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Mukherjee A, Sen R, Al Hoque A, Giri TK, Mukherjee B. H-ras-targeted genetic therapy remarkably surpassed docetaxel treatment in inhibiting chemically induced hepatic tumors in rats. Life Sci 2024; 348:122680. [PMID: 38697280 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2024.122680] [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: 01/27/2024] [Revised: 04/19/2024] [Accepted: 04/27/2024] [Indexed: 05/04/2024]
Abstract
AIMS Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is still a leading cause of cancer-related death worldwide. But its chemotherapeutic options are far from expectation. We here compared H-ras targeted genetic therapy to a commercial docetaxel formulation (DXT) in inhibiting HCC in rats. MAIN METHODS After the physicochemical characterization of phosphorothioate-antisense oligomer (PS-ASO) against H-ras mutated gene, the PS-ASO-mediated in vitro hemolysis, in vivo hepatic uptake, its pharmacokinetic profile, tissue distribution in some highly perfused organs, its effect in normal rats, antineoplastic efficacy in carcinogen-induced HCC in rats were evaluated and compared against DXT treatment. Mutated H-ras expression by in situ hybridization, hep-par-I, CK-7, CD-15, p53 expression patterns by immunohistochemical methods, scanning electron microscopic evaluation of hepatic architecture, various hepatic marker enzyme levels and caspase-3/9 apoptotic enzyme activities were also carried out in the experimental rats. KEY FINDINGS PS-ASO showed low in vitro hemolysis (<3 %), and had a sustained PS-ASO blood residence time in vivo compared to DTX, with a time-dependent hepatic uptake. It showed no toxic manifestations in normal rats. PS-ASO distribution was although initially less in the lung than liver and kidney, but at 8 h it accumulated more in lung than kidney. Antineoplastic potential of PS-ASO (treated for 6 weeks) excelled in inhibiting chemically induced tumorigenesis compared to DTX in rats, by inhibiting H-ras gene expression, some immonohistochemical modulations, and inducing caspase-3/9-mediated apoptosis. It prevented HCC-mediated lung metastatic tumor in the experimental rats. SIGNIFICANCE PS-ASO genetic therapy showed potential to inhibit HCC far more effectively than DXT in rats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alankar Mukherjee
- Department of Pharmaceutical Technology, Jadavpur University, Kolkata 700032, India
| | - Ramkrishna Sen
- Department of Pharmaceutical Technology, Jadavpur University, Kolkata 700032, India; Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Experimental Therapeutics, College of Pharmacy, University of Iowa, Iowa city, IA 52242, USA
| | - Ashique Al Hoque
- Department of Pharmaceutical Technology, Jadavpur University, Kolkata 700032, India
| | - Tapan Kumar Giri
- Department of Pharmaceutical Technology, Jadavpur University, Kolkata 700032, India
| | - Biswajit Mukherjee
- Department of Pharmaceutical Technology, Jadavpur University, Kolkata 700032, India.
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2
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Sparber P, Sharova M, Davydenko K, Pyankov D, Filatova A, Skoblov M. Deciphering the impact of coding and non-coding SCN1A gene variants on RNA splicing. Brain 2024; 147:1278-1293. [PMID: 37956038 DOI: 10.1093/brain/awad383] [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: 05/25/2023] [Revised: 09/26/2023] [Accepted: 10/26/2023] [Indexed: 11/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Variants that disrupt normal pre-mRNA splicing are increasingly being recognized as a major cause of monogenic disorders. The SCN1A gene, a key epilepsy gene that is linked to various epilepsy phenotypes, is no exception. Approximately 10% of all reported variants in the SCN1A gene are designated as splicing variants, with many located outside of the canonical donor and acceptor splice sites, and most have not been functionally investigated. However, given its restricted expression pattern, functional analysis of splicing variants in the SCN1A gene could not be routinely performed. In this study, we conducted a comprehensive analysis of all reported SCN1A variants and their potential to impact SCN1A splicing and conclude that splicing variants are substantially misannotated and under-represented. We created a splicing reporter system consisting of 18 splicing vectors covering all 26 protein-coding exons with different genomic contexts and several promoters of varying strengths in order to reproduce the wild-type splicing pattern of the SCN1A gene, revealing cis-regulatory elements essential for proper recognition of SCN1A exons. Functional analysis of 95 SCN1A variants was carried out, including all 68 intronic variants reported in the literature, located outside of the splice sites canonical dinucleotides; 21 exonic variants of different classes (synonymous, missense, nonsense and in-frame deletion) and six variants observed in patients with epilepsy. Interestingly, almost 20% of tested intronic variants had no influence on SCN1A splicing, despite being reported as causative in the literature. Moreover, we confirmed that the majority of predicted exonic variants affect splicing unravelling their true molecular mechanism. We used functional data to perform genotype-phenotype correlation, revealing distinct distribution patterns for missense and splice-affecting 'missense' variants and observed no difference in the phenotype severity of variants leading to in-frame and out-of-frame isoforms, indicating that the Nav1.1 protein is highly intolerant to structural variations. Our work demonstrates the importance of functional analysis in proper variant annotation and provides a tool for high-throughput delineation of splice-affecting variants in SCN1A in a whole-gene manner.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter Sparber
- Research Centre for Medical Genetics, Laboratory of Functional Genomics, Moscow 115478, Russia
| | - Margarita Sharova
- Research Centre for Medical Genetics, Laboratory of Functional Genomics, Moscow 115478, Russia
| | - Ksenia Davydenko
- Research Centre for Medical Genetics, Laboratory of Functional Genomics, Moscow 115478, Russia
| | - Denis Pyankov
- Genomed Ltd., Research Department, Moscow 107014, Russia
| | - Alexandra Filatova
- Research Centre for Medical Genetics, Laboratory of Functional Genomics, Moscow 115478, Russia
| | - Mikhail Skoblov
- Research Centre for Medical Genetics, Laboratory of Functional Genomics, Moscow 115478, Russia
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3
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Shi Y, Zhen X, Zhang Y, Li Y, Koo S, Saiding Q, Kong N, Liu G, Chen W, Tao W. Chemically Modified Platforms for Better RNA Therapeutics. Chem Rev 2024; 124:929-1033. [PMID: 38284616 DOI: 10.1021/acs.chemrev.3c00611] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/30/2024]
Abstract
RNA-based therapies have catalyzed a revolutionary transformation in the biomedical landscape, offering unprecedented potential in disease prevention and treatment. However, despite their remarkable achievements, these therapies encounter substantial challenges including low stability, susceptibility to degradation by nucleases, and a prominent negative charge, thereby hindering further development. Chemically modified platforms have emerged as a strategic innovation, focusing on precise alterations either on the RNA moieties or their associated delivery vectors. This comprehensive review delves into these platforms, underscoring their significance in augmenting the performance and translational prospects of RNA-based therapeutics. It encompasses an in-depth analysis of various chemically modified delivery platforms that have been instrumental in propelling RNA therapeutics toward clinical utility. Moreover, the review scrutinizes the rationale behind diverse chemical modification techniques aiming at optimizing the therapeutic efficacy of RNA molecules, thereby facilitating robust disease management. Recent empirical studies corroborating the efficacy enhancement of RNA therapeutics through chemical modifications are highlighted. Conclusively, we offer profound insights into the transformative impact of chemical modifications on RNA drugs and delineates prospective trajectories for their future development and clinical integration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yesi Shi
- Center for Nanomedicine and Department of Anesthesiology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, United States
- State Key Laboratory of Vaccines for Infectious Diseases, Xiang An Biomedicine Laboratory, National Innovation Platform for Industry-Education Integration in Vaccine Research, State Key Laboratory of Molecular Vaccinology and Molecular Diagnostics, Center for Molecular Imaging and Translational Medicine, School of Public Health, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361102, China
| | - Xueyan Zhen
- Center for Nanomedicine and Department of Anesthesiology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, United States
| | - Yiming Zhang
- Center for Nanomedicine and Department of Anesthesiology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, United States
| | - Yongjiang Li
- Center for Nanomedicine and Department of Anesthesiology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, United States
| | - Seyoung Koo
- Center for Nanomedicine and Department of Anesthesiology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, United States
| | - Qimanguli Saiding
- Center for Nanomedicine and Department of Anesthesiology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, United States
| | - Na Kong
- Center for Nanomedicine and Department of Anesthesiology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, United States
- Liangzhu Laboratory, Zhejiang University Medical Center, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Gang Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Vaccines for Infectious Diseases, Xiang An Biomedicine Laboratory, National Innovation Platform for Industry-Education Integration in Vaccine Research, State Key Laboratory of Molecular Vaccinology and Molecular Diagnostics, Center for Molecular Imaging and Translational Medicine, School of Public Health, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361102, China
| | - Wei Chen
- Center for Nanomedicine and Department of Anesthesiology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, United States
- Genomics Research Center, Academia Sinica, Taipei 11529, Taiwan
| | - Wei Tao
- Center for Nanomedicine and Department of Anesthesiology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, United States
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4
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Zhang Y, Wu ZY. Gene therapy for monogenic disorders: challenges, strategies, and perspectives. J Genet Genomics 2024; 51:133-143. [PMID: 37586590 DOI: 10.1016/j.jgg.2023.08.001] [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: 06/03/2023] [Revised: 08/02/2023] [Accepted: 08/05/2023] [Indexed: 08/18/2023]
Abstract
Monogenic disorders refer to a group of human diseases caused by mutations in single genes. While disease-modifying therapies have offered some relief from symptoms and delayed progression for some monogenic diseases, most of these diseases still lack effective treatments. In recent decades, gene therapy has emerged as a promising therapeutic strategy for genetic disorders. Researchers have developed various gene manipulation tools and gene delivery systems to treat monogenic diseases. Despite this progress, concerns about inefficient delivery, persistent expression, immunogenicity, toxicity, capacity limitation, genomic integration, and limited tissue specificity still need to be addressed. This review gives an overview of commonly used gene therapy and delivery tools, along with the challenges they face and potential strategies to counter them.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi Zhang
- Department of Medical Genetics and Center for Rare Diseases, Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310009, China; Department of Neurology, Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310009, China; Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310009, China
| | - Zhi-Ying Wu
- Department of Medical Genetics and Center for Rare Diseases, Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310009, China; Department of Neurology, Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310009, China; Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310009, China.
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5
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Studzińska S, Szymarek J, Mazurkiewicz-Bełdzińska M. Improvement of serum sample preparation and chromatographic analysis of nusinersen used for the treatment of spinal muscular atrophy. Talanta 2024; 267:125173. [PMID: 37690419 DOI: 10.1016/j.talanta.2023.125173] [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: 05/27/2023] [Revised: 08/29/2023] [Accepted: 09/05/2023] [Indexed: 09/12/2023]
Abstract
The present investigation showed that each of the three different liquid chromatography modes may be successfully used for the qualitative analysis of nusinersen metabolites in a patient's serum sample extract. However, the smallest number was detected by the hydrophilic interaction liquid chromatography. Furthermore, the response of the mass spectrometry is several times greater for ion pair chromatography compared to reversed-phase one. Various extraction methods were applied for the extraction of nusinersen metabolites from serum. Silica with bonded capture strand for hybridization was applied, as well as silica modified with amino and carboxyl groups for dispersive solid phase extraction. The hybridization allows selective extraction of nusinersen analogs, however, it fails in extraction of short metabolites. On the contrary, the efficiency of weak ion exchange-based extraction was high, even in the case of the direct extraction of nusinersen metabolites from diluted serum samples without a protein removal step. The new material is a great alternative to liquid-liquid extraction and hybridization for the isolation of nusinersen metabolites from the serum of patients with spinal muscular atrophy (SMA). It is a very simple method that uses a low concentration of organic salt and desorption occurs after changing its pH. Such complex studies were performed for the first time for nusinersen metabolites extracted from the serum of SMA patients treated with Spinraza.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sylwia Studzińska
- Chair of Environmental Chemistry and Bioanalytics, Faculty of Chemistry, Nicolaus Copernicus University in Toruń, 7 Gagarin Str., PL-87-100 Toruń, Poland; Centre for Modern Interdisciplinary Technologies, Nicolaus Copernicus University in Toruń, 4 Wilenska St., 87-100, Toruń, Poland.
| | - Jakub Szymarek
- Department of Developmental Neurology, Medical University of Gdansk, 7 Dębinki Str., PL-80-952, Gdańsk, Poland
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6
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Podlaski F, Cornwell S, Wong K, McKittrick B, Kim JH, Jung D, Jeon Y, Jung KB, Tolias P, Windsor WT. Peptide Nucleic Acids Containing Cationic/Amino-Alkyl Modified Bases Promote Enhanced Hybridization Kinetics and Thermodynamics with Single-Strand DNA. ACS OMEGA 2023; 8:33426-33436. [PMID: 37744819 PMCID: PMC10515352 DOI: 10.1021/acsomega.3c03184] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2023] [Accepted: 08/18/2023] [Indexed: 09/26/2023]
Abstract
Peptide nucleic acids (PNAs) are antisense molecules with excellent polynucleotide hybridization properties; they are resistant to nuclease degradation but often have poor cell permeability leading to moderate cellular activity and limited clinical results. The addition of cationic substitutions (positive charges) to PNA molecules greatly increases cell permeability. In this report, we describe the synthesis and polynucleotide hybridization properties of a novel cationic/amino-alkyl nucleotide base-modified PNA (OPNA). This study was designed to quantitate the effect the cationic/amino-alkyl nucleotide base modification had on the kinetic and thermodynamic properties of OPNA-DNA hybridization using surface plasmon resonance and UV thermal melt studies. Kinetic studies reveal a favorable 10-30 fold increase in affinity for a single cationic modification on the base of an adenine, cytosine, or guanidine OPNA sequence compared to the nonmodified PNA strand. The increase in affinity is correlated directly with a favorable decrease in the dissociation rate constant and increase in the association rate constant. Introducing additional amino-alkyl base modifications further favors a decrease in the dissociation rate (3-10-fold per amino-alkyl). The thermodynamics driving the OPNA hybridization is promoted by an additional favorable -80 kJ/mol enthalpy of binding for a single amino-alkyl modification compared to the PNA strand. This increase in enthalpy is consistent with an ion-ion interaction with the DNA strand. These kinetic and thermodynamic hybridization studies reveal for the first time that this type of cationic/amino-alkyl base-modified PNA has favorable hybridization properties suitable for development as an antisense oligomer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Frank Podlaski
- Department
of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Stevens
Institute of Technology, 1 Castle Point Terrace, Hoboken, New Jersey 07030, United States
| | - Stephen Cornwell
- Department
of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Stevens
Institute of Technology, 1 Castle Point Terrace, Hoboken, New Jersey 07030, United States
| | - Kenny Wong
- Department
of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Stevens
Institute of Technology, 1 Castle Point Terrace, Hoboken, New Jersey 07030, United States
| | - Brian McKittrick
- Department
of Global Sciences & Strategy, OliPass
Corporation, Yongin, Gyeonggi 17015, Republic of Korea
| | - Jae-Hun Kim
- Department
of Monomer Research, OliPass Corporation, Suwon, Gyeonggi 16229, Republic
of Korea
| | - Daram Jung
- Department
of Oligo Sciences, OliPass Corporation, Yongin, Gyeonggi 17015, Republic
of Korea
| | - Yeasel Jeon
- Department
of Oligo Sciences, OliPass Corporation, Yongin, Gyeonggi 17015, Republic
of Korea
| | - Kwang-Bok Jung
- Department
of Monomer Manufacture, OliPass Corporation, Suwon, Gyeonggi 16229, Republic
of Korea
| | - Peter Tolias
- Department
of Biology, School of Natural and Behavioral Sciences, Brooklyn College, CUNY, Brooklyn, New York 11210, United States
| | - William T. Windsor
- Department
of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Stevens
Institute of Technology, 1 Castle Point Terrace, Hoboken, New Jersey 07030, United States
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7
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Cheng Z, Cai Y, Zhang K, Zhang J, Gui H, Luo YS, Zhou J, DeVeale B. MAP3K19 regulatory variation in populations with African ancestry may increase COVID-19 severity. iScience 2023; 26:107555. [PMID: 37649700 PMCID: PMC10462844 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2023.107555] [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: 11/29/2022] [Revised: 05/20/2023] [Accepted: 08/03/2023] [Indexed: 09/01/2023] Open
Abstract
To identify ancestry-linked genetic risk variants associated with COVID-19 hospitalization, we performed an integrative analysis of two genome-wide association studies and resolved four single nucleotide polymorphisms more frequent in COVID-19-hospitalized patients with non-European ancestry. Among them, the COVID-19 risk SNP rs16831827 shows the largest difference in minor allele frequency (MAF) between populations with African and European ancestry and also shows higher MAF in hospitalized COVID-19 patients among cohorts of mixed ancestry (odds ratio [OR] = 1.20, 95% CI: 1.10-1.30) and entirely African ancestry (OR = 1.30, 95% CI: 1.02-1.67). rs16831827 is an expression quantitative trait locus of MAP3K19. MAP3K19 expression is induced during ciliogenesis and most abundant in ciliated tissues including lungs. Single-cell RNA sequencing analyses revealed that MAP3K19 is highly expressed in multiple ciliated cell types. As rs16831827∗T is associated with reduced MAP3K19 expression, it may increase the risk of severe COVID-19 by reducing MAP3K19 expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhongshan Cheng
- Center for Applied Bioinformatics, St Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 262 Danny Thomas Pl, Memphis, TN 38105, USA
| | - Yi Cai
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Regional Immunity and Diseases, Department of Pathogen Biology, Shenzhen University Medical School, Shenzhen 518000, China
| | - Ke Zhang
- The Key and Characteristic Laboratory of Modern Pathogenicity Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Guizhou Medical University, Guizhou, Guiyang 550025, China
| | - Jingxuan Zhang
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Embryonic Stem Cell Research, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan, Hubei 442000, China
| | - Hongsheng Gui
- Behavioral Health Services and Psychiatry Research, Henry Ford Health, Detroit, MI 48202, USA
| | - Yu-Si Luo
- Department of Emergency, The Affiliated Hospital of Guizhou Medical University, Guizhou, Guiyang 550004, China
| | - Jie Zhou
- Department of Microbiology, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong 999077, China
| | - Brian DeVeale
- The Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Windsor, Windsor, ON N9B 3P4, Canada
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8
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Hannauer F, Black R, Ray AD, Stulz E, Langley GJ, Holman SW. Review of fragmentation of synthetic single-stranded oligonucleotides by tandem mass spectrometry from 2014 to 2022. RAPID COMMUNICATIONS IN MASS SPECTROMETRY : RCM 2023; 37:e9596. [PMID: 37580500 PMCID: PMC10909466 DOI: 10.1002/rcm.9596] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2023] [Revised: 06/12/2023] [Accepted: 06/14/2023] [Indexed: 08/16/2023]
Abstract
The fragmentation of oligonucleotides by mass spectrometry allows for the determination of their sequences. It is necessary to understand how oligonucleotides dissociate in the gas phase, which allows interpretation of data to obtain sequence information. Since 2014, a range of fragmentation mechanisms, including a novel internal rearrangement, have been proposed using different ion dissociation techniques. The recent publications have focused on the fragmentation of modified oligonucleotides such as locked nucleic acids, modified nucleobases (methylated, spacer, nebularine and aminopurine) and modification to the carbon 2'-position on the sugar ring; these modified oligonucleotides are of great interest as therapeutics. Comparisons of different dissociation techniques have been reported, including novel approaches such as plasma electron detachment dissociation and radical transfer dissociation. This review covers the period 2014-2022 and details the new knowledge gained with respect to oligonucleotide dissociation using tandem mass spectrometry (without priori sample digestion) during that time, with a specific focus on synthetic single-stranded oligonucleotides.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fabien Hannauer
- Chemistry, Faculty of Engineering and Physical SciencesUniversity of SouthamptonSouthamptonUK
| | - Rachelle Black
- New Modalities & Parenteral Development, Pharmaceutical Technology & Development, OperationsAstraZenecaMacclesfieldUK
| | - Andrew D. Ray
- New Modalities & Parenteral Development, Pharmaceutical Technology & Development, OperationsAstraZenecaMacclesfieldUK
| | - Eugen Stulz
- Chemistry, Faculty of Engineering and Physical SciencesUniversity of SouthamptonSouthamptonUK
| | - G. John Langley
- Chemistry, Faculty of Engineering and Physical SciencesUniversity of SouthamptonSouthamptonUK
| | - Stephen W. Holman
- Chemical Development, Pharmaceutical Technology & Development, OperationsAstraZenecaMacclesfieldUK
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9
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Shi F, Zhao M, Zheng S, Zheng L, Wang H. Advances in genetic variation in metabolism-related fatty liver disease. Front Genet 2023; 14:1213916. [PMID: 37753315 PMCID: PMC10518415 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2023.1213916] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2023] [Accepted: 08/30/2023] [Indexed: 09/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Metabolism-related fatty liver disease (MAFLD) is the most common form of chronic liver disease in the world. Its pathogenesis is influenced by both environmental and genetic factors. With the upgrading of gene screening methods and the development of human genome project, whole genome scanning has been widely used to screen genes related to MAFLD, and more and more genetic variation factors related to MAFLD susceptibility have been discovered. There are genetic variants that are highly correlated with the occurrence and development of MAFLD, and there are genetic variants that are protective of MAFLD. These genetic variants affect the development of MAFLD by influencing lipid metabolism and insulin resistance. Therefore, in-depth analysis of different mechanisms of genetic variation and targeting of specific genetic variation genes may provide a new idea for the early prediction and diagnosis of diseases and individualized precision therapy, which may be a promising strategy for the treatment of MAFLD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fan Shi
- School of Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine, Harbin, China
| | - Mei Zhao
- School of Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine, Harbin, China
| | - Shudan Zheng
- School of Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine, Harbin, China
| | - Lihong Zheng
- Department of Internal Medicine, Fourth Affiliated Hospital, Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine, Harbin, China
| | - Haiqiang Wang
- Department of Internal Medicine, First Affiliated Hospital, Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine, Harbin, China
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10
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Chen X, Huang C, Nie F, Hu M. Enzyme-free and sensitive method for single-stranded nucleic acid detection based on CHA and HCR. ANALYTICAL METHODS : ADVANCING METHODS AND APPLICATIONS 2023; 15:4243-4251. [PMID: 37592315 DOI: 10.1039/d3ay00975k] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/19/2023]
Abstract
Simple, rapid, and highly sensitive methods for single-stranded nucleic acid detection are of great significance in clinical testing. Meanwhile, common methods are inseparable from the participation of enzymes, which greatly increases their complexity. Herein, an enzyme-free and sensitive method combining HCR and CHA is established to detect single-stranded nucleic acid. A target induces the auxiliary hairpin strands to open their secondary structure, exposing partial sequences that can trigger catalytic hairpin assembly (CHA) and hybridization chain reactions (HCR), respectively. To avoid additional signaling substances, 2-aminopurines (which fluoresces differently in double-stranded DNA and G-quadruplex) are modified in the substrate chains of CHA and HCR. Compared with methods that adopt CHA or HCR alone, the sensitivity of this method is increased by nearly 10 times. Moreover, this method can effectively improve the specific recognition of the target. To "turn on" the method, two regions that can pair with H5 and H6 are required. Taking foot-and-mouth disease virus (FMDV) as the object, this method can specifically detect FMDV to 2.78 × 101 TCID50. Although the sensitivity is not as good as RT-qPCR, it owns the advantages of simplicity and speed. We think this method can be used for the primary screening of FMDV, and has application potential in some grassroots.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaolong Chen
- Department of Geriatrics and Special Services Medicine, Xinqiao Hospital, Army Military Medical University, Chongqing 400037, China.
| | - Chaowang Huang
- Department of Geriatrics and Special Services Medicine, Xinqiao Hospital, Army Military Medical University, Chongqing 400037, China.
| | - Fuping Nie
- State Key Laboratory of Cattle Diseases Detection (Chongqing), Chongqing Customs Technology Center, Chongqing, 400020, P. R. China
| | - Mingdong Hu
- Department of Geriatrics and Special Services Medicine, Xinqiao Hospital, Army Military Medical University, Chongqing 400037, China.
- Department of Health Management, Xinqiao Hospital, Army Military Medical University, Chongqing 400037, China
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11
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Guo Z, Zhou J, Yu Y, Krishnan N, Noh I, Zhu AT, Borum RM, Gao W, Fang RH, Zhang L. Immunostimulatory DNA Hydrogel Enhances Protective Efficacy of Nanotoxoids against Bacterial Infection. ADVANCED MATERIALS (DEERFIELD BEACH, FLA.) 2023; 35:e2211717. [PMID: 37097076 PMCID: PMC10528024 DOI: 10.1002/adma.202211717] [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: 12/14/2022] [Revised: 03/25/2023] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
While vaccines have been highly successful in protecting against various infections, there are still many high-priority pathogens for which there are no clinically approved formulations. To overcome this challenge, researchers have explored the use of nanoparticulate strategies for more effective antigen delivery to the immune system. Along these lines, nanotoxoids are a promising biomimetic platform that leverages cell membrane coating technology to safely deliver otherwise toxic bacterial antigens in their native form for antivirulence vaccination. Here, in order to further boost their immunogenicity, nanotoxoids formulated against staphylococcal α-hemolysin are embedded into a DNA-based hydrogel with immunostimulatory CpG motifs. The resulting nanoparticle-hydrogel composite is injectable and improves the in vivo delivery of vaccine antigens while simultaneously stimulating nearby immune cells. This leads to elevated antibody production and stronger antigen-specific cellular immune responses. In murine models of pneumonia and skin infection caused by methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, mice vaccinated with the hybrid vaccine formulation are well-protected. This work highlights the benefits of combining nanoparticulate antigen delivery systems with immunostimulatory hydrogels into a single platform, and the approach can be readily generalized to a wide range of infectious diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhongyuan Guo
- Department of NanoEngineering, Chemical Engineering Program, and Moores Cancer Center, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA
| | - Jiarong Zhou
- Department of NanoEngineering, Chemical Engineering Program, and Moores Cancer Center, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA
| | - Yiyan Yu
- Department of NanoEngineering, Chemical Engineering Program, and Moores Cancer Center, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA
| | - Nishta Krishnan
- Department of NanoEngineering, Chemical Engineering Program, and Moores Cancer Center, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA
| | - Ilkoo Noh
- Department of NanoEngineering, Chemical Engineering Program, and Moores Cancer Center, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA
| | - Audrey Ting Zhu
- Department of NanoEngineering, Chemical Engineering Program, and Moores Cancer Center, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA
| | - Raina M Borum
- Department of NanoEngineering, Chemical Engineering Program, and Moores Cancer Center, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA
| | - Weiwei Gao
- Department of NanoEngineering, Chemical Engineering Program, and Moores Cancer Center, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA
| | - Ronnie H Fang
- Department of NanoEngineering, Chemical Engineering Program, and Moores Cancer Center, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA
| | - Liangfang Zhang
- Department of NanoEngineering, Chemical Engineering Program, and Moores Cancer Center, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA
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12
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Schellens RT, Broekman S, Peters T, Graave P, Malinar L, Venselaar H, Kremer H, De Vrieze E, Van Wijk E. A protein domain-oriented approach to expand the opportunities of therapeutic exon skipping for USH2A-associated retinitis pigmentosa. MOLECULAR THERAPY. NUCLEIC ACIDS 2023; 32:980-994. [PMID: 37313440 PMCID: PMC10258241 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtn.2023.05.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2022] [Accepted: 05/17/2023] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Loss-of-function mutations in USH2A are among the most common causes of syndromic and non-syndromic retinitis pigmentosa (RP). We previously presented skipping of USH2A exon 13 as a promising treatment paradigm for USH2A-associated RP. However, RP-associated mutations are often private, and evenly distributed along the USH2A gene. In order to broaden the group of patients that could benefit from therapeutic exon skipping strategies, we expanded our approach to other USH2A exons in which unique loss-of-function mutations have been reported by implementing a protein domain-oriented dual exon skipping strategy. We first generated zebrafish mutants carrying a genomic deletion of the orthologous exons of the frequently mutated human USH2A exons 30-31 or 39-40 using CRISPR-Cas9. Excision of these in-frame combinations of exons restored usherin expression in the zebrafish retina and rescued the photopigment mislocalization typically observed in ush2a mutants. To translate these findings into a future treatment in humans, we employed in vitro assays to identify and validate antisense oligonucleotides (ASOs) with a high potency for sequence-specific dual exon skipping. Together, the in vitro and in vivo data demonstrate protein domain-oriented ASO-induced dual exon skipping to be a highly promising treatment option for RP caused by mutations in USH2A.
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Affiliation(s)
- Renske T.W. Schellens
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Hearing and Genes, Radboud University Medical Center, 6525GA Nijmegen, the Netherlands
- Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, 6500 GL Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - Sanne Broekman
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Hearing and Genes, Radboud University Medical Center, 6525GA Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - Theo Peters
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Hearing and Genes, Radboud University Medical Center, 6525GA Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - Pam Graave
- Department of Human Genetics, Radboud University Medical Center, 6525 GA Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - Lucija Malinar
- Center for Molecular and Biomolecular Informatics, Radboud University Medical Center, 6525 GA Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - Hanka Venselaar
- Center for Molecular and Biomolecular Informatics, Radboud University Medical Center, 6525 GA Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - Hannie Kremer
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Hearing and Genes, Radboud University Medical Center, 6525GA Nijmegen, the Netherlands
- Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, 6500 GL Nijmegen, the Netherlands
- Department of Human Genetics, Radboud University Medical Center, 6525 GA Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - Erik De Vrieze
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Hearing and Genes, Radboud University Medical Center, 6525GA Nijmegen, the Netherlands
- Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, 6500 GL Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - Erwin Van Wijk
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Hearing and Genes, Radboud University Medical Center, 6525GA Nijmegen, the Netherlands
- Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, 6500 GL Nijmegen, the Netherlands
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13
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Marasco LE, Kornblihtt AR. The physiology of alternative splicing. Nat Rev Mol Cell Biol 2023; 24:242-254. [PMID: 36229538 DOI: 10.1038/s41580-022-00545-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 88] [Impact Index Per Article: 88.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Alternative splicing is a substantial contributor to the high complexity of transcriptomes of multicellular eukaryotes. In this Review, we discuss the accumulated evidence that most of this complexity is reflected at the protein level and fundamentally shapes the physiology and pathology of organisms. This notion is supported not only by genome-wide analyses but, mainly, by detailed studies showing that global and gene-specific modulations of alternative splicing regulate highly diverse processes such as tissue-specific and species-specific cell differentiation, thermal regulation, neuron self-avoidance, infrared sensing, the Warburg effect, maintenance of telomere length, cancer and autism spectrum disorders (ASD). We also discuss how mastering the control of alternative splicing paved the way to clinically approved therapies for hereditary diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luciano E Marasco
- Universidad de Buenos Aires (UBA), Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Departamento de Fisiología, Biología Moleculary Celular and CONICET-UBA, Instituto de Fisiología, Biología Molecular y Neurociencias (IFIBYNE), Buenos Aires, Argentina
- Sir William Dunn School of Pathology, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Alberto R Kornblihtt
- Universidad de Buenos Aires (UBA), Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Departamento de Fisiología, Biología Moleculary Celular and CONICET-UBA, Instituto de Fisiología, Biología Molecular y Neurociencias (IFIBYNE), Buenos Aires, Argentina.
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14
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How does precursor RNA structure influence RNA processing and gene expression? Biosci Rep 2023; 43:232489. [PMID: 36689327 PMCID: PMC9977717 DOI: 10.1042/bsr20220149] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2022] [Revised: 01/17/2023] [Accepted: 01/23/2023] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
RNA is a fundamental biomolecule that has many purposes within cells. Due to its single-stranded and flexible nature, RNA naturally folds into complex and dynamic structures. Recent technological and computational advances have produced an explosion of RNA structural data. Many RNA structures have regulatory and functional properties. Studying the structure of nascent RNAs is particularly challenging due to their low abundance and long length, but their structures are important because they can influence RNA processing. Precursor RNA processing is a nexus of pathways that determines mature isoform composition and that controls gene expression. In this review, we examine what is known about human nascent RNA structure and the influence of RNA structure on processing of precursor RNAs. These known structures provide examples of how other nascent RNAs may be structured and show how novel RNA structures may influence RNA processing including splicing and polyadenylation. RNA structures can be targeted therapeutically to treat disease.
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15
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Brooks PJ, Urv TK, Parisi MA. Gene-targeted therapies: Overview and implications. AMERICAN JOURNAL OF MEDICAL GENETICS. PART C, SEMINARS IN MEDICAL GENETICS 2023; 193:13-18. [PMID: 36864710 DOI: 10.1002/ajmg.c.32033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2022] [Revised: 01/10/2023] [Accepted: 01/11/2023] [Indexed: 03/04/2023]
Abstract
Gene-targeted therapies (GTTs) are therapeutic platforms that are in principle applicable to large numbers of monogenic diseases. The rapid development and implementation of GTTs have profound implications for rare monogenic disease therapy development. This article provides a brief summary of the primary types of GTTs and a brief overview of the current state of the science. It also serves as a primer for the articles in this special issue.
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Affiliation(s)
- P J Brooks
- National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Tiina K Urv
- National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Melissa A Parisi
- Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
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16
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Braatz C, Komes MP, Ravichandran KA, de Fragas MG, Griep A, Schwartz S, McManus RM, Heneka MT. NLRP3-directed antisense oligonucleotides reduce microglial immunoactivities in vitro. J Neurochem 2023. [PMID: 36799439 DOI: 10.1111/jnc.15778] [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: 10/19/2022] [Revised: 01/20/2023] [Accepted: 02/02/2023] [Indexed: 02/18/2023]
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is associated with the cerebral deposition of Amyloid-β (Aβ) peptide, which leads to NLRP3 inflammasome activation and subsequent release of interleukin-1β (IL-1β) and interleukin-18 (IL-18). NLRP3 reduction has been found to increase microglial clearance, protect from synapse loss, and suppress both the changes to synaptic plasticity and spatial memory dysfunction observed in murine AD models. Here, we test whether NLRP3-directed antisense oligonucleotides (ASOs) can be harnessed as immune modulators in primary murine microglia and human THP-1 cells. NLRP3 mRNA degradation was achieved at 72 h of ASO treatment in primary murine microglia. Consequently, NLRP3-directed ASOs significantly reduced the levels of cleaved caspase-1 and mature IL-1β when microglia were either activated by LPS and nigericin or LPS and Aβ. In human THP-1 cells NLRP3-targeted ASOs also significantly reduced the LPS plus nigericin- or LPS plus Aβ-induced release of mature IL-1β. Together, NLRP3-directed ASOs can suppress NLRP3 inflammasome activity and subsequent release of IL-1β in primary murine microglia and THP-1 cells. ASOs may represent a new and alternative approach to modulate NLRP3 inflammasome activation in neurodegenerative diseases, in addition to attempts to inhibit the complex pharmacologically.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charlotte Braatz
- Institute for Innate Immunity, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Max P Komes
- Institute for Innate Immunity, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Kishore Aravind Ravichandran
- Institute for Innate Immunity, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany.,German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Bonn, Germany
| | - Matheus Garcia de Fragas
- Institute for Innate Immunity, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany.,German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Bonn, Germany.,Department of Immunology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Angelika Griep
- Institute for Innate Immunity, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany.,German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Bonn, Germany
| | | | - Róisín M McManus
- Institute for Innate Immunity, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany.,German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Bonn, Germany
| | - Michael T Heneka
- Institute for Innate Immunity, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany.,Department of Infectious Diseases and Immunology, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts, USA.,Luxembourg Centre for Systems Biomedicine, University of Luxembourg, Belvaux, Luxembourg
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17
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Takakusa H, Iwazaki N, Nishikawa M, Yoshida T, Obika S, Inoue T. Drug Metabolism and Pharmacokinetics of Antisense Oligonucleotide Therapeutics: Typical Profiles, Evaluation Approaches, and Points to Consider Compared with Small Molecule Drugs. Nucleic Acid Ther 2023; 33:83-94. [PMID: 36735616 PMCID: PMC10066781 DOI: 10.1089/nat.2022.0054] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Oligonucleotide therapeutics are attracting attention as a new treatment modality for a range of diseases that have been difficult to target using conventional approaches. Technical advances in chemical modification and drug delivery systems have led to the generation of compounds with excellent profiles as pharmaceuticals, and 16 oligonucleotide therapeutics have been marketed to date. There is a growing need to develop optimal and efficient approaches to evaluate drug metabolism and pharmacokinetics (DMPK) and drug-drug interactions (DDIs) of oligonucleotide therapeutics. The DMPK/DDI profiles of small molecule drugs are highly diverse depending on their structural and physicochemical characteristics, whereas oligonucleotide therapeutics share similar DMPK profiles within each chemistry type. Most importantly, the mechanisms and molecules involved in the distribution and metabolism of oligonucleotides differ from those of small molecules. In addition, there are considerations regarding experimental approaches in the evaluation of oligonucleotides, such as bioanalytical challenges, the use of radiolabeled tracers, materials for in vitro metabolism/DDI studies, and methods to study biodistribution. In this review, we attempt to summarize the DMPK characteristics of antisense oligonucleotide (ASO) therapeutics and discuss some of the issues regarding how to optimize the evaluation and prediction of the DMPK and DDI of ASOs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hideo Takakusa
- Drug Metabolism & Pharmacokinetics Research Laboratories, Daiichi Sankyo Co., Ltd., Tokyo, Japan
| | - Norihiko Iwazaki
- Sohyaku. Innovative Research Division, Mitsubishi Tanabe Pharma Corp., Yokohama, Japan
| | - Makiya Nishikawa
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Tokyo University of Science, Noda, Japan
| | - Tokuyuki Yoshida
- Division of Molecular Target and Gene Therapy Products, National Institute of Health Sciences, Kawasaki, Japan.,Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Osaka University, Suita, Japan
| | - Satoshi Obika
- Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Osaka University, Suita, Japan
| | - Takao Inoue
- Division of Molecular Target and Gene Therapy Products, National Institute of Health Sciences, Kawasaki, Japan.,Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Osaka University, Suita, Japan
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18
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RNA-targeting strategies as a platform for ocular gene therapy. Prog Retin Eye Res 2023; 92:101110. [PMID: 35840489 DOI: 10.1016/j.preteyeres.2022.101110] [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: 04/25/2022] [Revised: 06/28/2022] [Accepted: 07/06/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
Genetic medicine is offering hope as new therapies are emerging for many previously untreatable diseases. The eye is at the forefront of these advances, as exemplified by the approval of Luxturna® by the United States Food and Drug Administration (US FDA) in 2017 for the treatment of one form of Leber Congenital Amaurosis (LCA), an inherited blindness. Luxturna® was also the first in vivo human gene therapy to gain US FDA approval. Numerous gene therapy clinical trials are ongoing for other eye diseases, and novel delivery systems, discovery of new drug targets and emerging technologies are currently driving the field forward. Targeting RNA, in particular, is an attractive therapeutic strategy for genetic disease that may have safety advantages over alternative approaches by avoiding permanent changes in the genome. In this regard, antisense oligonucleotides (ASO) and RNA interference (RNAi) are the currently popular strategies for developing RNA-targeted therapeutics. Enthusiasm has been further fuelled by the emergence of clustered regularly interspersed short palindromic repeats (CRISPR)-CRISPR associated (Cas) systems that allow targeted manipulation of nucleic acids. RNA-targeting CRISPR-Cas systems now provide a novel way to develop RNA-targeted therapeutics and may provide superior efficiency and specificity to existing technologies. In addition, RNA base editing technologies using CRISPR-Cas and other modalities also enable precise alteration of single nucleotides. In this review, we showcase advances made by RNA-targeting systems for ocular disease, discuss applications of ASO and RNAi technologies, highlight emerging CRISPR-Cas systems and consider the implications of RNA-targeting therapeutics in the development of future drugs to treat eye disease.
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19
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Lee SH, Ng CX, Wong SR, Chong PP. MiRNAs Overexpression and Their Role in Breast Cancer: Implications for Cancer Therapeutics. Curr Drug Targets 2023; 24:484-508. [PMID: 36999414 DOI: 10.2174/1389450124666230329123409] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2022] [Revised: 12/20/2022] [Accepted: 01/30/2023] [Indexed: 04/01/2023]
Abstract
MicroRNAs have a plethora of roles in various biological processes in the cells and most human cancers have been shown to be associated with dysregulation of the expression of miRNA genes. MiRNA biogenesis involves two alternative pathways, the canonical pathway which requires the successful cooperation of various proteins forming the miRNA-inducing silencing complex (miRISC), and the non-canonical pathway, such as the mirtrons, simtrons, or agotrons pathway, which bypasses and deviates from specific steps in the canonical pathway. Mature miRNAs are secreted from cells and circulated in the body bound to argonaute 2 (AGO2) and miRISC or transported in vesicles. These miRNAs may regulate their downstream target genes via positive or negative regulation through different molecular mechanisms. This review focuses on the role and mechanisms of miRNAs in different stages of breast cancer progression, including breast cancer stem cell formation, breast cancer initiation, invasion, and metastasis as well as angiogenesis. The design, chemical modifications, and therapeutic applications of synthetic anti-sense miRNA oligonucleotides and RNA mimics are also discussed in detail. The strategies for systemic delivery and local targeted delivery of the antisense miRNAs encompass the use of polymeric and liposomal nanoparticles, inorganic nanoparticles, extracellular vesicles, as well as viral vectors and viruslike particles (VLPs). Although several miRNAs have been identified as good candidates for the design of antisense and other synthetic modified oligonucleotides in targeting breast cancer, further efforts are still needed to study the most optimal delivery method in order to drive the research beyond preclinical studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sau Har Lee
- School of Biosciences, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, Taylor's University, Subang Jaya, Selangor, Malaysia
- Centre for Drug Discovery and Molecular Pharmacology (CDDMP), Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, Taylor's University, Subang Jaya, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Chu Xin Ng
- School of Biosciences, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, Taylor's University, Subang Jaya, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Sharon Rachel Wong
- School of Biosciences, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, Taylor's University, Subang Jaya, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Pei Pei Chong
- School of Biosciences, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, Taylor's University, Subang Jaya, Selangor, Malaysia
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20
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Farzan M, Ross A, Müller C, Allmendinger A. Liquid crystal phase formation and non-Newtonian behavior of oligonucleotide formulations. Eur J Pharm Biopharm 2022; 181:270-281. [PMID: 36435312 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejpb.2022.11.021] [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: 09/26/2022] [Revised: 11/16/2022] [Accepted: 11/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Viscosity behavior of liquid oligonucleotide therapeutics and its dependence on formulation properties has been poorly studied to date. We observed a high increase in viscosity and solidification of therapeutic oligonucleotide formulations with increasing oligonucleotide concentration creating challenges during drug product manufacturing. In this study, we characterized the viscosity behavior of three different single strand DNA oligonucleotides based on oligonucleotide concentration and formulation composition. We subsequently studied the underlying mechanism for increased viscosity at higher oligonucleotide concentrations by dynamic light scattering (DLS), 1H nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), and polarized light microscopy. Viscosity was highly dependent on formulation composition, oligonucleotide sequence, and concentration, and especially dependent on the presence and combination of different individual ions, such as the presence of sodium chloride in the formulation. In samples with elevated viscosity, the viscosity behavior was characterized by non-Newtonian, shear-thinning flow behavior. We further studied these samples by DLS and 1H NMR, which revealed the presence of supra-molecular assemblies, and further characterization by polarized light and DSC characterized these assemblies as liquid crystals in the formulation. The present study links the macroscopic viscosity behavior of oligonucleotide formulations to the formation of supra-molecular assemblies and to the presence of liquid crystals, and highlights the importance of formulation composition selection for these therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maryam Farzan
- Pharmaceutical Development & Supplies, Pharmaceutical Technical Development Biologics Europe, F. Hoffmann-La Roche, Grenzacherstr. 124, 4070 Basel, Switzerland.
| | - Alfred Ross
- Pharmaceutical Research and Early Development, F. Hoffmann-La Roche, Grenzacherstr. 124, 4070 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Claudia Müller
- Pharmaceutical Development & Supplies, Pharmaceutical Technical Development Biologics Europe, F. Hoffmann-La Roche, Grenzacherstr. 124, 4070 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Andrea Allmendinger
- Pharmaceutical Development & Supplies, Pharmaceutical Technical Development Biologics Europe, F. Hoffmann-La Roche, Grenzacherstr. 124, 4070 Basel, Switzerland; Pharmaceutical Technology and Biopharmacy, University of Freiburg, Sonnenstr. 5, 79104 Freiburg, Germany.
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21
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Zhai J, Koh JH, Soong TW. RNA editing of ion channels and receptors in physiology and neurological disorders. OXFORD OPEN NEUROSCIENCE 2022; 1:kvac010. [PMID: 38596706 PMCID: PMC11003377 DOI: 10.1093/oons/kvac010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2022] [Revised: 04/14/2022] [Accepted: 05/15/2022] [Indexed: 04/11/2024]
Abstract
Adenosine-to-inosine (A-to-I) RNA editing is a post-transcriptional modification that diversifies protein functions by recoding RNA or alters protein quantity by regulating mRNA level. A-to-I editing is catalyzed by adenosine deaminases that act on RNA. Millions of editing sites have been reported, but they are mostly found in non-coding sequences. However, there are also several recoding editing sites in transcripts coding for ion channels or transporters that have been shown to play important roles in physiology and changes in editing level are associated with neurological diseases. These editing sites are not only found to be evolutionary conserved across species, but they are also dynamically regulated spatially, developmentally and by environmental factors. In this review, we discuss the current knowledge of A-to-I RNA editing of ion channels and receptors in the context of their roles in physiology and pathological disease. We also discuss the regulation of editing events and site-directed RNA editing approaches for functional study that offer a therapeutic pathway for clinical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Zhai
- Department of Physiology, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117593, Singapore
| | - Joanne Huifen Koh
- Department of Physiology, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117593, Singapore
| | - Tuck Wah Soong
- Department of Physiology, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117593, Singapore
- Healthy Longevity Translational Research Programme, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore,
Singapore 117456, Singapore
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22
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Tuning the Stability of the Polyplex Nanovesicles of Oligonucleotides via a Zinc (II)-Coordinative Strategy. CHINESE JOURNAL OF POLYMER SCIENCE 2022. [DOI: 10.1007/s10118-022-2764-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
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23
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Nashimoto M. TRUE Gene Silencing. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:5387. [PMID: 35628198 PMCID: PMC9141469 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23105387] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2022] [Revised: 05/09/2022] [Accepted: 05/10/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
TRUE gene silencing is an RNA-mediated gene expression control technology and is termed after tRNase ZL-utilizing efficacious gene silencing. In this review, I overview the potentiality of small guide RNA (sgRNA) for TRUE gene silencing as novel therapeutics. First, I describe the physiology of tRNase ZL and cellular small RNA, and then sgRNA and TRUE gene silencing. An endoribonuclease, tRNase ZL, which can efficiently remove a 3' trailer from pre-tRNA, is thought to play the role in tRNA maturation in the nucleus and mitochondria. There exist various small RNAs including miRNA and fragments from tRNA and rRNA, which can function as sgRNA, in living cells, and human cells appear to be harnessing cytosolic tRNase ZL for gene regulation together with these small RNAs. By utilizing the property of tRNase ZL to recognize and cleave micro-pre-tRNA, a pre-tRNA-like or micro-pre-tRNA-like complex, as well as pre-tRNA, tRNase ZL can be made to cleave any target RNA at any desired site under the direction of an artificial sgRNA that binds a target RNA and forms the pre-tRNA-like or micro-pre-tRNA-like complex. This general RNA cleavage method underlies TRUE gene silencing. Various examples of the application of TRUE gene silencing are reviewed including the application to several human cancer cells in order to induce apoptosis. Lastly, I discuss the potentiality of sgRNA as novel therapeutics for multiple myeloma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Masayuki Nashimoto
- Research Institute for Healthy Living, Niigata University of Pharmacy and Applied Life Sciences, Niigata 956-8603, Japan
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24
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Carmack SA, Vendruscolo JCM, Adrienne McGinn M, Miranda-Barrientos J, Repunte-Canonigo V, Bosse GD, Mercatelli D, Giorgi FM, Fu Y, Hinrich AJ, Jodelka FM, Ling K, Messing RO, Peterson RT, Rigo F, Edwards S, Sanna PP, Morales M, Hastings ML, Koob GF, Vendruscolo LF. Corticosteroid sensitization drives opioid addiction. Mol Psychiatry 2022; 27:2492-2501. [PMID: 35296810 PMCID: PMC10406162 DOI: 10.1038/s41380-022-01501-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2021] [Revised: 02/02/2022] [Accepted: 02/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
The global crisis of opioid overdose fatalities has led to an urgent search to discover the neurobiological mechanisms of opioid use disorder (OUD). A driving force for OUD is the dysphoric and emotionally painful state (hyperkatifeia) that is produced during acute and protracted opioid withdrawal. Here, we explored a mechanistic role for extrahypothalamic stress systems in driving opioid addiction. We found that glucocorticoid receptor (GR) antagonism with mifepristone reduced opioid addiction-like behaviors in rats and zebrafish of both sexes and decreased the firing of corticotropin-releasing factor neurons in the rat amygdala (i.e., a marker of brain stress system activation). In support of the hypothesized role of glucocorticoid transcriptional regulation of extrahypothalamic GRs in addiction-like behavior, an intra-amygdala infusion of an antisense oligonucleotide that blocked GR transcriptional activity reduced addiction-like behaviors. Finally, we identified transcriptional adaptations of GR signaling in the amygdala of humans with OUD. Thus, GRs, their coregulators, and downstream systems may represent viable therapeutic targets to treat the "stress side" of OUD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephanie A Carmack
- Integrative Neuroscience Research Branch, National Institute on Drug Abuse, Intramural Research Program, National Institute of Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Center for Adaptive Systems of Brain-Body Interactions, George Mason University, Fairfax, VA, USA
| | - Janaina C M Vendruscolo
- Integrative Neuroscience Research Branch, National Institute on Drug Abuse, Intramural Research Program, National Institute of Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - M Adrienne McGinn
- Integrative Neuroscience Research Branch, National Institute on Drug Abuse, Intramural Research Program, National Institute of Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Jorge Miranda-Barrientos
- Integrative Neuroscience Research Branch, National Institute on Drug Abuse, Intramural Research Program, National Institute of Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Vez Repunte-Canonigo
- Department of Immunology and Microbiology, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Gabriel D Bosse
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - Daniele Mercatelli
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Federico M Giorgi
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Yu Fu
- Department of Immunology and Microbiology, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Anthony J Hinrich
- Center for Genetic Diseases, Chicago Medical School, Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science, North Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Francine M Jodelka
- Center for Genetic Diseases, Chicago Medical School, Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science, North Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Karen Ling
- Ionis Pharmaceuticals, Carlsbad, CA, USA
| | - Robert O Messing
- Waggoner Center for Alcohol and Addiction Research, Department of Neuroscience and Neurology, University of Texas, Austin, TX, USA
| | - Randall T Peterson
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - Frank Rigo
- Ionis Pharmaceuticals, Carlsbad, CA, USA
| | - Scott Edwards
- Department of Physiology, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, New Orleans, LA, USA
| | - Pietro P Sanna
- Department of Immunology and Microbiology, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Marisela Morales
- Integrative Neuroscience Research Branch, National Institute on Drug Abuse, Intramural Research Program, National Institute of Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Michelle L Hastings
- Center for Genetic Diseases, Chicago Medical School, Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science, North Chicago, IL, USA
| | - George F Koob
- Integrative Neuroscience Research Branch, National Institute on Drug Abuse, Intramural Research Program, National Institute of Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Leandro F Vendruscolo
- Integrative Neuroscience Research Branch, National Institute on Drug Abuse, Intramural Research Program, National Institute of Health, Baltimore, MD, USA.
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Poornima G, Harini K, Pallavi P, Gowtham P, Girigoswami K, Girigoswami A. RNA – A choice of potential drug delivery system. INT J POLYM MATER PO 2022. [DOI: 10.1080/00914037.2022.2058946] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Govindharaj Poornima
- Medical Bionanotechnology, Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, Chettinad Hospital & Research Institute (CHRI), Chettinad Academy of Research and Education (CARE), Kelambakkam, Chennai 603103, India
| | - Karthick Harini
- Medical Bionanotechnology, Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, Chettinad Hospital & Research Institute (CHRI), Chettinad Academy of Research and Education (CARE), Kelambakkam, Chennai 603103, India
| | - Pragya Pallavi
- Medical Bionanotechnology, Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, Chettinad Hospital & Research Institute (CHRI), Chettinad Academy of Research and Education (CARE), Kelambakkam, Chennai 603103, India
| | - Pemula Gowtham
- Medical Bionanotechnology, Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, Chettinad Hospital & Research Institute (CHRI), Chettinad Academy of Research and Education (CARE), Kelambakkam, Chennai 603103, India
| | - Koyeli Girigoswami
- Medical Bionanotechnology, Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, Chettinad Hospital & Research Institute (CHRI), Chettinad Academy of Research and Education (CARE), Kelambakkam, Chennai 603103, India
| | - Agnishwar Girigoswami
- Medical Bionanotechnology, Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, Chettinad Hospital & Research Institute (CHRI), Chettinad Academy of Research and Education (CARE), Kelambakkam, Chennai 603103, India
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Pong AW, Ross J, Tyrlikova I, Giermek AJ, Kohli MP, Khan YA, Salgado RD, Klein P. Epilepsy: Expert opinion on emerging drugs in phase 2/3 clinical trials. Expert Opin Emerg Drugs 2022; 27:75-90. [PMID: 35341431 DOI: 10.1080/14728214.2022.2059464] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Despite the existence of over 30 anti-seizure medications (ASM), including 20 over the last 30 years, a third of patients with epilepsy remain refractory to treatment, with no disease-modifying or preventive therapies until very recently. The development of new ASMs with new mechanisms of action is therefore critical. Recent clinical trials of new treatments have shifted focus from the traditional common epilepsies to rare, genetic epilepsies with known mechanistic targets for treatment and disease-specific animal models. AREAS COVERED ASMs in phase 2a/b and 3 clinical trials target cholesterol, serotonin, sigma-1 receptors, potassium channels and metabotrobic glutamate receptors. Neuroinflammation, protein misfolding, abnormal thalamocortical firing, and molecular deficiencies are among the targeted pathways. Clinically, the current phase 2a/b-3 agents hold promise for variety of epilepsy conditions, from developmental epileptic encephalopathies (Dravet Syndrome, Lennox-Gastaut syndrome, CDKL5 and PCDH19, Rett's Syndrome), Infantile Spasms, Tuberous Sclerosis as well as focal and idiopathic generalized epilepsies and acute rescue therapy for cluster seizures. EXPERT OPINION New delivery mechanisms increase potency and site-specificity of existing drugs. Novel mechanisms of action involve cholesterol degradation, mitochondrial pathways, anti-inflammation and neuro-regeneration. Earlier identification of genetic conditions through genetic testing will allow for earlier use of disease specific and disease-modifying therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amanda W Pong
- Comprehensive Neurology Clinics of Bethesda, Mid-Atlantic Epilepsy and Sleep Center,Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Jonathan Ross
- Comprehensive Neurology Clinics of Bethesda, Mid-Atlantic Epilepsy and Sleep Center,Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Ivana Tyrlikova
- Comprehensive Neurology Clinics of Bethesda, Mid-Atlantic Epilepsy and Sleep Center,Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Alexander J Giermek
- Comprehensive Neurology Clinics of Bethesda, Mid-Atlantic Epilepsy and Sleep Center,Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Maya P Kohli
- Comprehensive Neurology Clinics of Bethesda, Mid-Atlantic Epilepsy and Sleep Center,Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Yousef A Khan
- Comprehensive Neurology Clinics of Bethesda, Mid-Atlantic Epilepsy and Sleep Center,Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Roger D Salgado
- Comprehensive Neurology Clinics of Bethesda, Mid-Atlantic Epilepsy and Sleep Center,Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Pavel Klein
- Comprehensive Neurology Clinics of Bethesda, Mid-Atlantic Epilepsy and Sleep Center,Bethesda, MD, USA
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27
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Kupryushkin MS, Filatov AV, Mironova NL, Patutina OA, Chernikov IV, Chernolovskaya EL, Zenkova MA, Pyshnyi DV, Stetsenko DA, Altman S, Vlassov VV. Antisense oligonucleotide gapmers containing phosphoryl guanidine groups reverse MDR1-mediated multiple drug resistance of tumor cells. MOLECULAR THERAPY. NUCLEIC ACIDS 2022; 27:211-226. [PMID: 34976439 PMCID: PMC8693280 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtn.2021.11.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2021] [Accepted: 11/28/2021] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
Antisense gapmer oligonucleotides containing phosphoryl guanidine (PG) groups, e.g., 1,3-dimethylimidazolidin-2-imine, at three to five internucleotidic positions adjacent to the 3' and 5' ends were prepared via the Staudinger chemistry, which is compatible with conditions of standard automated solid-phase phosphoramidite synthesis for phosphodiester and, notably, phosphorothioate linkages, and allows one to design a variety of gapmeric structures with alternating linkages, and deoxyribose or 2'-O-methylribose backbone. PG modifications increased nuclease resistance in serum-containing medium for more than 21 days. Replacing two internucleotidic phosphates by PG groups in phosphorothioate-modified oligonucleotides did not decrease their cellular uptake in the absence of lipid carriers. Increasing the number of PG groups from two to seven per oligonucleotide reduced their ability to enter the cells in the carrier-free mode. Cationic liposomes provided similar delivery efficiency of both partially PG-modified and unmodified oligonucleotides. PG-gapmers were designed containing three to four PG groups at both wings and a central "window" of seven deoxynucleotides with either phosphodiester or phosphorothioate linkages targeted to MDR1 mRNA providing multiple drug resistance of tumor cells. Gapmers efficiently silenced MDR1 mRNA and restored the sensitivity of tumor cells to chemotherapeutics. Thus, PG-gapmers can be considered as novel, promising types of antisense oligonucleotides for targeting biologically relevant RNAs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maxim S Kupryushkin
- Institute of Chemical Biology and Fundamental Medicine SB RAS, Lavrentiev Ave., 8, Novosibirsk 630090, Russia
| | - Anton V Filatov
- Institute of Chemical Biology and Fundamental Medicine SB RAS, Lavrentiev Ave., 8, Novosibirsk 630090, Russia
| | - Nadezhda L Mironova
- Institute of Chemical Biology and Fundamental Medicine SB RAS, Lavrentiev Ave., 8, Novosibirsk 630090, Russia
| | - Olga A Patutina
- Institute of Chemical Biology and Fundamental Medicine SB RAS, Lavrentiev Ave., 8, Novosibirsk 630090, Russia
| | - Ivan V Chernikov
- Institute of Chemical Biology and Fundamental Medicine SB RAS, Lavrentiev Ave., 8, Novosibirsk 630090, Russia
| | - Elena L Chernolovskaya
- Institute of Chemical Biology and Fundamental Medicine SB RAS, Lavrentiev Ave., 8, Novosibirsk 630090, Russia
| | - Marina A Zenkova
- Institute of Chemical Biology and Fundamental Medicine SB RAS, Lavrentiev Ave., 8, Novosibirsk 630090, Russia
| | - Dmitrii V Pyshnyi
- Institute of Chemical Biology and Fundamental Medicine SB RAS, Lavrentiev Ave., 8, Novosibirsk 630090, Russia
| | - Dmitry A Stetsenko
- Department of Physics, Novosibirsk State University, Pirogov Str. 2, Novosibirsk 630090, Russia.,Institute of Cytology and Genetics, Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Lavrentiev Ave. 10, Novosibirsk 630090, Russia
| | - Sidney Altman
- Department of Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology, Yale University, New Haven, CT 06520, USA.,Life Sciences, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ 85281, USA.,Montreal Clinical Research Institute, Montreal QC H2W 1R7, Canada
| | - Valentin V Vlassov
- Institute of Chemical Biology and Fundamental Medicine SB RAS, Lavrentiev Ave., 8, Novosibirsk 630090, Russia
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González-Olvera JC, Zamorano-Carrillo A, Arreola-Jardón G, Pless RC. Residue interactions affecting the deprotonation of internal guanine moieties in oligodeoxyribonucleotides, calculated by FMO methods. J Mol Model 2022; 28:43. [DOI: 10.1007/s00894-022-05033-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2021] [Accepted: 01/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
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29
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Lee MJ, Lee I, Wang K. Recent Advances in RNA Therapy and Its Carriers to Treat the Single-Gene Neurological Disorders. Biomedicines 2022; 10:biomedicines10010158. [PMID: 35052837 PMCID: PMC8773368 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines10010158] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/24/2021] [Revised: 01/07/2022] [Accepted: 01/11/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The development of new sequencing technologies in the post-genomic era has accelerated the identification of causative mutations of several single gene disorders. Advances in cell and animal models provide insights into the underlining pathogenesis, which facilitates the development and maturation of new treatment strategies. The progress in biochemistry and molecular biology has established a new class of therapeutics—the short RNAs and expressible long RNAs. The sequences of therapeutic RNAs can be optimized to enhance their stability and translatability with reduced immunogenicity. The chemically-modified RNAs can also increase their stability during intracellular trafficking. In addition, the development of safe and high efficiency carriers that preserves the integrity of therapeutic RNA molecules also accelerates the transition of RNA therapeutics into the clinic. For example, for diseases that are caused by genetic defects in a specific protein, an effective approach termed “protein replacement therapy” can provide treatment through the delivery of modified translatable mRNAs. Short interference RNAs can also be used to treat diseases caused by gain of function mutations or restore the splicing aberration defects. Here we review the applications of newly developed RNA-based therapeutics and its delivery and discuss the clinical evidence supporting the potential of RNA-based therapy in single-gene neurological disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ming-Jen Lee
- Department of Neurology, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei 10012, Taiwan;
- Department of Medical Genetics, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei 10012, Taiwan
| | - Inyoul Lee
- Institute for Systems Biology, Seattle, WA 98109, USA;
| | - Kai Wang
- Institute for Systems Biology, Seattle, WA 98109, USA;
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +1-206-732-1336
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30
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Hirunagi T, Sahashi K, Meilleur KG, Katsuno M. Nucleic Acid-Based Therapeutic Approach for Spinal and Bulbar Muscular Atrophy and Related Neurological Disorders. Genes (Basel) 2022; 13:genes13010109. [PMID: 35052449 PMCID: PMC8775157 DOI: 10.3390/genes13010109] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2021] [Revised: 01/01/2022] [Accepted: 01/03/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
The recent advances in nucleic acid therapeutics demonstrate the potential to treat hereditary neurological disorders by targeting their causative genes. Spinal and bulbar muscular atrophy (SBMA) is an X-linked and adult-onset neurodegenerative disorder caused by the expansion of trinucleotide cytosine-adenine-guanine repeats, which encodes a polyglutamine tract in the androgen receptor gene. SBMA belongs to the family of polyglutamine diseases, in which the use of nucleic acids for silencing a disease-causing gene, such as antisense oligonucleotides and small interfering RNAs, has been intensively studied in animal models and clinical trials. A unique feature of SBMA is that both motor neuron and skeletal muscle pathology contribute to disease manifestations, including progressive muscle weakness and atrophy. As both motor neurons and skeletal muscles can be therapeutic targets in SBMA, nucleic acid-based approaches for other motor neuron diseases and myopathies may further lead to the development of a treatment for SBMA. Here, we review studies of nucleic acid-based therapeutic approaches in SBMA and related neurological disorders and discuss current limitations and perspectives to apply these approaches to patients with SBMA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tomoki Hirunagi
- Department of Neurology, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, 65 Tsurumai-cho, Syowa-ku, Nagoya 466-8550, Japan; (T.H.); (K.S.)
| | - Kentaro Sahashi
- Department of Neurology, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, 65 Tsurumai-cho, Syowa-ku, Nagoya 466-8550, Japan; (T.H.); (K.S.)
| | - Katherine G. Meilleur
- Research and Clinical Development, Neuromuscular Development Unit, Biogen, 300, Binney Street, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA;
| | - Masahisa Katsuno
- Department of Neurology, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, 65 Tsurumai-cho, Syowa-ku, Nagoya 466-8550, Japan; (T.H.); (K.S.)
- Department of Clinical Research Education, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, 65 Tsurumai-cho, Syowa-ku, Nagoya 466-8550, Japan
- Correspondence:
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Abstract
Targeting of pre-mRNA splicing has yielded a rich variety of strategies for altering gene expression as a treatment for disease. The search for therapeutics that can modulate splicing has been dominated by antisense oligonucleotides (ASOs) and small molecule compounds, with each platform achieving remarkably effective results in the clinic. The success of RNA-targeting drugs has led to the exploration of new strategies to expand the repertoire of this type of therapeutic. Here, we discuss some of the more common causes of faulty gene expression and provide examples of approaches that have been developed to target and correct these defects for therapeutic value.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica L Centa
- Center for Genetic Diseases, Chicago Medical School, Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science, North Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Michelle L Hastings
- Center for Genetic Diseases, Chicago Medical School, Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science, North Chicago, IL, USA.
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32
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Cherubini A, Casirati E, Tomasi M, Valenti L. PNPLA3 as a therapeutic target for fatty liver disease: the evidence to date. Expert Opin Ther Targets 2021; 25:1033-1043. [PMID: 34904923 DOI: 10.1080/14728222.2021.2018418] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION An interaction between metabolic triggers and inherited predisposition underpins the development and progression of non alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and fatty liver disease in general. Among the specific NAFLD risk variants, PNPLA3 rs738409 C>G, encoding for the p.I148M protein variant, accounts for the largest fraction of liver disease heritability and is being intensively scrutinized. It promotes intrahepatic lipid accumulation and is associated with lipotoxicity and the more severe phenotypes, including fibrosis and carcinogenesis. Therefore, PNPLA3 appears as an appealing therapeutic target to counter NAFLD progression. AREAS COVERED The scope of this review is to briefly describe the PNPLA3 gene and protein function before discussing therapeutic approaches for fatty liver aiming at this target. Literature review was carried out searching through PubMed and clinicaltrials.gov website and focusing on the most recent works and reviews. EXPERT OPINION The main therapeutic strategies under development for NAFLD have shown variable efficacy and side-effects likely due to disease heterogeneity and lack of engagement of the main pathogenic drivers of liver disease. To overcome these limitations, new strategies are becoming available for targeting PNPLA3 p.I148M, responsible for a large fraction of disease susceptibility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessandro Cherubini
- Precision Medicine - Department of Transfusion Medicine and Hematology, Fondazione Irccs Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy
| | - Elia Casirati
- Department of Pathophysiology and Transplantation, Università Degli Studi Di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Melissa Tomasi
- Precision Medicine - Department of Transfusion Medicine and Hematology, Fondazione Irccs Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy
| | - Luca Valenti
- Precision Medicine - Department of Transfusion Medicine and Hematology, Fondazione Irccs Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy.,Department of Pathophysiology and Transplantation, Università Degli Studi Di Milano, Milan, Italy
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33
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Khosravi HM, Jantsch MF. Site-directed RNA editing: recent advances and open challenges. RNA Biol 2021; 18:41-50. [PMID: 34569891 PMCID: PMC8677011 DOI: 10.1080/15476286.2021.1983288] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2021] [Revised: 08/25/2021] [Accepted: 09/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
RNA editing by cytosine and adenosine deaminases changes the identity of the edited bases. While cytosines are converted to uracils, adenines are converted to inosines. If coding regions of mRNAs are affected, the coding potential of the RNA can be changed, depending on the codon affected. The recoding potential of nucleotide deaminases has recently gained attention for their ability to correct genetic mutations by either reverting the mutation itself or by manipulating processing steps such as RNA splicing. In contrast to CRISPR-based DNA-editing approaches, RNA editing events are transient in nature, therefore reducing the risk of long-lasting inadvertent side-effects. Moreover, some RNA-based therapeutics are already FDA approved and their use in targeting multiple cells or organs to restore genetic function has already been shown. In this review, we provide an overview on the current status and technical differences of site-directed RNA-editing approaches. We also discuss advantages and challenges of individual approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hamid Mansouri Khosravi
- Center of Anatomy & Cell Biology Division of Cell & Developmental Biology Medical, Unviersity of Vienna SchwarzspanierstrasseVienna, Austria
| | - Michael F. Jantsch
- Center of Anatomy & Cell Biology Division of Cell & Developmental Biology Medical, Unviersity of Vienna SchwarzspanierstrasseVienna, Austria
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34
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Takahashi M, Seki M, Nashimoto M. A naked antisense oligonucleotide with phosphorothioate linkages is taken up intracellularly more efficiently but functions less effectively. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2021; 573:140-144. [PMID: 34411896 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2021.08.035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2021] [Revised: 08/05/2021] [Accepted: 08/12/2021] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
We have been developing a gene silencing technology by harnessing a tRNA 3' processing endoribonuclease, tRNase ZL, with antisense oligonucleotides. Here, to further improve this technology, we investigated how the length and the modifications of naked oligonucleotides affect the efficiency of their uptake by HeLa, HEK293, and HL60 cells by flow cytometry and fluorescence microscopy. 7-30-nt Alexa-Fluor-568-labeled DNAs with phosphorothioate linkages and 7-30-nt Alexa-Fluor-568-labeled, 2'-O-methylated RNAs without phosphorothioate linkages were examined, and, on the whole, longer oligonucleotides were shown to be intracellularly taken up more efficiently. In addition, a 2'-O-methoxyethylated RNA without phosphorothioate linkages, a 2'-fluoriated RNA without phosphorothioate linkages, a 2'-O-methylated RNA with phosphorothioate linkages, and a 2'-O-methylated RNA with phosphorothioate linkages and LNA modifications of 5'-/3'-terminal nucleotides were examined. The oligonucleotides with phosphorothioate linkages were taken up by the cells more efficiently than those without the linkages. Furthermore, we examined how the phosphorothioate linkages of oligonucleotides affect their antisense effects using 22-nt anti-miR16 oligonucleotides with and without phosphorothioate linkages. The latter oligonucleotide decreased the miR16 level much more intensively than the former, although the latter was intracellularly taken up much less efficiently. These observations may be not generalized and differ depending on features of oligonucleotides and cell types. Taken together these results suggest that the productive uptake efficiency for an antisense oligonucleotide needs to be considered to select its length and modifications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Masayuki Takahashi
- Research Institute for Healthy Living, Niigata University of Pharmacy and Applied Life Sciences, Niigata, Niigata, 956-8603, Japan
| | - Mineaki Seki
- Research Institute for Healthy Living, Niigata University of Pharmacy and Applied Life Sciences, Niigata, Niigata, 956-8603, Japan
| | - Masayuki Nashimoto
- Research Institute for Healthy Living, Niigata University of Pharmacy and Applied Life Sciences, Niigata, Niigata, 956-8603, Japan.
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35
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Pandey M, Ojha D, Bansal S, Rode AB, Chawla G. From bench side to clinic: Potential and challenges of RNA vaccines and therapeutics in infectious diseases. Mol Aspects Med 2021; 81:101003. [PMID: 34332771 DOI: 10.1016/j.mam.2021.101003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2021] [Revised: 05/27/2021] [Accepted: 07/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
The functional and structural versatility of Ribonucleic acids (RNAs) makes them ideal candidates for overcoming the limitations imposed by small molecule-based drugs. Hence, RNA-based biopharmaceuticals such as messenger RNA (mRNA) vaccines, antisense oligonucleotides (ASOs), small interfering RNAs (siRNAs), microRNA mimics, anti-miRNA oligonucleotides (AMOs), aptamers, riboswitches, and CRISPR-Cas9 are emerging as vital tools for the treatment and prophylaxis of many infectious diseases. Some of the major challenges to overcome in the area of RNA-based therapeutics have been the instability of single-stranded RNAs, delivery to the diseased cell, and immunogenicity. However, recent advancements in the delivery systems of in vitro transcribed mRNA and chemical modifications for protection against nucleases and reducing the toxicity of RNA have facilitated the entry of several exogenous RNAs into clinical trials. In this review, we provide an overview of RNA-based vaccines and therapeutics, their production, delivery, current advancements, and future translational potential in treating infectious diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manish Pandey
- RNA Biology Laboratory, Regional Centre for Biotechnology, Faridabad, 121001, India
| | - Divya Ojha
- Laboratory of Synthetic Biology, Regional Centre for Biotechnology, Faridabad, 121001, India
| | - Sakshi Bansal
- RNA Biology Laboratory, Regional Centre for Biotechnology, Faridabad, 121001, India
| | - Ambadas B Rode
- Laboratory of Synthetic Biology, Regional Centre for Biotechnology, Faridabad, 121001, India.
| | - Geetanjali Chawla
- RNA Biology Laboratory, Regional Centre for Biotechnology, Faridabad, 121001, India.
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36
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Rey F, Zuccotti GV, Carelli S. Long non-coding RNAs in metabolic diseases: from bench to bedside. Trends Endocrinol Metab 2021; 32:747-749. [PMID: 34158225 DOI: 10.1016/j.tem.2021.05.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2021] [Revised: 05/25/2021] [Accepted: 05/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are being widely studied for their implications in physiological and diseases contexts but their functions and therapeutic potentials in metabolic diseases are far from clarified. Here, we report a summary of current advances in lncRNAs identification, functions, role as biomarkers and therapeutic prospects in metabolic diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Federica Rey
- Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, L. Sacco, University of Milan, Milan, Italy; Pediatric Clinical Research Center, Fondazione Romeo ed Enrica Invernizzi, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Gian Vincenzo Zuccotti
- Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, L. Sacco, University of Milan, Milan, Italy; Pediatric Clinical Research Center, Fondazione Romeo ed Enrica Invernizzi, University of Milan, Milan, Italy; Department of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital V. Buzzi, Milan, Italy
| | - Stephana Carelli
- Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, L. Sacco, University of Milan, Milan, Italy; Pediatric Clinical Research Center, Fondazione Romeo ed Enrica Invernizzi, University of Milan, Milan, Italy.
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37
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Li K, Zhang Y, Hussain A, Weng Y, Huang Y. Progress of Photodynamic and RNAi Combination Therapy in Cancer Treatment. ACS Biomater Sci Eng 2021; 7:4420-4429. [PMID: 34427082 DOI: 10.1021/acsbiomaterials.1c00765] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is a noninvasive and effective local treatment for cancers that produces selective damage to target tissues and cells. However, PDT alone is unlikely to completely inhibit tumor metastasis and/or local tumor recurrence. RNA interference (RNAi) is a phenomenon of gene silencing mediated by exogenous or endogenous double-stranded RNA (dsRNA). RNAi has entered a golden period of development, with the approval of four treatments employing RNAi. PDT in combination with RNAi therapy to inhibit related targets has been a research hotspot, with better clinical outcomes than monotherapy. In this review, the progress of PDT and small interfering RNA (siRNA) targeting different genes is discussed, while the achievements of the combined immunotherapy are reviewed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kun Li
- School of Life Science; Advanced Research Institute of Multidisciplinary Science; Institute of Engineering Medicine; Key Laboratory of Molecular Medicine and Biotherapy, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing 100081, China
| | - Yuquan Zhang
- School of Life Science; Advanced Research Institute of Multidisciplinary Science; Institute of Engineering Medicine; Key Laboratory of Molecular Medicine and Biotherapy, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing 100081, China
| | - Abid Hussain
- School of Life Science; Advanced Research Institute of Multidisciplinary Science; Institute of Engineering Medicine; Key Laboratory of Molecular Medicine and Biotherapy, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing 100081, China
| | - Yuhua Weng
- School of Life Science; Advanced Research Institute of Multidisciplinary Science; Institute of Engineering Medicine; Key Laboratory of Molecular Medicine and Biotherapy, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing 100081, China
| | - Yuanyu Huang
- School of Life Science; Advanced Research Institute of Multidisciplinary Science; Institute of Engineering Medicine; Key Laboratory of Molecular Medicine and Biotherapy, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing 100081, China
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38
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Klabenkova K, Fokina A, Stetsenko D. Chemistry of Peptide-Oligonucleotide Conjugates: A Review. Molecules 2021; 26:5420. [PMID: 34500849 PMCID: PMC8434111 DOI: 10.3390/molecules26175420] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2021] [Revised: 08/30/2021] [Accepted: 09/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Peptide-oligonucleotide conjugates (POCs) represent one of the increasingly successful albeit costly approaches to increasing the cellular uptake, tissue delivery, bioavailability, and, thus, overall efficiency of therapeutic nucleic acids, such as, antisense oligonucleotides and small interfering RNAs. This review puts the subject of chemical synthesis of POCs into the wider context of therapeutic oligonucleotides and the problem of nucleic acid drug delivery, cell-penetrating peptide structural types, the mechanisms of their intracellular transport, and the ways of application, which include the formation of non-covalent complexes with oligonucleotides (peptide additives) or covalent conjugation. The main strategies for the synthesis of POCs are viewed in detail, which are conceptually divided into (a) the stepwise solid-phase synthesis approach and (b) post-synthetic conjugation either in solution or on the solid phase, especially by means of various click chemistries. The relative advantages and disadvantages of both strategies are discussed and compared.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristina Klabenkova
- Faculty of Physics, Novosibirsk State University, 630090 Novosibirsk, Russia; (K.K.); (D.S.)
- Institute of Cytology and Genetics, Russian Academy of Sciences, Siberian Branch, 630090 Novosibirsk, Russia
| | - Alesya Fokina
- Faculty of Physics, Novosibirsk State University, 630090 Novosibirsk, Russia; (K.K.); (D.S.)
- Institute of Cytology and Genetics, Russian Academy of Sciences, Siberian Branch, 630090 Novosibirsk, Russia
| | - Dmitry Stetsenko
- Faculty of Physics, Novosibirsk State University, 630090 Novosibirsk, Russia; (K.K.); (D.S.)
- Institute of Cytology and Genetics, Russian Academy of Sciences, Siberian Branch, 630090 Novosibirsk, Russia
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Ottesen EW, Luo D, Singh NN, Singh RN. High Concentration of an ISS-N1-Targeting Antisense Oligonucleotide Causes Massive Perturbation of the Transcriptome. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22168378. [PMID: 34445083 PMCID: PMC8395096 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22168378] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2021] [Revised: 07/14/2021] [Accepted: 07/31/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Intronic splicing silencer N1 (ISS-N1) located within Survival Motor Neuron 2 (SMN2) intron 7 is the target of a therapeutic antisense oligonucleotide (ASO), nusinersen (Spinraza), which is currently being used for the treatment of spinal muscular atrophy (SMA), a leading genetic disease associated with infant mortality. The discovery of ISS-N1 as a promising therapeutic target was enabled in part by Anti-N1, a 20-mer ASO that restored SMN2 exon 7 inclusion by annealing to ISS-N1. Here, we analyzed the transcriptome of SMA patient cells treated with 100 nM of Anti-N1 for 30 h. Such concentrations are routinely used to demonstrate the efficacy of an ASO. While 100 nM of Anti-N1 substantially stimulated SMN2 exon 7 inclusion, it also caused massive perturbations in the transcriptome and triggered widespread aberrant splicing, affecting expression of essential genes associated with multiple cellular processes such as transcription, splicing, translation, cell signaling, cell cycle, macromolecular trafficking, cytoskeletal dynamics, and innate immunity. We validated our findings with quantitative and semiquantitative PCR of 39 candidate genes associated with diverse pathways. We also showed a substantial reduction in off-target effects with shorter ISS-N1-targeting ASOs. Our findings are significant for implementing better ASO design and dosing regimens of ASO-based drugs.
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Isom LL, Knupp KG. Dravet Syndrome: Novel Approaches for the Most Common Genetic Epilepsy. Neurotherapeutics 2021; 18:1524-1534. [PMID: 34378168 PMCID: PMC8608987 DOI: 10.1007/s13311-021-01095-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/21/2021] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Dravet syndrome (DS) is a severe developmental and epileptic encephalopathy that is mainly associated with variants in SCN1A. While drug-resistant epilepsy is the most notable feature of this syndrome, numerous symptoms are present that have significant impact on patients' quality of life. In spite of novel, third-generation anti-seizure treatment options becoming available over the last several years, seizure freedom is often not attained and non-seizure symptoms remain. Precision medicine now offers realistic hope for seizure freedom in DS patients, with several approaches demonstrating preclinical success. Therapeutic approaches such as antisense oligonucleotides (ASO) and adeno-associated virus (AAV)-delivered gene modulation have expanded the potential treatment options for DS, with some of these approaches now transitioning to clinical trials. Several of these treatments may risk the exacerbation of gain-of-function variants and may not be reversible, therefore emphasizing the need for functional testing of new pathogenic variants. The current absence of treatments that address the overall disease, in addition to seizures, exposes the urgent need for reliable, valid measures of the entire complement of symptoms as outcome measures to truly know the impact of treatments on DS. Additionally, with so many treatment options on the horizon, there will be a need to understand how to select appropriate patients for each treatment, whether treatments are complementary or adverse to each other, and long-term risks of the treatment. Nevertheless, precision therapeutics hold tremendous potential to provide long-lasting seizure freedom and even complete cures for this devastating disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lori L Isom
- Department of Pharmacology, Department of Neurology, Department of Molecular & Integrative Physiology, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109-5632, USA.
| | - Kelly G Knupp
- Department of Pediatrics and Neurology, University of Colorado, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, 80045, USA.
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From Antisense RNA to RNA Modification: Therapeutic Potential of RNA-Based Technologies. Biomedicines 2021; 9:biomedicines9050550. [PMID: 34068948 PMCID: PMC8156014 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines9050550] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2021] [Revised: 05/07/2021] [Accepted: 05/10/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Therapeutic oligonucleotides interact with a target RNA via Watson-Crick complementarity, affecting RNA-processing reactions such as mRNA degradation, pre-mRNA splicing, or mRNA translation. Since they were proposed decades ago, several have been approved for clinical use to correct genetic mutations. Three types of mechanisms of action (MoA) have emerged: RNase H-dependent degradation of mRNA directed by short chimeric antisense oligonucleotides (gapmers), correction of splicing defects via splice-modulation oligonucleotides, and interference of gene expression via short interfering RNAs (siRNAs). These antisense-based mechanisms can tackle several genetic disorders in a gene-specific manner, primarily by gene downregulation (gapmers and siRNAs) or splicing defects correction (exon-skipping oligos). Still, the challenge remains for the repair at the single-nucleotide level. The emerging field of epitranscriptomics and RNA modifications shows the enormous possibilities for recoding the transcriptome and repairing genetic mutations with high specificity while harnessing endogenously expressed RNA processing machinery. Some of these techniques have been proposed as alternatives to CRISPR-based technologies, where the exogenous gene-editing machinery needs to be delivered and expressed in the human cells to generate permanent (DNA) changes with unknown consequences. Here, we review the current FDA-approved antisense MoA (emphasizing some enabling technologies that contributed to their success) and three novel modalities based on post-transcriptional RNA modifications with therapeutic potential, including ADAR (Adenosine deaminases acting on RNA)-mediated RNA editing, targeted pseudouridylation, and 2′-O-methylation.
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42
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de Almeida NAA, Ribeiro CRDA, Raposo JV, de Paula VS. Immunotherapy and Gene Therapy for Oncoviruses Infections: A Review. Viruses 2021; 13:822. [PMID: 34063186 PMCID: PMC8147456 DOI: 10.3390/v13050822] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2021] [Revised: 02/19/2021] [Accepted: 02/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Immunotherapy has been shown to be highly effective in some types of cancer caused by viruses. Gene therapy involves insertion or modification of a therapeutic gene, to correct for inappropriate gene products that cause/may cause diseases. Both these types of therapy have been used as alternative ways to avoid cancers caused by oncoviruses. In this review, we summarize recent studies on immunotherapy and gene therapy including the topics of oncolytic immunotherapy, immune checkpoint inhibitors, gene replacement, antisense oligonucleotides, RNA interference, clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats (CRISPR)-based gene editing, transcription activator-like effector nucleases (TALENs) and custom treatment for Epstein-Barr virus, human T-lymphotropic virus 1, hepatitis B virus, human papillomavirus, hepatitis C virus, herpesvirus associated with Kaposi's sarcoma, Merkel cell polyomavirus, and cytomegalovirus.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Vanessa Salete de Paula
- Laboratory of Molecular Virology, Oswaldo Cruz Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, 21040-360 Rio de Janeiro, Brazil; (N.A.A.d.A.); (C.R.d.A.R.); (J.V.R.)
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Ogino T, Matsunaga N, Tanaka T, Tanihara T, Terajima H, Yoshitane H, Fukada Y, Tsuruta A, Koyanagi S, Ohdo S. Post-transcriptional repression of circadian component CLOCK regulates cancer-stemness in murine breast cancer cells. eLife 2021; 10:66155. [PMID: 33890571 PMCID: PMC8102063 DOI: 10.7554/elife.66155] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2020] [Accepted: 04/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Disruption of the circadian clock machinery in cancer cells is implicated in tumor malignancy. Studies on cancer therapy reveal the presence of heterogeneous cells, including breast cancer stem-like cells (BCSCs), in breast tumors. BCSCs are often characterized by high aldehyde dehydrogenase (ALDH) activity, associated with the malignancy of cancers. In this study, we demonstrated the negative regulation of ALDH activity by the major circadian component CLOCK in murine breast cancer 4T1 cells. The expression of CLOCK was repressed in high-ALDH-activity 4T1, and enhancement of CLOCK expression abrogated their stemness properties, such as tumorigenicity and invasive potential. Furthermore, reduced expression of CLOCK in high-ALDH-activity 4T1 was post-transcriptionally regulated by microRNA: miR-182. Knockout of miR-182 restored the expression of CLOCK, resulted in preventing tumor growth. Our findings suggest that increased expression of CLOCK in BCSCs by targeting post-transcriptional regulation overcame stemness-related malignancy and may be a novel strategy for breast cancer treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takashi Ogino
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Naoya Matsunaga
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan.,Department of Glocal Healthcare Science, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Takahiro Tanaka
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Tomohito Tanihara
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Hideki Terajima
- Department of Biological Sciences, School of Science, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Hikari Yoshitane
- Department of Biological Sciences, School of Science, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Yoshitaka Fukada
- Department of Biological Sciences, School of Science, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Akito Tsuruta
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Satoru Koyanagi
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan.,Department of Glocal Healthcare Science, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Shigehiro Ohdo
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan
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Silencing Antibiotic Resistance with Antisense Oligonucleotides. Biomedicines 2021; 9:biomedicines9040416. [PMID: 33921367 PMCID: PMC8068983 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines9040416] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2021] [Revised: 04/07/2021] [Accepted: 04/10/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Antisense technologies consist of the utilization of oligonucleotides or oligonucleotide analogs to interfere with undesirable biological processes, commonly through inhibition of expression of selected genes. This field holds a lot of promise for the treatment of a very diverse group of diseases including viral and bacterial infections, genetic disorders, and cancer. To date, drugs approved for utilization in clinics or in clinical trials target diseases other than bacterial infections. Although several groups and companies are working on different strategies, the application of antisense technologies to prokaryotes still lags with respect to those that target other human diseases. In those cases where the focus is on bacterial pathogens, a subset of the research is dedicated to produce antisense compounds that silence or reduce expression of antibiotic resistance genes. Therefore, these compounds will be adjuvants administered with the antibiotic to which they reduce resistance levels. A varied group of oligonucleotide analogs like phosphorothioate or phosphorodiamidate morpholino residues, as well as peptide nucleic acids, locked nucleic acids and bridge nucleic acids, the latter two in gapmer configuration, have been utilized to reduce resistance levels. The major mechanisms of inhibition include eliciting cleavage of the target mRNA by the host’s RNase H or RNase P, and steric hindrance. The different approaches targeting resistance to β-lactams include carbapenems, aminoglycosides, chloramphenicol, macrolides, and fluoroquinolones. The purpose of this short review is to summarize the attempts to develop antisense compounds that inhibit expression of resistance to antibiotics.
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Tremblay JP, Annoni A, Suzuki M. Three Decades of Clinical Gene Therapy: From Experimental Technologies to Viable Treatments. Mol Ther 2021; 29:411-412. [PMID: 33472032 PMCID: PMC7854352 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymthe.2021.01.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Jacques P Tremblay
- Centre de Recherche du CHU de Québec-Université Laval, Quebec City, QC, Canada
| | - Andrea Annoni
- San Raffaele Telethon Institute for Gene Therapy, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Masataka Suzuki
- Department of Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA; Center for Cell and Gene Therapy, Baylor College of Medicine, Texas Children's Hospital, Houston Methodist Hospital, Houston, TX, USA.
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