1
|
Sioud M, Juzeniene A, Sæbøe-Larssen S. Exploring the Impact of mRNA Modifications on Translation Efficiency and Immune Tolerance to Self-Antigens. Vaccines (Basel) 2024; 12:624. [PMID: 38932353 PMCID: PMC11209393 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines12060624] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2024] [Revised: 06/02/2024] [Accepted: 06/03/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Therapeutic modified mRNAs are being developed for a broad range of human diseases. However, the impact of potential miscoding of modified mRNAs on self-tolerance remains unknown. Additionally, more studies are needed to explore the effects of nucleoside alkylation on translation. While all six tested modifications are tolerated as substrates by T7 RNA polymerase and inhibited mRNA immunogenicity, the translation efficiency varied significantly depending on the type of modification. In contrast to methylation, ethylation at the N1 position of pseudouridine (Ψ) hindered translation, suggesting that the C5-C1' glycosidic bond alone is not a critical element for high translation. Inhibition of mRNA translation was also observed with 5-methoxyuridine modification. However, this inhibition was partially alleviated through the optimization of mRNA coding sequences. BALB/c mice immunized with syngeneic ψ-modified mRNA encoding for Wilms' tumor antigen-1 (WT1) developed a low but significant level of anti-WT1 IgG antibodies compared to those immunized with either unmodified or N1-methyl ψ-modified mRNA. Overall, the data indicate that adding a simple ethyl group (-CH2CH3) at the N1 position of ψ has a major negative effect on translation despite its reduced immunogenicity. Additionally, mRNA containing Ψ may alter translation fidelity at certain codons, which could lead to a breakdown of immune tolerance to self-antigens. This concern should be taken into account during gene replacement therapies, although it could benefit mRNA-based vaccines by generating a diverse repertoire of antigens.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mouldy Sioud
- Department of Cancer Immunology, Oslo University Hospital, Radiumhospitalet, Ullernchausseen 70, 0379 Oslo, Norway
| | - Asta Juzeniene
- Department of Radiation Biology, Oslo University Hospital, Radiumhospitalet, Ullernchausseen 70, 0379 Oslo, Norway;
| | - Stein Sæbøe-Larssen
- Department of cellular Therapy, Oslo University Hospital, Radiumhospitalet, Ullernchausseen 70, 0379 Oslo, Norway;
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Chen J, Liu Z, Fang H, Su Q, Fan Y, Song L, He S. Therapeutic efficacy of a novel self-assembled immunostimulatory siRNA combining apoptosis promotion with RIG-I activation in gliomas. J Transl Med 2024; 22:395. [PMID: 38685028 PMCID: PMC11057130 DOI: 10.1186/s12967-024-05151-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2023] [Accepted: 03/30/2024] [Indexed: 05/02/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Current cancer therapies often fall short in addressing the complexities of malignancies, underscoring the urgent need for innovative treatment strategies. RNA interference technology, which specifically suppresses gene expression, offers a promising new approach in the fight against tumors. Recent studies have identified a novel immunostimulatory small-interfering RNA (siRNA) with a unique sequence (sense strand, 5'-C; antisense strand, 3'-GGG) capable of activating the RIG-I/IRF3 signaling pathway. This activation induces the release of type I and III interferons, leading to an effective antiviral immune response. However, this class of immunostimulatory siRNA has not yet been explored in cancer therapy. METHODS IsiBCL-2, an innovative immunostimulatory siRNA designed to suppress the levels of B-cell lymphoma 2 (BCL-2), contains a distinctive motif (sense strand, 5'-C; antisense strand, 3'-GGG). Glioblastoma cells were subjected to 100 nM isiBCL-2 treatment in vitro for 48 h. Morphological changes, cell viability (CCK-8 assay), proliferation (colony formation assay), migration/invasion (scratch test and Transwell assay), apoptosis rate, reactive oxygen species (ROS), and mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) were evaluated. Western blotting and immunofluorescence analyses were performed to assess RIG-I and MHC-I molecule levels, and ELISA was utilized to measure the levels of cytokines (IFN-β and CXCL10). In vivo heterogeneous tumor models were established, and the anti-tumor effect of isiBCL-2 was confirmed through intratumoral injection. RESULTS IsiBCL-2 exhibited significant inhibitory effects on glioblastoma cell growth and induced apoptosis. BCL-2 mRNA levels were significantly decreased by 67.52%. IsiBCL-2 treatment resulted in an apoptotic rate of approximately 51.96%, accompanied by a 71.76% reduction in MMP and a 41.87% increase in ROS accumulation. Western blotting and immunofluorescence analyses demonstrated increased levels of RIG-I, MAVS, and MHC-I following isiBCL-2 treatment. ELISA tests indicated a significant increase in IFN-β and CXCL10 levels. In vivo studies using nude mice confirmed that isiBCL-2 effectively impeded the growth and progression of glioblastoma tumors. CONCLUSIONS This study introduces an innovative method to induce innate signaling by incorporating an immunostimulatory sequence (sense strand, 5'-C; antisense strand, 3'-GGG) into siRNA, resulting in the formation of RNA dimers through Hoogsteen base-pairing. This activation triggers the RIG-I signaling pathway in tumor cells, causing further damage and inducing a potent immune response. This inventive design and application of immunostimulatory siRNA offer a novel perspective on tumor immunotherapy, holding significant implications for the field.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Junxiao Chen
- Department of Pharmacy, Zhujiang Hospital of Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510282, Guangdong, China
| | - Ziyuan Liu
- Department of Pharmacy, Zhujiang Hospital of Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510282, Guangdong, China
| | - Haiting Fang
- Department of Pharmacy, Zhujiang Hospital of Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510282, Guangdong, China
| | - Qing Su
- Department of Pharmacy, Zhujiang Hospital of Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510282, Guangdong, China
| | - Yiqi Fan
- Department of Pharmacy, Zhujiang Hospital of Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510282, Guangdong, China
| | - Luyao Song
- Department of Pharmacy, Zhujiang Hospital of Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510282, Guangdong, China.
| | - Shuai He
- Department of Pharmacy, Zhujiang Hospital of Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510282, Guangdong, China.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Chen H, Gu Z, Yang L, Liu F, An R, Ge Y, Liang X. Direct dsRNA preparation by promoter-free RCT and RNase H cleavage using one circular dsDNA template with a mismatched bubble. RNA (NEW YORK, N.Y.) 2023; 29:1691-1702. [PMID: 37536954 PMCID: PMC10578470 DOI: 10.1261/rna.079670.123] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2023] [Accepted: 07/13/2023] [Indexed: 08/05/2023]
Abstract
Double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) has aroused widespread interest due to its effects on immunity and applications based on RNAi. However, the in vitro preparation of dsRNA is costly and laborious. In this study, we have developed a novel and interesting method designated as pfRCT (promoter-free rolling-circle transcription) for direct, facile, and efficient dsRNA preparation. This method generates equal amounts of sense and antisense strands simultaneously from a single circular dsDNA template. To initiate transcription by T7 RNA polymerase without directional preference, a 9-15-bp bubble (mismatched duplex with strong sequence symmetry) is introduced into the template. During RCT, all the necessary reagents, including the template, NTPs, RNA polymerase, RNase H, and Helpers, are present in one pot; and the just-transcribed RNA is immediately truncated by RNase H to monomers with the desired size. The ends of the dsRNA product can also be simply sealed by T4 RNA ligase 1 after pfRCT. This new approach is expected to promote the applications of dsRNA.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hui Chen
- College of Food Science and Engineering, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266550, Shandong, China
- Laboratory for Marine Drugs and Bioproducts, Qingdao National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology, Qingdao 266235, Shandong, China
| | - Zhenzhu Gu
- College of Food Science and Engineering, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266550, Shandong, China
| | - Liu Yang
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology School of Basic Medicine, Qingdao University, Qingdao 266071, Shandong, China
| | - Feng Liu
- College of Food Science and Engineering, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266550, Shandong, China
| | - Ran An
- College of Food Science and Engineering, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266550, Shandong, China
- Laboratory for Marine Drugs and Bioproducts, Qingdao National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology, Qingdao 266235, Shandong, China
| | - Yinlin Ge
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology School of Basic Medicine, Qingdao University, Qingdao 266071, Shandong, China
| | - Xingguo Liang
- College of Food Science and Engineering, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266550, Shandong, China
- Laboratory for Marine Drugs and Bioproducts, Qingdao National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology, Qingdao 266235, Shandong, China
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Kaushal A. Innate immune regulations and various siRNA modalities. Drug Deliv Transl Res 2023; 13:2704-2718. [PMID: 37219704 PMCID: PMC10204684 DOI: 10.1007/s13346-023-01361-4] [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] [Accepted: 04/29/2023] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
RNAi therapeutics are designed to produce the precise silencing effects against the gene-linked diseases which were known to be untreatable in the past. The highly immunostimulatory nature of siRNA enhances the off-target effects and easily get attacked by nucleases; hence, their modulation is essentially required for accurate alterations to be made in the structures to intensify the pharmacological attributes. The phosphonate modifications act as shield against undue phosphorylation effects, and the molecular changes in ribose sugar lowers the level of immunogenicity and increases the binding efficacy. When bases are substituted with virtual/or pseudo bases, they eventually reduce the off-target effects. These changes modulate the nucleic acid sensors and control the hyper-activation of innate immune response. Various modification designs based on STC (universal pattern), ESC, ESC + (advanced patterns) and disubstrate have been explored to silence the gene expression of various diseases e.g., hepatitis, HIV, influenza, RSV, CNV and acute kidney injury. This review describes the various innovative siRNA therapeutics and their implications on the developed immune regulations to silence the disease effects. siRNA causes the silencing effects through RISC processing. The innate immune signalling is induced by both TLR-dependent and TLR-independent pathways. Modification chemistries are utilized to modulate the immune response.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Anju Kaushal
- New Zealand Organization for Quality-Member, Auckland, New Zealand.
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Muslimov A, Tereshchenko V, Shevyrev D, Rogova A, Lepik K, Reshetnikov V, Ivanov R. The Dual Role of the Innate Immune System in the Effectiveness of mRNA Therapeutics. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:14820. [PMID: 37834268 PMCID: PMC10573212 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241914820] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2023] [Revised: 09/24/2023] [Accepted: 09/28/2023] [Indexed: 10/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Advances in molecular biology have revolutionized the use of messenger RNA (mRNA) as a therapeutic. The concept of nucleic acid therapy with mRNA originated in 1990 when Wolff et al. reported successful expression of proteins in target organs by direct injection of either plasmid DNA or mRNA. It took decades to bring the transfection efficiency of mRNA closer to that of DNA. The next few decades were dedicated to turning in vitro-transcribed (IVT) mRNA from a promising delivery tool for gene therapy into a full-blown therapeutic modality, which changed the biotech market rapidly. Hundreds of clinical trials are currently underway using mRNA for prophylaxis and therapy of infectious diseases and cancers, in regenerative medicine, and genome editing. The potential of IVT mRNA to induce an innate immune response favors its use for vaccination and immunotherapy. Nonetheless, in non-immunotherapy applications, the intrinsic immunostimulatory activity of mRNA directly hinders the desired therapeutic effect since it can seriously impair the target protein expression. Targeting the same innate immune factors can increase the effectiveness of mRNA therapeutics for some indications and decrease it for others, and vice versa. The review aims to present the innate immunity-related 'barriers' or 'springboards' that may affect the development of immunotherapies and non-immunotherapy applications of mRNA medicines.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Albert Muslimov
- Scientific Center for Translational Medicine, Sirius University of Science and Technology, Olympic Ave 1, 354340 Sirius, Russia; (V.T.); (D.S.); (V.R.); (R.I.)
- Laboratory of Nano- and Microencapsulation of Biologically Active Substances, Peter the Great St. Petersburg Polytechnic University, Polytechnicheskaya 29, 195251 St. Petersburg, Russia;
- RM Gorbacheva Research Institute, Pavlov University, L’va Tolstogo 6-8, 197022 St. Petersburg, Russia;
| | - Valeriy Tereshchenko
- Scientific Center for Translational Medicine, Sirius University of Science and Technology, Olympic Ave 1, 354340 Sirius, Russia; (V.T.); (D.S.); (V.R.); (R.I.)
| | - Daniil Shevyrev
- Scientific Center for Translational Medicine, Sirius University of Science and Technology, Olympic Ave 1, 354340 Sirius, Russia; (V.T.); (D.S.); (V.R.); (R.I.)
| | - Anna Rogova
- Laboratory of Nano- and Microencapsulation of Biologically Active Substances, Peter the Great St. Petersburg Polytechnic University, Polytechnicheskaya 29, 195251 St. Petersburg, Russia;
- Saint-Petersburg Chemical-Pharmaceutical University, Professora Popova 14, 197376 St. Petersburg, Russia
- School of Physics and Engineering, ITMO University, Lomonosova 9, 191002 St. Petersburg, Russia
| | - Kirill Lepik
- RM Gorbacheva Research Institute, Pavlov University, L’va Tolstogo 6-8, 197022 St. Petersburg, Russia;
| | - Vasiliy Reshetnikov
- Scientific Center for Translational Medicine, Sirius University of Science and Technology, Olympic Ave 1, 354340 Sirius, Russia; (V.T.); (D.S.); (V.R.); (R.I.)
- Institute of Cytology and Genetics, Siberian Branch of Russian Academy of Sciences, Prospekt Akad. Lavrentyeva 10, 630090 Novosibirsk, Russia
| | - Roman Ivanov
- Scientific Center for Translational Medicine, Sirius University of Science and Technology, Olympic Ave 1, 354340 Sirius, Russia; (V.T.); (D.S.); (V.R.); (R.I.)
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Uchida S, Lau CYJ, Oba M, Miyata K. Polyplex designs for improving the stability and safety of RNA therapeutics. Adv Drug Deliv Rev 2023; 199:114972. [PMID: 37364611 DOI: 10.1016/j.addr.2023.114972] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2023] [Revised: 06/15/2023] [Accepted: 06/21/2023] [Indexed: 06/28/2023]
Abstract
Nanoparticle-based delivery systems have contributed to the recent clinical success of RNA therapeutics, including siRNA and mRNA. RNA delivery using polymers has several distinct properties, such as enabling RNA delivery into extra-hepatic organs, modulation of immune responses to RNA, and regulation of intracellular RNA release. However, delivery systems should overcome safety and stability issues to achieve widespread therapeutic applications. Safety concerns include direct damage to cellular components, innate and adaptive immune responses, complement activation, and interaction with surrounding molecules and cells in the blood circulation. The stability of the delivery systems should balance extracellular RNA protection and controlled intracellular RNA release, which requires optimization for each RNA species. Further, polymer designs for improving safety and stability often conflict with each other. This review covers advances in polymer-based approaches to address these issues over several years, focusing on biological understanding and design concepts for delivery systems rather than material chemistry.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Satoshi Uchida
- Department of Advanced Nanomedical Engineering, Medical Research Institute, Tokyo Medical and Dental University (TMDU), 1-5-45 Yushima, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-8510, Japan; Medical Chemistry, Graduate School of Medical Science, Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine, 1-5 Shimogamohangi-cho, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto, 606-0823, Japan; Innovation Center of NanoMedicine (iCONM), Kawasaki Institute of Industrial Promotion, 3-25-14 Tonomachi, Kawasaki-ku, Kawasaki, 210-0821, Japan.
| | - Chun Yin Jerry Lau
- Department of Materials Engineering, Graduate School of Engineering, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8656, Japan
| | - Makoto Oba
- Medical Chemistry, Graduate School of Medical Science, Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine, 1-5 Shimogamohangi-cho, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto, 606-0823, Japan
| | - Kanjiro Miyata
- Department of Materials Engineering, Graduate School of Engineering, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8656, Japan; Department of Bioengineering, Graduate School of Engineering, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8656, Japan.
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Qiu HY, Ji RJ, Zhang Y. Current advances of CRISPR-Cas technology in cell therapy. CELL INSIGHT 2022; 1:100067. [PMID: 37193354 PMCID: PMC10120314 DOI: 10.1016/j.cellin.2022.100067] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2022] [Revised: 10/12/2022] [Accepted: 10/21/2022] [Indexed: 05/18/2023]
Abstract
CRISPR-Cas is a versatile genome editing technology that has been broadly applied in both basic research and translation medicine. Ever since its discovery, the bacterial derived endonucleases have been engineered to a collection of robust genome-editing tools for introducing frameshift mutations or base conversions at site-specific loci. Since the initiation of first-in-human trial in 2016, CRISPR-Cas has been tested in 57 cell therapy trials, 38 of which focusing on engineered CAR-T cells and TCR-T cells for cancer malignancies, 15 trials of engineered hematopoietic stem cells treating hemoglobinopathies, leukemia and AIDS, and 4 trials of engineered iPSCs for diabetes and cancer. Here, we aim to review the recent breakthroughs of CRISPR technology and highlight their applications in cell therapy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hou-Yuan Qiu
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Medical Research Institute, Frontier Science Center for Immunology and Metabolism, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430071, China
| | - Rui-Jin Ji
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Medical Research Institute, Frontier Science Center for Immunology and Metabolism, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430071, China
| | - Ying Zhang
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Medical Research Institute, Frontier Science Center for Immunology and Metabolism, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430071, China
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Si L, Bai H, Oh CY, Jiang A, Hong F, Zhang T, Ye Y, Jordan TX, Logue J, McGrath M, Belgur C, Calderon K, Nurani A, Cao W, Carlson KE, Prantil-Baun R, Gygi SP, Yang D, Jonsson CB, tenOever BR, Frieman M, Ingber DE. Self-assembling short immunostimulatory duplex RNAs with broad-spectrum antiviral activity. MOLECULAR THERAPY. NUCLEIC ACIDS 2022; 29:923-940. [PMID: 36032397 PMCID: PMC9398551 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtn.2022.08.031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2022] [Accepted: 08/16/2022] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
The current coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic highlights the need for broad-spectrum antiviral therapeutics. Here we describe a new class of self-assembling immunostimulatory short duplex RNAs that potently induce production of type I and type III interferon (IFN-I and IFN-III). These RNAs require a minimum of 20 base pairs, lack any sequence or structural characteristics of known immunostimulatory RNAs, and instead require a unique sequence motif (sense strand, 5'-C; antisense strand, 3'-GGG) that mediates end-to-end dimer self-assembly. The presence of terminal hydroxyl or monophosphate groups, blunt or overhanging ends, or terminal RNA or DNA bases did not affect their ability to induce IFN. Unlike previously described immunostimulatory small interfering RNAs (siRNAs), their activity is independent of Toll-like receptor (TLR) 7/8, but requires the RIG-I/IRF3 pathway that induces a more restricted antiviral response with a lower proinflammatory signature compared with immunostimulant poly(I:C). Immune stimulation mediated by these duplex RNAs results in broad-spectrum inhibition of infections by many respiratory viruses with pandemic potential, including severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus (SARS-CoV)-2, SARS-CoV, Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV), human coronavirus (HCoV)-NL63, and influenza A virus in cell lines, human lung chips that mimic organ-level lung pathophysiology, and a mouse SARS-CoV-2 infection model. These short double-stranded RNAs (dsRNAs) can be manufactured easily, and thus potentially could be harnessed to produce broad-spectrum antiviral therapeutics.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Longlong Si
- Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering, Harvard University, CLSB5, 3 Blackfan Circle, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Haiqing Bai
- Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering, Harvard University, CLSB5, 3 Blackfan Circle, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Crystal Yuri Oh
- Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering, Harvard University, CLSB5, 3 Blackfan Circle, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Amanda Jiang
- Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering, Harvard University, CLSB5, 3 Blackfan Circle, Boston, MA 02115, USA,Vascular Biology Program and Department of Surgery, Boston Children’s Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Fan Hong
- Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering, Harvard University, CLSB5, 3 Blackfan Circle, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Tian Zhang
- Department of Cell Biology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Yongxin Ye
- Department of Genetics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02155, USA
| | - Tristan X. Jordan
- Department of Microbiology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA
| | - James Logue
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA
| | - Marisa McGrath
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA
| | - Chaitra Belgur
- Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering, Harvard University, CLSB5, 3 Blackfan Circle, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Karina Calderon
- Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering, Harvard University, CLSB5, 3 Blackfan Circle, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Atiq Nurani
- Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering, Harvard University, CLSB5, 3 Blackfan Circle, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Wuji Cao
- Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering, Harvard University, CLSB5, 3 Blackfan Circle, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Kenneth E. Carlson
- Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering, Harvard University, CLSB5, 3 Blackfan Circle, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Rachelle Prantil-Baun
- Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering, Harvard University, CLSB5, 3 Blackfan Circle, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Steven P. Gygi
- Department of Cell Biology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Dong Yang
- Regional Biocontainment Laboratory, The University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN 38105, USA
| | - Colleen B. Jonsson
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Biochemistry, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN 38105, USA
| | - Benjamin R. tenOever
- Department of Microbiology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA
| | - Matthew Frieman
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA
| | - Donald E. Ingber
- Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering, Harvard University, CLSB5, 3 Blackfan Circle, Boston, MA 02115, USA,Vascular Biology Program and Department of Surgery, Boston Children’s Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA,Harvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA,Corresponding author Donald E. Ingber, MD, PhD, Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering, Harvard University, CLSB5, 3 Blackfan Circle, Boston, MA 02115, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Levanova AA, Lampi M, Kalke K, Hukkanen V, Poranen MM, Eskelin K. Native RNA Purification Method for Small RNA Molecules Based on Asymmetrical Flow Field-Flow Fractionation. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2022; 15:ph15020261. [PMID: 35215370 PMCID: PMC8876226 DOI: 10.3390/ph15020261] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2022] [Revised: 02/18/2022] [Accepted: 02/18/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
RNA molecules provide promising new possibilities for the prevention and treatment of viral infections and diseases. The rapid development of RNA biology and medicine requires advanced methods for the purification of RNA molecules, which allow fast and efficient RNA processing, preferably under non-denaturing conditions. Asymmetrical flow field-flow fractionation (AF4) enables gentle separation and purification of macromolecules based on their diffusion coefficients. The aim of the study was to develop an AF4 method for efficient purification of enzymatically produced antiviral small interfering (si)RNA molecules and to evaluate the overall potential of AF4 in the separation of short single-stranded (ss) and double-stranded (ds) RNA molecules. We show that AF4 separates monomeric ssRNA from dsRNA molecules of the same size and monomeric ssRNA from multimeric forms of the same ssRNA. The developed AF4 method enabled the separation of enzymatically produced 27-nt siRNAs from partially digested substrate dsRNA, which is potentially toxic for mammalian cells. The recovery of AF4-purified enzymatically produced siRNA molecules was about 70%, which is about 20% higher than obtained using anion-exchange chromatography. The AF4-purified siRNAs were not toxic for mammalian cells and fully retained their biological activity as confirmed by efficient inhibition of herpes simplex virus 1 replication in cell culture. Our work is the first to develop AF4 methods for the separation of short RNA molecules.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alesia A. Levanova
- Molecular and Integrative Biosciences Research Programme, Biological and Environmental Sciences, University of Helsinki, Viikinkaari 9, FI-00014 Helsinki, Finland; (A.A.L.); (M.L.)
| | - Mirka Lampi
- Molecular and Integrative Biosciences Research Programme, Biological and Environmental Sciences, University of Helsinki, Viikinkaari 9, FI-00014 Helsinki, Finland; (A.A.L.); (M.L.)
| | - Kiira Kalke
- Institute of Biomedicine, University of Turku, FI-20014 Turku, Finland; (K.K.); (V.H.)
| | - Veijo Hukkanen
- Institute of Biomedicine, University of Turku, FI-20014 Turku, Finland; (K.K.); (V.H.)
| | - Minna M. Poranen
- Molecular and Integrative Biosciences Research Programme, Biological and Environmental Sciences, University of Helsinki, Viikinkaari 9, FI-00014 Helsinki, Finland; (A.A.L.); (M.L.)
- Correspondence: (M.M.P.); (K.E.)
| | - Katri Eskelin
- Molecular and Integrative Biosciences Research Programme, Biological and Environmental Sciences, University of Helsinki, Viikinkaari 9, FI-00014 Helsinki, Finland; (A.A.L.); (M.L.)
- Correspondence: (M.M.P.); (K.E.)
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Nance KD, Gamage ST, Alam MM, Yang A, Levy MJ, Link CN, Florens L, Washburn MP, Gu S, Oppenheim JJ, Meier JL. Cytidine acetylation yields a hypoinflammatory synthetic messenger RNA. Cell Chem Biol 2022; 29:312-320.e7. [PMID: 35180432 PMCID: PMC10370389 DOI: 10.1016/j.chembiol.2021.07.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2021] [Revised: 05/26/2021] [Accepted: 06/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Synthetic messenger RNA (mRNA) is an emerging therapeutic platform with important applications in oncology and infectious disease. Effective mRNA medicines must be translated by the ribosome but not trigger a strong nucleic acid-mediated immune response. To expand the medicinal chemistry toolbox for these agents, here we report the properties of the naturally occurring nucleobase N4-acetylcytidine (ac4C) in synthetic mRNAs. We find that ac4C is compatible with, but does not enhance, protein production in the context of synthetic mRNA reporters. However, replacement of cytidine with ac4C diminishes inflammatory gene expression in immune cells caused by synthetic mRNAs. Chemoproteomic capture indicates that ac4C alters the protein interactome of synthetic mRNAs, reducing binding to cytidine-binding proteins and an immune sensor. Overall, our studies illustrate the unique ability of ac4C to modulate RNA-protein interactions and provide a foundation for using N4-cytidine acylation to fine-tune the properties of nucleic acid therapeutics.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kellie D Nance
- Chemical Biology Laboratory, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, 538 Chandler Street, Frederick, MD 21702, USA
| | - Supuni Thalalla Gamage
- Chemical Biology Laboratory, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, 538 Chandler Street, Frederick, MD 21702, USA
| | - Md Masud Alam
- Laboratory of Cancer Immunometabolism, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, 538 Chandler Street, Frederick, MD 21702, USA
| | - Acong Yang
- RNA Biology Laboratory, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, 538 Chandler Street, Frederick, MD 21702, USA
| | - Michaella J Levy
- Stowers Institute for Medical Research, Kansas City, MO 64110, USA
| | - Courtney N Link
- Chemical Biology Laboratory, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, 538 Chandler Street, Frederick, MD 21702, USA
| | - Laurence Florens
- Stowers Institute for Medical Research, Kansas City, MO 64110, USA
| | - Michael P Washburn
- Department of Cancer Biology, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS 66160, USA
| | - Shuo Gu
- RNA Biology Laboratory, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, 538 Chandler Street, Frederick, MD 21702, USA
| | - Joost J Oppenheim
- Laboratory of Cancer Immunometabolism, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, 538 Chandler Street, Frederick, MD 21702, USA
| | - Jordan L Meier
- Chemical Biology Laboratory, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, 538 Chandler Street, Frederick, MD 21702, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Si L, Bai H, Oh CY, Zhang T, Hong F, Jiang A, Ye Y, Jordan TX, Logue J, McGrath M, Belgur C, Nurani A, Cao W, Prantil-Baun R, Gygi SP, Powers RK, Frieman M, tenOever BR, Ingber DE. Self-assembling short immunostimulatory duplex RNAs with broad spectrum antiviral activity. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2021:2021.11.19.469183. [PMID: 34845453 PMCID: PMC8629196 DOI: 10.1101/2021.11.19.469183] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
The current COVID-19 pandemic highlights the need for broad-spectrum antiviral therapeutics. Here we describe a new class of self-assembling immunostimulatory short duplex RNAs that potently induce production of type I and type III interferon (IFN-I and IFN-III), in a wide range of human cell types. These RNAs require a minimum of 20 base pairs, lack any sequence or structural characteristics of known immunostimulatory RNAs, and instead require a unique conserved sequence motif (sense strand: 5'-C, antisense strand: 3'-GGG) that mediates end-to-end dimer self-assembly of these RNAs by Hoogsteen G-G base-pairing. The presence of terminal hydroxyl or monophosphate groups, blunt or overhanging ends, or terminal RNA or DNA bases did not affect their ability to induce IFN. Unlike previously described immunostimulatory siRNAs, their activity is independent of TLR7/8, but requires the RIG-I/IRF3 pathway that induces a more restricted antiviral response with a lower proinflammatory signature compared with poly(I:C). Immune stimulation mediated by these duplex RNAs results in broad spectrum inhibition of infections by many respiratory viruses with pandemic potential, including SARS-CoV-2, SARS-CoV, MERS-CoV, and influenza A, as well as the common cold virus HCoV-NL63 in both cell lines and human Lung Chips that mimic organ-level lung pathophysiology. These short dsRNAs can be manufactured easily, and thus potentially could be harnessed to produce broad-spectrum antiviral therapeutics at low cost.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Longlong Si
- Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering, Harvard University, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Haiqing Bai
- Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering, Harvard University, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Crystal Yuri Oh
- Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering, Harvard University, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Tian Zhang
- Department of Cell Biology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Fan Hong
- Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering, Harvard University, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Amanda Jiang
- Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering, Harvard University, Boston, MA 02115, USA
- Vascular Biology Program and Department of Surgery, Boston Children’s Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Yongxin Ye
- Department of Genetics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02155, USA
| | - Tristan X. Jordan
- Department of Microbiology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - James Logue
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA
| | - Marisa McGrath
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA
| | - Chaitra Belgur
- Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering, Harvard University, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Atiq Nurani
- Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering, Harvard University, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Wuji Cao
- Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering, Harvard University, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Rachelle Prantil-Baun
- Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering, Harvard University, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Steven P Gygi
- Department of Cell Biology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Rani K. Powers
- Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering, Harvard University, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Matthew Frieman
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA
| | - Benjamin R. tenOever
- Department of Microbiology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Donald E. Ingber
- Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering, Harvard University, Boston, MA 02115, USA
- Harvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
- Vascular Biology Program and Department of Surgery, Boston Children’s Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Yu AM, Tu MJ. Deliver the promise: RNAs as a new class of molecular entities for therapy and vaccination. Pharmacol Ther 2021; 230:107967. [PMID: 34403681 PMCID: PMC9477512 DOI: 10.1016/j.pharmthera.2021.107967] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2021] [Revised: 07/06/2021] [Accepted: 07/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
The concepts of developing RNAs as new molecular entities for therapies have arisen again and again since the discoveries of antisense RNAs, direct RNA-protein interactions, functional noncoding RNAs, and RNA-directed gene editing. The feasibility was demonstrated with the development and utilization of synthetic RNA agents to selectively control target gene expression, modulate protein functions or alter the genome to manage diseases. Rather, RNAs are labile to degradation and cannot cross cell membrane barriers, making it hard to develop RNA medications. With the development of viable RNA technologies, such as chemistry and pharmaceutics, eight antisense oligonucleotides (ASOs) (fomivirsen, mipomersen, eteplirsen, nusinersen, inotersen, golodirsen, viltolarsen and casimersen), one aptamer (pegaptanib), and three small interfering RNAs (siRNAs) (patisiran, givosiran and lumasiran) have been approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for therapies, and two mRNA vaccines (BNT162b2 and mRNA-1273) under Emergency Use Authorization for the prevention of COVID-19. Therefore, RNAs have become a great addition to small molecules, proteins/antibodies, and cell-based modalities to improve the public health. In this article, we first summarize the general characteristics of therapeutic RNA agents, including chemistry, common delivery strategies, mechanisms of actions, and safety. By overviewing individual RNA medications and vaccines approved by the FDA and some agents under development, we illustrate the unique compositions and pharmacological actions of RNA products. A new era of RNA research and development will likely lead to commercialization of more RNA agents for medical use, expanding the range of therapeutic targets and increasing the diversity of molecular modalities.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ai-Ming Yu
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, UC Davis School of Medicine, Sacramento, CA 95817, USA.
| | - Mei-Juan Tu
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, UC Davis School of Medicine, Sacramento, CA 95817, USA
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Bolhassani A, Milani A. Small Interfering RNAs and their Delivery Systems: A Novel Powerful Tool for the Potential Treatment of HIV Infections. Curr Mol Pharmacol 2021; 13:173-181. [PMID: 31760929 DOI: 10.2174/1874467212666191023120954] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2019] [Revised: 10/12/2019] [Accepted: 10/15/2019] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Small interfering RNAs (siRNAs) have rapidly developed into biomedical research as a novel tool for the potential treatment of various human diseases. They are based on altered gene expression. In spite of the availability of highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART), there is a specific interest in developing siRNAs as a therapeutic agent for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) due to several problems including toxicity and drug resistance along with long term treatment. The successful use of siRNAs for therapeutic goals needs safe and effective delivery to specific cells and tissues. Indeed, the efficiency of gene silencing depends on the potency of the carrier used for siRNA delivery. The combination of siRNA and nano-carriers is a potent method to prevent the limitations of siRNA formulation. Three steps were involved in non-viral siRNA carriers such as the complex formation of siRNA with a cationic carrier, conjugation of siRNA with small molecules, and encapsulation of siRNA within nanoparticles. In this mini-review, the designed siRNAs and their carriers are described against HIV-1 infections both in vitro and in vivo.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Azam Bolhassani
- Department of Hepatitis and AIDS, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran
| | - Alireza Milani
- Department of Hepatitis and AIDS, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran.,Iranian Comprehensive Hemophilia Care Center, Tehran, Iran
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Lim KRQ, Yokota T. Genetic Approaches for the Treatment of Facioscapulohumeral Muscular Dystrophy. Front Pharmacol 2021; 12:642858. [PMID: 33776777 PMCID: PMC7996372 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2021.642858] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2020] [Accepted: 02/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy (FSHD) is an autosomal dominant disorder characterized by progressive, asymmetric muscle weakness at the face, shoulders, and upper limbs, which spreads to the lower body with age. It is the third most common inherited muscular disorder worldwide. Around 20% of patients are wheelchair-bound, and some present with extramuscular manifestations. FSHD is caused by aberrant expression of the double homeobox protein 4 (DUX4) gene in muscle. DUX4 codes for a transcription factor which, in skeletal muscle, dysregulates numerous signaling activities that culminate in cytotoxicity. Potential treatments for FSHD therefore aim to reduce the expression of DUX4 or the activity of its toxic protein product. In this article, we review how genetic approaches such as those based on oligonucleotide and genome editing technologies have been developed to achieve these goals. We also outline the challenges these therapies are facing on the road to translation, and discuss possible solutions and future directions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kenji Rowel Q. Lim
- Department of Medical Genetics, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Toshifumi Yokota
- Department of Medical Genetics, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
- The Friends of Garrett Cumming Research and Muscular Dystrophy Canada, HM Toupin Neurological Science Research Chair, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Dual Effects of Let-7b in the Early Stage of Hepatitis C Virus Infection. J Virol 2021; 95:JVI.01800-20. [PMID: 33208444 DOI: 10.1128/jvi.01800-20] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2020] [Accepted: 11/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
MicroRNA let-7b expression is induced by infection of hepatitis C virus (HCV) and is involved in the regulation of HCV replication by directly targeting the HCV genome. The current study demonstrated that let-7b directly targets negative regulators of type I interferon (IFN) signaling thereby limiting HCV replication in the early stage of HCV infection. Let-7b-regulated genes which are involved in host cellular responses to HCV infection were unveiled by microarray profiling and bioinformatic analyses, followed by various molecular and cellular assays using Huh7 cells expressing wild-type (WT) or the seed region-mutated let-7b. Let-7b targeted the cytokine signaling 1 (SOCS1) protein, a negative regulator of JAK/STAT signaling, which then enhanced STAT1-Y701 phosphorylation leading to increased expression of the downstream interferon-stimulated genes (ISGs). Let-7b augmented retinoic acid-inducible gene I (RIG-I) signaling, but not MDA5, to phosphorylate and nuclear translocate IRF3 leading to increased expression of IFN-β. Let-7b directly targeted the ATG12 and IκB kinase alpha (IKKα) transcripts and reduced the interaction of the ATG5-ATG12 conjugate and RIG-I leading to increased expression of IFN, which may further stimulate JAK/STAT signaling. Let-7b induced by HCV infection elicits dual effects on IFN expression and signaling, along with targeting the coding sequences of NS5B and 5' UTR of the HCV genome, and limits HCV RNA accumulation in the early stage of HCV infection. Controlling let-7b expression is thereby crucial in the intervention of HCV infection.IMPORTANCE HCV is a leading cause of liver disease, with an estimated 71 million people infected worldwide. During HCV infection, type I interferon (IFN) signaling displays potent antiviral and immunomodulatory effects. Host factors, including microRNAs (miRNAs), play a role in upregulating IFN signaling to limit HCV replication. Let-7b is a liver-abundant miRNA that is induced by HCV infection and targets the HCV genome to suppress HCV RNA accumulation. In this study, we demonstrated that let-7b, as a positive regulator of type I IFN signaling, plays dual roles against HCV replication by increasing the expression of IFN and interferon-sensitive response element (ISRE)-driven interferon-stimulated genes (ISGs) in the early stage of HCV infection. This study sheds new insight into understanding the role of let-7b in combatting HCV infection. Clarifying IFN signaling regulated by miRNA during the early phase of HCV infection may help researchers understand the initial defense mechanisms to other RNA viruses.
Collapse
|
16
|
Hashemi A, Gorji-Bahri G. MicroRNA: Promising Roles in Cancer Therapy. Curr Pharm Biotechnol 2020; 21:1186-1203. [PMID: 32310047 DOI: 10.2174/1389201021666200420101613] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2020] [Revised: 03/17/2020] [Accepted: 03/31/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
MicroRNAs (miRNA) are small non-coding RNAs that act as one of the main regulators of gene expression. They are involved in maintaining a proper balance of diverse processes, including differentiation, proliferation, and cell death in normal cells. Cancer biology can also be affected by these molecules by modulating the expression of oncogenes or tumor suppressor genes. Thus, miRNA based anticancer therapy is currently being developed either alone or in combination with chemotherapy agents used in cancer management, aiming at promoting tumor regression and increasing cure rate. Access to large quantities of RNA agents can facilitate RNA research and development. In addition to currently used in vitro methods, fermentation-based approaches have recently been developed, which can cost-effectively produce biological RNA agents with proper folding needed for the development of RNA-based therapeutics. Nevertheless, a major challenge in translating preclinical studies to clinical for miRNA-based cancer therapy is the efficient delivery of these agents to target cells. Targeting miRNAs/anti-miRNAs using antibodies and/or peptides can minimize cellular and systemic toxicity. Here, we provide a brief review of miRNA in the following aspects: biogenesis and mechanism of action of miRNAs, the role of miRNAs in cancer as tumor suppressors or oncogenes, the potential of using miRNAs as novel and promising therapeutics, miRNA-mediated chemo-sensitization, and currently utilized methods for the in vitro and in vivo production of RNA agents. Finally, an update on the viral and non-viral delivery systems is addressed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Atieh Hashemi
- Department of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, School of Pharmacy, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Gilar Gorji-Bahri
- Department of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, School of Pharmacy, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Abstract
Messenger RNA (mRNA) has immense potential for developing a wide range of therapies, including immunotherapy and protein replacement. As mRNA presents no risk of integration into the host genome and does not require nuclear entry for transfection, which allows protein production even in nondividing cells, mRNA-based approaches can be envisioned as safe and practical therapeutic strategies. Nevertheless, mRNA presents unfavorable characteristics, such as large size, immunogenicity, limited cellular uptake, and sensitivity to enzymatic degradation, which hinder its use as a therapeutic agent. While mRNA stability and immunogenicity have been ameliorated by direct modifications on the mRNA structure, further improvements in mRNA delivery are still needed for promoting its activity in biological settings. In this regard, nanomedicine has shown the ability for spatiotemporally controlling the function of a myriad of bioactive agents in vivo. Direct engineering of nanomedicine structures for loading, protecting, and releasing mRNA and navigating in biological environments can then be applied for promoting mRNA translation toward the development of effective treatments. Here, we review recent approaches aimed at enhancing mRNA function and its delivery through nanomedicines, with particular emphasis on their applications and eventual clinical translation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Satoshi Uchida
- Department of Bioengineering, Graduate School of Engineering, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8656, Japan.,Innovation Center of NanoMedicine, Kawasaki Institute of Industrial Promotion, 3-25-14, Tonomachi, Kawasaki 210-0821, Japan
| | - Federico Perche
- Centre de Biophysique Moléculaire, UPR4301 CNRS Rue Charles Sadron Orléans, Orléans 45071 Cedex 02, France
| | - Chantal Pichon
- Centre de Biophysique Moléculaire, UPR4301 CNRS Rue Charles Sadron Orléans, Orléans 45071 Cedex 02, France.,Faculty of Sciences and Techniques, University of Orléans, Orléans 45071 Cedex 02, France
| | - Horacio Cabral
- Department of Bioengineering, Graduate School of Engineering, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8656, Japan.,Innovation Center of NanoMedicine, Kawasaki Institute of Industrial Promotion, 3-25-14, Tonomachi, Kawasaki 210-0821, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Bartok E, Hartmann G. Immune Sensing Mechanisms that Discriminate Self from Altered Self and Foreign Nucleic Acids. Immunity 2020; 53:54-77. [PMID: 32668228 PMCID: PMC7359798 DOI: 10.1016/j.immuni.2020.06.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 99] [Impact Index Per Article: 24.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2020] [Revised: 06/15/2020] [Accepted: 06/16/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
All lifeforms have developed highly sophisticated systems equipped to detect altered self and non-self nucleic acids (NA). In vertebrates, NA-sensing receptors safeguard the integrity of the organism by detecting pathogens, dyshomeostasis and damage, and inducing appropriate responses to eliminate pathogens and reconstitute homeostasis. Effector mechanisms include i) immune signaling, ii) restriction of NA functions such as inhibition of mRNA translation, and iii) cell death pathways. An appropriate effector response is necessary for host defense, but dysregulated NA-sensing can lead to devastating autoimmune and autoinflammatory disease. Their inherent biochemical similarity renders the reliable distinction between self NA under homeostatic conditions and altered or exogenous NA particularly challenging. In this review, we provide an overview of recent progress in our understanding of the closely coordinated and regulated network of innate immune receptors, restriction factors, and nucleases to effectively respond to pathogens and maintain host integrity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Eva Bartok
- Institute of Clinical Chemistry and Clinical Pharmacology, University Hospital Bonn, Venusberg-Campus 1, 53127 Bonn, Germany
| | - Gunther Hartmann
- Institute of Clinical Chemistry and Clinical Pharmacology, University Hospital Bonn, Venusberg-Campus 1, 53127 Bonn, Germany.
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Singh N, Ranjan P, Cao W, Patel J, Gangappa S, Davidson BA, Sullivan JM, Prasad PN, Knight PR, Sambhara S. A Dual-Functioning 5'-PPP-NS1shRNA that Activates a RIG-I Antiviral Pathway and Suppresses Influenza NS1. MOLECULAR THERAPY. NUCLEIC ACIDS 2020; 19:1413-1422. [PMID: 32160710 PMCID: PMC7049568 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtn.2020.01.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2019] [Accepted: 01/19/2020] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Retinoic acid-inducible gene-I (RIG-I) is a cytosolic pathogen sensor that is crucial against a number of viral infections. Many viruses have evolved to inhibit pathogen sensors to suppress host innate immune responses. In the case of influenza, nonstructural protein 1 (NS1) suppresses RIG-I function, leading to viral replication, morbidity, and mortality. We show that silencing NS1 with in-vitro-transcribed 5'-triphosphate containing NS1 short hairpin RNA (shRNA) (5'-PPP-NS1shRNA), designed using the conserved region of a number of influenza viruses, not only prevented NS1 expression but also induced RIG-I activation and type I interferon (IFN) expression, resulting in an antiviral state leading to inhibition of influenza virus replication in vitro. In addition, administration of 5'-PPP-NS1shRNA in prophylactic and therapeutic settings resulted in significant inhibition of viral replication following viral challenge in vivo in mice with corresponding increases of RIG-I, IFN-β, and IFN-λ, as well as a decrease in NS1 expression.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Neetu Singh
- Influenza Division, National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 1600 Clifton Road, Atlanta, GA 30329, USA
| | - Priya Ranjan
- Influenza Division, National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 1600 Clifton Road, Atlanta, GA 30329, USA
| | - Weiping Cao
- Influenza Division, National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 1600 Clifton Road, Atlanta, GA 30329, USA
| | - Jenish Patel
- Influenza Division, National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 1600 Clifton Road, Atlanta, GA 30329, USA
| | - Shivaprakash Gangappa
- Influenza Division, National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 1600 Clifton Road, Atlanta, GA 30329, USA
| | - Bruce A Davidson
- Department of Anesthesiology, State University of New York at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY 14203, USA; Department of Pathology and Anatomical Sciences, State University of New York at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY 14203, USA; Veterans Administration Western New York Healthcare System, Buffalo, NY 14215, USA
| | - John M Sullivan
- Department of Ophthalmology, State University of New York at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY 14203, USA; Veterans Administration Western New York Healthcare System, Buffalo, NY 14215, USA
| | - Paras N Prasad
- Department of Chemistry, State University of New York at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY 14203, USA; Institute for Laser, Photonics, and Biophotonics, State University of New York at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY 14203, USA
| | - Paul R Knight
- Department of Anesthesiology, State University of New York at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY 14203, USA.
| | - Suryaprakash Sambhara
- Influenza Division, National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 1600 Clifton Road, Atlanta, GA 30329, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Carli GJD, Rotela AT, Lubini G, Contiliani DF, Candia NB, Depintor TS, Abreu FCPD, Simões ZLP, Ríos DF, Pereira TC. SSD - a free software for designing multimeric mono-, bi- and trivalent shRNAs. Genet Mol Biol 2020; 43:e20190300. [PMID: 32141472 PMCID: PMC7197978 DOI: 10.1590/1678-4685-gmb-2019-0300] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2019] [Accepted: 01/13/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
RNA interference (RNAi) is a powerful gene silencing technology, widely used in
analyses of reverse genetics, development of therapeutic strategies and
generation of biotechnological products. Here we present a free software tool
for the rational design of RNAi effectors, named siRNA and shRNA designer (SSD).
SSD incorporates our previously developed software Strand Analysis to construct
template DNAs amenable for the large scale production of mono-, bi- and
trivalent multimeric shRNAs, via in vitro rolling circle
transcription. We tested SSD by creating a trivalent multimeric shRNA against
the vitellogenin gene of Apis mellifera. RT-qPCR analysis
revealed that our molecule promoted a decrease in more than 50% of the target
mRNA, in a dose-dependent manner, when compared to the control group. Thus, SSD
software allows the easy design of multimeric shRNAs, for single or multiple
simultaneous knockdowns, which is especially interesting for studies involving
large amounts of double-stranded molecules.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Gabriel José de Carli
- Universidade de São Paulo, Faculdade de Medicina de Ribeirão Preto, Departamento de Genética, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil.,Universidade de São Paulo, Faculdade de Filosofia, Ciências e Letras de Ribeirão Preto, Departamento de Biologia, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil
| | - Abdon Troche Rotela
- Universidad Nacional de Asunción, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, San Lorenzo, Paraguay.,Universidad Nacional de Asunción, Facultad Politécnica, San Lorenzo, Paraguay
| | - Greice Lubini
- Universidade de São Paulo, Faculdade de Filosofia, Ciências e Letras de Ribeirão Preto, Departamento de Biologia, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil
| | - Danyel Fernandes Contiliani
- Universidade de São Paulo, Faculdade de Medicina de Ribeirão Preto, Departamento de Genética, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil.,Universidade de São Paulo, Faculdade de Filosofia, Ciências e Letras de Ribeirão Preto, Departamento de Biologia, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil
| | - Nidia Benítez Candia
- Universidad Nacional de Asunción, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, San Lorenzo, Paraguay
| | - Thiago S Depintor
- Universidade de São Paulo, Faculdade de Medicina de Ribeirão Preto, Departamento de Genética, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil
| | - Fabiano Carlos Pinto de Abreu
- Universidade de São Paulo, Faculdade de Medicina de Ribeirão Preto, Departamento de Genética, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil.,Universidade de São Paulo, Faculdade de Filosofia, Ciências e Letras de Ribeirão Preto, Departamento de Biologia, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil
| | - Zilá Luz Paulino Simões
- Universidade de São Paulo, Faculdade de Medicina de Ribeirão Preto, Departamento de Genética, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil.,Universidade de São Paulo, Faculdade de Filosofia, Ciências e Letras de Ribeirão Preto, Departamento de Biologia, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil
| | - Danilo Fernández Ríos
- Universidad Nacional de Asunción, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, San Lorenzo, Paraguay
| | - Tiago Campos Pereira
- Universidade de São Paulo, Faculdade de Medicina de Ribeirão Preto, Departamento de Genética, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil.,Universidade de São Paulo, Faculdade de Filosofia, Ciências e Letras de Ribeirão Preto, Departamento de Biologia, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Streicher F, Jouvenet N. Stimulation of Innate Immunity by Host and Viral RNAs. Trends Immunol 2019; 40:1134-1148. [PMID: 31735513 DOI: 10.1016/j.it.2019.10.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2019] [Revised: 10/15/2019] [Accepted: 10/18/2019] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
The interferon (IFN) response, a major vertebrate defense mechanism against viral infections, is initiated by RIG-I-like receptor (RLR)-mediated recognition of viral replicative intermediates in the cytosol. RLR purification methods coupled to RNA sequencing have recently led to the characterization of viral nucleic acid features recognized by RLRs in infected cells. This work revealed that some cellular RNAs can bind to RLRs and stimulate the IFN response. We provide an overview of self and non-self RNAs that activate innate immunity, and discuss the cellular dysregulation that allows recognition of cellular RNAs by RLRs, including RNA mislocalization and downregulation of RNA-shielding proteins. These discussions are relevant because manipulating RLR activation presents opportunities for treating viral infections and autoimmune disorders.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Felix Streicher
- Unité de Génomique Virale et Vaccination, Institut Pasteur, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS) Unité Mixte de Recherche (UMR) 3569, Paris, France; Institute of Pharmacy and Molecular Biotechnology, University of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Nolwenn Jouvenet
- Unité de Génomique Virale et Vaccination, Institut Pasteur, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS) Unité Mixte de Recherche (UMR) 3569, Paris, France.
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Shih T, De S, Barnes BJ. RNAi Transfection Optimized in Primary Naïve B Cells for the Targeted Analysis of Human Plasma Cell Differentiation. Front Immunol 2019; 10:1652. [PMID: 31396212 PMCID: PMC6664017 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2019.01652] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2019] [Accepted: 07/03/2019] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Upon antigen recognition, naïve B cells undergo rapid proliferation followed by differentiation to specialized antibody secreting cells (ASCs), called plasma cells. Increased circulating plasma cells are reported in patients with B cell-associated malignancies, chronic graft-vs.-host disease, and autoimmune disorders. Our aim was to optimize an RNAi-based method that efficiently and reproducibly knocks-down genes of interest in human primary peripheral B cells for the targeted analysis of ASC differentiation. The unique contributions of transcriptional diversity in species-specific regulatory networks and the mechanisms of gene function need to be approached directly in human B cells with tools to hone our basic inferences from animal models to human biology. To date, methods for gene knockdown in human primary B cells, which tend to be more refractory to transfection than immortalized B cell lines, have been limited by losses in cell viability and ineffective penetrance. Our single-step siRNA nucleofector-based approach for human primary naïve B cells demonstrates reproducible knockdown efficiency (~40–60%). We focused on genes already known to play key roles in murine ASC differentiation, such as interferon regulatory factor 4 (IRF4) and AID. This study reports a validated non-viral method of siRNA delivery into human primary B cells that can be applied to study gene regulatory networks that control human ASC differentiation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tiffany Shih
- Center for Autoimmune Musculoskeletal and Hematopoietic Disease, Northwell Health, The Feinstein Institute for Medical Research, Manhasset, NY, United States
| | - Saurav De
- Center for Autoimmune Musculoskeletal and Hematopoietic Disease, Northwell Health, The Feinstein Institute for Medical Research, Manhasset, NY, United States.,Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Newark, NJ, United States
| | - Betsy J Barnes
- Center for Autoimmune Musculoskeletal and Hematopoietic Disease, Northwell Health, The Feinstein Institute for Medical Research, Manhasset, NY, United States.,Departments of Molecular Medicine and Pediatrics, Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell Health, Hempstead, NY, United States
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Mu W, Tang N, Cheng C, Sun W, Wei X, Wang H. In vitro transcribed sgRNA causes cell death by inducing interferon release. Protein Cell 2019; 10:461-465. [PMID: 30618028 PMCID: PMC6538590 DOI: 10.1007/s13238-018-0605-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Wei Mu
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Na Tang
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Chen Cheng
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China
- School of Life Sciences, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230026, China
| | - Wen Sun
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China
| | - Xiaofei Wei
- Beijing Cord Blood Bank, Beijing, 100176, China
| | - Haoyi Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China.
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China.
- Institute for Stem Cell and Regeneration, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China.
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
Kishimoto Y, Yamashita M, Wei A, Toya Y, Ye S, Kendziorski C, Welham NV. Reversal of Vocal Fold Mucosal Fibrosis Using siRNA against the Collagen-Specific Chaperone Serpinh1. MOLECULAR THERAPY-NUCLEIC ACIDS 2019; 16:616-625. [PMID: 31100613 PMCID: PMC6520554 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtn.2019.04.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2019] [Revised: 04/12/2019] [Accepted: 04/13/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Vocal fold (VF) mucosal fibrosis results in substantial voice impairment and is recalcitrant to current treatments. To reverse this chronic disorder, anti-fibrotic therapies should target the molecular pathology of aberrant collagen accumulation in the extracellular matrix. We investigated the therapeutic potential of siRNA against Serpinh1, a collagen-specific chaperone that enables cotranslational folding and assembly of procollagens in the endoplasmic reticulum. We implemented a previously validated siRNA construct, conducted transfection experiments using in vitro and in vivo rat models, and measured knockdown efficiency, dose responses, delivery strategies, and therapeutic outcomes. Liposome-mediated delivery of Serpinh1-siRNA downregulated collagen production in naive and scar VF fibroblasts as well as naive VF mucosa; moreover, sustained Serpinh1 knockdown in fibrotic VF mucosa reversed scar-associated collagen accumulation within 4 weeks. Analysis of therapeutic effects at the transcriptome level showed evidence of cell cycle upregulation, catabolism, matrix disassembly, and morphogenesis. These findings indicate that Serpinh1-siRNA holds potential as a molecular therapy for chronic VF mucosal fibrosis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yo Kishimoto
- Division of Otolaryngology, Department of Surgery, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI 53792, USA
| | - Masaru Yamashita
- Division of Otolaryngology, Department of Surgery, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI 53792, USA
| | - Alice Wei
- Division of Otolaryngology, Department of Surgery, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI 53792, USA
| | - Yutaka Toya
- Division of Otolaryngology, Department of Surgery, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI 53792, USA
| | - Shuyun Ye
- Department of Biostatistics and Medical Informatics, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI 53706, USA
| | - Christina Kendziorski
- Department of Biostatistics and Medical Informatics, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI 53706, USA
| | - Nathan V Welham
- Division of Otolaryngology, Department of Surgery, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI 53792, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
Abstract
Small silencing RNAs have provided powerful reverse genetics tools and have opened new areas of research. This introduction describes the use of RNAi to suppress expression of individual genes for loss-of-function analysis. It also summarizes methods for measuring specific and global changes in small RNA expression, as well as methods to inhibit the function of individual endogenous small RNA species such as miRNAs.
Collapse
|
26
|
Raja MAG, Katas H, Amjad MW. Design, mechanism, delivery and therapeutics of canonical and Dicer-substrate siRNA. Asian J Pharm Sci 2019; 14:497-510. [PMID: 32104477 PMCID: PMC7032099 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajps.2018.12.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2018] [Revised: 12/07/2018] [Accepted: 12/24/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Upon the discovery of RNA interference (RNAi), canonical small interfering RNA (siRNA) has been recognized to trigger sequence-specific gene silencing. Despite the benefits of siRNAs as potential new drugs, there are obstacles still to be overcome, including off-target effects and immune stimulation. More recently, Dicer substrate siRNA (DsiRNA) has been introduced as an alternative to siRNA. Similarly, it also is proving to be potent and target-specific, while rendering less immune stimulation. DsiRNA is 25–30 nucleotides in length, and is further cleaved and processed by the Dicer enzyme. As with siRNA, it is crucial to design and develop a stable, safe, and efficient system for the delivery of DsiRNA into the cytoplasm of targeted cells. Several polymeric nanoparticle systems have been well established to load DsiRNA for in vitro and in vivo delivery, thereby overcoming a major hurdle in the therapeutic uses of DsiRNA. The present review focuses on a comparison of siRNA and DsiRNA on the basis of their design, mechanism, in vitro and in vivo delivery, and therapeutics.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Maria Abdul Ghafoor Raja
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Faculty of Pharmacy, Northern Border University, Rafha 73211, Saudi Arabia
| | - Haliza Katas
- Centre for Drug Delivery Research, Faculty of Pharmacy, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur 50300, Malaysia
| | - Muhammad Wahab Amjad
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Faculty of Pharmacy, Northern Border University, Rafha 73211, Saudi Arabia
| |
Collapse
|
27
|
Kasumba DM, Grandvaux N. Therapeutic Targeting of RIG-I and MDA5 Might Not Lead to the Same Rome. Trends Pharmacol Sci 2019; 40:116-127. [PMID: 30606502 PMCID: PMC7112877 DOI: 10.1016/j.tips.2018.12.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2018] [Revised: 12/05/2018] [Accepted: 12/06/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
RIG-I and MDA5 receptors are key sensors of pathogen-associated molecular pattern (PAMP)-containing viral RNA and transduce downstream signals to activate an antiviral and immunomodulatory response. Fifteen years of research have put them at the center of an ongoing hunt for novel pharmacological pan-antivirals, vaccine adjuvants, and antitumor strategies. Current knowledge testifies to the redundant, but also distinct, functions mediated by RIG-I and MDA5, opening opportunities for the use of specific and potent nucleic acid agonists. We critically discuss the evidence and remaining knowledge gaps that have an impact on the choice and design of optimal RNA ligands to achieve an appropriate immunostimulatory response, with limited adverse effects, for prophylactic and therapeutic interventions against viruses and cancer in humans.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Dacquin M. Kasumba
- Centre de Recherche du Centre Hospitalier de l'Université de Montréal, Montréal, QC, Canada,Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Université de Montréal, Montréal, QC, Canada
| | - Nathalie Grandvaux
- Centre de Recherche du Centre Hospitalier de l'Université de Montréal, Montréal, QC, Canada; Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Université de Montréal, Montréal, QC, Canada.
| |
Collapse
|
28
|
McDougall WM, Perreira JM, Hung HF, Vertii A, Xiaofei E, Zimmerman W, Kowalik TF, Doxsey S, Brass AL. Viral Infection or IFN-α Alters Mitotic Spindle Orientation by Modulating Pericentrin Levels. iScience 2019; 12:270-279. [PMID: 30716700 PMCID: PMC6360249 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2019.01.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2018] [Revised: 11/01/2018] [Accepted: 01/15/2019] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Congenital microcephaly occurs in utero during Zika virus (ZIKV) infection. The single-gene disorder, Majewski osteodysplastic primordial dwarfism type II (MOPDII), also leads to microcephaly and is concomitant with a decrease in the centrosomal protein, pericentrin (PCNT). This protein is a known contributor of mitotic spindle misorientation and ultimately, microcephaly. Similar to MOPDII, either viral infection or interferon (IFN)-α exposure reduced PCNT levels at the mitotic spindle poles. We unexpectedly found that infection of cells with any one of a diverse set of viruses, such as ZIKV, dengue virus, cytomegalovirus, influenza A virus, or hepatitis B virus, or treatment of cells with the anti-viral cytokine, IFN-α, produced mitotic spindle misorientation. These findings demonstrate a related mechanism for the development of microcephaly in viral infection, the host's antiviral IFN response, and primordial dwarfism. ZIKV infection resembles MOPDII depletion of the centrosomal protein PCNT Viral infection of mitotic cells results in loss of PCNT and spindle misorientation IFN-α exposure to mitotic cells causes spindle misorientation Loss of IFNAR abrogates both viral and IFN-α-induced spindle misorientation
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- William M McDougall
- Department of Microbiology and Physiological Systems, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA 01605, USA
| | - Jill M Perreira
- Department of Microbiology and Physiological Systems, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA 01605, USA
| | - Hui-Fang Hung
- Cell Biology Section, Neurogenetics Branch, National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, National Institutes of Health Bethesda, Bethesda, MD 20814, USA
| | - Anastassiia Vertii
- Department of Molecular, Cell and Cancer Biology, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA 01605, USA
| | - E Xiaofei
- Department of Microbiology and Physiological Systems, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA 01605, USA
| | - Wendy Zimmerman
- Program in Molecular Medicine University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA 01605, USA
| | - Timothy F Kowalik
- Department of Microbiology and Physiological Systems, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA 01605, USA
| | - Stephen Doxsey
- Program in Molecular Medicine University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA 01605, USA.
| | - Abraham L Brass
- Department of Microbiology and Physiological Systems, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA 01605, USA; Gastroenterology Division, Department of Medicine, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA 01605, USA; Peak Gastroenterology Associates, Colorado Springs, CO 80907, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
29
|
Xu W, Xu R, Li Z, Wang Y, Hu R. Hypoxia changes chemotaxis behaviour of mesenchymal stem cells via HIF-1α signalling. J Cell Mol Med 2019; 23:1899-1907. [PMID: 30628201 PMCID: PMC6378219 DOI: 10.1111/jcmm.14091] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2018] [Revised: 11/17/2018] [Accepted: 11/22/2018] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have drawn great attention because of their therapeutic potential. It has been suggested that intra‐venous infused MSCs could migrate the site of injury to help repair the damaged tissue. However, the mechanism for MSC migration is still not clear so far. In this study, we reported that hypoxia increased chemotaxis migration of MSCs. At 4 and 6 hours after culturing in hypoxic (1% oxygen) conditions, the number of migrated MSCs was significantly increased. Meanwhile, hypoxia also increased the expression of HIF‐1α and SDF‐1. Using small interference RNA, we knocked down the expression of HIF‐1α in MSCs to study the role of HIF‐1α in hypoxia induced migration. Our data indicated that knocking down the expression of HIF‐1α not only abolished the migration of MSCs, but also reduced the expression of SDF‐1. Combining the results of migration assay and expression at RNA and protein level, we demonstrated a novel mechanism that controls the increase of MSCs migration. This mechanism involved HIF‐1α mediated SDF‐1 expression. These findings provide new insight into the role of HIF‐1α in the hypoxia induced MSC migration and can be a benefit for the development of MSC‐based therapeutics for wound healing.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Wei Xu
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, TongRen Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai JiaoTong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Ruijun Xu
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, TongRen Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai JiaoTong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Zhikun Li
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, TongRen Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai JiaoTong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yi Wang
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, TongRen Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai JiaoTong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Ruixi Hu
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, TongRen Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai JiaoTong University, Shanghai, China
| |
Collapse
|
30
|
Memi F, Ntokou A, Papangeli I. CRISPR/Cas9 gene-editing: Research technologies, clinical applications and ethical considerations. Semin Perinatol 2018; 42:487-500. [PMID: 30482590 DOI: 10.1053/j.semperi.2018.09.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Gene therapy carries the potential to treat more than 10,000 human monogenic diseases and benefit an even greater number of complex polygenic conditions. The repurposing of CRISPR/Cas9, an ancient bacterial immune defense system, into a gene-editing technology has armed researchers with a revolutionary tool for gene therapy. However, as the breadth of research and clinical applications of this technology continues to expand, outstanding technical challenges and ethical considerations will need to be addressed before clinical applications become commonplace. Here, we review CRISPR/Cas9 technology and discuss its benefits and limitations in research and the clinical context, as well as ethical considerations surrounding the use of CRISPR gene editing.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Fani Memi
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, University College London, 21 University Street, WC1E 6DE London, UK.
| | - Aglaia Ntokou
- Yale Cardiovascular Research Center, Section of Cardiovascular Medicine, Yale School of Medicine, 300 George, 7(th) Floor, New Haven, CT 06511, United States.
| | - Irinna Papangeli
- Yale Cardiovascular Research Center, Section of Cardiovascular Medicine, Yale School of Medicine, 300 George, 7(th) Floor, New Haven, CT 06511, United States.
| |
Collapse
|
31
|
Levanova A, Poranen MM. RNA Interference as a Prospective Tool for the Control of Human Viral Infections. Front Microbiol 2018; 9:2151. [PMID: 30254624 PMCID: PMC6141738 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2018.02151] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2018] [Accepted: 08/22/2018] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
RNA interference (RNAi), which is mediated by small interfering RNAs (siRNAs) derived from viral genome or its replicative intermediates, is a natural antiviral defense in plants, fungi, and invertebrates. Whether RNAi naturally protects humans from viral invasion is still a matter of debate. Nevertheless, exogenous siRNAs are able to halt viral infection in mammals. The current review critically evaluates the production of antiviral siRNAs, delivery techniques to the infection sites, as well as provides an overview of antiviral siRNAs in clinical trials.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alesia Levanova
- Molecular and Integrative Biosciences Research Programme, Faculty of Biological and Environmental Sciences, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Minna M Poranen
- Molecular and Integrative Biosciences Research Programme, Faculty of Biological and Environmental Sciences, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| |
Collapse
|
32
|
Montagna C, Petris G, Casini A, Maule G, Franceschini GM, Zanella I, Conti L, Arnoldi F, Burrone OR, Zentilin L, Zacchigna S, Giacca M, Cereseto A. VSV-G-Enveloped Vesicles for Traceless Delivery of CRISPR-Cas9. MOLECULAR THERAPY-NUCLEIC ACIDS 2018; 12:453-462. [PMID: 30195783 PMCID: PMC6041463 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtn.2018.05.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 72] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2017] [Revised: 04/16/2018] [Accepted: 05/14/2018] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
The method of delivery of CRISPR-Cas9 into target cells is a strong determinant of efficacy and specificity in genome editing. Even though high efficiency of Cas9 delivery is necessary for optimal editing, its long-term and high levels of expression correlate with increased off-target activity. We developed vesicles (VEsiCas) carrying CRISPR-SpCas9 ribonucleoprotein complexes (RNPs) that are efficiently delivered into target cells through the fusogenic glycoprotein of the vesicular stomatitis virus (VSV-G). A crucial step for VEsiCas production is the synthesis of the single guide RNA (sgRNA) mediated by the T7 RNA polymerase in the cytoplasm of producing cells as opposed to canonical U6-driven Pol III nuclear transcription. In VEsiCas, the absence of DNA encoding SpCas9 and sgRNA allows rapid clearance of the nuclease components in target cells, which correlates with reduced genome-wide off-target cleavages. Compared with SpCas9 RNPs electroporation, which is currently the method of choice to obtain transient SpCas9 activity, VEsiCas deliver the nuclease with higher efficiency and lower toxicity. We show that a wide variety of cells can be edited through VEsiCas, including a variety of transformed cells, induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs), and cardiomyocytes, in vivo. VEsiCas is a traceless CRISPR-Cas9 delivery tool for efficient and safe genome editing that represents a further advancement toward the therapeutic use of the CRISPR-Cas9 technology.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Claudia Montagna
- Laboratory of Molecular Virology, University of Trento, Centre for Integrative Biology, 38123 Trento, Italy
| | - Gianluca Petris
- Laboratory of Molecular Virology, University of Trento, Centre for Integrative Biology, 38123 Trento, Italy.
| | - Antonio Casini
- Laboratory of Molecular Virology, University of Trento, Centre for Integrative Biology, 38123 Trento, Italy
| | - Giulia Maule
- Laboratory of Molecular Virology, University of Trento, Centre for Integrative Biology, 38123 Trento, Italy
| | - Gian Marco Franceschini
- Laboratory of Molecular Virology, University of Trento, Centre for Integrative Biology, 38123 Trento, Italy
| | - Ilaria Zanella
- Laboratory of Molecular Virology, University of Trento, Centre for Integrative Biology, 38123 Trento, Italy
| | - Luciano Conti
- Laboratory of Stem Cell Biology, University of Trento, Centre for Integrative Biology, 38123 Trento, Italy
| | - Francesca Arnoldi
- International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (ICGEB), AREA Science Park, Padriciano 99, 34149 Trieste, Italy; Department of Medicine, Surgery and Health Sciences, University of Trieste, 34149 Trieste, Italy
| | - Oscar R Burrone
- International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (ICGEB), AREA Science Park, Padriciano 99, 34149 Trieste, Italy
| | - Lorena Zentilin
- International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (ICGEB), AREA Science Park, Padriciano 99, 34149 Trieste, Italy
| | - Serena Zacchigna
- International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (ICGEB), AREA Science Park, Padriciano 99, 34149 Trieste, Italy; Department of Medicine, Surgery and Health Sciences, University of Trieste, 34149 Trieste, Italy
| | - Mauro Giacca
- International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (ICGEB), AREA Science Park, Padriciano 99, 34149 Trieste, Italy; Department of Medicine, Surgery and Health Sciences, University of Trieste, 34149 Trieste, Italy
| | - Anna Cereseto
- Laboratory of Molecular Virology, University of Trento, Centre for Integrative Biology, 38123 Trento, Italy.
| |
Collapse
|
33
|
Górski A, Międzybrodzki R, Jończyk-Matysiak E, Weber-Dąbrowska B, Bagińska N, Borysowski J. Perspectives of Phage-Eukaryotic Cell Interactions to Control Epstein-Barr Virus Infections. Front Microbiol 2018; 9:630. [PMID: 29666617 PMCID: PMC5891836 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2018.00630] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2018] [Accepted: 03/19/2018] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Recently, leading medical journals emphasized the importance of further studies on the potential application of bacterial viruses (phages) for the treatment of antibiotics-resistant infections outlining the present status of the therapy and perspectives for the future. Furthermore, a leading scientific journal pointed to the recent progress in research on phage interactions with eukaryotic cells (especially cells of the immune system) and potential implications of their results for our broader understanding of the role of phages – not only as “bacteria eaters” – but also as an important part of our body defense protecting against external and internal pathogenic invaders (as suggested previously). This illustrates how our understanding of the actual role and potential of phages is expanding and how worldwide interest in their use in medicine is growing. In this article we envision how this advancement of our knowledge about phages could be translated into the progress in combating herpesvirus infections especially those caused by Epstein–Barr virus (EBV).
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Andrzej Górski
- Bacteriophage Laboratory, Ludwik Hirszfeld Institute of Immunology and Experimental Therapy, Polish Academy of Sciences, Wrocław, Poland.,Phage Therapy Unit, Ludwik Hirszfeld Institute of Immunology and Experimental Therapy, Polish Academy of Sciences, Wrocław, Poland.,Department of Clinical Immunology, Transplantation Institute, Medical University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Ryszard Międzybrodzki
- Bacteriophage Laboratory, Ludwik Hirszfeld Institute of Immunology and Experimental Therapy, Polish Academy of Sciences, Wrocław, Poland.,Phage Therapy Unit, Ludwik Hirszfeld Institute of Immunology and Experimental Therapy, Polish Academy of Sciences, Wrocław, Poland.,Department of Clinical Immunology, Transplantation Institute, Medical University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Ewa Jończyk-Matysiak
- Bacteriophage Laboratory, Ludwik Hirszfeld Institute of Immunology and Experimental Therapy, Polish Academy of Sciences, Wrocław, Poland
| | - Beata Weber-Dąbrowska
- Bacteriophage Laboratory, Ludwik Hirszfeld Institute of Immunology and Experimental Therapy, Polish Academy of Sciences, Wrocław, Poland.,Phage Therapy Unit, Ludwik Hirszfeld Institute of Immunology and Experimental Therapy, Polish Academy of Sciences, Wrocław, Poland
| | - Natalia Bagińska
- Bacteriophage Laboratory, Ludwik Hirszfeld Institute of Immunology and Experimental Therapy, Polish Academy of Sciences, Wrocław, Poland
| | - Jan Borysowski
- Department of Clinical Immunology, Transplantation Institute, Medical University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland
| |
Collapse
|
34
|
Yu X, Ghamande S, Liu H, Xue L, Zhao S, Tan W, Zhao L, Tang SC, Wu D, Korkaya H, Maihle NJ, Liu HY. Targeting EGFR/HER2/HER3 with a Three-in-One Aptamer-siRNA Chimera Confers Superior Activity against HER2 + Breast Cancer. MOLECULAR THERAPY. NUCLEIC ACIDS 2018; 10:317-330. [PMID: 29499944 PMCID: PMC5862534 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtn.2017.12.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2017] [Accepted: 12/21/2017] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
HER family members are interdependent and functionally compensatory. Simultaneously targeting EGFR/HER2/HER3 by antibody combinations has demonstrated superior treatment efficacy over targeting one HER receptor. However, antibody combinations have their limitations, with high immunogenicity and high cost. In this study, we have developed a three-in-one nucleic acid aptamer-small interfering RNA (siRNA) chimera, which targets EGFR/HER2/HER3 in one molecule. This inhibitory molecule was constructed such that a single EGFR siRNA is positioned between the HER2 and HER3 aptamers to create a HER2 aptamer-EGFR siRNA-HER3 aptamer chimera (H2EH3). EGFR siRNA was delivered into HER2-expressing cells by HER2/HER3 aptamer-induced internalization. HER2/HER3 aptamers act as antagonist molecules for blocking HER2 and HER3 signaling pathways and also as tumor-targeting agents for siRNA delivery. H2EH3 enables down-modulation of the expression of all three receptors, thereby triggering cell apoptosis. In breast cancer xenograft models, H2EH3 is able to bind to breast tumors with high specificity and significantly inhibits tumor growth via either systemic or intratumoral administration. Owing to low immunogenicity, ease of production, and high thermostability, H2EH3 is a promising therapeutic to supplement current single HER inhibitors and may act as a treatment for HER2+ breast cancer with intrinsic or acquired resistance to current drugs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xiaolin Yu
- Center for Biotechnology and Genomic Medicine, Augusta University, Augusta, GA 30912, USA
| | - Sharad Ghamande
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Georgia Cancer Center, Augusta University, Augusta, GA 30912, USA
| | - Haitao Liu
- Center for Biotechnology and Genomic Medicine, Augusta University, Augusta, GA 30912, USA
| | - Lu Xue
- Department of Pediatrics, the First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, 130021, China
| | - Shuhua Zhao
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, the Second Hospital of Jilin University, Jilin University, Changchun, 130041, China
| | - Wenxi Tan
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, the Second Hospital of Jilin University, Jilin University, Changchun, 130041, China
| | - Lijing Zhao
- Center for Biotechnology and Genomic Medicine, Augusta University, Augusta, GA 30912, USA
| | - Shou-Ching Tang
- Georgia Cancer Center, Augusta University, Augusta, GA 30912, USA
| | - Daqing Wu
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Georgia Cancer Center, Augusta University, Augusta, GA 30912, USA
| | - Hasan Korkaya
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Georgia Cancer Center, Augusta University, Augusta, GA 30912, USA
| | - Nita J Maihle
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Georgia Cancer Center, Augusta University, Augusta, GA 30912, USA
| | - Hong Yan Liu
- Center for Biotechnology and Genomic Medicine, Augusta University, Augusta, GA 30912, USA; Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Georgia Cancer Center, Augusta University, Augusta, GA 30912, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
35
|
Kim S, Koo T, Jee HG, Cho HY, Lee G, Lim DG, Shin HS, Kim JS. CRISPR RNAs trigger innate immune responses in human cells. Genome Res 2018; 28:gr.231936.117. [PMID: 29472270 PMCID: PMC5848615 DOI: 10.1101/gr.231936.117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 149] [Impact Index Per Article: 24.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2017] [Accepted: 01/15/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Here, we report that CRISPR guide RNAs (gRNAs) with a 5'-triphosphate group (5'-ppp gRNAs) produced via in vitro transcription trigger RNA-sensing innate immune responses in human and murine cells, leading to cytotoxicity. 5'-ppp gRNAs in the cytosol are recognized by DDX58, which in turn activates type I interferon responses, causing up to ∼80% cell death. We show that the triphosphate group can be removed by a phosphatase in vitro and that the resulting 5'-hydroxyl gRNAs in complex with Cas9 or Cpf1 avoid innate immune responses and can achieve targeted mutagenesis at a frequency of 95% in primary human CD4+ T cells. These results are in line with previous findings that chemically synthesized sgRNAs with a 5'-hydroxyl group are much more efficient than in vitro-transcribed (IVT) sgRNAs in human and other mammalian cells. The phosphatase treatment of IVT sgRNAs is a cost-effective method for making highly active sgRNAs, avoiding innate immune responses in human cells.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sojung Kim
- Center for Genome Engineering, Institute for Basic Science, Seoul 08826, South Korea
| | - Taeyoung Koo
- Center for Genome Engineering, Institute for Basic Science, Seoul 08826, South Korea
- Department of Basic Science, University of Science & Technology, Daejeon 34113, South Korea
| | - Hyeon-Gun Jee
- Center for Chronic Diseases, Research Institute, National Medical Center, Seoul 04564, South Korea
| | - Hee-Yeon Cho
- Center for Genome Engineering, Institute for Basic Science, Seoul 08826, South Korea
| | - Gyeorae Lee
- Center for Genome Engineering, Institute for Basic Science, Seoul 08826, South Korea
- Department of Basic Science, University of Science & Technology, Daejeon 34113, South Korea
| | - Dong-Gyun Lim
- Center for Chronic Diseases, Research Institute, National Medical Center, Seoul 04564, South Korea
| | - Hyoung Shik Shin
- Research Center for Infectious Diseases, Research Institute, National Medical Center, Seoul 04564, South Korea
| | - Jin-Soo Kim
- Center for Genome Engineering, Institute for Basic Science, Seoul 08826, South Korea
- Department of Basic Science, University of Science & Technology, Daejeon 34113, South Korea
- Department of Chemistry, Seoul National University, Seoul 08826, South Korea
| |
Collapse
|
36
|
Linehan MM, Dickey TH, Molinari ES, Fitzgerald ME, Potapova O, Iwasaki A, Pyle AM. A minimal RNA ligand for potent RIG-I activation in living mice. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2018; 4:e1701854. [PMID: 29492454 PMCID: PMC5821489 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.1701854] [Citation(s) in RCA: 68] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2017] [Accepted: 01/22/2018] [Indexed: 05/08/2023]
Abstract
We have developed highly potent synthetic activators of the vertebrate immune system that specifically target the RIG-I receptor. When introduced into mice, a family of short, triphosphorylated stem-loop RNAs (SLRs) induces a potent interferon response and the activation of specific genes essential for antiviral defense. Using RNA sequencing, we provide the first in vivo genome-wide view of the expression networks that are initiated upon RIG-I activation. We observe that SLRs specifically induce type I interferons, subsets of interferon-stimulated genes (ISGs), and cellular remodeling factors. By contrast, polyinosinic:polycytidylic acid [poly(I:C)], which binds and activates multiple RNA sensors, induces type III interferons and several unique ISGs. The short length (10 to 14 base pairs) and robust function of SLRs in mice demonstrate that RIG-I forms active signaling complexes without oligomerizing on RNA. These findings demonstrate that SLRs are potent therapeutic and investigative tools for targeted modulation of the innate immune system.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Thayne H. Dickey
- Department of Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology, Yale University, New Haven, CT 06520, USA
| | - Emanuela S. Molinari
- Department of Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology, Yale University, New Haven, CT 06520, USA
| | - Megan E. Fitzgerald
- Department of Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology, Yale University, New Haven, CT 06520, USA
| | - Olga Potapova
- Department of Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology, Yale University, New Haven, CT 06520, USA
| | - Akiko Iwasaki
- Department of Immunobiology, Yale University, New Haven, CT 06520, USA
- Department of Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology, Yale University, New Haven, CT 06520, USA
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Yale University, New Haven, CT 06520, USA
| | - Anna M. Pyle
- Department of Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology, Yale University, New Haven, CT 06520, USA
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Yale University, New Haven, CT 06520, USA
| |
Collapse
|
37
|
Smith JA, Braga A, Verheyen J, Basilico S, Bandiera S, Alfaro-Cervello C, Peruzzotti-Jametti L, Shu D, Haque F, Guo P, Pluchino S. RNA Nanotherapeutics for the Amelioration of Astroglial Reactivity. MOLECULAR THERAPY. NUCLEIC ACIDS 2017; 10:103-121. [PMID: 29499926 PMCID: PMC5738063 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtn.2017.11.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2017] [Revised: 11/20/2017] [Accepted: 11/20/2017] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
In response to injuries to the CNS, astrocytes enter a reactive state known as astrogliosis, which is believed to be deleterious in some contexts. Activated astrocytes overexpress intermediate filaments including glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) and vimentin (Vim), resulting in entangled cells that inhibit neurite growth and functional recovery. Reactive astrocytes also secrete inflammatory molecules such as Lipocalin 2 (Lcn2), which perpetuate reactivity and adversely affect other cells of the CNS. Herein, we report proof-of-concept use of the packaging RNA (pRNA)-derived three-way junction (3WJ) motif as a platform for the delivery of siRNAs to downregulate such reactivity-associated genes. In vitro, siRNA-3WJs induced a significant knockdown of Gfap, Vim, and Lcn2 in a model of astroglial activation, with a concomitant reduction in protein expression. Knockdown of Lcn2 also led to reduced protein secretion from reactive astroglial cells, significantly impeding the perpetuation of inflammation in otherwise quiescent astrocytes. Intralesional injection of anti-Lcn2-3WJs in mice with contusion spinal cord injury led to knockdown of Lcn2 at mRNA and protein levels in vivo. Our results provide evidence for siRNA-3WJs as a promising platform for ameliorating astroglial reactivity, with significant potential for further functionalization and adaptation for therapeutic applications in the CNS.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jayden A Smith
- Department of Clinical Neurosciences, Division of Stem Cell Neurobiology, Wellcome Trust-Medical Research Council Stem Cell Institute and NIHR Biomedical Research Centre, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK.
| | - Alice Braga
- Department of Clinical Neurosciences, Division of Stem Cell Neurobiology, Wellcome Trust-Medical Research Council Stem Cell Institute and NIHR Biomedical Research Centre, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK; Department of Diagnostics and Public Health, University of Verona, Verona 37134, Italy
| | - Jeroen Verheyen
- Department of Clinical Neurosciences, Division of Stem Cell Neurobiology, Wellcome Trust-Medical Research Council Stem Cell Institute and NIHR Biomedical Research Centre, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Silvia Basilico
- Department of Clinical Neurosciences, Division of Stem Cell Neurobiology, Wellcome Trust-Medical Research Council Stem Cell Institute and NIHR Biomedical Research Centre, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Sara Bandiera
- Department of Clinical Neurosciences, Division of Stem Cell Neurobiology, Wellcome Trust-Medical Research Council Stem Cell Institute and NIHR Biomedical Research Centre, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK; Department of Life Sciences, University of Trieste, Trieste 34127, Italy
| | - Clara Alfaro-Cervello
- Department of Clinical Neurosciences, Division of Stem Cell Neurobiology, Wellcome Trust-Medical Research Council Stem Cell Institute and NIHR Biomedical Research Centre, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Luca Peruzzotti-Jametti
- Department of Clinical Neurosciences, Division of Stem Cell Neurobiology, Wellcome Trust-Medical Research Council Stem Cell Institute and NIHR Biomedical Research Centre, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Dan Shu
- College of Pharmacy, Division of Pharmaceutics and Pharmaceutical Chemistry, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA; College of Medicine, Department of Physiology and Cell Biology, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA; Dorothy M. Davis Heart and Lung Research Institute, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA; NCI Comprehensive Cancer Center, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA; Center for RNA Nanobiotechnology and Nanomedicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Farzin Haque
- College of Pharmacy, Division of Pharmaceutics and Pharmaceutical Chemistry, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA; College of Medicine, Department of Physiology and Cell Biology, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA; Dorothy M. Davis Heart and Lung Research Institute, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA; NCI Comprehensive Cancer Center, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA; Center for RNA Nanobiotechnology and Nanomedicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Peixuan Guo
- College of Pharmacy, Division of Pharmaceutics and Pharmaceutical Chemistry, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA; College of Medicine, Department of Physiology and Cell Biology, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA; Dorothy M. Davis Heart and Lung Research Institute, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA; NCI Comprehensive Cancer Center, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA; Center for RNA Nanobiotechnology and Nanomedicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA.
| | - Stefano Pluchino
- Department of Clinical Neurosciences, Division of Stem Cell Neurobiology, Wellcome Trust-Medical Research Council Stem Cell Institute and NIHR Biomedical Research Centre, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK.
| |
Collapse
|
38
|
Koo T, Yoon AR, Cho HY, Bae S, Yun CO, Kim JS. Selective disruption of an oncogenic mutant allele by CRISPR/Cas9 induces efficient tumor regression. Nucleic Acids Res 2017; 45:7897-7908. [PMID: 28575452 PMCID: PMC5570104 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkx490] [Citation(s) in RCA: 76] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2017] [Accepted: 05/25/2017] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Approximately 15% of non-small cell lung cancer cases are associated with a mutation in the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) gene, which plays a critical role in tumor progression. With the goal of treating mutated EGFR-mediated lung cancer, we demonstrate the use of clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR)/CRISPR associated protein 9 (Cas9) system to discriminate between the oncogenic mutant and wild-type EGFR alleles and eliminate the carcinogenic mutant EGFR allele with high accuracy. We targeted an EGFR oncogene harboring a single-nucleotide missense mutation (CTG > CGG) that generates a protospacer-adjacent motif sequence recognized by the CRISPR/Cas9 derived from Streptococcus pyogenes. Co-delivery of Cas9 and an EGFR mutation-specific single-guide RNA via adenovirus resulted in precise disruption at the oncogenic mutation site with high specificity. Furthermore, this CRISPR/Cas9-mediated mutant allele disruption led to significantly enhanced cancer cell killing and reduced tumor size in a xenograft mouse model of human lung cancer. Taken together, these results indicate that targeting an oncogenic mutation using CRISPR/Cas9 offers a powerful surgical strategy to disrupt oncogenic mutations to treat cancers; similar strategies could be used to treat other mutation-associated diseases.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Taeyoung Koo
- Center for Genome Engineering, Institute for Basic Science (IBS), Seoul 08826, Korea
- Department of Basic Science, University of Science & Technology, Daejeon 34113, Korea
- These authors contributed equally to the paper as first authors
| | - A-Rum Yoon
- Department of Bioengineering, College of Engineering, Hanyang University, Seoul 04763, Korea
- These authors contributed equally to the paper as first authors
| | - Hee-Yeon Cho
- Center for Genome Engineering, Institute for Basic Science (IBS), Seoul 08826, Korea
| | - Sangsu Bae
- Department of Chemistry, Hanyang University, Seoul 04763, Korea
| | - Chae-Ok Yun
- Department of Bioengineering, College of Engineering, Hanyang University, Seoul 04763, Korea
- To whom correspondence should be addressed. Tel: +82 2 880 9327; . Correspondence may also be addressed to Chae-Ok Yun. Tel: +82 2 2220 0491;
| | - Jin-Soo Kim
- Center for Genome Engineering, Institute for Basic Science (IBS), Seoul 08826, Korea
- Department of Basic Science, University of Science & Technology, Daejeon 34113, Korea
- Department of Chemistry, Seoul National University, Seoul 08826, Korea
- To whom correspondence should be addressed. Tel: +82 2 880 9327; . Correspondence may also be addressed to Chae-Ok Yun. Tel: +82 2 2220 0491;
| |
Collapse
|
39
|
Sun G, Riggs AD. A Simple and Cost-Effective Approach for In Vitro Production of Sliced siRNAs as Potent Triggers for RNAi. MOLECULAR THERAPY. NUCLEIC ACIDS 2017; 8:345-355. [PMID: 28918034 PMCID: PMC5537206 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtn.2017.07.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2016] [Revised: 07/08/2017] [Accepted: 07/09/2017] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
We have studied the molecular properties of in-vitro-transcribed sliced small interfering RNAs (tsli-siRNAs) as an alternative RNAi agent for chemically synthesized siRNA. We describe here a simple and cost-effective procedure for high-purity production of tsli-siRNA using bacteriophage T7 RNA polymerases. tsli-siRNAs exhibit potent gene knockdown effects, with efficacy comparable with that of chemically synthesized sli-siRNAs and classical siRNAs. Furthermore, we found that it is very easy to prepare potent tsli-siRNAs with modified bases, such as 2′-fluorine- or biotin-16-modified tsli-siRNAs. tsli-siRNAs can cause a mild innate immune response, which can be easily eliminated by alkaline phosphatase treatment. On the other hand, this feature, which can be useful as a trigger of the innate immune response, can be enhanced by polynucleotide kinase treatment. Because of the simplicity of preparation and purification, the procedure presented here could be useful for the production of RNAi or immunostimulatory reagents.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Guihua Sun
- Department of Diabetes Complications & Metabolism, Diabetes & Metabolism Research Institute, Beckman Research Institute, City of Hope, 1500 E. Duarte Road, Duarte, CA 91010, USA.
| | - Arthur D Riggs
- Department of Diabetes Complications & Metabolism, Diabetes & Metabolism Research Institute, Beckman Research Institute, City of Hope, 1500 E. Duarte Road, Duarte, CA 91010, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
40
|
Ghatak S, Markwald RR, Hascall VC, Dowling W, Lottes RG, Baatz JE, Beeson G, Beeson CC, Perrella MA, Thannickal VJ, Misra S. Transforming growth factor β1 (TGFβ1) regulates CD44V6 expression and activity through extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK)-induced EGR1 in pulmonary fibrogenic fibroblasts. J Biol Chem 2017; 292:10465-10489. [PMID: 28389562 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m116.752451] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2016] [Revised: 04/06/2017] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The appearance of myofibroblasts is generally thought to be the underlying cause of the fibrotic changes that underlie idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. However, the cellular/molecular mechanisms that account for the fibroblast-myofibroblast differentiation/activation in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis remain poorly understood. We investigated the functional role of hyaluronan receptor CD44V6 (CD44 containing variable exon 6 (v6)) for differentiation of lung fibroblast to myofibroblast phenotype. Increased hyaluronan synthesis and CD44 expression have been detected in numerous fibrotic organs. Previously, we found that the TGFβ1/CD44V6 pathway is important in lung myofibroblast collagen-1 and α-smooth-muscle actin synthesis. Because increased EGR1 (early growth response-1) expression has been shown to appear very early and nearly coincident with the expression of CD44V6 found after TGFβ1 treatment, we investigated the mechanism(s) of regulation of CD44V6 expression in lung fibroblasts by TGFβ1. TGFβ1-mediated CD44V6 up-regulation was initiated through EGR1 via ERK-regulated transcriptional activation. We showed that TGFβ1-induced CD44V6 expression is through EGR1-mediated AP-1 (activator protein-1) activity and that the EGR1- and AP-1-binding sites in the CD44v6 promoter account for its responsiveness to TGFβ1 in lung fibroblasts. We also identified a positive-feedback loop in which ERK/EGR1 signaling promotes CD44V6 splicing and found that CD44V6 then sustains ERK signaling, which is important for AP-1 activity in lung fibroblasts. Furthermore, we identified that HAS2-produced hyaluronan is required for CD44V6 and TGFβRI co-localization and subsequent CD44V6/ERK1/EGR1 signaling. These results demonstrate a novel positive-feedback loop that links the myofibroblast phenotype to TGFβ1-stimulated CD44V6/ERK/EGR1 signaling.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shibnath Ghatak
- From the Department of Regenerative Medicine and Cell Biology, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina 29425,
| | - Roger R Markwald
- From the Department of Regenerative Medicine and Cell Biology, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina 29425
| | - Vincent C Hascall
- the Department of Biomedical Engineering, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio 44195
| | - William Dowling
- From the Department of Regenerative Medicine and Cell Biology, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina 29425.,the College of Charleston, Charleston, South Carolina 29424
| | | | | | - Gyada Beeson
- Drug Discovery and Biomedical sciences, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina 29425
| | - Craig C Beeson
- Drug Discovery and Biomedical sciences, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina 29425
| | - Mark A Perrella
- the Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Medicine, and the Department of Pediatric Newborn Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, and
| | - Victor J Thannickal
- the Division of Pulmonary, Allergy, and Critical Care Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama 35294-0006
| | - Suniti Misra
- From the Department of Regenerative Medicine and Cell Biology, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina 29425,
| |
Collapse
|
41
|
Zheng J, Zhao S, Yu X, Huang S, Liu HY. Simultaneous targeting of CD44 and EpCAM with a bispecific aptamer effectively inhibits intraperitoneal ovarian cancer growth. Theranostics 2017; 7:1373-1388. [PMID: 28435472 PMCID: PMC5399600 DOI: 10.7150/thno.17826] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2016] [Accepted: 01/23/2017] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
CD44 and EpCAM play crucial roles in intraperitoneal ovarian cancer development. In this study, we developed an RNA-based bispecific CD44-EpCAM aptamer that is capable of blocking CD44 and EpCAM simultaneously by fusing single CD44 and EpCAM aptamers with a double stranded RNA adaptor. With the aid of a panel of ovarian cancer cell lines, we found that bispecific CD44-EpCAM aptamer was much more effective than either single CD44 or EpCAM aptamer in the ability to inhibit cell growth and to induce apoptosis. When these aptamers were tested in intraperitoneal ovarian cancer xenograft model, bispecific CD44-EpCAM aptamer suppressed intraperitoneal tumor outgrowth much more significantly than single CD44 and EpCAM aptamer either alone or in combination. The enhanced efficacy of bispecific CD44-EpCAM aptamer is most likely to be attributed to its increased circulation time over the single aptamers. Moreover, we showed that bispecific CD44-EpCAM aptamer exhibited no toxicity to the host and was unable to trigger innate immunogenicity. Our study suggests that bispecific CD44-EpCAM aptamer may represent a promising therapeutic agent against advanced ovarian cancer.
Collapse
|
42
|
Li D, Gale RP, Liu Y, Lei B, Wang Y, Diao D, Zhang M. 5'-Triphosphate siRNA targeting MDR1 reverses multi-drug resistance and activates RIG-I-induced immune-stimulatory and apoptotic effects against human myeloid leukaemia cells. Leuk Res 2017; 58:23-30. [PMID: 28380403 DOI: 10.1016/j.leukres.2017.03.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2016] [Revised: 02/23/2017] [Accepted: 03/15/2017] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Multi-drug resistance (MDR), immune suppression and decreased apoptosis are important causes of therapy-failure in leukaemia. Short interfering RNAs (siRNAs) down-regulate gene transcription, have sequence-independent immune-stimulatory effects and synergize with other anti-cancer therapies in some experimental models. We designed a siRNA targeting MDR1 with 5'-triphosphate ends (3p-siRNA-MDR1). Treatment of leukaemia cells with 3p-siRNA-MDR1 down-regulated MDR1 expression, reduced-drug resistance and induced immune and pro-apoptotic effects in drug-resistant HL-60/Adr and K562/Adr human leukaemia cell lines. We show mechanisms-of-action of these effects involve alterations in the anti-viral cytosolic retinoic acid-inducible protein-I (RIG-I; encoded by RIG-I or DDX58) mediated type-I interferon signal induction, interferon-gamma-inducible protein 10 (IP-10; encoded by IP10 or CXCL10) secretion, major histocompatibility complex-I expression (MHC-I) and caspase-mediated cell apoptosis. 3p-siRNA-MDR1 transfection also enhanced the anti-leukaemia efficacy of doxorubicin. These data suggest a possible synergistic role for 3p-siRNA-MDR1 in anti-leukaemia therapy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Dengzhe Li
- Department of Haematology, the First Affiliated Hospital, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710061, China
| | - Robert Peter Gale
- Haematology Research Centre, Division of Experimental Medicine, Department of Medicine, Imperial College London, London SW72AZ, UK
| | - Yanfeng Liu
- Department of Haematology, the First Affiliated Hospital, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710061, China
| | - Baoxia Lei
- Department of Haematology, the First Affiliated Hospital, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710061, China
| | - Yuan Wang
- Department of Haematology, the First Affiliated Hospital, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710061, China
| | - Dongmei Diao
- Department of Surgery Oncology, the First Affiliated Hospital, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710061, China
| | - Mei Zhang
- Department of Haematology, the First Affiliated Hospital, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710061, China.
| |
Collapse
|
43
|
Kabilova TO, Meschaninova MI, Venyaminova AG, Vlassov VV, Zenkova MA, Chernolovskaya EL. Impact of chemical modifications in the structure of isRNA on its antiproliferative and immunostimulatory properties. RUSSIAN JOURNAL OF BIOORGANIC CHEMISTRY 2017. [DOI: 10.1134/s1068162017010046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
|
44
|
Mathupala SP, Guthikonda M, Sloan AE. RNAi Based Approaches to the Treatment of Malignant Glioma. Technol Cancer Res Treat 2016; 5:261-9. [PMID: 16700622 DOI: 10.1177/153303460600500313] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
RNA interference (RNAi) is a recently discovered, powerful molecular mechanism that can be harnessed to engineer gene-specific silencing in mammalian tissues. A mechanism, where short double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) molecules, when introduced into cells elicit specific “knock-down” of gene expression via degradation of targeted messenger RNA, has lately become the technique of choice for analysis of gene function in oncology research. Thus, RNAi is currently being extensively evaluated as a potential therapeutic strategy against malignant gliomas, since surgical, radiological, and chemotherapeutic interventions during the past few decades have done little to improve the poor prognosis rate for patients with these dreaded tumors. This review summarizes the pre-clinical studies that are currently underway to test the validity of RNAi as a potential therapeutic strategy against malignant gliomas, and discusses the potential technical Hurdles that remain to be overcome before the technique can become a promising clinical therapy to combat this frequently lethal disease.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Saroj P Mathupala
- Department of Neurological Surgery, Karmanos Cancer Institute, Wayne State University School of Medicine, 808 HWCRC, 4100 John R. Road, Detroit, MI 48201, USA.
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
45
|
Abstract
Gene therapy is a prospective strategy to modulate gene expression level in specific cells to treat human inherited diseases, cancers, and acquired disorders. A subset of noncoding RNAs, microRNAs (miRNAs) and small interference RNAs (siRNAs), compose an important class of widely used effectors for gene therapy, especially in cancer treatment. Functioning through the RNA interference (RNAi) mechanism, miRNA and siRNA show potent ability in silencing oncogenic factors for cancer gene therapy. For a better understanding of this field, we reviewed the mechanism and biological function, the principles of design and synthesis, and the delivery strategies of noncoding RNAs with clinical potentials in cancer gene therapy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xiaomin Zhong
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA. .,Center for Stem Cell Biology and Tissue Engineering, Department of Biology, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510080, P.R. China.
| | - Dongmei Zhang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA.,State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy/Collaborative Innovation Center of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, P.R. China
| | - Minmin Xiong
- Center for Stem Cell Biology and Tissue Engineering, Department of Biology, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510080, P.R. China
| | - Lin Zhang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| |
Collapse
|
46
|
Killip MJ, Fodor E, Randall RE. Influenza virus activation of the interferon system. Virus Res 2015; 209:11-22. [PMID: 25678267 PMCID: PMC4638190 DOI: 10.1016/j.virusres.2015.02.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 135] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2014] [Revised: 01/28/2015] [Accepted: 02/02/2015] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
The host interferon (IFN) response represents one of the first barriers that influenza viruses must surmount in order to establish an infection. Many advances have been made in recent years in understanding the interactions between influenza viruses and the interferon system. In this review, we summarise recent work regarding activation of the type I IFN response by influenza viruses, including attempts to identify the viral RNA responsible for IFN induction, the stage of the virus life cycle at which it is generated and the role of defective viruses in this process.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Marian J Killip
- Biomedical Sciences Research Complex, University of St Andrews, North Haugh, St Andrews, Fife KY16 9ST, UK; Sir William Dunn School of Pathology, University of Oxford, South Parks Road, Oxford OX1 3RE, UK.
| | - Ervin Fodor
- Sir William Dunn School of Pathology, University of Oxford, South Parks Road, Oxford OX1 3RE, UK
| | - Richard E Randall
- Biomedical Sciences Research Complex, University of St Andrews, North Haugh, St Andrews, Fife KY16 9ST, UK
| |
Collapse
|
47
|
Novel RNA Duplex Locks HIV-1 in a Latent State via Chromatin-mediated Transcriptional Silencing. MOLECULAR THERAPY. NUCLEIC ACIDS 2015; 4:e261. [PMID: 26506039 PMCID: PMC4881759 DOI: 10.1038/mtna.2015.31] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2015] [Accepted: 08/17/2015] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Transcriptional gene silencing (TGS) of mammalian genes can be induced by short interfering RNA (siRNA) targeting promoter regions. We previously reported potent TGS of HIV-1 by siRNA (PromA), which targets tandem NF-κB motifs within the viral 5′LTR. In this study, we screened a siRNA panel with the aim of identifying novel 5′LTR targets, to provide multiplexing potential with enhanced viral silencing and application toward developing alternate therapeutic strategies. Systematic examination identified a novel siRNA target, si143, confirmed to induce TGS as the silencing mechanism. TGS was prolonged with virus suppression >12 days, despite a limited ability to induce post- TGS. Epigenetic changes associated with silencing were suggested by partial reversal by histone deacetylase inhibitors and confirmed by chromatin immunoprecipitation analyses, which showed induction of H3K27me3 and H3K9me3, reduction in H3K9Ac, and recruitment of argonaute-1, all characteristic marks of heterochromatin and TGS. Together, these epigenetic changes mimic those associated with HIV-1 latency. Further, robust resistance to reactivation was observed in the J-Lat 9.2 cell latency model, when transduced with shPromA and/or sh143. These data support si/shRNA-mediated TGS approaches to HIV-1 and provide alternate targets to pursue a functional cure, whereby the viral reservoir is locked in latency following antiretroviral therapy cessation.
Collapse
|
48
|
Mansoori B, Mohammadi A, Shir Jang S, Baradaran B. Mechanisms of immune system activation in mammalians by small interfering RNA (siRNA). ARTIFICIAL CELLS NANOMEDICINE AND BIOTECHNOLOGY 2015; 44:1589-96. [DOI: 10.3109/21691401.2015.1102738] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
|
49
|
Paavilainen H, Romanovskaya A, Nygårdas M, Bamford DH, Poranen MM, Hukkanen V. Innate responses to small interfering RNA pools inhibiting herpes simplex virus infection in astrocytoid and epithelial cells. Innate Immun 2015; 21:349-57. [PMID: 24996409 DOI: 10.1177/1753425914537921] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2013] [Accepted: 04/29/2014] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Herpes simplex virus (HSV) is a human pathogen that can cause severe diseases such as encephalitis, keratitis and neonatal herpes. Control of HSV infection may be achieved by using small interfering (si)RNAs. We have designed and enzymatically produced pools of siRNAs targeting HSV. In addition to the target-specific effects, such siRNAs may induce innate immunity responses that may contribute to antiviral effects. HSV has versatile ways of modulating innate immunity, and it remains unclear whether HSV-specific antiviral treatment would benefit from the potential immunostimulatory effects of siRNAs. To address this, cell lines derived from epithelium and nervous system were studied for innate immunity reactions to HSV infection, to siRNA treatment, and to a combination of treatment and infection. In addition, the outcome of HSV infection was quantitated. We show that innate immunity reactions vary drastically between the cell lines. Moreover, our findings indicate only a minimal relation between the antiviral effect and the treatment-induced innate immunity responses. Thus, the antiviral effect is mainly sequence specific and the inhibition of HSV infection is not ascribed to the slight innate immunity induction.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Dennis H Bamford
- Department of Biosciences, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland Institute of Biotechnology, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Minna M Poranen
- Department of Biosciences, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Veijo Hukkanen
- Department of Virology, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
| |
Collapse
|
50
|
Li L, Sun Q, Li Y, Yang Y, Yang Y, Chang T, Man M, Zheng L. Overexpression of SIRT1 Induced by Resveratrol and Inhibitor of miR-204 Suppresses Activation and Proliferation of Microglia. J Mol Neurosci 2015; 56:858-867. [DOI: 10.1007/s12031-015-0526-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2014] [Accepted: 02/13/2015] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
|