1
|
Chen YF, Luh F, Ho YS, Yen Y. Exosomes: a review of biologic function, diagnostic and targeted therapy applications, and clinical trials. J Biomed Sci 2024; 31:67. [PMID: 38992695 PMCID: PMC11238361 DOI: 10.1186/s12929-024-01055-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2024] [Accepted: 06/16/2024] [Indexed: 07/13/2024] Open
Abstract
Exosomes are extracellular vesicles generated by all cells and they carry nucleic acids, proteins, lipids, and metabolites. They mediate the exchange of substances between cells,thereby affecting biological properties and activities of recipient cells. In this review, we briefly discuss the composition of exocomes and exosome isolation. We also review the clinical applications of exosomes in cancer biology as well as strategies in exosome-mediated targeted drug delivery systems. Finally, the application of exosomes in the context of cancer therapeutics both in practice and literature are discussed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yi-Fan Chen
- International Master Program in Translation Science, College of Medical Science and Technology, Taipei Medical University, New Taipei City, 23564, Taiwan
- The Ph.D. Program for Translational Medicine, College of Medical Science and Technology, Taipei Medical University, New Taipei City, 23564, Taiwan
- TMU Research Center of Cancer Translational Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, 11031, Taiwan
- International Ph.D. Program for Translational Science, College of Medical Science and Technology, Taipei Medical University, New Taipei City, 23564, Taiwan
- Master Program in Clinical Genomics and Proteomics, School of Pharmacy, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, 11031, Taiwan
| | - Frank Luh
- Sino-American Cancer Foundation, Covina, CA, 91722, USA
| | - Yuan-Soon Ho
- Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, College of Life Sciences, China Medical University, Taichung, 406040, Taiwan.
| | - Yun Yen
- TMU Research Center of Cancer Translational Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, 11031, Taiwan.
- Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, College of Life Sciences, China Medical University, Taichung, 406040, Taiwan.
- Ph.D. Program for Cancer Molecular Biology and Drug Discovery, College of Medical Science and Technology, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, 110301, Taiwan.
- Graduate Institute of Cancer Biology and Drug Discovery, College of Medical Science and Technology, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, 110301, Taiwan.
- Cancer Center, Taipei Municipal WanFang Hospital, Taipei, 11696, Taiwan.
- Center for Cancer Translational Research, Tzu Chi University, Hualien City, 970374, Taiwan.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Zhu L, Luo J, Ren K. Nucleic acid-based artificial nanocarriers for gene therapy. J Mater Chem B 2023; 11:261-279. [PMID: 36524395 DOI: 10.1039/d2tb01179d] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Nucleic acid nanotechnology is a powerful tool in the fields of biosensing and nanomedicine owing to their high editability and easy synthesis and modification. Artificial nucleic acid nanostructures have become an emerging research hotspot as gene carriers with low cytotoxicity and immunogenicity for therapeutic approaches. In this review, recent progress in the design and functional mechanisms of nucleic acid-based artificial nano-vectors especially for exogenous siRNA and antisense oligonucleotide delivery is summarized. Different types of DNA nanocarriers, including DNA junctions, tetrahedrons, origami, hydrogels and scaffolds, are introduced. The enhanced targeting strategies to improve the delivery efficacy are demonstrated. Furthermore, RNA based gene nanocarrier systems by self-assembly of short strands, rolling circle transcription, chemical crosslinking and using RNA motifs and DNA-RNA hybrids are demonstrated. Finally, the outlook and potential challenges are highlighted. The nucleic acid-based artificial nanocarriers offer a promising and precise tool for gene delivery and therapy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Longyi Zhu
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Nanjing University of Science and Technology, Nanjing, 210094, China.
| | - Jun Luo
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Nanjing University of Science and Technology, Nanjing, 210094, China.
| | - Kewei Ren
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Nanjing University of Science and Technology, Nanjing, 210094, China.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Hill A, van Leeuwen D, Schlösser V, Behera A, Mateescu B, Hall J. Chemically synthesized, self-assembling small interfering RNA-prohead RNA molecules trigger Dicer-independent gene silencing. Chemistry 2021; 28:e202103995. [PMID: 34879171 PMCID: PMC9305526 DOI: 10.1002/chem.202103995] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2021] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
RNA interference (RNAi) mediated by small interfering RNA (siRNA) duplexes is a powerful therapeutic modality, but the translation of siRNAs from the bench into clinical application has been hampered by inefficient delivery in vivo. An innovative delivery strategy involves fusing siRNAs to a three‐way junction (3WJ) motif derived from the phi29 bacteriophage prohead RNA (pRNA). Chimeric siRNA‐3WJ molecules are presumed to enter the RNAi pathway through Dicer cleavage. Here, we fused siRNAs to the phi29 3WJ and two phylogenetically related 3WJs. We confirmed that the siRNA‐3WJs are substrates for Dicer in vitro. However, our results reveal that siRNA‐3WJs transfected into Dicer‐deficient cell lines trigger potent gene silencing. Interestingly, siRNA‐3WJs transfected into an Argonaute 2‐deficient cell line also retain some gene silencing activity. siRNA‐3WJs are most efficient when the antisense strand of the siRNA duplex is positioned 5′ of the 3WJ (5′‐siRNA‐3WJ) relative to 3′ of the 3WJ (3′‐siRNA‐3WJ). This work sheds light on the functional properties of siRNA‐3WJs and offers a design rule for maximizing their potency in the human RNAi pathway.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alyssa Hill
- ETH Zurich D-CHAB: Eidgenossische Technische Hochschule Zurich Departement Chemie und Angewandte Biowissenschaften, Department of Chemistry and Applied Biosciences, Vladimir-Prelog-Weg 1-5/10, 8093, Zürich, SWITZERLAND
| | - Daniël van Leeuwen
- ETH Zürich D-BIOL: Eidgenossische Technische Hochschule Zurich Departement Biologie, Department of Biology, SWITZERLAND
| | - Verena Schlösser
- ETH Zurich D-CHAB: Eidgenossische Technische Hochschule Zurich Departement Chemie und Angewandte Biowissenschaften, Department of Chemistry and Applied Biosciences, SWITZERLAND
| | - Alok Behera
- ETH Zurich D-CHAB: Eidgenossische Technische Hochschule Zurich Departement Chemie und Angewandte Biowissenschaften, Department of Chemistry and Applied Biosciences, SWITZERLAND
| | - Bogdan Mateescu
- ETH Zürich D-BIOL: Eidgenossische Technische Hochschule Zurich Departement Biologie, Department of Biology, SWITZERLAND
| | - Jonathan Hall
- ETH Zurich D-CHAB: Eidgenossische Technische Hochschule Zurich Departement Chemie und Angewandte Biowissenschaften, Department of Chemistry and Applied Biosciences, SWITZERLAND
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Arghiani N, Shah K. Modulating microRNAs in cancer: Next-generation therapies. Cancer Biol Med 2021; 19:j.issn.2095-3941.2021.0294. [PMID: 34846108 PMCID: PMC8958885 DOI: 10.20892/j.issn.2095-3941.2021.0294] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2021] [Accepted: 07/27/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are a class of endogenously expressed non-coding regulators of the genome with an ability to mediate a variety of biological and pathological processes. There is growing evidence demonstrating frequent dysregulation of microRNAs in cancer cells, which is associated with tumor initiation, development, migration, invasion, resisting cell death, and drug resistance. Studies have shown that modulation of these small RNAs is a novel and promising therapeutic tool in the treatment of a variety of diseases, especially cancer, due to their broad influence on multiple cellular processes. However, suboptimal delivery of the appropriate miRNA to the cancer sites, quick degradation by nucleases in the blood circulation, and off target effects have limited their research and clinical applications. Therefore, there is a pressing need to improve the therapeutic efficacy of miRNA modulators, while at the same time reducing their toxicities. Several delivery vehicles for miRNA modulators have been shown to be effective in vitro and in vivo. In this review, we will discuss the role and importance of miRNAs in cancer and provide perspectives on currently available carriers for miRNA modulation. We will also summarize the challenges and prospects for the clinical translation of miRNA-based therapeutic strategies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nahid Arghiani
- Center for Stem Cell and Translational Immunotherapy (CSTI), Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
- Department of Neurosurgery, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Khalid Shah
- Center for Stem Cell and Translational Immunotherapy (CSTI), Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
- Department of Neurosurgery, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
- Harvard Stem Cell Institute, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Badu S, Melnik R, Singh S. Mathematical and computational models of RNA nanoclusters and their applications in data-driven environments. MOLECULAR SIMULATION 2020. [DOI: 10.1080/08927022.2020.1804564] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Shyam Badu
- MS2Discovery Interdisciplinary Research Institute, Wilfrid Laurier University, Waterloo, Ontario, Canada
| | - Roderick Melnik
- MS2Discovery Interdisciplinary Research Institute, Wilfrid Laurier University, Waterloo, Ontario, Canada
- BCAM-Basque Center for Applied Mathematics, Bilbao, Spain
| | - Sundeep Singh
- MS2Discovery Interdisciplinary Research Institute, Wilfrid Laurier University, Waterloo, Ontario, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Xia X, Pollock N, Zhou J, Rossi J. Tissue-Specific Delivery of Oligonucleotides. Methods Mol Biol 2020; 2036:17-50. [PMID: 31410789 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-4939-9670-4_2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
From the initial discovery of short-interfering RNA (siRNA) and antisense oligonucleotides for specific gene knockdown at the posttranscriptional level to the current CRISPR-Cas9 system offering gene editing at the genomic level, oligonucleotides, in addition to their biological functions in storing and conveying genetic information, provide the most prominent solutions to targeted gene therapies. Nonetheless, looking into the future of curing cancer and acute diseases, researchers are only cautiously optimistic as the cellular delivery of these polyanionic biomacromolecules is still the biggest hurdle for their therapeutic realization. To overcome the delivery obstacle, oligonucleotides have been encapsulated within or conjugated with delivery vehicles for enhanced membrane penetration, improved payload, and tissue-specific delivery. Such delivery systems include but not limited to virus-based vehicles, gold-nanoparticle vehicles, formulated liposomes, and synthetic polymers. In this chapter, delivery challenges imposed by biological barriers are briefly discussed; followed by recent advances in tissue-specific oligonucleotide delivery utilizing both viral and nonviral delivery vectors, discussing their advantages, and how judicious design and formulation could improve and expand their potential as delivery vehicles.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xin Xia
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Beckman Research Institute, City of Hope, Duarte, CA, USA
| | - Nicolette Pollock
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Beckman Research Institute, City of Hope, Duarte, CA, USA
| | - Jiehua Zhou
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Beckman Research Institute, City of Hope, Duarte, CA, USA
| | - John Rossi
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Beckman Research Institute, City of Hope, Duarte, CA, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Zheng Z, Li Z, Xu C, Guo B, Guo P. Folate-displaying exosome mediated cytosolic delivery of siRNA avoiding endosome trapping. J Control Release 2019; 311-312:43-49. [PMID: 31446085 DOI: 10.1016/j.jconrel.2019.08.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 78] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2019] [Revised: 08/16/2019] [Accepted: 08/20/2019] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Folate (FA) receptor is a cell surface glycoprotein overexpressed on many cancer cells. It is a high affinity ligand for cancer cell targeting. However, delivery of siRNA directly through folate receptor mediated endocytosis for gene silencing has not, if any, been successful in clinical trial. We have reported the application of RNA nanotechnology to construct FA-displaying exosomes for efficient cell targeting, siRNA delivery and cancer regression (Pi et.al Nature Nanotechnology, 2018:13, 82-89; Li et al., Scientific Report, 2018:8, 14,644). However, the mechanism underlying the efficient therapeutic behavior through folate/exosome complex remains elusive. Here we demonstrate that the efficient cancer suppression with the FA-displaying exosome was due to the receptor-mediated cytosol delivery of the siRNA payload without endosome trapping, as attested by fluorescence colocalization analysis, gene knockdown assay and animal tumor regression. It is expected that the high potency of FA-displaying exosome in cytosolic siRNA delivery will renew the concept and interest in using FA as cancer targeting ligand in human cancer therapy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zhen Zheng
- Center for RNA Nanobiotechnology and Nanomedicine, Division of Pharmaceutics and Pharmacology, College of Pharmacy, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, United States
| | - Zhefeng Li
- Center for RNA Nanobiotechnology and Nanomedicine, Division of Pharmaceutics and Pharmacology, College of Pharmacy, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, United States
| | - Congcong Xu
- Center for RNA Nanobiotechnology and Nanomedicine, Division of Pharmaceutics and Pharmacology, College of Pharmacy, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, United States
| | - Bin Guo
- Department of Pharmacological and Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Houston, Houston, TX 77204, United States
| | - Peixuan Guo
- Center for RNA Nanobiotechnology and Nanomedicine, Division of Pharmaceutics and Pharmacology, College of Pharmacy, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, United States; College of Medicine, Dorothy M. Davis Heart and Lung Research Institute and James Comprehensive Cancer Center, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, United States.
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Abstract
Metallothioneins (MTs) are small cysteine-rich proteins that play important roles in metal homeostasis and protection against heavy metal toxicity, DNA damage, and oxidative stress. In humans, MTs have four main isoforms (MT1, MT2, MT3, and MT4) that are encoded by genes located on chromosome 16q13. MT1 comprises eight known functional (sub)isoforms (MT1A, MT1B, MT1E, MT1F, MT1G, MT1H, MT1M, and MT1X). Emerging evidence shows that MTs play a pivotal role in tumor formation, progression, and drug resistance. However, the expression of MTs is not universal in all human tumors and may depend on the type and differentiation status of tumors, as well as other environmental stimuli or gene mutations. More importantly, the differential expression of particular MT isoforms can be utilized for tumor diagnosis and therapy. This review summarizes the recent knowledge on the functions and mechanisms of MTs in carcinogenesis and describes the differential expression and regulation of MT isoforms in various malignant tumors. The roles of MTs in tumor growth, differentiation, angiogenesis, metastasis, microenvironment remodeling, immune escape, and drug resistance are also discussed. Finally, this review highlights the potential of MTs as biomarkers for cancer diagnosis and prognosis and introduces some current applications of targeting MT isoforms in cancer therapy. The knowledge on the MTs may provide new insights for treating cancer and bring hope for the elimination of cancer.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Manfei Si
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Peking Union Medical College, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, No. 1 Shuaifuyuan, Dongcheng District, Beijing, 100730 China
| | - Jinghe Lang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Peking Union Medical College, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, No. 1 Shuaifuyuan, Dongcheng District, Beijing, 100730 China
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Abstract
RNA interference (RNAi) is a fundamental cellular process for the posttranscriptional regulation of gene expression. RNAi can exogenously be modulated by small RNA oligonucleotides, such as microRNAs (miRNAs) and small interfering RNAs (siRNAs), or by antisense oligonucleotides. These small oligonucleotides provided the scientific community with powerful and versatile tools to turn off the expression of genes of interest, and hold out the promise of new therapeutic solutions against a wide range of gene-associated pathologies. However, unmodified nucleic acids are highly instable in biological systems, and their weak interaction with plasma proteins confers an unfavorable pharmacokinetics. In this review, we first provide an overview of the most efficient chemical strategies that, over the past 30 years, have been used to significantly improve the therapeutic potential of oligonucleotides. Oligonucleotides targeting and delivery technologies are then presented, including covalent conjugates between oligonucleotides and targeting ligand, and noncovalent association with lipid or polymer nanoparticles. Finally, we specifically focus on the endosomal escape step, which represents a major stumbling block for the effective use of oligonucleotides as therapeutic agents. The need for approaches to quantitatively measure endosomal escape and cytosolic arrival of biomolecules is discussed in the context of the development of efficient oligonucleotide targeting and delivery vectors.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ludger Johannes
- Institut Curie, PSL Research University , Cellular and Chemical Biology, U1143 INSERM, UMR3666 CNRS, Paris, France
| | - Marco Lucchino
- Institut Curie, PSL Research University , Cellular and Chemical Biology, U1143 INSERM, UMR3666 CNRS, Paris, France
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Lino MM, Ferreira L. Light-triggerable formulations for the intracellular controlled release of biomolecules. Drug Discov Today 2018; 23:1062-1070. [DOI: 10.1016/j.drudis.2018.01.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2017] [Revised: 12/03/2017] [Accepted: 01/04/2018] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
|
11
|
Shu Y, Yin H, Rajabi M, Li H, Vieweger M, Guo S, Shu D, Guo P. RNA-based micelles: A novel platform for paclitaxel loading and delivery. J Control Release 2018; 276:17-29. [PMID: 29454064 PMCID: PMC5964609 DOI: 10.1016/j.jconrel.2018.02.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2017] [Revised: 02/08/2018] [Accepted: 02/09/2018] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
RNA can serve as powerful building blocks for bottom-up fabrication of nanostructures for biotechnological and biomedical applications. In addition to current self-assembly strategies utilizing base pairing, motif piling and tertiary interactions, we reported for the first time the formation of RNA based micellar nanoconstruct with a cholesterol molecule conjugated onto one helical end of a branched pRNA three-way junction (3WJ) motif. The resulting amphiphilic RNA micelles consist of a hydrophilic RNA head and a covalently linked hydrophobic lipid tail that can spontaneously assemble in aqueous solution via hydrophobic interaction. Taking advantage of pRNA 3WJ branched structure, the assembled RNA micelles are capable of escorting multiple functional modules. As a proof of concept for delivery for therapeutics, Paclitaxel was loaded into the RNA micelles with significantly improved water solubility. The successful construction of the drug loaded RNA micelles was confirmed and characterized by agarose gel electrophoresis, atomic force microscopy (AFM), dynamic light scattering (DLS), and fluorescence Nile Red encapsulation assay. The estimate critical micelle formation concentration ranges from 39 nM to 78 nM. The Paclitaxel loaded RNA micelles can internalize into cancer cells and inhibit their proliferation. Further studies showed that the Paclitaxel loaded RNA micelles induced cancer cell apoptosis in a Caspase-3 dependent manner but RNA micelles alone exhibited low cytotoxicity. Finally, the Paclitaxel loaded RNA micelles targeted to tumor in vivo without accumulation in healthy tissues and organs. There is also no or very low induction of pro-inflammatory response. Therefore, multivalence, cancer cell permeability, combined with controllable assembly, low or non toxic nature, and tumor targeting are all promising features that make our pRNA micelles a suitable platform for potential drug delivery.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yi Shu
- Nanobiotechnology Center, Markey Cancer Center and Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences/College of Pharmacy, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40536, United States
| | - Hongran Yin
- Center for RNA Nanobiotechnology and Nanomedicine, Division of Pharmaceutics and Pharmaceutical Chemistry/College of Pharmacy, College of Medicine, Dorothy M. Davis Heart and Lung Research Institute and James Comprehensive Cancer Center, The Ohio State Universtiy, Columbus, OH 43210, United States
| | - Mehdi Rajabi
- Nanobiotechnology Center, Markey Cancer Center and Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences/College of Pharmacy, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40536, United States
| | - Hui Li
- Center for RNA Nanobiotechnology and Nanomedicine, Division of Pharmaceutics and Pharmaceutical Chemistry/College of Pharmacy, College of Medicine, Dorothy M. Davis Heart and Lung Research Institute and James Comprehensive Cancer Center, The Ohio State Universtiy, Columbus, OH 43210, United States; Nanobiotechnology Center, Markey Cancer Center and Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences/College of Pharmacy, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40536, United States
| | - Mario Vieweger
- Center for RNA Nanobiotechnology and Nanomedicine, Division of Pharmaceutics and Pharmaceutical Chemistry/College of Pharmacy, College of Medicine, Dorothy M. Davis Heart and Lung Research Institute and James Comprehensive Cancer Center, The Ohio State Universtiy, Columbus, OH 43210, United States
| | - Sijin Guo
- Center for RNA Nanobiotechnology and Nanomedicine, Division of Pharmaceutics and Pharmaceutical Chemistry/College of Pharmacy, College of Medicine, Dorothy M. Davis Heart and Lung Research Institute and James Comprehensive Cancer Center, The Ohio State Universtiy, Columbus, OH 43210, United States
| | - Dan Shu
- Center for RNA Nanobiotechnology and Nanomedicine, Division of Pharmaceutics and Pharmaceutical Chemistry/College of Pharmacy, College of Medicine, Dorothy M. Davis Heart and Lung Research Institute and James Comprehensive Cancer Center, The Ohio State Universtiy, Columbus, OH 43210, United States
| | - Peixuan Guo
- Center for RNA Nanobiotechnology and Nanomedicine, Division of Pharmaceutics and Pharmaceutical Chemistry/College of Pharmacy, College of Medicine, Dorothy M. Davis Heart and Lung Research Institute and James Comprehensive Cancer Center, The Ohio State Universtiy, Columbus, OH 43210, United States.
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Guo S, Piao X, Li H, Guo P. Methods for construction and characterization of simple or special multifunctional RNA nanoparticles based on the 3WJ of phi29 DNA packaging motor. Methods 2018. [PMID: 29530505 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymeth.2018.02.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The field of RNA nanotechnology has developed rapidly over the last decade, as more elaborate RNA nanoarchitectures and therapeutic RNA nanoparticles have been constructed, and their applications have been extensively explored. Now it is time to offer different levels of RNA construction methods for both the beginners and the experienced researchers or enterprisers. The first and second parts of this article will provide instructions on basic and simple methods for the assembly and characterization of RNA nanoparticles, mainly based on the pRNA three-way junction (pRNA-3WJ) of phi29 DNA packaging motor. The third part of this article will focus on specific methods for the construction of more sophisticated multivalent RNA nanoparticles for therapeutic applications. In these parts, some simple protocols are provided to facilitate the initiation of the RNA nanoparticle construction in labs new to the field of RNA nanotechnology. This article is intended to serve as a general reference aimed at both apprentices and senior scientists for their future design, construction and characterization of RNA nanoparticles based on the pRNA-3WJ of phi29 DNA packaging motor.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sijin Guo
- Center for RNA Nanobiotechnology and Nanomedicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA; College of Pharmacy, Division of Pharmaceutics and Pharmaceutical Chemistry, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
| | - Xijun Piao
- Center for RNA Nanobiotechnology and Nanomedicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA; College of Pharmacy, Division of Pharmaceutics and Pharmaceutical Chemistry, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
| | - Hui Li
- Center for RNA Nanobiotechnology and Nanomedicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA; College of Pharmacy, Division of Pharmaceutics and Pharmaceutical Chemistry, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
| | - Peixuan Guo
- Center for RNA Nanobiotechnology and Nanomedicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA; College of Pharmacy, Division of Pharmaceutics and Pharmaceutical Chemistry, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA; College of Medicine, Dorothy M. Davis Heart and Lung Research Institute, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA; James Comprehensive Cancer Center, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Alibakhshi MA, Halman JR, Wilson J, Aksimentiev A, Afonin KA, Wanunu M. Picomolar Fingerprinting of Nucleic Acid Nanoparticles Using Solid-State Nanopores. ACS NANO 2017; 11:9701-9710. [PMID: 28841287 PMCID: PMC5959297 DOI: 10.1021/acsnano.7b04923] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/20/2023]
Abstract
Nucleic acid nanoparticles (NANPs) are an emerging class of programmable structures with tunable shape and function. Their promise as tools for fundamental biophysics studies, molecular sensing, and therapeutic applications necessitates methods for their detection and characterization at the single-particle level. In this work, we study electrophoretic transport of individual ring-shaped and cube-shaped NANPs through solid-state nanopores. In the optimal nanopore size range, the particles must deform to pass through, which considerably increases their residence time within the pore. Such anomalously long residence times permit detection of picomolar amounts of NANPs when nanopore measurements are carried out at a high transmembrane bias. In the case of a NANP mixture, the type of individual particle passing through nanopores can be efficiently determined from analysis of a single electrical pulse. Molecular dynamics simulations provide insight into the mechanical barrier to transport of the NANPs and corroborate the difference in the signal amplitudes observed for the two types of particles. Our study serves as a basis for label-free analysis of soft programmable-shape nanoparticles.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Justin R. Halman
- Nanoscale Science Program, Department of Chemistry, University of North Carolina at Charlotte, Charlotte, North Carolina 28223, United States
| | - James Wilson
- Department of Physics, University of Illinois at Urbana—Champaign, Urbana, Illinois 61801, United States
| | - Aleksei Aksimentiev
- Department of Physics, University of Illinois at Urbana—Champaign, Urbana, Illinois 61801, United States
| | - Kirill A. Afonin
- Nanoscale Science Program, Department of Chemistry, University of North Carolina at Charlotte, Charlotte, North Carolina 28223, United States
- The Center for Biomedical Engineering and Science, University of North Carolina at Charlotte, Charlotte, North Carolina 28223, United States
| | - Meni Wanunu
- Department of Physics, Northeastern University, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, United States
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Northeastern University, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, United States
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Li L, Hu X, Zhang M, Ma S, Yu F, Zhao S, Liu N, Wang Z, Wang Y, Guan H, Pan X, Gao Y, Zhang Y, Liu Y, Yang Y, Tang X, Li M, Liu C, Li Z, Mei X. Dual Tumor-Targeting Nanocarrier System for siRNA Delivery Based on pRNA and Modified Chitosan. MOLECULAR THERAPY-NUCLEIC ACIDS 2017; 8:169-183. [PMID: 28918019 PMCID: PMC5503097 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtn.2017.06.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2017] [Revised: 06/19/2017] [Accepted: 06/19/2017] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Highly specific and efficient delivery of siRNA is still unsatisfactory. Herein, a dual tumor-targeting siRNA delivery system combining pRNA dimers with chitosan nanoparticles (CNPPs) was designed to improve the specificity and efficiency of siRNA delivery. In this dual delivery system, folate-conjugated and PEGylated chitosan nanoparticles encapsulating pRNA dimers were used as the first class of delivery system and would selectively deliver intact pRNA dimers near or into target cells. pRNA dimers simultaneously carrying siRNA and targeting aptamer, the second class of delivery system, would specifically deliver siRNA into the target cells via aptamer-mediated endocytosis or proper particle size. To certify the delivering efficiency of this dual system, CNPPs, pRNA dimers alone, chitosan nanoparticles containing siRNA with folate conjugation and PEGylation (CNPS), and chitosan nanoparticles containing pRNA dimers alone (CN) were first prepared. Then, we observed that treatment with CNPPs resulted in increased cellular uptake, higher cell apoptosis, stronger cell cytotoxicity, and more efficacious gene silencing compared to the other three formulations. Higher accumulation of siRNA in the tumor site, stronger tumor inhibition, and longer circulating time were also observed with CNPPs compared to other formulations. In conclusion, this dual nanocarrier system showed high targeting and favorable therapeutic efficacy both in vitro and in vivo. Thereby, a new approach is provided in this study for specific and efficient delivery of siRNA, which lays a foundation for the development of pRNA hexamers, which can simultaneously carry six different substances.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lin Li
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Biosecurity, Beijing Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology, Beijing 100071, China
| | - Xiaoqin Hu
- Beijing Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Beijing 100850, China
| | - Min Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Biosecurity, Beijing Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology, Beijing 100071, China
| | - Siyu Ma
- Beijing Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Beijing 100850, China
| | - Fanglin Yu
- Beijing Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Beijing 100850, China
| | - Shiqing Zhao
- Beijing Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Beijing 100850, China
| | - Nan Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Biosecurity, Beijing Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology, Beijing 100071, China
| | - Zhiyuan Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Biosecurity, Beijing Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology, Beijing 100071, China
| | - Yu Wang
- Beijing Institute of Radiation Medicine, Beijing 100850, China
| | - Hua Guan
- Beijing Institute of Radiation Medicine, Beijing 100850, China
| | - Xiujie Pan
- Beijing Institute of Radiation Medicine, Beijing 100850, China
| | - Yue Gao
- Beijing Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Beijing 100850, China
| | - Yue Zhang
- Beijing Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Beijing 100850, China
| | - Yan Liu
- Beijing Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Beijing 100850, China
| | - Yang Yang
- Beijing Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Beijing 100850, China
| | - Xuemei Tang
- Beijing Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Beijing 100850, China
| | - Mingyuan Li
- Beijing Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Beijing 100850, China
| | - Cheng Liu
- Beijing Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Beijing 100850, China
| | - Zhiping Li
- Beijing Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Beijing 100850, China.
| | - Xingguo Mei
- Beijing Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Beijing 100850, China
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Xu Z, Sun Y, Weber JK, Cao Y, Wang W, Jasinski D, Guo P, Zhou R, Li J. Directional mechanical stability of Bacteriophage φ29 motor's 3WJ-pRNA: Extraordinary robustness along portal axis. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2017; 3:e1601684. [PMID: 28560321 PMCID: PMC5446216 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.1601684] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2016] [Accepted: 04/07/2017] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
The molecular motor exploited by bacteriophage φ29 to pack DNA into its capsid is regarded as one of the most powerful mechanical devices present in viral, bacterial, and eukaryotic systems alike. Acting as a linker element, a prohead RNA (pRNA) effectively joins the connector and ATPase (adenosine triphosphatase) components of the φ29 motor. During DNA packing, this pRNA needs to withstand enormous strain along the capsid's portal axis-how this remarkable stability is achieved remains to be elucidated. We investigate the mechanical properties of the φ29 motor's three-way junction (3WJ)-pRNA using a combined steered molecular dynamics and atomic force spectroscopy approach. The 3WJ exhibits strong resistance to stretching along its coaxial helices, demonstrating its super structural robustness. This resistance disappears, however, when external forces are applied to the transverse directions. From a molecular standpoint, we demonstrate that this direction-dependent stability can be attributed to two Mg clamps that cooperate and generate mechanical resistance in the pRNA's coaxial direction. Our results suggest that the asymmetric nature of the 3WJ's mechanical stability is entwined with its biological function: Enhanced rigidity along the portal axis is likely essential to withstand the strain caused by DNA condensation, and flexibility in other directions should aid in the assembly of the pRNA and its association with other motor components.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zhonghe Xu
- Institute of Quantitative Biology and Department of Physics, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310027, China
- Key Laboratory for Biomedical Effects of Nanomaterials and Nanosafety, Institute of High Energy Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Yang Sun
- Collaborative Innovation Center of Advanced Microstructures, National Laboratory of Solid State Microstructure, Department of Physics, Nanjing University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210093, China
| | - Jeffrey K. Weber
- IBM Thomas J. Watson Research Center, Yorktown Heights, NY 10598, USA
| | - Yi Cao
- Collaborative Innovation Center of Advanced Microstructures, National Laboratory of Solid State Microstructure, Department of Physics, Nanjing University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210093, China
| | - Wei Wang
- Collaborative Innovation Center of Advanced Microstructures, National Laboratory of Solid State Microstructure, Department of Physics, Nanjing University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210093, China
| | - Daniel Jasinski
- Center for RNA Nanobiotechnology and Nanomedicine, College of Pharmacy, Division of Pharmaceutics and Pharmaceutical Chemistry; College of Medicine/Department of Physiology & Cell Biology; Dorothy M. Davis Heart and Lung Research Institute, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
| | - Peixuan Guo
- Center for RNA Nanobiotechnology and Nanomedicine, College of Pharmacy, Division of Pharmaceutics and Pharmaceutical Chemistry; College of Medicine/Department of Physiology & Cell Biology; Dorothy M. Davis Heart and Lung Research Institute, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
| | - Ruhong Zhou
- Institute of Quantitative Biology and Department of Physics, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310027, China
- IBM Thomas J. Watson Research Center, Yorktown Heights, NY 10598, USA
- Department of Chemistry, Columbia University, New York, NY 10027, USA
| | - Jingyuan Li
- Institute of Quantitative Biology and Department of Physics, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310027, China
- Key Laboratory for Biomedical Effects of Nanomaterials and Nanosafety, Institute of High Energy Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Hill AC, Schroeder SJ. Thermodynamic stabilities of three-way junction nanomotifs in prohead RNA. RNA (NEW YORK, N.Y.) 2017; 23:521-529. [PMID: 28069889 PMCID: PMC5340915 DOI: 10.1261/rna.059220.116] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2016] [Accepted: 12/24/2016] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
The thermodynamic stabilities of four natural prohead or packaging RNA (pRNA) three-way junction (3WJ) nanomotifs and seven phi29 pRNA 3WJ deletion mutant nanomotifs were investigated using UV optical melting on a three-component RNA system. Our data reveal that some pRNA 3WJs are more stable than the phi29 pRNA 3WJ. The stability of the 3WJ contributes to the unique self-assembly properties of pRNA. Thus, ultrastable pRNA 3WJ motifs suggest new scaffolds for pRNA-based nanotechnology. We present data demonstrating that pRNA 3WJs differentially respond to the presence of metal ions. A comparison of our data with free energies predicted by currently available RNA secondary structure prediction programs shows that these programs do not accurately predict multibranch loop stabilities. These results will expand the existing parameters used for RNA secondary structure prediction from sequence in order to better inform RNA structure-function hypotheses and guide the rational design of functional RNA supramolecular assemblies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Susan J Schroeder
- Department of Microbiology and Plant Biology
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Oklahoma, Norman, Oklahoma 73019, USA
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Murthy V, Delong RK. Engineering the RNA-Nanobio Interface. Bioengineering (Basel) 2017; 4:bioengineering4010013. [PMID: 28952492 PMCID: PMC5590433 DOI: 10.3390/bioengineering4010013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2016] [Revised: 01/26/2017] [Accepted: 02/08/2017] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
RNA nanotechnology is attracting a great deal of attention recently. As the multiple roles that RNA plays in molecular biology and physiological regulation become clearer, there are many opportunities for engineering RNA-Nanoparticle Complexes (RNA-NPCs). The high “engineerability” of RNA-NPCs comes from the ability to modify the RNA and NP chemistry. For example, the NP can be derived from materials with anticancer activity and the RNA delivered by it, designed to target cell signaling pathways that contribute to the molecular basis of these diseases. Despite this rapid advancement and the availability of new quantification and characterization techniques, a key challenge is to develop a better understanding of the RNA-nanobio interface; that is, the interactions of RNA with NP (RNA-nanobio interface) and how that impacts the structure, function, delivery, and activity of the RNA. Here, we attempt to summarize the state-of-the-art in this new and exciting field, and to lay out potential directions for bioengineering research on RNA-NPCs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Vaibhav Murthy
- Nanotechnology Innovation Center of Kansas State (NICKS), Department of Anatomy and Physiology, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS 66506, USA.
| | - Robert K Delong
- Nanotechnology Innovation Center of Kansas State (NICKS), Department of Anatomy and Physiology, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS 66506, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Zhang Y, Leonard M, Shu Y, Yang Y, Shu D, Guo P, Zhang X. Overcoming Tamoxifen Resistance of Human Breast Cancer by Targeted Gene Silencing Using Multifunctional pRNA Nanoparticles. ACS NANO 2017; 11:335-346. [PMID: 27966906 PMCID: PMC5488869 DOI: 10.1021/acsnano.6b05910] [Citation(s) in RCA: 99] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/04/2023]
Abstract
Most breast cancers express estrogen receptor (ER) α, and the antiestrogen drug tamoxifen has been widely used for their treatment. Unfortunately, up to half of all ERα-positive tumors have intrinsic or acquired endocrine therapy resistance. Our recent studies revealed that the ER coactivator Mediator Subunit 1 (MED1) plays a critical role in tamoxifen resistance through cross-talk with HER2. Herein, we assembled a three-way junction (3-WJ) pRNA-HER2apt-siMED1 nanoparticle to target HER2-overexpressing human breast cancer via an HER2 RNA aptamer to silence MED1 expression. We found that these ultracompact RNA nanoparticles are very stable under RNase A, serum, and 8 M urea conditions. These nanoparticles specifically bound to HER2-overexpressing breast cancer cells, efficiently depleted MED1 expression, and significantly decreased ERα-mediated gene transcription, whereas point mutations of the HER2 RNA aptamer on these nanoparticles abolished such functions. The RNA nanoparticles not only reduced the growth, metastasis, and mammosphere formation of the HER2-overexpressing breast cancer cells but also sensitized them to tamoxifen treatment. These biosafe nanoparticles efficiently targeted and penetrated into HER2-overexpressing tumors after systemic administration in orthotopic xenograft mouse models. In addition to their ability to greatly inhibit tumor growth and metastasis, these nanoparticles also led to a dramatic reduction in the stem cell content of breast tumors when combined with tamoxifen treatment in vivo. Overall, we have generated multifunctional RNA nanoparticles that specifically targeted HER2-overexpressing human breast cancer, silenced MED1, and overcame tamoxifen resistance.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yijuan Zhang
- Department of Cancer Biology, Vontz Center for Molecular Studies, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, Ohio 45267, United States
| | - Marissa Leonard
- Department of Cancer Biology, Vontz Center for Molecular Studies, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, Ohio 45267, United States
- Graduate Program in Cancer and Cell Biology, Vontz Center for Molecular Studies, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, Ohio 45267, United States
| | - Yi Shu
- College of Pharmacy, Department of Physiology & Cell Biology, College of Medicine, and Dorothy M. Davis Heart and Lung Research Institute, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio 43210, United States
| | - Yongguang Yang
- Department of Cancer Biology, Vontz Center for Molecular Studies, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, Ohio 45267, United States
| | - Dan Shu
- College of Pharmacy, Department of Physiology & Cell Biology, College of Medicine, and Dorothy M. Davis Heart and Lung Research Institute, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio 43210, United States
| | - Peixuan Guo
- College of Pharmacy, Department of Physiology & Cell Biology, College of Medicine, and Dorothy M. Davis Heart and Lung Research Institute, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio 43210, United States
| | - Xiaoting Zhang
- Department of Cancer Biology, Vontz Center for Molecular Studies, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, Ohio 45267, United States
- Graduate Program in Cancer and Cell Biology, Vontz Center for Molecular Studies, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, Ohio 45267, United States
- Corresponding Author: Tel: 513-558-3017. Fax: 513-558-4454.
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Binzel DW, Shu Y, Li H, Sun M, Zhang Q, Shu D, Guo B, Guo P. Specific Delivery of MiRNA for High Efficient Inhibition of Prostate Cancer by RNA Nanotechnology. Mol Ther 2016; 24:1267-77. [PMID: 27125502 PMCID: PMC5088763 DOI: 10.1038/mt.2016.85] [Citation(s) in RCA: 84] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2016] [Accepted: 04/07/2016] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Both siRNA and miRNA can serve as powerful gene-silencing reagents but their specific delivery to cancer cells in vivo without collateral damage to healthy cells remains challenging. We report here the application of RNA nanotechnology for specific and efficient delivery of anti-miRNA seed-targeting sequence to block the growth of prostate cancer in mouse models. Utilizing the thermodynamically ultra-stable three-way junction of the pRNA of phi29 DNA packaging motor, RNA nanoparticles were constructed by bottom-up self-assembly containing the anti-prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA) RNA aptamer as a targeting ligand and anti-miR17 or anti-miR21 as therapeutic modules. The 16 nm RNase-resistant and thermodynamically stable RNA nanoparticles remained intact after systemic injection in mice and strongly bound to tumors with little or no accumulation in healthy organs 8 hours postinjection, and subsequently repressed tumor growth at low doses with high efficiency.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Daniel W Binzel
- Division of Pharmaceutics and Pharmaceutical Chemistry, College of Pharmacy; Department of Physiology & Cell Biology, College of Medicine, Dorothy M. Davis Heart and Lung Research Institute, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, USA
- Nanobiotechnology Center, Markey Cancer Center and Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky, USA
| | - Yi Shu
- Nanobiotechnology Center, Markey Cancer Center and Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky, USA
| | - Hui Li
- Division of Pharmaceutics and Pharmaceutical Chemistry, College of Pharmacy; Department of Physiology & Cell Biology, College of Medicine, Dorothy M. Davis Heart and Lung Research Institute, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, USA
- Nanobiotechnology Center, Markey Cancer Center and Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky, USA
| | - Meiyan Sun
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, North Dakota State University, Fargo, North Dakota, USA
| | - Qunshu Zhang
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, North Dakota State University, Fargo, North Dakota, USA
| | - Dan Shu
- Division of Pharmaceutics and Pharmaceutical Chemistry, College of Pharmacy; Department of Physiology & Cell Biology, College of Medicine, Dorothy M. Davis Heart and Lung Research Institute, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, USA
- Nanobiotechnology Center, Markey Cancer Center and Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky, USA
| | - Bin Guo
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, North Dakota State University, Fargo, North Dakota, USA
| | - Peixuan Guo
- Division of Pharmaceutics and Pharmaceutical Chemistry, College of Pharmacy; Department of Physiology & Cell Biology, College of Medicine, Dorothy M. Davis Heart and Lung Research Institute, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, USA
- Nanobiotechnology Center, Markey Cancer Center and Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky, USA
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Conjugates of small targeting molecules to non-viral vectors for the mediation of siRNA. Acta Biomater 2016; 36:21-41. [PMID: 27045350 DOI: 10.1016/j.actbio.2016.03.048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2015] [Revised: 03/29/2016] [Accepted: 03/31/2016] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
UNLABELLED To use siRNA (small interfering RNA) for gene therapy, a gene delivery system is often necessary to overcome several challenging requirements including rapid excretion, low stability in blood serum, non-specific accumulation in tissues, poor cellular uptake and inefficient intracellular release. Active and/or passive targeting should help the delivery system to reach the desired tissue or cell, to be internalized, and to deliver siRNA to the cytoplasm so that siRNA can inhibit protein synthesis. This review covers conjugates of small targeting molecules and non-viral delivery systems for the mediation of siRNA, with a focus on their transfection properties in order to help the development of new and efficient siRNA delivery systems, as the therapeutic solutions of tomorrow. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE The delivery of siRNA into cells or tissues remains to be a challenge for its applications, an alternative strategy for siRNA delivery systems is direct conjugation of non-viral vectors with targeting moieties for cellular delivery. In comparison to macromolecules, small targeting molecules have attracted great attention due to their many potential advantages including significant simplicity and ease of production, good repeatability and biodegradability. This review will focus on the most recent advances in the delivery of siRNA using conjugates of small targeting molecules and non-viral delivery systems. Based the editor's suggestions, we hope the revised manuscript could provide more profound understanding to the conjugates of targeting molecules to vectors for mediation of siRNA.
Collapse
|
21
|
RNA and RNP as Building Blocks for Nanotechnology and Synthetic Biology. PROGRESS IN MOLECULAR BIOLOGY AND TRANSLATIONAL SCIENCE 2016; 139:165-85. [PMID: 26970194 DOI: 10.1016/bs.pmbts.2015.12.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Recent technologies that aimed to elucidate cellular function have revealed essential roles for RNA molecules in living systems. Our knowledge concerning functional and structural information of naturally occurring RNA and RNA-protein (RNP) complexes is increasing rapidly. RNA and RNP interaction motifs are structural units that function as building blocks to constitute variety of complex structures. RNA-central synthetic biology and nanotechnology are constructive approaches that employ the accumulated information and build synthetic RNA (RNP)-based circuits and nanostructures. Here, we describe how to design and construct synthetic RNA (RNP)-based devices and structures at the nanometer-scale for biological and future therapeutic applications. RNA/RNP nanostructures can also be utilized as the molecular scaffold to control the localization or interactions of target molecule(s). Moreover, RNA motifs recognized by RNA-binding proteins can be applied to make protein-responsive translational "switches" that can turn gene expression "on" or "off" depending on the intracellular environment. This "synthetic RNA and RNP world" will expand tools for nanotechnology and synthetic biology. In addition, these reconstructive approaches would lead to a greater understanding of building principle in naturally occurring RNA/RNP molecules and systems.
Collapse
|
22
|
Li H, Lee T, Dziubla T, Pi F, Guo S, Xu J, Li C, Haque F, Liang XJ, Guo P. RNA as a stable polymer to build controllable and defined nanostructures for material and biomedical applications. NANO TODAY 2015; 10:631-655. [PMID: 26770259 PMCID: PMC4707685 DOI: 10.1016/j.nantod.2015.09.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 85] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/22/2023]
Abstract
The value of polymers is manifested in their vital use as building blocks in material and life sciences. Ribonucleic acid (RNA) is a polynucleic acid, but its polymeric nature in materials and technological applications is often overlooked due to an impression that RNA is seemingly unstable. Recent findings that certain modifications can make RNA resistant to RNase degradation while retaining its authentic folding property and biological function, and the discovery of ultra-thermostable RNA motifs have adequately addressed the concerns of RNA unstability. RNA can serve as a unique polymeric material to build varieties of nanostructures including nanoparticles, polygons, arrays, bundles, membrane, and microsponges that have potential applications in biomedical and material sciences. Since 2005, more than a thousand publications on RNA nanostructures have been published in diverse fields, indicating a remarkable increase of interest in the emerging field of RNA nanotechnology. In this review, we aim to: delineate the physical and chemical properties of polymers that can be applied to RNA; introduce the unique properties of RNA as a polymer; review the current methods for the construction of RNA nanostructures; describe its applications in material, biomedical and computer sciences; and, discuss the challenges and future prospects in this field.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hui Li
- Nanobiotechnology Center, Markey Cancer Center, and Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40536, USA
| | - Taek Lee
- Nanobiotechnology Center, Markey Cancer Center, and Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40536, USA
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Sogang University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Thomas Dziubla
- Department of Chemical and Materials Engineering, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40506, USA
| | - Fengmei Pi
- Nanobiotechnology Center, Markey Cancer Center, and Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40536, USA
| | - Sijin Guo
- Nanobiotechnology Center, Markey Cancer Center, and Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40536, USA
- Department of Chemistry, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40506, USA
| | - Jing Xu
- Laboratory of Nanomedicine and Nanosafety, CAS Key Laboratory for Biomedical Effects of Nanomaterials and Nanosafety, National Center for Nanoscience and Technology of China, Beijing 100190, China
| | - Chan Li
- Laboratory of Nanomedicine and Nanosafety, CAS Key Laboratory for Biomedical Effects of Nanomaterials and Nanosafety, National Center for Nanoscience and Technology of China, Beijing 100190, China
| | - Farzin Haque
- Nanobiotechnology Center, Markey Cancer Center, and Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40536, USA
| | - Xing-Jie Liang
- Laboratory of Nanomedicine and Nanosafety, CAS Key Laboratory for Biomedical Effects of Nanomaterials and Nanosafety, National Center for Nanoscience and Technology of China, Beijing 100190, China
| | - Peixuan Guo
- Nanobiotechnology Center, Markey Cancer Center, and Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40536, USA
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Wu X, Yamamoto H, Nakanishi H, Yamamoto Y, Inoue A, Tei M, Hirose H, Uemura M, Nishimura J, Hata T, Takemasa I, Mizushima T, Hossain S, Akaike T, Matsuura N, Doki Y, Mori M. Innovative delivery of siRNA to solid tumors by super carbonate apatite. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0116022. [PMID: 25738937 PMCID: PMC4349808 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0116022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2014] [Accepted: 11/19/2014] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
RNA interference (RNAi) technology is currently being tested in clinical trials for a limited number of diseases. However, systemic delivery of small interfering RNA (siRNA) to solid tumors has not yet been achieved in clinics. Here, we introduce an in vivo pH-sensitive delivery system for siRNA using super carbonate apatite (sCA) nanoparticles, which is the smallest class of nanocarrier. These carriers consist simply of inorganic ions and accumulate specifically in tumors, yet they cause no serious adverse events in mice and monkeys. Intravenously administered sCA-siRNA abundantly accumulated in the cytoplasm of tumor cells at 4 h, indicating quick achievement of endosomal escape. sCA-survivin-siRNA induced apoptosis in HT29 tumors and significantly inhibited in vivo tumor growth of HCT116, to a greater extent than two other in vivo delivery reagents. With innovative in vivo delivery efficiency, sCA could be a useful nanoparticle for the therapy of solid tumors.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xin Wu
- Department of Surgery, Gastroenterological Surgery, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka University, Suita, Japan
- Research Fellow of Japan Society for the Promotion of Science, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Hirofumi Yamamoto
- Department of Surgery, Gastroenterological Surgery, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka University, Suita, Japan
- * E-mail:
| | | | - Yuki Yamamoto
- Nakanishi Gastroenterological Research Institute, Sakai, Japan
| | - Akira Inoue
- Department of Surgery, Gastroenterological Surgery, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka University, Suita, Japan
| | - Mitsuyoshi Tei
- Department of Surgery, Gastroenterological Surgery, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka University, Suita, Japan
| | - Hajime Hirose
- Department of Surgery, Gastroenterological Surgery, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka University, Suita, Japan
| | - Mamoru Uemura
- Department of Surgery, Gastroenterological Surgery, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka University, Suita, Japan
| | - Junichi Nishimura
- Department of Surgery, Gastroenterological Surgery, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka University, Suita, Japan
| | - Taishi Hata
- Department of Surgery, Gastroenterological Surgery, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka University, Suita, Japan
| | - Ichiro Takemasa
- Department of Surgery, Gastroenterological Surgery, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka University, Suita, Japan
| | - Tsunekazu Mizushima
- Department of Surgery, Gastroenterological Surgery, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka University, Suita, Japan
| | - Sharif Hossain
- Department of Biomolecular Engineering, Graduate School of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Tokyo Institute of Technology, Yokohama, Japan
- Biomaterials Center for Regenerative Medical Engineering, Foundation for Advancement of International Science, Tsukuba, Japan
| | - Toshihiro Akaike
- Department of Biomolecular Engineering, Graduate School of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Tokyo Institute of Technology, Yokohama, Japan
- Biomaterials Center for Regenerative Medical Engineering, Foundation for Advancement of International Science, Tsukuba, Japan
| | - Nariaki Matsuura
- Osaka Medical Center for Cancer and Cardiovascular Diseases, Osaka, Japan
| | - Yuichiro Doki
- Department of Surgery, Gastroenterological Surgery, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka University, Suita, Japan
| | - Masaki Mori
- Department of Surgery, Gastroenterological Surgery, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka University, Suita, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
Inhibition of monocyte adhesion to brain-derived endothelial cells by dual functional RNA chimeras. MOLECULAR THERAPY. NUCLEIC ACIDS 2014; 3:e209. [PMID: 25368913 PMCID: PMC4459546 DOI: 10.1038/mtna.2014.60] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2014] [Accepted: 09/25/2014] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Because adhesion of leukocytes to endothelial cells is the first step of vascular-neuronal inflammation, inhibition of adhesion and recruitment of leukocytes to vascular endothelial cells will have a beneficial effect on neuroinflammatory diseases. In this study, we used the pRNA of bacteriophage phi29 DNA packaging motor to construct a novel RNA nanoparticle for specific targeting to transferrin receptor (TfR) on the murine brain-derived endothelial cells (bEND5) to deliver ICAM-1 siRNA. This RNA nanoparticle (FRS-NPs) contained a FB4 aptamer targeting to TfR and a siRNA moiety for silencing the intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1). Our data indicated that this RNA nanoparticle was delivered into murine brain-derived endothelial cells. Furthermore, the siRNA was released from the FRS-NPs in the cells and knocked down ICAM-1 expression in the TNF-α–stimulated cells and in the cells under oxygen-glucose deprivation/reoxygenation (OGD/R) condition. The functional end points of the study indicated that FRS-NPs significantly inhibited monocyte adhesion to the bEND5 cells induced by TNF-α and OGD/R. In conclusion, our approach using RNA nanotechnology for siRNA delivery could be potentially applied for inhibition of inflammation in ischemic stroke and other neuroinflammatory diseases, or diseases affecting endothelium of vasculature.
Collapse
|
25
|
Hao Y, Kieft JS. Diverse self-association properties within a family of phage packaging RNAs. RNA (NEW YORK, N.Y.) 2014; 20:1759-74. [PMID: 25246655 PMCID: PMC4201828 DOI: 10.1261/rna.045948.114] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2014] [Accepted: 08/18/2014] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
The packaging RNA (pRNA) found in phi29 bacteriophage is an essential component of a molecular motor that packages the phage's DNA genome. The pRNA forms higher-order multimers by intermolecular "kissing" interactions between identical molecules. The phi29 pRNA is a proven building block for nanotechnology and a model to explore the rare phenomenon of naturally occurring RNA self-association. Although the self-association properties of the phi29 pRNA have been extensively studied and this pRNA is used in nanotechnology, the characteristics of phylogenetically related pRNAs with divergent sequences are comparatively underexplored. These diverse pRNAs may lend new insight into both the rules governing RNA self-association and for RNA engineering. Therefore, we used a combination of biochemical and biophysical methods to resolve ambiguities in the proposed secondary structures of pRNAs from M2, GA1, SF5, and B103 phage, and to discover that different naturally occurring pRNAs form multimers of different stoichiometry and thermostability. Indeed, the M2 pRNA formed multimers that were particularly thermostable and may be more useful than phi29 pRNA for many applications. To determine if diverse pRNA behaviors are conferred by different kissing loop sequences, we designed and tested chimeric RNAs based on our revised secondary structural models. We found that although the kissing loops are essential for self-association, the critical determinant of multimer stability and stoichiometry is likely the diverse three-way junctions found in these RNAs. Using known features of RNA three-way junctions and solved structures of phi29 pRNA's junction, we propose a model for how different junctions affect self-association.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yumeng Hao
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, University of Colorado Denver, School of Medicine, Aurora, Colorado 80045, USA
| | - Jeffrey S Kieft
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, University of Colorado Denver, School of Medicine, Aurora, Colorado 80045, USA Howard Hughes Medical Institute, University of Colorado Denver, School of Medicine, Aurora, Colorado 80045, USA
| |
Collapse
|
26
|
Han D, Park Y, Kim H, Lee JB. Self-assembly of free-standing RNA membranes. Nat Commun 2014; 5:4367. [DOI: 10.1038/ncomms5367] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2013] [Accepted: 06/10/2014] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
|
27
|
Afonin K, Kasprzak WK, Bindewald E, Kireeva M, Viard M, Kashlev M, Shapiro BA. In silico design and enzymatic synthesis of functional RNA nanoparticles. Acc Chem Res 2014; 47:1731-41. [PMID: 24758371 PMCID: PMC4066900 DOI: 10.1021/ar400329z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 70] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2013] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
CONSPECTUS: The use of RNAs as scaffolds for biomedical applications has several advantages compared with other existing nanomaterials. These include (i) programmability, (ii) precise control over folding and self-assembly, (iii) natural functionalities as exemplified by ribozymes, riboswitches, RNAi, editing, splicing, and inherent translation and transcription control mechanisms, (iv) biocompatibility, (v) relatively low immune response, and (vi) relatively low cost and ease of production. We have tapped into several of these properties and functionalities to construct RNA-based functional nanoparticles (RNA NPs). In several cases, the structural core and the functional components of the NPs are inherent in the same construct. This permits control over the spatial disposition of the components, intracellular availability, and precise stoichiometry. To enable the generation of RNA NPs, a pipeline is being developed. On one end, it encompasses the rational design and various computational schemes that promote design of the RNA-based nanoconstructs, ultimately producing a set of sequences consisting of RNA or RNA-DNA hybrids, which can assemble into the designed construct. On the other end of the pipeline is an experimental component, which takes the produced sequences and uses them to initialize and characterize their proper assembly and then test the resulting RNA NPs for their function and delivery in cell culture and animal models. An important aspect of this pipeline is the feedback that constantly occurs between the computational and the experimental parts, which synergizes the refinement of both the algorithmic methodologies and the experimental protocols. The utility of this approach is depicted by the several examples described in this Account (nanocubes, nanorings, and RNA-DNA hybrids). Of particular interest, from the computational viewpoint, is that in most cases, first a three-dimensional representation of the assembly is produced, and only then are algorithms applied to generate the sequences that will assemble into the designated three-dimensional construct. This is opposite to the usual practice of predicting RNA structures from a given sequence, that is, the RNA folding problem. To be considered is the generation of sequences that upon assembly have the proper intra- or interstrand interactions (or both). Of particular interest from the experimental point of view is the determination and characterization of the proper thermodynamic, kinetic, functionality, and delivery protocols. Assembly of RNA NPs from individual single-stranded RNAs can be accomplished by one-pot techniques under the proper thermal and buffer conditions or, potentially more interestingly, by the use of various RNA polymerases that can promote the formation of RNA NPs cotransciptionally from specifically designed DNA templates. Also of importance is the delivery of the RNA NPs to the cells of interest in vitro or in vivo. Nonmodified RNAs rapidly degrade in blood serum and have difficulties crossing biological membranes due to their negative charge. These problems can be overcome by using, for example, polycationic lipid-based carriers. Our work involves the use of bolaamphiphiles, which are amphipathic compounds with positively charged hydrophilic head groups at each end connected by a hydrophobic chain. We have correlated results from molecular dynamics computations with various experiments to understand the characteristics of such delivery agents.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kirill
A. Afonin
- Basic
Research Laboratory, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Frederick, Maryland 21702, United States
| | - Wojciech K. Kasprzak
- Basic
Science Program, Leidos Biomedical Research,
Inc., Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, Frederick, Maryland 21702, United States
| | - Eckart Bindewald
- Basic
Science Program, Leidos Biomedical Research,
Inc., Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, Frederick, Maryland 21702, United States
| | - Maria Kireeva
- Gene
Regulation and Chromosome Biology Laboratory, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Frederick, Maryland 21702, United States
| | - Mathias Viard
- Basic
Research Laboratory, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Frederick, Maryland 21702, United States
- Basic
Science Program, Leidos Biomedical Research,
Inc., Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, Frederick, Maryland 21702, United States
| | - Mikhail Kashlev
- Gene
Regulation and Chromosome Biology Laboratory, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Frederick, Maryland 21702, United States
| | - Bruce A. Shapiro
- Basic
Research Laboratory, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Frederick, Maryland 21702, United States
| |
Collapse
|
28
|
Khisamutdinov EF, Jasinski DL, Guo P. RNA as a boiling-resistant anionic polymer material to build robust structures with defined shape and stoichiometry. ACS NANO 2014; 8:4771-81. [PMID: 24694194 PMCID: PMC4046798 DOI: 10.1021/nn5006254] [Citation(s) in RCA: 88] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2014] [Accepted: 03/25/2014] [Indexed: 05/22/2023]
Abstract
RNA is a polyribonucleic acid belonging to a special class of anionic polymers, holding a unique property of self-assembly that is controllable in the construction of structures with defined size, shape, and stoichiometry. We report here the use of RNA as polymers to fabricate boiling-resistant triangular nanoscaffolds, which were used to construct hexagons and patterned hexagonal arrays. The RNA triangular scaffolds demonstrated promising potential to construct fluorogenic probes and therapeutic agents as functionalization with siRNA, ribozyme, folate, and fluorogenic RNA aptamers revealed independent functional activity of each RNA moiety. The ribozyme was able to cleave hepatitis genomic RNA fragments, the siRNA silenced the target genes, and all fluorogenic RNA aptamers retained their fluorescence emission property. The creation of boiling-temperature-resistant RNA nanoparticles opens a new dimension of RNA as a special polymer, feasible in industrial and nanotechnological applications.
Collapse
|
29
|
Afonin KA, Kasprzak W, Bindewald E, Puppala PS, Diehl AR, Hall KT, Kim TJ, Zimmermann MT, Jernigan RL, Jaeger L, Shapiro BA. Computational and experimental characterization of RNA cubic nanoscaffolds. Methods 2014; 67:256-65. [PMID: 24189588 PMCID: PMC4007386 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymeth.2013.10.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2013] [Revised: 10/11/2013] [Accepted: 10/16/2013] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
The fast-developing field of RNA nanotechnology requires the adoption and development of novel and faster computational approaches to modeling and characterization of RNA-based nano-objects. We report the first application of Elastic Network Modeling (ENM), a structure-based dynamics model, to RNA nanotechnology. With the use of an Anisotropic Network Model (ANM), a type of ENM, we characterize the dynamic behavior of non-compact, multi-stranded RNA-based nanocubes that can be used as nano-scale scaffolds carrying different functionalities. Modeling the nanocubes with our tool NanoTiler and exploring the dynamic characteristics of the models with ANM suggested relatively minor but important structural modifications that enhanced the assembly properties and thermodynamic stabilities. In silico and in vitro, we compared nanocubes having different numbers of base pairs per side, showing with both methods that the 10 bp-long helix design leads to more efficient assembly, as predicted computationally. We also explored the impact of different numbers of single-stranded nucleotide stretches at each of the cube corners and showed that cube flexibility simulations help explain the differences in the experimental assembly yields, as well as the measured nanomolecule sizes and melting temperatures. This original work paves the way for detailed computational analysis of the dynamic behavior of artificially designed multi-stranded RNA nanoparticles.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kirill A Afonin
- Center for Cancer Research Nanobiology Program, National Cancer Institute, Frederick, MD 21702, USA
| | - Wojciech Kasprzak
- Basic Science Program, SAIC-Frederick, Inc., Center for Cancer Research Nanobiology Program, Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, Frederick, MD 21702, USA
| | - Eckart Bindewald
- Basic Science Program, SAIC-Frederick, Inc., Center for Cancer Research Nanobiology Program, Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, Frederick, MD 21702, USA
| | - Praneet S Puppala
- Center for Cancer Research Nanobiology Program, National Cancer Institute, Frederick, MD 21702, USA
| | - Alex R Diehl
- Center for Cancer Research Nanobiology Program, National Cancer Institute, Frederick, MD 21702, USA
| | - Kenneth T Hall
- Center for Cancer Research Nanobiology Program, National Cancer Institute, Frederick, MD 21702, USA
| | - Tae Jin Kim
- Center for Cancer Research Nanobiology Program, National Cancer Institute, Frederick, MD 21702, USA
| | - Michael T Zimmermann
- Department of Biochemistry, Biophysics, and Molecular Biology, Iowa State University, Ames, IA 50011, USA
| | - Robert L Jernigan
- Department of Biochemistry, Biophysics, and Molecular Biology, Iowa State University, Ames, IA 50011, USA
| | - Luc Jaeger
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Biomolecular Science and Engineering Program, University of California, Santa Barbara, CA 93106-9510, USA.
| | - Bruce A Shapiro
- Center for Cancer Research Nanobiology Program, National Cancer Institute, Frederick, MD 21702, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
30
|
Binzel DW, Khisamutdinov EF, Guo P. Entropy-driven one-step formation of Phi29 pRNA 3WJ from three RNA fragments. Biochemistry 2014; 53:2221-31. [PMID: 24694349 PMCID: PMC4004221 DOI: 10.1021/bi4017022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
![]()
The
emerging field of RNA nanotechnology necessitates creation
of functional RNA nanoparticles but has been limited by particle instability.
It has been shown that the three-way junction of bacteriophage phi29
motor pRNA has unusual stability and can self-assemble from three
fragments with high efficiency. It is generally believed that RNA
and DNA folding is energy landscape-dependent, and the folding of
RNA is driven by enthalpy. Here we examine the thermodynamic characteristics
of the 3WJ components as 2′-fluoro RNA, DNA, and RNA. It was
seen that the three fragments existed either in 3WJ complex or as
monomers, with the intermediate of dimers almost undetectable. It
seems that the three fragments can lead to the formation of the 3WJ
complex efficiently within a rapid time. A low dissociation constant
(apparent KD) of 11.4 nM was determined
for RNA, inclusion of 2′-F pyrimidines strengthened the KD to 4.5 nM, and substitution of DNA weakened
it to 47.7 nM. The ΔG°37, were
−36, −28, and −15 kcal/mol for 3WJ2′-F, 3WJRNA, and 3WJDNA, respectively. It is found
that the formation of the three-component complex was governed by
entropy, instead of enthalpy, as usually found in RNA complexes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Daniel W Binzel
- Nanobiotechnology Center, Markey Cancer Center, and Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Kentucky , Lexington, Kentucky 40536, United States
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
31
|
Shu Y, Pi F, Sharma A, Rajabi M, Haque F, Shu D, Leggas M, Evers BM, Guo P. Stable RNA nanoparticles as potential new generation drugs for cancer therapy. Adv Drug Deliv Rev 2014; 66:74-89. [PMID: 24270010 DOI: 10.1016/j.addr.2013.11.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 181] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2013] [Revised: 10/11/2013] [Accepted: 11/13/2013] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Human genome sequencing revealed that only ~1.5% of the DNA sequence coded for proteins. More and more evidence has uncovered that a substantial part of the 98.5% so-called "junk" DNAs actually code for noncoding RNAs. Two milestones, chemical drugs and protein drugs, have already appeared in the history of drug development, and it is expected that the third milestone in drug development will be RNA drugs or drugs that target RNA. This review focuses on the development of RNA therapeutics for potential cancer treatment by applying RNA nanotechnology. A therapeutic RNA nanoparticle is unique in that its scaffold, ligand, and therapeutic component can all be composed of RNA. The special physicochemical properties lend to the delivery of siRNA, miRNA, ribozymes, or riboswitches; imaging using fluogenenic RNA; and targeting using RNA aptamers. With recent advances in solving the chemical, enzymatic, and thermodynamic stability issues, RNA nanoparticles have been found to be advantageous for in vivo applications due to their uniform nano-scale size, precise stoichiometry, polyvalent nature, low immunogenicity, low toxicity, and target specificity. In vivo animal studies have revealed that RNA nanoparticles can specifically target tumors with favorable pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic parameters without unwanted accumulation in normal organs. This review summarizes the key studies that have led to the detailed understanding of RNA nanoparticle formation as well as chemical and thermodynamic stability issue. The methods for RNA nanoparticle construction, and the current challenges in the clinical application of RNA nanotechnology, such as endosome trapping and production costs, are also discussed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yi Shu
- Markey Cancer Center, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40536, USA; Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40536, USA
| | - Fengmei Pi
- Markey Cancer Center, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40536, USA; Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40536, USA
| | - Ashwani Sharma
- Markey Cancer Center, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40536, USA; Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40536, USA
| | - Mehdi Rajabi
- Markey Cancer Center, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40536, USA; Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40536, USA
| | - Farzin Haque
- Markey Cancer Center, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40536, USA; Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40536, USA
| | - Dan Shu
- Markey Cancer Center, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40536, USA; Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40536, USA
| | - Markos Leggas
- Markey Cancer Center, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40536, USA; Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40536, USA
| | - B Mark Evers
- Markey Cancer Center, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40536, USA
| | - Peixuan Guo
- Markey Cancer Center, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40536, USA; Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40536, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
32
|
Qiu M, Khisamutdinov E, Zhao Z, Pan C, Choi JW, Leontis NB, Guo P. RNA nanotechnology for computer design and in vivo computation. PHILOSOPHICAL TRANSACTIONS. SERIES A, MATHEMATICAL, PHYSICAL, AND ENGINEERING SCIENCES 2013; 371:20120310. [PMID: 24000362 PMCID: PMC3758167 DOI: 10.1098/rsta.2012.0310] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
Molecular-scale computing has been explored since 1989 owing to the foreseeable limitation of Moore's law for silicon-based computation devices. With the potential of massive parallelism, low energy consumption and capability of working in vivo, molecular-scale computing promises a new computational paradigm. Inspired by the concepts from the electronic computer, DNA computing has realized basic Boolean functions and has progressed into multi-layered circuits. Recently, RNA nanotechnology has emerged as an alternative approach. Owing to the newly discovered thermodynamic stability of a special RNA motif (Shu et al. 2011 Nat. Nanotechnol. 6, 658-667 (doi:10.1038/nnano.2011.105)), RNA nanoparticles are emerging as another promising medium for nanodevice and nanomedicine as well as molecular-scale computing. Like DNA, RNA sequences can be designed to form desired secondary structures in a straightforward manner, but RNA is structurally more versatile and more thermodynamically stable owing to its non-canonical base-pairing, tertiary interactions and base-stacking property. A 90-nucleotide RNA can exhibit 4⁹⁰ nanostructures, and its loops and tertiary architecture can serve as a mounting dovetail that eliminates the need for external linking dowels. Its enzymatic and fluorogenic activity creates diversity in computational design. Varieties of small RNA can work cooperatively, synergistically or antagonistically to carry out computational logic circuits. The riboswitch and enzymatic ribozyme activities and its special in vivo attributes offer a great potential for in vivo computation. Unique features in transcription, termination, self-assembly, self-processing and acid resistance enable in vivo production of RNA nanoparticles that harbour various regulators for intracellular manipulation. With all these advantages, RNA computation is promising, but it is still in its infancy. Many challenges still exist. Collaborations between RNA nanotechnologists and computer scientists are necessary to advance this nascent technology.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Meikang Qiu
- Department of Computer Engineering, San Jose State University, San Jose, CA 95192, USA
| | - Emil Khisamutdinov
- Department of Pharmaceutical Science, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40506, USA
| | - Zhengyi Zhao
- Department of Pharmaceutical Science, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40506, USA
| | - Cheryl Pan
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40506, USA
| | - Jeong-Woo Choi
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Sogang University, Seoul 121-742, Korea
| | - Neocles B. Leontis
- Department of Chemistry, Bowling Green State University, Bowling Green, OH 43403, USA
| | - Peixuan Guo
- Department of Pharmaceutical Science, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40506, USA
| |
Collapse
|
33
|
Shu D, Khisamutdinov EF, Zhang L, Guo P. Programmable folding of fusion RNA in vivo and in vitro driven by pRNA 3WJ motif of phi29 DNA packaging motor. Nucleic Acids Res 2013; 42:e10. [PMID: 24084081 PMCID: PMC3902900 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkt885] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Misfolding and associated loss of function are common problems in constructing fusion RNA complexes due to changes in energy landscape and the nearest-neighbor principle. Here we report the incorporation and application of the pRNA-3WJ motif of the phi29 DNA packaging motor into fusion RNA with controllable and predictable folding. The motif included three discontinuous ∼18 nucleotide (nt) fragments, displayed a distinct low folding energy (Shu D et al., Nature Nanotechnology, 2011, 6:658–667), and folded spontaneously into a leading core that enabled the correct folding of other functionalities fused to the RNA complex. Three individual fragments dispersed at any location within the sequence allowed the other RNA functional modules to fold into their original structures with authentic functions, as tested by Hepatitis B virus ribozyme, siRNA, and aptamers for malachite green (MG), spinach, and streptavidin (STV). Only nine complementary nucleotides were present for any two of the three ∼18-nt fragments, but the three 9 bp branches were so powerful that they disrupted other double strands with more than 15 bp within the fusion RNA. This system enabled the production of fusion complexes harboring multiple RNA functionalities with correct folding for potential applications in biotechnology, nanomedicine and nanotechnology. We also applied this system to investigate the principles governing the folding of RNA in vivo and in vitro. Temporal production of RNA sequences during in vivo transcription caused RNA to fold into different conformations that could not be predicted with routine principles derived from in vitro studies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Dan Shu
- Nanobiotechnology Center, Markey Cancer Center, and Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40536, USA
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
34
|
Zhang H, Endrizzi JA, Shu Y, Haque F, Sauter C, Shlyakhtenko LS, Lyubchenko Y, Guo P, Chi YI. Crystal structure of 3WJ core revealing divalent ion-promoted thermostability and assembly of the Phi29 hexameric motor pRNA. RNA (NEW YORK, N.Y.) 2013; 19:1226-37. [PMID: 23884902 PMCID: PMC3753930 DOI: 10.1261/rna.037077.112] [Citation(s) in RCA: 91] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2012] [Accepted: 06/06/2013] [Indexed: 05/22/2023]
Abstract
The bacteriophage phi29 DNA packaging motor, one of the strongest biological motors characterized to date, is geared by a packaging RNA (pRNA) ring. When assembled from three RNA fragments, its three-way junction (3WJ) motif is highly thermostable, is resistant to 8 M urea, and remains associated at extremely low concentrations in vitro and in vivo. To elucidate the structural basis for its unusual stability, we solved the crystal structure of this pRNA 3WJ motif at 3.05 Å. The structure revealed two divalent metal ions that coordinate 4 nt of the RNA fragments. Single-molecule fluorescence resonance energy transfer (smFRET) analysis confirmed a structural change of 3WJ upon addition of Mg²⁺. The reported pRNA 3WJ conformation is different from a previously published construct that lacks the metal coordination sites. The phi29 DNA packaging motor contains a dodecameric connector at the vertex of the procapsid, with a central pore for DNA translocation. This portal connector serves as the foothold for pRNA binding to procapsid. Subsequent modeling of a connector/pRNA complex suggests that the pRNA of the phi29 DNA packaging motor exists as a hexameric complex serving as a sheath over the connector. The model of hexameric pRNA on the connector agrees with AFM images of the phi29 pRNA hexamer acquired in air and matches all distance parameters obtained from cross-linking, complementary modification, and chemical modification interference.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hui Zhang
- Nanobiotechnology Center, Markey Cancer Center and Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky 40536, USA
| | - James A. Endrizzi
- Section of Structural Biology, Hormel Institute, University of Minnesota, Austin, Minnesota 55912, USA
| | - Yi Shu
- Nanobiotechnology Center, Markey Cancer Center and Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky 40536, USA
| | - Farzin Haque
- Nanobiotechnology Center, Markey Cancer Center and Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky 40536, USA
| | - Claude Sauter
- Institut de Biologie Moléculaire et Cellulaire (IBMC-ARN-CNRS) Cristallogenèse & Biologie Structurale, F-67084 Strasbourg, France
| | - Lyudmila S. Shlyakhtenko
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska 68198, USA
| | - Yuri Lyubchenko
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska 68198, USA
| | - Peixuan Guo
- Nanobiotechnology Center, Markey Cancer Center and Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky 40536, USA
- Corresponding authorsE-mail E-mail
| | - Young-In Chi
- Section of Structural Biology, Hormel Institute, University of Minnesota, Austin, Minnesota 55912, USA
- Corresponding authorsE-mail E-mail
| |
Collapse
|
35
|
Shu Y, Shu D, Haque F, Guo P. Fabrication of pRNA nanoparticles to deliver therapeutic RNAs and bioactive compounds into tumor cells. Nat Protoc 2013; 8:1635-59. [PMID: 23928498 DOI: 10.1038/nprot.2013.097] [Citation(s) in RCA: 88] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
RNA nanotechnology is a term that refers to the design, fabrication and use of nanoparticles that are mainly composed of RNAs via bottom-up self-assembly. The packaging RNA (pRNA) of the bacteriophage phi29 DNA packaging motor has been developed into a nanodelivery platform. This protocol describes the synthesis, assembly and functionalization of pRNA nanoparticles on the basis of three 'toolkits' derived from pRNA structural features: interlocking loops for hand-in-hand interactions, palindrome sequences for foot-to-foot interactions and an RNA three-way junction for branch extension. siRNAs, ribozymes, aptamers, chemical ligands, fluorophores and other functionalities can also be fused to the pRNA before the assembly of the nanoparticles, so as to ensure the production of homogeneous nanoparticles and the retention of appropriate folding and function of the incorporated modules. The resulting self-assembled multivalent pRNA nanoparticles are thermodynamically and chemically stable, and they remain intact at ultralow concentrations. Gene-silencing effects are progressively enhanced with increasing numbers of siRNAs in each pRNA nanoparticle. Systemic injection of the pRNA nanoparticles into xenograft-bearing mice has revealed strong binding to tumors without accumulation in vital organs or tissues. The pRNA-based nanodelivery scaffold paves a new way for nanotechnological application of pRNA-based nanoparticles for disease detection and treatment. The time required for completing one round of this protocol is 3-4 weeks when including in vitro functional assays, or 2-3 months when including in vivo studies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yi Shu
- Nanobiotechnology Center, Markey Cancer Center, Lexington, Kentucky, USA
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
36
|
Shu Y, Haque F, Shu D, Li W, Zhu Z, Kotb M, Lyubchenko Y, Guo P. Fabrication of 14 different RNA nanoparticles for specific tumor targeting without accumulation in normal organs. RNA (NEW YORK, N.Y.) 2013; 19:767-77. [PMID: 23604636 PMCID: PMC3683911 DOI: 10.1261/rna.037002.112] [Citation(s) in RCA: 114] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2012] [Accepted: 03/05/2013] [Indexed: 05/19/2023]
Abstract
Due to structural flexibility, RNase sensitivity, and serum instability, RNA nanoparticles with concrete shapes for in vivo application remain challenging to construct. Here we report the construction of 14 RNA nanoparticles with solid shapes for targeting cancers specifically. These RNA nanoparticles were resistant to RNase degradation, stable in serum for >36 h, and stable in vivo after systemic injection. By applying RNA nanotechnology and exemplifying with these 14 RNA nanoparticles, we have established the technology and developed "toolkits" utilizing a variety of principles to construct RNA architectures with diverse shapes and angles. The structure elements of phi29 motor pRNA were utilized for fabrication of dimers, twins, trimers, triplets, tetramers, quadruplets, pentamers, hexamers, heptamers, and other higher-order oligomers, as well as branched diverse architectures via hand-in-hand, foot-to-foot, and arm-on-arm interactions. These novel RNA nanostructures harbor resourceful functionalities for numerous applications in nanotechnology and medicine. It was found that all incorporated functional modules, such as siRNA, ribozymes, aptamers, and other functionalities, folded correctly and functioned independently within the nanoparticles. The incorporation of all functionalities was achieved prior, but not subsequent, to the assembly of the RNA nanoparticles, thus ensuring the production of homogeneous therapeutic nanoparticles. More importantly, upon systemic injection, these RNA nanoparticles targeted cancer exclusively in vivo without accumulation in normal organs and tissues. These findings open a new territory for cancer targeting and treatment. The versatility and diversity in structure and function derived from one biological RNA molecule implies immense potential concealed within the RNA nanotechnology field.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yi Shu
- Nanobiotechnology Center, Markey Cancer Center, and Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky 40536, USA
| | - Farzin Haque
- Nanobiotechnology Center, Markey Cancer Center, and Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky 40536, USA
| | - Dan Shu
- Nanobiotechnology Center, Markey Cancer Center, and Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky 40536, USA
| | - Wei Li
- Nanobiotechnology Center, SEEBME, College of Engineering and Applied Sciences, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio 45267, USA
| | - Zhenqi Zhu
- Department of Molecular Genetics, College of Medicine, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio 45267, USA
| | - Malak Kotb
- Department of Molecular Genetics, College of Medicine, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio 45267, USA
| | - Yuri Lyubchenko
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska 68198, USA
| | - Peixuan Guo
- Nanobiotechnology Center, Markey Cancer Center, and Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky 40536, USA
- Corresponding authorE-mail
| |
Collapse
|
37
|
Ultrastable pRNA hexameric ring gearing hexameric phi29 DNA-packaging motor by revolving without rotating and coiling. Curr Opin Biotechnol 2013; 24:581-90. [PMID: 23683853 DOI: 10.1016/j.copbio.2013.03.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2013] [Revised: 03/11/2013] [Accepted: 03/21/2013] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Biomotors have previously been classified into two categories: linear and rotational motors. It has long been popularly believed that viral DNA packaging motors are rotation motors. We have recently found that the DNA-packaging motor of bacteriophage phi29 uses a third mechanism: revolution without rotation. phi29 motor consists of three-coaxial rings of hexameric RNA, a hexameric ATPase, and a dodecameric channel. The motor uses six ATP to revolve one helical turn of dsDNA around the hexameric ring of ATPase gp16. Each dodecameric segment tilts at a 30°-angle and runs anti-parallel to the dsDNA helix to facilitate translation in one direction. The negatively charged phosphate backbone interacts with four positively charged lysine rings, resulting in four steps of transition. This review will discuss how the novel pRNA meets motor requirements for translocation concerning structure, stoichiometry, and thermostability; how pRNA studies have led to the generation of the concept of RNA nanotechnology; and how pRNA is fabricated into nanoparticles to deliver siRNA, miRNA, and ribozymes to cancer and virus-infected cells.
Collapse
|
38
|
Bedi D, Gillespie JW, Petrenko VA, Ebner A, Leitner M, Hinterdorfer P, Petrenko VA. Targeted delivery of siRNA into breast cancer cells via phage fusion proteins. Mol Pharm 2013; 10:551-9. [PMID: 23215008 DOI: 10.1021/mp3006006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Nucleic acids, including antisense oligonucleotides, small interfering RNA (siRNA), aptamers, and rybozymes, emerged as versatile therapeutics due to their ability to interfere in a well-planned manner with the flow of genetic information from DNA to protein. However, a systemic use of NAs is hindered by their instability in physiological liquids and inability of intracellular accumulation in the site of action. We first evaluated the potential of cancer specific phage fusion proteins as targeting ligands that provide encapsulation, protection, and navigation of siRNA to the target cell. The tumor-specific proteins were isolated from phages that were affinity selected from a landscape phage library against target breast cancer cells. It was found that fusion phage coat protein fpVIII displaying cancer-targeting peptides can effectively encapsulate siRNAs and deliver them into the cells leading to specific silencing of the model gene GAPDH. Complexes of siRNA and phage protein form nanoparticles (nanophages), which were characterized by atomic force microscopy and ELISA, and their stability was demonstrated by resistance of encapsulated siRNA to degradation by serum nucleases. The phage protein/siRNA complexes can make a new type of highly selective, stable, active, and physiologically acceptable cancer nanomedicine.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Deepa Bedi
- Department of Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Auburn University, Auburn, Alabama 36849, United States
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
39
|
Guo P, Haque F, Hallahan B, Reif R, Li H. Uniqueness, advantages, challenges, solutions, and perspectives in therapeutics applying RNA nanotechnology. Nucleic Acid Ther 2012; 22:226-45. [PMID: 22913595 DOI: 10.1089/nat.2012.0350] [Citation(s) in RCA: 84] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
The field of RNA nanotechnology is rapidly emerging. RNA can be manipulated with the simplicity characteristic of DNA to produce nanoparticles with a diversity of quaternary structures by self-assembly. Additionally RNA is tremendously versatile in its function and some RNA molecules display catalytic activities much like proteins. Thus, RNA has the advantage of both worlds. However, the instability of RNA has made many scientists flinch away from RNA nanotechnology. Other concerns that have deterred the progress of RNA therapeutics include the induction of interferons, stimulation of cytokines, and activation of other immune systems, as well as short pharmacokinetic profiles in vivo. This review will provide some solutions and perspectives on the chemical and thermodynamic stability, in vivo half-life and biodistribution, yield and production cost, in vivo toxicity and side effect, specific delivery and targeting, as well as endosomal trapping and escape.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Peixuan Guo
- Nanobiotechnology Center, Markey Cancer Center and Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky 40536, USA.
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
40
|
Reif R, Haque F, Guo P. Fluorogenic RNA nanoparticles for monitoring RNA folding and degradation in real time in living cells. Nucleic Acid Ther 2012; 22:428-37. [PMID: 23113765 DOI: 10.1089/nat.2012.0380] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Due to the discovery of more and more roles of cellular noncoding RNAs, the approaches for introducing RNAs including small interfering RNA (siRNA), micro RNA (miRNA), ribozyme, and riboswitch into cells for regulating cell life cycle and for the treatment of diseases have become routine practice. The understanding of RNA folding, degradation, and intracellular half-life after entering the cell is an intriguing question in biology and pharmacology. Currently, methods to detect RNA folding, degradation, and half-life in real time within the cell is extremely challenging. The common assay method to measure RNA half-life and degradation in vivo is the use of radioactive markers or fluorescence RNA labeling. The challenge is, after RNA becomes degraded or misfolded, the isotope or the fluorescence is still present in the cell, thus the signals are not a true indication of the presence of the RNA in the cell. The alternate method commonly used to measure RNA life is to isolate RNA from cells and distinguish between intact and degraded RNA by gel, chromatography, or capillary electrophoresis. However, when a cell is breaking down, ribonucleases (RNases) will be released from cell compartments, and degradation of small RNA in cell lysates occurs immediately after cell lysis. Here we report a method to monitor RNA degradation in real time in living cells using fluorogenic RNA in combination with RNA nanotechnology (Guo, 2010; Guo et al., 2012). The RNA aptamer that binds malachite green (MG), the ribozyme that cleaves the hepatitis virus genome, and a siRNA for firefly luciferase were all fused to the bacteriophage phi29 packaging RNA (pRNA) 3-way junction (3WJ) motif to generate RNA nanoparticles. The MG aptamer, the hepatitis B virus ribozyme, and the luciferase siRNA all retained their function independently after fusion into the nanoparticles. When the RNA nanoparticle is degraded, denatured, or misfolded, the fluorescence disappears. MG, which is not fluorescent by itself, is capable of binding to its aptamer and emitting fluorescent light only if the RNA remains folded in the correct conformation. Therefore, the MG aptamer fluorescence (in the presence of MG dye) can be used as a measure of the degradation and folding of RNA nanoparticles, the siRNA, the aptamer, and the ribozyme in the cell in real time using epifluorescence microscopy and fluorescence spectroscopy without lysing the cells. We show that the half-life (t½) of the electroporated MG aptamer containing RNA nanoparticle was 4.3 hours after electroporation into cells.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Randall Reif
- Nanobiotechnology Center, Markey Cancer Center and Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky, USA
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
41
|
Snead NM, Rossi JJ. RNA interference trigger variants: getting the most out of RNA for RNA interference-based therapeutics. Nucleic Acid Ther 2012; 22:139-46. [PMID: 22703279 DOI: 10.1089/nat.2012.0361] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
The manifestation of RNA interference (RNAi)-based therapeutics lies in safe and successful delivery of small interfering RNAs (siRNAs), the molecular entity that triggers and guides sequence-specific degradation of target mRNAs. Optimizing the chemistry and structure of siRNAs to achieve maximum efficacy is an important parameter in the development of siRNA therapeutics. The RNAi protein machinery can tolerate a variety of non-canonical modifications made to siRNAs, each of which imparts advantageous properties. Here, we review these modifications to siRNAs in pre-clinical and clinical studies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nicholas M Snead
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology and Irell and Manella Graduate School of Biological Sciences, Beckman Research Institute at City of Hope, Duarte, California 91010, USA
| | | |
Collapse
|
42
|
Guo P, Haque F, Hallahan B, Reif R, Li H. Uniqueness, advantages, challenges, solutions, and perspectives in therapeutics applying RNA nanotechnology. Nucleic Acid Ther 2012. [PMID: 22913595 DOI: 10.1201/b15152-4] [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] [Indexed: 04/08/2023] Open
Abstract
The field of RNA nanotechnology is rapidly emerging. RNA can be manipulated with the simplicity characteristic of DNA to produce nanoparticles with a diversity of quaternary structures by self-assembly. Additionally RNA is tremendously versatile in its function and some RNA molecules display catalytic activities much like proteins. Thus, RNA has the advantage of both worlds. However, the instability of RNA has made many scientists flinch away from RNA nanotechnology. Other concerns that have deterred the progress of RNA therapeutics include the induction of interferons, stimulation of cytokines, and activation of other immune systems, as well as short pharmacokinetic profiles in vivo. This review will provide some solutions and perspectives on the chemical and thermodynamic stability, in vivo half-life and biodistribution, yield and production cost, in vivo toxicity and side effect, specific delivery and targeting, as well as endosomal trapping and escape.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Peixuan Guo
- Nanobiotechnology Center, Markey Cancer Center and Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky 40536, USA.
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
43
|
Haque F, Shu D, Shu Y, Shlyakhtenko LS, Rychahou PG, Evers BM, Guo P. Ultrastable synergistic tetravalent RNA nanoparticles for targeting to cancers. NANO TODAY 2012; 7:245-257. [PMID: 23024702 PMCID: PMC3458310 DOI: 10.1016/j.nantod.2012.06.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 109] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/19/2023]
Abstract
One of the advantages of nanotechnology is the feasibility to construct therapeutic particles carrying multiple therapeutics with defined structure and stoichiometry. The field of RNA nanotechnology is emerging. However, controlled assembly of stable RNA nanoparticles with multiple functionalities which retain their original role is challenging due to refolding after fusion. Herein, we report the construction of thermodynamically stable X-shaped RNA nanoparticles to carry four therapeutic RNA motifs by self-assembly of reengineered small RNA fragments. We proved that each arm of the four helices in the X-motif can harbor one siRNA, ribozyme, or aptamer without affecting the folding of the central pRNA-X core, and each daughter RNA molecule within the nanoparticle folds into their respective authentic structures and retains their biological and structural function independently. Gene silencing effects were progressively enhanced as the number of the siRNA in each pRNA-X nanoparticles gradually increased from one to two, three, and four. More importantly, systemic injection of ligand-containing nanoparticles into the tail-vein of mice revealed that the RNA nanoparticles remained intact and strongly bound to cancers without entering the liver, lung or any other organs or tissues, while remaining in cancer tissue for more than 8 h.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Farzin Haque
- Nanobiotechnology Center, College of Pharmacy, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40536, United States
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40536, United States
| | - Dan Shu
- Nanobiotechnology Center, College of Pharmacy, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40536, United States
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40536, United States
| | - Yi Shu
- Nanobiotechnology Center, College of Pharmacy, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40536, United States
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40536, United States
| | - Luda S. Shlyakhtenko
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198, United States
| | - Piotr G. Rychahou
- Markey Cancer Center, College of Pharmacy, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40536, United States
| | - B. Mark Evers
- Markey Cancer Center, College of Pharmacy, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40536, United States
| | - Peixuan Guo
- Nanobiotechnology Center, College of Pharmacy, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40536, United States
- Markey Cancer Center, College of Pharmacy, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40536, United States
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40536, United States
- Corresponding author at: Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, 789 S. Limestone Avenue, Room # 565, Lexington, KY 40536-0596, United States. Tel.: +1 859 218 0128; fax: +1 859 257 1307. , (P. Guo)
| |
Collapse
|
44
|
Abstract
RNA interference (RNAi) is a promising strategy to suppress the expression of disease-relevant genes and induce post-transcriptional gene silencing. Their simplicity and stability endow RNAi with great advantages in molecular medicine. Several RNAi-based drugs are in various stages of clinical investigation. This review summarizes the ongoing research endeavors on RNAi in molecular medicine, delivery systems for RNAi-based drugs, and a compendium of RNAi drugs in different stages of clinical development. Of special interest are RNAi-based drug target discovery and validation, delivery systems for RNAi-based drugs, such as nanoparticles, rabies virus protein-based vehicles, and bacteriophages for RNA packaging.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jing Chen
- Institute of Modern, Biopharmaceuticals, State Key, Laboratory Breeding Base of Ministry of Education Eco-Environment of the Three Gorges Reservoir Region, School of Life Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
| | | |
Collapse
|
45
|
Gavrilov K, Saltzman WM. Therapeutic siRNA: principles, challenges, and strategies. THE YALE JOURNAL OF BIOLOGY AND MEDICINE 2012; 85:187-200. [PMID: 22737048 PMCID: PMC3375670] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
RNA interference (RNAi) is a remarkable endogenous regulatory pathway that can bring about sequence-specific gene silencing. If harnessed effectively, RNAi could result in a potent targeted therapeutic modality with applications ranging from viral diseases to cancer. The major barrier to realizing the full medicinal potential of RNAi is the difficulty of delivering effector molecules, such as small interfering RNAs (siRNAs), in vivo. An effective delivery strategy for siRNAs must address limitations that include poor stability and non-targeted biodistribution, while protecting against the stimulation of an undesirable innate immune response. The design of such a system requires rigorous understanding of all mechanisms involved. This article reviews the mechanistic principles of RNA interference, its potential, the greatest challenges for use in biomedical applications, and some of the work that has been done toward engineering delivery systems that overcome some of the hurdles facing siRNA-based therapeutics.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kseniya Gavrilov
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Physiology, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut,To whom all correspondence should be addressed: Kseniya Gavrilov, Department of Cellular and Molecular Physiology, Sterling Hall of Medicine, 333 Cedar St., Room B-147, P.O. Box 208026, New Haven, CT 06520;
| | - W. Mark Saltzman
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut
| |
Collapse
|
46
|
Ye X, Hemida M, Zhang HM, Hanson P, Ye Q, Yang D. Current advances in Phi29 pRNA biology and its application in drug delivery. WILEY INTERDISCIPLINARY REVIEWS-RNA 2012; 3:469-81. [PMID: 22362726 DOI: 10.1002/wrna.1111] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
Bacteriophage 29 (Phi29) packaging RNA (pRNA) is one of the key components in the viral DNA-packaging motor. It contains two functional domains facilitating the translocation of DNA into the viral capsid by interacting with other elements in the motor and promoting adenosine triphosphates hydrolysis. Through the connection between interlocking loops in adjacent pRNA monomers, pRNA functions in the form of multimer ring in the motor. Previous studies have addressed the unique structure and conformation of pRNA. However, there are different DNA-packaging models proposed for the viral genome transportation mechanism. The DNA-packaging ability and the unique features of pRNA have been attracting efforts to study its potential applications in nanotechnology. The pRNA has been proved to be a promising tool for delivering nucleic acid-based therapeutic molecules by covalent linkage with ribozymes, small interfering RNAs, aptamers, and artificial microRNAs. The flexibility in constructing dimers, trimers, and hexamers enables the assembly of polyvalent nanoparticles to carry drug molecules for therapeutic purposes, cell ligands for target delivery, image detector for drug entry monitoring, and endosome disrupter for drug release. Besides these fascinating pharmacological advantages, pRNA-based drug delivery has also been demonstrated to prolong the drug half life with minimal induction of immune response and toxicity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xin Ye
- The Institute for Heart and Lung Health, St. Paul's Hospital, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
47
|
Shu D, Shu Y, Haque F, Abdelmawla S, Guo P. Thermodynamically stable RNA three-way junction for constructing multifunctional nanoparticles for delivery of therapeutics. NATURE NANOTECHNOLOGY 2011; 6:658-67. [PMID: 21909084 PMCID: PMC3189281 DOI: 10.1038/nnano.2011.105] [Citation(s) in RCA: 331] [Impact Index Per Article: 25.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2011] [Accepted: 06/08/2011] [Indexed: 05/12/2023]
Abstract
RNA nanoparticles have applications in the treatment of cancers and viral infection; however, the instability of RNA nanoparticles has hindered their development for therapeutic applications. The lack of covalent linkage or crosslinking in nanoparticles causes dissociation in vivo. Here we show that the packaging RNA of bacteriophage phi29 DNA packaging motor can be assembled from 3-6 pieces of RNA oligomers without the use of metal salts. Each RNA oligomer contains a functional module that can be a receptor-binding ligand, aptamer, short interfering RNA or ribozyme. When mixed together, they self-assemble into thermodynamically stable tri-star nanoparticles with a three-way junction core. These nanoparticles are resistant to 8 M urea denaturation, are stable in serum and remain intact at extremely low concentrations. The modules remain functional in vitro and in vivo, suggesting that the three-way junction core can be used as a platform for building a variety of multifunctional nanoparticles. We studied 25 different three-way junction motifs in biological RNA and found only one other motif that shares characteristics similar to the three-way junction of phi29 pRNA.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Dan Shu
- Nanobiomedical Center, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH 45267
| | - Yi Shu
- Nanobiomedical Center, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH 45267
| | - Farzin Haque
- Nanobiomedical Center, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH 45267
| | - Sherine Abdelmawla
- Kylin Therapeutics, Inc, West Lafayette, IN 47906
- Bindley Bioscience Center, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47906
| | - Peixuan Guo
- Nanobiomedical Center, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH 45267
- Address correspondence to: Peixuan Guo, Rm 1436, ML #0508, Vontz Center for Molecular Studies, 3125 Eden Avenue, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH 45267, USA, , Phone: (513)558-0041, Fax: (513)558-6079
| |
Collapse
|
48
|
Abstract
Phagocytic macrophages and dendritic cells are desirable targets for potential RNAi (RNA interference) therapeutics because they often mediate pathogenic inflammation and autoimmune responses. We recently engineered a complex 5 component glucan-based encapsulation system for siRNA (small interfering RNA) delivery to phagocytes. In experiments designed to simplify this original formulation, we discovered that the amphipathic peptide Endo-Porter forms stable nanocomplexes with siRNA that can mediate potent gene silencing in multiple cell types. In order to restrict such gene silencing to phagocytes, a method was developed to entrap siRNA-Endo-Porter complexes in glucan shells of 2-4 μm diameter in the absence of other components. The resulting glucan particles containing fluorescently labelled siRNA were readily internalized by macrophages, but not other cell types, and released the labelled siRNA into the macrophage cytoplasm. Intraperitoneal administration of such glucan particles containing siRNA-Endo-Porter complexes to mice caused gene silencing specifically in macrophages that internalized the particles. These results from the present study indicate that specific targeting to phagocytes is mediated by the glucan, whereas Endo-Porter peptide serves both to anchor siRNA within glucan particles and to catalyse escape of siRNA from phagosomes. Thus we have developed a simplified siRNA delivery system that effectively and specifically targets phagocytes in culture or in intact mice.
Collapse
|
49
|
Targeted delivery of mutant tolerant anti-coxsackievirus artificial microRNAs using folate conjugated bacteriophage Phi29 pRNA. PLoS One 2011; 6:e21215. [PMID: 21698212 PMCID: PMC3115994 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0021215] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2011] [Accepted: 05/23/2011] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Myocarditis is the major heart disease in infants and young adults. It is very commonly caused by coxsackievirus B3 (CVB3) infection; however, no specific treatment or vaccine is available at present. RNA interference (RNAi)-based anti-viral therapy has shown potential to inhibit viral replication, but this strategy faces two major challenges; viral mutational escape from drug suppression and targeted delivery of the reagents to specific cell populations. METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS In this study, we designed artificial microRNAs (AmiRs) targeting the 3'untranslated region (3'UTR) of CVB3 genome with mismatches to the central region of their targeting sites. Antiviral evaluation showed that AmiR-1 and AmiR-2 reduced CVB3 (Kandolf and CG strains) replication approximately 100-fold in both HeLa cells and HL-1 cardiomyocytes. To achieve specific delivery, we linked AmiRs to the folate-conjugated bacterial phage packaging RNA (pRNA) and delivered the complexes into HeLa cells, a folate receptor positive cancer cells widely used as an in vitro model for CVB3 infection, via folate-mediated specific internalization. We found that our designed pRNA-AmiRs conjugates were tolerable to target mutations and have great potential to suppress viral mutational escape with little effect on triggering interferon induction. CONCLUSION/SIGNIFICANCE This study provides important clues for designing AmiRs targeting the 3'UTR of viral genome. It also proves the feasibility of specific deliver of AmiRs using conjugated pRNA vehicles. These small AmiRs combined with pRNA-folate conjugates could form a promising system for antiviral drug development.
Collapse
|
50
|
ZHOU J, SHU Y, GUO P, Smith DD, ROSSI JJ. Dual functional RNA nanoparticles containing phi29 motor pRNA and anti-gp120 aptamer for cell-type specific delivery and HIV-1 inhibition. Methods 2011; 54:284-94. [PMID: 21256218 PMCID: PMC3107903 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymeth.2010.12.039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 66] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2010] [Revised: 12/28/2010] [Accepted: 12/29/2010] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The potent ability of small interfering RNA (siRNA) to inhibit the expression of complementary RNA transcripts is being exploited as a new class of therapeutics for diseases including HIV. However, efficient delivery of siRNAs remains a key obstacle to successful application. A targeted intracellular delivery approach for siRNAs to specific cell types is highly desirable. HIV-1 infection is initiated by the interactions between viral glycoprotein gp120 and cell surface receptor CD4, leading to fusion of the viral membrane with the target cell membrane. Once HIV infects a cell it produces gp120 which is displayed at the cell surface. We previously described a novel dual inhibitory anti-gp120 aptamer-siRNA chimera in which both the aptamer and the siRNA portions have potent anti-HIV activities. We also demonstrated that gp120 can be used for aptamer mediated delivery of anti-HIV siRNAs. Here we report the design, construction and evaluation of chimerical RNA nanoparticles containing a HIV gp120-binding aptamer escorted by the pRNA of bacteriophage phi29 DNA-packaging motor. We demonstrate that pRNA-aptamer chimeras specifically bind to and are internalized into cells expressing HIV gp120. Moreover, the pRNA-aptamer chimeras alone also provide HIV inhibitory function by blocking viral infectivity. The Ab' pRNA-siRNA chimera with 2'-F modified pyrimidines in the sense strand not only improved the RNA stability in serum, but also was functionally processed by Dicer, resulting in specific target gene silencing. Therefore, this dual functional pRNA-aptamer not only represents a potential HIV-1 inhibitor, but also provides a cell-type specific siRNA delivery vehicle, showing promise for systemic anti-HIV therapy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jiehua ZHOU
- Division of Molecular and Cellular Biology, City of Hope, Duarte, CA
| | - Yi SHU
- Nanobiomedical Center, SEEBME, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH 45267, USA
| | - Peixuan GUO
- Nanobiomedical Center, SEEBME, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH 45267, USA
| | - David D. Smith
- Division of Biostatistics, Beckman Research Institute of the City of Hope, Duarte, CA
| | - John J ROSSI
- Division of Molecular and Cellular Biology, City of Hope, Duarte, CA
- Graduate School of Biological Sciences, City of Hope, 1500 East Duarte Rd, Duarte, CA 91010, USA
| |
Collapse
|