1
|
Sorets AG, Schwensen KR, Francini N, Kjar A, Abdulrahman AM, Shostak A, Katdare KA, Schoch KM, Cowell RP, Park JC, Ligocki AP, Ford WT, Ventura-Antunes L, Hoogenboezem EN, Prusky A, Castleberry M, Michell DL, Miller TM, Vickers KC, Schrag MS, Duvall CL, Lippmann ES. Lipid-siRNA conjugate accesses a perivascular transport mechanism and achieves widespread and durable knockdown in the central nervous system. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.06.09.598079. [PMID: 38915549 PMCID: PMC11195074 DOI: 10.1101/2024.06.09.598079] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/26/2024]
Abstract
Short-interfering RNA (siRNA) has gained significant interest for treatment of neurological diseases by providing the capacity to achieve sustained inhibition of nearly any gene target. Yet, achieving efficacious drug delivery throughout deep brain structures of the CNS remains a considerable hurdle. We herein describe a lipid-siRNA conjugate that, following delivery into the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), is transported effectively through perivascular spaces, enabling broad dispersion within CSF compartments and through the CNS parenchyma. We provide a detailed examination of the temporal kinetics of gene silencing, highlighting potent knockdown for up to five months from a single injection without detectable toxicity. Single-cell RNA sequencing further demonstrates gene silencing activity across diverse cell populations in the parenchyma and at brain borders, which may provide new avenues for neurological disease-modifying therapies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alexander G. Sorets
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Katrina R. Schwensen
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Nora Francini
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Andrew Kjar
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Adam M. Abdulrahman
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Alena Shostak
- Department of Neurology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Ketaki A. Katdare
- Vanderbilt Brain Institute, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Kathleen M. Schoch
- Department of Neurology, Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Rebecca P. Cowell
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Joshua C. Park
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Alexander P. Ligocki
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - William T. Ford
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA
| | | | | | - Alex Prusky
- Department of Neurology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Mark Castleberry
- Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Danielle L. Michell
- Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Timothy M. Miller
- Department of Neurology, Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Kasey C. Vickers
- Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Matthew S. Schrag
- Vanderbilt Brain Institute, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA
- Department of Neurology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Craig L. Duvall
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Ethan S. Lippmann
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA
- Vanderbilt Brain Institute, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA
- Department of Neurology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA
- Vanderbilt Memory and Alzheimer’s Center, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Miller R, Paquette J, Barker A, Sapp E, McHugh N, Bramato B, Yamada N, Alterman J, Echeveria D, Yamada K, Watts J, Anaclet C, DiFiglia M, Khvorova A, Aronin N. Preventing acute neurotoxicity of CNS therapeutic oligonucleotides with the addition of Ca 2+ and Mg 2+ in the formulation. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.06.06.597639. [PMID: 38895198 PMCID: PMC11185713 DOI: 10.1101/2024.06.06.597639] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/21/2024]
Abstract
Oligonucleotide therapeutics (ASOs and siRNAs) have been explored for modulation of gene expression in the central nervous system (CNS), with several drugs approved and many in clinical evaluation. Administration of highly concentrated oligonucleotides to the CNS can induce acute neurotoxicity. We demonstrate that delivery of concentrated oligonucleotides to the CSF in awake mice induces acute toxicity, observable within seconds of injection. Electroencephalography (EEG) and electromyography (EMG) in awake mice demonstrated seizures. Using ion chromatography, we show that siRNAs can tightly bind Ca2+ and Mg2+ up to molar equivalents of the phosphodiester (PO)/phosphorothioate (PS) bonds independently of the structure or phosphorothioate content. Optimization of the formulation by adding high concentrations (above biological levels) of divalent cations (Ca2+ alone, Mg2+ alone, or Ca2+ and Mg2+) prevents seizures with no impact on the distribution or efficacy of the oligonucleotide. The data here establishes the importance of adding Ca2+ and Mg2+ to the formulation for the safety of CNS administration of therapeutic oligonucleotides.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rachael Miller
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, 368 Plantation Street, Worcester, MA, 01605
- Department of Medicine, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, 368 Plantation Street, Worcester, MA, 01605
| | - Joseph Paquette
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, 368 Plantation Street, Worcester, MA, 01605
- Department of Medicine, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, 368 Plantation Street, Worcester, MA, 01605
| | - Alexandra Barker
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, 368 Plantation Street, Worcester, MA, 01605
- Department of Medicine, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, 368 Plantation Street, Worcester, MA, 01605
| | - Ellen Sapp
- MassGeneral Institute for Neurodegenerative Disease, 114 16 Street, Charlestown MA, 02129
| | - Nicholas McHugh
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, 368 Plantation Street, Worcester, MA, 01605
| | - Brianna Bramato
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, 368 Plantation Street, Worcester, MA, 01605
| | - Nozomi Yamada
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, 368 Plantation Street, Worcester, MA, 01605
| | - Julia Alterman
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, 368 Plantation Street, Worcester, MA, 01605
| | - Dimas Echeveria
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, 368 Plantation Street, Worcester, MA, 01605
| | - Ken Yamada
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, 368 Plantation Street, Worcester, MA, 01605
| | - Jonathan Watts
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, 368 Plantation Street, Worcester, MA, 01605
| | - Christelle Anaclet
- Department of Neurologic Surgery, University of California Davis School of Medicine, Davis, CA, 95618
| | - Marian DiFiglia
- MassGeneral Institute for Neurodegenerative Disease, 114 16 Street, Charlestown MA, 02129
| | - Anastasia Khvorova
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, 368 Plantation Street, Worcester, MA, 01605
| | - Neil Aronin
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, 368 Plantation Street, Worcester, MA, 01605
- Department of Medicine, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, 368 Plantation Street, Worcester, MA, 01605
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Sarli SL, Fakih HH, Kelly K, Devi G, Rembetsy-Brown J, McEachern H, Ferguson C, Echeverria D, Lee J, Sousa J, Sleiman H, Khvorova A, Watts J. Quantifying the activity profile of ASO and siRNA conjugates in glioblastoma xenograft tumors in vivo. Nucleic Acids Res 2024; 52:4799-4817. [PMID: 38613388 PMCID: PMC11109979 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkae260] [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: 01/07/2024] [Revised: 03/06/2024] [Accepted: 03/27/2024] [Indexed: 04/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Glioblastoma multiforme is a universally lethal brain tumor that largely resists current surgical and drug interventions. Despite important advancements in understanding GBM biology, the invasiveness and heterogeneity of these tumors has made it challenging to develop effective therapies. Therapeutic oligonucleotides-antisense oligonucleotides and small-interfering RNAs-are chemically modified nucleic acids that can silence gene expression in the brain. However, activity of these oligonucleotides in brain tumors remains inadequately characterized. In this study, we developed a quantitative method to differentiate oligonucleotide-induced gene silencing in orthotopic GBM xenografts from gene silencing in normal brain tissue, and used this method to test the differential silencing activity of a chemically diverse panel of oligonucleotides. We show that oligonucleotides chemically optimized for pharmacological activity in normal brain tissue do not show consistent activity in GBM xenografts. We then survey multiple advanced oligonucleotide chemistries for their activity in GBM xenografts. Attaching lipid conjugates to oligonucleotides improves silencing in GBM cells across several different lipid classes. Highly hydrophobic lipid conjugates cholesterol and docosanoic acid enhance silencing but at the cost of higher neurotoxicity. Moderately hydrophobic, unsaturated fatty acid and amphiphilic lipid conjugates still improve activity without compromising safety. These oligonucleotide conjugates show promise for treating glioblastoma.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Samantha L Sarli
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
| | - Hassan H Fakih
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
| | - Karen Kelly
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
| | - Gitali Devi
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
| | - Julia M Rembetsy-Brown
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
| | - Holly R McEachern
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
| | - Chantal M Ferguson
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
| | - Dimas Echeverria
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
| | - Jonathan Lee
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
| | - Jacquelyn Sousa
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
| | - Hanadi F Sleiman
- Department of Chemistry, McGill University, Montréal, Québec, Canada
| | - Anastasia Khvorova
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
- Program in Molecular Medicine, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
| | - Jonathan K Watts
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biotechnology, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Di Francesco V, Chua AJ, Huang D, D'Souza A, Yang A, Bleier BS, Amiji MM. RNA therapies for CNS diseases. Adv Drug Deliv Rev 2024; 208:115283. [PMID: 38494152 DOI: 10.1016/j.addr.2024.115283] [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: 12/17/2023] [Revised: 03/06/2024] [Accepted: 03/09/2024] [Indexed: 03/19/2024]
Abstract
Neurological disorders are a diverse group of conditions that pose an increasing health burden worldwide. There is a general lack of effective therapies due to multiple reasons, of which a key obstacle is the presence of the blood-brain barrier, which limits drug delivery to the central nervous system, and generally restricts the pool of candidate drugs to small, lipophilic molecules. However, in many cases, these are unable to target key pathways in the pathogenesis of neurological disorders. As a group, RNA therapies have shown tremendous promise in treating various conditions because they offer unique opportunities for specific targeting by leveraging Watson-Crick base pairing systems, opening up possibilities to modulate pathological mechanisms that previously could not be addressed by small molecules or antibody-protein interactions. This potential paradigm shift in disease management has been enabled by recent advances in synthesizing, purifying, and delivering RNA. This review explores the use of RNA-based therapies specifically for central nervous system disorders, where we highlight the inherent limitations of RNA therapy and present strategies to augment the effectiveness of RNA therapeutics, including physical, chemical, and biological methods. We then describe translational challenges to the widespread use of RNA therapies and close with a consideration of future prospects in this field.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Valentina Di Francesco
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Northeastern University, 360 Huntington Avenue, 140 The Fenway Building, Boston, MA 02115, USA; Department of Otolaryngology, Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary, Harvard Medical School, 243 Charles Street, Boston, MA 02114, USA
| | - Andy J Chua
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Northeastern University, 360 Huntington Avenue, 140 The Fenway Building, Boston, MA 02115, USA; Department of Otolaryngology, Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary, Harvard Medical School, 243 Charles Street, Boston, MA 02114, USA; Department of Otorhinolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery, Sengkang General Hospital, 110 Sengkang E Way, 544886, Singapore
| | - Di Huang
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Northeastern University, 360 Huntington Avenue, 140 The Fenway Building, Boston, MA 02115, USA; Department of Otolaryngology, Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary, Harvard Medical School, 243 Charles Street, Boston, MA 02114, USA
| | - Anisha D'Souza
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Northeastern University, 360 Huntington Avenue, 140 The Fenway Building, Boston, MA 02115, USA; Department of Otolaryngology, Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary, Harvard Medical School, 243 Charles Street, Boston, MA 02114, USA
| | - Alicia Yang
- Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA
| | - Benjamin S Bleier
- Department of Otolaryngology, Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary, Harvard Medical School, 243 Charles Street, Boston, MA 02114, USA
| | - Mansoor M Amiji
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Northeastern University, 360 Huntington Avenue, 140 The Fenway Building, Boston, MA 02115, USA; Department of Chemical Engineering, College of Engineering, Northeastern University, 360 Huntington Avenue, 140 The Fenway Building, Boston, MA 02115, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Cheng SY, Caiazzi J, Biscans A, Alterman JF, Echeverria D, McHugh N, Hassler M, Jolly S, Giguere D, Cipi J, Khvorova A, Punzo C. Single intravitreal administration of a tetravalent siRNA exhibits robust and efficient gene silencing in mouse and pig photoreceptors. MOLECULAR THERAPY. NUCLEIC ACIDS 2024; 35:102088. [PMID: 38192611 PMCID: PMC10772295 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtn.2023.102088] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2023] [Accepted: 11/30/2023] [Indexed: 01/10/2024]
Abstract
Inherited retinal dystrophies caused by dominant mutations in photoreceptor (PR) cell expressed genes are a major cause of irreversible vision loss. Oligonucleotide therapy has been of interest in diseases that conventional medicine cannot target. In the early days, small interfering RNAs (siRNAs) were explored in clinical trials for retinal disorders with limited success due to a lack of stability and efficient cellular delivery. Thus, an unmet need exists to identify siRNA chemistry that targets PR cell expressed genes. Here, we evaluated 12 different fully chemically modified siRNA configurations, where the valency and conjugate structure were systematically altered. The impact on retinal distribution following intravitreal delivery was examined. We found that the increase in valency (tetravalent siRNA) supports the best PR accumulation. A single intravitreal administration induces multimonths efficacy in rodent and porcine retinas while demonstrating a good safety profile. The data suggest that this configuration can treat retinal diseases caused by PR cell expressed genes with 1-2 intravitreal injections per year.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shun-Yun Cheng
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA 01605, USA
- Horae Gene Therapy Center, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA 01605, USA
- Department of Neurobiology, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA 01605, USA
| | - Jillian Caiazzi
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA 01605, USA
| | - Annabelle Biscans
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA 01605, USA
| | - Julia F. Alterman
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA 01605, USA
| | - Dimas Echeverria
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA 01605, USA
| | - Nicholas McHugh
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA 01605, USA
| | - Matthew Hassler
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA 01605, USA
| | - Samson Jolly
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA 01605, USA
| | - Delaney Giguere
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA 01605, USA
| | - Joris Cipi
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA 01605, USA
| | - Anastasia Khvorova
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA 01605, USA
| | - Claudio Punzo
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA 01605, USA
- Horae Gene Therapy Center, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA 01605, USA
- Department of Neurobiology, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA 01605, USA
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Zhang H, Kelly K, Lee J, Echeverria D, Cooper D, Panwala R, Amrani N, Chen Z, Gaston N, Wagh A, Newby G, Xie J, Liu DR, Gao G, Wolfe S, Khvorova A, Watts J, Sontheimer E. Self-delivering, chemically modified CRISPR RNAs for AAV co-delivery and genome editing in vivo. Nucleic Acids Res 2024; 52:977-997. [PMID: 38033325 PMCID: PMC10810193 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkad1125] [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: 03/09/2023] [Revised: 11/01/2023] [Accepted: 11/13/2023] [Indexed: 12/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Guide RNAs offer programmability for CRISPR-Cas9 genome editing but also add challenges for delivery. Chemical modification, which has been key to the success of oligonucleotide therapeutics, can enhance the stability, distribution, cellular uptake, and safety of nucleic acids. Previously, we engineered heavily and fully modified SpyCas9 crRNA and tracrRNA, which showed enhanced stability and retained activity when delivered to cultured cells in the form of the ribonucleoprotein complex. In this study, we report that a short, fully stabilized oligonucleotide (a 'protecting oligo'), which can be displaced by tracrRNA annealing, can significantly enhance the potency and stability of a heavily modified crRNA. Furthermore, protecting oligos allow various bioconjugates to be appended, thereby improving cellular uptake and biodistribution of crRNA in vivo. Finally, we achieved in vivo genome editing in adult mouse liver and central nervous system via co-delivery of unformulated, chemically modified crRNAs with protecting oligos and AAV vectors that express tracrRNA and either SpyCas9 or a base editor derivative. Our proof-of-concept establishment of AAV/crRNA co-delivery offers a route towards transient editing activity, target multiplexing, guide redosing, and vector inactivation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Han Zhang
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA 01605, USA
| | - Karen Kelly
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA 01605, USA
| | - Jonathan Lee
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA 01605, USA
| | - Dimas Echeverria
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA 01605, USA
| | - David Cooper
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA 01605, USA
| | - Rebecca Panwala
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA 01605, USA
| | - Nadia Amrani
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA 01605, USA
| | - Zexiang Chen
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA 01605, USA
| | - Nicholas Gaston
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA 01605, USA
| | - Atish Wagh
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA 01605, USA
| | - Gregory A Newby
- Merkin Institute of Transformative Technologies in Healthcare, Broad Institute of Harvard and MIT, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | - Jun Xie
- Horae Gene Therapy Center, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA 01605, USA
- Viral Vector Core, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical, School, Worcester, MA 01605, USA
- Department of Microbiology and Physiological Systems, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA 01605, USA
- Li Weibo Institute for Rare Diseases Research, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA 01605, USA
| | - David R Liu
- Merkin Institute of Transformative Technologies in Healthcare, Broad Institute of Harvard and MIT, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | - Guangping Gao
- Horae Gene Therapy Center, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA 01605, USA
- Viral Vector Core, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical, School, Worcester, MA 01605, USA
- Department of Microbiology and Physiological Systems, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA 01605, USA
- Li Weibo Institute for Rare Diseases Research, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA 01605, USA
| | - Scot A Wolfe
- Li Weibo Institute for Rare Diseases Research, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA 01605, USA
- Department of Molecular, Cell and Cancer Biology, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA 01605, USA
| | - Anastasia Khvorova
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA 01605, USA
- NeuroNexus Institute, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA 01605, USA
- Program in Molecular Medicine, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA 01605, USA
| | - Jonathan K Watts
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA 01605, USA
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biotechnology, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA 01605, USA
- NeuroNexus Institute, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA 01605, USA
- Li Weibo Institute for Rare Diseases Research, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA 01605, USA
| | - Erik J Sontheimer
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA 01605, USA
- Program in Molecular Medicine, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA 01605, USA
- Li Weibo Institute for Rare Diseases Research, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA 01605, USA
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Fakih HH, Tang Q, Summers A, Shin M, Buchwald JE, Gagnon R, Hariharan VN, Echeverria D, Cooper DA, Watts JK, Khvorova A, Sleiman HF. Dendritic amphiphilic siRNA: Selective albumin binding, in vivo efficacy, and low toxicity. MOLECULAR THERAPY. NUCLEIC ACIDS 2023; 34:102080. [PMID: 38089931 PMCID: PMC10711485 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtn.2023.102080] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2023] [Accepted: 11/14/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2024]
Abstract
Although an increasing number of small interfering RNA (siRNA) therapies are reaching the market, the challenge of efficient extra-hepatic delivery continues to limit their full therapeutic potential. Drug delivery vehicles and hydrophobic conjugates are being used to overcome the delivery bottleneck. Previously, we reported a novel dendritic conjugate that can be appended efficiently to oligonucleotides, allowing them to bind albumin with nanomolar affinity. Here, we explore the ability of this novel albumin-binding conjugate to improve the delivery of siRNA in vivo. We demonstrate that the conjugate binds albumin exclusively in circulation and extravasates to various organs, enabling effective gene silencing. Notably, we show that the conjugate achieves a balance between hydrophobicity and safety, as it significantly reduces the side effects associated with siRNA interactions with blood components, which are commonly observed in some hydrophobically conjugated siRNAs. In addition, it reduces siRNA monocyte uptake, which may lead to cytokine/inflammatory responses. This work showcases the potential of using this dendritic conjugate as a selective albumin binding handle for the effective and safe delivery of nucleic acid therapeutics. We envision that these properties may pave the way for new opportunities to overcome delivery hurdles of oligonucleotides in future applications.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hassan H. Fakih
- Department of Chemistry, McGill University, Montreal, QC H3A 0B8, Canada
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA 01605, USA
| | - Qi Tang
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA 01605, USA
| | - Ashley Summers
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA 01605, USA
| | - Minwook Shin
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA 01605, USA
- College of Pharmacy, Sookmyung Women’s University, Yongsan-gu, Seoul, Korea
| | - Julianna E. Buchwald
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA 01605, USA
| | - Rosemary Gagnon
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA 01605, USA
| | - Vignesh N. Hariharan
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA 01605, USA
| | - Dimas Echeverria
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA 01605, USA
| | - David A. Cooper
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA 01605, USA
| | - Jonathan K. Watts
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA 01605, USA
| | - Anastasia Khvorova
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA 01605, USA
| | - Hanadi F. Sleiman
- Department of Chemistry, McGill University, Montreal, QC H3A 0B8, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Won Lee J, Kyu Shim M, Kim H, Jang H, Lee Y, Hwa Kim S. RNAi therapies: Expanding applications for extrahepatic diseases and overcoming delivery challenges. Adv Drug Deliv Rev 2023; 201:115073. [PMID: 37657644 DOI: 10.1016/j.addr.2023.115073] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2023] [Revised: 07/31/2023] [Accepted: 08/20/2023] [Indexed: 09/03/2023]
Abstract
The era of RNA medicine has become a reality with the success of messenger RNA (mRNA) vaccines against COVID-19 and the approval of several RNA interference (RNAi) agents in recent years. Particularly, therapeutics based on RNAi offer the promise of targeting intractable and previously undruggable disease genes. Recent advances have focused in developing delivery systems to enhance the poor cellular uptake and insufficient pharmacokinetic properties of RNAi therapeutics and thereby improve its efficacy and safety. However, such approach has been mainly achieved via lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) or chemical conjugation with N-Acetylgalactosamine (GalNAc), thus current RNAi therapy has been limited to liver diseases, most likely to encounter liver-targeting limitations. Hence, there is a huge unmet medical need for intense evolution of RNAi therapeutics delivery systems to target extrahepatic tissues and ultimately extend their indications for treating various intractable diseases. In this review, challenges of delivering RNAi therapeutics to tumors and major organs are discussed, as well as their transition to clinical trials. This review also highlights innovative and promising preclinical RNAi-based delivery platforms for the treatment of extrahepatic diseases.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jong Won Lee
- KU-KIST Graduate School of Converging Science and Technology, Korea University, Seoul 02841, Republic of Korea; Medicinal Materials Research Center, Biomedical Research Division, Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST), Seoul 02792, Republic of Korea
| | - Man Kyu Shim
- Medicinal Materials Research Center, Biomedical Research Division, Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST), Seoul 02792, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyosuk Kim
- Medicinal Materials Research Center, Biomedical Research Division, Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST), Seoul 02792, Republic of Korea
| | - Hochung Jang
- Medicinal Materials Research Center, Biomedical Research Division, Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST), Seoul 02792, Republic of Korea; Division of Bio-Medical Science and Technology, KIST School, Korea University of Science and Technology, Seoul 02792, Republic of Korea
| | - Yuhan Lee
- Department of Anesthesiology, Perioperative, and Pain Medicine, Center for Accelerated Medical Innovation & Center for Nanomedicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA.
| | - Sun Hwa Kim
- KU-KIST Graduate School of Converging Science and Technology, Korea University, Seoul 02841, Republic of Korea; Medicinal Materials Research Center, Biomedical Research Division, Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST), Seoul 02792, Republic of Korea.
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Cheng SY, Caiazzi J, Biscans A, Alterman JF, Echeverria D, McHugh N, Hassler M, Jolly S, Giguere D, Cipi J, Khvorova A, Punzo C. Single intravitreal administration of a tetravalent siRNA exhibits robust and efficient gene silencing in rodent and swine photoreceptors. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.09.20.558641. [PMID: 37790464 PMCID: PMC10542117 DOI: 10.1101/2023.09.20.558641] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/05/2023]
Abstract
Inherited retinal dystrophies caused by dominant mutations in photoreceptor-expressed genes, are a major cause of irreversible vision loss. Oligonucleotide therapy has been of interest in diseases that conventional medicine cannot target. In the early days, small interfering RNAs (siRNAs) were explored in clinical trials for retinal disorders with limited success due to a lack of stability and efficient cellular delivery. Thus, an unmet need exists to identify siRNA chemistry that targets photoreceptor-expressed genes. Here we evaluated 12 different fully chemically modified siRNA configurations, where the valency and conjugate structure were systematically altered. The impact on retinal distribution following intravitreal delivery was examined. We found that the increase in valency (tetravalent siRNA) supports the best photoreceptor accumulation. A single intravitreal administration induces multi-months efficacy in rodent and porcine retinas while showing a good safety profile. The data suggest that this configuration can treat retinal diseases caused by photoreceptor-expressed genes with 1-2 intravitreal injections per year.
Collapse
|
10
|
Zhang H, Kelly K, Lee J, Echeverria D, Cooper D, Panwala R, Chen Z, Gaston N, Newby GA, Xie J, Liu DR, Gao G, Wolfe SA, Khvorova A, Watts JK, Sontheimer EJ. Self-delivering CRISPR RNAs for AAV Co-delivery and Genome Editing in vivo. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.03.20.533459. [PMID: 36993169 PMCID: PMC10055305 DOI: 10.1101/2023.03.20.533459] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/19/2023]
Abstract
Guide RNAs offer programmability for CRISPR-Cas9 genome editing but also add challenges for delivery. Chemical modification, which has been key to the success of oligonucleotide therapeutics, can enhance the stability, distribution, cellular uptake, and safety of nucleic acids. Previously, we engineered heavily and fully modified SpyCas9 crRNA and tracrRNA, which showed enhanced stability and retained activity when delivered to cultured cells in the form of the ribonucleoprotein complex. In this study, we report that a short, fully stabilized oligonucleotide (a "protecting oligo"), which can be displaced by tracrRNA annealing, can significantly enhance the potency and stability of a heavily modified crRNA. Furthermore, protecting oligos allow various bioconjugates to be appended, thereby improving cellular uptake and biodistribution of crRNA in vivo. Finally, we achieved in vivo genome editing in adult mouse liver and central nervous system via co-delivery of unformulated, chemically modified crRNAs with protecting oligos and AAV vectors that express tracrRNA and either SpyCas9 or a base editor derivative. Our proof-of-concept establishment of AAV/crRNA co-delivery offers a route towards transient editing activity, target multiplexing, guide redosing, and vector inactivation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Han Zhang
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts, 01605, USA
| | - Karen Kelly
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts, 01605, USA
| | - Jonathan Lee
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts, 01605, USA
| | - Dimas Echeverria
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts, 01605, USA
| | - David Cooper
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts, 01605, USA
| | - Rebecca Panwala
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts, 01605, USA
| | - Zexiang Chen
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts, 01605, USA
| | - Nicholas Gaston
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts, 01605, USA
| | - Gregory A. Newby
- Merkin Institute of Transformative Technologies in Healthcare, Broad Institute of Harvard and MIT, Cambridge, Massachusetts, 02142, USA
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts, 02139, USA
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts, 02139, USA
| | - Jun Xie
- Horae Gene Therapy Center, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, 01605, USA
- Viral Vector Core, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical, School, Worcester, MA, 01605, USA
- Department of Microbiology and Physiological Systems, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, 01605, USA
- Li Weibo Institute for Rare Diseases Research, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts, 01605, USA
| | - David R. Liu
- Merkin Institute of Transformative Technologies in Healthcare, Broad Institute of Harvard and MIT, Cambridge, Massachusetts, 02142, USA
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts, 02139, USA
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts, 02139, USA
| | - Guangping Gao
- Horae Gene Therapy Center, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, 01605, USA
- Viral Vector Core, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical, School, Worcester, MA, 01605, USA
- Department of Microbiology and Physiological Systems, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, 01605, USA
- Li Weibo Institute for Rare Diseases Research, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts, 01605, USA
| | - Scot A. Wolfe
- Li Weibo Institute for Rare Diseases Research, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts, 01605, USA
- Department of Molecular, Cell and Cancer Biology, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, 01605, USA
| | - Anastasia Khvorova
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts, 01605, USA
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biotechnology, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts, 01605, USA
- NeuroNexus Institute, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts, 01605, USA
| | - Jonathan K. Watts
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts, 01605, USA
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biotechnology, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts, 01605, USA
- NeuroNexus Institute, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts, 01605, USA
- Li Weibo Institute for Rare Diseases Research, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts, 01605, USA
| | - Erik J. Sontheimer
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts, 01605, USA
- Program in Molecular Medicine, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts, 01605, USA
- Li Weibo Institute for Rare Diseases Research, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts, 01605, USA
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Fàbrega C, Aviñó A, Navarro N, Jorge AF, Grijalvo S, Eritja R. Lipid and Peptide-Oligonucleotide Conjugates for Therapeutic Purposes: From Simple Hybrids to Complex Multifunctional Assemblies. Pharmaceutics 2023; 15:pharmaceutics15020320. [PMID: 36839642 PMCID: PMC9959333 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics15020320] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2022] [Revised: 01/12/2023] [Accepted: 01/16/2023] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Antisense and small interfering RNA (siRNA) oligonucleotides have been recognized as powerful therapeutic compounds for targeting mRNAs and inducing their degradation. However, a major obstacle is that unmodified oligonucleotides are not readily taken up into tissues and are susceptible to degradation by nucleases. For these reasons, the design and preparation of modified DNA/RNA derivatives with better stability and an ability to be produced at large scale with enhanced uptake properties is of vital importance to improve current limitations. In the present study, we review the conjugation of oligonucleotides with lipids and peptides in order to produce oligonucleotide conjugates for therapeutics aiming to develop novel compounds with favorable pharmacokinetics.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Carme Fàbrega
- Nucleic Acids Chemistry Group, Institute for Advanced Chemistry of Catalonia (IQAC-CSIC), Jordi Girona 18-26, E-08034 Barcelona, Spain
- Networking Center on Bioengineering, Biomaterials and Nanomedicine (CIBER-BBN), Jordi Girona 18-26, E-08034 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Anna Aviñó
- Nucleic Acids Chemistry Group, Institute for Advanced Chemistry of Catalonia (IQAC-CSIC), Jordi Girona 18-26, E-08034 Barcelona, Spain
- Networking Center on Bioengineering, Biomaterials and Nanomedicine (CIBER-BBN), Jordi Girona 18-26, E-08034 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Natalia Navarro
- Nucleic Acids Chemistry Group, Institute for Advanced Chemistry of Catalonia (IQAC-CSIC), Jordi Girona 18-26, E-08034 Barcelona, Spain
- Networking Center on Bioengineering, Biomaterials and Nanomedicine (CIBER-BBN), Jordi Girona 18-26, E-08034 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Andreia F. Jorge
- Department of Chemistry, Coimbra Chemistry Centre (CQC), University of Coimbra, Rua Larga, 3004-535 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Santiago Grijalvo
- Networking Center on Bioengineering, Biomaterials and Nanomedicine (CIBER-BBN), Jordi Girona 18-26, E-08034 Barcelona, Spain
- Colloidal and Interfacial Chemistry Group, Institute for Advanced Chemistry of Catalonia (IQAC-CSIC), E-08034 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Ramon Eritja
- Nucleic Acids Chemistry Group, Institute for Advanced Chemistry of Catalonia (IQAC-CSIC), Jordi Girona 18-26, E-08034 Barcelona, Spain
- Networking Center on Bioengineering, Biomaterials and Nanomedicine (CIBER-BBN), Jordi Girona 18-26, E-08034 Barcelona, Spain
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +34-934006145
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Nucleic acid drug vectors for diagnosis and treatment of brain diseases. Signal Transduct Target Ther 2023; 8:39. [PMID: 36650130 PMCID: PMC9844208 DOI: 10.1038/s41392-022-01298-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2022] [Revised: 12/08/2022] [Accepted: 12/21/2022] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Nucleic acid drugs have the advantages of rich target selection, simple in design, good and enduring effect. They have been demonstrated to have irreplaceable superiority in brain disease treatment, while vectors are a decisive factor in therapeutic efficacy. Strict physiological barriers, such as degradation and clearance in circulation, blood-brain barrier, cellular uptake, endosome/lysosome barriers, release, obstruct the delivery of nucleic acid drugs to the brain by the vectors. Nucleic acid drugs against a single target are inefficient in treating brain diseases of complex pathogenesis. Differences between individual patients lead to severe uncertainties in brain disease treatment with nucleic acid drugs. In this Review, we briefly summarize the classification of nucleic acid drugs. Next, we discuss physiological barriers during drug delivery and universal coping strategies and introduce the application methods of these universal strategies to nucleic acid drug vectors. Subsequently, we explore nucleic acid drug-based multidrug regimens for the combination treatment of brain diseases and the construction of the corresponding vectors. In the following, we address the feasibility of patient stratification and personalized therapy through diagnostic information from medical imaging and the manner of introducing contrast agents into vectors. Finally, we take a perspective on the future feasibility and remaining challenges of vector-based integrated diagnosis and gene therapy for brain diseases.
Collapse
|
13
|
CNS Delivery of Nucleic Acid Therapeutics: Beyond the Blood-Brain Barrier and Towards Specific Cellular Targeting. Pharm Res 2023; 40:77-105. [PMID: 36380168 DOI: 10.1007/s11095-022-03433-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2022] [Accepted: 11/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Nucleic acid-based therapeutic molecules including small interfering RNA (siRNA), microRNA(miRNA), antisense oligonucleotides (ASOs), messenger RNA (mRNA), and DNA-based gene therapy have tremendous potential for treating diseases in the central nervous system (CNS). However, achieving clinically meaningful delivery to the brain and particularly to target cells and sub-cellular compartments is typically very challenging. Mediating cell-specific delivery in the CNS would be a crucial advance that mitigates off-target effects and toxicities. In this review, we describe these challenges and provide contemporary evidence of advances in cellular and sub-cellular delivery using a variety of delivery mechanisms and alternative routes of administration, including the nose-to-brain approach. Strategies to achieve subcellular localization, endosomal escape, cytosolic bioavailability, and nuclear transfer are also discussed. Ultimately, there are still many challenges to translating these experimental strategies into effective and clinically viable approaches for treating patients.
Collapse
|
14
|
Chemical optimization of siRNA for safe and efficient silencing of placental sFLT1. MOLECULAR THERAPY. NUCLEIC ACIDS 2022; 29:135-149. [PMID: 35847173 PMCID: PMC9263991 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtn.2022.06.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2022] [Accepted: 06/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Preeclampsia (PE) is a rising, potentially lethal complication of pregnancy. PE is driven primarily by the overexpression of placental soluble fms-like tyrosine kinase 1 (sFLT1), a validated diagnostic and prognostic marker of the disease when normalized to placental growth factor (PlGF) levels. Injecting cholesterol-conjugated, fully modified, small interfering RNAs (siRNAs) targeting sFLT1 mRNA into pregnant mice or baboons reduces placental sFLT1 and ameliorates clinical signs of PE, providing a strong foundation for the development of a PE therapeutic. siRNA delivery, potency, and safety are dictated by conjugate chemistry, siRNA duplex structure, and chemical modification pattern. Here, we systematically evaluate these parameters and demonstrate that increasing 2'-O-methyl modifications and 5' chemical stabilization and using sequence-specific duplex asymmetry and a phosphocholine-docosanoic acid conjugate enhance placental accumulation, silencing efficiency and safety of sFLT1-targeting siRNAs. The optimization strategy here provides a framework for the chemical optimization of siRNAs for PE as well as other targets and clinical indications.
Collapse
|
15
|
Brown KM, Nair JK, Janas MM, Anglero-Rodriguez YI, Dang LTH, Peng H, Theile CS, Castellanos-Rizaldos E, Brown C, Foster D, Kurz J, Allen J, Maganti R, Li J, Matsuda S, Stricos M, Chickering T, Jung M, Wassarman K, Rollins J, Woods L, Kelin A, Guenther DC, Mobley MW, Petrulis J, McDougall R, Racie T, Bombardier J, Cha D, Agarwal S, Johnson L, Jiang Y, Lentini S, Gilbert J, Nguyen T, Chigas S, LeBlanc S, Poreci U, Kasper A, Rogers AB, Chong S, Davis W, Sutherland JE, Castoreno A, Milstein S, Schlegel MK, Zlatev I, Charisse K, Keating M, Manoharan M, Fitzgerald K, Wu JT, Maier MA, Jadhav V. Expanding RNAi therapeutics to extrahepatic tissues with lipophilic conjugates. Nat Biotechnol 2022; 40:1500-1508. [PMID: 35654979 DOI: 10.1038/s41587-022-01334-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 89] [Impact Index Per Article: 44.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2021] [Accepted: 04/22/2022] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
Therapeutics based on short interfering RNAs (siRNAs) delivered to hepatocytes have been approved, but new delivery solutions are needed to target additional organs. Here we show that conjugation of 2'-O-hexadecyl (C16) to siRNAs enables safe, potent and durable silencing in the central nervous system (CNS), eye and lung in rodents and non-human primates with broad cell type specificity. We show that intrathecally or intracerebroventricularly delivered C16-siRNAs were active across CNS regions and cell types, with sustained RNA interference (RNAi) activity for at least 3 months. Similarly, intravitreal administration to the eye or intranasal administration to the lung resulted in a potent and durable knockdown. The preclinical efficacy of an siRNA targeting the amyloid precursor protein was evaluated through intracerebroventricular dosing in a mouse model of Alzheimer's disease, resulting in amelioration of physiological and behavioral deficits. Altogether, C16 conjugation of siRNAs has the potential for safe therapeutic silencing of target genes outside the liver with infrequent dosing.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Jing Li
- Alnylam Pharmaceuticals, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Alex Kelin
- Alnylam Pharmaceuticals, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Diana Cha
- Alnylam Pharmaceuticals, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
16
|
Antisense Oligonucleotides Conjugated with Lipophilic Compounds: Synthesis and In Vitro Evaluation of Exon Skipping in Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23084270. [PMID: 35457088 PMCID: PMC9032562 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23084270] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2022] [Revised: 04/11/2022] [Accepted: 04/12/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Our groups previously reported that conjugation at 3′-end with ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA) significantly enhanced in vitro exon skipping properties of ASO 51 oligonucleotide targeting the human DMD exon 51. In this study, we designed a series of lipophilic conjugates of ASO 51, to explore the influence of the lipophilic moiety on exon skipping efficiency. To this end, three bile acids and two fatty acids have been derivatized and/or modified and conjugated to ASO 51 by automatized solid phase synthesis. We measured the melting temperature (Tm) of lipophilic conjugates to evaluate their ability to form a stable duplex with the target RNA. The exon skipping efficiency has been evaluated in myogenic cell lines first in presence of a transfection agent, then in gymnotic conditions on a selection of conjugated ASO 51. In the case of 5′-UDC-ASO 51, we also evaluated the influence of PS content on exon skipping efficiency; we found that it performed better exon skipping with full PS linkages. The more efficient compounds in terms of exon skipping were found to be 5′-UDC- and 5′,3′-bis-UDC-ASO 51.
Collapse
|
17
|
Van Hoeck J, Braeckmans K, De Smedt SC, Raemdonck K. Non-viral siRNA delivery to T cells: Challenges and opportunities in cancer immunotherapy. Biomaterials 2022; 286:121510. [DOI: 10.1016/j.biomaterials.2022.121510] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2021] [Revised: 03/17/2022] [Accepted: 04/01/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
|
18
|
Yenilmez B, Wetoska N, Kelly M, Echeverria D, Min K, Lifshitz L, Alterman JF, Hassler MR, Hildebrand S, DiMarzio C, McHugh N, Vangjeli L, Sousa J, Pan M, Han X, Brehm MA, Khvorova A, Czech MP. An RNAi therapeutic targeting hepatic DGAT2 in a genetically obese mouse model of nonalcoholic steatohepatitis. Mol Ther 2022; 30:1329-1342. [PMID: 34774753 PMCID: PMC8899521 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymthe.2021.11.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2021] [Revised: 10/31/2021] [Accepted: 11/05/2021] [Indexed: 10/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) is a severe liver disorder characterized by triglyceride accumulation, severe inflammation, and fibrosis. With the recent increase in prevalence, NASH is now the leading cause of liver transplant, with no approved therapeutics available. Although the exact molecular mechanism of NASH progression is not well understood, a widely held hypothesis is that fat accumulation is the primary driver of the disease. Therefore, diacylglycerol O-acyltransferase 2 (DGAT2), a key enzyme in triglyceride synthesis, has been explored as a NASH target. RNAi-based therapeutics is revolutionizing the treatment of liver diseases, with recent chemical advances supporting long-term gene silencing with single subcutaneous administration. Here, we identified a hyper-functional, fully chemically stabilized GalNAc-conjugated small interfering RNA (siRNA) targeting DGAT2 (Dgat2-1473) that, upon injection, elicits up to 3 months of DGAT2 silencing (>80%-90%, p < 0.0001) in wild-type and NSG-PiZ "humanized" mice. Using an obesity-driven mouse model of NASH (ob/ob-GAN), Dgat2-1473 administration prevents and reverses triglyceride accumulation (>85%, p < 0.0001) without increased accumulation of diglycerides, resulting in significant improvement of the fatty liver phenotype. However, surprisingly, the reduction in liver fat did not translate into a similar impact on inflammation and fibrosis. Thus, while Dgat2-1473 is a practical, long-lasting silencing agent for potential therapeutic attenuation of liver steatosis, combinatorial targeting of a second pathway may be necessary for therapeutic efficacy against NASH.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Batuhan Yenilmez
- Program in Molecular Medicine, University of Massachusetts Medical School, 373 Plantation Street Biotech Two, Suite 100, Worcester, MA 01605, USA
| | - Nicole Wetoska
- Program in Molecular Medicine, University of Massachusetts Medical School, 373 Plantation Street Biotech Two, Suite 100, Worcester, MA 01605, USA
| | - Mark Kelly
- Program in Molecular Medicine, University of Massachusetts Medical School, 373 Plantation Street Biotech Two, Suite 100, Worcester, MA 01605, USA
| | - Dimas Echeverria
- Program in Molecular Medicine, University of Massachusetts Medical School, 373 Plantation Street Biotech Two, Suite 100, Worcester, MA 01605, USA; RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts Medical School, 368 Plantation Street, Worcester, MA 01605, USA
| | - Kyounghee Min
- Program in Molecular Medicine, University of Massachusetts Medical School, 373 Plantation Street Biotech Two, Suite 100, Worcester, MA 01605, USA
| | - Lawrence Lifshitz
- Program in Molecular Medicine, University of Massachusetts Medical School, 373 Plantation Street Biotech Two, Suite 100, Worcester, MA 01605, USA
| | - Julia F Alterman
- Program in Molecular Medicine, University of Massachusetts Medical School, 373 Plantation Street Biotech Two, Suite 100, Worcester, MA 01605, USA; RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts Medical School, 368 Plantation Street, Worcester, MA 01605, USA
| | - Matthew R Hassler
- Program in Molecular Medicine, University of Massachusetts Medical School, 373 Plantation Street Biotech Two, Suite 100, Worcester, MA 01605, USA; RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts Medical School, 368 Plantation Street, Worcester, MA 01605, USA
| | - Samuel Hildebrand
- Program in Molecular Medicine, University of Massachusetts Medical School, 373 Plantation Street Biotech Two, Suite 100, Worcester, MA 01605, USA; RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts Medical School, 368 Plantation Street, Worcester, MA 01605, USA
| | - Chloe DiMarzio
- Program in Molecular Medicine, University of Massachusetts Medical School, 373 Plantation Street Biotech Two, Suite 100, Worcester, MA 01605, USA
| | - Nicholas McHugh
- Program in Molecular Medicine, University of Massachusetts Medical School, 373 Plantation Street Biotech Two, Suite 100, Worcester, MA 01605, USA; RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts Medical School, 368 Plantation Street, Worcester, MA 01605, USA
| | - Lorenc Vangjeli
- Program in Molecular Medicine, University of Massachusetts Medical School, 373 Plantation Street Biotech Two, Suite 100, Worcester, MA 01605, USA; RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts Medical School, 368 Plantation Street, Worcester, MA 01605, USA
| | - Jacquelyn Sousa
- Program in Molecular Medicine, University of Massachusetts Medical School, 373 Plantation Street Biotech Two, Suite 100, Worcester, MA 01605, USA; RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts Medical School, 368 Plantation Street, Worcester, MA 01605, USA
| | - Meixia Pan
- Department of Medicine, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, USA
| | - Xianlin Han
- Department of Medicine, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, USA
| | - Michael A Brehm
- Program in Molecular Medicine, University of Massachusetts Medical School, 373 Plantation Street Biotech Two, Suite 100, Worcester, MA 01605, USA
| | - Anastasia Khvorova
- Program in Molecular Medicine, University of Massachusetts Medical School, 373 Plantation Street Biotech Two, Suite 100, Worcester, MA 01605, USA; RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts Medical School, 368 Plantation Street, Worcester, MA 01605, USA.
| | - Michael P Czech
- Program in Molecular Medicine, University of Massachusetts Medical School, 373 Plantation Street Biotech Two, Suite 100, Worcester, MA 01605, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Delivery of Oligonucleotides: Efficiency with Lipid Conjugation and Clinical Outcome. Pharmaceutics 2022; 14:pharmaceutics14020342. [PMID: 35214074 PMCID: PMC8879684 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics14020342] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2021] [Revised: 01/24/2022] [Accepted: 01/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Oligonucleotides have shifted drug discovery into a new paradigm due to their ability to silence the genes and inhibit protein translation. Importantly, they can drug the un-druggable targets from the conventional small-molecule perspective. Unfortunately, poor cellular permeability and susceptibility to nuclease degradation remain as major hurdles for the development of oligonucleotide therapeutic agents. Studies of safe and effective delivery technique with lipid bioconjugates gains attention to resolve these issues. Our review article summarizes the physicochemical effect of well-studied hydrophobic moieties to enhance the cellular entry of oligonucleotides. The structural impacts of fatty acids, cholesterol, tocopherol, and squalene on cellular internalization and membrane penetration in vitro and in vivo were discussed first. The crucial assays for delivery evaluation within this section were analyzed sequentially. Next, we provided a few successful examples of lipid-conjugated oligonucleotides advanced into clinical studies for treating patients with different medical backgrounds. Finally, we pinpointed current limitations and outlooks in this research field along with opportunities to explore new modifications and efficacy studies.
Collapse
|
20
|
Bortolozzi A, Manashirov S, Chen A, Artigas F. Oligonucleotides as therapeutic tools for brain disorders: Focus on major depressive disorder and Parkinson's disease. Pharmacol Ther 2021; 227:107873. [PMID: 33915178 DOI: 10.1016/j.pharmthera.2021.107873] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2020] [Accepted: 04/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Remarkable advances in understanding the role of RNA in health and disease have expanded considerably in the last decade. RNA is becoming an increasingly important target for therapeutic intervention; therefore, it is critical to develop strategies for therapeutic modulation of RNA function. Oligonucleotides, including antisense oligonucleotide (ASO), small interfering RNA (siRNA), microRNA mimic (miRNA), and anti-microRNA (antagomir) are perhaps the most direct therapeutic strategies for addressing RNA. Among other mechanisms, most oligonucleotide designs involve the formation of a hybrid with RNA that promotes its degradation by activation of endogenous enzymes such as RNase-H (e.g., ASO) or the RISC complex (e.g. RNA interference - RNAi for siRNA and miRNA). However, the use of oligonucleotides for the treatment of brain disorders is seriously compromised by two main limitations: i) how to deliver oligonucleotides to the brain compartment, avoiding the action of peripheral RNAses? and once there, ii) how to target specific neuronal populations? We review the main molecular pathways in major depressive disorder (MDD) and Parkinson's disease (PD), and discuss the challenges associated with the development of novel oligonucleotide therapeutics. We pay special attention to the use of conjugated ligand-oligonucleotide approach in which the oligonucleotide sequence is covalently bound to monoamine transporter inhibitors (e.g. sertraline, reboxetine, indatraline). This strategy allows their selective accumulation in the monoamine neurons of mice and monkeys after their intranasal or intracerebroventricular administration, evoking preclinical changes predictive of a clinical therapeutic action after knocking-down disease-related genes. In addition, recent advances in oligonucleotide therapeutic clinical trials are also reviewed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Analia Bortolozzi
- Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques de Barcelona (IIBB), Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC), 08036 Barcelona, Spain; Institut d'Investigacions August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), 08036 Barcelona, Spain; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Salud Mental (CIBERSAM), ISCIII, Madrid, Spain.
| | - Sharon Manashirov
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Salud Mental (CIBERSAM), ISCIII, Madrid, Spain; miCure Therapeutics LTD., Tel-Aviv, Israel; Department of Stress Neurobiology and Neurogenetics, Max Planck Institute of Psychiatry, 80804 Munich, Germany
| | - Alon Chen
- Department of Stress Neurobiology and Neurogenetics, Max Planck Institute of Psychiatry, 80804 Munich, Germany; Department of Neurobiology, Weizmann Institute of Science, 76100 Rehovot, Israel
| | - Francesc Artigas
- Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques de Barcelona (IIBB), Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC), 08036 Barcelona, Spain; Institut d'Investigacions August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), 08036 Barcelona, Spain; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Salud Mental (CIBERSAM), ISCIII, Madrid, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Biscans A, Caiazzi J, McHugh N, Hariharan V, Muhuri M, Khvorova A. Docosanoic acid conjugation to siRNA enables functional and safe delivery to skeletal and cardiac muscles. Mol Ther 2021; 29:1382-1394. [PMID: 33348054 PMCID: PMC8058398 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymthe.2020.12.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2020] [Revised: 11/24/2020] [Accepted: 12/15/2020] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Oligonucleotide therapeutics hold promise for the treatment of muscle- and heart-related diseases. However, oligonucleotide delivery across the continuous endothelium of muscle tissue is challenging. Here, we demonstrate that docosanoic acid (DCA) conjugation of small interfering RNAs (siRNAs) enables efficient (~5% of injected dose), sustainable (>1 month), and non-toxic (no cytokine induction at 100 mg/kg) gene silencing in both skeletal and cardiac muscles after systemic injection. When designed to target myostatin (muscle growth regulation gene), siRNAs induced ~55% silencing in various muscle tissues and 80% silencing in heart, translating into a ~50% increase in muscle volume within 1 week. Our study identifies compounds for RNAi-based modulation of gene expression in skeletal and cardiac muscles, paving the way for both functional genomics studies and therapeutic gene modulation in muscle and heart.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Annabelle Biscans
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA 01604, USA; Program in Molecular Medicine, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA 01604, USA
| | - Jillian Caiazzi
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA 01604, USA; Program in Molecular Medicine, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA 01604, USA
| | - Nicholas McHugh
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA 01604, USA; Program in Molecular Medicine, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA 01604, USA
| | - Vignesh Hariharan
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA 01604, USA; Program in Molecular Medicine, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA 01604, USA
| | - Manish Muhuri
- Horae Gene Therapy Center, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA 01604, USA; Department of Microbiology and Physiological Systems, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA 01604, USA; VIDE Program, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA 01604, USA
| | - Anastasia Khvorova
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA 01604, USA; Program in Molecular Medicine, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA 01604, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Mendonça MCP, Kont A, Aburto MR, Cryan JF, O'Driscoll CM. Advances in the Design of (Nano)Formulations for Delivery of Antisense Oligonucleotides and Small Interfering RNA: Focus on the Central Nervous System. Mol Pharm 2021; 18:1491-1506. [PMID: 33734715 PMCID: PMC8824433 DOI: 10.1021/acs.molpharmaceut.0c01238] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
![]()
RNA-based therapeutics have emerged
as one of the most powerful
therapeutic options used for the modulation of gene/protein expression
and gene editing with the potential to treat neurodegenerative diseases.
However, the delivery of nucleic acids to the central nervous system
(CNS), in particular by the systemic route, remains a major hurdle.
This review will focus on the strategies for systemic delivery of
therapeutic nucleic acids designed to overcome these barriers. Pathways
and mechanisms of transport across the blood–brain barrier
which could be exploited for delivery are described, focusing in particular
on smaller nucleic acids including antisense oligonucleotides (ASOs)
and small interfering RNA (siRNA). Approaches used to enhance delivery
including chemical modifications, nanocarrier systems, and target
selection (cell-specific delivery) are critically analyzed. Learnings
achieved from a comparison of the successes and failures reported
for CNS delivery of ASOs versus siRNA will help identify opportunities
for a wider range of nucleic acids and accelerate the clinical translation
of these innovative therapies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Monique C P Mendonça
- Pharmacodelivery Group, School of Pharmacy, University College Cork, T12 YT20 Cork, Ireland
| | - Ayse Kont
- Pharmacodelivery Group, School of Pharmacy, University College Cork, T12 YT20 Cork, Ireland
| | - Maria Rodriguez Aburto
- APC Microbiome Ireland, University College Cork, T12 YT20 Cork, Ireland.,Department of Anatomy and Neuroscience, University College Cork, T12 XF62 Cork, Ireland
| | - John F Cryan
- APC Microbiome Ireland, University College Cork, T12 YT20 Cork, Ireland.,Department of Anatomy and Neuroscience, University College Cork, T12 XF62 Cork, Ireland
| | - Caitriona M O'Driscoll
- Pharmacodelivery Group, School of Pharmacy, University College Cork, T12 YT20 Cork, Ireland
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Zhu D, Cheng K. Cardiac Cell Therapy for Heart Repair: Should the Cells Be Left Out? Cells 2021; 10:641. [PMID: 33805763 PMCID: PMC7999733 DOI: 10.3390/cells10030641] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2020] [Revised: 02/25/2021] [Accepted: 03/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is still the leading cause of death worldwide. Coronary artery occlusion, or myocardial infarction (MI) causes massive loss of cardiomyocytes. The ischemia area is eventually replaced by a fibrotic scar. From the mechanical dysfunctions of the scar in electronic transduction, contraction and compliance, pathological cardiac dilation and heart failure develops. Once end-stage heart failure occurs, the only option is to perform heart transplantation. The sequential changes are termed cardiac remodeling, and are due to the lack of endogenous regenerative actions in the adult human heart. Regenerative medicine and biomedical engineering strategies have been pursued to repair the damaged heart and to restore normal cardiac function. Such strategies include both cellular and acellular products, in combination with biomaterials. In addition, substantial progress has been made to elucidate the molecular and cellular mechanisms underlying heart repair and regeneration. In this review, we summarize and discuss current therapeutic approaches for cardiac repair and provide a perspective on novel strategies that holding potential opportunities for future research and clinical translation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Dashuai Zhu
- Department of Molecular Biomedical Sciences and Comparative Medicine Institute, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC 27607, USA;
- Joint Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill & North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC 27607, USA
| | - Ke Cheng
- Department of Molecular Biomedical Sciences and Comparative Medicine Institute, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC 27607, USA;
- Joint Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill & North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC 27607, USA
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
Fumoto S, Yamamoto T, Okami K, Maemura Y, Terada C, Yamayoshi A, Nishida K. Understanding In Vivo Fate of Nucleic Acid and Gene Medicines for the Rational Design of Drugs. Pharmaceutics 2021; 13:159. [PMID: 33530309 PMCID: PMC7911509 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics13020159] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2020] [Revised: 01/21/2021] [Accepted: 01/22/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Nucleic acid and genetic medicines are increasingly being developed, owing to their potential to treat a variety of intractable diseases. A comprehensive understanding of the in vivo fate of these agents is vital for the rational design, discovery, and fast and straightforward development of the drugs. In case of intravascular administration of nucleic acids and genetic medicines, interaction with blood components, especially plasma proteins, is unavoidable. However, on the flip side, such interaction can be utilized wisely to manipulate the pharmacokinetics of the agents. In other words, plasma protein binding can help in suppressing the elimination of nucleic acids from the blood stream and deliver naked oligonucleotides and gene carriers into target cells. To control the distribution of these agents in the body, the ligand conjugation method is widely applied. It is also important to understand intracellular localization. In this context, endocytosis pathway, endosomal escape, and nuclear transport should be considered and discussed. Encapsulated nucleic acids and genes must be dissociated from the carriers to exert their activity. In this review, we summarize the in vivo fate of nucleic acid and gene medicines and provide guidelines for the rational design of drugs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shintaro Fumoto
- Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Nagasaki University, Nagasaki 852-8501, Japan; (T.Y.); (K.O.); (Y.M.); (C.T.); (A.Y.); (K.N.)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
25
|
Opportunities and challenges of fatty acid conjugated therapeutics. Chem Phys Lipids 2021; 236:105053. [PMID: 33484709 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemphyslip.2021.105053] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2020] [Revised: 12/20/2020] [Accepted: 01/16/2021] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
Instability, poor cellular uptake and unfavorable pharmacokinetics and biodistribution of many therapeutic molecules require modification in their physicochemical properties. The conjugation of these APIs with fatty acids has demonstrated an enhancement in their lipophilicity and stability. The improvement in the formulations that resulted from the conjugation of a drug with a fatty acid includes increased half-life, enhanced cellular uptake and retention, targeted tumor delivery, reduced chemoresistance in cancer, and improved blood-brain-barrier (BBB) penetration. In this review, various therapeutic molecules, including small molecules, peptides and oligonucleotides, that have been conjugated with fatty acid have been thoroughly discussed along with various conjugation strategies. The application of nano-system based delivery is gaining a lot of attention due to its ability to provide controlled drug release, targeting and reducing the extent of side effects. This review also covers various nano-carriers that have been utilized for the delivery of fatty acid drug conjugates. The enhanced lipophilicity of the drug-fatty acid conjugate has shown to enhance the affinity of the drug towards these carriers, thereby increasing the entrapment efficiency and formulation performance.
Collapse
|
26
|
Li X, Feng K, Li L, Yang L, Pan X, Yazd HS, Cui C, Li J, Moroz L, Sun Y, Wang B, Li X, Huang T, Tan W. Lipid-oligonucleotide conjugates for bioapplications. Natl Sci Rev 2020; 7:1933-1953. [PMID: 34691533 PMCID: PMC8290939 DOI: 10.1093/nsr/nwaa161] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2019] [Revised: 12/28/2019] [Accepted: 07/08/2020] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Lipid-oligonucleotide conjugates (LONs) are powerful molecular-engineering materials for various applications ranging from biosensors to biomedicine. Their unique amphiphilic structures enable the self-assembly and the conveyance of information with high fidelity. In particular, LONs present remarkable potential in measuring cellular mechanical forces and monitoring cell behaviors. LONs are also essential sensing tools for intracellular imaging and have been employed in developing cell-surface-anchored DNA nanostructures for biomimetic-engineering studies. When incorporating therapeutic oligonucleotides or small-molecule drugs, LONs hold promise for targeted therapy. Moreover, LONs mediate the controllable assembly and fusion of vesicles based on DNA-strand displacements, contributing to nanoreactor construction and macromolecule delivery. In this review, we will summarize the general synthesis strategies of LONs, provide some characterization analysis and emphasize recent advances in bioanalytical and biomedical applications. We will also consider the relevant challenges and suggest future directions for building better functional LONs in nanotechnology and materials-science applications.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xiaowei Li
- Center for Research at Bio/Nano Interface, Department of Chemistry and Department of Physiology and Functional Genomics, Health Cancer Center, UF Genetics Institute and McKnight Brain Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32611–7200, USA
| | - Kejun Feng
- Center for Research at Bio/Nano Interface, Department of Chemistry and Department of Physiology and Functional Genomics, Health Cancer Center, UF Genetics Institute and McKnight Brain Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32611–7200, USA
- School of Chemistry and Materials Engineering, Huizhou University, Huizhou 516007, China
| | - Long Li
- Center for Research at Bio/Nano Interface, Department of Chemistry and Department of Physiology and Functional Genomics, Health Cancer Center, UF Genetics Institute and McKnight Brain Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32611–7200, USA
| | - Lu Yang
- Center for Research at Bio/Nano Interface, Department of Chemistry and Department of Physiology and Functional Genomics, Health Cancer Center, UF Genetics Institute and McKnight Brain Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32611–7200, USA
| | - Xiaoshu Pan
- Center for Research at Bio/Nano Interface, Department of Chemistry and Department of Physiology and Functional Genomics, Health Cancer Center, UF Genetics Institute and McKnight Brain Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32611–7200, USA
| | - Hoda Safari Yazd
- Center for Research at Bio/Nano Interface, Department of Chemistry and Department of Physiology and Functional Genomics, Health Cancer Center, UF Genetics Institute and McKnight Brain Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32611–7200, USA
| | - Cheng Cui
- Center for Research at Bio/Nano Interface, Department of Chemistry and Department of Physiology and Functional Genomics, Health Cancer Center, UF Genetics Institute and McKnight Brain Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32611–7200, USA
- Molecular Science and Biomedicine Laboratory (MBL), State Key Laboratory for Chemo/Bio- Sensing and Chemometrics, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, College of Biology, and Aptamer Engineering Center of Hunan Province, Hunan University, Changsha 410082, China
- Institute of Cancer and Basic Medicine (IBMC), Chinese Academy of Sciences; The Cancer Hospital of the University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou 310022, China
| | - Juan Li
- Molecular Science and Biomedicine Laboratory (MBL), State Key Laboratory for Chemo/Bio- Sensing and Chemometrics, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, College of Biology, and Aptamer Engineering Center of Hunan Province, Hunan University, Changsha 410082, China
| | - Leonid Moroz
- Center for Research at Bio/Nano Interface, Department of Chemistry and Department of Physiology and Functional Genomics, Health Cancer Center, UF Genetics Institute and McKnight Brain Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32611–7200, USA
| | - Yujia Sun
- Center for Research at Bio/Nano Interface, Department of Chemistry and Department of Physiology and Functional Genomics, Health Cancer Center, UF Genetics Institute and McKnight Brain Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32611–7200, USA
- Molecular Science and Biomedicine Laboratory (MBL), State Key Laboratory for Chemo/Bio- Sensing and Chemometrics, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, College of Biology, and Aptamer Engineering Center of Hunan Province, Hunan University, Changsha 410082, China
| | - Bang Wang
- Center for Research at Bio/Nano Interface, Department of Chemistry and Department of Physiology and Functional Genomics, Health Cancer Center, UF Genetics Institute and McKnight Brain Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32611–7200, USA
| | - Xiang Li
- Center for Research at Bio/Nano Interface, Department of Chemistry and Department of Physiology and Functional Genomics, Health Cancer Center, UF Genetics Institute and McKnight Brain Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32611–7200, USA
| | - Tong Huang
- Center for Research at Bio/Nano Interface, Department of Chemistry and Department of Physiology and Functional Genomics, Health Cancer Center, UF Genetics Institute and McKnight Brain Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32611–7200, USA
| | - Weihong Tan
- Center for Research at Bio/Nano Interface, Department of Chemistry and Department of Physiology and Functional Genomics, Health Cancer Center, UF Genetics Institute and McKnight Brain Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32611–7200, USA
- Molecular Science and Biomedicine Laboratory (MBL), State Key Laboratory for Chemo/Bio- Sensing and Chemometrics, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, College of Biology, and Aptamer Engineering Center of Hunan Province, Hunan University, Changsha 410082, China
- Institute of Cancer and Basic Medicine (IBMC), Chinese Academy of Sciences; The Cancer Hospital of the University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou 310022, China
| |
Collapse
|
27
|
Deprey K, Batistatou N, Kritzer JA. A critical analysis of methods used to investigate the cellular uptake and subcellular localization of RNA therapeutics. Nucleic Acids Res 2020; 48:7623-7639. [PMID: 32644123 PMCID: PMC7430645 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkaa576] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2020] [Revised: 06/17/2020] [Accepted: 06/24/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
RNA therapeutics are a promising strategy to treat genetic diseases caused by the overexpression or aberrant splicing of a specific protein. The field has seen major strides in the clinical efficacy of this class of molecules, largely due to chemical modifications and delivery strategies that improve nuclease resistance and enhance cell penetration. However, a major obstacle in the development of RNA therapeutics continues to be the imprecise, difficult, and often problematic nature of most methods used to measure cell penetration. Here, we review these methods and clearly distinguish between those that measure total cellular uptake of RNA therapeutics, which includes both productive and non-productive uptake, and those that measure cytosolic/nuclear penetration, which represents only productive uptake. We critically analyze the benefits and drawbacks of each method. Finally, we use key examples to illustrate how, despite rigorous experimentation and proper controls, our understanding of the mechanism of gymnotic uptake of RNA therapeutics remains limited by the methods commonly used to analyze RNA delivery.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kirsten Deprey
- Department of Chemistry, Tufts University, 62 Talbot Ave, Medford, MA 02155, USA
| | - Nefeli Batistatou
- Department of Chemistry, Tufts University, 62 Talbot Ave, Medford, MA 02155, USA
| | - Joshua A Kritzer
- Department of Chemistry, Tufts University, 62 Talbot Ave, Medford, MA 02155, USA
| |
Collapse
|
28
|
Ly S, Echeverria D, Sousa J, Khvorova A. Single-Stranded Phosphorothioated Regions Enhance Cellular Uptake of Cholesterol-Conjugated siRNA but Not Silencing Efficacy. MOLECULAR THERAPY. NUCLEIC ACIDS 2020; 21:991-1005. [PMID: 32818923 PMCID: PMC7452107 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtn.2020.07.029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2020] [Revised: 07/16/2020] [Accepted: 07/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Small interfering RNAs (siRNAs) have potential to silence virtually any disease-causing gene but require chemical modifications for delivery to the tissue and cell of interest. Previously, we demonstrated that asymmetric, phosphorothioate (PS)-modified, chemically stabilized, cholesterol-conjugated siRNAs, called hsiRNAs, support rapid cellular uptake and efficient mRNA silencing both in cultured cells and in vivo. Here, we systematically evaluated the impact of number, structure, and sequence context of PS-modified backbones on cellular uptake and RNAi-mediated silencing efficacy. We find that PS enhances cellular internalization in a sequence-dependent manner but only when present in a single-stranded but not double-stranded region. Furthermore, the observed increase in cellular internalization did not correlate with functional silencing improvement, indicating that PS-mediated uptake may drive compounds to non-productive sinks. Thus, the primary contributing factor of PS modifications to functional efficacy is likely stabilization rather than enhanced cellular uptake. A better understanding of the relative impact of different chemistries on productive versus non-productive uptake will assist in improved design of therapeutic RNAs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Socheata Ly
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA 01605, USA
| | - Dimas Echeverria
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA 01605, USA
| | - Jacquelyn Sousa
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA 01605, USA
| | - Anastasia Khvorova
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA 01605, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
29
|
Lei Mon SS, Yoshioka K, Jia C, Kunieda T, Asami Y, Yoshida-Tanaka K, Piao W, Kuwahara H, Nishina K, Nagata T, Yokota T. Highly efficient gene silencing in mouse brain by overhanging-duplex oligonucleotides via intraventricular route. FEBS Lett 2020; 594:1413-1423. [PMID: 31990989 DOI: 10.1002/1873-3468.13742] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2019] [Revised: 01/10/2020] [Accepted: 01/17/2020] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
Gapmer-type antisense oligonucleotides have not yet been approved for the treatment of central nervous system diseases, whereas steric-blocking-type antisense oligonucleotides have been well-developed for clinical use. We here characterize a new type of double-stranded oligonucleotides, overhanging-duplex oligonucleotides, which are composed of the parent gapmer and its extended complementary RNA. By intracerebroventricular injection, overhanging oligonucleotides show greater silencing potency with more efficient delivery into mouse brains than the parent single-stranded gapmer. Structure-activity relationship analyses reveal that the potency enhancement requires 13-mer or more overhanging oligonucleotides with a phosphorothioate backbone. Overhanging oligonucleotides provide a new platform of therapeutic oligonucleotides for gene modulation in the central nervous system.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Su Su Lei Mon
- Department of Neurology and Neurological Science, Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences and Center for Brain Integration Research, Tokyo Medical and Dental University (TMDU), Japan
| | - Kotaro Yoshioka
- Department of Neurology and Neurological Science, Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences and Center for Brain Integration Research, Tokyo Medical and Dental University (TMDU), Japan
| | - Chunyan Jia
- Department of Neurology and Neurological Science, Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences and Center for Brain Integration Research, Tokyo Medical and Dental University (TMDU), Japan
| | - Taiki Kunieda
- Department of Neurology and Neurological Science, Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences and Center for Brain Integration Research, Tokyo Medical and Dental University (TMDU), Japan
| | - Yutaro Asami
- Department of Neurology and Neurological Science, Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences and Center for Brain Integration Research, Tokyo Medical and Dental University (TMDU), Japan
| | - Kie Yoshida-Tanaka
- Department of Neurology and Neurological Science, Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences and Center for Brain Integration Research, Tokyo Medical and Dental University (TMDU), Japan
| | - Wenying Piao
- Department of Neurology and Neurological Science, Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences and Center for Brain Integration Research, Tokyo Medical and Dental University (TMDU), Japan
| | - Hiroya Kuwahara
- Department of Neurology and Neurological Science, Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences and Center for Brain Integration Research, Tokyo Medical and Dental University (TMDU), Japan
| | - Kazutaka Nishina
- Department of Neurology and Neurological Science, Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences and Center for Brain Integration Research, Tokyo Medical and Dental University (TMDU), Japan
| | - Tetsuya Nagata
- Department of Neurology and Neurological Science, Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences and Center for Brain Integration Research, Tokyo Medical and Dental University (TMDU), Japan
| | - Takanori Yokota
- Department of Neurology and Neurological Science, Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences and Center for Brain Integration Research, Tokyo Medical and Dental University (TMDU), Japan
| |
Collapse
|
30
|
Nuclear Localization of Huntingtin mRNA Is Specific to Cells of Neuronal Origin. Cell Rep 2019; 24:2553-2560.e5. [PMID: 30184490 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2018.07.106] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2017] [Revised: 06/30/2018] [Accepted: 07/30/2018] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Huntington's disease (HD) is a monogenic neurodegenerative disorder representing an ideal candidate for gene silencing with oligonucleotide therapeutics (i.e., antisense oligonucleotides [ASOs] and small interfering RNAs [siRNAs]). Using an ultra-sensitive branched fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) method, we show that ∼50% of wild-type HTT mRNA localizes to the nucleus and that its nuclear localization is observed only in neuronal cells. In mouse brain sections, we detect Htt mRNA predominantly in neurons, with a wide range of Htt foci observed per cell. We further show that siRNAs and ASOs efficiently eliminate cytoplasmic HTT mRNA and HTT protein, but only ASOs induce a partial but significant reduction of nuclear HTT mRNA. We speculate that, like other mRNAs, HTT mRNA subcellular localization might play a role in important neuronal regulatory mechanisms.
Collapse
|
31
|
Osborn MF, Coles AH, Biscans A, Haraszti RA, Roux L, Davis S, Ly S, Echeverria D, Hassler MR, Godinho BMDC, Nikan M, Khvorova A. Hydrophobicity drives the systemic distribution of lipid-conjugated siRNAs via lipid transport pathways. Nucleic Acids Res 2019; 47:1070-1081. [PMID: 30535404 PMCID: PMC6379714 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gky1232] [Citation(s) in RCA: 79] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2018] [Revised: 11/26/2018] [Accepted: 12/06/2018] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Efficient delivery of therapeutic RNA beyond the liver is the fundamental obstacle preventing its clinical utility. Lipid conjugation increases plasma half-life and enhances tissue accumulation and cellular uptake of small interfering RNAs (siRNAs). However, the mechanism relating lipid hydrophobicity, structure, and siRNA pharmacokinetics is unclear. Here, using a diverse panel of biologically occurring lipids, we show that lipid conjugation directly modulates siRNA hydrophobicity. When administered in vivo, highly hydrophobic lipid-siRNAs preferentially and spontaneously associate with circulating low-density lipoprotein (LDL), while less lipophilic lipid-siRNAs bind to high-density lipoprotein (HDL). Lipid-siRNAs are targeted to lipoprotein receptor-enriched tissues, eliciting significant mRNA silencing in liver (65%), adrenal gland (37%), ovary (35%), and kidney (78%). Interestingly, siRNA internalization may not be completely driven by lipoprotein endocytosis, but the extent of siRNA phosphorothioate modifications may also be a factor. Although biomimetic lipoprotein nanoparticles have been explored for the enhancement of siRNA delivery, our findings suggest that hydrophobic modifications can be leveraged to incorporate therapeutic siRNA into endogenous lipid transport pathways without the requirement for synthetic formulation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Maire F Osborn
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA.,Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
| | - Andrew H Coles
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA.,Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
| | - Annabelle Biscans
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA.,Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
| | - Reka A Haraszti
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA.,Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
| | - Loic Roux
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA.,Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
| | - Sarah Davis
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA.,Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
| | - Socheata Ly
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA.,Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
| | - Dimas Echeverria
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA.,Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
| | - Matthew R Hassler
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA.,Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
| | - Bruno M D C Godinho
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA.,Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
| | - Mehran Nikan
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA.,Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
| | - Anastasia Khvorova
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA.,Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
| |
Collapse
|
32
|
A divalent siRNA chemical scaffold for potent and sustained modulation of gene expression throughout the central nervous system. Nat Biotechnol 2019; 37:884-894. [PMID: 31375812 PMCID: PMC6879195 DOI: 10.1038/s41587-019-0205-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 128] [Impact Index Per Article: 25.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2018] [Accepted: 06/27/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Sustained silencing of gene expression in deep regions of the brain using small interfering RNAs (siRNAs) has not been achieved. Here we describe an siRNA architecture, divalent-siRNA (Di-siRNA), that supports potent, sustained gene silencing in the central nervous system (CNS) of mice and non-human primates following a single injection into cerebrospinal fluid. Di-siRNAs are composed of two fully chemically modified, phosphorothioate-containing siRNAs connected by a linker. In mice, Di-siRNAs induced potent silencing of huntingtin, the causative gene in Huntington’s disease, reducing mRNA and protein throughout the brain. Silencing persisted for at least six months, with the degree of gene silencing correlating to guide strand tissue accumulation levels. In Cynomolgus macaques, a bolus injection of Di-siRNA showed substantial distribution and robust silencing throughout the brain and spinal cord without detectable toxicity and with minimal off-target effects. This siRNA design may enable RNAi-based gene silencing in the CNS for the treatment of neurological disorders.
Collapse
|
33
|
Chemical modulation of siRNA lipophilicity for efficient delivery. J Control Release 2019; 307:98-107. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jconrel.2019.06.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2019] [Revised: 06/17/2019] [Accepted: 06/19/2019] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
|
34
|
Shen X, Corey DR. Chemistry, mechanism and clinical status of antisense oligonucleotides and duplex RNAs. Nucleic Acids Res 2019; 46:1584-1600. [PMID: 29240946 PMCID: PMC5829639 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkx1239] [Citation(s) in RCA: 439] [Impact Index Per Article: 87.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2017] [Accepted: 11/29/2017] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
RNA plays a central role in the expression of all genes. Because any sequence within RNA can be recognized by complementary base pairing, synthetic oligonucleotides and oligonucleotide mimics offer a general strategy for controlling processes that affect disease. The two primary antisense approaches for regulating expression through recognition of cellular RNAs are single-stranded antisense oligonucleotides and duplex RNAs. This review will discuss the chemical modifications and molecular mechanisms that make synthetic nucleic acid drugs possible. Lessons learned from recent clinical trials will be summarized. Ongoing clinical trials are likely to decisively test the adequacy of our current generation of antisense nucleic acid technologies and highlight areas where more basic research is needed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xiulong Shen
- Departments of Pharmacology & Biochemistry, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, 6001 Forest Park Road, Dallas, TX 75390-9041, USA
| | - David R Corey
- Departments of Pharmacology & Biochemistry, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, 6001 Forest Park Road, Dallas, TX 75390-9041, USA
| |
Collapse
|
35
|
Biscans A, Coles A, Echeverria D, Khvorova A. The valency of fatty acid conjugates impacts siRNA pharmacokinetics, distribution, and efficacy in vivo. J Control Release 2019; 302:116-125. [PMID: 30940496 PMCID: PMC6546539 DOI: 10.1016/j.jconrel.2019.03.028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2018] [Revised: 03/02/2019] [Accepted: 03/29/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Lipid-conjugated small-interfering RNAs (siRNAs) exhibit accumulation and gene silencing in extrahepatic tissues, providing an opportunity to expand therapeutic siRNA utility beyond the liver. Chemically engineering lipids may further improve siRNA delivery and efficacy, but the relationship between lipid structure/configuration and siRNA pharmacodynamics is unclear. Here, we synthesized a panel of mono-, di-, and tri-meric fatty acid-conjugated siRNAs to systematically evaluate the impact of fatty acid structure and valency on siRNA clearance, distribution, and efficacy. Fatty acid valency significantly altered the physicochemical properties of conjugated siRNAs, including hydrophobicity and micelle formation, which affected distribution. Trivalent lipid-conjugated siRNAs were predominantly retained at the site of injection with minimal systemic exposure, whereas monovalent lipid-conjugated siRNAs were quickly released into the circulation and accumulated primarily in kidney. Divalent lipid-conjugated siRNAs showed intermediate behavior, and preferentially accumulated in liver with functional distribution to lung, heart, and fat. The chemical structure of the conjugate, rather than overall physicochemical properties (i.e. hydrophobicity), predicted the degree of extrahepatic tissue accumulation necessary for productive gene silencing. Our findings will inform chemical engineering strategies for enhancing the extrahepatic delivery of lipophilic siRNAs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Annabelle Biscans
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA 01604, USA; Program in Molecular Medicine, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA 01604, USA
| | - Andrew Coles
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA 01604, USA; Program in Molecular Medicine, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA 01604, USA
| | - Dimas Echeverria
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA 01604, USA; Program in Molecular Medicine, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA 01604, USA
| | - Anastasia Khvorova
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA 01604, USA; Program in Molecular Medicine, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA 01604, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
36
|
Chernikov IV, Vlassov VV, Chernolovskaya EL. Current Development of siRNA Bioconjugates: From Research to the Clinic. Front Pharmacol 2019; 10:444. [PMID: 31105570 PMCID: PMC6498891 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2019.00444] [Citation(s) in RCA: 121] [Impact Index Per Article: 24.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2019] [Accepted: 04/08/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Small interfering RNAs (siRNAs) acting via RNA interference mechanisms are able to recognize a homologous mRNA sequence in the cell and induce its degradation. The main problems in the development of siRNA-based drugs for therapeutic use are the low efficiency of siRNA delivery to target cells and the degradation of siRNAs by nucleases in biological fluids. Various approaches have been proposed to solve the problem of siRNA delivery in vivo (e.g., viruses, cationic lipids, polymers, nanoparticles), but all have limitations for therapeutic use. One of the most promising approaches to solve the problem of siRNA delivery to target cells is bioconjugation; i.e., the covalent connection of siRNAs with biogenic molecules (lipophilic molecules, antibodies, aptamers, ligands, peptides, or polymers). Bioconjugates are "ideal nanoparticles" since they do not need a positive charge to form complexes, are less toxic, and are less effectively recognized by components of the immune system because of their small size. This review is focused on strategies and principles for constructing siRNA bioconjugates for in vivo use.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ivan V Chernikov
- Laboratory of Nucleic Acids Biochemistry, Institute of Chemical Biology and Fundamental Medicine, Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Novosibirsk, Russia
| | - Valentin V Vlassov
- Laboratory of Nucleic Acids Biochemistry, Institute of Chemical Biology and Fundamental Medicine, Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Novosibirsk, Russia
| | - Elena L Chernolovskaya
- Laboratory of Nucleic Acids Biochemistry, Institute of Chemical Biology and Fundamental Medicine, Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Novosibirsk, Russia
| |
Collapse
|
37
|
Deprey K, Becker L, Kritzer J, Plückthun A. Trapped! A Critical Evaluation of Methods for Measuring Total Cellular Uptake versus Cytosolic Localization. Bioconjug Chem 2019; 30:1006-1027. [PMID: 30882208 PMCID: PMC6527423 DOI: 10.1021/acs.bioconjchem.9b00112] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Biomolecules have many properties that make them promising for intracellular therapeutic applications, but delivery remains a key challenge because large biomolecules cannot easily enter the cytosol. Furthermore, quantification of total intracellular versus cytosolic concentrations remains demanding, and the determination of delivery efficiency is thus not straightforward. In this review, we discuss strategies for delivering biomolecules into the cytosol and briefly summarize the mechanisms of uptake for these systems. We then describe commonly used methods to measure total cellular uptake and, more selectively, cytosolic localization, and discuss the major advantages and drawbacks of each method. We critically evaluate methods of measuring "cell penetration" that do not adequately distinguish total cellular uptake and cytosolic localization, which often lead to inaccurate interpretations of a molecule's cytosolic localization. Finally, we summarize the properties and components of each method, including the main caveats of each, to allow for informed decisions about method selection for specific applications. When applied correctly and interpreted carefully, methods for quantifying cytosolic localization offer valuable insight into the bioactivity of biomolecules and potentially the prospects for their eventual development into therapeutics.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kirsten Deprey
- Department of Chemistry, Tufts University, 62 Talbot Avenue, Medford, Massachusetts 02155, United States
| | - Lukas Becker
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Zurich, Winterthurerstrasse 190, 8057 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Joshua Kritzer
- Department of Chemistry, Tufts University, 62 Talbot Avenue, Medford, Massachusetts 02155, United States
| | - Andreas Plückthun
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Zurich, Winterthurerstrasse 190, 8057 Zurich, Switzerland
| |
Collapse
|
38
|
Biscans A, Coles A, Haraszti R, Echeverria D, Hassler M, Osborn M, Khvorova A. Diverse lipid conjugates for functional extra-hepatic siRNA delivery in vivo. Nucleic Acids Res 2019; 47:1082-1096. [PMID: 30544191 PMCID: PMC6379722 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gky1239] [Citation(s) in RCA: 113] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2018] [Revised: 11/13/2018] [Accepted: 11/29/2018] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Small interfering RNA (siRNA)-based therapies are proving to be efficient for treating liver-associated disorders. However, extra-hepatic delivery remains challenging, limiting therapeutic siRNA utility. We synthesized a panel of fifteen lipid-conjugated siRNAs and systematically evaluated the impact of conjugate on siRNA tissue distribution and efficacy. Generally, conjugate hydrophobicity defines the degree of clearance and the liver-to-kidney distribution profile. In addition to primary clearance tissues, several conjugates achieve significant siRNA accumulation in muscle, lung, heart, adrenal glands and fat. Oligonucleotide distribution to extra-hepatic tissues with some conjugates was significantly higher than with cholesterol, a well studied conjugate, suggesting that altering conjugate structure can enhance extra-hepatic delivery. These conjugated siRNAs enable functional gene silencing in lung, muscle, fat, heart and adrenal gland. Required levels for productive silencing vary (5-200 μg/g) per tissue, suggesting that the chemical nature of conjugates impacts tissue-dependent cellular/intracellular trafficking mechanisms. The collection of conjugated siRNA described here enables functional gene modulation in vivo in several extra-hepatic tissues opening these tissues for gene expression modulation. A systemic evaluation of a panel of conjugated siRNA, as reported here, has not previously been investigated and shows that chemical engineering of lipid siRNAs is essential to advance the RNA therapeutic field.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Annabelle Biscans
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA 01604, USA
- Program in Molecular Medicine, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA 01604, USA
| | - Andrew Coles
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA 01604, USA
- Program in Molecular Medicine, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA 01604, USA
| | - Reka Haraszti
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA 01604, USA
- Program in Molecular Medicine, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA 01604, USA
| | - Dimas Echeverria
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA 01604, USA
- Program in Molecular Medicine, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA 01604, USA
| | - Matthew Hassler
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA 01604, USA
- Program in Molecular Medicine, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA 01604, USA
| | - Maire Osborn
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA 01604, USA
- Program in Molecular Medicine, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA 01604, USA
| | - Anastasia Khvorova
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA 01604, USA
- Program in Molecular Medicine, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA 01604, USA
| |
Collapse
|
39
|
Haraszti RA, Miller R, Stoppato M, Sere YY, Coles A, Didiot MC, Wollacott R, Sapp E, Dubuke ML, Li X, Shaffer SA, DiFiglia M, Wang Y, Aronin N, Khvorova A. Exosomes Produced from 3D Cultures of MSCs by Tangential Flow Filtration Show Higher Yield and Improved Activity. Mol Ther 2018; 26:2838-2847. [PMID: 30341012 PMCID: PMC6277553 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymthe.2018.09.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 294] [Impact Index Per Article: 49.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2018] [Revised: 09/10/2018] [Accepted: 09/20/2018] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Exosomes can deliver therapeutic RNAs to neurons. The composition and the safety profile of exosomes depend on the type of the exosome-producing cell. Mesenchymal stem cells are considered to be an attractive cell type for therapeutic exosome production. However, scalable methods to isolate and manufacture exosomes from mesenchymal stem cells are lacking, a limitation to the clinical translation of exosome technology. We evaluate mesenchymal stem cells from different sources and find that umbilical cord-derived mesenchymal stem cells produce the highest exosome yield. To optimize exosome production, we cultivate umbilical cord-derived mesenchymal stem cells in scalable microcarrier-based three-dimensional (3D) cultures. In combination with the conventional differential ultracentrifugation, 3D culture yields 20-fold more exosomes (3D-UC-exosomes) than two-dimensional cultures (2D-UC-exosomes). Tangential flow filtration (TFF) in combination with 3D mesenchymal stem cell cultures further improves the yield of exosomes (3D-TFF-exosomes) 7-fold over 3D-UC-exosomes. 3D-TFF-exosomes are seven times more potent in small interfering RNA (siRNA) transfer to neurons compared with 2D-UC-exosomes. Microcarrier-based 3D culture and TFF allow scalable production of biologically active exosomes from mesenchymal stem cells. These findings lift a major roadblock for the clinical utility of mesenchymal stem cell exosomes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Reka Agnes Haraszti
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
| | - Rachael Miller
- Department of Medicine, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
| | | | | | - Andrew Coles
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
| | - Marie-Cecile Didiot
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
| | | | - Ellen Sapp
- Mass General Institute for Neurodegenerative Disease, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Michelle L Dubuke
- Mass Spectrometry Facility, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Shrewsbury, MA, USA
| | - Xuni Li
- Mass Spectrometry Facility, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Shrewsbury, MA, USA
| | - Scott A Shaffer
- Mass Spectrometry Facility, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Shrewsbury, MA, USA
| | - Marian DiFiglia
- Mass General Institute for Neurodegenerative Disease, Boston, MA, USA
| | | | - Neil Aronin
- Department of Medicine, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA.
| | - Anastasia Khvorova
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA; Program in Molecular Medicine, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
40
|
Turanov AA, Lo A, Hassler MR, Makris A, Ashar-Patel A, Alterman JF, Coles AH, Haraszti RA, Roux L, Godinho BMDC, Echeverria D, Pears S, Iliopoulos J, Shanmugalingam R, Ogle R, Zsengeller ZK, Hennessy A, Karumanchi SA, Moore MJ, Khvorova A. RNAi modulation of placental sFLT1 for the treatment of preeclampsia. Nat Biotechnol 2018; 36:nbt.4297. [PMID: 30451990 PMCID: PMC6526074 DOI: 10.1038/nbt.4297] [Citation(s) in RCA: 120] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2017] [Accepted: 10/05/2018] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Preeclampsia is a placentally induced hypertensive disorder of pregnancy that is associated with substantial morbidity and mortality to mothers and fetuses. Clinical manifestations of preterm preeclampsia result from excess circulating soluble vascular endothelial growth factor receptor FLT1 (sFLT1 or sVEGFR1) of placental origin. Here we identify short interfering RNAs (siRNAs) that selectively silence the three sFLT1 mRNA isoforms primarily responsible for placental overexpression of sFLT1 without reducing levels of full-length FLT1 mRNA. Full chemical stabilization in the context of hydrophobic modifications enabled productive siRNA accumulation in the placenta (up to 7% of injected dose) and reduced circulating sFLT1 in pregnant mice (up to 50%). In a baboon preeclampsia model, a single dose of siRNAs suppressed sFLT1 overexpression and clinical signs of preeclampsia. Our results demonstrate RNAi-based extrahepatic modulation of gene expression with nonformulated siRNAs in nonhuman primates and establish a path toward a new treatment paradigm for patients with preterm preeclampsia.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Anton A Turanov
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Agnes Lo
- Center for Vascular Biology Research, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Matthew R Hassler
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Angela Makris
- Heart Research Institute, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- School of Medicine, Western Sydney University, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- Renal Department, Liverpool Hospital, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Ami Ashar-Patel
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Julia F Alterman
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Andrew H Coles
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Reka A Haraszti
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Loic Roux
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Bruno M D C Godinho
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Dimas Echeverria
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Suzanne Pears
- Heart Research Institute, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Jim Iliopoulos
- School of Medicine, Western Sydney University, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Renuka Shanmugalingam
- Heart Research Institute, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- School of Medicine, Western Sydney University, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- Renal Department, Liverpool Hospital, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Robert Ogle
- Women's and Babies, Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Zsuzsanna K Zsengeller
- Center for Vascular Biology Research, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Annemarie Hennessy
- Heart Research Institute, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- School of Medicine, Western Sydney University, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - S Ananth Karumanchi
- Center for Vascular Biology Research, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Department of Medicine, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Melissa J Moore
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts, USA
- Moderna Therapeutics, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Anastasia Khvorova
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts, USA
- Program in Molecular Medicine, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts
| |
Collapse
|
41
|
Gene Silencing in the Right Place at the Right Time. Mol Ther 2018; 26:2539-2541. [PMID: 30366821 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymthe.2018.10.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
|
42
|
Godinho BMDC, Henninger N, Bouley J, Alterman JF, Haraszti RA, Gilbert JW, Sapp E, Coles AH, Biscans A, Nikan M, Echeverria D, DiFiglia M, Aronin N, Khvorova A. Transvascular Delivery of Hydrophobically Modified siRNAs: Gene Silencing in the Rat Brain upon Disruption of the Blood-Brain Barrier. Mol Ther 2018; 26:2580-2591. [PMID: 30143435 PMCID: PMC6225091 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymthe.2018.08.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2018] [Revised: 08/01/2018] [Accepted: 08/03/2018] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Effective transvascular delivery of therapeutic oligonucleotides to the brain presents a major hurdle to the development of gene silencing technologies for treatment of genetically defined neurological disorders. Distribution to the brain after systemic administrations is hampered by the low permeability of the blood-brain barrier (BBB) and the rapid clearance kinetics of these drugs from the blood. Here we show that transient osmotic disruption of the BBB enables transvascular delivery of hydrophobically modified small interfering RNA (hsiRNA) to the rat brain. Intracarotid administration of 25% mannitol and hsiRNA conjugated to phosphocholine-docosahexanoic acid (PC-DHA) resulted in broad ipsilateral distribution of PC-DHA-hsiRNAs in the brain. PC-DHA conjugation enables hsiRNA retention in the parenchyma proximal to the brain vasculature and enabled active internalization by neurons and astrocytes. Moreover, transvascular delivery of PC-DHA-hsiRNAs effected Htt mRNA silencing in the striatum (55%), hippocampus (51%), somatosensory cortex (52%), motor cortex (37%), and thalamus (33%) 1 week after administration. Aside from mild gliosis induced by osmotic disruption of the BBB, transvascular delivery of PC-DHA-hsiRNAs was not associated with neurotoxicity. Together, these findings provide proof-of-concept that temporary disruption of the BBB is an effective strategy for the delivery of therapeutic oligonucleotides to the brain.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Bruno M D C Godinho
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA 01605, USA; Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA 01605, USA.
| | - Nils Henninger
- Department of Neurology, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA 01605, USA; Department of Psychiatry, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA 01605, USA
| | - James Bouley
- Department of Neurology, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA 01605, USA
| | - Julia F Alterman
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA 01605, USA; Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA 01605, USA
| | - Reka A Haraszti
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA 01605, USA; Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA 01605, USA
| | - James W Gilbert
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA 01605, USA; Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA 01605, USA
| | - Ellen Sapp
- Department of Neurology, Mass General Institute for Neurodegenerative Disease, Charlestown, MA 02129, USA
| | - Andrew H Coles
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA 01605, USA; Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA 01605, USA
| | - Annabelle Biscans
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA 01605, USA; Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA 01605, USA
| | - Mehran Nikan
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA 01605, USA; Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA 01605, USA
| | - Dimas Echeverria
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA 01605, USA; Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA 01605, USA
| | - Marian DiFiglia
- Department of Neurology, Mass General Institute for Neurodegenerative Disease, Charlestown, MA 02129, USA
| | - Neil Aronin
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA 01605, USA; Department of Medicine, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA 01605, USA
| | - Anastasia Khvorova
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA 01605, USA; Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA 01605, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
43
|
Shah SS, Cultrara CN, Kozuch SD, Patel MR, Ramos JA, Samuni U, Zilberberg J, Sabatino D. Direct Transfection of Fatty Acid Conjugated siRNAs and Knockdown of the Glucose-Regulated Chaperones in Prostate Cancer Cells. Bioconjug Chem 2018; 29:3638-3648. [PMID: 30235926 DOI: 10.1021/acs.bioconjchem.8b00580] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
The emerging field of RNAi nanotechnology has led to rapid advances in the applications of siRNAs in chemical biology, medicinal chemistry, and biotechnology. In our RNAi approach, bioconjugation of linear, V-, and Y-shaped RNA templates were designed using a series of saturated and unsaturated fatty acids to improve cell uptake and knockdown efficacy of the oncogenic glucose regulated proteins (GRPs) in prostate (PC-3) cancer cells. An optimized HCTU-coupling procedure was developed for tagging variable saturated and unsaturated fatty acids onto the 5'-ends of linear and V-shaped RNA templates that were constructed by semiautomated solid phase RNA synthesis. Hybridization and self-assembly of complementary strands yielded linear, V-, and Y-shaped fatty acid-conjugated siRNAs which were characterized by native PAGE. CD spectroscopy confirmed their A-type helix conformations. RP IP HPLC provided trends in amphiphilic properties, whereas DLS and TEM confirmed multicomponent self-assembled structures that were prone to aggregation. Subsequently, the fatty acid conjugated siRNA bioconjugates were tested for their RNAi activity by direct transfection within PC-3 cells known to overexpress oncogenic GRP activity. The siRNA bioconjugates with sense strand modifiers provided more potent GRP knockdown relative to the antisense modified siRNAs, but to a lesser extent when compared to the unconjugated siRNA controls that were transfected with the commercial Trans-IT X2 dynamic delivery system. Flow cytometry revealed that the latter may be at least in part attributed to limited cell uptake of the fatty acid conjugated siRNAs. Nonetheless, these new constructs represent an entry point in modifying higher-order siRNA constructs that may lead to the generation of more efficient siRNA bioconjugates for screening important oncogene targets and for cancer gene therapy applications.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sunil S Shah
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry , Seton Hall University , South Orange , New Jersey 07079 , United States
| | - Christopher N Cultrara
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry , Seton Hall University , South Orange , New Jersey 07079 , United States
| | - Stephen D Kozuch
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry , Seton Hall University , South Orange , New Jersey 07079 , United States
| | - Mayurbhai R Patel
- Nitto Denko Avecia Inc. , 8560 Reading Road , Cincinnati , Ohio 45215 , United States
| | - Jorge A Ramos
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry , Queens College, City University of New York , Flushing , New York 11367 , United States.,Ph.D. Programs in Biochemistry and Chemistry , The Graduate Center of the City University of New York , New York , New York 10016 , United States
| | - Uri Samuni
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry , Queens College, City University of New York , Flushing , New York 11367 , United States.,Ph.D. Programs in Biochemistry and Chemistry , The Graduate Center of the City University of New York , New York , New York 10016 , United States
| | - Jenny Zilberberg
- Department of Biomedical Research , Hackensack University Medical Center , 40 Prospect Avenue , Hackensack , New Jersey 07601 , United States
| | - David Sabatino
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry , Seton Hall University , South Orange , New Jersey 07079 , United States
| |
Collapse
|
44
|
Abstract
Oligonucleotides (ONs) can interfere with biomolecules representing the entire extended central dogma. Antisense gapmer, steric block, splice-switching ONs, and short interfering RNA drugs have been successfully developed. Moreover, antagomirs (antimicroRNAs), microRNA mimics, aptamers, DNA decoys, DNAzymes, synthetic guide strands for CRISPR/Cas, and innate immunity-stimulating ONs are all in clinical trials. DNA-targeting, triplex-forming ONs and strand-invading ONs have made their mark on drug development research, but not yet as medicines. Both design and synthetic nucleic acid chemistry are crucial for achieving biologically active ONs. The dominating modifications are phosphorothioate linkages, base methylation, and numerous 2'-substitutions in the furanose ring, such as 2'-fluoro, O-methyl, or methoxyethyl. Locked nucleic acid and constrained ethyl, a related variant, are bridged forms where the 2'-oxygen connects to the 4'-carbon in the sugar. Phosphorodiamidate morpholino oligomers, carrying a modified heterocyclic backbone ring, have also been commercialized. Delivery remains a major obstacle, but systemic administration and intrathecal infusion are used for treatment of the liver and brain, respectively.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- C I Edvard Smith
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Clinical Research Center, Karolinska Institutet, Karolinska University Hospital Huddinge, SE-141 86 Stockholm, Sweden; .,Stellenbosch Institute for Advanced Study, Wallenberg Research Centre, Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch 7600, South Africa
| | - Rula Zain
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Clinical Research Center, Karolinska Institutet, Karolinska University Hospital Huddinge, SE-141 86 Stockholm, Sweden; .,Department of Clinical Genetics, Centre for Rare Diseases, Karolinska University Hospital, SE-171 76 Stockholm, Sweden
| |
Collapse
|
45
|
Haraszti RA, Miller R, Didiot MC, Biscans A, Alterman JF, Hassler MR, Roux L, Echeverria D, Sapp E, DiFiglia M, Aronin N, Khvorova A. Optimized Cholesterol-siRNA Chemistry Improves Productive Loading onto Extracellular Vesicles. Mol Ther 2018; 26:1973-1982. [PMID: 29937418 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymthe.2018.05.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2018] [Revised: 05/27/2018] [Accepted: 05/30/2018] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Extracellular vesicles are promising delivery vesicles for therapeutic RNAs. Small interfering RNA (siRNA) conjugation to cholesterol enables efficient and reproducible loading of extracellular vesicles with the therapeutic cargo. siRNAs are typically chemically modified to fit an application. However, siRNA chemical modification pattern has not been specifically optimized for extracellular vesicle-mediated delivery. Here we used cholesterol-conjugated, hydrophobically modified asymmetric siRNAs (hsiRNAs) to evaluate the effect of backbone, 5'-phosphate, and linker chemical modifications on productive hsiRNA loading onto extracellular vesicles. hsiRNAs with a combination of 5'-(E)-vinylphosphonate and alternating 2'-fluoro and 2'-O-methyl backbone modifications outperformed previously used partially modified siRNAs in extracellular vesicle-mediated Huntingtin silencing in neurons. Between two commercially available linkers (triethyl glycol [TEG] and 2-aminobutyl-1-3-propanediol [C7]) widely used to attach cholesterol to siRNAs, TEG is preferred compared to C7 for productive exosomal loading. Destabilization of the linker completely abolished silencing activity of loaded extracellular vesicles. The loading of cholesterol-conjugated siRNAs was saturated at ∼3,000 siRNA copies per extracellular vesicle. Overloading impaired the silencing activity of extracellular vesicles. The data reported here provide an optimization scheme for the successful use of hydrophobic modification as a strategy for productive loading of RNA cargo onto extracellular vesicles.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Reka Agnes Haraszti
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA; Program in Molecular Medicine, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
| | - Rachael Miller
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA; Department of Medicine, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
| | - Marie-Cecile Didiot
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA; Program in Molecular Medicine, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
| | - Annabelle Biscans
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA; Program in Molecular Medicine, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
| | - Julia F Alterman
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA; Program in Molecular Medicine, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
| | - Matthew R Hassler
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA; Program in Molecular Medicine, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
| | - Loic Roux
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA; Program in Molecular Medicine, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
| | - Dimas Echeverria
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA; Program in Molecular Medicine, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
| | - Ellen Sapp
- Mass General Institute for Neurodegenerative Disease, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Marian DiFiglia
- Mass General Institute for Neurodegenerative Disease, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Neil Aronin
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA; Department of Medicine, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA.
| | - Anastasia Khvorova
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA; Program in Molecular Medicine, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
46
|
Craig K, Abrams M, Amiji M. Recent preclinical and clinical advances in oligonucleotide conjugates. Expert Opin Drug Deliv 2018; 15:629-640. [PMID: 29727206 DOI: 10.1080/17425247.2018.1473375] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Oligonucleotide therapeutics have the potential to change the way disease is treated due to their ability to modulate gene expression of any therapeutic target in a highly specific and potent manner. Unfortunately, this drug class is plagued with inherently poor pharmacological characteristics, which need to be overcome. The development of a chemical modification library for oligonucleotides has addressed many of the initial challenges, but delivery of these payloads across plasma membranes remains difficult. The latest technological advances in oligonucleotide therapeutics utilizes direct conjugation to targeting ligands, which has improved bioavailability and target tissue exposure many-fold. The success of this approach has resulted in numerous clinical programs over the past 5 years. AREAS COVERED We review the literature on oligonucleotide conjugate strategies which have proven effective preclinically and clinically. We summarize the chemical modifications which allow parenteral administration as well as evaluate the efficacy of a multitude of conjugate approaches including lipids, peptides, carbohydrates, and antibodies. EXPERT OPINION The success of future conjugate strategies will likely rely on the effective combination of characteristics from earlier technologies. High-affinity ligand-receptor interactions can be critical to achieving meaningful accumulation in target tissues, but pharmacokinetic modulators which increase the circulating half-life may also be necessary. Synthesis of these approaches has the potential to bring the next breakthrough in oligonucleotide therapeutics.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kevin Craig
- a Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences , School of Pharmacy, Northeastern University , Boston , MA , USA.,b Department of Preclinical Development , Dicerna Pharmaceuticals, Inc , Cambridge , MA , USA
| | - Marc Abrams
- b Department of Preclinical Development , Dicerna Pharmaceuticals, Inc , Cambridge , MA , USA
| | - Mansoor Amiji
- a Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences , School of Pharmacy, Northeastern University , Boston , MA , USA
| |
Collapse
|
47
|
Osborn MF, Khvorova A. Improving siRNA Delivery In Vivo Through Lipid Conjugation. Nucleic Acid Ther 2018; 28:128-136. [PMID: 29746209 DOI: 10.1089/nat.2018.0725] [Citation(s) in RCA: 77] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
RNA interference (RNAi)-based therapeutics are approaching clinical approval for genetically defined diseases. Current clinical success is a result of significant innovations in the development of chemical architectures that support sustained, multi-month efficacy in vivo following a single administration. Conjugate-mediated delivery has established itself as the most promising platform for safe and targeted small interfering RNA (siRNA) delivery. Lipophilic conjugates represent a major class of modifications that improve siRNA pharmacokinetics and enable efficacy in a broad range of tissues. Here, we review current literature and define key features and limitations of this approach for in vivo modulation of gene expression.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Maire F Osborn
- 1 RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts Medical School , Worcester, Massachusetts
| | - Anastasia Khvorova
- 1 RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts Medical School , Worcester, Massachusetts.,2 Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Massachusetts Medical School , Worcester, Massachusetts
| |
Collapse
|
48
|
Lieberman J. Tapping the RNA world for therapeutics. Nat Struct Mol Biol 2018; 25:357-364. [PMID: 29662218 DOI: 10.1038/s41594-018-0054-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 130] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2018] [Accepted: 03/13/2018] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
A recent revolution in RNA biology has led to the identification of new RNA classes with unanticipated functions, new types of RNA modifications, an unexpected multiplicity of alternative transcripts and widespread transcription of extragenic regions. This development in basic RNA biology has spawned a corresponding revolution in RNA-based strategies to generate new types of therapeutics. Here, I review RNA-based drug design and discuss barriers to broader applications and possible ways to overcome them. Because they target nucleic acids rather than proteins, RNA-based drugs promise to greatly extend the domain of 'druggable' targets beyond what can be achieved with small molecules and biologics.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Judy Lieberman
- Program in Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Boston Children's Hospital and Department of Pediatrics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
49
|
Ligtenberg MA, Pico de Coaña Y, Shmushkovich T, Yoshimoto Y, Truxova I, Yang Y, Betancur-Boissel M, Eliseev AV, Wolfson AD, Kiessling R. Self-Delivering RNAi Targeting PD-1 Improves Tumor-Specific T Cell Functionality for Adoptive Cell Therapy of Malignant Melanoma. Mol Ther 2018; 26:1482-1493. [PMID: 29735366 PMCID: PMC5986970 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymthe.2018.04.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2017] [Revised: 04/05/2018] [Accepted: 04/10/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Adoptive cell therapy (ACT) is becoming a prominent alternative therapeutic treatment for cancer patients relapsing on traditional therapies. In parallel, antibodies targeting immune checkpoint molecules, such as cytotoxic-T-lymphocyte-associated antigen 4 (CTLA-4) and cell death protein 1 pathway (PD-1), are rapidly being approved for multiple cancer types, including as first line therapy for PD-L1-expressing non-small-cell lung cancer. The combination of ACT and checkpoint blockade could substantially boost the efficacy of ACT. In this study, we generated a novel self-delivering small interfering RNA (siRNA) (sdRNA) that knocked down PD-1 expression on healthy donor T cells as well as patient-derived tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TIL). We have developed an alternative chemical modification of RNA backbone for improved stability and increased efficacy. Our results show that T cells treated with sdRNA specific for PD-1 had increased interferon γ (IFN-γ) secreting capacity and that this modality of gene expression interference could be utilized in our rapid expansion protocol for production of TIL for therapy. TIL expanded in the presence of PD-1-specific sdRNA performed with increased functionality against autologous tumor as compared to control TIL. This method of introducing RNAi into T cells to modify the expression of proteins could easily be adopted into any ACT protocol and will lead to the exploration of new combination therapies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Maarten A Ligtenberg
- Department of Oncology and Pathology, Cancer Center Karolinska, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm 17176, Sweden
| | - Yago Pico de Coaña
- Department of Oncology and Pathology, Cancer Center Karolinska, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm 17176, Sweden.
| | | | - Yuya Yoshimoto
- Department of Oncology and Pathology, Cancer Center Karolinska, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm 17176, Sweden; Department of Radiation Oncology, Gunma University Graduate School of Medicine, Maebashi 371-8510, Japan
| | - Iva Truxova
- Department of Oncology and Pathology, Cancer Center Karolinska, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm 17176, Sweden; Charles University, 2(nd) Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Motol, 150 06 Prague, Czech Republic; Sotio A.S., 170 00 Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Yuan Yang
- Department of Oncology and Pathology, Cancer Center Karolinska, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm 17176, Sweden; Clinical Research Center, Guizhou Medical University Hospital, Guiyang 550025, People's Republic of China
| | | | | | | | - Rolf Kiessling
- Department of Oncology and Pathology, Cancer Center Karolinska, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm 17176, Sweden
| |
Collapse
|
50
|
Osborn MF, Coles AH, Golebiowski D, Echeverria D, Moazami MP, Watts JK, Sena-Esteves M, Khvorova A. Efficient Gene Silencing in Brain Tumors with Hydrophobically Modified siRNAs. Mol Cancer Ther 2018; 17:1251-1258. [PMID: 29654062 DOI: 10.1158/1535-7163.mct-17-1144] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2017] [Revised: 02/01/2018] [Accepted: 04/03/2018] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Glioblastoma (GBM) is the most common and lethal form of primary brain tumor with dismal median and 2-year survivals of 14.5 months and 18%, respectively. The paucity of new therapeutic agents stems from the complex biology of a highly adaptable tumor that uses multiple survival and proliferation mechanisms to circumvent current treatment approaches. Here, we investigated the potency of a new generation of siRNAs to silence gene expression in orthotopic brain tumors generated by transplantation of human glioma stem-like cells in athymic nude mice. We demonstrate that cholesterol-conjugated, nuclease-resistant siRNAs (Chol-hsiRNAs) decrease mRNA and silence luciferase expression by 90% in vitro in GBM neurospheres. Furthermore, Chol-hsiRNAs distribute broadly in brain tumors after a single intratumoral injection, achieving sustained and potent (>45% mRNA and >90% protein) tumor-specific gene silencing. This readily available platform is sequence-independent and can be adapted to target one or more candidate GBM driver genes, providing a straightforward means of modulating GBM biology in vivoMol Cancer Ther; 17(6); 1251-8. ©2018 AACR.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Maire F Osborn
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts.,Program in Molecular Medicine, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts
| | - Andrew H Coles
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts.,Program in Molecular Medicine, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts
| | - Diane Golebiowski
- Department of Neurology, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts.,Horae Gene Therapy Center, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts
| | - Dimas Echeverria
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts.,Program in Molecular Medicine, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts
| | - Michael P Moazami
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts.,Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts
| | - Jonathan K Watts
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts.,Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts
| | - Miguel Sena-Esteves
- Department of Neurology, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts. .,Horae Gene Therapy Center, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts
| | - Anastasia Khvorova
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts. .,Program in Molecular Medicine, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts
| |
Collapse
|