1
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Stewart JM. RNA nanotechnology on the horizon: Self-assembly, chemical modifications, and functional applications. Curr Opin Chem Biol 2024; 81:102479. [PMID: 38889473 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbpa.2024.102479] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2024] [Revised: 05/20/2024] [Accepted: 05/25/2024] [Indexed: 06/20/2024]
Abstract
RNA nanotechnology harnesses the unique chemical and structural properties of RNA to build nanoassemblies and supramolecular structures with dynamic and functional capabilities. This review focuses on design and assembly approaches to building RNA structures, the RNA chemical modifications used to enhance stability and functionality, and modern-day applications in therapeutics, biosensing, and bioimaging.
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2
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Li S, Chu Y, Guo X, Mao C, Xiao SJ. Circular RNA oligonucleotides: enzymatic synthesis and scaffolding for nanoconstruction. NANOSCALE HORIZONS 2024. [PMID: 39042106 DOI: 10.1039/d4nh00236a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/24/2024]
Abstract
We report the efficient synthesis of monomeric circular RNAs (circRNAs) in the size range of 16-44 nt with a novel DNA dumbbell splinting plus T4 DNA ligation strategy. Such a DNA dumbbell splinting strategy was developed by one group among ours recently for near-quantitative conversion of short linear DNAs into monomeric circular ones. Furthermore, using the 44 nt circRNA as scaffold strands, we constructed hybrid RNA:DNA and pure RNA:RNA double crossover tiles and their assemblies of nucleic acid nanotubes and flat arrays.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shijie Li
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210023, Jiangsu, China
| | - Yanxin Chu
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210023, Jiangsu, China
| | - Xin Guo
- Bruker (Beijing) Scientific Technology Co. Ltd, China
| | - Chengde Mao
- Department of Chemistry, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana 47907, USA.
| | - Shou-Jun Xiao
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210023, Jiangsu, China
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3
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Vallina NS, McRae EKS, Geary C, Andersen ES. An RNA origami robot that traps and releases a fluorescent aptamer. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2024; 10:eadk1250. [PMID: 38507482 PMCID: PMC10954211 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.adk1250] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2023] [Accepted: 02/15/2024] [Indexed: 03/22/2024]
Abstract
RNA nanotechnology aims to use RNA as a programmable material to create self-assembling nanodevices for application in medicine and synthetic biology. The main challenge is to develop advanced RNA robotic devices that both sense, compute, and actuate to obtain enhanced control over molecular processes. Here, we use the RNA origami method to prototype an RNA robotic device, named the "Traptamer," that mechanically traps the fluorescent aptamer, iSpinach. The Traptamer is shown to sense two RNA key strands, acts as a Boolean AND gate, and reversibly controls the fluorescence of the iSpinach aptamer. Cryo-electron microscopy of the closed Traptamer structure at 5.45-angstrom resolution reveals the mechanical mode of distortion of the iSpinach motif. Our study suggests a general approach to distorting RNA motifs and a path forward to build sophisticated RNA machines that through sensing, computing, and actuation modules can be used to precisely control RNA functionalities in cellular systems.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Ewan K. S. McRae
- Interdisciplinary Nanoscience Center, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
- Center for RNA Therapeutics, Department of Cardiovascular Sciences, Houston Methodist Research Institute, 6670 Bertner Ave, R10-117, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Cody Geary
- Interdisciplinary Nanoscience Center, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Ebbe S. Andersen
- Interdisciplinary Nanoscience Center, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
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4
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Li X, Jin K, Cheng TC, Liao YC, Lee WJ, Bhullar AS, Chen LC, Rychahou P, Phelps MA, Ho YS, Guo P. RNA four-way junction (4WJ) for spontaneous cancer-targeting, effective tumor-regression, metastasis suppression, fast renal excretion and undetectable toxicity. Biomaterials 2024; 305:122432. [PMID: 38176263 PMCID: PMC10994150 DOI: 10.1016/j.biomaterials.2023.122432] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2023] [Revised: 11/14/2023] [Accepted: 12/14/2023] [Indexed: 01/06/2024]
Abstract
The field of RNA therapeutics has been emerging as the third milestone in pharmaceutical drug development. RNA nanoparticles have displayed motile and deformable properties to allow for high tumor accumulation with undetectable healthy organ accumulation. Therefore, RNA nanoparticles have the potential to serve as potent drug delivery vehicles with strong anti-cancer responses. Herein, we report the physicochemical basis for the rational design of a branched RNA four-way junction (4WJ) nanoparticle that results in advantageous high-thermostability and -drug payload for cancer therapy, including metastatic tumors in the lung. The 4WJ nanostructure displayed versatility through functionalization with an anti-cancer chemical drug, SN38, for the treatment of two different cancer models including colorectal cancer xenograft and orthotopic lung metastases of colon cancer. The resulting 4WJ RNA drug complex spontaneously targeted cancers effectively for cancer inhibition with and without ligands. The 4WJ displayed fast renal excretion, rapid body clearance, and little organ accumulation with undetectable toxicity and immunogenicity. The safety parameters were documented by organ histology, blood biochemistry, and pathological analysis. The highly efficient cancer inhibition, undetectable drug toxicity, and favorable Chemical, Manufacturing, and Control (CMC) production of RNA nanoparticles document a candidate with high potential for translation in cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin Li
- Division of Pharmaceutics and Pharmacology, College of Pharmacy, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, 43210, USA; Center for RNA Nanotechnology and Nanomedicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, 43210, USA
| | - Kai Jin
- Division of Pharmaceutics and Pharmacology, College of Pharmacy, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, 43210, USA; Center for RNA Nanotechnology and Nanomedicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, 43210, USA
| | - Tzu-Chun Cheng
- Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, China Medical University, Taichung, 406040, Taiwan
| | - You-Cheng Liao
- Graduate Institute of Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, 110031, Taiwan
| | - Wen-Jui Lee
- Division of Pharmaceutics and Pharmacology, College of Pharmacy, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, 43210, USA; Center for RNA Nanotechnology and Nanomedicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, 43210, USA
| | - Abhjeet S Bhullar
- Division of Pharmaceutics and Pharmacology, College of Pharmacy, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, 43210, USA; Center for RNA Nanotechnology and Nanomedicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, 43210, USA
| | - Li-Ching Chen
- Department of Biological Science & Technology, China Medical University, Taichung, 406040, Taiwan
| | - Piotr Rychahou
- Markey Cancer Center, Department of Surgery, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, 40536, USA
| | - Mitch A Phelps
- Division of Pharmaceutics and Pharmacology, College of Pharmacy, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, 43210, USA; Center for RNA Nanotechnology and Nanomedicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, 43210, USA
| | - Yuan Soon Ho
- Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, China Medical University, Taichung, 406040, Taiwan.
| | - Peixuan Guo
- Division of Pharmaceutics and Pharmacology, College of Pharmacy, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, 43210, USA; Center for RNA Nanotechnology and Nanomedicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, 43210, USA; James Comprehensive Cancer Center, College of Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, 43210, USA; Dorothy M. Davis Heart and Lung Research Institute, College of Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, 43210, USA.
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5
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Sampedro Vallina N, McRae EKS, Geary C, Andersen ES. An RNA Paranemic Crossover Triangle as A 3D Module for Cotranscriptional Nanoassembly. SMALL (WEINHEIM AN DER BERGSTRASSE, GERMANY) 2023; 19:e2204651. [PMID: 36526605 DOI: 10.1002/smll.202204651] [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: 07/29/2022] [Revised: 11/15/2022] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
RNA nanotechnology takes advantage of structural modularity to build self-assembling nano-architectures with applications in medicine and synthetic biology. The use of paranemic motifs, that form without unfolding existing secondary structure, allows for the creation of RNA nanostructures that are compatible with cotranscriptional folding in vitro and in vivo. In previous work, kissing-loop (KL) motifs have been widely used to design RNA nanostructures that fold cotranscriptionally. However, the paranemic crossover (PX) motif has not yet been explored for cotranscriptional RNA origami architectures and information about the structural geometry of the motif is unknown. Here, a six base pair-wide paranemic RNA interaction that arranges double helices in a perpendicular manner is introduced, allowing for the generation of a new and versatile building block: the paranemic-crossover triangle (PXT). The PXT is self-assembled by cotranscriptional folding and characterized by cryogenic electron microscopy, revealing for the first time an RNA PX interaction in high structural detail. The PXT is used as a building block for the construction of multimers that form filaments and rings and a duplicated PXT motif is used as a building block to self-assemble cubic structures, demonstrating the PXT as a rigid self-folding domain for the development of wireframe RNA origami architectures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Néstor Sampedro Vallina
- Interdisciplinary Nanoscience Center (iNANO); Gustav Wieds Vej 14, Aarhus University, Aarhus, DK-8000, Denmark
| | - Ewan K S McRae
- Interdisciplinary Nanoscience Center (iNANO); Gustav Wieds Vej 14, Aarhus University, Aarhus, DK-8000, Denmark
| | - Cody Geary
- Interdisciplinary Nanoscience Center (iNANO); Gustav Wieds Vej 14, Aarhus University, Aarhus, DK-8000, Denmark
| | - Ebbe Sloth Andersen
- Interdisciplinary Nanoscience Center (iNANO); Gustav Wieds Vej 14, Aarhus University, Aarhus, DK-8000, Denmark
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6
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Perdomo VA, Kim T. Molecular Dynamics Simulations of RNA Motifs to Guide the Architectural Parameters and Design Principles of RNA Nanostructures. Methods Mol Biol 2023; 2709:3-29. [PMID: 37572270 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-3417-2_1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/14/2023]
Abstract
Molecular dynamics (MD) simulations can be used to investigate the stability and conformational characteristics of RNA nanostructures. However, MD simulations of an RNA nanostructure is computationally expensive due to the size of nanostructure and the number of atoms. Alternatively, MD simulations of RNA motifs can be used to estimate the conformational stability of constructed RNA nanostructure due to their small sizes. In this chapter, we introduce the preparation and MD simulations of two RNA kissing loop (KL) motifs, a linear KL complex and a bent KL complex, and an RNA nanoring. The initial solvated system and topology files of each system will be prepared by two major force fields, AMBER and CHARMM force fields. MD simulations will be performed by NAMD simulation package, which can accept both force fields. In addition, we will introduce the use of the AMBER cpptraj program and visual molecular dynamics (VMD) for data analysis. We will also discuss how MD simulations of two KL motifs can be used to estimate the conformation and stability of RNA nanoring as well as to explain the vibrational characteristics of RNA nanoring.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Taejin Kim
- Physical Sciences Department, West Virginia University Institute of Technology, Beckley, WV, USA.
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7
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Poppleton E, Urbanek N, Chakraborty T, Griffo A, Monari L, Göpfrich K. RNA origami: design, simulation and application. RNA Biol 2023; 20:510-524. [PMID: 37498217 PMCID: PMC10376919 DOI: 10.1080/15476286.2023.2237719] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Revised: 06/20/2023] [Accepted: 07/12/2023] [Indexed: 07/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Design strategies for DNA and RNA nanostructures have developed along parallel lines for the past 30 years, from small structural motifs derived from biology to large 'origami' structures with thousands to tens of thousands of bases. With the recent publication of numerous RNA origami structures and improved design methods-even permitting co-transcriptional folding of kilobase-sized structures - the RNA nanotechnolgy field is at an inflection point. Here, we review the key achievements which inspired and enabled RNA origami design and draw comparisons with the development and applications of DNA origami structures. We further present the available computational tools for the design and the simulation, which will be key to the growth of the RNA origami community. Finally, we portray the transition from RNA origami structure to function. Several functional RNA origami structures exist already, their expression in cells has been demonstrated and first applications in cell biology have already been realized. Overall, we foresee that the fast-paced RNA origami field will provide new molecular hardware for biophysics, synthetic biology and biomedicine, complementing the DNA origami toolbox.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erik Poppleton
- Biophysical Engineering Group, Center for Molecular Biology of Heidelberg University (ZMBH), Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
- Biophysical Engineering Group, Max Planck Institute for Medical Research, Heidelberg, Germany
- Molecular Biomechanics, Heidelberg Institute for Theoretical Studies (HITS), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Niklas Urbanek
- Biophysical Engineering Group, Center for Molecular Biology of Heidelberg University (ZMBH), Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
- Biophysical Engineering Group, Max Planck Institute for Medical Research, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Taniya Chakraborty
- Biophysical Engineering Group, Center for Molecular Biology of Heidelberg University (ZMBH), Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
- Biophysical Engineering Group, Max Planck Institute for Medical Research, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Alessandra Griffo
- Biophysical Engineering Group, Center for Molecular Biology of Heidelberg University (ZMBH), Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
- Biophysical Engineering Group, Max Planck Institute for Medical Research, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Luca Monari
- Biophysical Engineering Group, Max Planck Institute for Medical Research, Heidelberg, Germany
- Institut de Science Et D’ingénierie Supramoléculaires (ISIS), Université de Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France
| | - Kerstin Göpfrich
- Biophysical Engineering Group, Center for Molecular Biology of Heidelberg University (ZMBH), Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
- Biophysical Engineering Group, Max Planck Institute for Medical Research, Heidelberg, Germany
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8
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Klotz K, Radwan Y, Chakrabarti K. Dissecting Functional Biological Interactions Using Modular RNA Nanoparticles. Molecules 2022; 28:molecules28010228. [PMID: 36615420 PMCID: PMC9821959 DOI: 10.3390/molecules28010228] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2022] [Revised: 12/22/2022] [Accepted: 12/25/2022] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Nucleic acid nanoparticles (NANPs) are an exciting and innovative technology in the context of both basic and biomedical research. Made of DNA, RNA, or their chemical analogs, NANPs are programmed for carrying out specific functions within human cells. NANPs are at the forefront of preventing, detecting, and treating disease. Their nucleic acid composition lends them biocompatibility that provides their cargo with enhanced opportunity for coordinated delivery. Of course, the NANP system of targeting specific cells and tissues is not without its disadvantages. Accumulation of NANPs outside of the target tissue and the potential for off-target effects of NANP-mediated cargo delivery present challenges to research and medical professionals and these challenges must be effectively addressed to provide safe treatment to patients. Importantly, development of NANPs with regulated biological activities and immunorecognition becomes a promising route for developing versatile nucleic acid therapeutics. In a basic research context, NANPs can assist investigators in fine-tuning the structure-function relationship of final formulations and in this review, we explore the practical applications of NANPs in laboratory and clinical settings and discuss how we can use established nucleic acid research techniques to design effective NANPs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kaitlin Klotz
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of North Carolina at Charlotte, 9201 University City Blvd., Charlotte, NC 28223, USA
| | - Yasmine Radwan
- Nanoscale Science Program, Department of Chemistry, University of North Carolina at Charlotte, Charlotte, NC 28223, USA
| | - Kausik Chakrabarti
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of North Carolina at Charlotte, 9201 University City Blvd., Charlotte, NC 28223, USA
- Correspondence:
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9
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Biomotors, viral assembly, and RNA nanobiotechnology: Current achievements and future directions. Comput Struct Biotechnol J 2022; 20:6120-6137. [PMID: 36420155 PMCID: PMC9672130 DOI: 10.1016/j.csbj.2022.11.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2022] [Revised: 11/04/2022] [Accepted: 11/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The International Society of RNA Nanotechnology and Nanomedicine (ISRNN) serves to further the development of a wide variety of functional nucleic acids and other related nanotechnology platforms. To aid in the dissemination of the most recent advancements, a biennial discussion focused on biomotors, viral assembly, and RNA nanobiotechnology has been established where international experts in interdisciplinary fields such as structural biology, biophysical chemistry, nanotechnology, cell and cancer biology, and pharmacology share their latest accomplishments and future perspectives. The results summarized here highlight advancements in our understanding of viral biology and the structure-function relationship of frame-shifting elements in genomic viral RNA, improvements in the predictions of SHAPE analysis of 3D RNA structures, and the understanding of dynamic RNA structures through a variety of experimental and computational means. Additionally, recent advances in the drug delivery, vaccine design, nanopore technologies, biomotor and biomachine development, DNA packaging, RNA nanotechnology, and drug delivery are included in this critical review. We emphasize some of the novel accomplishments, major discussion topics, and present current challenges and perspectives of these emerging fields.
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10
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Elonen A, Natarajan AK, Kawamata I, Oesinghaus L, Mohammed A, Seitsonen J, Suzuki Y, Simmel FC, Kuzyk A, Orponen P. Algorithmic Design of 3D Wireframe RNA Polyhedra. ACS NANO 2022; 16:16608-16616. [PMID: 36178116 PMCID: PMC9620399 DOI: 10.1021/acsnano.2c06035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2022] [Accepted: 09/26/2022] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
We address the problem of de novo design and synthesis of nucleic acid nanostructures, a challenge that has been considered in the area of DNA nanotechnology since the 1980s and more recently in the area of RNA nanotechnology. Toward this goal, we introduce a general algorithmic design process and software pipeline for rendering 3D wireframe polyhedral nanostructures in single-stranded RNA. To initiate the pipeline, the user creates a model of the desired polyhedron using standard 3D graphic design software. As its output, the pipeline produces an RNA nucleotide sequence whose corresponding RNA primary structure can be transcribed from a DNA template and folded in the laboratory. As case examples, we design and characterize experimentally three 3D RNA nanostructures: a tetrahedron, a triangular bipyramid, and a triangular prism. The design software is openly available and also provides an export of the targeted 3D structure into the oxDNA molecular dynamics simulator for easy simulation and visualization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antti Elonen
- Department
of Computer Science, Aalto University, 00076 Aalto, Finland
| | | | - Ibuki Kawamata
- Department
of Robotics, Graduate School of Engineering, Tohoku University, Sendai 980-8577, Japan
- Natural
Science Division, Faculty of Core Research, Ochanomizu University, Tokyo 112-8610, Japan
| | - Lukas Oesinghaus
- Physics
Department E14, Technical University Munich, 85748 Garching, Germany
| | - Abdulmelik Mohammed
- Department
of Computer Science, Aalto University, 00076 Aalto, Finland
- Department
of Biomedical Engineering, San José
State University, San José, California 95192, United States
| | - Jani Seitsonen
- Department
of Applied Physics and Nanomicroscopy Center, Aalto University, 00076 Aalto, Finland
| | - Yuki Suzuki
- Department
of Robotics, Graduate School of Engineering, Tohoku University, Sendai 980-8577, Japan
- Frontier
Research Institute for Interdisciplinary Sciences, Tohoku University, Sendai 980-8577, Japan
- Division
of Chemistry for Materials, Graduate School of Engineering, Mie University, Tsu 514-8507, Japan
| | - Friedrich C. Simmel
- Physics
Department E14, Technical University Munich, 85748 Garching, Germany
| | - Anton Kuzyk
- Department
of Neuroscience and Biomedical Engineering, Aalto University, 00076 Aalto, Finland
| | - Pekka Orponen
- Department
of Computer Science, Aalto University, 00076 Aalto, Finland
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11
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Zhao M, Wang R, Yang K, Jiang Y, Peng Y, Li Y, Zhang Z, Ding J, Shi S. Nucleic acid nanoassembly-enhanced RNA therapeutics and diagnosis. Acta Pharm Sin B 2022; 13:916-941. [PMID: 36970219 PMCID: PMC10031267 DOI: 10.1016/j.apsb.2022.10.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2022] [Revised: 08/22/2022] [Accepted: 09/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
RNAs are involved in the crucial processes of disease progression and have emerged as powerful therapeutic targets and diagnostic biomarkers. However, efficient delivery of therapeutic RNA to the targeted location and precise detection of RNA markers remains challenging. Recently, more and more attention has been paid to applying nucleic acid nanoassemblies in diagnosing and treating. Due to the flexibility and deformability of nucleic acids, the nanoassemblies could be fabricated with different shapes and structures. With hybridization, nucleic acid nanoassemblies, including DNA and RNA nanostructures, can be applied to enhance RNA therapeutics and diagnosis. This review briefly introduces the construction and properties of different nucleic acid nanoassemblies and their applications for RNA therapy and diagnosis and makes further prospects for their development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mengnan Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu 611137, China
| | - Rujing Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu 611137, China
| | - Kunmeng Yang
- The First Norman Bethune College of Clinical Medicine, Jilin University, Changchun 130061, China
| | - Yuhong Jiang
- School of Life Science and Engineering, Southwest Jiaotong University, Chengdu 610031, China
- Corresponding authors.
| | - Yachen Peng
- Key Laboratory of Polymer Ecomaterials, Changchun Institute of Applied Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Changchun 130022, China
- Department of Orthopedics, China-Japan Union Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun 130033, China
| | - Yuke Li
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu 611137, China
| | - Zhen Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu 611137, China
| | - Jianxun Ding
- Key Laboratory of Polymer Ecomaterials, Changchun Institute of Applied Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Changchun 130022, China
- Corresponding authors.
| | - Sanjun Shi
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu 611137, China
- Corresponding authors.
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12
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Wiedemann J, Kaczor J, Milostan M, Zok T, Blazewicz J, Szachniuk M, Antczak M. RNAloops: a database of RNA multiloops. Bioinformatics 2022; 38:4200-4205. [PMID: 35809063 PMCID: PMC9438955 DOI: 10.1093/bioinformatics/btac484] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2022] [Revised: 06/26/2022] [Accepted: 07/06/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
MOTIVATION Knowledge of the 3D structure of RNA supports discovering its functions and is crucial for designing drugs and modern therapeutic solutions. Thus, much attention is devoted to experimental determination and computational prediction targeting the global fold of RNA and its local substructures. The latter include multi-branched loops-functionally significant elements that highly affect the spatial shape of the entire molecule. Unfortunately, their computational modeling constitutes a weak point of structural bioinformatics. A remedy for this is in collecting these motifs and analyzing their features. RESULTS RNAloops is a self-updating database that stores multi-branched loops identified in the PDB-deposited RNA structures. A description of each loop includes angular data-planar and Euler angles computed between pairs of adjacent helices to allow studying their mutual arrangement in space. The system enables search and analysis of multiloops, presents their structure details numerically and visually, and computes data statistics. AVAILABILITY AND IMPLEMENTATION RNAloops is freely accessible at https://rnaloops.cs.put.poznan.pl. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jakub Wiedemann
- Institute of Computing Science, Poznan University of Technology, 60-965 Poznan, Poland
| | - Jacek Kaczor
- Institute of Computing Science, Poznan University of Technology, 60-965 Poznan, Poland
| | - Maciej Milostan
- Institute of Computing Science, Poznan University of Technology, 60-965 Poznan, Poland,Poznan Supercomputing and Networking Center, 61-131 Poznan, Poland
| | - Tomasz Zok
- Institute of Computing Science, Poznan University of Technology, 60-965 Poznan, Poland,Poznan Supercomputing and Networking Center, 61-131 Poznan, Poland
| | - Jacek Blazewicz
- Institute of Computing Science, Poznan University of Technology, 60-965 Poznan, Poland,Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Polish Academy of Sciences, 61-704 Poznan, Poland
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13
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Ezra Manicum AL, Sargazi S, Razzaq S, Kumar GV, Rahdar A, Er S, Ain QU, Bilal M, Aboudzadeh MA. Nano-immunotherapeutic strategies for targeted RNA delivery: Emphasizing the role of monocyte/macrophages as nanovehicles to treat glioblastoma multiforme. J Drug Deliv Sci Technol 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jddst.2022.103288] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
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14
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Qu N, Ying Y, Qin J, Chen AK. Rational design of self-assembled RNA nanostructures for HIV-1 virus assembly blockade. Nucleic Acids Res 2021; 50:e44. [PMID: 34967412 PMCID: PMC9071489 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkab1282] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2021] [Revised: 11/16/2021] [Accepted: 12/15/2021] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Many pathological processes are driven by RNA-protein interactions, making such interactions promising targets for molecular interventions. HIV-1 assembly is one such process, in which the viral genomic RNA interacts with the viral Gag protein and serves as a scaffold to drive Gag multimerization that ultimately leads to formation of a virus particle. Here, we develop self-assembled RNA nanostructures that can inhibit HIV-1 virus assembly, achieved through hybridization of multiple artificial small RNAs with a stem-loop structure (STL) that we identify as a prominent ligand of Gag that can inhibit virus particle production via STL-Gag interactions. The resulting STL-decorated nanostructures (double and triple stem-loop structures denoted as Dumbbell and Tribell, respectively) can elicit more pronounced viral blockade than their building blocks, with the inhibition arising as a result of nanostructures interfering with Gag multimerization. These findings could open up new avenues for RNA-based therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Na Qu
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, College of Future Technology, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China
| | - Yachen Ying
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, College of Future Technology, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China.,Department of Biomedical Engineering, College of Engineering, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China.,National Biomedical Imaging Center, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China
| | - Jinshan Qin
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, College of Future Technology, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China.,Department of Biomedical Engineering, College of Engineering, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China.,National Biomedical Imaging Center, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China
| | - Antony K Chen
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, College of Future Technology, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China.,National Biomedical Imaging Center, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China
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15
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Chen S, Hermann T. RNA-DNA Hybrid Nanoshape Synthesis by Facile Module Exchange. J Am Chem Soc 2021; 143:20356-20362. [PMID: 34818893 DOI: 10.1021/jacs.1c09739] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
The preparation of nucleic acid nanostructures has relied predominantly on procedures of additive fabrication in which complex architectures are assembled by concerted self-assembly and sequential addition of building blocks. We had previously established RNA-DNA hybrid nanoshapes with modular architectures that enable multistep synthetic approaches inspired by organic molecular synthesis where additive and transformative steps are used to prepare complex molecular architectures. We report the establishment of module replacement and strand exchange as synthetic transformations in nucleic acid hybrid nanoshapes, which are enabled by minimally destabilizing sequence elements such as a single unpaired overhang nucleotide or a mismatch base pair. Module exchange facilitated by thermodynamic lability triggers adds a powerful transformative approach to the repertoire of additive and transformative synthetic methods for the preparation of complex composite materials.
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16
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Liu X, Tong Y, Xia D, Peng E, Yang X, Liu H, Ye T, Wang X, He Y, Ye Z, Chen Z, Tang K. Circular RNAs in prostate cancer: Biogenesis,biological functions, and clinical significance. MOLECULAR THERAPY. NUCLEIC ACIDS 2021; 26:1130-1147. [PMID: 34820150 PMCID: PMC8585584 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtn.2021.10.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Circular RNAs (circRNAs) are covalently closed RNA molecules that play important regulatory roles in various tumors. Prostate cancer (PCa) is one of the most common malignant tumors in the world, with high morbidity and mortality. In recent years, more and more circRNAs have been found to be abnormally expressed and involved in the occurrence and development of PCa, including cell proliferation, apoptosis, invasion, migration, metastasis, chemotherapy resistance, and radiotherapy resistance. Most of the circRNAs regulate biological behaviors of cancer through a competitive endogenous RNA (ceRNA) regulatory mechanism, and some can exert their functions by binding to proteins. circRNAs are also associated with many clinicopathological features of PCa, including tumor grade, lymph node metastasis, and distant metastasis. In addition, circRNAs are potential diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers for PCa. Considering their critical regulatory roles in the progression of PCa, circRNAs would be the potential therapeutic targets. In this paper, the current research status of circRNAs in PCa is briefly reviewed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiao Liu
- Department of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, China
| | - Yonghua Tong
- Department of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, China
| | - Ding Xia
- Department of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, China
| | - Ejun Peng
- Department of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, China
| | - Xiaoqi Yang
- Department of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, China
| | - Hailang Liu
- Department of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, China
| | - Tao Ye
- Department of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, China
| | - Xinguang Wang
- Department of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, China
| | - Yu He
- Department of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, China
| | - Zhangqun Ye
- Department of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, China
| | - Zhiqiang Chen
- Department of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, China
| | - Kun Tang
- Department of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, China
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17
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Krissanaprasit A, Key CM, Pontula S, LaBean TH. Self-Assembling Nucleic Acid Nanostructures Functionalized with Aptamers. Chem Rev 2021; 121:13797-13868. [PMID: 34157230 DOI: 10.1021/acs.chemrev.0c01332] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Researchers have worked for many decades to master the rules of biomolecular design that would allow artificial biopolymer complexes to self-assemble and function similarly to the diverse biochemical constructs displayed in natural biological systems. The rules of nucleic acid assembly (dominated by Watson-Crick base-pairing) have been less difficult to understand and manipulate than the more complicated rules of protein folding. Therefore, nucleic acid nanotechnology has advanced more quickly than de novo protein design, and recent years have seen amazing progress in DNA and RNA design. By combining structural motifs with aptamers that act as affinity handles and add powerful molecular recognition capabilities, nucleic acid-based self-assemblies represent a diverse toolbox for use by bioengineers to create molecules with potentially revolutionary biological activities. In this review, we focus on the development of self-assembling nucleic acid nanostructures that are functionalized with nucleic acid aptamers and their great potential in wide ranging application areas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abhichart Krissanaprasit
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, College of Engineering, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina 27695, United States
| | - Carson M Key
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina 27708, United States
| | - Sahil Pontula
- Department of Physics, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, United States.,Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, United States
| | - Thomas H LaBean
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, College of Engineering, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina 27695, United States
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18
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Chen S, Xing L, Zhang D, Monferrer A, Hermann T. Nano-sandwich composite by kinetic trapping assembly from protein and nucleic acid. Nucleic Acids Res 2021; 49:10098-10105. [PMID: 34500473 PMCID: PMC8464029 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkab797] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2021] [Revised: 08/06/2021] [Accepted: 09/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Design and preparation of layered composite materials alternating between nucleic acids and proteins has been elusive due to limitations in occurrence and geometry of interaction sites in natural biomolecules. We report the design and kinetically controlled stepwise synthesis of a nano-sandwich composite by programmed noncovalent association of protein, DNA and RNA modules. A homo-tetramer protein core was introduced to control the self-assembly and precise positioning of two RNA–DNA hybrid nanotriangles in a co-parallel sandwich arrangement. Kinetically favored self-assembly of the circularly closed nanostructures at the protein was driven by the intrinsic fast folding ability of RNA corner modules which were added to precursor complex of DNA bound to the protein. The 3D architecture of this first synthetic protein–RNA–DNA complex was confirmed by fluorescence labeling and cryo-electron microscopy studies. The synthesis strategy for the nano-sandwich composite provides a general blueprint for controlled noncovalent assembly of complex supramolecular architectures from protein, DNA and RNA components, which expand the design repertoire for bottom-up preparation of layered biomaterials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shi Chen
- Materials Science and Engineering Program, University of California, San Diego, 9500 Gilman Drive, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Li Xing
- Irvine Materials Research Institute, University of California, Irvine, CA 92697, USA
| | - Douglas Zhang
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of California, San Diego, 9500 Gilman Drive, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Alba Monferrer
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of California, San Diego, 9500 Gilman Drive, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Thomas Hermann
- To whom correspondence should be addressed. Tel: +1 858 534 4467; Fax: +1 858 534 0202;
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19
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Binzel DW, Li X, Burns N, Khan E, Lee WJ, Chen LC, Ellipilli S, Miles W, Ho YS, Guo P. Thermostability, Tunability, and Tenacity of RNA as Rubbery Anionic Polymeric Materials in Nanotechnology and Nanomedicine-Specific Cancer Targeting with Undetectable Toxicity. Chem Rev 2021; 121:7398-7467. [PMID: 34038115 PMCID: PMC8312718 DOI: 10.1021/acs.chemrev.1c00009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
RNA nanotechnology is the bottom-up self-assembly of nanometer-scale architectures, resembling LEGOs, composed mainly of RNA. The ideal building material should be (1) versatile and controllable in shape and stoichiometry, (2) spontaneously self-assemble, and (3) thermodynamically, chemically, and enzymatically stable with a long shelf life. RNA building blocks exhibit each of the above. RNA is a polynucleic acid, making it a polymer, and its negative-charge prevents nonspecific binding to negatively charged cell membranes. The thermostability makes it suitable for logic gates, resistive memory, sensor set-ups, and NEM devices. RNA can be designed and manipulated with a level of simplicity of DNA while displaying versatile structure and enzyme activity of proteins. RNA can fold into single-stranded loops or bulges to serve as mounting dovetails for intermolecular or domain interactions without external linking dowels. RNA nanoparticles display rubber- and amoeba-like properties and are stretchable and shrinkable through multiple repeats, leading to enhanced tumor targeting and fast renal excretion to reduce toxicities. It was predicted in 2014 that RNA would be the third milestone in pharmaceutical drug development. The recent approval of several RNA drugs and COVID-19 mRNA vaccines by FDA suggests that this milestone is being realized. Here, we review the unique properties of RNA nanotechnology, summarize its recent advancements, describe its distinct attributes inside or outside the body and discuss potential applications in nanotechnology, medicine, and material science.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel W Binzel
- Center for RNA Nanobiotechnology and Nanomedicine, College of Pharmacy, Dorothy M. Davis Heart and Lung Research Institute, James Comprehensive Cancer Center, College of Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio 43210, United States
| | - Xin Li
- Center for RNA Nanobiotechnology and Nanomedicine, College of Pharmacy, Dorothy M. Davis Heart and Lung Research Institute, James Comprehensive Cancer Center, College of Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio 43210, United States
| | - Nicolas Burns
- Center for RNA Nanobiotechnology and Nanomedicine, College of Pharmacy, Dorothy M. Davis Heart and Lung Research Institute, James Comprehensive Cancer Center, College of Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio 43210, United States
| | - Eshan Khan
- Department of Cancer Biology and Genetics, The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center, College of Medicine, Center for RNA Biology, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio 43210, United States
| | - Wen-Jui Lee
- TMU Research Center of Cancer Translational Medicine, School of Medical Laboratory Science and Biotechnology, College of Medical Science and Technology, Graduate Institute of Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Taipei Medical University Hospital, Taipei 110, Taiwan
| | - Li-Ching Chen
- TMU Research Center of Cancer Translational Medicine, School of Medical Laboratory Science and Biotechnology, College of Medical Science and Technology, Graduate Institute of Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Taipei Medical University Hospital, Taipei 110, Taiwan
| | - Satheesh Ellipilli
- Center for RNA Nanobiotechnology and Nanomedicine, College of Pharmacy, Dorothy M. Davis Heart and Lung Research Institute, James Comprehensive Cancer Center, College of Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio 43210, United States
| | - Wayne Miles
- Department of Cancer Biology and Genetics, The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center, College of Medicine, Center for RNA Biology, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio 43210, United States
| | - Yuan Soon Ho
- TMU Research Center of Cancer Translational Medicine, School of Medical Laboratory Science and Biotechnology, College of Medical Science and Technology, Graduate Institute of Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Taipei Medical University Hospital, Taipei 110, Taiwan
| | - Peixuan Guo
- Center for RNA Nanobiotechnology and Nanomedicine, College of Pharmacy, Dorothy M. Davis Heart and Lung Research Institute, James Comprehensive Cancer Center, College of Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio 43210, United States
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20
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Johnson MB, Chandler M, Afonin KA. Nucleic acid nanoparticles (NANPs) as molecular tools to direct desirable and avoid undesirable immunological effects. Adv Drug Deliv Rev 2021; 173:427-438. [PMID: 33857556 PMCID: PMC8178219 DOI: 10.1016/j.addr.2021.04.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2021] [Revised: 04/05/2021] [Accepted: 04/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Nucleic acid nanoparticles (NANPs) represent a highly versatile molecular platform for the targeted delivery of various therapeutics. However, despite their promise, further clinical translation of this innovative technology can be hindered by immunological off-target effects. All human cells are equipped with an arsenal of receptors that recognize molecular patterns specific to foreign nucleic acids and understanding the rules that guide this recognition offer the key rationale for the development of therapeutic NANPs with tunable immune stimulation. Numerous recent studies have provided increasing evidence that in addition to NANPs' physicochemical properties and therapeutic effects, their interactions with cells of the immune system can be regulated through multiple independently programmable architectural parameters. The results further suggest that defined immunomodulation by NANPs can either support their immunoquiescent delivery or be used for conditional stimulation of beneficial immunological responses.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Brittany Johnson
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of North Carolina at Charlotte, Charlotte, NC 28223, USA
| | - Morgan Chandler
- Nanoscale Science Program, Department of Chemistry, University of North Carolina at Charlotte, Charlotte, NC 28223, USA
| | - Kirill A Afonin
- Nanoscale Science Program, Department of Chemistry, University of North Carolina at Charlotte, Charlotte, NC 28223, USA.
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21
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Soulé A, Reinharz V, Sarrazin-Gendron R, Denise A, Waldispühl J. Finding recurrent RNA structural networks with fast maximal common subgraphs of edge-colored graphs. PLoS Comput Biol 2021; 17:e1008990. [PMID: 34048427 PMCID: PMC8191989 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pcbi.1008990] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2020] [Revised: 06/10/2021] [Accepted: 04/22/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
RNA tertiary structure is crucial to its many non-coding molecular functions. RNA architecture is shaped by its secondary structure composed of stems, stacked canonical base pairs, enclosing loops. While stems are precisely captured by free-energy models, loops composed of non-canonical base pairs are not. Nor are distant interactions linking together those secondary structure elements (SSEs). Databases of conserved 3D geometries (a.k.a. modules) not captured by energetic models are leveraged for structure prediction and design, but the computational complexity has limited their study to local elements, loops. Representing the RNA structure as a graph has recently allowed to expend this work to pairs of SSEs, uncovering a hierarchical organization of these 3D modules, at great computational cost. Systematically capturing recurrent patterns on a large scale is a main challenge in the study of RNA structures. In this paper, we present an efficient algorithm to compute maximal isomorphisms in edge colored graphs. We extend this algorithm to a framework well suited to identify RNA modules, and fast enough to considerably generalize previous approaches. To exhibit the versatility of our framework, we first reproduce results identifying all common modules spanning more than 2 SSEs, in a few hours instead of weeks. The efficiency of our new algorithm is demonstrated by computing the maximal modules between any pair of entire RNA in the non-redundant corpus of known RNA 3D structures. We observe that the biggest modules our method uncovers compose large shared sub-structure spanning hundreds of nucleotides and base pairs between the ribosomes of Thermus thermophilus, Escherichia Coli, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Ribonucleic Acids (RNAs) are performing a broad range of essential molecular functions in cells, many of which rely on intricate folding properties of the molecule. Watson-Crick and Wobble base pairs form early, stack onto each other to create stems connected by loops, which are themselves stabilized by more sophisticated base interaction patterns. These networks are essential to shape RNA 3D structures but unfortunately still poorly understood. Here, we undertake the task to build a catalog of base interaction networks occurring in multiple structures. However, a pairwise comparison of all RNA structures is computationally heavy. Therefore, we devise an algorithm leveraging intrinsic properties of RNA base interaction networks that enables us to quickly mine full databases of 3D structures. Compared to previous methods, our techniques bring the total running time of the analysis from months to hours while performing more general searches. The data collected though this work will benefit molecular evolution studies and serve in structure prediction tools.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antoine Soulé
- School of Computer Science, McGill University, Montréal, Canada
- LiX, École Polytechnique, Paris, France
| | - Vladimir Reinharz
- Department of Computer Science, Université du Québec à Montréal, Montréal, Canada
| | | | - Alain Denise
- Laboratoire de recherche en informatique, Université Paris-Saclay - CNRS, Orsay, France
- Institute for Integrative Biology of the Cell (I2BC), Université Paris-Saclay - CEA - CNRS, Gif-sur-Yvette, France
| | - Jérôme Waldispühl
- School of Computer Science, McGill University, Montréal, Canada
- * E-mail:
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22
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Badu S, Melnik R, Singh S. Mathematical and computational models of RNA nanoclusters and their applications in data-driven environments. MOLECULAR SIMULATION 2020. [DOI: 10.1080/08927022.2020.1804564] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Shyam Badu
- MS2Discovery Interdisciplinary Research Institute, Wilfrid Laurier University, Waterloo, Ontario, Canada
| | - Roderick Melnik
- MS2Discovery Interdisciplinary Research Institute, Wilfrid Laurier University, Waterloo, Ontario, Canada
- BCAM-Basque Center for Applied Mathematics, Bilbao, Spain
| | - Sundeep Singh
- MS2Discovery Interdisciplinary Research Institute, Wilfrid Laurier University, Waterloo, Ontario, Canada
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23
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Panigaj M, Johnson MB, Ke W, McMillan J, Goncharova EA, Chandler M, Afonin KA. Aptamers as Modular Components of Therapeutic Nucleic Acid Nanotechnology. ACS NANO 2019; 13:12301-12321. [PMID: 31664817 PMCID: PMC7382785 DOI: 10.1021/acsnano.9b06522] [Citation(s) in RCA: 81] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/19/2023]
Abstract
Nucleic acids play a central role in all domains of life, either as genetic blueprints or as regulators of various biochemical pathways. The chemical makeup of ribonucleic acid (RNA) or deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA), generally represented by a sequence of four monomers, also provides precise instructions for folding and higher-order assembly of these biopolymers that, in turn, dictate biological functions. The sequence-based specific 3D structures of nucleic acids led to the development of the directed evolution of oligonucleotides, SELEX (systematic evolution of ligands by exponential enrichment), against a chosen target molecule. Among the variety of functions, selected oligonucleotides named aptamers also allow targeting of cell-specific receptors with antibody-like precision and can deliver functional RNAs without a transfection agent. The advancements in the field of customizable nucleic acid nanoparticles (NANPs) opened avenues for the design of nanoassemblies utilizing aptamers for triggering or blocking cell signaling pathways or using aptamer-receptor combinations to activate therapeutic functionalities. A recent selection of fluorescent aptamers enables real-time tracking of NANP formation and interactions. The aptamers are anticipated to contribute to the future development of technologies, enabling an efficient assembly of functional NANPs in mammalian cells or in vivo. These research topics are of top importance for the field of therapeutic nucleic acid nanotechnology with the promises to scale up mass production of NANPs suitable for biomedical applications, to control the intracellular organization of biological materials to enhance the efficiency of biochemical pathways, and to enhance the therapeutic potential of NANP-based therapeutics while minimizing undesired side effects and toxicities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martin Panigaj
- Nanoscale Science Program, Department of Chemistry, University of North Carolina at Charlotte, Charlotte, North Carolina 28223, United States
- Institute of Biology and Ecology, Faculty of Science, Pavol Jozef Safarik University in Kosice, Kosice 04154, Slovak Republic
| | - M. Brittany Johnson
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of North Carolina at Charlotte, Charlotte, North Carolina 28223, United States
| | - Weina Ke
- Nanoscale Science Program, Department of Chemistry, University of North Carolina at Charlotte, Charlotte, North Carolina 28223, United States
| | - Jessica McMillan
- Nanoscale Science Program, Department of Chemistry, University of North Carolina at Charlotte, Charlotte, North Carolina 28223, United States
| | - Ekaterina A. Goncharova
- Nanoscale Science Program, Department of Chemistry, University of North Carolina at Charlotte, Charlotte, North Carolina 28223, United States
- Laboratory of Solution Chemistry of Advanced Materials and Technologies, ITMO University, St. Petersburg 191002, Russian Federation
| | - Morgan Chandler
- Nanoscale Science Program, Department of Chemistry, University of North Carolina at Charlotte, Charlotte, North Carolina 28223, United States
| | - Kirill A. Afonin
- Nanoscale Science Program, Department of Chemistry, University of North Carolina at Charlotte, Charlotte, North Carolina 28223, United States
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24
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Naskar S, Joshi H, Chakraborty B, Seeman NC, Maiti PK. Atomic structures of RNA nanotubes and their comparison with DNA nanotubes. NANOSCALE 2019; 11:14863-14878. [PMID: 31355845 DOI: 10.1039/c9nr00786e] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
We present a computational framework to model RNA based nanostructures and study their microscopic structures. We model hexagonal nanotubes made of 6 dsRNA (RNTs) connected by double crossover (DX) at different positions. Using several hundred nano-second (ns) long all-atom molecular dynamics simulations, we study the atomic structure, conformational change and elastic properties of RNTs in the presence of explicit water and ions. Based on several structural quantities such as root mean square deviation (RMSD) and root mean square fluctuation (RMSF), we find that the RNTs are almost as stable as DNA nanotubes (DNTs). Although the central portion of the RNTs maintain its cylindrical shape, both the terminal regions open up to give rise to a gating like behavior which can play a crucial role in drug delivery. From the bending angle distribution, we observe that the RNTs are more flexible than DNTs. The calculated persistence length of the RNTs is in the micron range which is an order of magnitude higher than that of a single dsRNA. The stretch modulus of the RNTs from the contour length distribution is in the range of 4-7 nN depending on the sequence. The calculated persistence length and stretch modulus are in the same range of values as in the case of DNTs. To understand the structural properties of RNTs at the individual base-pair level we have also calculated all the helicoidal parameters and analyzed the relative flexibility and rigidity of RNTs having a different sequence. These findings emphasized the fascinating properties of RNTs which will expedite further theoretical and experimental studies in this field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Supriyo Naskar
- Center for Condensed Matter Theory, Department of Physics, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore 560012, India.
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25
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Kim J, Narayana A, Patel S, Sahay G. Advances in intracellular delivery through supramolecular self-assembly of oligonucleotides and peptides. Theranostics 2019; 9:3191-3212. [PMID: 31244949 PMCID: PMC6567962 DOI: 10.7150/thno.33921] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2019] [Accepted: 04/09/2019] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Cells utilize natural supramolecular assemblies to maintain homeostasis and biological functions. Naturally inspired modular assembly of biomaterials are now being exploited for understanding or manipulating cell biology for treatment, diagnosis, and detection of diseases. Supramolecular biomaterials, in particular peptides and oligonucleotides, can be precisely tuned to have diverse structural, mechanical, physicochemical and biological properties. These merits of oligonucleotides and peptides as building blocks have given rise to the evolution of numerous nucleic acid- and peptide-based self-assembling nanomaterials for various medical applications, including drug delivery, tissue engineering, regenerative medicine, and immunotherapy. In this review, we provide an extensive overview of the intracellular delivery approaches using supramolecular self-assembly of DNA, RNA, and peptides. Furthermore, we discuss the current challenges related to subcellular delivery and provide future perspectives of the application of supramolecular biomaterials for intracellular delivery in theranostics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeonghwan Kim
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Robertson Life Sciences Building, Oregon State University, Portland, OR
| | - Ashwanikumar Narayana
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Robertson Life Sciences Building, Oregon State University, Portland, OR
| | - Siddharth Patel
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Robertson Life Sciences Building, Oregon State University, Portland, OR
| | - Gaurav Sahay
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Robertson Life Sciences Building, Oregon State University, Portland, OR
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Robertson Life Sciences Building, Oregon Health Science University, Portland, OR
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26
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Wamhoff EC, Banal JL, Bricker WP, Shepherd TR, Parsons MF, Veneziano R, Stone MB, Jun H, Wang X, Bathe M. Programming Structured DNA Assemblies to Probe Biophysical Processes. Annu Rev Biophys 2019; 48:395-419. [PMID: 31084582 PMCID: PMC7035826 DOI: 10.1146/annurev-biophys-052118-115259] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Structural DNA nanotechnology is beginning to emerge as a widely accessible research tool to mechanistically study diverse biophysical processes. Enabled by scaffolded DNA origami in which a long single strand of DNA is weaved throughout an entire target nucleic acid assembly to ensure its proper folding, assemblies of nearly any geometric shape can now be programmed in a fully automatic manner to interface with biology on the 1-100-nm scale. Here, we review the major design and synthesis principles that have enabled the fabrication of a specific subclass of scaffolded DNA origami objects called wireframe assemblies. These objects offer unprecedented control over the nanoscale organization of biomolecules, including biomolecular copy numbers, presentation on convex or concave geometries, and internal versus external functionalization, in addition to stability in physiological buffer. To highlight the power and versatility of this synthetic structural biology approach to probing molecular and cellular biophysics, we feature its application to three leading areas of investigation: light harvesting and nanoscale energy transport, RNA structural biology, and immune receptor signaling, with an outlook toward unique mechanistic insight that may be gained in these areas in the coming decade.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eike-Christian Wamhoff
- Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, USA;
| | - James L Banal
- Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, USA;
| | - William P Bricker
- Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, USA;
| | - Tyson R Shepherd
- Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, USA;
| | - Molly F Parsons
- Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, USA;
| | - Rémi Veneziano
- Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, USA;
| | - Matthew B Stone
- Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, USA;
| | - Hyungmin Jun
- Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, USA;
| | - Xiao Wang
- Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, USA;
| | - Mark Bathe
- Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, USA;
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27
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Jedrzejczyk D, Chworos A. Self-Assembling RNA Nanoparticle for Gene Expression Regulation in a Model System. ACS Synth Biol 2019; 8:491-497. [PMID: 30649860 DOI: 10.1021/acssynbio.8b00319] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
In the search for enzymatically processed RNA fragments, we found the novel three-way junction motif. The structure prediction suggested the arrangement of helices at acute angle approx. 60°. This allows the design of a trimeric RNA nanoparticle that can be functionalized with multiple regulatory fragments. Such RNA nano-object of equilateral triangular shape was applied for gene expression regulation studies in two independent cellular systems. Biochemical and functional studies confirmed the predicted shape and structure of the nanoparticle. The regulatory siRNA fragments incorporated into the nanoparticle were effectively released and triggered gene silencing. The regulatory effect was prolonged when induced with structuralized RNA compared to unstructured siRNAs. In these studies, the enzymatic processing of the motif was utilized for function release from the nanoparticle, enabling simultaneous delivery of different regulatory functions. This methodology of sequence search, RNA structural prediction, and application for rational design opens a new way for creating enzymatically processed RNA nanoparticles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dominika Jedrzejczyk
- Centre of Molecular and Macromolecular Studies , Polish Academy of Sciences , Sienkiewicza 112 , 90-363 Lodz , Poland
| | - Arkadiusz Chworos
- Centre of Molecular and Macromolecular Studies , Polish Academy of Sciences , Sienkiewicza 112 , 90-363 Lodz , Poland
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28
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Vicens Q, Kieft JS, Rissland OS. Revisiting the Closed-Loop Model and the Nature of mRNA 5'-3' Communication. Mol Cell 2018; 72:805-812. [PMID: 30526871 PMCID: PMC6294470 DOI: 10.1016/j.molcel.2018.10.047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 74] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2018] [Revised: 10/08/2018] [Accepted: 10/30/2018] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Communication between the 5' and 3' ends of mature eukaryotic mRNAs lies at the heart of gene regulation, likely arising at the same time as the eukaryotic lineage itself. Our view of how and why it occurs has been shaped by elegant experiments that led to nearly universal acceptance of the "closed-loop model." However, new observations suggest that this classic model needs to be reexamined, revised, and expanded. Here, we address fundamental questions about the closed-loop model and discuss how a growing understanding of mRNA structure, dynamics, and intermolecular interactions presents new experimental opportunities. We anticipate that the application of emerging methods will lead to expanded models that include the role of intrinsic mRNA structure and quantitative dynamic descriptions of 5'-3' proximity linked to the functional status of an mRNA and will better reflect the messy realities of the crowded and rapidly changing cellular environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Quentin Vicens
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, RNA Bioscience Initiative, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO 80045, USA
| | - Jeffrey S Kieft
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, RNA Bioscience Initiative, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO 80045, USA.
| | - Olivia S Rissland
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, RNA Bioscience Initiative, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO 80045, USA.
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Abstract
The past decades have witnessed tremendous developments in our understanding of RNA biology. At the core of these advances have been studies aimed at discerning RNA structure and at understanding the forces that influence the RNA folding process. It is easy to take the present state of understanding for granted, but there is much to be learned by considering the path to our current understanding, which has been tortuous, with the birth and death of models, the adaptation of experimental tools originally developed for characterization of protein structure and catalysis, and the development of novel tools for probing RNA. In this review we tour the stages of RNA folding studies, considering them as "epochs" that can be generalized across scientific disciplines. These epochs span from the discovery of catalytic RNA, through biophysical insights into the putative primordial RNA World, to characterization of structured RNAs, the building and testing of models, and, finally, to the development of models with the potential to yield generalizable predictive and quantitative models for RNA conformational, thermodynamic, and kinetic behavior. We hope that this accounting will aid others as they navigate the many fascinating questions about RNA and its roles in biology, in the past, present, and future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Herschlag
- Department of Biochemistry, Stanford University, Stanford, California 94305
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Stanford University, Stanford, California 94305
- Department of Chemistry, Stanford University, Stanford, California 94305
- Stanford ChEM-H (Chemistry, Engineering, and Medicine for Human Health), Stanford, California 94305
| | - Steve Bonilla
- Department of Biochemistry, Stanford University, Stanford, California 94305
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Stanford University, Stanford, California 94305
| | - Namita Bisaria
- Whitehead Institute for Biomedical Research, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02142
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Guo S, Piao X, Li H, Guo P. Methods for construction and characterization of simple or special multifunctional RNA nanoparticles based on the 3WJ of phi29 DNA packaging motor. Methods 2018. [PMID: 29530505 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymeth.2018.02.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The field of RNA nanotechnology has developed rapidly over the last decade, as more elaborate RNA nanoarchitectures and therapeutic RNA nanoparticles have been constructed, and their applications have been extensively explored. Now it is time to offer different levels of RNA construction methods for both the beginners and the experienced researchers or enterprisers. The first and second parts of this article will provide instructions on basic and simple methods for the assembly and characterization of RNA nanoparticles, mainly based on the pRNA three-way junction (pRNA-3WJ) of phi29 DNA packaging motor. The third part of this article will focus on specific methods for the construction of more sophisticated multivalent RNA nanoparticles for therapeutic applications. In these parts, some simple protocols are provided to facilitate the initiation of the RNA nanoparticle construction in labs new to the field of RNA nanotechnology. This article is intended to serve as a general reference aimed at both apprentices and senior scientists for their future design, construction and characterization of RNA nanoparticles based on the pRNA-3WJ of phi29 DNA packaging motor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sijin Guo
- Center for RNA Nanobiotechnology and Nanomedicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA; College of Pharmacy, Division of Pharmaceutics and Pharmaceutical Chemistry, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
| | - Xijun Piao
- Center for RNA Nanobiotechnology and Nanomedicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA; College of Pharmacy, Division of Pharmaceutics and Pharmaceutical Chemistry, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
| | - Hui Li
- Center for RNA Nanobiotechnology and Nanomedicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA; College of Pharmacy, Division of Pharmaceutics and Pharmaceutical Chemistry, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
| | - Peixuan Guo
- Center for RNA Nanobiotechnology and Nanomedicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA; College of Pharmacy, Division of Pharmaceutics and Pharmaceutical Chemistry, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA; College of Medicine, Dorothy M. Davis Heart and Lung Research Institute, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA; James Comprehensive Cancer Center, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA.
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31
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Piao X, Wang H, Binzel DW, Guo P. Assessment and comparison of thermal stability of phosphorothioate-DNA, DNA, RNA, 2'-F RNA, and LNA in the context of Phi29 pRNA 3WJ. RNA (NEW YORK, N.Y.) 2018; 24:67-76. [PMID: 29051199 PMCID: PMC5733572 DOI: 10.1261/rna.063057.117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2017] [Accepted: 10/03/2017] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
The question of whether RNA is more stable or unstable compared to DNA or other nucleic acids has long been a subject of extensive scrutiny and public attention. Recently, thermodynamically stable and degradation-resistant RNA motifs have been utilized in RNA nanotechnology to build desired architectures and integrate multiple functional groups. Here we report the effects of phosphorothioate deoxyribonucleotides (PS-DNA), deoxyribonucleotides (DNA), ribonucleotides (RNA), 2'-F nucleotides (2'-F), and locked nucleic acids (LNA) on the thermal and in vivo stability of the three-way junction (3WJ) of bacteriophage phi29 motor packaging RNA. It was found that the thermal stability gradually increased following the order of PS-DNA/PS-DNA < DNA/DNA < DNA/RNA < RNA/RNA < RNA/2'-F RNA < 2'-F RNA/2'-F RNA < 2'-F RNA/LNA < LNA/LNA. This proposition is supported by studies on strand displacement and the melting of homogeneous and heterogeneous 3WJs. By simply mixing different chemically modified oligonucleotides, the thermal stability of phi29 pRNA 3WJ can be tuned to cover a wide range of melting temperatures from 21.2°C to over 95°C. The 3WJLNA was resistant to boiling temperature denaturation, urea denaturation, and 50% serum degradation. Intravenous injection of fluorescent LNA/2'-F hybrid 3WJs into mice revealed its exceptional in vivo stability and presence in urine. It is thus concluded that incorporation of LNA nucleotides, alone or in combination with 2'-F, into RNA nanoparticles derived from phi29 pRNA 3WJ can extend the half-life of the RNA nanoparticles in vivo and improve their pharmacokinetics profile.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xijun Piao
- Center for RNA Nanobiotechnology and Nanomedicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio 43210, USA
- College of Pharmacy, Division of Pharmaceutics and Pharmaceutical Chemistry, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio 43210, USA
- College of Medicine; Dorothy M. Davis Heart and Lung Research Institute; The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio 43210, USA
- James Comprehensive Cancer Center, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio 43210, USA
| | - Hongzhi Wang
- Center for RNA Nanobiotechnology and Nanomedicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio 43210, USA
- College of Pharmacy, Division of Pharmaceutics and Pharmaceutical Chemistry, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio 43210, USA
- College of Medicine; Dorothy M. Davis Heart and Lung Research Institute; The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio 43210, USA
- James Comprehensive Cancer Center, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio 43210, USA
| | - Daniel W Binzel
- Center for RNA Nanobiotechnology and Nanomedicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio 43210, USA
- College of Pharmacy, Division of Pharmaceutics and Pharmaceutical Chemistry, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio 43210, USA
- College of Medicine; Dorothy M. Davis Heart and Lung Research Institute; The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio 43210, USA
- James Comprehensive Cancer Center, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio 43210, USA
| | - Peixuan Guo
- Center for RNA Nanobiotechnology and Nanomedicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio 43210, USA
- College of Pharmacy, Division of Pharmaceutics and Pharmaceutical Chemistry, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio 43210, USA
- College of Medicine; Dorothy M. Davis Heart and Lung Research Institute; The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio 43210, USA
- James Comprehensive Cancer Center, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio 43210, USA
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32
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Dore MD, Fakhoury JJ, Lacroix A, Sleiman HF. Templated synthesis of spherical RNA nanoparticles with gene silencing activity. Chem Commun (Camb) 2018; 54:11296-11299. [DOI: 10.1039/c8cc06994h] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Bioactive RNA nanoparticles with gene silencing activity have been synthesized in high yield using a complementary spherical DNA nanoparticle.
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33
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Geary C, Chworos A, Verzemnieks E, Voss NR, Jaeger L. Composing RNA Nanostructures from a Syntax of RNA Structural Modules. NANO LETTERS 2017; 17:7095-7101. [PMID: 29039189 PMCID: PMC6363482 DOI: 10.1021/acs.nanolett.7b03842] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
Abstract
Natural stable RNAs fold and assemble into complex three-dimensional architectures by relying on the hierarchical formation of intricate, recurrent networks of noncovalent tertiary interactions. These sequence-dependent networks specify RNA structural modules enabling orientational and topological control of helical struts to form larger self-folding domains. Borrowing concepts from linguistics, we defined an extended structural syntax of RNA modules for programming RNA strands to assemble into complex, responsive nanostructures under both thermodynamic and kinetic control. Based on this syntax, various RNA building blocks promote the multimolecular assembly of objects with well-defined three-dimensional shapes as well as the isothermal folding of long RNAs into complex single-stranded nanostructures during transcription. This work offers a glimpse of the limitless potential of RNA as an informational medium for designing programmable and functional nanomaterials useful for synthetic biology, nanomedicine, and nanotechnology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cody Geary
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Biomolecular Science and Engineering Program, University of California, Santa Barbara, California 93106-9510, United States
| | - Arkadiusz Chworos
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Biomolecular Science and Engineering Program, University of California, Santa Barbara, California 93106-9510, United States
| | - Erik Verzemnieks
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Biomolecular Science and Engineering Program, University of California, Santa Barbara, California 93106-9510, United States
| | - Neil R. Voss
- Biological, Chemical, and Physical Sciences Department, Roosevelt University, 1400 North Roosevelt Blvd., Schaumburg, Illinois 60173, United States
| | - Luc Jaeger
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Biomolecular Science and Engineering Program, University of California, Santa Barbara, California 93106-9510, United States
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34
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Jasinski D, Haque F, Binzel DW, Guo P. Advancement of the Emerging Field of RNA Nanotechnology. ACS NANO 2017; 11:1142-1164. [PMID: 28045501 PMCID: PMC5333189 DOI: 10.1021/acsnano.6b05737] [Citation(s) in RCA: 222] [Impact Index Per Article: 31.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2016] [Accepted: 01/03/2017] [Indexed: 05/14/2023]
Abstract
The field of RNA nanotechnology has advanced rapidly during the past decade. A variety of programmable RNA nanoparticles with defined shape, size, and stoichiometry have been developed for diverse applications in nanobiotechnology. The rising popularity of RNA nanoparticles is due to a number of factors: (1) removing the concern of RNA degradation in vitro and in vivo by introducing chemical modification into nucleotides without significant alteration of the RNA property in folding and self-assembly; (2) confirming the concept that RNA displays very high thermodynamic stability and is suitable for in vivo trafficking and other applications; (3) obtaining the knowledge to tune the immunogenic properties of synthetic RNA constructs for in vivo applications; (4) increased understanding of the 4D structure and intermolecular interaction of RNA molecules; (5) developing methods to control shape, size, and stoichiometry of RNA nanoparticles; (6) increasing knowledge of regulation and processing functions of RNA in cells; (7) decreasing cost of RNA production by biological and chemical synthesis; and (8) proving the concept that RNA is a safe and specific therapeutic modality for cancer and other diseases with little or no accumulation in vital organs. Other applications of RNA nanotechnology, such as adapting them to construct 2D, 3D, and 4D structures for use in tissue engineering, biosensing, resistive biomemory, and potential computer logic gate modules, have stimulated the interest of the scientific community. This review aims to outline the current state of the art of RNA nanoparticles as programmable smart complexes and offers perspectives on the promising avenues of research in this fast-growing field.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Daniel W Binzel
- College of Pharmacy, Division
of Pharmaceutics and Pharmaceutical Chemistry; College of Medicine,
Department of Physiology & Cell Biology; and Dorothy M. Davis
Heart and Lung Research Institute, The Ohio
State University, Columbus, Ohio 43210, United States
| | - Peixuan Guo
- College of Pharmacy, Division
of Pharmaceutics and Pharmaceutical Chemistry; College of Medicine,
Department of Physiology & Cell Biology; and Dorothy M. Davis
Heart and Lung Research Institute, The Ohio
State University, Columbus, Ohio 43210, United States
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35
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Tanaka T, Ikawa Y, Matsumura S. Rational Engineering of a Modular Group I Ribozyme to Control Its Activity by Self-Dimerization. Methods Mol Biol 2017; 1632:325-340. [PMID: 28730449 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-4939-7138-1_21] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
We designed and constructed a dimer of the Tetrahymena group I ribozyme the activity of which is regulated by self-dimerization. This dimer was rationally designed by utilizing the P5abc and ΔP5abc domains as large RNA motifs. This strategy enabled us to install large ribozyme functions into an RNA structure. This is a step toward expanding the field of RNA nanotechnology beyond the limitation of using only relatively small functional motifs. Self-dimerization can also be rationally programmed by modular engineering of RNA interaction motifs. In this chapter, we present the procedure for the rational design and construction of large ribozyme domains based on RNA tertiary structures. We also describe the electrophoresis mobility shift assay (EMS) and several ribozyme activity assays to confirm the ribozyme function and its regulation. We have succeeded in construction of tecto-GIRz.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takahiro Tanaka
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Graduate School of Engineering, Kyushu University, 744 Moto-oka, Nishi-ku, Fukuoka, 819-0395, Japan
| | - Yoshiya Ikawa
- Graduate School of Science and Engineering, University of Toyama, 3190 Gofuku, Toyama, 930-8555, Japan
| | - Shigeyoshi Matsumura
- Graduate School of Science and Engineering, University of Toyama, 3190 Gofuku, Toyama, 930-8555, Japan.
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36
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Khisamutdinov EF, Jasinski DL, Li H, Zhang K, Chiu W, Guo P. Fabrication of RNA 3D Nanoprisms for Loading and Protection of Small RNAs and Model Drugs. ADVANCED MATERIALS (DEERFIELD BEACH, FLA.) 2016; 28:10079-10087. [PMID: 27758001 PMCID: PMC5224701 DOI: 10.1002/adma.201603180] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2016] [Revised: 07/30/2016] [Indexed: 05/22/2023]
Abstract
Constructing containers with defined shape and size to load and protect therapeutics and subsequently control their release in the human body has long been a dream. The fabrication of 3D RNA prisms, characterized by atomic force microscopy, cryo-electron microscopy, dynamic light scattering, and polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, is reported for the loading and protection of small molecules, proteins, small RNA molecules, and their controlled release.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emil F. Khisamutdinov
- Nanobiotechnology Center, Markey Cancer Center, and Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40536, USA
- Department of Chemistry, Ball State University, Muncie, IN 47306, USA
| | - Daniel L. Jasinski
- Nanobiotechnology Center, Markey Cancer Center, and Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40536, USA
- College of Pharmacy, Department of Physiology & Cell Biology, College of Medicine, and Dorothy M. Davis Heart and Lung Research Institute, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
| | - Hui Li
- Nanobiotechnology Center, Markey Cancer Center, and Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40536, USA
- College of Pharmacy, Department of Physiology & Cell Biology, College of Medicine, and Dorothy M. Davis Heart and Lung Research Institute, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
| | - Kaiming Zhang
- National Center for Macromolecular Imaging, Verna and Marrs McLean Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Wah Chiu
- National Center for Macromolecular Imaging, Verna and Marrs McLean Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Peixuan Guo
- Nanobiotechnology Center, Markey Cancer Center, and Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40536, USA
- College of Pharmacy, Department of Physiology & Cell Biology, College of Medicine, and Dorothy M. Davis Heart and Lung Research Institute, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
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37
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Tanaka T, Matsumura S, Furuta H, Ikawa Y. Tecto-GIRz: Engineered Group I Ribozyme the Catalytic Ability of Which Can Be Controlled by Self-Dimerization. Chembiochem 2016; 17:1448-55. [DOI: 10.1002/cbic.201600190] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2016] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Takahiro Tanaka
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry; Graduate School of Engineering; Kyushu University; Moto-oka 744 Nishi-ku Fukuoka 819-0395 Japan
| | - Shigeyoshi Matsumura
- Department of Chemistry; Graduate School of Science and Engineering; University of Toyama; Gofuku 3190 Toyama 930-8555 Japan
| | - Hiroyuki Furuta
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry; Graduate School of Engineering; Kyushu University; Moto-oka 744 Nishi-ku Fukuoka 819-0395 Japan
| | - Yoshiya Ikawa
- Department of Chemistry; Graduate School of Science and Engineering; University of Toyama; Gofuku 3190 Toyama 930-8555 Japan
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38
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Hao Y, Kieft JS. Three-way junction conformation dictates self-association of phage packaging RNAs. RNA Biol 2016; 13:635-45. [PMID: 27217219 DOI: 10.1080/15476286.2016.1190075] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022] Open
Abstract
The packaging RNA (pRNA) found in the phi29 family of bacteriophage is an essential component of a powerful molecular motor used to package the phage's DNA genome into the capsid. The pRNA forms homomultimers mediated by intermolecular "kissing-loop" interactions, thus it is an example of the unusual phenomenon of a self-associating RNA that can form symmetric higher-order multimers. Previous research showed the pRNAs from phi29 family phages have diverse self-association properties and the kissing-loop interaction is not the sole structural element dictating multimerization. We found that a 3-way junction (3wj) within each pRNA, despite not making direct intermolecular contacts, plays important roles in stabilizing the intermolecular interactions and dictating the size of the multimer formed (dimer, trimer, etc.). Specifically, the 3wj in the pRNA from phage M2 appears to favor a different conformation compared to the 3wj in the phi29 pRNA, and the M2 junction facilitates formation of a higher-order multimer that is more thermostable. This behavior provides insights into the fundamental principles of RNA self-association, and additionally may be useful to engineer fine-tuned properties into pRNAs for nanotechnology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yumeng Hao
- a Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics , University of Colorado Denver School of Medicine , Aurora , CO , USA
| | - Jeffrey S Kieft
- a Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics , University of Colorado Denver School of Medicine , Aurora , CO , USA
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39
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Li H, Lee T, Dziubla T, Pi F, Guo S, Xu J, Li C, Haque F, Liang XJ, Guo P. RNA as a stable polymer to build controllable and defined nanostructures for material and biomedical applications. NANO TODAY 2015; 10:631-655. [PMID: 26770259 PMCID: PMC4707685 DOI: 10.1016/j.nantod.2015.09.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 85] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/22/2023]
Abstract
The value of polymers is manifested in their vital use as building blocks in material and life sciences. Ribonucleic acid (RNA) is a polynucleic acid, but its polymeric nature in materials and technological applications is often overlooked due to an impression that RNA is seemingly unstable. Recent findings that certain modifications can make RNA resistant to RNase degradation while retaining its authentic folding property and biological function, and the discovery of ultra-thermostable RNA motifs have adequately addressed the concerns of RNA unstability. RNA can serve as a unique polymeric material to build varieties of nanostructures including nanoparticles, polygons, arrays, bundles, membrane, and microsponges that have potential applications in biomedical and material sciences. Since 2005, more than a thousand publications on RNA nanostructures have been published in diverse fields, indicating a remarkable increase of interest in the emerging field of RNA nanotechnology. In this review, we aim to: delineate the physical and chemical properties of polymers that can be applied to RNA; introduce the unique properties of RNA as a polymer; review the current methods for the construction of RNA nanostructures; describe its applications in material, biomedical and computer sciences; and, discuss the challenges and future prospects in this field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hui Li
- Nanobiotechnology Center, Markey Cancer Center, and Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40536, USA
| | - Taek Lee
- Nanobiotechnology Center, Markey Cancer Center, and Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40536, USA
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Sogang University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Thomas Dziubla
- Department of Chemical and Materials Engineering, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40506, USA
| | - Fengmei Pi
- Nanobiotechnology Center, Markey Cancer Center, and Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40536, USA
| | - Sijin Guo
- Nanobiotechnology Center, Markey Cancer Center, and Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40536, USA
- Department of Chemistry, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40506, USA
| | - Jing Xu
- Laboratory of Nanomedicine and Nanosafety, CAS Key Laboratory for Biomedical Effects of Nanomaterials and Nanosafety, National Center for Nanoscience and Technology of China, Beijing 100190, China
| | - Chan Li
- Laboratory of Nanomedicine and Nanosafety, CAS Key Laboratory for Biomedical Effects of Nanomaterials and Nanosafety, National Center for Nanoscience and Technology of China, Beijing 100190, China
| | - Farzin Haque
- Nanobiotechnology Center, Markey Cancer Center, and Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40536, USA
| | - Xing-Jie Liang
- Laboratory of Nanomedicine and Nanosafety, CAS Key Laboratory for Biomedical Effects of Nanomaterials and Nanosafety, National Center for Nanoscience and Technology of China, Beijing 100190, China
| | - Peixuan Guo
- Nanobiotechnology Center, Markey Cancer Center, and Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40536, USA
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40
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Westhof E. Nanostructures and nanoconstructions based on DNA. CRYSTALLOGR REV 2015. [DOI: 10.1080/0889311x.2015.1041521] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
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41
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Bhattacharya S, Mittal S, Panigrahi S, Sharma P, S P P, Paul R, Halder S, Halder A, Bhattacharyya D, Mitra A. RNABP COGEST: a resource for investigating functional RNAs. DATABASE-THE JOURNAL OF BIOLOGICAL DATABASES AND CURATION 2015; 2015:bav011. [PMID: 25776022 PMCID: PMC4360618 DOI: 10.1093/database/bav011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Structural bioinformatics of RNA has evolved mainly in response to the rapidly accumulating evidence that non-(protein)-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) play critical roles in gene regulation and development. The structures and functions of most ncRNAs are however still unknown. Most of the available RNA structural databases rely heavily on known 3D structures, and contextually correlate base pairing geometry with actual 3D RNA structures. None of the databases provide any direct information about stabilization energies. However, the intrinsic interaction energies of constituent base pairs can provide significant insights into their roles in the overall dynamics of RNA motifs and structures. Quantum mechanical (QM) computations provide the only approach toward their accurate quantification and characterization. ‘RNA Base Pair Count, Geometry and Stability’ (http://bioinf.iiit.ac.in/RNABPCOGEST) brings together information, extracted from literature data, regarding occurrence frequency, experimental and quantum chemically optimized geometries, and computed interaction energies, for non-canonical base pairs observed in a non-redundant dataset of functional RNA structures. The database is designed to enable the QM community, on the one hand, to identify appropriate biologically relevant model systems and also enable the biology community to easily sift through diverse computational results to gain theoretical insights which could promote hypothesis driven biological research. Database URL:http://bioinf.iiit.ac.in/RNABPCOGEST
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Affiliation(s)
- Sohini Bhattacharya
- Center for Computational Natural Sciences and Bioinformatics (CCNSB), International Institute of Information Technology (IIIT-H), Gachibowli, Hyderabad 500032, and Computational Science Division, Saha Institute of Nuclear Physics (SINP), 1/AF Bidhannagar, Kolkata 700064, India
| | - Shriyaa Mittal
- Center for Computational Natural Sciences and Bioinformatics (CCNSB), International Institute of Information Technology (IIIT-H), Gachibowli, Hyderabad 500032, and Computational Science Division, Saha Institute of Nuclear Physics (SINP), 1/AF Bidhannagar, Kolkata 700064, India
| | - Swati Panigrahi
- Center for Computational Natural Sciences and Bioinformatics (CCNSB), International Institute of Information Technology (IIIT-H), Gachibowli, Hyderabad 500032, and Computational Science Division, Saha Institute of Nuclear Physics (SINP), 1/AF Bidhannagar, Kolkata 700064, India
| | - Purshotam Sharma
- Center for Computational Natural Sciences and Bioinformatics (CCNSB), International Institute of Information Technology (IIIT-H), Gachibowli, Hyderabad 500032, and Computational Science Division, Saha Institute of Nuclear Physics (SINP), 1/AF Bidhannagar, Kolkata 700064, India
| | - Preethi S P
- Center for Computational Natural Sciences and Bioinformatics (CCNSB), International Institute of Information Technology (IIIT-H), Gachibowli, Hyderabad 500032, and Computational Science Division, Saha Institute of Nuclear Physics (SINP), 1/AF Bidhannagar, Kolkata 700064, India
| | - Rahul Paul
- Center for Computational Natural Sciences and Bioinformatics (CCNSB), International Institute of Information Technology (IIIT-H), Gachibowli, Hyderabad 500032, and Computational Science Division, Saha Institute of Nuclear Physics (SINP), 1/AF Bidhannagar, Kolkata 700064, India
| | - Sukanya Halder
- Center for Computational Natural Sciences and Bioinformatics (CCNSB), International Institute of Information Technology (IIIT-H), Gachibowli, Hyderabad 500032, and Computational Science Division, Saha Institute of Nuclear Physics (SINP), 1/AF Bidhannagar, Kolkata 700064, India
| | - Antarip Halder
- Center for Computational Natural Sciences and Bioinformatics (CCNSB), International Institute of Information Technology (IIIT-H), Gachibowli, Hyderabad 500032, and Computational Science Division, Saha Institute of Nuclear Physics (SINP), 1/AF Bidhannagar, Kolkata 700064, India
| | - Dhananjay Bhattacharyya
- Center for Computational Natural Sciences and Bioinformatics (CCNSB), International Institute of Information Technology (IIIT-H), Gachibowli, Hyderabad 500032, and Computational Science Division, Saha Institute of Nuclear Physics (SINP), 1/AF Bidhannagar, Kolkata 700064, India
| | - Abhijit Mitra
- Center for Computational Natural Sciences and Bioinformatics (CCNSB), International Institute of Information Technology (IIIT-H), Gachibowli, Hyderabad 500032, and Computational Science Division, Saha Institute of Nuclear Physics (SINP), 1/AF Bidhannagar, Kolkata 700064, India
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Głów D, Pianka D, Sulej AA, Kozłowski ŁP, Czarnecka J, Chojnowski G, Skowronek KJ, Bujnicki JM. Sequence-specific cleavage of dsRNA by Mini-III RNase. Nucleic Acids Res 2015; 43:2864-73. [PMID: 25634891 PMCID: PMC4357697 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkv009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Ribonucleases (RNases) play a critical role in RNA processing and degradation by hydrolyzing phosphodiester bonds (exo- or endonucleolytically). Many RNases that cut RNA internally exhibit substrate specificity, but their target sites are usually limited to one or a few specific nucleotides in single-stranded RNA and often in a context of a particular three-dimensional structure of the substrate. Thus far, no RNase counterparts of restriction enzymes have been identified which could cleave double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) in a sequence-specific manner. Here, we present evidence for a sequence-dependent cleavage of long dsRNA by RNase Mini-III from Bacillus subtilis (BsMiniIII). Analysis of the sites cleaved by this enzyme in limited digest of bacteriophage Φ6 dsRNA led to the identification of a consensus target sequence. We defined nucleotide residues within the preferred cleavage site that affected the efficiency of the cleavage and were essential for the discrimination of cleavable versus non-cleavable dsRNA sequences. We have also determined that the loop α5b-α6, a distinctive structural element in Mini-III RNases, is crucial for the specific cleavage, but not for dsRNA binding. Our results suggest that BsMiniIII may serve as a prototype of a sequence-specific dsRNase that could possibly be used for targeted cleavage of dsRNA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dawid Głów
- Laboratory of Bioinformatics and Protein Engineering, International Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology in Warsaw, ul. Ks. Trojdena 4, 02-109 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Dariusz Pianka
- Laboratory of Bioinformatics and Protein Engineering, International Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology in Warsaw, ul. Ks. Trojdena 4, 02-109 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Agata A Sulej
- Laboratory of Bioinformatics and Protein Engineering, International Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology in Warsaw, ul. Ks. Trojdena 4, 02-109 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Łukasz P Kozłowski
- Laboratory of Bioinformatics and Protein Engineering, International Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology in Warsaw, ul. Ks. Trojdena 4, 02-109 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Justyna Czarnecka
- Laboratory of Bioinformatics and Protein Engineering, International Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology in Warsaw, ul. Ks. Trojdena 4, 02-109 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Grzegorz Chojnowski
- Laboratory of Bioinformatics and Protein Engineering, International Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology in Warsaw, ul. Ks. Trojdena 4, 02-109 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Krzysztof J Skowronek
- Laboratory of Bioinformatics and Protein Engineering, International Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology in Warsaw, ul. Ks. Trojdena 4, 02-109 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Janusz M Bujnicki
- Laboratory of Bioinformatics and Protein Engineering, International Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology in Warsaw, ul. Ks. Trojdena 4, 02-109 Warsaw, Poland
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Hao Y, Kieft JS. Diverse self-association properties within a family of phage packaging RNAs. RNA (NEW YORK, N.Y.) 2014; 20:1759-74. [PMID: 25246655 PMCID: PMC4201828 DOI: 10.1261/rna.045948.114] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2014] [Accepted: 08/18/2014] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
The packaging RNA (pRNA) found in phi29 bacteriophage is an essential component of a molecular motor that packages the phage's DNA genome. The pRNA forms higher-order multimers by intermolecular "kissing" interactions between identical molecules. The phi29 pRNA is a proven building block for nanotechnology and a model to explore the rare phenomenon of naturally occurring RNA self-association. Although the self-association properties of the phi29 pRNA have been extensively studied and this pRNA is used in nanotechnology, the characteristics of phylogenetically related pRNAs with divergent sequences are comparatively underexplored. These diverse pRNAs may lend new insight into both the rules governing RNA self-association and for RNA engineering. Therefore, we used a combination of biochemical and biophysical methods to resolve ambiguities in the proposed secondary structures of pRNAs from M2, GA1, SF5, and B103 phage, and to discover that different naturally occurring pRNAs form multimers of different stoichiometry and thermostability. Indeed, the M2 pRNA formed multimers that were particularly thermostable and may be more useful than phi29 pRNA for many applications. To determine if diverse pRNA behaviors are conferred by different kissing loop sequences, we designed and tested chimeric RNAs based on our revised secondary structural models. We found that although the kissing loops are essential for self-association, the critical determinant of multimer stability and stoichiometry is likely the diverse three-way junctions found in these RNAs. Using known features of RNA three-way junctions and solved structures of phi29 pRNA's junction, we propose a model for how different junctions affect self-association.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yumeng Hao
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, University of Colorado Denver, School of Medicine, Aurora, Colorado 80045, USA
| | - Jeffrey S Kieft
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, University of Colorado Denver, School of Medicine, Aurora, Colorado 80045, USA Howard Hughes Medical Institute, University of Colorado Denver, School of Medicine, Aurora, Colorado 80045, USA
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Chakraborty S, Mehtab S, Krishnan Y. The predictive power of synthetic nucleic acid technologies in RNA biology. Acc Chem Res 2014; 47:1710-9. [PMID: 24712860 DOI: 10.1021/ar400323d] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
CONSPECTUS: The impact of nucleic acid nanotechnology in terms of transforming motifs from biology in synthetic and translational ways is widely appreciated. But it is also emerging that the thinking and vision behind nucleic acids as construction material has broader implications, not just in nanotechnology or even synthetic biology, but can feed back into our understanding of biology itself. Physicists have treated nucleic acids as polymers and connected physical principles to biology by abstracting out the molecular interactions. In contrast, biologists delineate molecular players and pathways related to nucleic acids and how they may be networked. But in vitro nucleic acid nanotechnology has provided a valuable framework for nucleic acids by connecting its biomolecular interactions with its materials properties and thereby superarchitecture ultramanipulation that on multiple occasions has pre-empted the elucidation of how living cells themselves are exploiting these same structural concepts. This Account seeks to showcase the larger implications of certain architectural principles that have arisen from the field of structural DNA/RNA nanotechnology in biology. Here we draw connections between these principles and particular molecular phenomena within living systems that have fed in to our understanding of how the cell uses nucleic acids as construction material to achieve different functions. We illustrate this by considering a few exciting and emerging examples in biology in the context of both switchable systems and scaffolding type systems. Due to the scope of this Account, we will focus our discussion on examples of the RNA scaffold as summarized. In the context of switchable RNA architectures, the synthetic demonstration of small molecules blocking RNA translation preceded the discovery of riboswitches. In another example, it was after the description of aptazymes that the first allosteric ribozyme, glmS, was discovered. In the context of RNA architectures as structural scaffolds, there are clear parallels between DNA origami and the recently emerging molecular mechanism of heterochromatin formation by Xist RNA. Further, following the construction of well-defined 2D DNA-protein architectures, the striking observation of remarkably sculpted 2D RNA-protein hydrogel sheets in Caenorhabditis elegans speaks to the in vivo relevance of designer nucleic acid architectures. It is noteworthy that discoveries of properties in synthetic space seem to precede the uncovering of similar phenomena in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saikat Chakraborty
- National
Centre for Biological
Sciences, TIFR, GKVK Bellary Road, Bangalore, 560065 Karnataka, India
| | - Shabana Mehtab
- National
Centre for Biological
Sciences, TIFR, GKVK Bellary Road, Bangalore, 560065 Karnataka, India
| | - Yamuna Krishnan
- National
Centre for Biological
Sciences, TIFR, GKVK Bellary Road, Bangalore, 560065 Karnataka, India
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Shu Y, Pi F, Sharma A, Rajabi M, Haque F, Shu D, Leggas M, Evers BM, Guo P. Stable RNA nanoparticles as potential new generation drugs for cancer therapy. Adv Drug Deliv Rev 2014; 66:74-89. [PMID: 24270010 DOI: 10.1016/j.addr.2013.11.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 181] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2013] [Revised: 10/11/2013] [Accepted: 11/13/2013] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Human genome sequencing revealed that only ~1.5% of the DNA sequence coded for proteins. More and more evidence has uncovered that a substantial part of the 98.5% so-called "junk" DNAs actually code for noncoding RNAs. Two milestones, chemical drugs and protein drugs, have already appeared in the history of drug development, and it is expected that the third milestone in drug development will be RNA drugs or drugs that target RNA. This review focuses on the development of RNA therapeutics for potential cancer treatment by applying RNA nanotechnology. A therapeutic RNA nanoparticle is unique in that its scaffold, ligand, and therapeutic component can all be composed of RNA. The special physicochemical properties lend to the delivery of siRNA, miRNA, ribozymes, or riboswitches; imaging using fluogenenic RNA; and targeting using RNA aptamers. With recent advances in solving the chemical, enzymatic, and thermodynamic stability issues, RNA nanoparticles have been found to be advantageous for in vivo applications due to their uniform nano-scale size, precise stoichiometry, polyvalent nature, low immunogenicity, low toxicity, and target specificity. In vivo animal studies have revealed that RNA nanoparticles can specifically target tumors with favorable pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic parameters without unwanted accumulation in normal organs. This review summarizes the key studies that have led to the detailed understanding of RNA nanoparticle formation as well as chemical and thermodynamic stability issue. The methods for RNA nanoparticle construction, and the current challenges in the clinical application of RNA nanotechnology, such as endosome trapping and production costs, are also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi Shu
- Markey Cancer Center, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40536, USA; Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40536, USA
| | - Fengmei Pi
- Markey Cancer Center, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40536, USA; Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40536, USA
| | - Ashwani Sharma
- Markey Cancer Center, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40536, USA; Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40536, USA
| | - Mehdi Rajabi
- Markey Cancer Center, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40536, USA; Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40536, USA
| | - Farzin Haque
- Markey Cancer Center, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40536, USA; Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40536, USA
| | - Dan Shu
- Markey Cancer Center, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40536, USA; Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40536, USA
| | - Markos Leggas
- Markey Cancer Center, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40536, USA; Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40536, USA
| | - B Mark Evers
- Markey Cancer Center, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40536, USA
| | - Peixuan Guo
- Markey Cancer Center, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40536, USA; Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40536, USA.
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Abstract
RNA molecules are highly modular components that can be used in a variety of contexts for building new metabolic, regulatory and genetic circuits in cells. The majority of synthetic RNA systems to date predominately rely on two-dimensional modularity. However, a better understanding and integration of three-dimensional RNA modularity at structural and functional levels is critical to the development of more complex, functional bio-systems and molecular machines for synthetic biology applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wade Grabow
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Seattle Pacific University3307 Third Avenue West, Seattle, WA 98119USA
| | - Luc Jaeger
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Bio-Molecular Science and Engineering Program, University of CaliforniaSanta Barbara, CA 93106-9510USA
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Qiu M, Khisamutdinov E, Zhao Z, Pan C, Choi JW, Leontis NB, Guo P. RNA nanotechnology for computer design and in vivo computation. PHILOSOPHICAL TRANSACTIONS. SERIES A, MATHEMATICAL, PHYSICAL, AND ENGINEERING SCIENCES 2013; 371:20120310. [PMID: 24000362 PMCID: PMC3758167 DOI: 10.1098/rsta.2012.0310] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
Molecular-scale computing has been explored since 1989 owing to the foreseeable limitation of Moore's law for silicon-based computation devices. With the potential of massive parallelism, low energy consumption and capability of working in vivo, molecular-scale computing promises a new computational paradigm. Inspired by the concepts from the electronic computer, DNA computing has realized basic Boolean functions and has progressed into multi-layered circuits. Recently, RNA nanotechnology has emerged as an alternative approach. Owing to the newly discovered thermodynamic stability of a special RNA motif (Shu et al. 2011 Nat. Nanotechnol. 6, 658-667 (doi:10.1038/nnano.2011.105)), RNA nanoparticles are emerging as another promising medium for nanodevice and nanomedicine as well as molecular-scale computing. Like DNA, RNA sequences can be designed to form desired secondary structures in a straightforward manner, but RNA is structurally more versatile and more thermodynamically stable owing to its non-canonical base-pairing, tertiary interactions and base-stacking property. A 90-nucleotide RNA can exhibit 4⁹⁰ nanostructures, and its loops and tertiary architecture can serve as a mounting dovetail that eliminates the need for external linking dowels. Its enzymatic and fluorogenic activity creates diversity in computational design. Varieties of small RNA can work cooperatively, synergistically or antagonistically to carry out computational logic circuits. The riboswitch and enzymatic ribozyme activities and its special in vivo attributes offer a great potential for in vivo computation. Unique features in transcription, termination, self-assembly, self-processing and acid resistance enable in vivo production of RNA nanoparticles that harbour various regulators for intracellular manipulation. With all these advantages, RNA computation is promising, but it is still in its infancy. Many challenges still exist. Collaborations between RNA nanotechnologists and computer scientists are necessary to advance this nascent technology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meikang Qiu
- Department of Computer Engineering, San Jose State University, San Jose, CA 95192, USA
| | - Emil Khisamutdinov
- Department of Pharmaceutical Science, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40506, USA
| | - Zhengyi Zhao
- Department of Pharmaceutical Science, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40506, USA
| | - Cheryl Pan
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40506, USA
| | - Jeong-Woo Choi
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Sogang University, Seoul 121-742, Korea
| | - Neocles B. Leontis
- Department of Chemistry, Bowling Green State University, Bowling Green, OH 43403, USA
| | - Peixuan Guo
- Department of Pharmaceutical Science, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40506, USA
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Abstract
Nearly two decades after Westhof and Michel first proposed that RNA tetraloops may interact with distal helices, tetraloop–receptor interactions have been recognized as ubiquitous elements of RNA tertiary structure. The unique architecture of GNRA tetraloops (N=any nucleotide, R=purine) enables interaction with a variety of receptors, e.g., helical minor grooves and asymmetric internal loops. The most common example of the latter is the GAAA tetraloop–11 nt tetraloop receptor motif. Biophysical characterization of this motif provided evidence for the modularity of RNA structure, with applications spanning improved crystallization methods to RNA tectonics. In this review, we identify and compare types of GNRA tetraloop–receptor interactions. Then we explore the abundance of structural, kinetic, and thermodynamic information on the frequently occurring and most widely studied GAAA tetraloop–11 nt receptor motif. Studies of this interaction have revealed powerful paradigms for structural assembly of RNA, as well as providing new insights into the roles of cations, transition states and protein chaperones in RNA folding pathways. However, further research will clearly be necessary to characterize other tetraloop–receptor and long-range tertiary binding interactions in detail – an important milestone in the quantitative prediction of free energy landscapes for RNA folding.
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Shu Y, Shu D, Haque F, Guo P. Fabrication of pRNA nanoparticles to deliver therapeutic RNAs and bioactive compounds into tumor cells. Nat Protoc 2013; 8:1635-59. [PMID: 23928498 DOI: 10.1038/nprot.2013.097] [Citation(s) in RCA: 88] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
RNA nanotechnology is a term that refers to the design, fabrication and use of nanoparticles that are mainly composed of RNAs via bottom-up self-assembly. The packaging RNA (pRNA) of the bacteriophage phi29 DNA packaging motor has been developed into a nanodelivery platform. This protocol describes the synthesis, assembly and functionalization of pRNA nanoparticles on the basis of three 'toolkits' derived from pRNA structural features: interlocking loops for hand-in-hand interactions, palindrome sequences for foot-to-foot interactions and an RNA three-way junction for branch extension. siRNAs, ribozymes, aptamers, chemical ligands, fluorophores and other functionalities can also be fused to the pRNA before the assembly of the nanoparticles, so as to ensure the production of homogeneous nanoparticles and the retention of appropriate folding and function of the incorporated modules. The resulting self-assembled multivalent pRNA nanoparticles are thermodynamically and chemically stable, and they remain intact at ultralow concentrations. Gene-silencing effects are progressively enhanced with increasing numbers of siRNAs in each pRNA nanoparticle. Systemic injection of the pRNA nanoparticles into xenograft-bearing mice has revealed strong binding to tumors without accumulation in vital organs or tissues. The pRNA-based nanodelivery scaffold paves a new way for nanotechnological application of pRNA-based nanoparticles for disease detection and treatment. The time required for completing one round of this protocol is 3-4 weeks when including in vitro functional assays, or 2-3 months when including in vivo studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi Shu
- Nanobiotechnology Center, Markey Cancer Center, Lexington, Kentucky, USA
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50
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Ishikawa J, Furuta H, Ikawa Y. RNA tectonics (tectoRNA) for RNA nanostructure design and its application in synthetic biology. WILEY INTERDISCIPLINARY REVIEWS-RNA 2013; 4:651-64. [PMID: 23836522 DOI: 10.1002/wrna.1185] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2013] [Revised: 05/30/2013] [Accepted: 06/04/2013] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
RNA molecules are versatile biomaterials that act not only as DNA-like genetic materials but also have diverse functions in regulation of cellular biosystems. RNA is capable of regulating gene expression by sequence-specific hybridization. This feature allows the design of RNA-based artificial gene regulators (riboregulators). RNA can also build complex two-dimensional (2D) and 3D nanostructures, which afford protein-like functions and make RNA an attractive material for nanobiotechnology. RNA tectonics is a methodology in RNA nanobiotechnology for the design and construction of RNA nanostructures/nanoobjects through controlled self-assembly of modular RNA units (tectoRNAs). RNA nanostructures designed according to the concept of RNA tectonics are also attractive as tools in synthetic biology, but in vivo RNA tectonics is still in the early stages. This review presents a summary of the achievements of RNA tectonics and its related researches in vitro, and also introduces recent developments that facilitated the use of RNA nanostructures in bacterial cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junya Ishikawa
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Graduate School of Engineering, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan
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