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Roesmann F, Müller L, Klaassen K, Heß S, Widera M. Interferon-Regulated Expression of Cellular Splicing Factors Modulates Multiple Levels of HIV-1 Gene Expression and Replication. Viruses 2024; 16:938. [PMID: 38932230 PMCID: PMC11209495 DOI: 10.3390/v16060938] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2024] [Revised: 05/31/2024] [Accepted: 06/03/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Type I interferons (IFN-Is) are pivotal in innate immunity against human immunodeficiency virus I (HIV-1) by eliciting the expression of IFN-stimulated genes (ISGs), which encompass potent host restriction factors. While ISGs restrict the viral replication within the host cell by targeting various stages of the viral life cycle, the lesser-known IFN-repressed genes (IRepGs), including RNA-binding proteins (RBPs), affect the viral replication by altering the expression of the host dependency factors that are essential for efficient HIV-1 gene expression. Both the host restriction and dependency factors determine the viral replication efficiency; however, the understanding of the IRepGs implicated in HIV-1 infection remains greatly limited at present. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the current understanding regarding the impact of the RNA-binding protein families, specifically the two families of splicing-associated proteins SRSF and hnRNP, on HIV-1 gene expression and viral replication. Since the recent findings show specifically that SRSF1 and hnRNP A0 are regulated by IFN-I in various cell lines and primary cells, including intestinal lamina propria mononuclear cells (LPMCs) and peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs), we particularly discuss their role in the context of the innate immunity affecting HIV-1 replication.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fabian Roesmann
- Institute for Medical Virology, University Hospital Frankfurt, Goethe University Frankfurt, Paul-Ehrlich-Str. 40, 60596 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Lisa Müller
- Institute of Virology, Medical Faculty, University Hospital Düsseldorf, Heinrich-Heine-University Düsseldorf, Universitätsstr. 1, 40225 Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Katleen Klaassen
- Institute for Medical Virology, University Hospital Frankfurt, Goethe University Frankfurt, Paul-Ehrlich-Str. 40, 60596 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Stefanie Heß
- Institute for Medical Virology, University Hospital Frankfurt, Goethe University Frankfurt, Paul-Ehrlich-Str. 40, 60596 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Marek Widera
- Institute for Medical Virology, University Hospital Frankfurt, Goethe University Frankfurt, Paul-Ehrlich-Str. 40, 60596 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
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2
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Kar SS, Dhar AK, Palei NN, Bhatt S. Small-molecule oligonucleotides as smart modality for antiviral therapy: a medicinal chemistry perspective. Future Med Chem 2023; 15:1091-1110. [PMID: 37584172 DOI: 10.4155/fmc-2023-0091] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Small-molecule oligonucleotides could be exploited therapeutically to silence the expression of viral infection-causing genes, and a few of them are now in clinical trials for the management of viral infections. The most challenging aspect of these oligonucleotides' therapeutic success involves their delivery. Thus medicinal chemistry strategies are inevitable to avoid degradation by serum nucleases, avoid kidney clearance and improve cellular uptake. Recently small-molecule oligonucleotide design has opened up new avenues to improve the treatment of drug-resistant viral infections, along with the development of COVID-19 medicines. This review is directed toward the recent advances in rational design, mechanism of action, structure-activity relationships and future perspective of the small-molecule oligonucleotides targeting viral infections, including COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sidhartha S Kar
- Institute of Pharmacy & Technology, Salipur, Cuttack, Odisha, 754202, India
| | - Arghya Kusum Dhar
- School of Pharmacy, The Neotia University, Sarisa, D.H. Road, 24 Pgs (South) West Bengal, 743368, India
| | - Narahari N Palei
- Amity Institute of Pharmacy, Amity University Lucknow Campus, Uttar Pradesh, 226010, India
| | - Shvetank Bhatt
- School of Health Sciences and Technology, Dr Vishwanath Karad MIT World Peace University, Pune, Maharashtra, 411038, India
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3
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Wang F, Li P, Chu HC, Lo PK. Nucleic Acids and Their Analogues for Biomedical Applications. BIOSENSORS 2022; 12:bios12020093. [PMID: 35200353 PMCID: PMC8869748 DOI: 10.3390/bios12020093] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2021] [Revised: 01/20/2022] [Accepted: 01/25/2022] [Indexed: 05/07/2023]
Abstract
Nucleic acids are emerging as powerful and functional biomaterials due to their molecular recognition ability, programmability, and ease of synthesis and chemical modification. Various types of nucleic acids have been used as gene regulation tools or therapeutic agents for the treatment of human diseases with genetic disorders. Nucleic acids can also be used to develop sensing platforms for detecting ions, small molecules, proteins, and cells. Their performance can be improved through integration with other organic or inorganic nanomaterials. To further enhance their biological properties, various chemically modified nucleic acid analogues can be generated by modifying their phosphodiester backbone, sugar moiety, nucleobase, or combined sites. Alternatively, using nucleic acids as building blocks for self-assembly of highly ordered nanostructures would enhance their biological stability and cellular uptake efficiency. In this review, we will focus on the development and biomedical applications of structural and functional natural nucleic acids, as well as the chemically modified nucleic acid analogues over the past ten years. The recent progress in the development of functional nanomaterials based on self-assembled DNA-based platforms for gene regulation, biosensing, drug delivery, and therapy will also be presented. We will then summarize with a discussion on the advanced development of nucleic acid research, highlight some of the challenges faced and propose suggestions for further improvement.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fei Wang
- Department of Chemistry, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR 999077, China; (F.W.); (P.L.); (H.C.C.)
| | - Pan Li
- Department of Chemistry, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR 999077, China; (F.W.); (P.L.); (H.C.C.)
| | - Hoi Ching Chu
- Department of Chemistry, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR 999077, China; (F.W.); (P.L.); (H.C.C.)
| | - Pik Kwan Lo
- Department of Chemistry, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR 999077, China; (F.W.); (P.L.); (H.C.C.)
- Key Laboratory of Biochip Technology, Biotech and Health Care, Shenzhen Research Institute of City University of Hong Kong, Shenzhen 518057, China
- Correspondence:
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Soler-Bistué A, Zorreguieta A, Tolmasky ME. Bridged Nucleic Acids Reloaded. Molecules 2019; 24:E2297. [PMID: 31234313 PMCID: PMC6630285 DOI: 10.3390/molecules24122297] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2019] [Revised: 06/17/2019] [Accepted: 06/18/2019] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Oligonucleotides are key compounds widely used for research, diagnostics, and therapeutics. The rapid increase in oligonucleotide-based applications, together with the progress in nucleic acids research, has led to the design of nucleotide analogs that, when part of these oligomers, enhance their efficiency, bioavailability, or stability. One of the most useful nucleotide analogs is the first-generation bridged nucleic acids (BNA), also known as locked nucleic acids (LNA), which were used in combination with ribonucleotides, deoxyribonucleotides, or other analogs to construct oligomers with diverse applications. However, there is still room to improve their efficiency, bioavailability, stability, and, importantly, toxicity. A second-generation BNA, BNANC (2'-O,4'-aminoethylene bridged nucleic acid), has been recently made available. Oligomers containing these analogs not only showed less toxicity when compared to LNA-containing compounds but, in some cases, also exhibited higher specificity. Although there are still few applications where BNANC-containing compounds have been researched, the promising results warrant more effort in incorporating these analogs for other applications. Furthermore, newer BNA compounds will be introduced in the near future, offering great hope to oligonucleotide-based fields of research and applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alfonso Soler-Bistué
- Instituto de Investigaciones Biotecnológicas Dr. Rodolfo A. Ugalde, Instituto Tecnológico de Chascomús, CONICET, Universidad Nacional de San Martín, San Martín 1650, Argentina.
| | - Angeles Zorreguieta
- Fundación Instituto Leloir, IIBBA-CONICET, Buenos Aires C1405BWE, Argentina.
| | - Marcelo E Tolmasky
- Center for Applied Biotechnology Studies, Department of Biological Science, California State University Fullerton, Fullerton, CA 92834-6850, USA.
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Carvalho J, Paiva A, Cabral Campello MP, Paulo A, Mergny JL, Salgado GF, Queiroz JA, Cruz C. Aptamer-based Targeted Delivery of a G-quadruplex Ligand in Cervical Cancer Cells. Sci Rep 2019; 9:7945. [PMID: 31138870 PMCID: PMC6538641 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-44388-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2018] [Accepted: 04/27/2019] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
Abstract
AS1411 is a G-rich DNA oligonucleotide that functions as an aptamer of the protein nucleolin, found at high levels on the surface of cancer cells but not on the surface of normal cells. Herein, we have studied AS1411 as a supramolecular carrier for the delivery of an acridine-based G-quadruplex ligand, C8, to HeLa cancer cells. Two AS1411 derivatives, LNA-AS1411 and U-AS1411, were also tested, in an attempt to compare AS1411 pharmacological properties. The results showed that AS1411-C8 complexation was made with great binding strength and that it lowered the ligand's cytotoxicity towards non-malignant cells. This effect was suggested to be due to a decreased internalization of the complexed versus free C8 as shown by flow cytometry. The AS1411 derivatives, despite forming a stable complex with C8, lacked the necessary tumour-selective behaviour. The binding of C8 to AS1411 G-quadruplex structure did not negatively affect the recognition of nucleolin by the aptamer. The AS1411-C8 repressed c-MYC expression at the transcriptional level, possibly due to C8 ability to stabilize the c-MYC promoter G-quadruplexes. Overall, this study demonstrates the usefulness of AS1411 as a supramolecular carrier of the G-quadruplex binder C8 and the potential of using its tumour-selective properties for the delivery of ligands for cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Josué Carvalho
- CICS-UBI - Centro de Investigação em Ciências da Saúde, Universidade da Beira Interior, Av. Infante D. Henrique, 6200-506, Covilhã, Portugal
| | - Artur Paiva
- Unidade de Gestão Operacional em Citometria, Centro Hospitalar e Universitário de Coimbra (CHUC), Coimbra, Portugal
- CIMAGO/iCBR/CIBB, Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
- Instituto Politécnico de Coimbra, ESTESC-Coimbra Health School, Ciências Biomédicas Laboratoriais, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Maria Paula Cabral Campello
- Centro de Ciências e Tecnologias Nucleares, Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, Estrada Nacional 10 (km 139,7), 2695-066, Bobadela, LRS, Portugal
| | - António Paulo
- Centro de Ciências e Tecnologias Nucleares, Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, Estrada Nacional 10 (km 139,7), 2695-066, Bobadela, LRS, Portugal
| | - Jean-Louis Mergny
- Univ. Bordeaux, ARNA laboratory, INSERM, U1212, CNRS UMR 5320, IECB, F-33600, Pessac, France
- Institute of Biophysics, AS CR, v.v.i. Kralovopolska 135, 612 65, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Gilmar F Salgado
- Univ. Bordeaux, ARNA laboratory, INSERM, U1212, CNRS UMR 5320, IECB, F-33600, Pessac, France
| | - João A Queiroz
- CICS-UBI - Centro de Investigação em Ciências da Saúde, Universidade da Beira Interior, Av. Infante D. Henrique, 6200-506, Covilhã, Portugal
| | - Carla Cruz
- CICS-UBI - Centro de Investigação em Ciências da Saúde, Universidade da Beira Interior, Av. Infante D. Henrique, 6200-506, Covilhã, Portugal.
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6
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Hillebrand F, Ostermann PN, Müller L, Degrandi D, Erkelenz S, Widera M, Pfeffer K, Schaal H. Gymnotic Delivery of LNA Mixmers Targeting Viral SREs Induces HIV-1 mRNA Degradation. Int J Mol Sci 2019; 20:ijms20051088. [PMID: 30832397 PMCID: PMC6429378 DOI: 10.3390/ijms20051088] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2019] [Revised: 02/22/2019] [Accepted: 02/25/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Transcription of the HIV-1 provirus generates a viral pre-mRNA, which is alternatively spliced into more than 50 HIV-1 mRNAs encoding all viral proteins. Regulation of viral alternative splice site usage includes the presence of splicing regulatory elements (SREs) which can dramatically impact RNA expression and HIV-1 replication when mutated. Recently, we were able to show that two viral SREs, GI3-2 and ESEtat, are important players in the generation of viral vif, vpr and tat mRNAs. Furthermore, we demonstrated that masking these SREs by transfected locked nucleic acid (LNA) mixmers affect the viral splicing pattern and viral particle production. With regard to the development of future therapeutic LNA mixmer-based antiretroviral approaches, we delivered the GI3-2 and the ESEtat LNA mixmers “nakedly”, without the use of transfection reagents (gymnosis) into HIV-1 infected cells. Surprisingly, we observed that gymnotically-delivered LNA mixmers accumulated in the cytoplasm, and seemed to co-localize with GW bodies and induced degradation of mRNAs containing their LNA target sequence. The GI3-2 and the ESEtat LNA-mediated RNA degradation resulted in abrogation of viral replication in HIV-1 infected Jurkat and PM1 cells as well as in PBMCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Frank Hillebrand
- Institute of Virology, Medical Faculty, Heinrich-Heine-University Düsseldorf, 40225 Düsseldorf, Germany.
| | - Philipp Niklas Ostermann
- Institute of Virology, Medical Faculty, Heinrich-Heine-University Düsseldorf, 40225 Düsseldorf, Germany.
| | - Lisa Müller
- Institute of Virology, Medical Faculty, Heinrich-Heine-University Düsseldorf, 40225 Düsseldorf, Germany.
| | - Daniel Degrandi
- Institute of Medical Microbiology and Hospital Hygiene, Medical Faculty, Heinrich-Heine-University Düsseldorf, 40225 Düsseldorf, Germany.
| | - Steffen Erkelenz
- Institute of Virology, Medical Faculty, Heinrich-Heine-University Düsseldorf, 40225 Düsseldorf, Germany.
| | - Marek Widera
- Institute of Virology, Medical Faculty, Heinrich-Heine-University Düsseldorf, 40225 Düsseldorf, Germany.
| | - Klaus Pfeffer
- Institute of Medical Microbiology and Hospital Hygiene, Medical Faculty, Heinrich-Heine-University Düsseldorf, 40225 Düsseldorf, Germany.
| | - Heiner Schaal
- Institute of Virology, Medical Faculty, Heinrich-Heine-University Düsseldorf, 40225 Düsseldorf, Germany.
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7
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Gait MJ, Arzumanov AA, McClorey G, Godfrey C, Betts C, Hammond S, Wood MJ. Cell-Penetrating Peptide Conjugates of Steric Blocking Oligonucleotides as Therapeutics for Neuromuscular Diseases from a Historical Perspective to Current Prospects of Treatment. Nucleic Acid Ther 2019; 29:1-12. [PMID: 30307373 PMCID: PMC6386087 DOI: 10.1089/nat.2018.0747] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2018] [Accepted: 09/08/2018] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
The review starts with a historical perspective of the achievements of the Gait group in synthesis of oligonucleotides (ONs) and their peptide conjugates toward the award of the 2017 Oligonucleotide Therapeutic Society Lifetime Achievement Award. This acts as a prelude to the rewarding collaborative studies in the Gait and Wood research groups aimed toward the enhanced delivery of charge neutral ON drugs and the development of a series of Arg-rich cell-penetrating peptides called Pip (peptide nucleic acid/phosphorodiamidate morpholino oligonucleotide [PNA/PMO] internalization peptides) as conjugates of such ONs. In this review we concentrate on these developments toward the treatment of the neuromuscular diseases Duchenne muscular dystrophy and spinal muscular atrophy toward a platform technology for the enhancement of cellular and in vivo delivery suitable for widespread use as neuromuscular and neurodegenerative ON drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael J. Gait
- Medical Research Council, Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Andrey A. Arzumanov
- Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Genetics, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Graham McClorey
- Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Genetics, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Caroline Godfrey
- Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Genetics, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Corinne Betts
- Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Genetics, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Suzan Hammond
- Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Genetics, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Matthew J.A. Wood
- Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Genetics, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
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8
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Sertznig H, Hillebrand F, Erkelenz S, Schaal H, Widera M. Behind the scenes of HIV-1 replication: Alternative splicing as the dependency factor on the quiet. Virology 2018; 516:176-188. [PMID: 29407375 DOI: 10.1016/j.virol.2018.01.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2017] [Revised: 01/10/2018] [Accepted: 01/11/2018] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
Alternative splicing plays a key role in the HIV-1 life cycle and is essential to maintain an equilibrium of mRNAs that encode viral proteins and polyprotein-isoforms. In particular, since all early HIV-1 proteins are expressed from spliced intronless and late enzymatic and structural proteins from intron containing, i.e. splicing repressed viral mRNAs, cellular splicing factors and splicing regulatory proteins are crucial for the replication capacity. In this review, we will describe the complex network of cis-acting splicing regulatory elements (SREs), which are mainly localized in the neighbourhoods of all HIV-1 splice sites and warrant the proper ratio of individual transcript isoforms. Since SREs represent binding sites for trans-acting cellular splicing factors interacting with the cellular spliceosomal apparatus we will review the current knowledge of interactions between viral RNA and cellular proteins as well as their impact on viral replication. Finally, we will discuss potential therapeutic approaches targeting HIV-1 alternative splicing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Helene Sertznig
- Institute for Virology, University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Frank Hillebrand
- Institute of Virology, Heinrich Heine University, University Hospital, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Steffen Erkelenz
- Institute for Genetics, Cologne Excellence Cluster on Cellular Stress Responses in Aging-Associated Diseases (CECAD), University of Cologne, Germany
| | - Heiner Schaal
- Institute of Virology, Heinrich Heine University, University Hospital, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Marek Widera
- Institute for Virology, University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany.
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9
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Aupy P, Echevarría L, Relizani K, Goyenvalle A. The Use of Tricyclo-DNA Oligomers for the Treatment of Genetic Disorders. Biomedicines 2017; 6:E2. [PMID: 29271929 PMCID: PMC5874659 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines6010002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2017] [Revised: 12/13/2017] [Accepted: 12/19/2017] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Antisense Oligonucleotides (ASOs) represent very attractive therapeutic compounds for the treatment of numerous diseases. The antisense field has remarkably progressed over the last few years with the approval of the first antisense drugs and with promising developments of more potent and nuclease resistant chemistries. Despite these recent clinical successes and advances in chemistry and design, effective delivery of ASOs to their target tissues remains a major issue. This review will describe the latest advances obtained with the tricyclo-DNA (tcDNA) chemistry which displays unique pharmacological properties and unprecedented uptake in many tissues after systemic administration. We will examine the variety of therapeutic approaches using both fully modified tcDNA-ASOs and gapmers, including splice switching applications, correction of aberrant splicing, steric blocking strategies and targeted gene knock-down mediated by RNase H recruitment. We will then discuss the merits and potential liabilities of the tcDNA chemistry in the context of ASO drug development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Philippine Aupy
- INSERM U1179, UFR des Sciences de la Santé, University of Versailles St-Quentin, 78180 Montigny le Bretonneux, France.
| | - Lucía Echevarría
- INSERM U1179, UFR des Sciences de la Santé, University of Versailles St-Quentin, 78180 Montigny le Bretonneux, France.
- SQY Therapeutics, University of Versailles St-Quentin, 78180 Montigny le Bretonneux, France.
| | - Karima Relizani
- INSERM U1179, UFR des Sciences de la Santé, University of Versailles St-Quentin, 78180 Montigny le Bretonneux, France.
- SQY Therapeutics, University of Versailles St-Quentin, 78180 Montigny le Bretonneux, France.
| | - Aurélie Goyenvalle
- INSERM U1179, UFR des Sciences de la Santé, University of Versailles St-Quentin, 78180 Montigny le Bretonneux, France.
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10
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Takata R, Makado G, Kitamura A, Watanabe H, Wada T. A novel dual lock method for down-regulation of genes, in which a target mRNA is captured at 2 independent positions by linked locked nucleic acid antisense oligonucleotides. RNA Biol 2016; 13:279-89. [PMID: 26890856 DOI: 10.1080/15476286.2015.1119364] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Nuclear factor κB (NFκB), which is composed of the RelA and p50 subunits, binds to NFκB response elements (NREs) and stimulates the transcription of inflammation-related genes. Here, locked nucleic acid (LNA) antisense oligonucleotides (ASOs) complementary to the termini of the 3'- and 5'-untranslated regions (UTRs) of the RelA mRNA were generated; these molecules were named 3'-LNA and 5'-LNA, respectively. To evaluate their effects on NFκB activity, HeLa cells were co-transfected with the LNA ASOs and a luciferase reporter gene carrying an NRE. Transfection of the cells with 3'-LNA reduced NFκB activity by 30-40%, without affecting RelA mRNA accumulation. Concomitant transfection of HeLa cells with 5'-LNA and 3'-LNA resulted in a 70% reduction in NFκB activity. Furthermore, partial poly(A) tail shortening occurred in LNA ASO-transfected cells. We also employed triethylene glycol as a spacer to link 5'-LNA and 3'-LNA. Reporter gene assays showed that the spacer-linked LNA ASO reduced NFκB activity similarly to a combination of 5'-LNA and 3'-LNA. In addition, an in vitro translation assay revealed that spacer-linked LNA ASOs inhibited the translation of a target mRNA in a specific manner. In summary, this study describes a novel antisense method capturing the target mRNA at independent positions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryohei Takata
- a Nucleic Acid Regulation (Yoshindo) Joint Research Laboratory and.,b Bioenvironmental Science , Department of Biotechnology, Osaka University , Suita, Osaka , Japan.,c Research and Development, Yoshindo , Haginoshima, Fuchu-machi, Toyama , Japan
| | - Gouki Makado
- a Nucleic Acid Regulation (Yoshindo) Joint Research Laboratory and.,c Research and Development, Yoshindo , Haginoshima, Fuchu-machi, Toyama , Japan
| | - Ayaka Kitamura
- a Nucleic Acid Regulation (Yoshindo) Joint Research Laboratory and.,b Bioenvironmental Science , Department of Biotechnology, Osaka University , Suita, Osaka , Japan.,c Research and Development, Yoshindo , Haginoshima, Fuchu-machi, Toyama , Japan
| | - Hajime Watanabe
- a Nucleic Acid Regulation (Yoshindo) Joint Research Laboratory and.,b Bioenvironmental Science , Department of Biotechnology, Osaka University , Suita, Osaka , Japan
| | - Tadashi Wada
- a Nucleic Acid Regulation (Yoshindo) Joint Research Laboratory and
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11
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Le Grice SFJ. Targeting the HIV RNA genome: high-hanging fruit only needs a longer ladder. Curr Top Microbiol Immunol 2015; 389:147-69. [PMID: 25735922 PMCID: PMC7120518 DOI: 10.1007/82_2015_434] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/17/2023]
Abstract
Small molecules targeting the enzymes responsible for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) maturation, DNA synthesis and its subsequent chromosomal integration as ribonucleotide-free double-stranded DNA remain the mainstay of combination antiretroviral therapy. For infected individuals harboring drug-susceptible virus, this approach has afforded complete or near-complete viral suppression. However, in the absence of a curative strategy, the predictable emergence of drug-resistant variants requires continued development of improved antiviral strategies, inherent to which is the necessity of identifying novel targets. Regulatory elements that mediate transcription, translation, nucleocytoplasmic transport, dimerization, packaging and reverse transcription of the (+) strand RNA genome should now be considered viable targets for small molecule, peptide- and oligonucleotide-based therapeutics. Where target specificity and cellular penetration and toxicity have been the primary obstacle to successful “macromolecule therapeutics”, this chapter summarizes (a) novel approaches targeting RNA motifs whose three-dimensional structure is critical for biological function and consequently may be less prone to resistance-conferring mutations and (b) improved methods for delivery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stuart F J Le Grice
- RT Biochemistry Section, Basic Research Laboratory, National Cancer Institute, Frederick, MD, 21702, USA,
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12
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Wynn JE, Santos WL. HIV-1 drug discovery: targeting folded RNA structures with branched peptides. Org Biomol Chem 2015; 13:5848-58. [PMID: 25958855 PMCID: PMC4511164 DOI: 10.1039/c5ob00589b] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
Human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) is an RNA virus that is prone to high rates of mutation. While the disease is managed with current antiretroviral therapies, drugs with a new mode of action are needed. A strategy towards this goal is aimed at targeting the native three-dimensional fold of conserved RNA structures. This perspective highlights medium-sized peptides and peptidomimetics used to target two conserved RNA structures of HIV-1. In particular, branched peptides have the capacity to bind in a multivalent fashion, utilizing a large surface area to achieve the necessary affinity and selectivity toward the target RNA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica E Wynn
- Department of Chemistry and Virginia Tech Center for Drug Discovery, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, Virginia 24061, USA.
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13
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Siva K, Covello G, Denti MA. Exon-skipping antisense oligonucleotides to correct missplicing in neurogenetic diseases. Nucleic Acid Ther 2014; 24:69-86. [PMID: 24506781 DOI: 10.1089/nat.2013.0461] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Alternative splicing is an important regulator of the transcriptome. However, mutations may cause alteration of splicing patterns, which in turn leads to disease. During the past 10 years, exon skipping has been looked upon as a powerful tool for correction of missplicing in disease and progress has been made towards clinical trials. In this review, we discuss the use of antisense oligonucleotides to correct splicing defects through exon skipping, with a special focus on diseases affecting the nervous system, and the latest stage achieved in its progress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kavitha Siva
- 1 Center for Integrative Biology (CIBIO), University of Trento , Trento, Italy
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14
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Bestas B, Moreno PMD, Blomberg KEM, Mohammad DK, Saleh AF, Sutlu T, Nordin JZ, Guterstam P, Gustafsson MO, Kharazi S, Piątosa B, Roberts TC, Behlke MA, Wood MJA, Gait MJ, Lundin KE, El Andaloussi S, Månsson R, Berglöf A, Wengel J, Smith CIE. Splice-correcting oligonucleotides restore BTK function in X-linked agammaglobulinemia model. J Clin Invest 2014; 124:4067-81. [PMID: 25105368 DOI: 10.1172/jci76175] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2014] [Accepted: 07/03/2014] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
X-linked agammaglobulinemia (XLA) is an inherited immunodeficiency that results from mutations within the gene encoding Bruton's tyrosine kinase (BTK). Many XLA-associated mutations affect splicing of BTK pre-mRNA and severely impair B cell development. Here, we assessed the potential of antisense, splice-correcting oligonucleotides (SCOs) targeting mutated BTK transcripts for treating XLA. Both the SCO structural design and chemical properties were optimized using 2'-O-methyl, locked nucleic acid, or phosphorodiamidate morpholino backbones. In order to have access to an animal model of XLA, we engineered a transgenic mouse that harbors a BAC with an authentic, mutated, splice-defective human BTK gene. BTK transgenic mice were bred onto a Btk knockout background to avoid interference of the orthologous mouse protein. Using this model, we determined that BTK-specific SCOs are able to correct aberrantly spliced BTK in B lymphocytes, including pro-B cells. Correction of BTK mRNA restored expression of functional protein, as shown both by enhanced lymphocyte survival and reestablished BTK activation upon B cell receptor stimulation. Furthermore, SCO treatment corrected splicing and restored BTK expression in primary cells from patients with XLA. Together, our data demonstrate that SCOs can restore BTK function and that BTK-targeting SCOs have potential as personalized medicine in patients with XLA.
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15
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Kotikam V, Arzumanov AA, Gait MJ, Kumar VA. Enhanced splice correction by 3', 5'-serinol and 2'-(ω-O-methylserinol) guarded OMe-RNA/DNA mixmers in cells. ARTIFICIAL DNA, PNA & XNA 2013; 4:77-83. [PMID: 24300385 DOI: 10.4161/adna.27279] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
Abstract
Development of artificial nucleic acids for therapeutic applications warrants that the oligomers be endowed with high specificity, enzymatic stability and with no/reduced off-target effects. The balance between strength of the duplex with target RNA and enzyme stability is therefore the key factor for the designed modification. The chiral serinol derivative combines the attributes of amino- and methoxy- substitution when at 2'- position and at 3'- and 5'- ends, effectively balancing the duplex stability and resistance to hydrolytic enzymes. The biological effect seen is the remarkable improvement in splice correction by the steric blocking antisense oligonucleotide with just 4 modified units, i.e ~20% substitution with R-aminomethoxypropyloxy (R-AMP)-thymidine within the 2'-OMe 18mer sequence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Venubabu Kotikam
- Organic Chemistry Division; CSIR-National Chemical Laboratory; Pune, India
| | - Andrey A Arzumanov
- Medical Research Council; Laboratory of Molecular Biology; Cambridge, UK
| | - Michael J Gait
- Medical Research Council; Laboratory of Molecular Biology; Cambridge, UK
| | - Vaijayanti A Kumar
- Organic Chemistry Division; CSIR-National Chemical Laboratory; Pune, India
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16
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Järver P, O'Donovan L, Gait MJ. A chemical view of oligonucleotides for exon skipping and related drug applications. Nucleic Acid Ther 2013; 24:37-47. [PMID: 24171481 DOI: 10.1089/nat.2013.0454] [Citation(s) in RCA: 72] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Peter Järver
- Medical Research Council , Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Cambridge, United Kingdom
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17
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Biomaterial-Based Vectors for Targeted Delivery of Nucleic Acids to the Nervous System. DRUG DELIVERY SYSTEMS: ADVANCED TECHNOLOGIES POTENTIALLY APPLICABLE IN PERSONALISED TREATMENT 2013. [DOI: 10.1007/978-94-007-6010-3_7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
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18
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Penn AC, Balik A, Greger IH. Steric antisense inhibition of AMPA receptor Q/R editing reveals tight coupling to intronic editing sites and splicing. Nucleic Acids Res 2012; 41:1113-23. [PMID: 23172291 PMCID: PMC3553965 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gks1044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Adenosine-to-Inosine (A-to-I) RNA editing is a post-transcriptional mechanism, evolved to diversify the transcriptome in metazoa. In addition to wide-spread editing in non-coding regions protein recoding by RNA editing allows for fine tuning of protein function. Functional consequences are only known for some editing sites and the combinatorial effect between multiple sites (functional epistasis) is currently unclear. Similarly, the interplay between RNA editing and splicing, which impacts on post-transcriptional gene regulation, has not been resolved. Here, we describe a versatile antisense approach, which will aid resolving these open questions. We have developed and characterized morpholino oligos targeting the most efficiently edited site—the AMPA receptor GluA2 Q/R site. We show that inhibition of editing closely correlates with intronic editing efficiency, which is linked to splicing efficiency. In addition to providing a versatile tool our data underscore the unique efficiency of a physiologically pivotal editing site.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew C Penn
- Neurobiology Division, MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology, CB2 0QH Cambridge, UK.
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19
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Torres AG, Threlfall RN, Gait MJ. Potent and sustained cellular inhibition of miR-122 by lysine-derivatized peptide nucleic acids (PNA) and phosphorothioate locked nucleic acid (LNA)/2'-O-methyl (OMe) mixmer anti-miRs in the absence of transfection agents. ARTIFICIAL DNA, PNA & XNA 2012; 2:71-8. [PMID: 22567190 DOI: 10.4161/adna.17731] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Efficient cell delivery of antisense oligonucleotides (ONs) is a key issue for their potential therapeutic use. It has been shown recently that some ONs can be delivered into cells without the use of transfection agents (gymnosis), but this generally requires cell incubation over several days and high amounts of ONs (micromolar concentrations). Here we have targeted microRNA 122 (miR-122), a small non-coding RNA involved in regulation of lipid metabolism and in the replication of hepatitis C virus, with ONs of different chemistries (anti-miRs) by gymnotic delivery in cell culture. Using a sensitive dual-luciferase reporter assay, anti-miRs were screened for their ability to enter liver cells gymnotically and inhibit miR-122 activity. Efficient miR-122 inhibition was obtained with cationic PNAs and 2'-O-methyl (OMe) and Locked Nucleic Acids (LNA)/OMe mixmers containing either phosphodiester (PO) or phosphorothioate (PS) linkages at sub-micromolar concentrations when incubated with cells for just 4 hours. Furthermore, PNA and PS-containing anti-miRs were able to sustain miR-122 inhibitory effects for at least 4 days. LNA/OMe PS anti-miRs were the most potent anti-miR chemistry tested in this study, an ON chemistry that has been little exploited so far as anti-miR agents towards therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adrian G Torres
- Medical Research Council, Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Cambridge, UK
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20
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Impact of Tat Genetic Variation on HIV-1 Disease. Adv Virol 2012; 2012:123605. [PMID: 22899925 PMCID: PMC3414192 DOI: 10.1155/2012/123605] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2012] [Accepted: 05/14/2012] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
The human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) promoter or long-terminal repeat (LTR) regulates viral gene expression by interacting with multiple viral and host factors. The viral transactivator protein Tat plays an important role in transcriptional activation of HIV-1 gene expression. Functional domains of Tat and its interaction with transactivation response element RNA and cellular transcription factors have been examined. Genetic variation within tat of different HIV-1 subtypes has been shown to affect the interaction of the viral transactivator with cellular and/or viral proteins, influencing the overall level of transcriptional activation as well as its action as a neurotoxic protein. Consequently, the genetic variability within tat may impact the molecular architecture of functional domains of the Tat protein that may impact HIV pathogenesis and disease. Tat as a therapeutic target for anti-HIV drugs has also been discussed.
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21
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Abstract
The chemistry of the oligonucleotide backbone is crucial to obtaining high activity in vivo in exon skipping applications. Apart from the ability to bind strongly and sequence-specifically to pre-mRNA targets, the type of backbone also influences cell delivery, in vivo pharmacology, bio-distribution, toxicology, and ultimately the therapeutic use in humans. Reviewed here are classes of oligonucleotide commonly used for exon skipping applications, namely negatively charged backbones typified by RNA analogues having 2'-O-substitution and a phosphorothioate linkage and charge-neutral backbones such as PNA and PMO. Also discussed are peptide conjugates of PNA and PMO that enhance cellular and in vivo delivery and their potential for drug development. Finally, the prospects for development of other analogue types in exon skipping applications are outlined.
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22
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Kiviniemi A, Virta P. Synthesis of aminoglycoside-3'-conjugates of 2'-O-methyl oligoribonucleotides and their invasion to a 19F labeled HIV-1 TAR model. Bioconjug Chem 2011; 22:1559-66. [PMID: 21688836 DOI: 10.1021/bc200101r] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
The potential of aminoglycosides to induce RNA-invasion has been demonstrated. For this purpose, aminoglycoside-3'-conjugates of 2'-O-methyl oligoribonucleotides have been synthesized entirely on a solid phase. The synthesis includes an automated oligonucleotide chain elongation to solid-supported neomycin, ribostamycin, and methyl neobiosamine, and a two-step deprotection/release of the solid-supported conjugate, which allows exploitation of a simple protecting group scheme. Conjugates have been targeted to a (19)F labeled HIV-1 TAR RNA model (Trans Activation Response element of HIV), which allows monitoring of the invasion by (19)F NMR spectroscopy. A remarkably enhanced invasion, compared to that resulting from the corresponding unmodified 2'-O-methyl oligoribonucleotide (5'-CAGGCUCA-3'), has been obtained by the neomycin conjugate. The increased affinity results from a cooperative binding of the neomycin moiety and hybridization, though the invasion may also follow a mechanism, in which the first molar equivalent of the conjugate induces hybridization of the second.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anu Kiviniemi
- Department of Chemistry, University of Turku, FIN-20014 Turku, Finland
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23
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Campbell MA, Wengel J. Locked vs. unlocked nucleic acids (LNA vs. UNA): contrasting structures work towards common therapeutic goals. Chem Soc Rev 2011; 40:5680-9. [PMID: 21556437 DOI: 10.1039/c1cs15048k] [Citation(s) in RCA: 176] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Oligonucleotide chemistry has been developed greatly over the past three decades, with many advances in increasing nuclease resistance, enhancing duplex stability and assisting with cellular uptake. Locked nucleic acid (LNA) is a structurally rigid modification that increases the binding affinity of a modified-oligonucleotide. In contrast, unlocked nucleic acid (UNA) is a highly flexible modification, which can be used to modulate duplex characteristics. In this tutorial review, we will compare the synthetic routes to both of these modifications, contrast the structural features, examine the hybridization properties of LNA and UNA modified duplexes, and discuss how they have been applied within biotechnology and drug research. LNA has found widespread use in antisense oligonucleotide technology, where it can stabilize interactions with target RNA and protect from cellular nucleases. The newly emerging field of siRNAs has made use of LNA and, recently, also UNA. These modifications are able to increase double-stranded RNA stability in serum and decrease off-target effects seen with conventional siRNAs. LNA and UNA are also emerging as versatile modifications for aptamers. Their application to known aptamer structures has opened up the possibility of future selection of LNA-modified aptamers. Each of these oligonucleotide technologies has the potential to become a new type of therapy to treat a wide variety of diseases, and LNA and UNA will no doubt play a part in future developments of therapeutic and diagnostic oligonucleotides.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meghan A Campbell
- Nucleic Acid Center, Institute for Physics and Chemistry, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
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24
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Torres AG, Fabani MM, Vigorito E, Gait MJ. MicroRNA fate upon targeting with anti-miRNA oligonucleotides as revealed by an improved Northern-blot-based method for miRNA detection. RNA (NEW YORK, N.Y.) 2011; 17:933-943. [PMID: 21441346 PMCID: PMC3078742 DOI: 10.1261/rna.2533811] [Citation(s) in RCA: 75] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2010] [Accepted: 02/15/2011] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small non-coding RNAs involved in fine-tuning of gene regulation. Antisense oligonucleotides (ONs) are promising tools as anti-miRNA (anti-miR) agents toward therapeutic applications and to uncover miRNA function. Such anti-miR ONs include 2'-O-methyl (OMe), cationic peptide nucleic acids like K-PNA-K3, and locked nucleic acid (LNA)-based anti-miRs such as LNA/DNA or LNA/OMe. Northern blotting is a widely used and robust technique to detect miRNAs. However, miRNA quantification in the presence of anti-miR ONs has proved to be challenging, due to detection artifacts, which has led to poor understanding of miRNA fate upon anti-miR binding. Here we show that anti-miR ON bound to miR-122 can prevent the miRNA from being properly precipitated into the purified RNA fraction using the standard RNA extraction protocol (TRI-Reagent), yielding an RNA extract that does not reflect the real cellular levels of the miRNA. An increase in the numbers of equivalents of isopropanol during the precipitation step leads to full recovery of the targeted miRNA back into the purified RNA extract. Following our improved protocol, we demonstrate by Northern blotting, in conjunction with a PNA decoy strategy and use of high denaturing PAGE, that high-affinity anti-miRs (K-PNA-K3, LNA/DNA, and LNA/OMe) sequester miR-122 without causing miRNA degradation, while miR-122 targeting with a lower-affinity anti-miR (OMe) seems to promote degradation of the miRNA. The technical issues explored in this work will have relevance for other hybridization-based techniques for miRNA quantification in the presence of anti-miR ONs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adrian G Torres
- Medical Research Council, Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Cambridge, United Kingdom
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25
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Kiviniemi A, Virta P. Characterization of RNA invasion by (19)F NMR spectroscopy. J Am Chem Soc 2010; 132:8560-2. [PMID: 20521791 DOI: 10.1021/ja1014629] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
(19)F NMR spectroscopy offers an efficient tool for monitoring RNA invasion. The invasion of 2'-O-methyl oligoribonucleotides into a (19)F-labeled HIV-1 TAR RNA model and the temperature-dependent behavior of the complexes obtained have been examined.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anu Kiviniemi
- Department of Chemistry, University of Turku, FIN-20014 Turku, Finland
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26
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Heermeier K, Prydz H, Reinhard-Rupp J, Engels J. Meeting Review: ESF workshop on 'Impact of nucleic acid chemistry on gene function analysis: antisense, aptamers, ribozymes and RNAi'. Comp Funct Genomics 2010; 3:441-6. [PMID: 18629053 PMCID: PMC2447337 DOI: 10.1002/cfg.186] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2002] [Accepted: 06/10/2002] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
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27
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Bruylants G, Boccongelli M, Snoussi K, Bartik K. Comparison of the thermodynamics and base-pair dynamics of a full LNA:DNA duplex and of the isosequential DNA:DNA duplex. Biochemistry 2009; 48:8473-82. [PMID: 19670874 DOI: 10.1021/bi900615z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
Locked nucleic acids (LNA), conformationally restricted nucleotide analogues, are known to enhance pairing stability and selectivity toward complementary strands. With the aim to contribute to a better understanding of the origin of these effects, the structure, thermal stability, hybridization thermodynamics, and base-pair dynamics of a full-LNA:DNA heteroduplex and of its isosequential DNA:DNA homoduplex were monitored and compared. CD measurements highlight differences in the duplex structures: the homoduplex and heteroduplex present B-type and A-type helical conformations, respectively. The pairing of the hybrid duplex is characterized, at all temperatures monitored (between 15 and 37 degrees C), by a larger stability constant but a less favorable enthalpic term. A major contribution to this thermodynamic profile emanates from the presence of a hairpin structure in the LNA single strand which contributes favorably to the entropy of interaction but leads to an enthalpy penalty upon duplex formation. The base-pair opening dynamics of both systems was monitored by NMR spectroscopy via imino protons exchange measurements. The measurements highlight that hybrid G-C base-pairs present a longer base-pair lifetime and higher stability than natural G-C base-pairs, but that an LNA substitution in an A-T base-pair does not have a favorable effect on the stability. The thermodynamic and dynamic data confirm a more favorable stacking of the bases in the hybrid duplex. This study emphasizes the complementarities between dynamic and thermodynamical studies for the elucidation of the relevant factors in binding events.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gilles Bruylants
- Molecular and Biomolecular Engineering, Service Matières et Matériaux, CP165/64, Université Libre de Bruxelles, 50 Avenue F.D. Roosevelt, 1050 Bruxelles, Belgium
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28
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Deng YB, Nong LG, Wang YF. HBV S gene-specific antisense locked nucleic acid significantly inhibits HBV replication and expression in HBV transgenic mice. Shijie Huaren Xiaohua Zazhi 2009; 17:2338-2345. [DOI: 10.11569/wcjd.v17.i23.2338] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
AIM: To investigate the inhibitory effects of hepatitis B virus (HBV) S gene-specific antisense locked nucleic acid (LNA) on HBV replication and expression.
METHODS: Thirty HBV transgenic mice were randomly divided into five groups (n = 6): glucose (5% GLU solution) control group, empty liposome control group, LNA group, S-ASODN-liposome group and LNA-liposome group. Antisense LNA was injected into mice via the tail vein. Serum HBsAg was quantified by ELISA. Serum HBV DNA was quantified by PCR. The expression of HBsAg in the liver was detected by immunohistochemistry. Serum ALB, ALT, BUN, CR, ApoA1 and ApoB were measured using an automatic biochemical analyzer. The effects of antisense LNA on mouse organs were investigated by HE staining of mouse liver and kidney sections.
RESULTS: On days 1, 3, 7 and 14 after LNA injection, serum HBsAg levels in the LNA-liposome group were reduced by 41.7%, 52.8%, 57.8% and 30.5%, respectively, while serum HBV DNA expression levels were decreased by 18.5%, 36.1%, 52.9% and 32.7%, respectively. These values were significantly higher than those in the control groups (all P < 0.05). No significant differences were noted in serum ALB, ALT, BUN, CR, ApoA1 and ApoB between the experiment group and the control groups (all P > 0.05). The expression level of HBsAg in the liver in the LNA-liposome group was significantly lower than those in the control groups. No significant histological abnormalities were found in the liver in all groups.
CONCLUSION: HBV S gene-specific antisense LNA can significantly inhibit the replication and expression of HBV.
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30
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Wang K, Chen J, Chen J, Liu A, Li G, Luo H, Lin X, Chen Y. A Sandwich-Type Electrochemical Biosensor for Detection of BCR/ABL Fusion Gene Using Locked Nucleic Acids on Gold Electrode. ELECTROANAL 2009. [DOI: 10.1002/elan.200804507] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
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31
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Chen J, Zhang J, Wang K, Lin X, Huang L, Chen G. Electrochemical Biosensor for Detection of BCR/ABL Fusion Gene Using Locked Nucleic Acids on 4-Aminobenzenesulfonic Acid-Modified Glassy Carbon Electrode. Anal Chem 2008; 80:8028-34. [DOI: 10.1021/ac801040e] [Citation(s) in RCA: 87] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Jinghua Chen
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Analysis and Detection for Food Safety (Fuzhou University), and Department of Chemistry, Fuzhou University, Fuzhou, Fujian, 350002, China, Department of Pharmaceutical Analysis, Faculty of Pharmacy, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou 350004, China, and Pharmaceutical Department, Fujian College of Medical Occupation and Technology, Fuzhou 350101, China
| | - Jing Zhang
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Analysis and Detection for Food Safety (Fuzhou University), and Department of Chemistry, Fuzhou University, Fuzhou, Fujian, 350002, China, Department of Pharmaceutical Analysis, Faculty of Pharmacy, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou 350004, China, and Pharmaceutical Department, Fujian College of Medical Occupation and Technology, Fuzhou 350101, China
| | - Kun Wang
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Analysis and Detection for Food Safety (Fuzhou University), and Department of Chemistry, Fuzhou University, Fuzhou, Fujian, 350002, China, Department of Pharmaceutical Analysis, Faculty of Pharmacy, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou 350004, China, and Pharmaceutical Department, Fujian College of Medical Occupation and Technology, Fuzhou 350101, China
| | - Xinhua Lin
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Analysis and Detection for Food Safety (Fuzhou University), and Department of Chemistry, Fuzhou University, Fuzhou, Fujian, 350002, China, Department of Pharmaceutical Analysis, Faculty of Pharmacy, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou 350004, China, and Pharmaceutical Department, Fujian College of Medical Occupation and Technology, Fuzhou 350101, China
| | - Liying Huang
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Analysis and Detection for Food Safety (Fuzhou University), and Department of Chemistry, Fuzhou University, Fuzhou, Fujian, 350002, China, Department of Pharmaceutical Analysis, Faculty of Pharmacy, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou 350004, China, and Pharmaceutical Department, Fujian College of Medical Occupation and Technology, Fuzhou 350101, China
| | - Guonan Chen
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Analysis and Detection for Food Safety (Fuzhou University), and Department of Chemistry, Fuzhou University, Fuzhou, Fujian, 350002, China, Department of Pharmaceutical Analysis, Faculty of Pharmacy, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou 350004, China, and Pharmaceutical Department, Fujian College of Medical Occupation and Technology, Fuzhou 350101, China
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32
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Ohtsuki T, Fujimoto T, Kamimukai M, Kumano C, Kitamatsu M, Sisido M. Isolation of small RNAs using biotinylated PNAs. J Biochem 2008; 144:415-8. [PMID: 18772156 DOI: 10.1093/jb/mvn107] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
In this study, an RNA isolation method was developed using a biotinylated peptide nucleic acid (PNA) that is complementary to the target RNA. Using the biotinylated PNA method, we successfully isolated several RNAs from Escherichia coli and from human total RNA in pure form. Damage to the RNA appears to be negligible by this method because the method is rapid and does not require a high temperature treatment to facilitate RNA-PNA binding.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takashi Ohtsuki
- Department of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Okayama University, Tsushimanaka, Okayama, Japan.
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33
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Splice-switching efficiency and specificity for oligonucleotides with locked nucleic acid monomers. Biochem J 2008; 412:307-13. [PMID: 18271753 DOI: 10.1042/bj20080013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
The use of antisense oligonucleotides to modulate splicing patterns has gained increasing attention as a therapeutic platform and, hence, the mechanisms of splice-switching oligonucleotides are of interest. Cells expressing luciferase pre-mRNA interrupted by an aberrantly spliced beta-globin intron, HeLa pLuc705, were used to monitor the splice-switching activity of modified oligonucleotides by detection of the expression of functional luciferase. It was observed that phosphorothioate 2'-O-methyl RNA oligonucleotides containing locked nucleic acid monomers provide outstanding splice-switching activity. However, similar oligonucleotides with several mismatches do not impede splice-switching activity which indicates a risk for off-target effects. The splice-switching activity is abolished when mismatches are introduced at several positions with locked nucleic acid monomers suggesting that it is the locked nucleic acid monomers that give rise to low mismatch discrimination to target pre-mRNA. The results highlight the importance of rational sequence design to allow for high efficiency with simultaneous high mismatch discrimination for splice-switching oligonucleotides and suggest that splice-switching activity is tunable by utilizing locked nucleic acid monomers.
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34
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Park M, Bruice TC. Binding properties of positively charged deoxynucleic guanidine (DNG), AgTgAgTgAgT and DNG/DNA chimeras to DNA. Bioorg Med Chem Lett 2008; 18:3488-91. [PMID: 18514514 DOI: 10.1016/j.bmcl.2008.05.030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2008] [Revised: 05/07/2008] [Accepted: 05/08/2008] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
The melting properties of hexameric oligonucleotide AgTgAgTgAgT, in which the phosphodiester linkages of the DNA have been replaced by guanidium linkages, have been evaluated. Using the juvenile esterase gene as a target, the binding of a 20-mer DNG/DNA chimera that includes AgTgAgTgAgT is more than 10(5.7) stronger than the binding of 20-mer composed solely of DNA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Myunji Park
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Califonia at Santa Barbara, CA 93106, USA
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35
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Fabani MM, Ivanova GD, Gait MJ. Peptide–Peptide Nucleic Acid Conjugates for Modulation of Gene Expression. THERAPEUTIC OLIGONUCLEOTIDES 2008. [DOI: 10.1039/9781847558275-00080] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Martin M. Fabani
- Medical Research Council Laboratory of Molecular Biology Hills Road Cambridge CB2 0QH UK
| | - Gabriela D. Ivanova
- Medical Research Council Laboratory of Molecular Biology Hills Road Cambridge CB2 0QH UK
| | - Michael J. Gait
- Medical Research Council Laboratory of Molecular Biology Hills Road Cambridge CB2 0QH UK
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36
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Brown D, Joy E, Greatorex J, Gait MJ, Lever AML. Steric block high affinity oligonucleotide analogues: a new tool for mapping RNA-protein binding sites. NUCLEOSIDES NUCLEOTIDES & NUCLEIC ACIDS 2008; 27:196-212. [PMID: 18205073 DOI: 10.1080/15257770701795961] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
Steric-block ON analogues are efficient inhibitors of RNA-protein interaction and therefore have potential to probe RNA sequences for putative protein binding sites and to investigate mechanisms of protein binding. The packaging process of HIV-1 is highly specific involving an interaction between the Gag protein and a conserved sequence that is only present on genomic viral RNA. Using oligonucleotide probes we have confirmed that the terminal purine loop is the major Gag binding site on SL3 and that a secondary Gag binding site exists at an internal purine bulge. We also demonstrate direct binding of oligonucleotide to their binding sites and confirm this interaction does not alter global RNA conformation, making them highly specific, nondisruptive probes of RNA protein interactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Douglas Brown
- Department of Medicine, University of Cambridge, Addenbrookes Hospital, Cambridge, United Kingdom
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37
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Christensen U. Thermodynamic and kinetic characterization of duplex formation between 2'-O, 4'-C-methylene-modified oligoribonucleotides, DNA and RNA. Biosci Rep 2008; 27:327-33. [PMID: 17592767 DOI: 10.1007/s10540-007-9056-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
2'-O,4'-C-methylene-linked ribonucleotide derivatives, named LNA (locked nucleic acid) and BNA (bridged nucleic acid) are nucleic acid analogoues that have shown high-affinity recognition of DNA and RNA, and the employment of LNA oligomers for antisense activity, gene regulation and nucleic acid diagnostics seems promising. Here we show kinetic and thermodynamic results on the interaction of a series of 10 bases long LNA-DNA mixmers, gabmers as well as full length LNA's with the complementary DNA, RNA and LNA oligonucleotides in the presence and absence of 10 mM Mg(2+)- ions. Our results show no significant differences in the reaction thermodynamics and kinetics between the LNA species, only a tendency to stronger duplex formation with the gabmer and mixmer. Introduction of a few LNA's thus may be a better strategy, than using full length LNA's to obtain an oligonucleotide that markedly increases the strength of duplexes formed with the complementary DNA and RNA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ulla Christensen
- Biophyscical Chemistry, Department of Chemistry, University of Copenhagen, Universitetsparken 5, Copenhagen, 2100, Denmark.
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38
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Lebleu B, Moulton HM, Abes R, Ivanova GD, Abes S, Stein DA, Iversen PL, Arzumanov AA, Gait MJ. Cell penetrating peptide conjugates of steric block oligonucleotides. Adv Drug Deliv Rev 2008; 60:517-29. [PMID: 18037527 PMCID: PMC7103303 DOI: 10.1016/j.addr.2007.09.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 141] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2007] [Accepted: 09/10/2007] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Charge neutral steric block oligonucleotide analogues, such as peptide nucleic acids (PNA) or phosphorodiamidate morpholino oligomers (PMO), have promising biological and pharmacological properties for antisense applications, such as for example in mRNA splicing redirection. However, cellular uptake of free oligomers is poor and the utility of conjugates of PNA or PMO to cell penetrating peptides (CPP), such as Tat or Penetratin, is limited by endosomal sequestration. Two new families of arginine-rich CPPs named (R-Ahx-R)(4) AhxB and R(6)Pen allow efficient nuclear delivery of splice correcting PNA and PMO at micromolar concentrations in the absence of endosomolytic agents. The in vivo efficacy of (R-Ahx-R)(4) AhxB PMO conjugates has been demonstrated in mouse models of Duchenne muscular dystrophy and in various viral infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bernard Lebleu
- UMR 5235 CNRS, Université Montpellier 2, Place Eugene Bataillon, 34095 Montpellier cedex 5, France.
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39
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Ivanova G, Arzumanov A, Gait MJ, Reigadas S, Toulmé JJ, Andreola ML, Ittig D, Leumann C. Comparative studies of tricyclo-DNA- and LNA-containing oligonucleotides as inhibitors of HIV-1 gene expression. NUCLEOSIDES NUCLEOTIDES & NUCLEIC ACIDS 2008; 26:747-50. [PMID: 18066894 DOI: 10.1080/15257770701490928] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
Trans-activation of HIV-1 transcription is triggered by the interaction of the protein Tat and host cellular factors with a 59-residue stem-loop RNA known as the trans-activation responsive element (TAR). Here we compare the trans-activation steric block inhibitory activity of 16-mer oligonucleotides targeted to TAR containing tricyclo-DNAs, and their mixmers with LNA or OMe residues, with LNA/OMe oligonucleotide. Despite generally weaker TAR RNA binding affinity, all tricyclo-DNA oligonucleotides showed similarly good activity levels to OMe/LNA oligonucleotide in a HeLa Tat-dependent trans-activation cell reporter assay with cationic lipid delivery, but mixmers of tricyclo-DNA were inactive. Tricyclo-DNA 16-mer showed sequence-specific inhibition of beta-galactosidase expression in an anti-HIV HeLa cell reporter assay.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabriela Ivanova
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Medical Research Council, Cambridge, UK
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40
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Fabani MM, Gait MJ. miR-122 targeting with LNA/2'-O-methyl oligonucleotide mixmers, peptide nucleic acids (PNA), and PNA-peptide conjugates. RNA (NEW YORK, N.Y.) 2008; 14:336-46. [PMID: 18073344 PMCID: PMC2212241 DOI: 10.1261/rna.844108] [Citation(s) in RCA: 185] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/08/2023]
Abstract
MicroRNAs are small noncoding RNAs that regulate many cellular processes in a post-transcriptional mode. MicroRNA knockdown by antisense oligonucleotides is a useful strategy to explore microRNA functionality and as potential therapeutics. MicroRNA-122 (miR-122) is a liver-specific microRNA, the main function of which has been linked with lipid metabolism and liver homeostasis. Here, we show that lipofection of an antisense oligonucleotide based on a Locked Nucleic Acids (LNA)/2'-O-methyl mixmer or electroporation of a Peptide Nucleic Acid (PNA) oligomer is effective at blocking miR-122 activity in human and rat liver cells. These oligonucleotide analogs, evaluated for the first time in microRNA inhibition, are more effective than standard 2'-O-methyl oligonucleotides in binding and inhibiting microRNA action. We also show that microRNA inhibition can be achieved without the need for transfection or electroporation of the human or rat cell lines, by conjugation of an antisense PNA to the cell-penetrating peptide R6-Penetratin, or merely by linkage to just four Lys residues, highlighting the potential of PNA for future therapeutic applications as well as for studying microRNA function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martin M Fabani
- Medical Research Council, Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Cambridge CB2 0QH, United Kingdom
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41
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Kaur H, Babu BR, Maiti S. Perspectives on chemistry and therapeutic applications of Locked Nucleic Acid (LNA). Chem Rev 2007; 107:4672-97. [PMID: 17944519 DOI: 10.1021/cr050266u] [Citation(s) in RCA: 231] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Harleen Kaur
- Institute of Genomics and Integrative Biology, CSIR, Mall Road, Delhi 110 007, India
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42
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Bhindi R, Fahmy RG, Lowe HC, Chesterman CN, Dass CR, Cairns MJ, Saravolac EG, Sun LQ, Khachigian LM. Brothers in arms: DNA enzymes, short interfering RNA, and the emerging wave of small-molecule nucleic acid-based gene-silencing strategies. THE AMERICAN JOURNAL OF PATHOLOGY 2007; 171:1079-88. [PMID: 17717148 PMCID: PMC1988859 DOI: 10.2353/ajpath.2007.070120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 81] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
The past decade has seen the rapid evolution of small-molecule gene-silencing strategies, driven largely by enhanced understanding of gene function in the pathogenesis of disease. Over this time, many genes have been targeted by specifically engineered agents from different classes of nucleic acid-based drugs in experimental models of disease to probe, dissect, and characterize further the complex processes that underpin molecular signaling. Arising from this, a number of molecules have been examined in the setting of clinical trials, and several have recently made the successful transition from the bench to the clinic, heralding an exciting era of gene-specific treatments. This is particularly important because clear inadequacies in present therapies account for significant morbidity, mortality, and cost. The broad umbrella of gene-silencing therapeutics encompasses a range of agents that include DNA enzymes, short interfering RNA, antisense oligonucleotides, decoys, ribozymes, and aptamers. This review tracks current movements in these technologies, focusing mainly on DNA enzymes and short interfering RNA, because these are poised to play an integral role in antigene therapies in the future.
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MESH Headings
- Animals
- Aptamers, Nucleotide/chemistry
- Aptamers, Nucleotide/therapeutic use
- DNA, Catalytic/chemistry
- DNA, Catalytic/metabolism
- DNA, Catalytic/therapeutic use
- Gene Silencing
- Gene Targeting
- Genetic Therapy/methods
- Humans
- Mice
- Oligonucleotides, Antisense/chemistry
- Oligonucleotides, Antisense/therapeutic use
- RNA, Catalytic/chemistry
- RNA, Catalytic/therapeutic use
- RNA, Small Interfering/chemistry
- RNA, Small Interfering/metabolism
- RNA, Small Interfering/therapeutic use
- Rabbits
- Rats
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Affiliation(s)
- Ravinay Bhindi
- Centre for Vascular Research, The University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia
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43
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Ivanova G, Reigadas S, Ittig D, Arzumanov A, Andreola ML, Leumann C, Toulmé JJ, Gait MJ. Tricyclo-DNA containing oligonucleotides as steric block inhibitors of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 tat-dependent trans-activation and HIV-1 infectivity. Oligonucleotides 2007; 17:54-65. [PMID: 17461763 DOI: 10.1089/oli.2006.0046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
Replication of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) is controlled by a variety of viral and host proteins. The viral protein Tat acts in concert with host cellular factors to stimulate transcriptional elongation from the viral long terminal repeat (LTR) through a specific interaction with a 59-residue stem-loop RNA known as the trans-activation responsive element (TAR). Inhibitors of Tat-TAR recognition are expected to block transcription and suppress HIV-1 replication. In previous studies, we showed that 2'-O-methyl (OMe) oligonucleotide mixmers containing locked nucleic acid (LNA) residues are powerful steric block inhibitors of Tat-dependent trans-activation in a HeLa cell reporter system. Here we compare OMe/LNA mixmer oligonucleotides with oligonucleotides containing tricyclo-DNAs and their mixmers with OMe residues in four different assays: (1) binding to the target TAR RNA, (2) Tat-dependent in vitro transcription from an HIV-1 DNA template directed by HeLa cell nuclear extract, (3) trans-activation inhibition in HeLa cells containing a stably integrated firefly luciferase reporter gene under HIV-1 LTR control, and (4) an anti-HIV beta-galactosidase reporter assay of viral infection. Although tricyclo-DNA oligonucleotides bound TAR RNA more weakly, they were as good as OMe/LNA oligonucleotides in suppressing in vitro transcription and trans-activation in HeLa cells when delivered by cationic lipid. No inhibition of in vitro transcription and trans-activation in HeLa cells was observed for tricyclo-DNA/OMe mixmers, even though their affinities to TAR RNA were strong and their cell distributions did not differ from oligonucleotides containing all or predominantly tricyclo-DNA residues. Tricyclo-DNA 16-mer showed sequence-specific inhibition of beta-galactosidase expression in an anti-HIV HeLa cell reporter assay.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabriela Ivanova
- Medical Research Council, Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Cambridge CB2 2QH, UK
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44
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Ivanova G, Arzumanov AA, Turner JJ, Reigadas S, Toulmé JJ, Brown DE, Lever AML, Gait MJ. Anti-HIV activity of steric block oligonucleotides. Ann N Y Acad Sci 2007; 1082:103-15. [PMID: 17145931 DOI: 10.1196/annals.1348.033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
The unabated increase in spread of HIV infection worldwide has redoubled efforts to discover novel antiviral and virucidal agents that might be starting points for clinical development. Oligonucleotides and their analogs targeted to form complementary duplexes with highly conserved regions of the HIV RNA have shown significant antiviral activity, but to date clinical studies have been dominated by RNase H-inducing oligonucleotide analog phosphorothioates (GEM 91 and 92) that have specificity and efficacy limitations. However, they have proven the principle that oligonucleotides can be safe anti-HIV drugs. Newer oligonucleotide analogs are now available, which act as strong steric block agents of HIV RNA function. We describe our ongoing studies targeting the HIV-1 trans-activation responsive region (TAR) and the viral packaging signal (psi) with steric block oligonucleotides of varying chemistry and demonstrate their great potential for steric blocking of viral protein interactions in vitro and in cells and describe the first antiviral studies. Peptide nucleic acids (PNA) disulfide linked to cell-penetrating peptides (CPP) have been found to have particular promise for the lipid-free direct delivery into cultured cells and are excellent candidates for their development as antiviral and virucidal agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabriela Ivanova
- Medical Research Council, Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Cambridge CB2 2QH, UK
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45
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Di Primo C, Rudloff I, Reigadas S, Arzumanov AA, Gait MJ, Toulmé JJ. Systematic screening of LNA/2'-O-methyl chimeric derivatives of a TAR RNA aptamer. FEBS Lett 2007; 581:771-4. [PMID: 17276430 DOI: 10.1016/j.febslet.2007.01.047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2007] [Accepted: 01/22/2007] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
We synthesized and evaluated by surface plasmon resonance 64 LNA/2'-O-methyl sequences corresponding to all possible combinations of such residues in a kissing aptamer loop complementary to the 6-nt loop of the TAR element of HIV-1. Three combinations of LNA/2'-O-methyl nucleoside analogues where one or two LNA units are located on the 3' side of the aptamer loop display an affinity for TAR below 1nM, i.e. one order of magnitude higher than the parent RNA aptamer. One of these combinations inhibits the TAR-dependent luciferase expression in a cell assay.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carmelo Di Primo
- INSERM U869, Institut Européen de Chimie et Biologie, 2 rue Escarpit, Pessac cedex, F-33607, France.
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46
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Turner JJ, Jones S, Fabani MM, Ivanova G, Arzumanov AA, Gait MJ. RNA targeting with peptide conjugates of oligonucleotides, siRNA and PNA. Blood Cells Mol Dis 2006; 38:1-7. [PMID: 17113327 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcmd.2006.10.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 124] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2006] [Revised: 10/05/2006] [Accepted: 10/05/2006] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Towards the development of oligonucleotide analogues and siRNA as drugs, one potential alternative to the use of liposomal transfection agents is the covalent conjugation of a cell-penetrating peptide (CPP), with the intention of imparting on the oligonucleotide or siRNA an enhanced ability to enter mammalian cells and reach the appropriate RNA target. We have developed robust methods for the chemical synthesis of disulfide-linked conjugates of oligonucleotide analogues, siRNA and peptide nucleic acids (PNA) with a range of cationic and other CPPs. In a HeLa cell assay with integrated plasmid reporters of Tat-dependent trans-activation at the TAR RNA target in the cell nucleus, we were unable to obtain steric block inhibition of gene expression for conjugates of CPPs with a 12-mer oligonucleotide mixmer of 2'-O-methyl and locked nucleic acids units. By contrast, we were able to obtain some reductions in expression of P38alpha MAP kinase mRNA in HeLa cells using microM concentrations of Penetratin or Tat peptides conjugated to the 3'-end of the sense strand of siRNA. However, the most promising results to date have been with a 16-mer PNA conjugated to the CPP Transportan or a double CPP R(6)-Penetratin, where we have demonstrated Tat-dependent trans-activation inhibition in HeLa cells. Results to date suggest the possibility of development of CPP-PNA conjugates as anti-HIV agents as well as other potential applications involving nuclear cell delivery, such as the redirection of splicing.
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Affiliation(s)
- John J Turner
- Medical Research Council, Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Hills Road, Cambridge, CB2 2QH, UK
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47
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Brown DE, Arzumanov A, Syed S, Gait MJ, Lever AML. Inhibition of HIV-1 replication by oligonucleotide analogues directed to the packaging signal and trans-activating response region. Antivir Chem Chemother 2006; 17:1-9. [PMID: 16542000 DOI: 10.1177/095632020601700101] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
HIV possesses a remarkable capacity for mutational escape from therapeutics that target the viral proteins and enzymes. Inhibitory strategies aimed at highly conserved nucleic acid sequences within the genome are an attractive alternative. However, it has proven difficult to achieve an effective level of therapeutic at the appropriate site within the cell. Oligonucleotide delivery is a rapidly advancing field. We have investigated oligonucleotide analogues as steric-block therapeutics against two highly conserved regions of the HIV-1 genome. In the study we show that 2'0-methyl/locked nucleic acid oligonucleotides against the packaging signal and trans-activating response regions of HIV can inhibit replication of the virus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Douglas E Brown
- University of Cambridge, Department of Medicine, Addenbrooke's Hospital, Cambridge, UK
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48
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Abstract
In the age of extensive global traffic systems, the close neighborhood of man and livestock in some regions of the world, as well as inadequate prevention measures and medical care in poorer countries, greatly facilitates the emergence and dissemination of new virus strains. The appearance of avian influenza viruses that can infect humans, the spread of the severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) virus, and the unprecedented raging of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) illustrate the threat of a global virus pandemic. In addition, viruses like hepatitis B and C claim more than one million lives every year for want of efficient therapy. Thus, new approaches to prevent virus propagation are urgently needed. Antisense strategies are considered a very attractive means of inhibiting viral replication, as oligonucleotides can be designed to interact with any viral RNA, provided its sequence is known. The ensuing targeted destruction of viral RNA should interfere with viral replication without entailing negative effects on ongoing cellular processes. In this review, we will give some examples of the employment of antisense oligonucleotides, ribozymes, and RNA interference strategies for antiviral purposes. Currently, in spite of encouraging results in preclinical studies, only a few antisense oligonucleotides and ribozymes have turned out to be efficient antiviral compounds in clinical trials. The advent of RNA interference now seems to be refueling hopes for decisive progress in the field of therapeutic employment of antisense strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Volker Erdmann
- Institute of Chemistry/Biochemistry, Free University Berlin, Thielallee 63, 14195 Berlin, Germany
| | - Jan Barciszewski
- Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Polish Academy of Scienes, Noskowskiego 12/14, 61-704 Poznan, Poland
| | - Jürgen Brosius
- Institute of Experimental Pathology, Molecular Neurobiology (ZMBE), University of Münster, Von-Esmarch-Str. 56, 48149 Münster, Germany
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49
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Abes S, Williams D, Prevot P, Thierry A, Gait MJ, Lebleu B. Endosome trapping limits the efficiency of splicing correction by PNA-oligolysine conjugates. J Control Release 2005; 110:595-604. [PMID: 16377019 DOI: 10.1016/j.jconrel.2005.10.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 124] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2005] [Accepted: 10/17/2005] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Splicing correction by steric-blocking oligonucleotides (ON) might lead to important clinical applications but requires efficient delivery to cell nuclei. The conjugation of short oligolysine tails has been used to deliver a correcting peptide nucleic acid (PNA) sequence in a positive readout assay in which ON hybridization to the cryptic splice site is strictly required for the expression of a luciferase reporter gene. We have investigated the mechanism of cellular uptake and the efficiency of a (Lys)(8)-PNA-Lys construction in this model system. Cell uptake is temperature-dependent and leads to sequestration of the conjugate in cytoplasmic vesicles in keeping with an endocytic mechanism of internalization. Accordingly a significant and sequence-specific splicing correction is achieved only in the presence of endosome-disrupting agents as chloroquine or 0.5 M sucrose. These endosome-disrupting agents do not affect the activity of free PNA, and do not increase (Lys)(8)-PNA-Lys uptake.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saïd Abes
- UMR 5124 CNRS, CC 086, Université Montpellier 2, Montpellier, France
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50
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Brown D, Arzumanov AA, Turner JJ, Stetsenko DA, Lever AML, Gait MJ. Antiviral activity of steric-block oligonucleotides targeting the HIV-1 trans-activation response and packaging signal stem-loop RNAs. NUCLEOSIDES NUCLEOTIDES & NUCLEIC ACIDS 2005; 24:393-6. [PMID: 16247957 DOI: 10.1081/ncn-200059813] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
Mixmer oligonucleotides consisting of residues of both 2'-O-methylnucleosides (OMe) and locked nucleic acids (LNA) were designed targeting two stem-loops in the 5'-UTR of HIV-1 RNA, the transactivation response region (TAR), which is the site of binding of the Tat protein, and the SL3 loop, which is the primary packaging element that binds the Gag polyprotein. These oligonucleotides were found to inhibit syncitia formation dose- and sequence-dependently when delivered to HeLa T4 LTR beta-Gal cells and subsequently infected with HIV-1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Douglas Brown
- Department of Medicine, University of Cambridge, Addenbrooke's Hospital, Hills Road, Cambridge CB2 2QQ. UK
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