1
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Schloßhauer JL, Tholen L, Körner A, Kubick S, Chatzopoulou S, Hönow A, Zemella A. Promoting the production of challenging proteins via induced expression in CHO cells and modified cell-free lysates harboring T7 RNA polymerase and mutant eIF2α. Synth Syst Biotechnol 2024; 9:416-424. [PMID: 38601208 PMCID: PMC11004649 DOI: 10.1016/j.synbio.2024.03.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2023] [Revised: 02/12/2024] [Accepted: 03/16/2024] [Indexed: 04/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells are crucial in biopharmaceutical production due to their scalability and capacity for human-like post-translational modifications. However, toxic proteins and membrane proteins are often difficult-to-express in living cells. Alternatively, cell-free protein synthesis can be employed. This study explores innovative strategies for enhancing the production of challenging proteins through the modification of CHO cells by investigating both, cell-based and cell-free approaches. A major result in our study involves the integration of a mutant eIF2 translation initiation factor and T7 RNA polymerase into CHO cell lysates for cell-free protein synthesis. This resulted in elevated yields, while eliminating the necessity for exogenous additions during cell-free production, thereby substantially enhancing efficiency. Additionally, we explore the potential of the Rosa26 genomic site for the integration of T7 RNA polymerase and cell-based tetracycline-controlled protein expression. These findings provide promising advancements in bioproduction technologies, offering flexibility to switch between cell-free and cell-based protein production as needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeffrey L. Schloßhauer
- Fraunhofer Project Group PZ-Syn of the Fraunhofer Institute for Cell Therapy and Immunology-IZI, Branch Bioanalytics and Bioprocesses-IZI-BB, Am Mühlenberg, Potsdam, Germany
- Fraunhofer Institute for Cell Therapy and Immunology-IZI, Branch Bioanalytics and Bioprocesses-IZI-BB, Am Mühlenberg, Potsdam, Germany
- Institute for Chemistry and Biochemistry, Laboratory of Protein Biochemistry, Freie Universität Berlin, Thielallee 63, 14195, Berlin, Germany
| | - Lena Tholen
- Fraunhofer Institute for Cell Therapy and Immunology-IZI, Branch Bioanalytics and Bioprocesses-IZI-BB, Am Mühlenberg, Potsdam, Germany
| | - Alexander Körner
- Fraunhofer Institute for Cell Therapy and Immunology-IZI, Branch Bioanalytics and Bioprocesses-IZI-BB, Am Mühlenberg, Potsdam, Germany
- Institute of Biotechnology, Technische Universität Berlin, Straße des 17. Juni 135, 10623, Berlin, Germany
| | - Stefan Kubick
- Fraunhofer Institute for Cell Therapy and Immunology-IZI, Branch Bioanalytics and Bioprocesses-IZI-BB, Am Mühlenberg, Potsdam, Germany
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Joint Faculty of the Brandenburg University of Technology Cottbus –Senftenberg, The Brandenburg Medical School Theodor Fontane, University of Potsdam, Potsdam, Germany
- Institute for Chemistry and Biochemistry, Laboratory of Protein Biochemistry, Freie Universität Berlin, Thielallee 63, 14195, Berlin, Germany
| | - Sofia Chatzopoulou
- Fraunhofer Institute for Cell Therapy and Immunology-IZI, Branch Bioanalytics and Bioprocesses-IZI-BB, Am Mühlenberg, Potsdam, Germany
| | - Anja Hönow
- New/era/mabs GmbH, August-Bebel-Str. 89, 14482, Potsdam, Germany
| | - Anne Zemella
- Fraunhofer Institute for Cell Therapy and Immunology-IZI, Branch Bioanalytics and Bioprocesses-IZI-BB, Am Mühlenberg, Potsdam, Germany
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2
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Berdecka D, De Smedt SC, De Vos WH, Braeckmans K. Non-viral delivery of RNA for therapeutic T cell engineering. Adv Drug Deliv Rev 2024; 208:115215. [PMID: 38401848 DOI: 10.1016/j.addr.2024.115215] [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: 11/21/2023] [Revised: 02/07/2024] [Accepted: 02/14/2024] [Indexed: 02/26/2024]
Abstract
Adoptive T cell transfer has shown great success in treating blood cancers, resulting in a growing number of FDA-approved therapies using chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-engineered T cells. However, the effectiveness of this treatment for solid tumors is still not satisfactory, emphasizing the need for improved T cell engineering strategies and combination approaches. Currently, CAR T cells are mainly manufactured using gammaretroviral and lentiviral vectors due to their high transduction efficiency. However, there are concerns about their safety, the high cost of producing them in compliance with current Good Manufacturing Practices (cGMP), regulatory obstacles, and limited cargo capacity, which limit the broader use of engineered T cell therapies. To overcome these limitations, researchers have explored non-viral approaches, such as membrane permeabilization and carrier-mediated methods, as more versatile and sustainable alternatives for next-generation T cell engineering. Non-viral delivery methods can be designed to transport a wide range of molecules, including RNA, which allows for more controlled and safe modulation of T cell phenotype and function. In this review, we provide an overview of non-viral RNA delivery in adoptive T cell therapy. We first define the different types of RNA therapeutics, highlighting recent advancements in manufacturing for their therapeutic use. We then discuss the challenges associated with achieving effective RNA delivery in T cells. Next, we provide an overview of current and emerging technologies for delivering RNA into T cells. Finally, we discuss ongoing preclinical and clinical studies involving RNA-modified T cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dominika Berdecka
- Laboratory of General Biochemistry and Physical Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ghent University, Ottergemsesteenweg 460, 9000 Ghent, Belgium; Laboratory of Cell Biology and Histology, Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Antwerp, Universiteitsplein 1, 2610 Wilrijk, Belgium
| | - Stefaan C De Smedt
- Laboratory of General Biochemistry and Physical Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ghent University, Ottergemsesteenweg 460, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Winnok H De Vos
- Laboratory of Cell Biology and Histology, Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Antwerp, Universiteitsplein 1, 2610 Wilrijk, Belgium
| | - Kevin Braeckmans
- Laboratory of General Biochemistry and Physical Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ghent University, Ottergemsesteenweg 460, 9000 Ghent, Belgium.
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3
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Warminski M, Trepkowska E, Smietanski M, Sikorski PJ, Baranowski MR, Bednarczyk M, Kedzierska H, Majewski B, Mamot A, Papiernik D, Popielec A, Serwa RA, Shimanski BA, Sklepkiewicz P, Sklucka M, Sokolowska O, Spiewla T, Toczydlowska-Socha D, Warminska Z, Wolosewicz K, Zuberek J, Mugridge JS, Nowis D, Golab J, Jemielity J, Kowalska J. Trinucleotide mRNA Cap Analogue N6-Benzylated at the Site of Posttranscriptional m6A m Mark Facilitates mRNA Purification and Confers Superior Translational Properties In Vitro and In Vivo. J Am Chem Soc 2024; 146:8149-8163. [PMID: 38442005 PMCID: PMC10979456 DOI: 10.1021/jacs.3c12629] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2023] [Revised: 02/12/2024] [Accepted: 02/12/2024] [Indexed: 03/07/2024]
Abstract
Eukaryotic mRNAs undergo cotranscriptional 5'-end modification with a 7-methylguanosine cap. In higher eukaryotes, the cap carries additional methylations, such as m6Am─a common epitranscriptomic mark unique to the mRNA 5'-end. This modification is regulated by the Pcif1 methyltransferase and the FTO demethylase, but its biological function is still unknown. Here, we designed and synthesized a trinucleotide FTO-resistant N6-benzyl analogue of the m6Am-cap-m7GpppBn6AmpG (termed AvantCap) and incorporated it into mRNA using T7 polymerase. mRNAs carrying Bn6Am showed several advantages over typical capped transcripts. The Bn6Am moiety was shown to act as a reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatography (RP-HPLC) purification handle, allowing the separation of capped and uncapped RNA species, and to produce transcripts with lower dsRNA content than reference caps. In some cultured cells, Bn6Am mRNAs provided higher protein yields than mRNAs carrying Am or m6Am, although the effect was cell-line-dependent. m7GpppBn6AmpG-capped mRNAs encoding reporter proteins administered intravenously to mice provided up to 6-fold higher protein outputs than reference mRNAs, while mRNAs encoding tumor antigens showed superior activity in therapeutic settings as anticancer vaccines. The biochemical characterization suggests several phenomena potentially underlying the biological properties of AvantCap: (i) reduced propensity for unspecific interactions, (ii) involvement in alternative translation initiation, and (iii) subtle differences in mRNA impurity profiles or a combination of these effects. AvantCapped-mRNAs bearing the Bn6Am may pave the way for more potent mRNA-based vaccines and therapeutics and serve as molecular tools to unravel the role of m6Am in mRNA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marcin Warminski
- Division
of Biophysics, Institute of Experimental Physics, Faculty of Physics, University of Warsaw, 02-089 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Edyta Trepkowska
- Explorna
Therapeutics sp. z o.o. Zwirki i Wigury 93, 02-089 Warsaw, Poland
| | | | - Pawel J. Sikorski
- Centre
of New Technologies, University of Warsaw, 02-089 Warsaw, Poland
- Laboratory
of Epitranscriptomics, Department of Environmental Microbiology and
Biotechnology, Institute of Microbiology, Faculty of Biology, Biological
and Chemical Research Centre, University
of Warsaw, 02-089 Warsaw, Poland
| | | | - Marcelina Bednarczyk
- Centre
of New Technologies, University of Warsaw, 02-089 Warsaw, Poland
- Explorna
Therapeutics sp. z o.o. Zwirki i Wigury 93, 02-089 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Hanna Kedzierska
- Explorna
Therapeutics sp. z o.o. Zwirki i Wigury 93, 02-089 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Bartosz Majewski
- Explorna
Therapeutics sp. z o.o. Zwirki i Wigury 93, 02-089 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Adam Mamot
- Centre
of New Technologies, University of Warsaw, 02-089 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Diana Papiernik
- Explorna
Therapeutics sp. z o.o. Zwirki i Wigury 93, 02-089 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Agnieszka Popielec
- Explorna
Therapeutics sp. z o.o. Zwirki i Wigury 93, 02-089 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Remigiusz A. Serwa
- Proteomics
Core Facility, IMol Polish Academy of Sciences, 02-247 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Brittany A. Shimanski
- Department
of Chemistry & Biochemistry, University
of Delaware, Newark, Delaware 19716, United States
| | - Piotr Sklepkiewicz
- Explorna
Therapeutics sp. z o.o. Zwirki i Wigury 93, 02-089 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Marta Sklucka
- Explorna
Therapeutics sp. z o.o. Zwirki i Wigury 93, 02-089 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Olga Sokolowska
- Explorna
Therapeutics sp. z o.o. Zwirki i Wigury 93, 02-089 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Tomasz Spiewla
- Division
of Biophysics, Institute of Experimental Physics, Faculty of Physics, University of Warsaw, 02-089 Warsaw, Poland
- Explorna
Therapeutics sp. z o.o. Zwirki i Wigury 93, 02-089 Warsaw, Poland
| | | | - Zofia Warminska
- Centre
of New Technologies, University of Warsaw, 02-089 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Karol Wolosewicz
- Explorna
Therapeutics sp. z o.o. Zwirki i Wigury 93, 02-089 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Joanna Zuberek
- Division
of Biophysics, Institute of Experimental Physics, Faculty of Physics, University of Warsaw, 02-089 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Jeffrey S. Mugridge
- Department
of Chemistry & Biochemistry, University
of Delaware, Newark, Delaware 19716, United States
| | - Dominika Nowis
- Explorna
Therapeutics sp. z o.o. Zwirki i Wigury 93, 02-089 Warsaw, Poland
- Laboratory
of Experimental Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Medical University of Warsaw, 02-097 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Jakub Golab
- Explorna
Therapeutics sp. z o.o. Zwirki i Wigury 93, 02-089 Warsaw, Poland
- Laboratory
of Experimental Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Medical University of Warsaw, 02-097 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Jacek Jemielity
- Centre
of New Technologies, University of Warsaw, 02-089 Warsaw, Poland
- Explorna
Therapeutics sp. z o.o. Zwirki i Wigury 93, 02-089 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Joanna Kowalska
- Division
of Biophysics, Institute of Experimental Physics, Faculty of Physics, University of Warsaw, 02-089 Warsaw, Poland
- Explorna
Therapeutics sp. z o.o. Zwirki i Wigury 93, 02-089 Warsaw, Poland
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4
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Bollu A, Schepers H, Klöcker N, Erguven M, Lawrence-Dörner AM, Rentmeister A. Visible Light Activates Coumarin-Caged mRNA for Cytoplasmic Cap Methylation in Cells. Chemistry 2024; 30:e202303174. [PMID: 37883670 DOI: 10.1002/chem.202303174] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2023] [Accepted: 10/23/2023] [Indexed: 10/28/2023]
Abstract
Protein synthesis is important and regulated by various mechanisms in the cell. Translation initiation in eukaryotes starts at the 5' cap and is the most complex of the three phases of mRNA translation. It requires methylation of the N7 position of the terminal guanosine (m7 G). The canonical capping occurs in the nucleus, however, cytoplasmic recapping has been discovered. It functions in switching mRNAs between translating and non-translating states, but the individual steps are difficult to dissect. We targeted cytoplasmic cap methylation as the ultimate step of cytoplasmic recapping. We present an N7G photocaged 5' cap that can be activated for cytoplasmic methylation by visible light. We report chemical and chemo-enzymatic synthesis of this 5' cap with 7-(diethylamino)-4-methyl-coumarin (DEACM) at the N7G and validate that it is not bound by translation initiation factor 4E (eIF4E). We demonstrate incorporation into mRNA, the release of unmethylated cap analog and enzymatic remethylation to functional cap 0 after irradiation at 450 nm. In cells, irradiation triggers translation of mRNAs with the N7G photocaged 5' cap via cytoplasmic cap methylation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amarnath Bollu
- Department of Chemistry, Institute of Biochemistry, University of Münster, Corrensstraße 36, 48149, Münster, Germany
| | - Helena Schepers
- Department of Chemistry, Institute of Biochemistry, University of Münster, Corrensstraße 36, 48149, Münster, Germany
| | - Nils Klöcker
- Department of Chemistry, Institute of Biochemistry, University of Münster, Corrensstraße 36, 48149, Münster, Germany
| | - Mehmet Erguven
- Department of Chemistry, Institute of Biochemistry, University of Münster, Corrensstraße 36, 48149, Münster, Germany
- Cells in Motion Interfaculty Centre, University of Münster, Waldeyerstraße 15, 48149, Münster, Germany
| | - Ann-Marie Lawrence-Dörner
- Department of Chemistry, Institute of Biochemistry, University of Münster, Corrensstraße 36, 48149, Münster, Germany
| | - Andrea Rentmeister
- Department of Chemistry, Institute of Biochemistry, University of Münster, Corrensstraße 36, 48149, Münster, Germany
- Cells in Motion Interfaculty Centre, University of Münster, Waldeyerstraße 15, 48149, Münster, Germany
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5
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Vilkaitis G, Masevičius V, Kriukienė E, Klimašauskas S. Chemical Expansion of the Methyltransferase Reaction: Tools for DNA Labeling and Epigenome Analysis. Acc Chem Res 2023; 56:3188-3197. [PMID: 37904501 PMCID: PMC10666283 DOI: 10.1021/acs.accounts.3c00471] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2023] [Revised: 10/19/2023] [Accepted: 10/19/2023] [Indexed: 11/01/2023]
Abstract
DNA is the genetic matter of life composed of four major nucleotides which can be further furnished with biologically important covalent modifications. Among the variety of enzymes involved in DNA metabolism, AdoMet-dependent methyltransferases (MTases) combine the recognition of specific sequences and covalent methylation of a target nucleotide. The naturally transferred methyl groups play important roles in biological signaling, but they are poor physical reporters and largely resistant to chemical derivatization. Therefore, an obvious strategy to unlock the practical utility of the methyltransferase reactions is to enable the transfer of "prederivatized" (extended) versions of the methyl group.However, previous enzymatic studies of extended AdoMet analogs indicated that the transalkylation reactions are drastically impaired as the size of the carbon chain increases. In collaborative efforts, we proposed that, akin to enhanced SN2 reactivity of allylic and propargylic systems, addition of a π orbital next to the transferable carbon atom might confer the needed activation of the reaction. Indeed, we found that MTase-catalyzed transalkylations of DNA with cofactors containing a double or a triple C-C bond in the β position occurred in a robust and sequence-specific manner. Altogether, this breakthrough approach named mTAG (methyltransferase-directed transfer of activated groups) has proven instrumental for targeted labeling of DNA and other types of biomolecules (using appropriate MTases) including RNA and proteins.Our further work focused on the propargylic cofactors and their reactions with DNA cytosine-5 MTases, a class of MTases common for both prokaryotes and eukaryotes. Here, we learned that the 4-X-but-2-yn-1-yl (X = polar group) cofactors suffered from a rapid loss of activity in aqueous buffers due to susceptibility of the triple bond to hydration. This problem was remedied by synthetically increasing the separation between X and the triple bond from one to three carbon units (6-X-hex-2-ynyl cofactors). To further optimize the transfer of the bulkier groups, we performed structure-guided engineering of the MTase cofactor pocket. Alanine replacements of two conserved residues conferred substantial improvements of the transalkylation activity with M.HhaI and three other engineered bacterial C5-MTases. Of particular interest were CpG-specific DNA MTases (M.SssI), which proved valuable tools for studies of mammalian methylomes and chemical probing of DNA function.Inspired by the successful repurposing of bacterial enzymes, we turned to more complex mammalian C5-MTases (Dnmt1, Dnmt3A, and Dnmt3B) and asked if they could ultimately lead to mTAG labeling inside mammalian cells. Our efforts to engineer mouse Dnmt1 produced a variant (Dnmt1*) that enabled efficient Dnmt1-directed deposition of 6-azide-hexynyl groups on DNA in vitro. CRISPR-Cas9 editing of the corresponding codons in the genomic Dnmt1 alleles established endogenous expression of Dnmt1* in mouse embryonic stem cells. To circumvent the poor cellular uptake of AdoMet and its analogs, we elaborated their efficient internalization by electroporation, which has finally enabled selective catalysis-dependent azide tagging of natural Dnmt1 targets in live mammalian cells. The deposited chemical groups were then exploited as "click" handles for reading adjoining sequences and precise genomic mapping of the methylation sites. These findings offer unprecedented inroads into studies of DNA methylation in a wide range of eukaryotic model systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giedrius Vilkaitis
- Institute
of Biotechnology, Life Sciences Center, Vilnius University, LT-10257 Vilnius, Lithuania
| | - Viktoras Masevičius
- Institute
of Biotechnology, Life Sciences Center, Vilnius University, LT-10257 Vilnius, Lithuania
- Institute
of Chemistry, Department of Chemistry and Geosciences, Vilnius University, LT-03225 Vilnius, Lithuania
| | - Edita Kriukienė
- Institute
of Biotechnology, Life Sciences Center, Vilnius University, LT-10257 Vilnius, Lithuania
| | - Saulius Klimašauskas
- Institute
of Biotechnology, Life Sciences Center, Vilnius University, LT-10257 Vilnius, Lithuania
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6
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Okuda T, Lenz AK, Seitz F, Vogel J, Höbartner C. A SAM analogue-utilizing ribozyme for site-specific RNA alkylation in living cells. Nat Chem 2023; 15:1523-1531. [PMID: 37667013 PMCID: PMC10624628 DOI: 10.1038/s41557-023-01320-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2022] [Accepted: 08/08/2023] [Indexed: 09/06/2023]
Abstract
Post-transcriptional RNA modification methods are in high demand for site-specific RNA labelling and analysis of RNA functions. In vitro-selected ribozymes are attractive tools for RNA research and have the potential to overcome some of the limitations of chemoenzymatic approaches with repurposed methyltransferases. Here we report an alkyltransferase ribozyme that uses a synthetic, stabilized S-adenosylmethionine (SAM) analogue and catalyses the transfer of a propargyl group to a specific adenosine in the target RNA. Almost quantitative conversion was achieved within 1 h under a wide range of reaction conditions in vitro, including physiological magnesium ion concentrations. A genetically encoded version of the SAM analogue-utilizing ribozyme (SAMURI) was expressed in HEK293T cells, and intracellular propargylation of the target adenosine was confirmed by specific fluorescent labelling. SAMURI is a general tool for the site-specific installation of the smallest tag for azide-alkyne click chemistry, which can be further functionalized with fluorophores, affinity tags or other functional probes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takumi Okuda
- Institute of Organic Chemistry, Julius-Maximilians-Universität Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Ann-Kathrin Lenz
- Institute of Organic Chemistry, Julius-Maximilians-Universität Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Florian Seitz
- Institute of Organic Chemistry, Julius-Maximilians-Universität Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Jörg Vogel
- Institute of Molecular Infection Biology (IMIB), Julius-Maximilians-Universität Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
- Helmholtz Institute for RNA-based Infection Research (HIRI), Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research (HZI), Würzburg, Germany
| | - Claudia Höbartner
- Institute of Organic Chemistry, Julius-Maximilians-Universität Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany.
- Center for Nanosystems Chemistry (CNC), Julius-Maximilians-Universität Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany.
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7
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Cornelissen NV, Mineikaitė R, Erguven M, Muthmann N, Peters A, Bartels A, Rentmeister A. Post-synthetic benzylation of the mRNA 5' cap via enzymatic cascade reactions. Chem Sci 2023; 14:10962-10970. [PMID: 37829022 PMCID: PMC10566477 DOI: 10.1039/d3sc03822j] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2023] [Accepted: 08/28/2023] [Indexed: 10/14/2023] Open
Abstract
mRNAs are emerging modalities for vaccination and protein replacement therapy. Increasing the amount of protein produced by stabilizing the transcript or enhancing translation without eliciting a strong immune response are major steps towards overcoming the present limitations and improving their therapeutic potential. The 5' cap is a hallmark of mRNAs and non-natural modifications can alter the properties of the entire transcript selectively. Here, we developed a versatile enzymatic cascade for regioselective benzylation of various biomolecules and applied it for post-synthetic modification of mRNA at the 5' cap to demonstrate its potential. Starting from six synthetic methionine analogues bearing (hetero-)benzyl groups, S-adenosyl-l-methionine analogues are formed and utilized for N7G-cap modification of mRNAs. This post-synthetic enzymatic modification exclusively modifies mRNAs at the terminal N7G, producing mRNAs with functional 5' caps. It avoids the wrong orientation of the 5' cap-a problem in common co-transcriptional capping. In the case of the 4-chlorobenzyl group, protein production was increased to 139% during in vitro translation and to 128-150% in four different cell lines. This 5' cap modification did not activate cytosolic pathogen recognition receptors TLR3, TLR7 or TLR8 significantly more than control mRNAs, underlining its potential to contribute to the development of future mRNA therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- N V Cornelissen
- University of Münster, Department of Chemistry, Institute of Biochemistry Corrensstr. 36 48149 Münster Germany
| | - R Mineikaitė
- University of Münster, Department of Chemistry, Institute of Biochemistry Corrensstr. 36 48149 Münster Germany
| | - M Erguven
- University of Münster, Department of Chemistry, Institute of Biochemistry Corrensstr. 36 48149 Münster Germany
- University of Münster, Cells in Motion Interfaculty Centre Waldeyerstr. 15 48149 Münster Germany
| | - N Muthmann
- University of Münster, Department of Chemistry, Institute of Biochemistry Corrensstr. 36 48149 Münster Germany
| | - A Peters
- University of Münster, Department of Chemistry, Institute of Biochemistry Corrensstr. 36 48149 Münster Germany
| | - A Bartels
- University of Münster, Department of Chemistry, Institute of Biochemistry Corrensstr. 36 48149 Münster Germany
| | - A Rentmeister
- University of Münster, Department of Chemistry, Institute of Biochemistry Corrensstr. 36 48149 Münster Germany
- University of Münster, Cells in Motion Interfaculty Centre Waldeyerstr. 15 48149 Münster Germany
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8
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Gehringer M, Pape F, Méndez M, Barbie P, Unzue Lopez A, Lefranc J, Klingler FM, Hessler G, Langer T, Diamanti E, Schiedel M. Back in Person: Frontiers in Medicinal Chemistry 2023. ChemMedChem 2023; 18:e202300344. [PMID: 37485831 DOI: 10.1002/cmdc.202300344] [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: 07/06/2023] [Revised: 07/12/2023] [Indexed: 07/25/2023]
Abstract
The Frontiers in Medicinal Chemistry (FiMC) is the largest international Medicinal Chemistry conference in the German speaking area and took place from April 3rd to 5th 2023 in Vienna (Austria). Fortunately, after being cancelled in 2020 and two years (2021-2022) of entirely virtual meetings, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the FiMC could be held in a face-to-face format again. Organized by the Division of Medicinal Chemistry of the German Chemical Society (GDCh), the Division of Pharmaceutical and Medicinal Chemistry of the German Pharmaceutical Society (DPhG), together with the Division of Medicinal Chemistry of the Austrian Chemical Society (GÖCH), the Austrian Pharmaceutical Society (ÖPhG), and a local organization committee from the University of Vienna headed by Thierry Langer, the meeting brought together 260 participants from 21 countries. The program included 38 lectures by leading scientists from industry and academia as well as early career investigators. Moreover, 102 posters were presented in two highly interactive poster sessions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthias Gehringer
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Pharmaceutical/Medicinal Chemistry Department, University of Tübingen, Auf der Morgenstelle 8, 72076, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Felix Pape
- NUVISAN Innovation Campus Berlin, NUVISAN ICB GmbH, Muellerstraße 178, 13353, Berlin, Germany
| | - María Méndez
- Sanofi R&D, Integrated Drug Discovery, Industriepark Höchst, Bldg. G838, 65926, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Philipp Barbie
- Bayer AG, R&D, Pharmaceuticals, Laboratory IV, Bldg. S106, 231, 13342, Berlin, Germany
| | - Andrea Unzue Lopez
- Merck Healthcare KGaA, Frankfurter Straße 250, 64293, Darmstadt, Germany
| | - Julien Lefranc
- Merck Healthcare KGaA, Frankfurter Straße 250, 64293, Darmstadt, Germany
| | | | - Gerhard Hessler
- Sanofi R&D, Integrated Drug Discovery, Industriepark Höchst, Bldg. G877, 65926, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Thierry Langer
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Vienna, Josef-Holaubek-Platz 2, 1090, Vienna, Austria
| | - Eleonora Diamanti
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, University of Bologna, Via Belmeloro 6, 40126, Bologna, Italy
| | - Matthias Schiedel
- Institute of Medicinal and Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Technische Universität Braunschweig, Beethovenstraße 55, 38106, Braunschweig, Germany
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9
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Malikėnas M, Masevičius V, Klimašauskas S. Synthesis of S-Adenosyl-L-Methionine Analogs with Extended Transferable Groups for Methyltransferase-Directed Labeling of DNA and RNA. Curr Protoc 2023; 3:e799. [PMID: 37327316 DOI: 10.1002/cpz1.799] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
S-Adenosyl-L-methionine (AdoMet) is a ubiquitous methyl donor for a variety of biological methylation reactions catalyzed by methyltransferases (MTases). AdoMet analogs with extended propargylic chains replacing the sulfonium-bound methyl group can serve as surrogate cofactors for many DNA and RNA MTases, enabling covalent derivatization and subsequent labeling of their cognate target sites in DNA or RNA. Although AdoMet analogs with saturated aliphatic chains are less popular than propargylic ones, they can be useful for dedicated studies that require certain chemical derivatization. Here we describe synthetic procedures for the preparation of two AdoMet analogs, one with a transferable 6-azidohex-2-ynyl group (carrying an activating C≡C triple bond and a terminal azide functionality), and the other one with a transferable ethyl-2,2,2-d3 group (an isotope-labeled aliphatic moiety). Our synthetic approach is based on direct chemoselective alkylation of S-adenosyl-L-homocysteine at sulfur with a corresponding nosylate or triflate, respectively, under acidic conditions. We also describe synthetic routes to 6-azidohex-2-yn-1-ol and conversion of the alcohols to corresponding nosylate and triflate alkylators. Using these protocols, the synthetic AdoMet analogs can be prepared within 1 to 2 weeks. © 2023 Wiley Periodicals LLC. Basic Protocol 1: Synthesis of 6-azidohex-2-yn-1-ol Basic Protocol 2: Synthesis of 4-nitrobenzenesulfonate Basic Protocol 3: Synthesis of trifluoromethanesulfonates Basic Protocol 4: S-Alkylation of AdoHcy with sulfonates Basic Protocol 5: Purification and characterization of AdoMet analogs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martynas Malikėnas
- Institute of Biotechnology, Life Sciences Center, Vilnius University, Vilnius, Lithuania
- Institute of Chemistry, Department of Chemistry and Geosciences, Vilnius University, Vilnius, Lithuania
| | - Viktoras Masevičius
- Institute of Biotechnology, Life Sciences Center, Vilnius University, Vilnius, Lithuania
- Institute of Chemistry, Department of Chemistry and Geosciences, Vilnius University, Vilnius, Lithuania
| | - Saulius Klimašauskas
- Institute of Biotechnology, Life Sciences Center, Vilnius University, Vilnius, Lithuania
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Erguven M, Cornelissen NV, Peters A, Karaca E, Rentmeister A. Enzymatic Generation of Double-Modified AdoMet Analogues and Their Application in Cascade Reactions with Different Methyltransferases. Chembiochem 2022; 23:e202200511. [PMID: 36288101 PMCID: PMC10100234 DOI: 10.1002/cbic.202200511] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2022] [Revised: 10/26/2022] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
Methyltransferases (MTases) have become an important tool for site-specific alkylation and biomolecular labelling. In biocatalytic cascades with methionine adenosyltransferases (MATs), transfer of functional moieties has been realized starting from methionine analogues and ATP. However, the widespread use of S-adenosyl-l-methionine (AdoMet) and the abundance of MTases accepting sulfonium centre modifications limit selective modification in mixtures. AdoMet analogues with additional modifications at the nucleoside moiety bear potential for acceptance by specific MTases. Here, we explored the generation of double-modified AdoMets by an engineered Methanocaldococcus jannaschii MAT (PC-MjMAT), using 19 ATP analogues in combination with two methionine analogues. This substrate screening was extended to cascade reactions and to MTase competition assays. Our results show that MTase targeting selectivity can be improved by using bulky substituents at the N6 of adenine. The facile access to >10 new AdoMet analogues provides the groundwork for developing MAT-MTase cascades for orthogonal biomolecular labelling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mehmet Erguven
- Department of Chemistry and PharmacyInstitute of BiochemistryUniversity of MünsterCorrensstr. 36, 48149MünsterGermany
- Cells in Motion Interfaculty CentreUniversity of MünsterWaldeyerstraße 1548149MünsterGermany
| | - Nicolas V. Cornelissen
- Department of Chemistry and PharmacyInstitute of BiochemistryUniversity of MünsterCorrensstr. 36, 48149MünsterGermany
| | - Aileen Peters
- Department of Chemistry and PharmacyInstitute of BiochemistryUniversity of MünsterCorrensstr. 36, 48149MünsterGermany
| | - Ezgi Karaca
- Izmir Biomedicine and Genome Center35330IzmirTurkey
- Izmir International Biomedicine and Genome InstituteDokuz Eylul University, 35340 Izmir (Turkey)
| | - Andrea Rentmeister
- Department of Chemistry and PharmacyInstitute of BiochemistryUniversity of MünsterCorrensstr. 36, 48149MünsterGermany
- Cells in Motion Interfaculty CentreUniversity of MünsterWaldeyerstraße 1548149MünsterGermany
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Abstract
Messenger RNA (mRNA) is an emerging class of therapeutic agent for the prevention and treatment of a wide range of diseases. The recent success of the two highly efficacious mRNA vaccines produced by Moderna and Pfizer-BioNTech to protect against COVID-19 highlights the huge potential of mRNA technology for revolutionizing life science and medical research. Challenges related to mRNA stability and immunogenicity, as well as in vivo delivery and the ability to cross multiple biological barriers, have been largely addressed by recent progress in mRNA engineering and delivery. In this Review, we present the latest advances and innovations in the growing field of mRNA nanomedicine, in the context of ongoing clinical translation and future directions to improve clinical efficacy.
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Mashima R, Takada S. Lipid Nanoparticles: A Novel Gene Delivery Technique for Clinical Application. Curr Issues Mol Biol 2022; 44:5013-5027. [PMID: 36286056 PMCID: PMC9600891 DOI: 10.3390/cimb44100341] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2022] [Revised: 10/08/2022] [Accepted: 10/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) are an emerging vehicle for gene delivery that accommodate both nucleic acid and protein. Based on the experience of therapeutic liposomes, current LNPs have been developed based on the chemistry of lipids and RNA and on the biology of human disease. LNPs have been used for the development of Onpattro, an siRNA drug for transthyretin-mediated amyloidosis, in 2018. The subsequent outbreak of COVID-19 required a vaccine for its suppression. LNP-based vaccine production received much attention for this and resulted in great success. In this review, the essential technology of LNP gene delivery has been described according to the chemistry for LNP production and biology for its clinical application.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryuichi Mashima
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Medicine, National Center for Child Health and Development, 2-10-1 Okura, Setagaya-ku, Tokyo 157-8535, Japan
- Correspondence:
| | - Shuji Takada
- Department of Systems BioMedicine, National Research Institute for Child Health and Development, 2-10-1 Okura, Setagaya-ku, Tokyo 157-8535, Japan
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Gebhard J, Hirsch L, Schwechheimer C, Wagenknecht HA. Hybridization-Sensitive Fluorescent Probes for DNA and RNA by a Modular "Click" Approach. Bioconjug Chem 2022; 33:1634-1642. [PMID: 35995426 PMCID: PMC9501807 DOI: 10.1021/acs.bioconjchem.2c00241] [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] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
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Fluorescent DNA probes were prepared in a modular approach
using
the “click” post-synthetic modification strategy. The
new glycol-based module and DNA building block place just two carbons
between the phosphodiester bridges and anchor the dye by an additional
alkyne group. This creates a stereocenter in the middle of this artificial
nucleoside substitute. Both enantiomers and a variety of photostable
cyanine–styryl dyes as well as thiazole orange derivatives
were screened as “clicked” conjugates in different surrounding
DNA sequences. The combination of the (S)-configured
DNA anchor and the cyanylated cyanine–styryl dye shows the
highest fluorescence light-up effect of 9.2 and a brightness of approximately
11,000 M–1 cm–1. This hybridization
sensitivity and fluorescence readout were further developed utilizing
electron transfer and energy transfer processes. The combination of
the hybridization-sensitive DNA building block with the nucleotide
of 5-nitroindole as an electron acceptor and a quencher increases
the light-up effect to 20 with the DNA target and to 15 with the RNA
target. The fluorescence readout could significantly be enhanced to
values between 50 and 360 by the use of energy transfer to a second
DNA probe with commercially available dyes, like Cy3.5, Cy5, and Atto590,
as energy acceptors at the 5′-end. The latter binary probes
shift the fluorescent readout from the range of 500–550 nm
to the range of 610–670 nm. The optical properties make these
fluorescent DNA probes potentially useful for RNA imaging. Due to
the strong light-up effect, they will not require washing procedures
and will thus be suitable for live-cell imaging.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julian Gebhard
- Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT), Institute of Organic Chemistry, Fritz-Haber-Weg 6, 7631 Karlsruhe, Germany
| | - Lara Hirsch
- Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT), Institute of Organic Chemistry, Fritz-Haber-Weg 6, 7631 Karlsruhe, Germany
| | - Christian Schwechheimer
- Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT), Institute of Organic Chemistry, Fritz-Haber-Weg 6, 7631 Karlsruhe, Germany
| | - Hans-Achim Wagenknecht
- Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT), Institute of Organic Chemistry, Fritz-Haber-Weg 6, 7631 Karlsruhe, Germany
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