we formulated siARvm-LNPs and functionally validated these in vitro by demonstrating knockdown of AR and AR-V7 mRNA in prostate cancer cells and loss of AR-mediated transcriptional activation of the PSA gene in both cell lines following treatment. We also observed that siARvm-LNP induced cell viability inhibition was more potent compared to LNP containing siRNA targeting full-length AR mRNA (siARfl-LNP) in 22Rv1 cells as their proliferation is more dependent on AR splice variants than LNCaP and PC3 cells. The in vivo biodistribution of siARvm-LNPs was determined in 22Rv1 tumor-bearing mice by incorporating 14C-radiolabelled DSPC in LNP formulation, and we observed a 4.4% ID/g tumor accumulation following intravenous administration. Finally, treatment of 22Rv1 tumor bearing mice with siARvm-LNP resulted in significant tumor growth inhibition and survival benefit compared to siARfl-LNP or the siLUC-LNP control. To best of our knowledge, this is the first report demonstrating therapeutic effects of LNP-siRNA targeting AR splice variants in prostate cancer.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Joslyn Quick
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia V6T 1Z3, Canada
| | - Nancy Dos Santos
- BC Cancer Research Institute, 675 West 10th Avenue, Vancouver, British Columbia V5Z 1L3, Canada
| | - Miffy H Y Cheng
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia V6T 1Z3, Canada
| | - Nisha Chander
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia V6T 1Z3, Canada
| | - Cedric A Brimacombe
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia V6T 1Z3, Canada
| | - Jayesh Kulkarni
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia V6T 1Z3, Canada
| | - Roy van der Meel
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia V6T 1Z3, Canada
| | - Yuen Yi C Tam
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia V6T 1Z3, Canada
| | - Dominik Witzigmann
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia V6T 1Z3, Canada
| | - Pieter R Cullis
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia V6T 1Z3, Canada.
| |
Collapse
|
33
|
Antisense Oligonucleotides and Small Interfering RNA for the Treatment of Dyslipidemias. J Clin Med 2022; 11:jcm11133884. [PMID: 35807171 PMCID: PMC9267663 DOI: 10.3390/jcm11133884] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2022] [Revised: 06/21/2022] [Accepted: 07/01/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The burden of atherosclerotic disease worldwide necessitates implementing the treatment of its risk factors. Among them, hypercholesterolemia has a central role. In addition to conventional small organic compounds and the recently introduced monoclonal antibodies, new technologies are arising such as the antisense oligonucleotides and small interfering RNAs (siRNAs) that operate upstream, blocking the mRNA translation of the proteins specifically involved in lipid metabolism. In this review, we briefly explain the mechanisms of action of these molecules and discuss the difficulties related to their in vivo use as therapeutical agents. We go over the oligonucleotides tested in clinical trials that could potentially revolutionize the care of patients by acting on proteins involved in the lipoprotein metabolism and regulation, namely: angiopoietin-like protein 3 (ANGPTL3); lipoprotein a (Lp(a)); apolipoprotein B (Apo B); apolipoprotein C III (Apo C-III); and proprotein convertase subtilisin–kexin type 9 (PCSK9). Finally, the differences between ASOs and siRNAs, their future possible clinical applications, and the role of Inclisiran, a siRNA direct against PCSK9 to reduce LDL-C, were reviewed in detail.
Collapse
|
34
|
Yang B, Zhou B, Li C, Li X, Shi Z, Li Y, Zhu C, Li X, Hua Y, Pan Y, He J, Cao T, Sun Y, Liu W, Ge M, Yang YR, Dong Y, Liu D. A Biostable
l
‐DNA Hydrogel with Improved Stability for Biomedical Applications. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2022. [DOI: 10.1002/ange.202202520] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Bo Yang
- Key Laboratory of Bioorganic Phosphorus Chemistry and Chemical Biology Department of Chemistry Tsinghua University 100084 Beijing China
| | - Bini Zhou
- Key Laboratory of Bioorganic Phosphorus Chemistry and Chemical Biology Department of Chemistry Tsinghua University 100084 Beijing China
| | - Cuifeng Li
- School of Life Sciences, Institute for Immunology Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Protein Sciences Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Structural Biology Collaborative Innovation Centre for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases Beijing Key Lab for Immunological Research on Chronic Diseases Tsinghua University 100084 Beijing China
- Tsinghua-Peking Center for Life Sciences 100084 Beijing China
| | - Xiaowei Li
- Zenji Research Laboratories (Nanjing) Ltd. Building 9, Phase 2, Zifeng Research and Development Center, Qiaolin Tablet, Economic Development Zone, Pukou District Nanjing 211806 Jiangsu China
| | - Ziwei Shi
- CAS Key Laboratory of Colloid Interface and Chemical Thermodynamics, Institute of Chemistry Chinese Academy of Sciences University of Chinese Academy of Sciences 100190 Beijing China
| | - Yuxin Li
- School of Life Sciences, Institute for Immunology Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Protein Sciences Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Structural Biology Collaborative Innovation Centre for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases Beijing Key Lab for Immunological Research on Chronic Diseases Tsinghua University 100084 Beijing China
| | - Chenyou Zhu
- Key Laboratory of Bioorganic Phosphorus Chemistry and Chemical Biology Department of Chemistry Tsinghua University 100084 Beijing China
| | - Xin Li
- Key Laboratory of Bioorganic Phosphorus Chemistry and Chemical Biology Department of Chemistry Tsinghua University 100084 Beijing China
| | - Yi Hua
- Key Laboratory of Bioorganic Phosphorus Chemistry and Chemical Biology Department of Chemistry Tsinghua University 100084 Beijing China
| | - Yufan Pan
- Key Laboratory of Bioorganic Phosphorus Chemistry and Chemical Biology Department of Chemistry Tsinghua University 100084 Beijing China
| | - Jian He
- Zenji Research Laboratories (Nanjing) Ltd. Building 9, Phase 2, Zifeng Research and Development Center, Qiaolin Tablet, Economic Development Zone, Pukou District Nanjing 211806 Jiangsu China
| | - Tianyang Cao
- Key Laboratory of Bioorganic Phosphorus Chemistry and Chemical Biology Department of Chemistry Tsinghua University 100084 Beijing China
| | - Yawei Sun
- College of Chemical Engineering China University of Petroleum (East China) 258000 Qingdao China
| | - Wanli Liu
- School of Life Sciences, Institute for Immunology Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Protein Sciences Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Structural Biology Collaborative Innovation Centre for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases Beijing Key Lab for Immunological Research on Chronic Diseases Tsinghua University 100084 Beijing China
- Tsinghua-Peking Center for Life Sciences 100084 Beijing China
| | - Min Ge
- Zenji Research Laboratories (Nanjing) Ltd. Building 9, Phase 2, Zifeng Research and Development Center, Qiaolin Tablet, Economic Development Zone, Pukou District Nanjing 211806 Jiangsu China
| | - Yuhe R. Yang
- CAS Key Laboratory of Nanosystem and Hierarchical Fabrication CAS Center for Excellence in Nanoscience National Center for Nanoscience and Technology 100190 Beijing China
| | - Yuanchen Dong
- CAS Key Laboratory of Colloid Interface and Chemical Thermodynamics, Institute of Chemistry Chinese Academy of Sciences University of Chinese Academy of Sciences 100190 Beijing China
| | - Dongsheng Liu
- Key Laboratory of Bioorganic Phosphorus Chemistry and Chemical Biology Department of Chemistry Tsinghua University 100084 Beijing China
| |
Collapse
|
35
|
Liu SS, Yang R. Inner Ear Drug Delivery for Sensorineural Hearing Loss: Current Challenges and Opportunities. Front Neurosci 2022; 16:867453. [PMID: 35685768 PMCID: PMC9170894 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2022.867453] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2022] [Accepted: 05/02/2022] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Most therapies for treating sensorineural hearing loss are challenged by the delivery across multiple tissue barriers to the hard-to-access anatomical location of the inner ear. In this review, we will provide a recent update on various pharmacotherapy, gene therapy, and cell therapy approaches used in clinical and preclinical studies for the treatment of sensorineural hearing loss and approaches taken to overcome the drug delivery barriers in the ear. Small-molecule drugs for pharmacotherapy can be delivered via systemic or local delivery, where the blood-labyrinth barrier hinders the former and tissue barriers including the tympanic membrane, the round window membrane, and/or the oval window hinder the latter. Meanwhile, gene and cell therapies often require targeted delivery to the cochlea, which is currently achieved via intra-cochlear or intra-labyrinthine injection. To improve the stability of the biomacromolecules during treatment, e.g., RNAs, DNAs, proteins, additional packing vehicles are often required. To address the diverse range of biological barriers involved in inner ear drug delivery, each class of therapy and the intended therapeutic cargoes will be discussed in this review, in the context of delivery routes commonly used, delivery vehicles if required (e.g., viral and non-viral nanocarriers), and other strategies to improve drug permeation and sustained release (e.g., hydrogel, nanocarriers, permeation enhancers, and microfluidic systems). Overall, this review aims to capture the important advancements and key steps in the development of inner ear therapies and delivery strategies over the past two decades for the treatment and prophylaxis of sensorineural hearing loss.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sophie S. Liu
- Smith School of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, United States
- Meinig School of Biomedical Engineering, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, United States
| | - Rong Yang
- Smith School of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, United States
- Meinig School of Biomedical Engineering, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, United States
| |
Collapse
|
36
|
Sbirkov Y, Vergov B, Mehterov N, Sarafian V. miRNAs in Lymphocytic Leukaemias-The miRror of Drug Resistance. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23094657. [PMID: 35563051 PMCID: PMC9103677 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23094657] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2022] [Revised: 04/18/2022] [Accepted: 04/21/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Refractory disease and relapse remain the main causes of cancer therapy failure. Refined risk stratification, treatment regimens and improved early diagnosis and detection of minimal residual disease have increased cure rates in malignancies like childhood acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL) to 90%. Nevertheless, overall survival in the context of drug resistance remains poor. The regulatory role of micro RNAs (miRNAs) in cell differentiation, homeostasis and tumorigenesis has been under extensive investigation in different cancers. There is accumulating data demonstrating the significance of miRNAs for therapy outcomes in lymphoid malignancies and some direct demonstrations of the interplay between these small molecules and drug response. Here, we summarise miRNAs' impact on chemotherapy resistance in adult and paediatric ALL and chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL). The main focus of this review is on the modulation of particular signaling pathways like PI3K-AKT, transcription factors such as NF-κB, and apoptotic mediators, all of which are bona fide and pivotal elements orchestrating the survival of malignant lymphocytic cells. Finally, we discuss the attractive strategy of using mimics, antimiRs and other molecular approaches pointing at miRNAs as promising therapeutic targets. Such novel strategies to circumvent ALL and CLL resistance networks may potentially improve patients' responses and survival rates.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yordan Sbirkov
- Department of Medical Biology, Medical University of Plovdiv, 4002 Plovdiv, Bulgaria; (B.V.); (N.M.)
- Division of Molecular and Regenerative Medicine, Research Institute at Medical University of Plovdiv, 4002 Plovdiv, Bulgaria
- Correspondence: (Y.S.); (V.S.)
| | - Bozhidar Vergov
- Department of Medical Biology, Medical University of Plovdiv, 4002 Plovdiv, Bulgaria; (B.V.); (N.M.)
| | - Nikolay Mehterov
- Department of Medical Biology, Medical University of Plovdiv, 4002 Plovdiv, Bulgaria; (B.V.); (N.M.)
- Division of Molecular and Regenerative Medicine, Research Institute at Medical University of Plovdiv, 4002 Plovdiv, Bulgaria
| | - Victoria Sarafian
- Department of Medical Biology, Medical University of Plovdiv, 4002 Plovdiv, Bulgaria; (B.V.); (N.M.)
- Division of Molecular and Regenerative Medicine, Research Institute at Medical University of Plovdiv, 4002 Plovdiv, Bulgaria
- Correspondence: (Y.S.); (V.S.)
| |
Collapse
|
37
|
Wonnacott A, Denby L, Coward RJM, Fraser DJ, Bowen T. MicroRNAs and their delivery in diabetic fibrosis. Adv Drug Deliv Rev 2022; 182:114045. [PMID: 34767865 DOI: 10.1016/j.addr.2021.114045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2021] [Revised: 09/21/2021] [Accepted: 11/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
The global prevalence of diabetes mellitus was estimated to be 463 million people in 2019 and is predicted to rise to 700 million by 2045. The associated financial and societal costs of this burgeoning epidemic demand an understanding of the pathology of this disease, and its complications, that will inform treatment to enable improved patient outcomes. Nearly two decades after the sequencing of the human genome, the significance of noncoding RNA expression is still being assessed. The family of functional noncoding RNAs known as microRNAs regulates the expression of most genes encoded by the human genome. Altered microRNA expression profiles have been observed both in diabetes and in diabetic complications. These transcripts therefore have significant potential and novelty as targets for therapy, therapeutic agents and biomarkers.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alexa Wonnacott
- Wales Kidney Research Unit, Division of Infection & Immunity, School of Medicine, College of Biomedical and Life Sciences, Cardiff University, Heath Park, Cardiff CF14 4XN, UK
| | - Laura Denby
- Centre for Cardiovascular Science, Queen's Medical Research Institute, University of Edinburgh, Little France Crescent, Edinburgh EH16 4TJ, UK
| | - Richard J M Coward
- Bristol Renal, Dorothy Hodgkin Building, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol BS1 3NY, UK
| | - Donald J Fraser
- Wales Kidney Research Unit, Division of Infection & Immunity, School of Medicine, College of Biomedical and Life Sciences, Cardiff University, Heath Park, Cardiff CF14 4XN, UK
| | - Timothy Bowen
- Wales Kidney Research Unit, Division of Infection & Immunity, School of Medicine, College of Biomedical and Life Sciences, Cardiff University, Heath Park, Cardiff CF14 4XN, UK.
| |
Collapse
|
38
|
Nanoscale delivery platforms for RNA therapeutics: Challenges and the current state of the art. MED 2022; 3:167-187. [DOI: 10.1016/j.medj.2022.02.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2021] [Revised: 01/18/2022] [Accepted: 02/04/2022] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
|
39
|
Hui RWH, Mak LY, Seto WK, Yuen MF. RNA interference as a novel treatment strategy for chronic hepatitis B infection. Clin Mol Hepatol 2022; 28:408-424. [PMID: 35172540 PMCID: PMC9293617 DOI: 10.3350/cmh.2022.0012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2022] [Accepted: 02/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Chronic hepatitis B (CHB) is a major cause of liver-related morbidity and mortality. Functional cure of CHB, defined as sustainable hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) seroclearance, is associated with improved clinical outcomes. However, functional cure is rarely attainable by current treatment modalities. RNA interference (RNAi) by small-interfering RNA (siRNA) and anti-sense oligonucleotide (ASO) has been studied as a novel treatment strategy for CHB. RNAi targets post-transcriptional messenger RNAs and pregenomic RNAs to reduce hepatitis B virus (HBV) antigen production and viral replication. By reducing viral antigens, host immune reconstitution against HBV may also be attained. Phase I/II trials on siRNAs have demonstrated them to be safe and well-tolerated. siRNA is effective when given in monthly doses with different total number of doses according to different trial design, and can lead to sustainable dose-dependent mean HBsAg reduction by 2–2.5 log. Incidences of HBsAg seroclearance after siRNA therapy have also been reported. ASOs have also been studied in early phase trials, and a phase Ib study using frequent dosing regimen within 4 weeks could achieve similar HBsAg reduction of 2 log from baseline. Given the established efficacy and safety of nucleos(t) ide analogues (NAs), future RNAi regimens will likely include NA backbone. While the current evidence on RNAi appears promising, it remains undetermined whether the potent HBsAg reduction by RNAi can result in a high rate of HBsAg seroclearance with durability. Data on RNAi from phase IIb/III trials are keenly anticipated.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rex Wan-Hin Hui
- Department of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Lung-Yi Mak
- Department of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong.,State Key Laboratory of Liver Research, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Wai-Kay Seto
- Department of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong.,State Key Laboratory of Liver Research, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Man-Fung Yuen
- Department of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong.,State Key Laboratory of Liver Research, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| |
Collapse
|
40
|
Noncoding-RNA-Based Therapeutics with an Emphasis on Prostatic Carcinoma—Progress and Challenges. Vaccines (Basel) 2022; 10:vaccines10020276. [PMID: 35214734 PMCID: PMC8877701 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines10020276] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2021] [Revised: 01/26/2022] [Accepted: 02/03/2022] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Noncoding RNAs (ncRNAs) defy the central dogma by representing a family of RNA molecules that are not translated into protein but can convey information encoded in their DNA. Elucidating the exact function of ncRNA has been a focus of discovery in the last decade and remains challenging. Nevertheless, the importance of understanding ncRNA is apparent since these molecules regulate gene expression at the transcriptional and post-transcriptional level exerting pleiotropic effects critical in development, oncogenesis, and immunity. NcRNAs have been referred to as “the dark matter of the nucleus”, and unraveling their role in physiologic and pathologic processes will provide vast opportunities for basic and translational research with the potential for significant therapeutic progress. Consequently, strong efforts are underway to exploit the therapeutic utility of ncRNA, some of which have been approved by the US Food and Drug Administration and the European Medicines Agency. The use of ncRNA therapeutics (or “vaccines” if defined as anti-disease agents) may result in improved curative strategies when used alone or in combination with existing treatments. This review will focus on the role of ncRNA therapeutics in prostatic carcinoma while exploring basic biological aspects of these molecules that represent about 97% of the transcriptome in humans.
Collapse
|
41
|
Holm A, Hansen SN, Klitgaard H, Kauppinen S. Clinical advances of RNA therapeutics for treatment of neurological and neuromuscular diseases. RNA Biol 2021; 19:594-608. [PMID: 35482908 PMCID: PMC9067473 DOI: 10.1080/15476286.2022.2066334] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2021] [Accepted: 04/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
RNA therapeutics comprise a diverse group of oligonucleotide-based drugs such as antisense oligonucleotides (ASOs), small interfering RNAs (siRNAs), and short hairpin RNAs (shRNAs) that can be designed to selectively interact with drug targets currently undruggable with small molecule-based drugs or monoclonal antibodies. Furthermore, RNA-based therapeutics have the potential to modulate entire disease pathways, and thereby represent a new modality with unprecedented potential for generating disease-modifying drugs for a wide variety of human diseases, including central nervous system (CNS) disorders. Here, we describe different strategies for delivering RNA drugs to the CNS and review recent advances in clinical development of ASO drugs and siRNA-based therapeutics for the treatment of neurological diseases and neuromuscular disorders.Abbreviations 2'-MOE: 2'-O-(2-methoxyethyl); 2'-O-Me: 2'-O-methyl; 2'-F: 2'-fluoro; AD: Alzheimer's disease; ALS: Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis; ALSFRS-R: Revised Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Functional Rating Scale; ARC: Antibody siRNA Conjugate; AS: Angelman Syndrome; ASGRP: Asialoglycoprotein receptor; ASO: Antisense oligonucleotide; AxD: Alexander Disease; BBB: Blood brain barrier; Bp: Basepair; CNM: Centronuclear myopathies; CNS: Central Nervous System; CPP: Cell-penetrating Peptide; CSF: Cerebrospinal fluid; DMD: Duchenne muscular dystrophy; DNA: Deoxyribonucleic acid; FAP: Familial amyloid polyneuropathy; FALS: Familial amyotrophic lateral sclerosis; FDA: The United States Food and Drug Administration; GalNAc: N-acetylgalactosamine; GoF: Gain of function; hATTR: Hereditary transthyretin amyloidosis; HD: Huntington's disease; HRQOL: health-related quality of life; ICV: Intracerebroventricular; IT: Intrathecal; LNA: Locked nucleic acid; LoF: Loss of function; mRNA: Messenger RNA; MS: Multiple Sclerosis; MSA: Multiple System Atrophy; NBE: New Biological Entity; NCE: New Chemical Entity; NHP: Nonhuman primate; nt: Nucleotide; PD: Parkinson's disease; PNP: Polyneuropathy; PNS: Peripheral nervous system; PS: Phosphorothioate; RISC: RNA-Induced Silencing Complex; RNA: Ribonucleic acid; RNAi: RNA interference; s.c.: Subcutaneous; siRNA: Small interfering RNA; SMA: Spinal muscular atrophy; SMN: Survival motor neuron; TTR: Transthyretin.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Anja Holm
- Center for RNA Medicine, Department of Clinical Medicine, Aalborg University, A.C. Meyers Vænge 15, 2450Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Stine N. Hansen
- Neumirna Therapeutics, A.C. Meyers Vænge 15, 2450Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Henrik Klitgaard
- Neumirna Therapeutics, A.C. Meyers Vænge 15, 2450Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Sakari Kauppinen
- Center for RNA Medicine, Department of Clinical Medicine, Aalborg University, A.C. Meyers Vænge 15, 2450Copenhagen, Denmark
| |
Collapse
|
42
|
Zhou H, Tang W, Yang J, Peng J, Guo J, Fan C. MicroRNA-Related Strategies to Improve Cardiac Function in Heart Failure. Front Cardiovasc Med 2021; 8:773083. [PMID: 34869689 PMCID: PMC8639862 DOI: 10.3389/fcvm.2021.773083] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2021] [Accepted: 10/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Heart failure (HF) describes a group of manifestations caused by the failure of heart function as a pump that supports blood flow through the body. MicroRNAs (miRNAs), as one type of non-coding RNA molecule, have crucial roles in the etiology of HF. Accordingly, miRNAs related to HF may represent potential novel therapeutic targets. In this review, we first discuss the different roles of miRNAs in the development and diseases of the heart. We then outline commonly used miRNA chemical modifications and delivery systems. Further, we summarize the opportunities and challenges for HF-related miRNA therapeutics targets, and discuss the first clinical trial of an antisense drug (CDR132L) in patients with HF. Finally, we outline current and future challenges and potential new directions for miRNA-based therapeutics for HF.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Huatao Zhou
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Weijie Tang
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Jinfu Yang
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China.,Department of Pharmacology, Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Research, Xiangya School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Jun Peng
- Department of Pharmacology, Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Research, Xiangya School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Jianjun Guo
- Hunan Fangsheng Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. Changsha, China
| | - Chengming Fan
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China.,Department of Pharmacology, Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Research, Xiangya School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Central South University, Changsha, China.,Hunan Fangsheng Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. Changsha, China
| |
Collapse
|
43
|
Zhao Y, Shu R, Liu J. The development and improvement of ribonucleic acid therapy strategies. MOLECULAR THERAPY. NUCLEIC ACIDS 2021; 26:997-1013. [PMID: 34540356 PMCID: PMC8437697 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtn.2021.09.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
The biological understanding of RNA has evolved since the discovery of catalytic RNAs in the early 1980s and the establishment of RNA interference (RNAi) in the 1990s. RNA is no longer seen as the simple mid-product between transcription and translation but as potential molecules to be developed as RNA therapeutic drugs. RNA-based therapeutic drugs have gained recognition because of their ability to regulate gene expression and perform cellular functions. Various nucleobase, backbone, and sugar-modified oligonucleotides have been synthesized, as natural oligonucleotides have some limitations such as poor low nuclease resistance, binding affinity, poor cellular uptake, and toxicity, which affect their use as RNA therapeutic drugs. In this review, we briefly discuss different RNA therapeutic drugs and their internal connections, including antisense oligonucleotides, small interfering RNAs (siRNAs) and microRNAs (miRNAs), aptamers, small activating RNAs (saRNAs), and RNA vaccines. We also discuss the important roles of RNA vaccines and their use in the fight against COVID-19. In addition, various chemical modifications and delivery systems used to improve the performance of RNA therapeutic drugs and overcome their limitations are discussed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yuxi Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences Research Unit of Oral Carcinogenesis and Management, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Rui Shu
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences Research Unit of Oral Carcinogenesis and Management, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
- Corresponding author: Rui Shu, State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences Research Unit of Oral Carcinogenesis and Management, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China.
| | - Jiang Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences Research Unit of Oral Carcinogenesis and Management, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
- Corresponding author: Jiang Liu, State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences Research Unit of Oral Carcinogenesis and Management, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China.
| |
Collapse
|
44
|
Suzuki Y, Ishihara H. Difference in the lipid nanoparticle technology employed in three approved siRNA (Patisiran) and mRNA (COVID-19 vaccine) drugs. Drug Metab Pharmacokinet 2021; 41:100424. [PMID: 34757287 PMCID: PMC8502116 DOI: 10.1016/j.dmpk.2021.100424] [Citation(s) in RCA: 107] [Impact Index Per Article: 35.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2021] [Revised: 10/04/2021] [Accepted: 10/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Nucleic acid therapeutics are developing into precise medicines that can manipulate specific genes. However, the development of safe and effective delivery system for the target cells has remained a challenge. Lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) have provided a revolutionary delivery system that can ensure multiple clinical translation of RNA-based candidates. In 2018, Patisiran (Onpattro) was first approved as an LNP-based siRNA drug. In 2020, during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) outbreak, LNPs have enabled the development of two SARS-CoV-2 mRNA vaccines, Tozinameran (Comirnaty or Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine) and Elasomeran (Spikevax or COVID-19 vaccine Moderna) for conditional approval. Here, we reviewed the state-of-the-art LNP technology employed in three approved drugs (one siRNA-based and two mRNA-based drugs) and discussed the differences in their mode of action, formulation design, and biodistribution.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yuta Suzuki
- hhc Data Creation Center, Tsukuba Research Laboratories, Eisai Co., Ltd., 5-1-3 Tokodai, Tsukuba, Ibaraki, 300-2635, Japan.
| | - Hiroshi Ishihara
- hhc Data Creation Center, Tsukuba Research Laboratories, Eisai Co., Ltd., 5-1-3 Tokodai, Tsukuba, Ibaraki, 300-2635, Japan; Department of Formulation Science and Technology, School of Pharmacy, Tokyo University of Pharmacy and Life Sciences, 1432-1 Horinouchi, Hachioji, Tokyo, 192-0392, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
45
|
Das T, Das TK, Khodarkovskaya A, Dash S. Non-coding RNAs and their bioengineering applications for neurological diseases. Bioengineered 2021; 12:11675-11698. [PMID: 34756133 PMCID: PMC8810045 DOI: 10.1080/21655979.2021.2003667] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Engineering of cellular biomolecules is an emerging landscape presenting creative therapeutic opportunities. Recently, several strategies such as biomimetic materials, drug-releasing scaffolds, stem cells, and dynamic culture systems have been developed to improve specific biological functions, however, have been confounded with fundamental and technical roadblocks. Rapidly emerging investigations on the bioengineering prospects of mammalian ribonucleic acid (RNA) is expected to result in significant biomedical advances. More specifically, the current trend focuses on devising non-coding (nc) RNAs as therapeutic candidates for complex neurological diseases. Given the pleiotropic and regulatory role, ncRNAs such as microRNAs and long non-coding RNAs are deemed as attractive therapeutic candidates. Currently, the list of non-coding RNAs in mammals is evolving, which presents the plethora of hidden possibilities including their scope in biomedicine. Herein, we critically review on the emerging repertoire of ncRNAs in neurological diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, neuroinflammation and drug abuse disorders. Importantly, we present the advances in engineering of ncRNAs to improve their biocompatibility and therapeutic feasibility as well as provide key insights into the applications of bioengineered non-coding RNAs that are investigated for neurological diseases.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tuhin Das
- Quanta Therapeutics, San Francisco, CA, 94158, USA.,RayBiotech, Inc, 3607 Parkway Lane, Peachtree Corners, GA, 30092, USA
| | - Tushar Kanti Das
- Department of Neurology, McGovern Medical School, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, Texas 77030, USA
| | - Anne Khodarkovskaya
- Department of Pathology, Weill Cornell Medicine, Medical College of Cornell University, New York, NY, 10065, USA
| | - Sabyasachi Dash
- Department of Pathology, Weill Cornell Medicine, Medical College of Cornell University, New York, NY, 10065, USA.,School of Biotechnology, Kalinga Institute of Industrial Technology, Bhubaneswar, Odisha, 751024 India
| |
Collapse
|
46
|
Jia M, He J, Bai W, Lin Q, Deng J, Li W, Bai J, Fu D, Ma Y, Ren J, Xiong S. Cross-kingdom regulation by dietary plant miRNAs: an evidence-based review with recent updates. Food Funct 2021; 12:9549-9562. [PMID: 34664582 DOI: 10.1039/d1fo01156a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
As non-coding RNA molecules, microRNAs (miRNAs) are widely known for their critical role in gene regulation. Recent studies have shown that plant miRNAs obtained through dietary oral administration can survive in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract, enter the circulatory system and regulate endogenous mRNAs. Diet-derived plant miRNAs have 2'-O-methylated modified 3'ends and high cytosine and guanine (GC) content, as well as exosomal packaging, which gives them high stability even in the harsh environment of the digestive system and circulatory system. The latest evidence shows that dietary plant miRNAs can not only be absorbed in the intestine, but also be absorbed and packaged by gastric epithelial cells and then secreted into the circulatory system. Alternatively, these biologically active plant-derived miRNAs may also affect the health of the host by affecting the function of the microbiome, while not need to be taken into the host's circulatory system and transferred to remote tissues. This cross-kingdom regulation of miRNAs gives us hope for exploring their therapeutic potential and as dietary supplements. However, doubts have also been raised about the cross-border regulation of miRNAs, suggesting that technical flaws in the experiments may have led to this hypothesis. In this article, we summarize the visibility of dietary plant miRNAs in the development of human health and recent research data on their use in therapeutics. The regulation of plant miRNAs across kingdoms is a novel concept. Continued efforts in this area will broaden our understanding of the biological role of plant miRNAs and will open the way for the development of new approaches to prevent or treat human diseases.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- MingXi Jia
- National Engineering Laboratory for Deep Process of Rice and Byproducts, Hunan Province Key Laboratory of Edible forestry Resources Safety and Processing Utilization, College of Food Science and Engineering, Central South University of Forestry and Technology, Changsha 410004, Hunan, China. .,College of Light Industry and Food Sciences, Zhongkai University of Agriculture and Engineering, Guangzhou 510225, Guangdong, China
| | - JinTao He
- National Engineering Laboratory for Deep Process of Rice and Byproducts, Hunan Province Key Laboratory of Edible forestry Resources Safety and Processing Utilization, College of Food Science and Engineering, Central South University of Forestry and Technology, Changsha 410004, Hunan, China.
| | - WeiDong Bai
- College of Light Industry and Food Sciences, Zhongkai University of Agriculture and Engineering, Guangzhou 510225, Guangdong, China
| | - QinLu Lin
- National Engineering Laboratory for Deep Process of Rice and Byproducts, Hunan Province Key Laboratory of Edible forestry Resources Safety and Processing Utilization, College of Food Science and Engineering, Central South University of Forestry and Technology, Changsha 410004, Hunan, China.
| | - Jing Deng
- National Engineering Laboratory for Deep Process of Rice and Byproducts, Hunan Province Key Laboratory of Edible forestry Resources Safety and Processing Utilization, College of Food Science and Engineering, Central South University of Forestry and Technology, Changsha 410004, Hunan, China.
| | - Wen Li
- National Engineering Laboratory for Deep Process of Rice and Byproducts, Hunan Province Key Laboratory of Edible forestry Resources Safety and Processing Utilization, College of Food Science and Engineering, Central South University of Forestry and Technology, Changsha 410004, Hunan, China.
| | - Jie Bai
- National Engineering Laboratory for Deep Process of Rice and Byproducts, Hunan Province Key Laboratory of Edible forestry Resources Safety and Processing Utilization, College of Food Science and Engineering, Central South University of Forestry and Technology, Changsha 410004, Hunan, China.
| | - Da Fu
- National Engineering Laboratory for Deep Process of Rice and Byproducts, Hunan Province Key Laboratory of Edible forestry Resources Safety and Processing Utilization, College of Food Science and Engineering, Central South University of Forestry and Technology, Changsha 410004, Hunan, China. .,Central Laboratory for Medical Research, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200072, China
| | - YuShui Ma
- Central Laboratory for Medical Research, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200072, China
| | - JiaLi Ren
- National Engineering Laboratory for Deep Process of Rice and Byproducts, Hunan Province Key Laboratory of Edible forestry Resources Safety and Processing Utilization, College of Food Science and Engineering, Central South University of Forestry and Technology, Changsha 410004, Hunan, China.
| | - ShouYao Xiong
- College of Mathematics and Statistics, Changsha University of Science and Technology, Changsha 410114, China
| |
Collapse
|
47
|
Bost JP, Barriga H, Holme MN, Gallud A, Maugeri M, Gupta D, Lehto T, Valadi H, Esbjörner EK, Stevens MM, El-Andaloussi S. Delivery of Oligonucleotide Therapeutics: Chemical Modifications, Lipid Nanoparticles, and Extracellular Vesicles. ACS NANO 2021; 15:13993-14021. [PMID: 34505766 PMCID: PMC8482762 DOI: 10.1021/acsnano.1c05099] [Citation(s) in RCA: 71] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2021] [Indexed: 05/04/2023]
Abstract
Oligonucleotides (ONs) comprise a rapidly growing class of therapeutics. In recent years, the list of FDA-approved ON therapies has rapidly expanded. ONs are small (15-30 bp) nucleotide-based therapeutics which are capable of targeting DNA and RNA as well as other biomolecules. ONs can be subdivided into several classes based on their chemical modifications and on the mechanisms of their target interactions. Historically, the largest hindrance to the widespread usage of ON therapeutics has been their inability to effectively internalize into cells and escape from endosomes to reach their molecular targets in the cytosol or nucleus. While cell uptake has been improved, "endosomal escape" remains a significant problem. There are a range of approaches to overcome this, and in this review, we focus on three: altering the chemical structure of the ONs, formulating synthetic, lipid-based nanoparticles to encapsulate the ONs, or biologically loading the ONs into extracellular vesicles. This review provides a background to the design and mode of action of existing FDA-approved ONs. It presents the most common ON classifications and chemical modifications from a fundamental scientific perspective and provides a roadmap of the cellular uptake pathways by which ONs are trafficked. Finally, this review delves into each of the above-mentioned approaches to ON delivery, highlighting the scientific principles behind each and covering recent advances.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jeremy P. Bost
- Department
of Laboratory Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Huddinge 14152, Sweden
| | - Hanna Barriga
- Department
of Medical Biochemistry and Biophysics, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm 17177, Sweden
| | - Margaret N. Holme
- Department
of Medical Biochemistry and Biophysics, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm 17177, Sweden
| | - Audrey Gallud
- Department
of Biology and Biological Engineering, Chalmers
University of Technology, Gothenburg 41296, Sweden
- Advanced
Drug Delivery, Pharmaceutical Sciences, R&D, AstraZeneca, Gothenburg 43150, Sweden
| | - Marco Maugeri
- Department
of Rheumatology and Inflammation Research, Institute of Medicine,
Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg 41390, Sweden
| | - Dhanu Gupta
- Department
of Laboratory Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Huddinge 14152, Sweden
| | - Taavi Lehto
- Department
of Laboratory Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Huddinge 14152, Sweden
- Institute
of Technology, University of Tartu, Nooruse 1, Tartu 50411, Estonia
| | - Hadi Valadi
- Department
of Rheumatology and Inflammation Research, Institute of Medicine,
Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg 41390, Sweden
| | - Elin K. Esbjörner
- Department
of Biology and Biological Engineering, Chalmers
University of Technology, Gothenburg 41296, Sweden
| | - Molly M. Stevens
- Department
of Medical Biochemistry and Biophysics, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm 17177, Sweden
- Department
of Materials, Department of Bioengineering, Institute of Biomedical
Engineering, Imperial College London, London SW7 2BU, United Kingdom
| | - Samir El-Andaloussi
- Department
of Laboratory Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Huddinge 14152, Sweden
| |
Collapse
|
48
|
Bibby G, Krasniqi B, Reddy I, Sekar D, Ross K. Capturing the RNA castle: Exploiting MicroRNA inhibition for wound healing. FEBS J 2021; 289:5137-5151. [PMID: 34403569 DOI: 10.1111/febs.16160] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2021] [Revised: 07/14/2021] [Accepted: 08/16/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
The growing pipelines of RNA-based therapies herald new opportunities to deliver better patient outcomes for complex disorders such as chronic nonhealing wounds associated with diabetes. Members of the microRNA (miRNA) family of small noncoding RNAs have emerged as targets for diverse elements of cutaneous wound repair, and both miRNA enhancement with mimics or inhibition with antisense oligonucleotides represent tractable approaches for miRNA-directed wound healing. In this review, we focus on miRNA inhibition strategies to stimulate skin repair given advances in chemical modifications to enhance the performance of antisense miRNA (anti-miRs). We first explore miRNAs whose inhibition in keratinocytes promotes keratinocyte migration, an essential part of re-epithelialisation during wound repair. We then focus on miRNAs that can be targeted for inhibition in endothelial cells to promote neovascularisation for wound healing in the context of diabetic mouse models. The picture that emerges is that direct comparisons of different anti-miRNAs modifications are required to establish the most translationally viable options in the chronic wound environment, that direct comparisons of the impact of inhibition of different miRNAs are needed to quantify and rank their relative efficacies in promoting wound repair, and that a standardised human ex vivo model of the diabetic wound is needed to reduce reliance on mouse models that do not necessarily enhance mechanistic understanding of miRNA-targeted wound healing.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- George Bibby
- School of Pharmacy and Biomolecular Sciences, Liverpool John Moores University, UK
| | - Blerta Krasniqi
- School of Pharmacy and Biomolecular Sciences, Liverpool John Moores University, UK
| | - Izaak Reddy
- School of Pharmacy and Biomolecular Sciences, Liverpool John Moores University, UK
| | - Durairaj Sekar
- Dental Research Cell and Biomedical Research Unit (DRC-BRULAC), Saveetha Dental College and Hospitals, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Science (SIMATS), Saveetha University, Chennai, India
| | - Kehinde Ross
- School of Pharmacy and Biomolecular Sciences, Liverpool John Moores University, UK
| |
Collapse
|
49
|
Winkle M, El-Daly SM, Fabbri M, Calin GA. Noncoding RNA therapeutics - challenges and potential solutions. Nat Rev Drug Discov 2021; 20:629-651. [PMID: 34145432 PMCID: PMC8212082 DOI: 10.1038/s41573-021-00219-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 789] [Impact Index Per Article: 263.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/27/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Therapeutic targeting of noncoding RNAs (ncRNAs), such as microRNAs (miRNAs) and long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs), represents an attractive approach for the treatment of cancers, as well as many other diseases. Over the past decade, substantial effort has been made towards the clinical application of RNA-based therapeutics, employing mostly antisense oligonucleotides and small interfering RNAs, with several gaining FDA approval. However, trial results have so far been ambivalent, with some studies reporting potent effects whereas others demonstrated limited efficacy or toxicity. Alternative entities such as antimiRNAs are undergoing clinical testing, and lncRNA-based therapeutics are gaining interest. In this Perspective, we discuss key challenges facing ncRNA therapeutics - including issues associated with specificity, delivery and tolerability - and focus on promising emerging approaches that aim to boost their success.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Melanie Winkle
- Translational Molecular Pathology, MD Anderson Cancer Center, Texas State University, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Sherien M El-Daly
- Medical Biochemistry Department, Medical Research Division - Cancer Biology and Genetics Laboratory, Centre of Excellence for Advanced Sciences - National Research Centre, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Muller Fabbri
- Cancer Biology Program, University of Hawaii Cancer Center, Honolulu, HI, USA
| | - George A Calin
- Translational Molecular Pathology, MD Anderson Cancer Center, Texas State University, Houston, TX, USA.
- The RNA Interference and Non-codingRNA Center, MD Anderson Cancer Center, Texas State University, Houston, TX, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
50
|
Oyama S, Yamamoto T, Yamayoshi A. Recent Advances in the Delivery Carriers and Chemical Conjugation Strategies for Nucleic Acid Drugs. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:3881. [PMID: 34359781 PMCID: PMC8345803 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13153881] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2021] [Accepted: 07/30/2021] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
With the development of new anticancer medicines, novel modalities are being explored for cancer treatment. For many years, conventional modalities, such as small chemical drugs and antibody drugs, have worked by "inhibiting the function" of target proteins. In recent years, however, nucleic acid drugs, such as ASOs and siRNAs, have attracted attention as a new modality for cancer treatment because nucleic acid drugs can directly promote the "loss of function" of target genes. Recently, nucleic acid drugs for use in cancer therapy have been extensively developed and some of them have currently been under investigation in clinical trials. To develop novel nucleic acid drugs for cancer treatment, it is imperative that cancer researchers, including ourselves, cover and understand those latest findings. In this review, we introduce and provide an overview of various DDSs and ligand modification technologies that are being employed to improve the success and development of nucleic acid drugs, then we also discuss the future of nucleic acid drug developments for cancer therapy. It is our belief this review will increase the awareness of nucleic acid drugs worldwide and build momentum for the future development of new cancer-targeted versions of these drugs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shota Oyama
- Chemistry of Functional Molecules, Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Nagasaki University, 1-14 Bunkyo-machi, Nagasaki-shi, Nagasaki 852-8521, Japan; (S.O.); (T.Y.)
| | - Tsuyoshi Yamamoto
- Chemistry of Functional Molecules, Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Nagasaki University, 1-14 Bunkyo-machi, Nagasaki-shi, Nagasaki 852-8521, Japan; (S.O.); (T.Y.)
| | - Asako Yamayoshi
- Chemistry of Functional Molecules, Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Nagasaki University, 1-14 Bunkyo-machi, Nagasaki-shi, Nagasaki 852-8521, Japan; (S.O.); (T.Y.)
- PRESTO, Japan Science and Technology Agency (JST), 4-1-8 Honcho, Kawaguchi, Saitama 332-0012, Japan
| |
Collapse
|