1
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Dubovichenko MV, Batsa M, Bobkov G, Vlasov G, El-Deeb A, Kolpashchikov D. Multivalent DNAzyme agents for cleaving folded RNA. Nucleic Acids Res 2024; 52:5866-5879. [PMID: 38661191 PMCID: PMC11162777 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkae295] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2023] [Revised: 04/03/2024] [Accepted: 04/16/2024] [Indexed: 04/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Multivalent recognition and binding of biological molecules is a natural phenomenon that increases the binding stability (avidity) without decreasing the recognition specificity. In this study, we took advantage of this phenomenon to increase the efficiency and maintain high specificity of RNA cleavage by DNAzymes (Dz). We designed a series of DNA constructs containing two Dz agents, named here bivalent Dz devices (BDD). One BDD increased the cleavage efficiency of a folded RNA fragment up to 17-fold in comparison with the Dz of a conventional design. Such an increase was achieved due to both the improved RNA binding and the increased probability of RNA cleavage by the two catalytic cores. By moderating the degree of Dz agent association in BDD, we achieved excellent selectivity in differentiating single-base mismatched RNA, while maintaining relatively high cleavage rates. Furthermore, a trivalent Dz demonstrated an even greater efficiency than the BDD in cleaving folded RNA. The data suggests that the cooperative action of several RNA-cleaving units can significantly improve the efficiency and maintain high specificity of RNA cleavage, which is important for the development of Dz-based gene knockdown agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mikhail V Dubovichenko
- Laboratory of Frontier Nucleic Acid Technologies in Gene Therapy of Cancer, SCAMT Institute, ITMO University, Saint-Petersburg, 191002, Russia
| | - Michael Batsa
- Laboratory of Frontier Nucleic Acid Technologies in Gene Therapy of Cancer, SCAMT Institute, ITMO University, Saint-Petersburg, 191002, Russia
| | - Gleb A Bobkov
- Laboratory of Frontier Nucleic Acid Technologies in Gene Therapy of Cancer, SCAMT Institute, ITMO University, Saint-Petersburg, 191002, Russia
| | - Gleb S Vlasov
- Laboratory of Frontier Nucleic Acid Technologies in Gene Therapy of Cancer, SCAMT Institute, ITMO University, Saint-Petersburg, 191002, Russia
| | - Ahmed A El-Deeb
- Laboratory of Frontier Nucleic Acid Technologies in Gene Therapy of Cancer, SCAMT Institute, ITMO University, Saint-Petersburg, 191002, Russia
| | - Dmitry M Kolpashchikov
- Laboratory of Frontier Nucleic Acid Technologies in Gene Therapy of Cancer, SCAMT Institute, ITMO University, Saint-Petersburg, 191002, Russia
- Chemistry Department, University of Central Florida, Orlando, FL 32816, USA
- Burnett School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Central Florida, Orlando, FL 32816, USA
- National Center for Forensic Science, University of Central Florida, Orlando, FL, 32816, USA
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2
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Androsavich JR. Frameworks for transformational breakthroughs in RNA-based medicines. Nat Rev Drug Discov 2024; 23:421-444. [PMID: 38740953 DOI: 10.1038/s41573-024-00943-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/04/2024] [Indexed: 05/16/2024]
Abstract
RNA has sparked a revolution in modern medicine, with the potential to transform the way we treat diseases. Recent regulatory approvals, hundreds of new clinical trials, the emergence of CRISPR gene editing, and the effectiveness of mRNA vaccines in dramatic response to the COVID-19 pandemic have converged to create tremendous momentum and expectation. However, challenges with this relatively new class of drugs persist and require specialized knowledge and expertise to overcome. This Review explores shared strategies for developing RNA drug platforms, including layering technologies, addressing common biases and identifying gaps in understanding. It discusses the potential of RNA-based therapeutics to transform medicine, as well as the challenges associated with improving applicability, efficacy and safety profiles. Insights gained from RNA modalities such as antisense oligonucleotides (ASOs) and small interfering RNAs are used to identify important next steps for mRNA and gene editing technologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- John R Androsavich
- RNA Accelerator, Pfizer Inc, Cambridge, MA, USA.
- Ginkgo Bioworks, Boston, MA, USA.
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3
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Liu Y, Xia X, Zheng M, Shi B. Bio-Nano Toolbox for Precision Alzheimer's Disease Gene Therapy. ADVANCED MATERIALS (DEERFIELD BEACH, FLA.) 2024:e2314354. [PMID: 38778446 DOI: 10.1002/adma.202314354] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2023] [Revised: 05/01/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024]
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the most burdensome aging-associated neurodegenerative disorder, and its treatment encounters numerous failures during drug development. Although there are newly approved in-market β-amyloid targeting antibody solutions, pathological heterogeneity among patient populations still challenges the treatment outcome. Emerging advances in gene therapies offer opportunities for more precise personalized medicine; while, major obstacles including the pathological heterogeneity among patient populations, the puzzled mechanism for druggable target development, and the precision delivery of functional therapeutic elements across the blood-brain barrier remain and limit the use of gene therapy for central neuronal diseases. Aiming for "precision delivery" challenges, nanomedicine provides versatile platforms that may overcome the targeted delivery challenges for AD gene therapy. In this perspective, to picture a toolbox for AD gene therapy strategy development, the most recent advances from benchtop to clinics are highlighted, possibly available gene therapy targets, tools, and delivery platforms are outlined, their challenges as well as rational design elements are addressed, and perspectives in this promising research field are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yang Liu
- Department of Radiotherapy and Translational Medicine Center, Huaihe Hospital of Henan University, Henan University, Kaifeng, Henan, 475000, China
- Henan-Macquarie University Joint Centre for Biomedical Innovation, School of Life Sciences, Henan University, Kaifeng, Henan, 475004, China
| | - Xue Xia
- Department of Radiotherapy and Translational Medicine Center, Huaihe Hospital of Henan University, Henan University, Kaifeng, Henan, 475000, China
- Henan-Macquarie University Joint Centre for Biomedical Innovation, School of Life Sciences, Henan University, Kaifeng, Henan, 475004, China
- Macquarie Medical School, Faculty of Medicine & Health Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, New South Wales, 2109, Australia
| | - Meng Zheng
- Department of Radiotherapy and Translational Medicine Center, Huaihe Hospital of Henan University, Henan University, Kaifeng, Henan, 475000, China
- Henan-Macquarie University Joint Centre for Biomedical Innovation, School of Life Sciences, Henan University, Kaifeng, Henan, 475004, China
| | - Bingyang Shi
- Henan-Macquarie University Joint Centre for Biomedical Innovation, School of Life Sciences, Henan University, Kaifeng, Henan, 475004, China
- Macquarie Medical School, Faculty of Medicine & Health Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, New South Wales, 2109, Australia
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4
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Ferguson CM, Godinho BMDC, Echeverria D, Hassler M, Vangjeli L, Sousa J, McHugh N, Alterman J, Hariharan V, Krishnamurthy P, Watts J, Rogaev E, Khvorova A. A combinatorial approach for achieving CNS-selective RNAi. Nucleic Acids Res 2024; 52:5273-5284. [PMID: 38348876 PMCID: PMC11109952 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkae100] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2023] [Revised: 12/30/2023] [Accepted: 02/12/2024] [Indexed: 05/23/2024] Open
Abstract
RNA interference (RNAi) is an endogenous process that can be harnessed using chemically modified small interfering RNAs (siRNAs) to potently modulate gene expression in many tissues. The route of administration and chemical architecture are the primary drivers of oligonucleotide tissue distribution, including siRNAs. Independently of the nature and type, oligonucleotides are eliminated from the body through clearance tissues, where their unintended accumulation may result in undesired gene modulation. Divalent siRNAs (di-siRNAs) administered into the CSF induce robust gene silencing throughout the central nervous system (CNS). Upon clearance from the CSF, they are mainly filtered by the kidneys and liver, with the most functionally significant accumulation occurring in the liver. siRNA- and miRNA-induced silencing can be blocked through substrate inhibition using single-stranded, stabilized oligonucleotides called antagomirs or anti-siRNAs. Using APOE as a model target, we show that undesired di-siRNA-induced silencing in the liver can be mitigated through administration of liver targeting GalNAc-conjugated anti-siRNAs, without impacting CNS activity. Blocking unwanted hepatic APOE silencing achieves fully CNS-selective silencing, essential for potential clinical translation. While we focus on CNS/liver selectivity, coadministration of differentially targeting siRNA and anti-siRNAs can be adapted as a strategy to achieve tissue selectivity in different organ combinations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chantal M Ferguson
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA, 01605, USA
| | - Bruno M D C Godinho
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA, 01605, USA
| | - Dimas Echeverria
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA, 01605, USA
| | - Matthew Hassler
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA, 01605, USA
| | - Lorenc Vangjeli
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA, 01605, USA
| | - Jacquelyn Sousa
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA, 01605, USA
| | - Nicholas McHugh
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA, 01605, USA
| | - Julia Alterman
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA, 01605, USA
| | - Vignesh Hariharan
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA, 01605, USA
| | | | - Jonathan Watts
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA, 01605, USA
| | - Eveny Rogaev
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA, 01605, USA
| | - Anastasia Khvorova
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA, 01605, USA
- Department of Medicine, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA, 01605, USA
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5
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Sarli SL, Fakih HH, Kelly K, Devi G, Rembetsy-Brown J, McEachern H, Ferguson C, Echeverria D, Lee J, Sousa J, Sleiman H, Khvorova A, Watts J. Quantifying the activity profile of ASO and siRNA conjugates in glioblastoma xenograft tumors in vivo. Nucleic Acids Res 2024; 52:4799-4817. [PMID: 38613388 PMCID: PMC11109979 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkae260] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2024] [Revised: 03/06/2024] [Accepted: 03/27/2024] [Indexed: 04/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Glioblastoma multiforme is a universally lethal brain tumor that largely resists current surgical and drug interventions. Despite important advancements in understanding GBM biology, the invasiveness and heterogeneity of these tumors has made it challenging to develop effective therapies. Therapeutic oligonucleotides-antisense oligonucleotides and small-interfering RNAs-are chemically modified nucleic acids that can silence gene expression in the brain. However, activity of these oligonucleotides in brain tumors remains inadequately characterized. In this study, we developed a quantitative method to differentiate oligonucleotide-induced gene silencing in orthotopic GBM xenografts from gene silencing in normal brain tissue, and used this method to test the differential silencing activity of a chemically diverse panel of oligonucleotides. We show that oligonucleotides chemically optimized for pharmacological activity in normal brain tissue do not show consistent activity in GBM xenografts. We then survey multiple advanced oligonucleotide chemistries for their activity in GBM xenografts. Attaching lipid conjugates to oligonucleotides improves silencing in GBM cells across several different lipid classes. Highly hydrophobic lipid conjugates cholesterol and docosanoic acid enhance silencing but at the cost of higher neurotoxicity. Moderately hydrophobic, unsaturated fatty acid and amphiphilic lipid conjugates still improve activity without compromising safety. These oligonucleotide conjugates show promise for treating glioblastoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samantha L Sarli
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
| | - Hassan H Fakih
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
| | - Karen Kelly
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
| | - Gitali Devi
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
| | - Julia M Rembetsy-Brown
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
| | - Holly R McEachern
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
| | - Chantal M Ferguson
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
| | - Dimas Echeverria
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
| | - Jonathan Lee
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
| | - Jacquelyn Sousa
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
| | - Hanadi F Sleiman
- Department of Chemistry, McGill University, Montréal, Québec, Canada
| | - Anastasia Khvorova
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
- Program in Molecular Medicine, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
| | - Jonathan K Watts
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biotechnology, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
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6
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Belgrad J, Tang Q, Hildebrand S, Summers A, Sapp E, Echeverria D, O'Reilly D, Luu E, Bramato B, Allen S, Cooper D, Alterman J, Yamada K, Aronin N, DiFiglia M, Khvorova A. A programmable dual-targeting siRNA scaffold supports potent two-gene modulation in the central nervous system. Nucleic Acids Res 2024:gkae368. [PMID: 38726879 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkae368] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2023] [Revised: 04/10/2024] [Accepted: 04/24/2024] [Indexed: 05/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Divalent short-interfering RNA (siRNA) holds promise as a therapeutic approach allowing for the sequence-specific modulation of a target gene within the central nervous system (CNS). However, an siRNA modality capable of simultaneously modulating gene pairs would be invaluable for treating complex neurodegenerative disorders, where more than one pathway contributes to pathogenesis. Currently, the parameters and scaffold considerations for multi-targeting nucleic acid modalities in the CNS are undefined. Here, we propose a framework for designing unimolecular 'dual-targeting' divalent siRNAs capable of co-silencing two genes in the CNS. We systematically adjusted the original CNS-active divalent siRNA and identified that connecting two sense strands 3' and 5' through an intra-strand linker enabled a functional dual-targeting scaffold, greatly simplifying the synthetic process. Our findings demonstrate that the dual-targeting siRNA supports at least two months of maximal distribution and target silencing in the mouse CNS. The dual-targeting divalent siRNA is highly programmable, enabling simultaneous modulation of two different disease-relevant gene pairs (e.g. Huntington's disease: MSH3 and HTT; Alzheimer's disease: APOE and JAK1) with similar potency to a mixture of single-targeting divalent siRNAs against each gene. This work enhances the potential for CNS modulation of disease-related gene pairs using a unimolecular siRNA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jillian Belgrad
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School; Worcester, MA, USA
| | - Qi Tang
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School; Worcester, MA, USA
| | - Sam Hildebrand
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School; Worcester, MA, USA
| | - Ashley Summers
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School; Worcester, MA, USA
| | - Ellen Sapp
- Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital; Charlestown, MA, USA
| | - Dimas Echeverria
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School; Worcester, MA, USA
| | - Dan O'Reilly
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School; Worcester, MA, USA
| | - Eric Luu
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School; Worcester, MA, USA
| | - Brianna Bramato
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School; Worcester, MA, USA
| | - Sarah Allen
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School; Worcester, MA, USA
| | - David Cooper
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School; Worcester, MA, USA
| | - Julia Alterman
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School; Worcester, MA, USA
| | - Ken Yamada
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School; Worcester, MA, USA
| | - Neil Aronin
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School; Worcester, MA, USA
- Department of Medicine, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School; Worcester, MA, USA
| | - Marian DiFiglia
- Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital; Charlestown, MA, USA
| | - Anastasia Khvorova
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School; Worcester, MA, USA
- Program in Molecular Medicine, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School; Worcester, MA, USA
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7
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Romano R, Bucci C. Antisense therapy: a potential breakthrough in the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases. Neural Regen Res 2024; 19:1027-1035. [PMID: 37862205 PMCID: PMC10749614 DOI: 10.4103/1673-5374.385285] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2023] [Revised: 06/13/2023] [Accepted: 07/21/2023] [Indexed: 10/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Neurodegenerative diseases are a group of disorders characterized by the progressive degeneration of neurons in the central or peripheral nervous system. Currently, there is no cure for neurodegenerative diseases and this means a heavy burden for patients and the health system worldwide. Therefore, it is necessary to find new therapeutic approaches, and antisense therapies offer this possibility, having the great advantage of not modifying cellular genome and potentially being safer. Many preclinical and clinical studies aim to test the safety and effectiveness of antisense therapies in the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases. The objective of this review is to summarize the recent advances in the development of these new technologies to treat the most common neurodegenerative diseases, with a focus on those antisense therapies that have already received the approval of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roberta Romano
- Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences and Technologies (DiSTeBA), University of Salento, Lecce, Italy
| | - Cecilia Bucci
- Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences and Technologies (DiSTeBA), University of Salento, Lecce, Italy
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8
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Tang Q, Khvorova A. RNAi-based drug design: considerations and future directions. Nat Rev Drug Discov 2024; 23:341-364. [PMID: 38570694 PMCID: PMC11144061 DOI: 10.1038/s41573-024-00912-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/14/2024] [Indexed: 04/05/2024]
Abstract
More than 25 years after its discovery, the post-transcriptional gene regulation mechanism termed RNAi is now transforming pharmaceutical development, proved by the recent FDA approval of multiple small interfering RNA (siRNA) drugs that target the liver. Synthetic siRNAs that trigger RNAi have the potential to specifically silence virtually any therapeutic target with unprecedented potency and durability. Bringing this innovative class of medicines to patients, however, has been riddled with substantial challenges, with delivery issues at the forefront. Several classes of siRNA drug are under clinical evaluation, but their utility in treating extrahepatic diseases remains limited, demanding continued innovation. In this Review, we discuss principal considerations and future directions in the design of therapeutic siRNAs, with a particular emphasis on chemistry, the application of informatics, delivery strategies and the importance of careful target selection, which together influence therapeutic success.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qi Tang
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
- Department of Dermatology, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
| | - Anastasia Khvorova
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA.
- Program in Molecular Medicine, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA.
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9
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Chernikov IV, Bachkova IK, Sen’kova AV, Meschaninova MI, Savin IA, Vlassov VV, Zenkova MA, Chernolovskaya EL. Cholesterol-Modified Anti-Il6 siRNA Reduces the Severity of Acute Lung Injury in Mice. Cells 2024; 13:767. [PMID: 38727303 PMCID: PMC11083178 DOI: 10.3390/cells13090767] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2024] [Revised: 04/27/2024] [Accepted: 04/29/2024] [Indexed: 05/13/2024] Open
Abstract
Small interfering RNA (siRNA) holds significant therapeutic potential by silencing target genes through RNA interference. Current clinical applications of siRNA have been primarily limited to liver diseases, while achievements in delivery methods are expanding their applications to various organs, including the lungs. Cholesterol-conjugated siRNA emerges as a promising delivery approach due to its low toxicity and high efficiency. This study focuses on developing a cholesterol-conjugated anti-Il6 siRNA and the evaluation of its potency for the potential treatment of inflammatory diseases using the example of acute lung injury (ALI). The biological activities of different Il6-targeted siRNAs containing chemical modifications were evaluated in J774 cells in vitro. The lead cholesterol-conjugated anti-Il6 siRNA after intranasal instillation demonstrated dose-dependent therapeutic effects in a mouse model of ALI induced by lipopolysaccharide (LPS). The treatment significantly reduced Il6 mRNA levels, inflammatory cell infiltration, and the severity of lung inflammation. IL6 silencing by cholesterol-conjugated siRNA proves to be a promising strategy for treating inflammatory diseases, with potential applications beyond the lungs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ivan V. Chernikov
- Institute of Chemical Biology and Fundamental Medicine, Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Acad. Lavrentiev Ave. 8, 630090 Novosibirsk, Russia; (I.V.C.); (I.K.B.); (A.V.S.); (M.I.M.); (I.A.S.); (M.A.Z.)
| | - Irina K. Bachkova
- Institute of Chemical Biology and Fundamental Medicine, Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Acad. Lavrentiev Ave. 8, 630090 Novosibirsk, Russia; (I.V.C.); (I.K.B.); (A.V.S.); (M.I.M.); (I.A.S.); (M.A.Z.)
- Faculty of Natural Sciences, Novosibirsk State University, Pirogova Str., 1, 630090 Novosibirsk, Russia
| | - Aleksandra V. Sen’kova
- Institute of Chemical Biology and Fundamental Medicine, Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Acad. Lavrentiev Ave. 8, 630090 Novosibirsk, Russia; (I.V.C.); (I.K.B.); (A.V.S.); (M.I.M.); (I.A.S.); (M.A.Z.)
| | - Mariya I. Meschaninova
- Institute of Chemical Biology and Fundamental Medicine, Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Acad. Lavrentiev Ave. 8, 630090 Novosibirsk, Russia; (I.V.C.); (I.K.B.); (A.V.S.); (M.I.M.); (I.A.S.); (M.A.Z.)
| | - Innokenty A. Savin
- Institute of Chemical Biology and Fundamental Medicine, Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Acad. Lavrentiev Ave. 8, 630090 Novosibirsk, Russia; (I.V.C.); (I.K.B.); (A.V.S.); (M.I.M.); (I.A.S.); (M.A.Z.)
| | - Valentin V. Vlassov
- Institute of Chemical Biology and Fundamental Medicine, Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Acad. Lavrentiev Ave. 8, 630090 Novosibirsk, Russia; (I.V.C.); (I.K.B.); (A.V.S.); (M.I.M.); (I.A.S.); (M.A.Z.)
| | - Marina A. Zenkova
- Institute of Chemical Biology and Fundamental Medicine, Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Acad. Lavrentiev Ave. 8, 630090 Novosibirsk, Russia; (I.V.C.); (I.K.B.); (A.V.S.); (M.I.M.); (I.A.S.); (M.A.Z.)
| | - Elena L. Chernolovskaya
- Institute of Chemical Biology and Fundamental Medicine, Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Acad. Lavrentiev Ave. 8, 630090 Novosibirsk, Russia; (I.V.C.); (I.K.B.); (A.V.S.); (M.I.M.); (I.A.S.); (M.A.Z.)
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10
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Allen S, O'Reilly D, Miller R, Sapp E, Summers A, Paquette J, Moreno DE, Bramato B, McHugh N, Yamada K, Aronin N, DiFiglia M, Khvorova A. mRNA nuclear clustering leads to a difference in mutant huntingtin mRNA and protein silencing by siRNAs in vivo. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.04.24.590997. [PMID: 38774633 PMCID: PMC11106801 DOI: 10.1101/2024.04.24.590997] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/24/2024]
Abstract
Huntington's disease (HD) is an autosomal dominant neurodegenerative disease caused by CAG repeat expansion in the first exon of the huntingtin gene (HTT). Oligonucleotide therapeutics, such as short interfering RNA (siRNA), reduce levels of huntingtin mRNA and protein in vivo and are considered a viable therapeutic strategy. However, the extent to which they silence HTT mRNA in the nucleus is not established. We synthesized siRNA cross-reactive to mouse (wild-type) Htt and human (mutant) HTT in a di-valent scaffold and delivered to two mouse models of HD. In both models, di-valent siRNA sustained lowering of wild-type Htt, but not mutant HTT mRNA expression in striatum and cortex. Near-complete silencing of both mutant HTT protein and wild-type Htt protein was observed in both models. Subsequent fluorescent in situ hybridization (FISH) analysis shows that di-valent siRNA acts predominantly on cytoplasmic mutant HTT transcripts, leaving clustered mutant HTT transcripts in the nucleus largely intact in treated HD mouse brains. The observed differences between mRNA and protein levels, exaggerated in the case of extended repeats, might apply to other repeat-associated neurological disorders.
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11
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Ferguson CM, Hildebrand S, Godinho BMDC, Buchwald J, Echeverria D, Coles A, Grigorenko A, Vangjeli L, Sousa J, McHugh N, Hassler M, Santarelli F, Heneka MT, Rogaev E, Khvorova A. Silencing Apoe with divalent-siRNAs improves amyloid burden and activates immune response pathways in Alzheimer's disease. Alzheimers Dement 2024; 20:2632-2652. [PMID: 38375983 PMCID: PMC11032532 DOI: 10.1002/alz.13703] [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: 05/12/2023] [Revised: 10/30/2023] [Accepted: 11/14/2023] [Indexed: 02/21/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The most significant genetic risk factor for late-onset Alzheimer's disease (AD) is APOE4, with evidence for gain- and loss-of-function mechanisms. A clinical need remains for therapeutically relevant tools that potently modulate APOE expression. METHODS We optimized small interfering RNAs (di-siRNA, GalNAc) to potently silence brain or liver Apoe and evaluated the impact of each pool of Apoe on pathology. RESULTS In adult 5xFAD mice, siRNAs targeting CNS Apoe efficiently silenced Apoe expression and reduced amyloid burden without affecting systemic cholesterol, confirming that potent silencing of brain Apoe is sufficient to slow disease progression. Mechanistically, silencing Apoe reduced APOE-rich amyloid cores and activated immune system responses. DISCUSSION These results establish siRNA-based modulation of Apoe as a viable therapeutic approach, highlight immune activation as a key pathway affected by Apoe modulation, and provide the technology to further evaluate the impact of APOE silencing on neurodegeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chantal M. Ferguson
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts Medical SchoolWorcesterMassachusettsUSA
| | - Samuel Hildebrand
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts Medical SchoolWorcesterMassachusettsUSA
| | - Bruno M. D. C. Godinho
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts Medical SchoolWorcesterMassachusettsUSA
| | - Julianna Buchwald
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts Medical SchoolWorcesterMassachusettsUSA
| | - Dimas Echeverria
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts Medical SchoolWorcesterMassachusettsUSA
| | - Andrew Coles
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts Medical SchoolWorcesterMassachusettsUSA
| | - Anastasia Grigorenko
- Department of PsychiatryUniversity of Massachusetts Medical SchoolWorcesterMassachusettsUSA
| | - Lorenc Vangjeli
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts Medical SchoolWorcesterMassachusettsUSA
| | - Jacquelyn Sousa
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts Medical SchoolWorcesterMassachusettsUSA
| | - Nicholas McHugh
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts Medical SchoolWorcesterMassachusettsUSA
| | - Matthew Hassler
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts Medical SchoolWorcesterMassachusettsUSA
| | | | - Michael T. Heneka
- Luxembourg Centre for Systems Biomedicine (LCSB)Esch‐sur‐AlzetteLuxembourg
| | - Evgeny Rogaev
- Department of PsychiatryUniversity of Massachusetts Medical SchoolWorcesterMassachusettsUSA
| | - Anastasia Khvorova
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts Medical SchoolWorcesterMassachusettsUSA
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12
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Belgrad J, Fakih HH, Khvorova A. Nucleic Acid Therapeutics: Successes, Milestones, and Upcoming Innovation. Nucleic Acid Ther 2024; 34:52-72. [PMID: 38507678 DOI: 10.1089/nat.2023.0068] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/22/2024] Open
Abstract
Nucleic acid-based therapies have become the third major drug class after small molecules and antibodies. The role of nucleic acid-based therapies has been strengthened by recent regulatory approvals and tremendous clinical success. In this review, we look at the major obstacles that have hindered the field, the historical milestones that have been achieved, and what is yet to be resolved and anticipated soon. This review provides a view of the key innovations that are expanding nucleic acid capabilities, setting the stage for the future of nucleic acid therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jillian Belgrad
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Hassan H Fakih
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Anastasia Khvorova
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts, USA
- Program in Molecular Medicine, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts, USA
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13
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Tong H, Yang T, Xu S, Li X, Liu L, Zhou G, Yang S, Yin S, Li XJ, Li S. Huntington's Disease: Complex Pathogenesis and Therapeutic Strategies. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:3845. [PMID: 38612657 PMCID: PMC11011923 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25073845] [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: 02/19/2024] [Revised: 03/21/2024] [Accepted: 03/26/2024] [Indexed: 04/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Huntington's disease (HD) arises from the abnormal expansion of CAG repeats in the huntingtin gene (HTT), resulting in the production of the mutant huntingtin protein (mHTT) with a polyglutamine stretch in its N-terminus. The pathogenic mechanisms underlying HD are complex and not yet fully elucidated. However, mHTT forms aggregates and accumulates abnormally in neuronal nuclei and processes, leading to disruptions in multiple cellular functions. Although there is currently no effective curative treatment for HD, significant progress has been made in developing various therapeutic strategies to treat HD. In addition to drugs targeting the neuronal toxicity of mHTT, gene therapy approaches that aim to reduce the expression of the mutant HTT gene hold great promise for effective HD therapy. This review provides an overview of current HD treatments, discusses different therapeutic strategies, and aims to facilitate future therapeutic advancements in the field.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Xiao-Jiang Li
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Non-Human Primate Research, Key Laboratory of CNS Regeneration (Ministry of Education), Guangdong-Hongkong-Macau Institute of CNS Regeneration, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China; (H.T.); (T.Y.); (S.X.); (X.L.); (L.L.); (G.Z.); (S.Y.); (S.Y.)
| | - Shihua Li
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Non-Human Primate Research, Key Laboratory of CNS Regeneration (Ministry of Education), Guangdong-Hongkong-Macau Institute of CNS Regeneration, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China; (H.T.); (T.Y.); (S.X.); (X.L.); (L.L.); (G.Z.); (S.Y.); (S.Y.)
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14
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Duan C, Kang M, Pan X, Gan Z, Huang V, Li G, Place RF, Li LC. Intrathecal administration of a novel siRNA modality extends survival and improves motor function in the SOD1 G93A ALS mouse model. MOLECULAR THERAPY. NUCLEIC ACIDS 2024; 35:102147. [PMID: 38435120 PMCID: PMC10907209 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtn.2024.102147] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2023] [Accepted: 02/12/2024] [Indexed: 03/05/2024]
Abstract
Antisense oligonucleotides (ASOs) were the first modality to pioneer targeted gene knockdown in the treatment of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) caused by mutant superoxide dismutase 1 (SOD1). RNA interference (RNAi) is another mechanism of gene silencing in which short interfering RNAs (siRNAs) effectively degrade complementary transcripts. However, delivery to extrahepatic tissues like the CNS has been a bottleneck in the clinical development of RNAi. Herein, we identify potent siRNA duplexes for the knockdown of human SOD1 in which medicinal chemistry and conjugation to an accessory oligonucleotide (ACO) enable activity in CNS tissues. Local delivery via intracerebroventricular or intrathecal injection into SOD1G93A mice delayed disease progression and extended animal survival with superior efficacy compared with an ASO resembling tofersen in sequence and chemistry. Treatment also prevented disease-related declines in motor function, including improvements in animal mobility, muscle strength, and coordination. The ACO itself does not target any specific complementary nucleic acid sequence; rather, it imparts benefits conducive to bioavailability and delivery through its chemistry. The complete conjugate (i.e., siRNA-ACO) represents a novel modality for delivery of duplex RNA (e.g., siRNA) to the CNS that is currently being tested in the clinic for treatment of ALS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chunling Duan
- Ractigen Therapeutics, Nantong, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Moorim Kang
- Ractigen Therapeutics, Nantong, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Xiaojie Pan
- Ractigen Therapeutics, Nantong, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Zubao Gan
- Ractigen Therapeutics, Nantong, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Vera Huang
- Ractigen Therapeutics, Nantong, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Guanlin Li
- Ractigen Therapeutics, Nantong, Jiangsu Province, China
| | | | - Long-Cheng Li
- Ractigen Therapeutics, Nantong, Jiangsu Province, China
- Institute of Reproductive Medicine, Nantong University School of Medicine, Nantong, Jiangsu, China
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15
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Cheng SY, Caiazzi J, Biscans A, Alterman JF, Echeverria D, McHugh N, Hassler M, Jolly S, Giguere D, Cipi J, Khvorova A, Punzo C. Single intravitreal administration of a tetravalent siRNA exhibits robust and efficient gene silencing in mouse and pig photoreceptors. MOLECULAR THERAPY. NUCLEIC ACIDS 2024; 35:102088. [PMID: 38192611 PMCID: PMC10772295 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtn.2023.102088] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2023] [Accepted: 11/30/2023] [Indexed: 01/10/2024]
Abstract
Inherited retinal dystrophies caused by dominant mutations in photoreceptor (PR) cell expressed genes are a major cause of irreversible vision loss. Oligonucleotide therapy has been of interest in diseases that conventional medicine cannot target. In the early days, small interfering RNAs (siRNAs) were explored in clinical trials for retinal disorders with limited success due to a lack of stability and efficient cellular delivery. Thus, an unmet need exists to identify siRNA chemistry that targets PR cell expressed genes. Here, we evaluated 12 different fully chemically modified siRNA configurations, where the valency and conjugate structure were systematically altered. The impact on retinal distribution following intravitreal delivery was examined. We found that the increase in valency (tetravalent siRNA) supports the best PR accumulation. A single intravitreal administration induces multimonths efficacy in rodent and porcine retinas while demonstrating a good safety profile. The data suggest that this configuration can treat retinal diseases caused by PR cell expressed genes with 1-2 intravitreal injections per year.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shun-Yun Cheng
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA 01605, USA
- Horae Gene Therapy Center, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA 01605, USA
- Department of Neurobiology, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA 01605, USA
| | - Jillian Caiazzi
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA 01605, USA
| | - Annabelle Biscans
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA 01605, USA
| | - Julia F. Alterman
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA 01605, USA
| | - Dimas Echeverria
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA 01605, USA
| | - Nicholas McHugh
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA 01605, USA
| | - Matthew Hassler
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA 01605, USA
| | - Samson Jolly
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA 01605, USA
| | - Delaney Giguere
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA 01605, USA
| | - Joris Cipi
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA 01605, USA
| | - Anastasia Khvorova
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA 01605, USA
| | - Claudio Punzo
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA 01605, USA
- Horae Gene Therapy Center, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA 01605, USA
- Department of Neurobiology, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA 01605, USA
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16
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Jadhav V, Vaishnaw A, Fitzgerald K, Maier MA. RNA interference in the era of nucleic acid therapeutics. Nat Biotechnol 2024; 42:394-405. [PMID: 38409587 DOI: 10.1038/s41587-023-02105-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2022] [Accepted: 12/15/2023] [Indexed: 02/28/2024]
Abstract
Two decades of research on RNA interference (RNAi) have transformed a breakthrough discovery in biology into a robust platform for a new class of medicines that modulate mRNA expression. Here we provide an overview of the trajectory of small-interfering RNA (siRNA) drug development, including the first approval in 2018 of a liver-targeted siRNA interference (RNAi) therapeutic in lipid nanoparticles and subsequent approvals of five more RNAi drugs, which used metabolically stable siRNAs combined with N-acetylgalactosamine ligands for conjugate-based liver delivery. We also consider the remaining challenges in the field, such as delivery to muscle, brain and other extrahepatic organs. Today's RNAi therapeutics exhibit high specificity, potency and durability, and are transitioning from applications in rare diseases to widespread, chronic conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vasant Jadhav
- Research & Development, Alnylam Pharmaceuticals, Cambridge, MA, USA.
| | - Akshay Vaishnaw
- Research & Development, Alnylam Pharmaceuticals, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Kevin Fitzgerald
- Research & Development, Alnylam Pharmaceuticals, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Martin A Maier
- Research & Development, Alnylam Pharmaceuticals, Cambridge, MA, USA.
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17
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Kremer A, Ryaykenen T, Haraszti RA. Systematic optimization of siRNA productive uptake into resting and activated T cells ex vivo. Biomed Pharmacother 2024; 172:116285. [PMID: 38382331 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2024.116285] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2023] [Revised: 02/09/2024] [Accepted: 02/17/2024] [Indexed: 02/23/2024] Open
Abstract
RNA-based medicines are ideally suited for precise modulation of T cell phenotypes in anti-cancer immunity, in autoimmune diseases and for ex vivo modulation of T-cell-based therapies. Therefore, understanding productive siRNA uptake to T cells is of particular importance. Most studies used unmodified siRNAs or commercially available siRNAs with undisclosed chemical modification patterns to show functionality in T cells. Despite being an active field of research, robust siRNA delivery to T cells still represents a formidable challenge. Therefore, a systematic approach is needed to further optimize and understand productive siRNA uptake pathways to T cells. Here, we compared conjugate-mediated and nanoparticle-mediated delivery of siRNAs to T cells in the context of fully chemically modified RNA constructs. We showed that lipid-conjugate-mediated delivery outperforms lipid-nanoparticle-mediated and extracellular-vesicle-mediated delivery in activated T cells ex vivo. Yet, ex vivo manipulation of T cells without the need of activation is of great therapeutic interest for CAR-T, engineered TCR-T and allogeneic donor lymphocyte applications. We are first to report productive siRNA uptake into resting T cells using lipid-conjugate-mediated delivery. Interestingly, we observed strong dependence of silencing activity on lipid-conjugate-identity in resting T cells but not in activated T cells. This phenomenon is consistent with our early uptake kinetics data. Lipid-conjugates also enabled delivery of siRNA to all mononuclear immune cell types, including both lymphoid and myeloid lineages. These findings are expected to be broadly applicable for ex vivo modulation of immune cell therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Kremer
- Department of Internal Medicine II, Hematology, Oncology, Clinical Immunology and Rheumatology, University Hospital Tuebingen, Germany; Gene and RNA Therapy Center (GRTC), Faculty of Medicine, University Tuebingen, Germany
| | - T Ryaykenen
- Department of Internal Medicine II, Hematology, Oncology, Clinical Immunology and Rheumatology, University Hospital Tuebingen, Germany; Gene and RNA Therapy Center (GRTC), Faculty of Medicine, University Tuebingen, Germany
| | - R A Haraszti
- Department of Internal Medicine II, Hematology, Oncology, Clinical Immunology and Rheumatology, University Hospital Tuebingen, Germany; Gene and RNA Therapy Center (GRTC), Faculty of Medicine, University Tuebingen, Germany.
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18
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Jurcau A, Simion A, Jurcau MC. Emerging antibody-based therapies for Huntington's disease: current status and perspectives for future development. Expert Rev Neurother 2024; 24:299-312. [PMID: 38324338 DOI: 10.1080/14737175.2024.2314183] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2023] [Accepted: 01/31/2024] [Indexed: 02/08/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Being an inherited neurodegenerative disease with an identifiable genetic defect, Huntington's disease (HD) is a suitable candidate for early intervention, possibly even in the pre-symptomatic stage. Our recent advances in elucidating the pathogenesis of HD have revealed a series of novel potential therapeutic targets, among which immunotherapies are actively pursued in preclinical experiments. AREAS COVERED This review focuses on the potential of antibody-based treatments targeting various epitopes (of mutant huntingtin as well as phosphorylated tau) that are currently evaluated in vitro and in animal experiments. The references used in this review were retrieved from the PubMed database, searching for immunotherapies in HD, and clinical trial registries were reviewed for molecules already evaluated in clinical trials. EXPERT OPINION Antibody-based therapies have raised considerable interest in a series of neurodegenerative diseases characterized by deposition of aggregated of aberrantly folded proteins, HD included. Intrabodies and nanobodies can interact with mutant huntingtin inside the nervous cells. However, the conflicting results obtained with some of these intrabodies highlight the need for proper choice of epitopes and for developing animal models more closely mimicking human disease. Approval of these strategies will require a considerable financial and logistic effort on behalf of healthcare systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anamaria Jurcau
- Department of Psycho-Neurosciences and Rehabilitation, University of Oradea, Oradea, Romania
| | - Aurel Simion
- Department of Psycho-Neurosciences and Rehabilitation, University of Oradea, Oradea, Romania
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19
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Shi Y, Zhen X, Zhang Y, Li Y, Koo S, Saiding Q, Kong N, Liu G, Chen W, Tao W. Chemically Modified Platforms for Better RNA Therapeutics. Chem Rev 2024; 124:929-1033. [PMID: 38284616 DOI: 10.1021/acs.chemrev.3c00611] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/30/2024]
Abstract
RNA-based therapies have catalyzed a revolutionary transformation in the biomedical landscape, offering unprecedented potential in disease prevention and treatment. However, despite their remarkable achievements, these therapies encounter substantial challenges including low stability, susceptibility to degradation by nucleases, and a prominent negative charge, thereby hindering further development. Chemically modified platforms have emerged as a strategic innovation, focusing on precise alterations either on the RNA moieties or their associated delivery vectors. This comprehensive review delves into these platforms, underscoring their significance in augmenting the performance and translational prospects of RNA-based therapeutics. It encompasses an in-depth analysis of various chemically modified delivery platforms that have been instrumental in propelling RNA therapeutics toward clinical utility. Moreover, the review scrutinizes the rationale behind diverse chemical modification techniques aiming at optimizing the therapeutic efficacy of RNA molecules, thereby facilitating robust disease management. Recent empirical studies corroborating the efficacy enhancement of RNA therapeutics through chemical modifications are highlighted. Conclusively, we offer profound insights into the transformative impact of chemical modifications on RNA drugs and delineates prospective trajectories for their future development and clinical integration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yesi Shi
- Center for Nanomedicine and Department of Anesthesiology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, United States
- State Key Laboratory of Vaccines for Infectious Diseases, Xiang An Biomedicine Laboratory, National Innovation Platform for Industry-Education Integration in Vaccine Research, State Key Laboratory of Molecular Vaccinology and Molecular Diagnostics, Center for Molecular Imaging and Translational Medicine, School of Public Health, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361102, China
| | - Xueyan Zhen
- Center for Nanomedicine and Department of Anesthesiology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, United States
| | - Yiming Zhang
- Center for Nanomedicine and Department of Anesthesiology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, United States
| | - Yongjiang Li
- Center for Nanomedicine and Department of Anesthesiology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, United States
| | - Seyoung Koo
- Center for Nanomedicine and Department of Anesthesiology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, United States
| | - Qimanguli Saiding
- Center for Nanomedicine and Department of Anesthesiology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, United States
| | - Na Kong
- Center for Nanomedicine and Department of Anesthesiology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, United States
- Liangzhu Laboratory, Zhejiang University Medical Center, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Gang Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Vaccines for Infectious Diseases, Xiang An Biomedicine Laboratory, National Innovation Platform for Industry-Education Integration in Vaccine Research, State Key Laboratory of Molecular Vaccinology and Molecular Diagnostics, Center for Molecular Imaging and Translational Medicine, School of Public Health, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361102, China
| | - Wei Chen
- Center for Nanomedicine and Department of Anesthesiology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, United States
- Genomics Research Center, Academia Sinica, Taipei 11529, Taiwan
| | - Wei Tao
- Center for Nanomedicine and Department of Anesthesiology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, United States
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20
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Zhang H, Kelly K, Lee J, Echeverria D, Cooper D, Panwala R, Amrani N, Chen Z, Gaston N, Wagh A, Newby G, Xie J, Liu DR, Gao G, Wolfe S, Khvorova A, Watts J, Sontheimer E. Self-delivering, chemically modified CRISPR RNAs for AAV co-delivery and genome editing in vivo. Nucleic Acids Res 2024; 52:977-997. [PMID: 38033325 PMCID: PMC10810193 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkad1125] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2023] [Revised: 11/01/2023] [Accepted: 11/13/2023] [Indexed: 12/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Guide RNAs offer programmability for CRISPR-Cas9 genome editing but also add challenges for delivery. Chemical modification, which has been key to the success of oligonucleotide therapeutics, can enhance the stability, distribution, cellular uptake, and safety of nucleic acids. Previously, we engineered heavily and fully modified SpyCas9 crRNA and tracrRNA, which showed enhanced stability and retained activity when delivered to cultured cells in the form of the ribonucleoprotein complex. In this study, we report that a short, fully stabilized oligonucleotide (a 'protecting oligo'), which can be displaced by tracrRNA annealing, can significantly enhance the potency and stability of a heavily modified crRNA. Furthermore, protecting oligos allow various bioconjugates to be appended, thereby improving cellular uptake and biodistribution of crRNA in vivo. Finally, we achieved in vivo genome editing in adult mouse liver and central nervous system via co-delivery of unformulated, chemically modified crRNAs with protecting oligos and AAV vectors that express tracrRNA and either SpyCas9 or a base editor derivative. Our proof-of-concept establishment of AAV/crRNA co-delivery offers a route towards transient editing activity, target multiplexing, guide redosing, and vector inactivation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Han Zhang
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA 01605, USA
| | - Karen Kelly
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA 01605, USA
| | - Jonathan Lee
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA 01605, USA
| | - Dimas Echeverria
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA 01605, USA
| | - David Cooper
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA 01605, USA
| | - Rebecca Panwala
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA 01605, USA
| | - Nadia Amrani
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA 01605, USA
| | - Zexiang Chen
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA 01605, USA
| | - Nicholas Gaston
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA 01605, USA
| | - Atish Wagh
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA 01605, USA
| | - Gregory A Newby
- Merkin Institute of Transformative Technologies in Healthcare, Broad Institute of Harvard and MIT, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | - Jun Xie
- Horae Gene Therapy Center, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA 01605, USA
- Viral Vector Core, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical, School, Worcester, MA 01605, USA
- Department of Microbiology and Physiological Systems, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA 01605, USA
- Li Weibo Institute for Rare Diseases Research, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA 01605, USA
| | - David R Liu
- Merkin Institute of Transformative Technologies in Healthcare, Broad Institute of Harvard and MIT, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | - Guangping Gao
- Horae Gene Therapy Center, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA 01605, USA
- Viral Vector Core, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical, School, Worcester, MA 01605, USA
- Department of Microbiology and Physiological Systems, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA 01605, USA
- Li Weibo Institute for Rare Diseases Research, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA 01605, USA
| | - Scot A Wolfe
- Li Weibo Institute for Rare Diseases Research, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA 01605, USA
- Department of Molecular, Cell and Cancer Biology, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA 01605, USA
| | - Anastasia Khvorova
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA 01605, USA
- NeuroNexus Institute, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA 01605, USA
- Program in Molecular Medicine, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA 01605, USA
| | - Jonathan K Watts
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA 01605, USA
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biotechnology, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA 01605, USA
- NeuroNexus Institute, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA 01605, USA
- Li Weibo Institute for Rare Diseases Research, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA 01605, USA
| | - Erik J Sontheimer
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA 01605, USA
- Program in Molecular Medicine, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA 01605, USA
- Li Weibo Institute for Rare Diseases Research, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA 01605, USA
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21
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Driscoll R, Hampton L, Abraham NA, Larigan JD, Joseph NF, Hernandez-Vega JC, Geisler S, Yang FC, Deninger M, Tran DT, Khatri N, Godinho BMDC, Kinberger GA, Montagna DR, Hirst WD, Guardado CL, Glajch KE, Arnold HM, Gallant-Behm CL, Weihofen A. Dose-dependent reduction of somatic expansions but not Htt aggregates by di-valent siRNA-mediated silencing of MSH3 in HdhQ111 mice. Sci Rep 2024; 14:2061. [PMID: 38267530 PMCID: PMC10808119 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-52667-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2023] [Accepted: 01/22/2024] [Indexed: 01/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Huntington's disease (HD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder caused by CAG trinucleotide repeat expansions in exon 1 of the HTT gene. In addition to germline CAG expansions, somatic repeat expansions in neurons also contribute to HD pathogenesis. The DNA mismatch repair gene, MSH3, identified as a genetic modifier of HD onset and progression, promotes somatic CAG expansions, and thus presents a potential therapeutic target. However, what extent of MSH3 protein reduction is needed to attenuate somatic CAG expansions and elicit therapeutic benefits in HD disease models is less clear. In our study, we employed potent di-siRNAs to silence mouse Msh3 mRNA expression in a dose-dependent manner in HdhQ111/+ mice and correlated somatic Htt CAG instability with MSH3 protein levels from simultaneously isolated DNA and protein after siRNA treatment. Our results reveal a linear correlation with a proportionality constant of ~ 1 between the prevention of somatic Htt CAG expansions and MSH3 protein expression in vivo, supporting MSH3 as a rate-limiting step in somatic expansions. Intriguingly, despite a 75% reduction in MSH3 protein levels, striatal nuclear HTT aggregates remained unchanged. We also note that evidence for nuclear Msh3 mRNA that is inaccessible to RNA interference was found, and that MSH6 protein in the striatum was upregulated following MSH3 knockdown in HdhQ111/+ mice. These results provide important clues to address critical questions for the development of therapeutic molecules targeting MSH3 as a potential therapeutic target for HD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachelle Driscoll
- Translational Sciences, Biogen, 225 Binney Street, Cambridge, MA, 02142, USA
| | - Lucas Hampton
- Neurodegenerative Diseases Research Unit, Biogen, 225 Binney Street, Cambridge, MA, 02142, USA
| | - Neeta A Abraham
- Neurodegenerative Diseases Research Unit, Biogen, 225 Binney Street, Cambridge, MA, 02142, USA
| | - J Douglas Larigan
- Biotherapeutics and Medicinal Sciences, Biogen, 225 Binney Street, Cambridge, MA, 02142, USA
| | - Nadine F Joseph
- Neurodegenerative Diseases Research Unit, Biogen, 225 Binney Street, Cambridge, MA, 02142, USA
| | - Juan C Hernandez-Vega
- Neurodegenerative Diseases Research Unit, Biogen, 225 Binney Street, Cambridge, MA, 02142, USA
| | - Sarah Geisler
- Translational Sciences, Biogen, 225 Binney Street, Cambridge, MA, 02142, USA
| | - Fu-Chia Yang
- Translational Sciences, Biogen, 225 Binney Street, Cambridge, MA, 02142, USA
| | - Matthew Deninger
- Atalanta Therapeutics, 51 Sleeper Street, Boston, MA, 02210, USA
| | - David T Tran
- Atalanta Therapeutics, 51 Sleeper Street, Boston, MA, 02210, USA
| | - Natasha Khatri
- Atalanta Therapeutics, 51 Sleeper Street, Boston, MA, 02210, USA
| | | | | | - Daniel R Montagna
- Neurodegenerative Diseases Research Unit, Biogen, 225 Binney Street, Cambridge, MA, 02142, USA
| | - Warren D Hirst
- Neurodegenerative Diseases Research Unit, Biogen, 225 Binney Street, Cambridge, MA, 02142, USA
| | - Catherine L Guardado
- Neurodegenerative Diseases Research Unit, Biogen, 225 Binney Street, Cambridge, MA, 02142, USA
| | - Kelly E Glajch
- Neurodegenerative Diseases Research Unit, Biogen, 225 Binney Street, Cambridge, MA, 02142, USA
| | - H Moore Arnold
- Translational Sciences, Biogen, 225 Binney Street, Cambridge, MA, 02142, USA
| | | | - Andreas Weihofen
- Neurodegenerative Diseases Research Unit, Biogen, 225 Binney Street, Cambridge, MA, 02142, USA.
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22
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Li J, Xuan H, Kuang X, Li Y, Lian H, Yu N. Cas13b-mediated RNA targeted therapy alleviates genetic dilated cardiomyopathy in mice. Cell Biosci 2024; 14:4. [PMID: 38178244 PMCID: PMC10768345 DOI: 10.1186/s13578-023-01143-y] [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: 05/17/2023] [Accepted: 10/09/2023] [Indexed: 01/06/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Recent advances in gene editing technology have opened up new avenues for in vivo gene therapy, which holds great promise as a potential treatment method for dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM). The CRISPR-Cas13 system has been shown to be an effective tool for knocking down RNA expression in mammalian cells. PspCas13b, a type VI-B effector that can be packed into adeno-associated viruses and improve RNA knockdown efficiency, is a potential treatment for diseases characterized by abnormal gene expression. RESULTS Using PspCas13b, we were able to efficiently and specifically knockdown the mutant transcripts in the AC16 cell line carrying the heterozygous human TNNT2R141W (hTNNT2R141W) mutation. We used adeno-associated virus vector serotype 9 to deliver PspCas13b with specific single guide RNA into the hTNNT2R141W transgenic DCM mouse model, effectively knocking down hTNNT2R141W transcript expression. PspCas13b-mediated knockdown significantly increased myofilament sensitivity to Ca2+, improved cardiac function, and reduced myocardial fibrosis in hTNNT2R141W DCM mice. CONCLUSIONS These findings suggest that targeting genes through Cas13b is a promising approach for in vivo gene therapy for genetic diseases caused by aberrant gene expression. Our study provides further evidence of Cas13b's application in genetic disease therapy and paves the way for future applicability of genetic therapies for cardiomyopathy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiacheng Li
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, 100191, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University Third Hospital), Beijing, 100191, China
- Key Laboratory of Assisted Reproduction (Peking University), Ministry of Education, Beijing, 100191, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology and Assisted Reproductive Technology, Beijing, 100191, China
| | - He Xuan
- State Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Disease, Fuwai Hospital, National Center for Cardiovascular Disease, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100037, China
| | - Xin Kuang
- State Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Disease, Fuwai Hospital, National Center for Cardiovascular Disease, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100037, China
| | - Yahuan Li
- State Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Disease, Fuwai Hospital, National Center for Cardiovascular Disease, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100037, China
| | - Hong Lian
- State Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Disease, Fuwai Hospital, National Center for Cardiovascular Disease, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100037, China.
| | - Nie Yu
- State Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Disease, Fuwai Hospital, National Center for Cardiovascular Disease, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100037, China.
- National Health Commission Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Regenerative Medicine, Fuwai Central-China Hospital, Central-China Branch of National Center for Cardiovascular Diseases, Zhengzhou, 450046, China.
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23
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Guo S, Zhang M, Huang Y. Three 'E' challenges for siRNA drug development. Trends Mol Med 2024; 30:13-24. [PMID: 37951790 DOI: 10.1016/j.molmed.2023.10.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2023] [Revised: 10/10/2023] [Accepted: 10/11/2023] [Indexed: 11/14/2023]
Abstract
siRNA therapeutics have gained extensive attention, and to date six siRNAs are approved for clinical use. Despite being investigated for the treatment of metabolic, cardiovascular, infectious, and rare genetic diseases, cancer, and central nervous system (CNS) disorders, there exist several druggability challenges. Here, we provide insightful discussions concerning these challenges, comprising targeted accumulation and cellular uptake ('entry'), endolysosomal escape ('escape'), and in vivo pharmaceutical performance ('efficacy') - the three 'E' challenges - while also shedding light on siRNA drug development. Moreover, we propose several promising strategies that hold great potential in facilitating the clinical translation of siRNA therapeutics, including the exploration of diverse ligand-siRNA conjugates, expansion of potential disease targets, and excavation of novel modification geometries, as well as the development of combination therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuai Guo
- School of Life Science, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing 100081, China; Advanced Research Institute of Multidisciplinary Science, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing 100081, China; Key Laboratory of Molecular Medicine and Biotherapy, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing 100081, China
| | - Mengjie Zhang
- School of Life Science, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing 100081, China; Advanced Research Institute of Multidisciplinary Science, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing 100081, China; Key Laboratory of Molecular Medicine and Biotherapy, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing 100081, China
| | - Yuanyu Huang
- School of Life Science, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing 100081, China; Advanced Research Institute of Multidisciplinary Science, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing 100081, China; Key Laboratory of Molecular Medicine and Biotherapy, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing 100081, China; Key Laboratory of Medical Molecule Science and Pharmaceutics Engineering, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing 100081, China; Rigerna Therapeutics, Suzhou, Jiangsu 215127, China; Rigerna Therapeutics, Beijing 102629, China.
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24
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Belgrad J, Tang Q, Hildebrand S, Summers A, Sapp E, Echeverria D, O’Reilly D, Luu E, Bramato B, Allen S, Cooper D, Alterman J, Yamada K, Aronin N, DiFiglia M, Khvorova A. A programmable dual-targeting di-valent siRNA scaffold supports potent multi-gene modulation in the central nervous system. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.12.19.572404. [PMID: 38187561 PMCID: PMC10769306 DOI: 10.1101/2023.12.19.572404] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2024]
Abstract
Di-valent short interfering RNA (siRNA) is a promising therapeutic modality that enables sequence-specific modulation of a single target gene in the central nervous system (CNS). To treat complex neurodegenerative disorders, where pathogenesis is driven by multiple genes or pathways, di-valent siRNA must be able to silence multiple target genes simultaneously. Here we present a framework for designing unimolecular "dual-targeting" di-valent siRNAs capable of co-silencing two genes in the CNS. We reconfigured di-valent siRNA - in which two identical, linked siRNAs are made concurrently - to create linear di-valent siRNA - where two siRNAs are made sequentially attached by a covalent linker. This linear configuration, synthesized using commercially available reagents, enables incorporation of two different siRNAs to silence two different targets. We demonstrate that this dual-targeting di-valent siRNA is fully functional in the CNS of mice, supporting at least two months of maximal target silencing. Dual-targeting di-valent siRNA is highly programmable, enabling simultaneous modulation of two different disease-relevant gene pairs (e.g., Huntington's disease: MSH3 and HTT; Alzheimer's disease: APOE and JAK1) with similar potency to a mixture of single-targeting di-valent siRNAs against each gene. This work potentiates CNS modulation of virtually any pair of disease-related targets using a simple unimolecular siRNA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jillian Belgrad
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School; Worcester, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Qi Tang
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School; Worcester, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Sam Hildebrand
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School; Worcester, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Ashley Summers
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School; Worcester, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Ellen Sapp
- Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital; Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Dimas Echeverria
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School; Worcester, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Dan O’Reilly
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School; Worcester, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Eric Luu
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School; Worcester, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Brianna Bramato
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School; Worcester, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Sarah Allen
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School; Worcester, Massachusetts, USA
| | - David Cooper
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School; Worcester, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Julia Alterman
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School; Worcester, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Ken Yamada
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School; Worcester, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Neil Aronin
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School; Worcester, Massachusetts, USA
- Department of Medicine, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School; Worcester, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Marian DiFiglia
- Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital; Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Anastasia Khvorova
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School; Worcester, Massachusetts, USA
- Program in Molecular Medicine, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School; Worcester, Massachusetts, USA
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25
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Benatti HR, Prestigiacomo RD, Taghian T, Miller R, King R, Gounis MJ, Celik U, Bertrand S, Tuominen S, Bierfeldt L, Parsley E, Gallagher J, Hall EF, McElroy AW, Sena-Esteves M, Khvorova A, Aronin N, Gray-Edwards HL. Awake intracerebroventricular delivery and safety assessment of oligonucleotides in a large animal model. Mol Ther Methods Clin Dev 2023; 31:101122. [PMID: 37920238 PMCID: PMC10618110 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtm.2023.101122] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2023] [Accepted: 09/23/2023] [Indexed: 11/04/2023]
Abstract
Oligonucleotide therapeutics offer great promise in the treatment of previously untreatable neurodegenerative disorders; however, there are some challenges to overcome in pre-clinical studies. (1) They carry a well-established dose-related acute neurotoxicity at the time of administration. (2) Repeated administration into the cerebrospinal fluid may be required for long-term therapeutic effect. Modifying oligonucleotide formulation has been postulated to prevent acute toxicity, but a sensitive and quantitative way to track seizure activity in pre-clinical studies is lacking. The use of intracerebroventricular (i.c.v.) catheters offers a solution for repeated dosing; however, fixation techniques in large animal models are not standardized and are not reliable. Here we describe a novel surgical technique in a sheep model for i.c.v. delivery of neurotherapeutics based on the fixation of the i.c.v. catheter with a 3D-printed anchorage system composed of plastic and ceramic parts, compatible with magnetic resonance imaging, computed tomography, and electroencephalography (EEG). Our technique allowed tracking electrical brain activity in awake animals via EEG and video recording during and for the 24-h period after administration of a novel oligonucleotide in sheep. Its anchoring efficiency was demonstrated for at least 2 months and will be tested for up to a year in ongoing studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hector Ribeiro Benatti
- Horae Gene Therapy Center, UMass Chan Medical School, 368 Plantation Street, Worcester, MA 01605, USA
| | - Rachel D. Prestigiacomo
- Horae Gene Therapy Center, UMass Chan Medical School, 368 Plantation Street, Worcester, MA 01605, USA
| | - Toloo Taghian
- Horae Gene Therapy Center, UMass Chan Medical School, 368 Plantation Street, Worcester, MA 01605, USA
- Department of Radiology, UMass Chan Medical School, 55 N Lake Ave, Worcester, MA 01655, USA
| | - Rachael Miller
- Department of Endocrinology, UMass Chan Medical School, 368 Plantation Street, Worcester, MA 01605, USA
- RNA Therapeutic Institute, UMass Chan Medical School, 368 Plantation Street, Worcester, MA 01605, USA
| | - Robert King
- Department of Radiology, UMass Chan Medical School, 55 N Lake Ave, Worcester, MA 01655, USA
| | - Matthew J. Gounis
- Department of Radiology, UMass Chan Medical School, 55 N Lake Ave, Worcester, MA 01655, USA
| | - Ugur Celik
- Center for Clinical Research, UMass Chan Medical School, 55 N Lake Ave, Worcester MA 01655, USA
| | - Stephanie Bertrand
- Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine, Tufts University, Grafton MA 01536, USA
| | - Susan Tuominen
- Department of Animal Medicine, UMass Chan Medical School, 368 Plantation Street, Worcester, MA 01605, USA
| | - Lindsey Bierfeldt
- Department of Animal Medicine, UMass Chan Medical School, 368 Plantation Street, Worcester, MA 01605, USA
| | - Elizabeth Parsley
- Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine, Tufts University, Grafton MA 01536, USA
| | - Jillian Gallagher
- Horae Gene Therapy Center, UMass Chan Medical School, 368 Plantation Street, Worcester, MA 01605, USA
| | - Erin F. Hall
- Horae Gene Therapy Center, UMass Chan Medical School, 368 Plantation Street, Worcester, MA 01605, USA
| | - Abigail W. McElroy
- Horae Gene Therapy Center, UMass Chan Medical School, 368 Plantation Street, Worcester, MA 01605, USA
| | - Miguel Sena-Esteves
- Horae Gene Therapy Center, UMass Chan Medical School, 368 Plantation Street, Worcester, MA 01605, USA
- Department of Neurology, UMass Chan Medical School, 368 Plantation Street, Worcester MA 01605, USA
| | - Anastasia Khvorova
- RNA Therapeutic Institute, UMass Chan Medical School, 368 Plantation Street, Worcester, MA 01605, USA
| | - Neil Aronin
- Department of Endocrinology, UMass Chan Medical School, 368 Plantation Street, Worcester, MA 01605, USA
- RNA Therapeutic Institute, UMass Chan Medical School, 368 Plantation Street, Worcester, MA 01605, USA
| | - Heather L. Gray-Edwards
- Horae Gene Therapy Center, UMass Chan Medical School, 368 Plantation Street, Worcester, MA 01605, USA
- Department of Radiology, UMass Chan Medical School, 55 N Lake Ave, Worcester, MA 01655, USA
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26
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Kumar S, Liu GS. Recent advances in RNA-targeting therapy for neurological diseases. Neural Regen Res 2023; 18:2663-2664. [PMID: 37449612 DOI: 10.4103/1673-5374.373658] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/18/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Satheesh Kumar
- Center for Eye Research Australia, Royal Victorian Eye and Ear Hospital, East Melbourne, VIC; Menzies Institute for Medical Research, University of Tasmania, Hobart, TAS; Ophthalmology, Department of Surgery, University of Melbourne, East Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Guei-Sheung Liu
- Center for Eye Research Australia, Royal Victorian Eye and Ear Hospital, East Melbourne, VIC; Menzies Institute for Medical Research, University of Tasmania, Hobart, TAS; Ophthalmology, Department of Surgery, University of Melbourne, East Melbourne, VIC, Australia; Aier Eye Institute, Changsha, Hunan Province, China
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27
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Chernikov IV, Ponomareva UA, Meschaninova MI, Bachkova IK, Teterina AA, Gladkikh DV, Savin IA, Vlassov VV, Zenkova MA, Chernolovskaya EL. Cholesterol-Conjugated Supramolecular Multimeric siRNAs: Effect of siRNA Length on Accumulation and Silencing In Vitro and In Vivo. Nucleic Acid Ther 2023; 33:361-373. [PMID: 37943612 DOI: 10.1089/nat.2023.0051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Conjugation of small interfering RNA (siRNA) with lipophilic molecules is one of the most promising approaches for delivering siRNA in vivo. The rate of molecular weight-dependent siRNA renal clearance is critical for the efficiency of this process. In this study, we prepared cholesterol-containing supramolecular complexes containing from three to eight antisense strands and examined their accumulation and silencing activity in vitro and in vivo. We have shown for the first time that such complexes with 2'F, 2'OMe, and LNA modifications exhibit interfering activity both in carrier-mediated and carrier-free modes. Silencing data from a xenograft tumor model show that 4 days after intravenous injection of cholesterol-containing monomers and supramolecular trimers, the levels of MDR1 mRNA in the tumor decreased by 85% and 68%, respectively. The in vivo accumulation data demonstrated that the formation of supramolecular structures with three or four antisense strands enhanced their accumulation in the liver. After addition of two PS modifications at the ends of antisense strands, 47% and 67% reductions of Ttr mRNA levels in the liver tissue were detected 7 days after administration of monomers and supramolecular trimers, respectively. Thus, we have obtained a new type of RNAi inducer that is convenient for synthesis and provides opportunities for modifications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ivan V Chernikov
- Institute of Chemical Biology and Fundamental Medicine, Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Novosibirsk, Russia
| | - Ul'yana A Ponomareva
- Institute of Chemical Biology and Fundamental Medicine, Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Novosibirsk, Russia
| | - Mariya I Meschaninova
- Institute of Chemical Biology and Fundamental Medicine, Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Novosibirsk, Russia
| | - Irina K Bachkova
- Institute of Chemical Biology and Fundamental Medicine, Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Novosibirsk, Russia
| | - Anna A Teterina
- Institute of Chemical Biology and Fundamental Medicine, Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Novosibirsk, Russia
| | - Daniil V Gladkikh
- Institute of Chemical Biology and Fundamental Medicine, Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Novosibirsk, Russia
| | - Innokenty A Savin
- Institute of Chemical Biology and Fundamental Medicine, Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Novosibirsk, Russia
| | - Valentin V Vlassov
- Institute of Chemical Biology and Fundamental Medicine, Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Novosibirsk, Russia
| | - Marina A Zenkova
- Institute of Chemical Biology and Fundamental Medicine, Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Novosibirsk, Russia
| | - Elena L Chernolovskaya
- Institute of Chemical Biology and Fundamental Medicine, Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Novosibirsk, Russia
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28
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Poller W, Sahoo S, Hajjar R, Landmesser U, Krichevsky AM. Exploration of the Noncoding Genome for Human-Specific Therapeutic Targets-Recent Insights at Molecular and Cellular Level. Cells 2023; 12:2660. [PMID: 37998395 PMCID: PMC10670380 DOI: 10.3390/cells12222660] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2023] [Revised: 11/13/2023] [Accepted: 11/14/2023] [Indexed: 11/25/2023] Open
Abstract
While it is well known that 98-99% of the human genome does not encode proteins, but are nevertheless transcriptionally active and give rise to a broad spectrum of noncoding RNAs [ncRNAs] with complex regulatory and structural functions, specific functions have so far been assigned to only a tiny fraction of all known transcripts. On the other hand, the striking observation of an overwhelmingly growing fraction of ncRNAs, in contrast to an only modest increase in the number of protein-coding genes, during evolution from simple organisms to humans, strongly suggests critical but so far essentially unexplored roles of the noncoding genome for human health and disease pathogenesis. Research into the vast realm of the noncoding genome during the past decades thus lead to a profoundly enhanced appreciation of the multi-level complexity of the human genome. Here, we address a few of the many huge remaining knowledge gaps and consider some newly emerging questions and concepts of research. We attempt to provide an up-to-date assessment of recent insights obtained by molecular and cell biological methods, and by the application of systems biology approaches. Specifically, we discuss current data regarding two topics of high current interest: (1) By which mechanisms could evolutionary recent ncRNAs with critical regulatory functions in a broad spectrum of cell types (neural, immune, cardiovascular) constitute novel therapeutic targets in human diseases? (2) Since noncoding genome evolution is causally linked to brain evolution, and given the profound interactions between brain and immune system, could human-specific brain-expressed ncRNAs play a direct or indirect (immune-mediated) role in human diseases? Synergistic with remarkable recent progress regarding delivery, efficacy, and safety of nucleic acid-based therapies, the ongoing large-scale exploration of the noncoding genome for human-specific therapeutic targets is encouraging to proceed with the development and clinical evaluation of novel therapeutic pathways suggested by these research fields.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wolfgang Poller
- Department for Cardiology, Angiology and Intensive Care Medicine, Deutsches Herzzentrum Charité (DHZC), Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, 12200 Berlin, Germany;
- Berlin-Brandenburg Center for Regenerative Therapies (BCRT), Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, 13353 Berlin, Germany
- German Center for Cardiovascular Research (DZHK), Site Berlin, 10785 Berlin, Germany
| | - Susmita Sahoo
- Cardiovascular Research Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, One Gustave L. Levy Place, Box 1030, New York, NY 10029, USA;
| | - Roger Hajjar
- Gene & Cell Therapy Institute, Mass General Brigham, 65 Landsdowne St, Suite 143, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA;
| | - Ulf Landmesser
- Department for Cardiology, Angiology and Intensive Care Medicine, Deutsches Herzzentrum Charité (DHZC), Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, 12200 Berlin, Germany;
- German Center for Cardiovascular Research (DZHK), Site Berlin, 10785 Berlin, Germany
- Berlin Institute of Health, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, 10117 Berlin, Germany
| | - Anna M. Krichevsky
- Department of Neurology, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA;
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29
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Sparmann A, Vogel J. RNA-based medicine: from molecular mechanisms to therapy. EMBO J 2023; 42:e114760. [PMID: 37728251 PMCID: PMC10620767 DOI: 10.15252/embj.2023114760] [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: 06/14/2023] [Revised: 08/24/2023] [Accepted: 08/29/2023] [Indexed: 09/21/2023] Open
Abstract
RNA-based therapeutics have the potential to revolutionize the treatment and prevention of human diseases. While early research faced setbacks, it established the basis for breakthroughs in RNA-based drug design that culminated in the extraordinarily fast development of mRNA vaccines to combat the COVID-19 pandemic. We have now reached a pivotal moment where RNA medicines are poised to make a broad impact in the clinic. In this review, we present an overview of different RNA-based strategies to generate novel therapeutics, including antisense and RNAi-based mechanisms, mRNA-based approaches, and CRISPR-Cas-mediated genome editing. Using three rare genetic diseases as examples, we highlight the opportunities, but also the challenges to wide-ranging applications of this class of drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anke Sparmann
- Helmholtz Institute for RNA‐based Infection Research (HIRI), Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research (HZI)WürzburgGermany
| | - Jörg Vogel
- Helmholtz Institute for RNA‐based Infection Research (HIRI), Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research (HZI)WürzburgGermany
- Institute of Molecular Infection Biology (IMIB)University of WürzburgWürzburgGermany
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30
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Shing K, Sapp E, Boudi A, Liu S, Seeley C, Marchionini D, DiFiglia M, Kegel-Gleason KB. Early whole-body mutant huntingtin lowering averts changes in proteins and lipids important for synapse function and white matter maintenance in the LacQ140 mouse model. Neurobiol Dis 2023; 187:106313. [PMID: 37777020 PMCID: PMC10731584 DOI: 10.1016/j.nbd.2023.106313] [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: 08/22/2023] [Revised: 09/25/2023] [Accepted: 09/27/2023] [Indexed: 10/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Expansion of a triplet repeat tract in exon 1 of the HTT gene causes Huntington's disease (HD). The mutant HTT protein (mHTT) has numerous aberrant interactions with diverse, pleiomorphic effects. Lowering mHTT is a promising approach to treat HD, but it is unclear when lowering should be initiated, how much is necessary, and what duration should occur to achieve benefits. Furthermore, the effects of mHTT lowering on brain lipids have not been assessed. Using a mHtt-inducible mouse model, we analyzed mHtt lowering initiated at different ages and sustained for different time-periods. mHTT protein in cytoplasmic and synaptic compartments of the striatum was reduced 38-52%; however, there was minimal lowering of mHTT in nuclear and perinuclear regions where aggregates formed at 12 months of age. Total striatal lipids were reduced in 9-month-old LacQ140 mice and preserved by mHtt lowering. Subclasses important for white matter structure and function including ceramide (Cer), sphingomyelin (SM), and monogalactosyldiacylglycerol (MGDG), contributed to the reduction in total lipids. Phosphatidylinositol (PI), phosphatidylserine (PS), and bismethyl phosphatidic acid (BisMePA) were also changed in LacQ140 mice. Levels of all subclasses except ceramide were preserved by mHtt lowering. mRNA expression profiling indicated that a transcriptional mechanism contributes to changes in myelin lipids, and some but not all changes can be prevented by mHtt lowering. Our findings suggest that early and sustained reduction in mHtt can prevent changes in levels of select striatal proteins and most lipids, but a misfolded, degradation-resistant form of mHTT hampers some benefits in the long term.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kai Shing
- Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Charlestown, MA 02129, USA
| | - Ellen Sapp
- Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Charlestown, MA 02129, USA
| | - Adel Boudi
- Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Charlestown, MA 02129, USA
| | - Sophia Liu
- Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Charlestown, MA 02129, USA
| | - Connor Seeley
- Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Charlestown, MA 02129, USA
| | | | - Marian DiFiglia
- Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Charlestown, MA 02129, USA
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31
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Won Lee J, Kyu Shim M, Kim H, Jang H, Lee Y, Hwa Kim S. RNAi therapies: Expanding applications for extrahepatic diseases and overcoming delivery challenges. Adv Drug Deliv Rev 2023; 201:115073. [PMID: 37657644 DOI: 10.1016/j.addr.2023.115073] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2023] [Revised: 07/31/2023] [Accepted: 08/20/2023] [Indexed: 09/03/2023]
Abstract
The era of RNA medicine has become a reality with the success of messenger RNA (mRNA) vaccines against COVID-19 and the approval of several RNA interference (RNAi) agents in recent years. Particularly, therapeutics based on RNAi offer the promise of targeting intractable and previously undruggable disease genes. Recent advances have focused in developing delivery systems to enhance the poor cellular uptake and insufficient pharmacokinetic properties of RNAi therapeutics and thereby improve its efficacy and safety. However, such approach has been mainly achieved via lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) or chemical conjugation with N-Acetylgalactosamine (GalNAc), thus current RNAi therapy has been limited to liver diseases, most likely to encounter liver-targeting limitations. Hence, there is a huge unmet medical need for intense evolution of RNAi therapeutics delivery systems to target extrahepatic tissues and ultimately extend their indications for treating various intractable diseases. In this review, challenges of delivering RNAi therapeutics to tumors and major organs are discussed, as well as their transition to clinical trials. This review also highlights innovative and promising preclinical RNAi-based delivery platforms for the treatment of extrahepatic diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jong Won Lee
- KU-KIST Graduate School of Converging Science and Technology, Korea University, Seoul 02841, Republic of Korea; Medicinal Materials Research Center, Biomedical Research Division, Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST), Seoul 02792, Republic of Korea
| | - Man Kyu Shim
- Medicinal Materials Research Center, Biomedical Research Division, Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST), Seoul 02792, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyosuk Kim
- Medicinal Materials Research Center, Biomedical Research Division, Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST), Seoul 02792, Republic of Korea
| | - Hochung Jang
- Medicinal Materials Research Center, Biomedical Research Division, Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST), Seoul 02792, Republic of Korea; Division of Bio-Medical Science and Technology, KIST School, Korea University of Science and Technology, Seoul 02792, Republic of Korea
| | - Yuhan Lee
- Department of Anesthesiology, Perioperative, and Pain Medicine, Center for Accelerated Medical Innovation & Center for Nanomedicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA.
| | - Sun Hwa Kim
- KU-KIST Graduate School of Converging Science and Technology, Korea University, Seoul 02841, Republic of Korea; Medicinal Materials Research Center, Biomedical Research Division, Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST), Seoul 02792, Republic of Korea.
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Cheng SY, Caiazzi J, Biscans A, Alterman JF, Echeverria D, McHugh N, Hassler M, Jolly S, Giguere D, Cipi J, Khvorova A, Punzo C. Single intravitreal administration of a tetravalent siRNA exhibits robust and efficient gene silencing in rodent and swine photoreceptors. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.09.20.558641. [PMID: 37790464 PMCID: PMC10542117 DOI: 10.1101/2023.09.20.558641] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/05/2023]
Abstract
Inherited retinal dystrophies caused by dominant mutations in photoreceptor-expressed genes, are a major cause of irreversible vision loss. Oligonucleotide therapy has been of interest in diseases that conventional medicine cannot target. In the early days, small interfering RNAs (siRNAs) were explored in clinical trials for retinal disorders with limited success due to a lack of stability and efficient cellular delivery. Thus, an unmet need exists to identify siRNA chemistry that targets photoreceptor-expressed genes. Here we evaluated 12 different fully chemically modified siRNA configurations, where the valency and conjugate structure were systematically altered. The impact on retinal distribution following intravitreal delivery was examined. We found that the increase in valency (tetravalent siRNA) supports the best photoreceptor accumulation. A single intravitreal administration induces multi-months efficacy in rodent and porcine retinas while showing a good safety profile. The data suggest that this configuration can treat retinal diseases caused by photoreceptor-expressed genes with 1-2 intravitreal injections per year.
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Abdelaal AM, Sohal IS, Iyer S, Sudarshan K, Kothandaraman H, Lanman NA, Low PS, Kasinski AL. A first-in-class fully modified version of miR-34a with outstanding stability, activity, and anti-tumor efficacy. Oncogene 2023; 42:2985-2999. [PMID: 37666938 PMCID: PMC10541324 DOI: 10.1038/s41388-023-02801-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2023] [Revised: 07/25/2023] [Accepted: 07/28/2023] [Indexed: 09/06/2023]
Abstract
Altered by defects in p53, epigenetic silencing, and genomic loss, the microRNA miR-34a represents one of the most clinically relevant tumor-suppressive microRNAs. Without question, a striking number of patients with cancer would benefit from miR-34a replacement, if poor miR-34a stability, non-specific delivery, and delivery-associated toxicity could be overcome. Here, we highlight a fully modified version of miR-34a (FM-miR-34a) that overcomes these hurdles when conjugated to a synthetically simplistic ligand. FM-miR-34a is orders of magnitude more stable than a partially modified version, without compromising its activity, leading to stronger repression of a greater number of miR-34a targets. FM-miR-34a potently inhibited proliferation and invasion, and induced sustained downregulation of endogenous target genes for >120 h following in vivo delivery. In vivo targeting was achieved through conjugating FM-miR-34a to folate (FM-FolamiR-34a), which inhibited tumor growth leading to complete cures in some mice. These results have the ability to revitalize miR-34a as an anti-cancer agent, providing a strong rationale for clinical testing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ahmed M Abdelaal
- Department of Biological Sciences, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, 47907, USA
| | - Ikjot S Sohal
- Department of Biological Sciences, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, 47907, USA.
| | - Shreyas Iyer
- Department of Biological Sciences, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, 47907, USA
| | - Kasireddy Sudarshan
- Department of of Chemistry, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, 47907, USA
| | - Harish Kothandaraman
- Purdue Institute for Cancer Research, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, 47907, USA
| | - Nadia A Lanman
- Purdue Institute for Cancer Research, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, 47907, USA
- Department of Comparative Pathobiology, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, 47907, USA
| | - Philip S Low
- Department of of Chemistry, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, 47907, USA
- Purdue Institute for Cancer Research, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, 47907, USA
| | - Andrea L Kasinski
- Department of Biological Sciences, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, 47907, USA.
- Purdue Institute for Cancer Research, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, 47907, USA.
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McCartan R, Khorkova O, Volmar CH, Wahlestedt C. Nucleic acid-based therapeutics for the treatment of central nervous system disorders. Front Genet 2023; 14:1250276. [PMID: 37662844 PMCID: PMC10468602 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2023.1250276] [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: 06/29/2023] [Accepted: 08/07/2023] [Indexed: 09/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Nucleic acid-based therapeutics (NBTs) are an emerging class of drugs with potential for the treatment of a wide range of central nervous system conditions. To date, pertaining to CNS indications, there are two commercially available NBTs and a large number of ongoing clinical trials. However, these NBTs are applied directly to the brain due to very low blood brain barrier permeability. In this review, we outline recent advances in chemical modifications of NBTs and NBT delivery techniques intended to promote brain exposure, efficacy, and possible future systemic application.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robyn McCartan
- Center for Therapeutic Innovation, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, Florida, United States
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, Florida, United States
| | - Olga Khorkova
- Center for Therapeutic Innovation, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, Florida, United States
- OPKO Health, Miami, Florida, United States
| | - Claude-Henry Volmar
- Center for Therapeutic Innovation, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, Florida, United States
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, Florida, United States
| | - Claes Wahlestedt
- Center for Therapeutic Innovation, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, Florida, United States
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, Florida, United States
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Kawamoto Y, Wu Y, Takahashi Y, Takakura Y. Development of nucleic acid medicines based on chemical technology. Adv Drug Deliv Rev 2023; 199:114872. [PMID: 37244354 DOI: 10.1016/j.addr.2023.114872] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2023] [Revised: 05/01/2023] [Accepted: 05/12/2023] [Indexed: 05/29/2023]
Abstract
Oligonucleotide-based therapeutics have attracted attention as an emerging modality that includes the modulation of genes and their binding proteins related to diseases, allowing us to take action on previously undruggable targets. Since the late 2010s, the number of oligonucleotide medicines approved for clinical uses has dramatically increased. Various chemistry-based technologies have been developed to improve the therapeutic properties of oligonucleotides, such as chemical modification, conjugation, and nanoparticle formation, which can increase nuclease resistance, enhance affinity and selectivity to target sites, suppress off-target effects, and improve pharmacokinetic properties. Similar strategies employing modified nucleobases and lipid nanoparticles have been used for developing coronavirus disease 2019 mRNA vaccines. In this review, we provide an overview of the development of chemistry-based technologies aimed at using nucleic acids for developing therapeutics over the past several decades, with a specific emphasis on the structural design and functionality of chemical modification strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yusuke Kawamoto
- Department of Biopharmaceutics and Drug Metabolism, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kyoto University, Sakyo, Kyoto 606-8501, Japan.
| | - You Wu
- Department of Biopharmaceutics and Drug Metabolism, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kyoto University, Sakyo, Kyoto 606-8501, Japan
| | - Yuki Takahashi
- Department of Biopharmaceutics and Drug Metabolism, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kyoto University, Sakyo, Kyoto 606-8501, Japan
| | - Yoshinobu Takakura
- Department of Biopharmaceutics and Drug Metabolism, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kyoto University, Sakyo, Kyoto 606-8501, Japan.
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Shing K, Sapp E, Boudi A, Liu S, Seeley C, Marchionini D, DiFiglia M, Kegel-Gleason KB. Early whole-body mutant huntingtin lowering averts changes in proteins and lipids important for synapse function and white matter maintenance in the LacQ140 mouse model. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.01.26.525697. [PMID: 36747614 PMCID: PMC9900921 DOI: 10.1101/2023.01.26.525697] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
Expansion of a triplet repeat tract in exon1 of the HTT gene causes Huntington's disease (HD). The mutant HTT protein (mHTT) has numerous aberrant interactions with diverse, pleiomorphic effects. No disease modifying treatments exist but lowering mutant huntingtin (mHTT) by gene therapy is a promising approach to treat Huntington's disease (HD). It is not clear when lowering should be initiated, how much lowering is necessary and for what duration lowering should occur to achieve benefits. Furthermore, the effects of mHTT lowering on brain lipids have not been assessed. Using a mHtt-inducible mouse model we analyzed whole body mHtt lowering initiated at different ages and sustained for different time-periods. Subcellular fractionation (density gradient ultracentrifugation), protein chemistry (gel filtration, western blot, and capillary electrophoresis immunoassay), liquid chromatography and mass spectrometry of lipids, and bioinformatic approaches were used to test effects of mHTT transcriptional lowering. mHTT protein in cytoplasmic and synaptic compartments of the caudate putamen, which is most affected in HD, was reduced 38-52%. Little or no lowering of mHTT occurred in nuclear and perinuclear regions where aggregates formed at 12 months of age. mHtt transcript repression partially or fully preserved select striatal proteins (SCN4B, PDE10A). Total lipids in striatum were reduced in LacQ140 mice at 9 months and preserved by early partial mHtt lowering. The reduction in total lipids was due in part to reductions in subclasses of ceramide (Cer), sphingomyelin (SM), and monogalactosyldiacylglycerol (MGDG), which are known to be important for white matter structure and function. Lipid subclasses phosphatidylinositol (PI), phosphatidylserine (PS), and bismethyl phosphatidic acid (BisMePA) were also changed in LacQ140 mice. Levels of all subclasses other than ceramide were preserved by early mHtt lowering. Pathway enrichment analysis of RNAseq data imply a transcriptional mechanism is responsible in part for changes in myelin lipids, and some but not all changes can be rescued by mHTT lowering. Our findings suggest that early and sustained reduction in mHtt can prevent changes in levels of select striatal proteins and most lipids but a misfolded, degradation-resistant form of mHTT hampers some benefits in the long term.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kai Shing
- Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Charlestown, MA 02129
| | - Ellen Sapp
- Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Charlestown, MA 02129
| | - Adel Boudi
- Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Charlestown, MA 02129
| | - Sophia Liu
- Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Charlestown, MA 02129
| | - Connor Seeley
- Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Charlestown, MA 02129
| | | | - Marian DiFiglia
- Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Charlestown, MA 02129
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Ahn I, Kang CS, Han J. Where should siRNAs go: applicable organs for siRNA drugs. Exp Mol Med 2023:10.1038/s12276-023-00998-y. [PMID: 37430086 PMCID: PMC10393947 DOI: 10.1038/s12276-023-00998-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2022] [Accepted: 03/02/2023] [Indexed: 07/12/2023] Open
Abstract
RNA interference mediated by small interfering RNAs (siRNAs) has been exploited for the development of therapeutics. siRNAs can be a powerful therapeutic tool because the working mechanisms of siRNAs are straightforward. siRNAs determine targets based on their sequence and specifically regulate the gene expression of the target gene. However, efficient delivery of siRNAs to the target organ has long been an issue that needs to be solved. Tremendous efforts regarding siRNA delivery have led to significant progress in siRNA drug development, and from 2018 to 2022, a total of five siRNA drugs were approved for the treatment of patients. Although all FDA-approved siRNA drugs target the hepatocytes of the liver, siRNA-based drugs targeting different organs are in clinical trials. In this review, we introduce siRNA drugs in the market and siRNA drug candidates in clinical trials that target cells in multiple organs. The liver, eye, and skin are the preferred organs targeted by siRNAs. Three or more siRNA drug candidates are in phase 2 or 3 clinical trials to suppress gene expression in these preferred organs. On the other hand, the lungs, kidneys, and brain are challenging organs with relatively few clinical trials. We discuss the characteristics of each organ related to the advantages and disadvantages of siRNA drug targeting and strategies to overcome the barriers in delivering siRNAs based on organ-specific siRNA drugs that have progressed to clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Insook Ahn
- Graduate School of Medical Science and Engineering, Korea Advanced Institute for Science and Technology (KAIST), Daejeon, Republic of Korea
| | - Chanhee S Kang
- Graduate School of Medical Science and Engineering, Korea Advanced Institute for Science and Technology (KAIST), Daejeon, Republic of Korea
| | - Jinju Han
- Graduate School of Medical Science and Engineering, Korea Advanced Institute for Science and Technology (KAIST), Daejeon, Republic of Korea.
- BioMedical Research Center, KAIST, Daejeon, Republic of Korea.
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Malecova B, Burke RS, Cochran M, Hood MD, Johns R, Kovach PR, Doppalapudi VR, Erdogan G, Arias JD, Darimont B, Miller CD, Huang H, Geall A, Younis H, Levin AA. Targeted tissue delivery of RNA therapeutics using antibody-oligonucleotide conjugates (AOCs). Nucleic Acids Res 2023; 51:5901-5910. [PMID: 37224533 PMCID: PMC10325888 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkad415] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2022] [Revised: 04/05/2023] [Accepted: 05/11/2023] [Indexed: 05/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Although targeting TfR1 to deliver oligonucleotides to skeletal muscle has been demonstrated in rodents, effectiveness and pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic (PKPD) properties remained unknown in higher species. We developed antibody-oligonucleotide conjugates (AOCs) towards mice or monkeys utilizing anti-TfR1 monoclonal antibodies (αTfR1) conjugated to various classes of oligonucleotides (siRNA, ASOs and PMOs). αTfR1 AOCs delivered oligonucleotides to muscle tissue in both species. In mice, αTfR1 AOCs achieved a > 15-fold higher concentration to muscle tissue than unconjugated siRNA. A single dose of an αTfR1 conjugated to an siRNA against Ssb mRNA produced > 75% Ssb mRNA reduction in mice and monkeys, and mRNA silencing was greatest in skeletal and cardiac (striated) muscle with minimal to no activity in other major organs. In mice the EC50 for Ssb mRNA reduction in skeletal muscle was >75-fold less than in systemic tissues. Oligonucleotides conjugated to control antibodies or cholesterol produced no mRNA reduction or were 10-fold less potent, respectively. Tissue PKPD of AOCs demonstrated mRNA silencing activity primarily driven by receptor-mediated delivery in striated muscle for siRNA oligonucleotides. In mice, we show that AOC-mediated delivery is operable across various oligonucleotide modalities. AOC PKPD properties translated to higher species, providing promise for a new class of oligonucleotide therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Barbora Malecova
- Avidity Biosciences, Inc., 10578 Science Center Drive Suite 125, San Diego, CA 92121, USA
| | - Rob S Burke
- Seawolf Therapeutics, One Sansome Street Suite 3630, San Francisco, CA 94104, USA
| | - Michael Cochran
- Avidity Biosciences, Inc., 10578 Science Center Drive Suite 125, San Diego, CA 92121, USA
| | - Michael D Hood
- Avidity Biosciences, Inc., 10578 Science Center Drive Suite 125, San Diego, CA 92121, USA
| | - Rachel Johns
- Avidity Biosciences, Inc., 10578 Science Center Drive Suite 125, San Diego, CA 92121, USA
| | - Philip R Kovach
- Avidity Biosciences, Inc., 10578 Science Center Drive Suite 125, San Diego, CA 92121, USA
| | - Venkata R Doppalapudi
- Avidity Biosciences, Inc., 10578 Science Center Drive Suite 125, San Diego, CA 92121, USA
| | - Gulin Erdogan
- Avidity Biosciences, Inc., 10578 Science Center Drive Suite 125, San Diego, CA 92121, USA
| | - J Danny Arias
- Avidity Biosciences, Inc., 10578 Science Center Drive Suite 125, San Diego, CA 92121, USA
| | | | - Christopher D Miller
- California Northstate University College of Medicine, 9700 W Taron Dr, Elk Grove, CA 95757, USA
| | - Hanhua Huang
- Avidity Biosciences, Inc., 10578 Science Center Drive Suite 125, San Diego, CA 92121, USA
| | - Andrew Geall
- Replicate Biosciences, 10210 Campus Point Dr, Suite 150, San Diego, CA 92121, USA
| | - Husam S Younis
- Avidity Biosciences, Inc., 10578 Science Center Drive Suite 125, San Diego, CA 92121, USA
| | - Arthur A Levin
- Avidity Biosciences, Inc., 10578 Science Center Drive Suite 125, San Diego, CA 92121, USA
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Khorkova O, Stahl J, Joji A, Volmar CH, Zeier Z, Wahlestedt C. Long non-coding RNA-targeting therapeutics: discovery and development update. Expert Opin Drug Discov 2023; 18:1011-1029. [PMID: 37466388 DOI: 10.1080/17460441.2023.2236552] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2023] [Revised: 07/03/2023] [Accepted: 07/11/2023] [Indexed: 07/20/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION lncRNAs are major players in regulatory networks orchestrating multiple cellular functions, such as 3D chromosomal interactions, epigenetic modifications, gene expression and others. Due to progress in the development of nucleic acid-based therapeutics, lncRNAs potentially represent easily accessible therapeutic targets. AREAS COVERED Currently, significant efforts are directed at studies that can tap the enormous therapeutic potential of lncRNAs. This review describes recent developments in this field, particularly focusing on clinical applications. EXPERT OPINION Extensive druggable target range of lncRNA combined with high specificity and accelerated development process of nucleic acid-based therapeutics open new prospects for treatment in areas of extreme unmet medical need, such as genetic diseases, aggressive cancers, protein deficiencies, and subsets of common diseases caused by known mutations. Although currently wide acceptance of lncRNA-targeting nucleic acid-based therapeutics is impeded by the need for parenteral or direct-to-CNS administration, development of less invasive techniques and orally available/BBB-penetrant nucleic acid-based therapeutics is showing early successes. Recently, mRNA-based COVID-19 vaccines have demonstrated clinical safety of all aspects of nucleic acid-based therapeutic technology, including multiple chemical modifications of nucleic acids and nanoparticle delivery. These trends position lncRNA-targeting drugs as significant players in the future of drug development, especially in the area of personalized medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olga Khorkova
- Center for Therapeutic Innovation and Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Miami, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Jack Stahl
- Center for Therapeutic Innovation and Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Miami, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Aswathy Joji
- Center for Therapeutic Innovation and Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Miami, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Claude-Henry Volmar
- Center for Therapeutic Innovation and Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Miami, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Zane Zeier
- Center for Therapeutic Innovation and Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Miami, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Claes Wahlestedt
- Center for Therapeutic Innovation and Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Miami, Miami, FL, USA
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40
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Abstract
This Genomics and Precision Health article explains how small interfering RNA can modulate disease targets considered “undruggable” by small molecules and biologics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anastasia Khvorova
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, UMass Chan Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts
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41
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Ferguson R, Tabrizi SJ. Can MSH3 lowering stop HTT repeat expansion in its CAG tract? Mol Ther 2023; 31:1509-1511. [PMID: 37236185 PMCID: PMC10277920 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymthe.2023.05.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2023] [Revised: 05/11/2023] [Accepted: 05/11/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Ross Ferguson
- Huntington's Disease Centre, Department of Neurodegenerative Disease, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, University College London, WC1N 3BG London, UK; Dementia Research Institute at UCL, WC1N 3BG London, UK
| | - Sarah J Tabrizi
- Huntington's Disease Centre, Department of Neurodegenerative Disease, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, University College London, WC1N 3BG London, UK; Dementia Research Institute at UCL, WC1N 3BG London, UK.
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42
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O'Reilly D, Belgrad J, Ferguson C, Summers A, Sapp E, McHugh C, Mathews E, Boudi A, Buchwald J, Ly S, Moreno D, Furgal R, Luu E, Kennedy Z, Hariharan V, Monopoli K, Yang XW, Carroll J, DiFiglia M, Aronin N, Khvorova A. Di-valent siRNA-mediated silencing of MSH3 blocks somatic repeat expansion in mouse models of Huntington's disease. Mol Ther 2023; 31:1661-1674. [PMID: 37177784 PMCID: PMC10277892 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymthe.2023.05.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2022] [Revised: 03/10/2023] [Accepted: 05/08/2023] [Indexed: 05/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Huntington's disease (HD) is a severe neurodegenerative disorder caused by the expansion of the CAG trinucleotide repeat tract in the huntingtin gene. Inheritance of expanded CAG repeats is needed for HD manifestation, but further somatic expansion of the repeat tract in non-dividing cells, particularly striatal neurons, hastens disease onset. Called somatic repeat expansion, this process is mediated by the mismatch repair (MMR) pathway. Among MMR components identified as modifiers of HD onset, MutS homolog 3 (MSH3) has emerged as a potentially safe and effective target for therapeutic intervention. Here, we identify a fully chemically modified short interfering RNA (siRNA) that robustly silences Msh3 in vitro and in vivo. When synthesized in a di-valent scaffold, siRNA-mediated silencing of Msh3 effectively blocked CAG-repeat expansion in the striatum of two HD mouse models without affecting tumor-associated microsatellite instability or mRNA expression of other MMR genes. Our findings establish a promising treatment approach for patients with HD and other repeat expansion diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel O'Reilly
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA 01605, USA
| | - Jillian Belgrad
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA 01605, USA
| | - Chantal Ferguson
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA 01605, USA
| | - Ashley Summers
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA 01605, USA
| | - Ellen Sapp
- Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA 02114, USA
| | - Cassandra McHugh
- Behavioral Neuroscience Program, Psychology Department, Western Washington University, Bellingham, WA 98225, USA
| | - Ella Mathews
- Behavioral Neuroscience Program, Psychology Department, Western Washington University, Bellingham, WA 98225, USA
| | - Adel Boudi
- Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA 02114, USA
| | - Julianna Buchwald
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA 01605, USA
| | - Socheata Ly
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA 01605, USA
| | - Dimas Moreno
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA 01605, USA
| | - Raymond Furgal
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA 01605, USA
| | - Eric Luu
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA 01605, USA
| | - Zachary Kennedy
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA 01605, USA
| | - Vignesh Hariharan
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA 01605, USA
| | - Kathryn Monopoli
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA 01605, USA
| | - X William Yang
- Center for Neurobehavioral Genetics, Jane and Terry Semel Institute of Neuroscience and Human Behavior, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA; Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Jeffery Carroll
- Behavioral Neuroscience Program, Psychology Department, Western Washington University, Bellingham, WA 98225, USA; Department of Neurology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98104-2499, USA
| | - Marian DiFiglia
- Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA 02114, USA
| | - Neil Aronin
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA 01605, USA; Department of Medicine, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA 01605, USA
| | - Anastasia Khvorova
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA 01605, USA.
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Hariharan VN, Caiazzi J, Miller R, Ferguson C, Sapp E, Fakih H, Tang Q, Yamada N, Furgal R, Paquette J, Bramato B, McHugh N, Summers A, Lochmann C, Godinho B, Hildebrand S, Echeverria D, Hassler M, Alterman J, DiFiglia M, Aronin N, Khvorova A, Yamada K. Extended Nucleic Acid (exNA): A Novel, Biologically Compatible Backbone that Significantly Enhances Oligonucleotide Efficacy in vivo. RESEARCH SQUARE 2023:rs.3.rs-2987323. [PMID: 37398145 PMCID: PMC10312934 DOI: 10.21203/rs.3.rs-2987323/v1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/04/2023]
Abstract
Metabolic stabilization of therapeutic oligonucleotides requires both sugar and backbone modifications, where phosphorothioate (PS) is the only backbone chemistry used in the clinic. Here, we describe the discovery, synthesis, and characterization of a novel biologically compatible backbone, extended nucleic acid (exNA). Upon exNA precursor scale up, exNA incorporation is fully compatible with common nucleic acid synthetic protocols. The novel backbone is orthogonal to PS and shows profound stabilization against 3'- and 5'-exonucleases. Using small interfering RNAs (siRNAs) as an example, we show exNA is tolerated at most nucleotide positions and profoundly improves in vivo efficacy. A combined exNA-PS backbone enhances siRNA resistance to serum 3'-exonuclease by ~ 32-fold over PS backbone and > 1000-fold over the natural phosphodiester backbone, thereby enhancing tissue exposure (~ 6-fold), tissues accumulation (4- to 20-fold), and potency both systemically and in brain. The improved potency and durability imparted by exNA opens more tissues and indications to oligonucleotide-driven therapeutic interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Chantal Ferguson
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts Medical School
| | | | | | - Qi Tang
- University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School
| | | | | | | | | | - Nicholas McHugh
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts Medical School
| | | | | | - Bruno Godinho
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts Medical School
| | - Samuel Hildebrand
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts Medical School
| | - Dimas Echeverria
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts Medical School
| | | | | | | | - Neil Aronin
- University of Massachusetts Worcester Campus
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44
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Yamada K, Hariharan VN, Caiazzi J, Miller R, Furguson C, Sapp E, Fakih H, Tan Q, Yamada N, Furgal RC, Paquette J, Bramato B, McHugh N, Summers A, Lochmann C, Godinho BM, Hildebrand S, Echeverria D, Hassler MR, Alterman JF, DiFiglia M, Aronin N, Khvorova A. Extended Nucleic Acid (exNA): A Novel, Biologically Compatible Backbone that Significantly Enhances Oligonucleotide Efficacy in vivo. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.05.26.542506. [PMID: 37292886 PMCID: PMC10245983 DOI: 10.1101/2023.05.26.542506] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Metabolic stabilization of therapeutic oligonucleotides requires both sugar and backbone modifications, where phosphorothioate (PS) is the only backbone chemistry used in the clinic. Here, we describe the discovery, synthesis, and characterization of a novel biologically compatible backbone, extended nucleic acid (exNA). Upon exNA precursor scale up, exNA incorporation is fully compatible with common nucleic acid synthetic protocols. The novel backbone is orthogonal to PS and shows profound stabilization against 3'- and 5'-exonucleases. Using small interfering RNAs (siRNAs) as an example, we show exNA is tolerated at most nucleotide positions and profoundly improves in vivo efficacy. A combined exNA-PS backbone enhances siRNA resistance to serum 3'-exonuclease by ~32-fold over PS backbone and >1000-fold over the natural phosphodiester backbone, thereby enhancing tissue exposure (~6-fold), tissues accumulation (4- to 20-fold), and potency both systemically and in brain. The improved potency and durability imparted by exNA opens more tissues and indications to oligonucleotide-driven therapeutic interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ken Yamada
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, 368 Plantation Street, Worcester, Massachusetts 01605, United States
| | - Vignesh Narayan Hariharan
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, 368 Plantation Street, Worcester, Massachusetts 01605, United States
| | - Jillian Caiazzi
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, 368 Plantation Street, Worcester, Massachusetts 01605, United States
| | - Rachael Miller
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, 368 Plantation Street, Worcester, Massachusetts 01605, United States
- Department of Medicine, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School; Charlestown, Massachusetts, United State
| | - Chantal Furguson
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, 368 Plantation Street, Worcester, Massachusetts 01605, United States
- Department of Medicine, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School; Charlestown, Massachusetts, United State
| | - Ellen Sapp
- Department of Neurology, Harvard Medical School and Mass General Institute for Neurodegenerative Disease, Charlestown, Massachusetts, United State
| | - Hassan Fakih
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, 368 Plantation Street, Worcester, Massachusetts 01605, United States
| | - Qi Tan
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, 368 Plantation Street, Worcester, Massachusetts 01605, United States
| | - Nozomi Yamada
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, 368 Plantation Street, Worcester, Massachusetts 01605, United States
| | - Raymond C. Furgal
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, 368 Plantation Street, Worcester, Massachusetts 01605, United States
| | - Joseph Paquette
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, 368 Plantation Street, Worcester, Massachusetts 01605, United States
- Department of Medicine, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School; Charlestown, Massachusetts, United State
| | - Brianna Bramato
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, 368 Plantation Street, Worcester, Massachusetts 01605, United States
| | - Nicholas McHugh
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, 368 Plantation Street, Worcester, Massachusetts 01605, United States
| | - Ashley Summers
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, 368 Plantation Street, Worcester, Massachusetts 01605, United States
| | - Clemens Lochmann
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, 368 Plantation Street, Worcester, Massachusetts 01605, United States
| | - Bruno M.D.C. Godinho
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, 368 Plantation Street, Worcester, Massachusetts 01605, United States
| | - Samuel Hildebrand
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, 368 Plantation Street, Worcester, Massachusetts 01605, United States
| | - Dimas Echeverria
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, 368 Plantation Street, Worcester, Massachusetts 01605, United States
| | - Matthew R. Hassler
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, 368 Plantation Street, Worcester, Massachusetts 01605, United States
| | - Julia F. Alterman
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, 368 Plantation Street, Worcester, Massachusetts 01605, United States
| | - Marian DiFiglia
- Department of Neurology, Harvard Medical School and Mass General Institute for Neurodegenerative Disease, Charlestown, Massachusetts, United State
| | - Neil Aronin
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, 368 Plantation Street, Worcester, Massachusetts 01605, United States
- Department of Medicine, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School; Charlestown, Massachusetts, United State
| | - Anastasia Khvorova
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, 368 Plantation Street, Worcester, Massachusetts 01605, United States
- Program in Molecular Medicine, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School; Charlestown, Massachusetts, United State
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45
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Zhang H, Kelly K, Lee J, Echeverria D, Cooper D, Panwala R, Chen Z, Gaston N, Newby GA, Xie J, Liu DR, Gao G, Wolfe SA, Khvorova A, Watts JK, Sontheimer EJ. Self-delivering CRISPR RNAs for AAV Co-delivery and Genome Editing in vivo. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.03.20.533459. [PMID: 36993169 PMCID: PMC10055305 DOI: 10.1101/2023.03.20.533459] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/19/2023]
Abstract
Guide RNAs offer programmability for CRISPR-Cas9 genome editing but also add challenges for delivery. Chemical modification, which has been key to the success of oligonucleotide therapeutics, can enhance the stability, distribution, cellular uptake, and safety of nucleic acids. Previously, we engineered heavily and fully modified SpyCas9 crRNA and tracrRNA, which showed enhanced stability and retained activity when delivered to cultured cells in the form of the ribonucleoprotein complex. In this study, we report that a short, fully stabilized oligonucleotide (a "protecting oligo"), which can be displaced by tracrRNA annealing, can significantly enhance the potency and stability of a heavily modified crRNA. Furthermore, protecting oligos allow various bioconjugates to be appended, thereby improving cellular uptake and biodistribution of crRNA in vivo. Finally, we achieved in vivo genome editing in adult mouse liver and central nervous system via co-delivery of unformulated, chemically modified crRNAs with protecting oligos and AAV vectors that express tracrRNA and either SpyCas9 or a base editor derivative. Our proof-of-concept establishment of AAV/crRNA co-delivery offers a route towards transient editing activity, target multiplexing, guide redosing, and vector inactivation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Han Zhang
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts, 01605, USA
| | - Karen Kelly
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts, 01605, USA
| | - Jonathan Lee
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts, 01605, USA
| | - Dimas Echeverria
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts, 01605, USA
| | - David Cooper
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts, 01605, USA
| | - Rebecca Panwala
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts, 01605, USA
| | - Zexiang Chen
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts, 01605, USA
| | - Nicholas Gaston
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts, 01605, USA
| | - Gregory A. Newby
- Merkin Institute of Transformative Technologies in Healthcare, Broad Institute of Harvard and MIT, Cambridge, Massachusetts, 02142, USA
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts, 02139, USA
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts, 02139, USA
| | - Jun Xie
- Horae Gene Therapy Center, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, 01605, USA
- Viral Vector Core, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical, School, Worcester, MA, 01605, USA
- Department of Microbiology and Physiological Systems, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, 01605, USA
- Li Weibo Institute for Rare Diseases Research, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts, 01605, USA
| | - David R. Liu
- Merkin Institute of Transformative Technologies in Healthcare, Broad Institute of Harvard and MIT, Cambridge, Massachusetts, 02142, USA
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts, 02139, USA
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts, 02139, USA
| | - Guangping Gao
- Horae Gene Therapy Center, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, 01605, USA
- Viral Vector Core, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical, School, Worcester, MA, 01605, USA
- Department of Microbiology and Physiological Systems, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, 01605, USA
- Li Weibo Institute for Rare Diseases Research, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts, 01605, USA
| | - Scot A. Wolfe
- Li Weibo Institute for Rare Diseases Research, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts, 01605, USA
- Department of Molecular, Cell and Cancer Biology, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, 01605, USA
| | - Anastasia Khvorova
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts, 01605, USA
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biotechnology, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts, 01605, USA
- NeuroNexus Institute, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts, 01605, USA
| | - Jonathan K. Watts
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts, 01605, USA
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biotechnology, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts, 01605, USA
- NeuroNexus Institute, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts, 01605, USA
- Li Weibo Institute for Rare Diseases Research, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts, 01605, USA
| | - Erik J. Sontheimer
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts, 01605, USA
- Program in Molecular Medicine, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts, 01605, USA
- Li Weibo Institute for Rare Diseases Research, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts, 01605, USA
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Hariharan VN, Shin M, Chang CW, O’Reilly D, Biscans A, Yamada K, Guo Z, Somasundaran M, Tang Q, Monopoli K, Krishnamurthy PM, Devi G, McHugh N, Cooper DA, Echeverria D, Cruz J, Chan IL, Liu P, Lim SY, McConnell J, Singh SP, Hildebrand S, Sousa J, Davis SM, Kennedy Z, Ferguson C, Godinho BMDC, Thillier Y, Caiazzi J, Ly S, Muhuri M, Kelly K, Humphries F, Cousineau A, Parsi KM, Li Q, Wang Y, Maehr R, Gao G, Korkin D, McDougall WM, Finberg RW, Fitzgerald KA, Wang JP, Watts JK, Khvorova A. Divalent siRNAs are bioavailable in the lung and efficiently block SARS-CoV-2 infection. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2023; 120:e2219523120. [PMID: 36893269 PMCID: PMC10089225 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2219523120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2022] [Accepted: 02/05/2023] [Indexed: 03/11/2023] Open
Abstract
The continuous evolution of SARS-CoV-2 variants complicates efforts to combat the ongoing pandemic, underscoring the need for a dynamic platform for the rapid development of pan-viral variant therapeutics. Oligonucleotide therapeutics are enhancing the treatment of numerous diseases with unprecedented potency, duration of effect, and safety. Through the systematic screening of hundreds of oligonucleotide sequences, we identified fully chemically stabilized siRNAs and ASOs that target regions of the SARS-CoV-2 genome conserved in all variants of concern, including delta and omicron. We successively evaluated candidates in cellular reporter assays, followed by viral inhibition in cell culture, with eventual testing of leads for in vivo antiviral activity in the lung. Previous attempts to deliver therapeutic oligonucleotides to the lung have met with only modest success. Here, we report the development of a platform for identifying and generating potent, chemically modified multimeric siRNAs bioavailable in the lung after local intranasal and intratracheal delivery. The optimized divalent siRNAs showed robust antiviral activity in human cells and mouse models of SARS-CoV-2 infection and represent a new paradigm for antiviral therapeutic development for current and future pandemics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vignesh N. Hariharan
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA01655
| | - Minwook Shin
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA01655
| | - Ching-Wen Chang
- Department of Medicine, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA01655
| | - Daniel O’Reilly
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA01655
| | - Annabelle Biscans
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA01655
| | - Ken Yamada
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA01655
| | - Zhiru Guo
- Department of Medicine, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA01655
| | - Mohan Somasundaran
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biotechnology, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA01655
| | - Qi Tang
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA01655
| | - Kathryn Monopoli
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA01655
| | | | - Gitali Devi
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA01655
| | - Nicholas McHugh
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA01655
| | - David A. Cooper
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA01655
| | - Dimas Echeverria
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA01655
| | - John Cruz
- Department of Pathology, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA01655
| | - Io Long Chan
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA01655
| | - Ping Liu
- Department of Medicine, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA01655
| | - Sun-Young Lim
- Department of Medicine, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA01655
| | - Jill McConnell
- Department of Microbiology and Physiological Systems, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA01655
| | - Satya Prakash Singh
- Department of Medicine, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA01655
| | - Samuel Hildebrand
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA01655
| | - Jacquelyn Sousa
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA01655
| | - Sarah M. Davis
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA01655
| | - Zachary Kennedy
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA01655
| | - Chantal Ferguson
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA01655
| | - Bruno M. D. C. Godinho
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA01655
| | - Yann Thillier
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA01655
| | - Jillian Caiazzi
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA01655
| | - Socheata Ly
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA01655
| | - Manish Muhuri
- Department of Microbiology and Physiological Systems, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA01655
- Horae Gene Therapy Center, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA01655
| | - Karen Kelly
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA01655
| | - Fiachra Humphries
- Program in Innate Immunity, Division of Infectious Diseases and Immunology, Department of Medicine, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA01655
| | - Alyssa Cousineau
- Diabetes Center of Excellence and Program in Molecular Medicine, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA01655
| | - Krishna Mohan Parsi
- Diabetes Center of Excellence and Program in Molecular Medicine, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA01655
| | - Qi Li
- MassBiologics, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA01655
| | - Yang Wang
- MassBiologics, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA01655
| | - René Maehr
- Diabetes Center of Excellence and Program in Molecular Medicine, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA01655
| | - Guangping Gao
- Department of Microbiology and Physiological Systems, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA01655
- Horae Gene Therapy Center, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA01655
- Li Weibo Institute for Rare Diseases Research, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA01655
| | - Dmitry Korkin
- Department of Computer Science, and Bioinformatics and Computational Biology Program, Worcester Polytechnic Institute, Worcester, MA01609
| | - William M. McDougall
- Department of Microbiology and Physiological Systems, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA01655
| | - Robert W. Finberg
- Department of Medicine, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA01655
| | - Katherine A. Fitzgerald
- Program in Innate Immunity, Division of Infectious Diseases and Immunology, Department of Medicine, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA01655
- Li Weibo Institute for Rare Diseases Research, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA01655
| | - Jennifer P. Wang
- Department of Medicine, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA01655
| | - Jonathan K. Watts
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA01655
- Li Weibo Institute for Rare Diseases Research, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA01655
| | - Anastasia Khvorova
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA01655
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47
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Saher O, Zaghloul EM, Umek T, Hagey DW, Mozafari N, Danielsen MB, Gouda AS, Lundin KE, Jørgensen PT, Wengel J, Smith CIE, Zain R. Chemical Modifications and Design Influence the Potency of Huntingtin Anti-Gene Oligonucleotides. Nucleic Acid Ther 2023; 33:117-131. [PMID: 36735581 PMCID: PMC10066784 DOI: 10.1089/nat.2022.0046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Huntington's disease is a neurodegenerative, trinucleotide repeat (TNR) disorder affecting both males and females. It is caused by an abnormal increase in the length of CAG•CTG TNR in exon 1 of the Huntingtin gene (HTT). The resultant, mutant HTT mRNA and protein cause neuronal toxicity, suggesting that reduction of their levels would constitute a promising therapeutic approach. We previously reported a novel strategy in which chemically modified oligonucleotides (ONs) directly target chromosomal DNA. These anti-gene ONs were able to downregulate both HTT mRNA and protein. In this study, various locked nucleic acid (LNA)/DNA mixmer anti-gene ONs were tested to investigate the effects of varying ON length, LNA content, and fatty acid modification on HTT expression. Altering the length did not significantly influence the ON potency, while LNA content was critical for activity. Utilization of palmitoyl-modified LNA monomers enhanced the ON activity relatively to the corresponding nonmodified LNA under serum starvation conditions. Furthermore, the number of palmitoylated LNA monomers and their positioning greatly affected ON potency. In addition, we performed RNA sequencing analysis, which showed that the anti-gene ONs affect the "immune system process, mRNA processing, and neurogenesis." Furthermore, we observed that for repeat containing genes, there is a higher tendency for antisense off-targeting. Taken together, our findings provide an optimized design of anti-gene ONs that could potentially be developed as DNA-targeting therapeutics for this class of TNR-related diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Osama Saher
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Translational Research Center Karolinska (TRACK), Karolinska Institutet, Karolinska University Hospital, SE-14186 Huddinge, Sweden.,Department of Pharmaceutics and Industrial Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Eman M Zaghloul
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Translational Research Center Karolinska (TRACK), Karolinska Institutet, Karolinska University Hospital, SE-14186 Huddinge, Sweden.,Department of Pharmaceutics, Faculty of Pharmacy, Alexandria University, Alexandria, Egypt
| | - Tea Umek
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Translational Research Center Karolinska (TRACK), Karolinska Institutet, Karolinska University Hospital, SE-14186 Huddinge, Sweden
| | - Daniel W Hagey
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Translational Research Center Karolinska (TRACK), Karolinska Institutet, Karolinska University Hospital, SE-14186 Huddinge, Sweden
| | - Negin Mozafari
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Translational Research Center Karolinska (TRACK), Karolinska Institutet, Karolinska University Hospital, SE-14186 Huddinge, Sweden
| | - Mathias B Danielsen
- Department of Physics, Chemistry and Pharmacy, Biomolecular Nanoscale Engineering Center, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
| | - Alaa S Gouda
- Department of Physics, Chemistry and Pharmacy, Biomolecular Nanoscale Engineering Center, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark.,Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Benha University, Benha, Egypt
| | - Karin E Lundin
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Translational Research Center Karolinska (TRACK), Karolinska Institutet, Karolinska University Hospital, SE-14186 Huddinge, Sweden
| | - Per T Jørgensen
- Department of Physics, Chemistry and Pharmacy, Biomolecular Nanoscale Engineering Center, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
| | - Jesper Wengel
- Department of Physics, Chemistry and Pharmacy, Biomolecular Nanoscale Engineering Center, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
| | - C I Edvard Smith
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Translational Research Center Karolinska (TRACK), Karolinska Institutet, Karolinska University Hospital, SE-14186 Huddinge, Sweden
| | - Rula Zain
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Translational Research Center Karolinska (TRACK), Karolinska Institutet, Karolinska University Hospital, SE-14186 Huddinge, Sweden.,Centre for Rare Diseases, Department of Clinical Genetics, Karolinska University Hospital, SE-17176 Stockholm, Sweden
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48
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Smith EJ, Sathasivam K, Landles C, Osborne GF, Mason MA, Gomez-Paredes C, Taxy BA, Milton RE, Ast A, Schindler F, Zhang C, Duan W, Wanker EE, Bates GP. Early detection of exon 1 huntingtin aggregation in zQ175 brains by molecular and histological approaches. Brain Commun 2023; 5:fcad010. [PMID: 36756307 PMCID: PMC9901570 DOI: 10.1093/braincomms/fcad010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2022] [Revised: 10/08/2022] [Accepted: 01/18/2023] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Huntingtin-lowering approaches that target huntingtin expression are a major focus for therapeutic intervention for Huntington's disease. When the cytosine, adenine and guanine repeat is expanded, the huntingtin pre-mRNA is alternatively processed to generate the full-length huntingtin and HTT1a transcripts. HTT1a encodes the aggregation-prone and highly pathogenic exon 1 huntingtin protein. In evaluating huntingtin-lowering approaches, understanding how the targeting strategy modulates levels of both transcripts and the huntingtin protein isoforms that they encode will be essential. Given the aggregation-propensity of exon 1 huntingtin, the impact of a given strategy on the levels and subcellular location of aggregated huntingtin will need to be determined. We have developed and applied sensitive molecular approaches to monitor the levels of aggregated and soluble huntingtin isoforms in tissue lysates. We have used these, in combination with immunohistochemistry, to map the appearance and accumulation of aggregated huntingtin throughout the CNS of zQ175 mice, a model of Huntington's disease frequently chosen for preclinical studies. Aggregation analyses were performed on tissues from zQ175 and wild-type mice at monthly intervals from 1 to 6 months of age. We developed three homogeneous time-resolved fluorescence assays to track the accumulation of aggregated huntingtin and showed that two of these were specific for the exon 1 huntingtin protein. Collectively, the homogeneous time-resolved fluorescence assays detected huntingtin aggregation in the 10 zQ175 CNS regions by 1-2 months of age. Immunohistochemistry with the polyclonal S830 anti-huntingtin antibody showed that nuclear huntingtin aggregation, in the form of a diffuse nuclear immunostain, could be visualized in the striatum, hippocampal CA1 region and layer IV of the somatosensory cortex by 2 months. That this diffuse nuclear immunostain represented aggregated huntingtin was confirmed by immunohistochemistry with a polyglutamine-specific antibody, which required formic acid antigen retrieval to expose its epitope. By 6 months of age, nuclear and cytoplasmic inclusions were widely distributed throughout the brain. Homogeneous time-resolved fluorescence analysis showed that the comparative levels of soluble exon 1 huntingtin between CNS regions correlated with those for huntingtin aggregation. We found that soluble exon 1 huntingtin levels decreased over the 6-month period, whilst those of soluble full-length mutant huntingtin remained unchanged, data that were confirmed for the cortex by immunoprecipitation and western blotting. These data support the hypothesis that exon 1 huntingtin initiates the aggregation process in knock-in mouse models and pave the way for a detailed analysis of huntingtin aggregation in response to huntingtin-lowering treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Edward J Smith
- Huntington’s Disease Centre, Department of Neurodegenerative Disease and UK Dementia Research Institute at UCL, Queen Square Institute of Neurology, University College London, London WC1N 3BG, UK
| | - Kirupa Sathasivam
- Huntington’s Disease Centre, Department of Neurodegenerative Disease and UK Dementia Research Institute at UCL, Queen Square Institute of Neurology, University College London, London WC1N 3BG, UK
| | - Christian Landles
- Huntington’s Disease Centre, Department of Neurodegenerative Disease and UK Dementia Research Institute at UCL, Queen Square Institute of Neurology, University College London, London WC1N 3BG, UK
| | - Georgina F Osborne
- Huntington’s Disease Centre, Department of Neurodegenerative Disease and UK Dementia Research Institute at UCL, Queen Square Institute of Neurology, University College London, London WC1N 3BG, UK
| | - Michael A Mason
- Huntington’s Disease Centre, Department of Neurodegenerative Disease and UK Dementia Research Institute at UCL, Queen Square Institute of Neurology, University College London, London WC1N 3BG, UK
| | - Casandra Gomez-Paredes
- Huntington’s Disease Centre, Department of Neurodegenerative Disease and UK Dementia Research Institute at UCL, Queen Square Institute of Neurology, University College London, London WC1N 3BG, UK
| | - Bridget A Taxy
- Huntington’s Disease Centre, Department of Neurodegenerative Disease and UK Dementia Research Institute at UCL, Queen Square Institute of Neurology, University College London, London WC1N 3BG, UK
| | - Rebecca E Milton
- Huntington’s Disease Centre, Department of Neurodegenerative Disease and UK Dementia Research Institute at UCL, Queen Square Institute of Neurology, University College London, London WC1N 3BG, UK
| | - Anne Ast
- Neuroproteomics, Max Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine in the Helmholtz Association, Berlin 13125, Germany
| | - Franziska Schindler
- Neuroproteomics, Max Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine in the Helmholtz Association, Berlin 13125, Germany
| | - Chuangchuang Zhang
- Division of Neurobiology, Department Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences; Department Neuroscience, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA
| | - Wenzhen Duan
- Division of Neurobiology, Department Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences; Department Neuroscience, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA
| | - Erich E Wanker
- Neuroproteomics, Max Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine in the Helmholtz Association, Berlin 13125, Germany
| | - Gillian P Bates
- Huntington’s Disease Centre, Department of Neurodegenerative Disease and UK Dementia Research Institute at UCL, Queen Square Institute of Neurology, University College London, London WC1N 3BG, UK
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49
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Nucleic acid drug vectors for diagnosis and treatment of brain diseases. Signal Transduct Target Ther 2023; 8:39. [PMID: 36650130 PMCID: PMC9844208 DOI: 10.1038/s41392-022-01298-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2022] [Revised: 12/08/2022] [Accepted: 12/21/2022] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Nucleic acid drugs have the advantages of rich target selection, simple in design, good and enduring effect. They have been demonstrated to have irreplaceable superiority in brain disease treatment, while vectors are a decisive factor in therapeutic efficacy. Strict physiological barriers, such as degradation and clearance in circulation, blood-brain barrier, cellular uptake, endosome/lysosome barriers, release, obstruct the delivery of nucleic acid drugs to the brain by the vectors. Nucleic acid drugs against a single target are inefficient in treating brain diseases of complex pathogenesis. Differences between individual patients lead to severe uncertainties in brain disease treatment with nucleic acid drugs. In this Review, we briefly summarize the classification of nucleic acid drugs. Next, we discuss physiological barriers during drug delivery and universal coping strategies and introduce the application methods of these universal strategies to nucleic acid drug vectors. Subsequently, we explore nucleic acid drug-based multidrug regimens for the combination treatment of brain diseases and the construction of the corresponding vectors. In the following, we address the feasibility of patient stratification and personalized therapy through diagnostic information from medical imaging and the manner of introducing contrast agents into vectors. Finally, we take a perspective on the future feasibility and remaining challenges of vector-based integrated diagnosis and gene therapy for brain diseases.
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Structural Modifications of siRNA Improve Its Performance In Vivo. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24020956. [PMID: 36674473 PMCID: PMC9862127 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24020956] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2022] [Revised: 12/23/2022] [Accepted: 12/26/2022] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The use of small interfering RNA (siRNA) in the clinic gives a wide range of possibilities for the treatment of previously incurable diseases. However, the main limitation for biomedical applications is their delivery to target cells and organs. Currently, delivery of siRNA to liver cells is a solved problem due to the bioconjugation of siRNA with N-acetylgalactosamine; other organs remain challenging for siRNA delivery to them. Despite the important role of the ligand in the composition of the bioconjugate, the structure and molecular weight of siRNA also play an important role in the delivery of siRNA. The basic principle is that siRNAs with smaller molecular weights are more efficient at entering cells, whereas siRNAs with larger molecular weights have advantages at the organism level. Here we review the relationships between siRNA structure and its biodistribution and activity to find new strategies for improving siRNA performance.
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