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Dantsu Y, Zhang Y, Zhang W. Advances in Therapeutic L-Nucleosides and L-Nucleic Acids with Unusual Handedness. Genes (Basel) 2021; 13:46. [PMID: 35052385 PMCID: PMC8774879 DOI: 10.3390/genes13010046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2021] [Revised: 12/20/2021] [Accepted: 12/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Nucleic-acid-based small molecule and oligonucleotide therapies are attractive topics due to their potential for effective target of disease-related modules and specific control of disease gene expression. As the non-naturally occurring biomolecules, modified DNA/RNA nucleoside and oligonucleotide analogues composed of L-(deoxy)riboses, have been designed and applied as innovative therapeutics with superior plasma stability, weakened cytotoxicity, and inexistent immunogenicity. Although all the chiral centers in the backbone are mirror converted from the natural D-nucleic acids, L-nucleic acids are equipped with the same nucleobases (A, G, C and U or T), which are critical to maintain the programmability and form adaptable tertiary structures for target binding. The types of L-nucleic acid drugs are increasingly varied, from chemically modified nucleoside analogues that interact with pathogenic polymerases to nanoparticles containing hundreds of repeating L-nucleotides that circulate durably in vivo. This article mainly reviews three different aspects of L-nucleic acid therapies, including pharmacological L-nucleosides, Spiegelmers as specific target-binding aptamers, and L-nanostructures as effective drug-delivery devices.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuliya Dantsu
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Indiana University School of Medicine, 635 Barnhill Drive, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA; (Y.D.); (Y.Z.)
| | - Ying Zhang
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Indiana University School of Medicine, 635 Barnhill Drive, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA; (Y.D.); (Y.Z.)
| | - Wen Zhang
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Indiana University School of Medicine, 635 Barnhill Drive, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA; (Y.D.); (Y.Z.)
- Melvin and Bren Simon Cancer Center, 535 Barnhill Drive, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA
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2
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Ochoa S, Milam VT. Modified Nucleic Acids: Expanding the Capabilities of Functional Oligonucleotides. Molecules 2020; 25:E4659. [PMID: 33066073 PMCID: PMC7587394 DOI: 10.3390/molecules25204659] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2020] [Revised: 10/07/2020] [Accepted: 10/08/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
In the last three decades, oligonucleotides have been extensively investigated as probes, molecular ligands and even catalysts within therapeutic and diagnostic applications. The narrow chemical repertoire of natural nucleic acids, however, imposes restrictions on the functional scope of oligonucleotides. Initial efforts to overcome this deficiency in chemical diversity included conservative modifications to the sugar-phosphate backbone or the pendant base groups and resulted in enhanced in vivo performance. More importantly, later work involving other modifications led to the realization of new functional characteristics beyond initial intended therapeutic and diagnostic prospects. These results have inspired the exploration of increasingly exotic chemistries highly divergent from the canonical nucleic acid chemical structure that possess unnatural physiochemical properties. In this review, the authors highlight recent developments in modified oligonucleotides and the thrust towards designing novel nucleic acid-based ligands and catalysts with specifically engineered functions inaccessible to natural oligonucleotides.
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Affiliation(s)
- Steven Ochoa
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA 30332, USA;
| | - Valeria T. Milam
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA 30332, USA;
- Petit Institute for Bioengineering and Bioscience, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA 30332, USA
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3
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Predicting Future Prospects of Aptamers in Field-Effect Transistor Biosensors. Molecules 2020; 25:molecules25030680. [PMID: 32033448 PMCID: PMC7036789 DOI: 10.3390/molecules25030680] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2019] [Revised: 01/26/2020] [Accepted: 01/29/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Aptamers, in sensing technology, are famous for their role as receptors in versatile applications due to their high specificity and selectivity to a wide range of targets including proteins, small molecules, oligonucleotides, metal ions, viruses, and cells. The outburst of field-effect transistors provides a label-free detection and ultra-sensitive technique with significantly improved results in terms of detection of substances. However, their combination in this field is challenged by several factors. Recent advances in the discovery of aptamers and studies of Field-Effect Transistor (FET) aptasensors overcome these limitations and potentially expand the dominance of aptamers in the biosensor market.
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4
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Schneider G. S1P Signaling in the Tumor Microenvironment. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2020; 1223:129-153. [PMID: 32030688 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-030-35582-1_7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P), together with other phosphosphingolipids, has been found to regulate complex cellular function in the tumor microenvironment (TME) where it acts as a signaling molecule that participates in cell-cell communication. S1P, through intracellular and extracellular signaling, was found to promote tumor growth, angiogenesis, chemoresistance, and metastasis; it also regulates anticancer immune response, modulates inflammation, and promotes angiogenesis. Interestingly, cancer cells are capable of releasing S1P and thus modifying the behavior of the TME components in a way that contributes to tumor growth and progression. Therefore, S1P is considered an important therapeutic target, and several anticancer therapies targeting S1P signaling are being developed and tested in clinics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabriela Schneider
- James Graham Brown Cancer Center, Division of Medical Oncology & Hematology, Department of Medicine, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY, USA.
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5
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6
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Yan J, Xiong H, Cai S, Wen N, He Q, Liu Y, Peng D, Liu Z. Advances in aptamer screening technologies. Talanta 2019; 200:124-144. [DOI: 10.1016/j.talanta.2019.03.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2018] [Revised: 02/20/2019] [Accepted: 03/02/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
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7
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Nakatsuka N, Yang KA, Abendroth JM, Cheung KM, Xu X, Yang H, Zhao C, Zhu B, Rim YS, Yang Y, Weiss PS, Stojanović MN, Andrews AM. Aptamer-field-effect transistors overcome Debye length limitations for small-molecule sensing. Science 2018; 362:319-324. [PMID: 30190311 DOI: 10.1126/science.aao6750] [Citation(s) in RCA: 439] [Impact Index Per Article: 73.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2017] [Revised: 04/30/2018] [Accepted: 08/06/2018] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Detection of analytes by means of field-effect transistors bearing ligand-specific receptors is fundamentally limited by the shielding created by the electrical double layer (the "Debye length" limitation). We detected small molecules under physiological high-ionic strength conditions by modifying printed ultrathin metal-oxide field-effect transistor arrays with deoxyribonucleotide aptamers selected to bind their targets adaptively. Target-induced conformational changes of negatively charged aptamer phosphodiester backbones in close proximity to semiconductor channels gated conductance in physiological buffers, resulting in highly sensitive detection. Sensing of charged and electroneutral targets (serotonin, dopamine, glucose, and sphingosine-1-phosphate) was enabled by specifically isolated aptameric stem-loop receptors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nako Nakatsuka
- California NanoSystems Institute, University of California, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA.,Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of California, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Kyung-Ae Yang
- Center for Innovative Diagnostic and Therapeutic Approaches, Department of Medicine, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | - John M Abendroth
- California NanoSystems Institute, University of California, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA.,Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of California, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Kevin M Cheung
- California NanoSystems Institute, University of California, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA.,Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of California, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Xiaobin Xu
- California NanoSystems Institute, University of California, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA.,Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of California, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Hongyan Yang
- Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Science, Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior, and Hatos Center for Neuropharmacology, University of California, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Chuanzhen Zhao
- California NanoSystems Institute, University of California, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA.,Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of California, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Bowen Zhu
- California NanoSystems Institute, University of California, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA.,Department of Materials Science and Engineering, University of California, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - You Seung Rim
- California NanoSystems Institute, University of California, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA.,Department of Materials Science and Engineering, University of California, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Yang Yang
- California NanoSystems Institute, University of California, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA.,Department of Materials Science and Engineering, University of California, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Paul S Weiss
- California NanoSystems Institute, University of California, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA. .,Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of California, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA.,Department of Materials Science and Engineering, University of California, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Milan N Stojanović
- Center for Innovative Diagnostic and Therapeutic Approaches, Department of Medicine, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, USA. .,Departments of Biomedical Engineering and Systems Biology, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | - Anne M Andrews
- California NanoSystems Institute, University of California, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA. .,Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of California, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA.,Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Science, Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior, and Hatos Center for Neuropharmacology, University of California, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
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8
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Röthlisberger P, Hollenstein M. Aptamer chemistry. Adv Drug Deliv Rev 2018; 134:3-21. [PMID: 29626546 DOI: 10.1016/j.addr.2018.04.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 218] [Impact Index Per Article: 36.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2018] [Revised: 03/28/2018] [Accepted: 04/03/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Aptamers are single-stranded DNA or RNA molecules capable of tightly binding to specific targets. These functional nucleic acids are obtained by an in vitro Darwinian evolution method coined SELEX (Systematic Evolution of Ligands by EXponential enrichment). Compared to their proteinaceous counterparts, aptamers offer a number of advantages including a low immunogenicity, a relative ease of large-scale synthesis at affordable costs with little or no batch-to-batch variation, physical stability, and facile chemical modification. These alluring properties have propelled aptamers into the forefront of numerous practical applications such as the development of therapeutic and diagnostic agents as well as the construction of biosensing platforms. However, commercial success of aptamers still proceeds at a weak pace. The main factors responsible for this delay are the susceptibility of aptamers to degradation by nucleases, their rapid renal filtration, suboptimal thermal stability, and the lack of functional group diversity. Here, we describe the different chemical methods available to mitigate these shortcomings. Particularly, we describe the chemical post-SELEX processing of aptamers to include functional groups as well as the inclusion of modified nucleoside triphosphates into the SELEX protocol. These methods will be illustrated with successful examples of chemically modified aptamers used as drug delivery systems, in therapeutic applications, and as biosensing devices.
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9
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Josipovic I, Pflüger B, Fork C, Vasconez AE, Oo JA, Hitzel J, Seredinski S, Gamen E, Heringdorf DMZ, Chen W, Looso M, Pullamsetti SS, Brandes RP, Leisegang MS. Long noncoding RNA LISPR1 is required for S1P signaling and endothelial cell function. J Mol Cell Cardiol 2018; 116:57-68. [DOI: 10.1016/j.yjmcc.2018.01.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2017] [Revised: 01/19/2018] [Accepted: 01/21/2018] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
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10
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Rodriguez YI, Campos LE, Castro MG, Aladhami A, Oskeritzian CA, Alvarez SE. Sphingosine-1 Phosphate: A New Modulator of Immune Plasticity in the Tumor Microenvironment. Front Oncol 2016; 6:218. [PMID: 27800303 PMCID: PMC5066089 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2016.00218] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2016] [Accepted: 09/30/2016] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
In the last 15 years, increasing evidences demonstrate a strong link between sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P) and both normal physiology and progression of different diseases, including cancer and inflammation. Indeed, numerous studies show that tissue levels of this sphingolipid metabolite are augmented in many cancers, affecting survival, proliferation, angiogenesis, and metastatic spread. Recent insights into the possible role of S1P as a therapeutic target has attracted enormous attention and opened new opportunities in this evolving field. In this review, we will focus on the role of S1P in cancer, with particular emphasis in new developments that highlight the many functions of this sphingolipid in the tumor microenvironment. We will discuss how S1P modulates phenotypic plasticity of macrophages and mast cells, tumor-induced immune evasion, differentiation and survival of immune cells in the tumor milieu, interaction between cancer and stromal cells, and hypoxic response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yamila I Rodriguez
- Instituto Multidisciplinario de Investigaciones Biológicas San Luis (IMIBIO-SL) CONICET , San Luis , Argentina
| | - Ludmila E Campos
- Instituto Multidisciplinario de Investigaciones Biológicas San Luis (IMIBIO-SL) CONICET , San Luis , Argentina
| | - Melina G Castro
- Instituto Multidisciplinario de Investigaciones Biológicas San Luis (IMIBIO-SL) CONICET , San Luis , Argentina
| | - Ahmed Aladhami
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology and Immunology, University of South Carolina School of Medicine , Columbia, SC , USA
| | - Carole A Oskeritzian
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology and Immunology, University of South Carolina School of Medicine , Columbia, SC , USA
| | - Sergio E Alvarez
- Instituto Multidisciplinario de Investigaciones Biológicas San Luis (IMIBIO-SL) CONICET, San Luis, Argentina; Universidad Nacional de San Luis, San Luis, Argentina
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11
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Tiper IV, East JE, Subrahmanyam PB, Webb TJ. Sphingosine 1-phosphate signaling impacts lymphocyte migration, inflammation and infection. Pathog Dis 2016; 74:ftw063. [PMID: 27354294 DOI: 10.1093/femspd/ftw063] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/22/2016] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Sphingosine 1-phosphate (S1P) is a sphingosine containing lipid intermediate obtained from ceramide. S1P is known to be an important signaling molecule and plays multiple roles in the context of immunity. This lysophospholipid binds and activates G-protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) known as S1P receptors 1-5 (S1P1-5). Once activated, these GPCRs mediate signaling that can lead to alterations in cell proliferation, survival or migration, and can also have other effects such as promoting angiogenesis. In this review, we will present evidence demonstrating a role for S1P in lymphocyte migration, inflammation and infection, as well as in cancer. The therapeutic potential of targeting S1P receptors, kinases and lyase will also be discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Irina V Tiper
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Maryland School of Medicine and the Marlene and Stewart Greenebaum Cancer Center, 685 W Baltimore St., Baltimore, MD 21201, USA
| | - James E East
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Maryland School of Medicine and the Marlene and Stewart Greenebaum Cancer Center, 685 W Baltimore St., Baltimore, MD 21201, USA
| | - Priyanka B Subrahmanyam
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Maryland School of Medicine and the Marlene and Stewart Greenebaum Cancer Center, 685 W Baltimore St., Baltimore, MD 21201, USA
| | - Tonya J Webb
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Maryland School of Medicine and the Marlene and Stewart Greenebaum Cancer Center, 685 W Baltimore St., Baltimore, MD 21201, USA
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12
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Pfeiffer F, Mayer G. Selection and Biosensor Application of Aptamers for Small Molecules. Front Chem 2016; 4:25. [PMID: 27379229 PMCID: PMC4908669 DOI: 10.3389/fchem.2016.00025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 143] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2016] [Accepted: 05/30/2016] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Small molecules play a major role in the human body and as drugs, toxins, and chemicals. Tools to detect and quantify them are therefore in high demand. This review will give an overview about aptamers interacting with small molecules and their selection. We discuss the current state of the field, including advantages as well as problems associated with their use and possible solutions to tackle these. We then discuss different kinds of small molecule aptamer-based sensors described in literature and their applications, ranging from detecting drinking water contaminations to RNA imaging.
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Affiliation(s)
- Franziska Pfeiffer
- Department of Chemical Biology, Life and Medical Sciences Institute, University of Bonn Bonn, Germany
| | - Günter Mayer
- Department of Chemical Biology, Life and Medical Sciences Institute, University of Bonn Bonn, Germany
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13
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Groff K, Brown J, Clippinger AJ. Modern affinity reagents: Recombinant antibodies and aptamers. Biotechnol Adv 2015; 33:1787-98. [PMID: 26482034 DOI: 10.1016/j.biotechadv.2015.10.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 80] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2015] [Revised: 10/09/2015] [Accepted: 10/12/2015] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Affinity reagents are essential tools in both basic and applied research; however, there is a growing concern about the reproducibility of animal-derived monoclonal antibodies. The need for higher quality affinity reagents has prompted the development of methods that provide scientific, economic, and time-saving advantages and do not require the use of animals. This review describes two types of affinity reagents, recombinant antibodies and aptamers, which are non-animal technologies that can replace the use of animal-derived monoclonal antibodies. Recombinant antibodies are protein-based reagents, while aptamers are nucleic-acid-based. In light of the scientific advantages of these technologies, this review also discusses ways to gain momentum in the use of modern affinity reagents, including an update to the 1999 National Academy of Sciences monoclonal antibody production report and federal incentives for recombinant antibody and aptamer efforts. In the long-term, these efforts have the potential to improve the overall quality and decrease the cost of scientific research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katherine Groff
- PETA International Science Consortium Ltd., Society Building, 8 All Saints Street, London N1 9RL, England.
| | - Jeffrey Brown
- PETA International Science Consortium Ltd., Society Building, 8 All Saints Street, London N1 9RL, England.
| | - Amy J Clippinger
- PETA International Science Consortium Ltd., Society Building, 8 All Saints Street, London N1 9RL, England.
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Generation of Aptamers with an Expanded Chemical Repertoire. Molecules 2015; 20:16643-71. [PMID: 26389865 PMCID: PMC6332006 DOI: 10.3390/molecules200916643] [Citation(s) in RCA: 87] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2015] [Revised: 08/28/2015] [Accepted: 09/01/2015] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
The enzymatic co-polymerization of modified nucleoside triphosphates (dN*TPs and N*TPs) is a versatile method for the expansion and exploration of expanded chemical space in SELEX and related combinatorial methods of in vitro selection. This strategy can be exploited to generate aptamers with improved or hitherto unknown properties. In this review, we discuss the nature of the functionalities appended to nucleoside triphosphates and their impact on selection experiments. The properties of the resulting modified aptamers will be described, particularly those integrated in the fields of biomolecular diagnostics, therapeutics, and in the expansion of genetic systems (XNAs).
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15
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Therapeutic applications of nanomedicine in autoimmune diseases: From immunosuppression to tolerance induction. NANOMEDICINE-NANOTECHNOLOGY BIOLOGY AND MEDICINE 2015; 11:1003-18. [DOI: 10.1016/j.nano.2014.12.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2014] [Revised: 11/17/2014] [Accepted: 12/03/2014] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
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16
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Hoehlig K, Johnson KW, Pryazhnikov E, Maasch C, Clemens-Smith A, Purschke WG, Vauléon S, Buchner K, Jarosch F, Khiroug L, Vater A, Klussmann S. A novel CGRP-neutralizing Spiegelmer attenuates neurogenic plasma protein extravasation. Br J Pharmacol 2015; 172:3086-98. [PMID: 25659966 DOI: 10.1111/bph.13110] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2014] [Revised: 01/29/2015] [Accepted: 02/05/2015] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) plays an important role in the pathology of migraine, and recent clinical trials suggest the inhibition of CGRP-mediated processes as a new therapeutic option in migraine. In this study, we describe the generation of NOX-L41, a CGRP-neutralizing mirror-image (L-)aptamer (Spiegelmer) and investigate its in vitro and in vivo function. EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH A CGRP-binding Spiegelmer was identified by in vitro selection. Binding studies were performed using surface plasmon resonance (SPR), and the inhibitory activity was determined in cell-based assays. The pharmacokinetic profile comparing i.v. and s.c. dosing was analysed in rats. Intravital two-photon microscopy was employed to follow extravasation from meningeal vessels. Finally, in vivo efficacy was tested in a model of electrically evoked meningeal plasma protein extravasation (PPE) in rats. KEY RESULTS We identified NOX-L41, a novel CGRP-neutralizing Spiegelmer. SPR studies showed that NOX-L41 binds to human and rat/mouse CGRP with sub-nanomolar affinities and is highly selective against related peptides such as amylin. In vitro, NOX-L41 effectively inhibited CGRP-induced cAMP formation in SK-N-MC cells. In rats, NOX-L41 had a plasma half-life of 8 h. Pharmacodynamic studies showed that NOX-L41 extravasates from blood vessels in the dura mater and inhibits neurogenic meningeal PPE for at least 18 h after single dosing. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS This is the first description of the CGRP-neutralizing Spiegelmer NOX-L41. Preclinical studies confirmed a role for CGRP in neurogenic PPE and provided proof-of-concept for the potential use of this new drug candidate for the treatment or prevention of migraine.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - K W Johnson
- Eli Lilly and Company, Indianapolis, IN, USA
| | | | - C Maasch
- NOXXON Pharma AG, Berlin, Germany
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - A Vater
- NOXXON Pharma AG, Berlin, Germany
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Hoehlig K, Bethge L, Klussmann S. Stereospecificity of oligonucleotide interactions revisited: no evidence for heterochiral hybridization and ribozyme/DNAzyme activity. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0115328. [PMID: 25679211 PMCID: PMC4334536 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0115328] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2014] [Accepted: 11/13/2014] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
A major challenge for the application of RNA- or DNA-oligonucleotides in biotechnology and molecular medicine is their susceptibility to abundant nucleases. One intriguing possibility to tackle this problem is the use of mirror-image (l-)oligonucleotides. For aptamers, this concept has successfully been applied to even develop therapeutic agents, so-called Spiegelmers. However, for technologies depending on RNA/RNA or RNA/DNA hybridization, like antisense or RNA interference, it has not been possible to use mirror-image oligonucleotides because Watson-Crick base pairing of complementary strands is (thought to be) stereospecific. Many scientists consider this a general principle if not a dogma. A recent publication proposing heterochiral Watson-Crick base pairing and sequence-specific hydrolysis of natural RNA by mirror-image ribozymes or DNAzymes (and vice versa) prompted us to systematically revisit the stereospecificity of oligonucleotides hybridization and catalytic activity. Using hyperchromicity measurements we demonstrate that hybridization only occurs among homochiral anti-parallel complementary oligonucleotide strands. As expected, achiral PNA hybridizes to RNA and DNA irrespective of their chirality. In functional assays we could not confirm an alleged heterochiral hydrolytic activity of ribozymes or DNAzymes. Our results confirm a strict stereospecificity of oligonucleotide hybridization and clearly argue against the possibility to use mirror-image oligonucleotides for gene silencing or antisense applications.
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18
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Towards applications of synthetic genetic polymers in diagnosis and therapy. Curr Opin Chem Biol 2014; 22:79-84. [PMID: 25285754 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbpa.2014.09.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2014] [Revised: 09/18/2014] [Accepted: 09/18/2014] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
Aptamers are a class of single-stranded nucleic acid ligands that can bind their targets with high specificity and affinities rivalling those of antibodies. First described over 20 years ago by Tuerk & Gold [1] and Ellington & Szostak [2] (who coined the name), their promise as both diagnostic and therapeutic agents remains to be realised. Key problems include the generally low biostability of the standard DNA/RNA or mixed RNA/2'F-DNA backbones under physiological conditions, limited chemical diversity of functional groups on the natural nucleobases, and the difficulty in reliably discovering aptamer ligands to some therapeutic targets. This review will describe recent progress in developing aptamer selection technology as well as expanding aptamer chemistry and informational complexity to improve aptamer discovery and properties.
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Vater A, Klussmann S. Turning mirror-image oligonucleotides into drugs: the evolution of Spiegelmer(®) therapeutics. Drug Discov Today 2014; 20:147-55. [PMID: 25236655 DOI: 10.1016/j.drudis.2014.09.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 167] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2014] [Revised: 08/11/2014] [Accepted: 09/08/2014] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Spiegelmers are synthetic target-binding oligonucleotides built from non-natural l-nucleotides. Like aptamers, Spiegelmers fold into distinct shapes that bind the targets with high affinity and selectivity. Furthermore, the mirror-image configuration confers plasma stability and immunological passivity. Various Spiegelmers against pharmacologically attractive targets were shown to be efficacious in animal models. Three Spiegelmer candidates: emapticap pegol (NOX-E36; anti-CCL2), olaptesed pegol (NOX-A12; anti-CXCL12) and lexaptepid pegol (NOX-H94; anti-hepcidin), underwent regulatory safety studies, demonstrated good safety profiles in healthy volunteers and were taken into Phase IIa studies in patients. Proof-of-concept for emapticap pegol has recently been demonstrated in diabetic nephropathy patients. Furthermore, promising interim Phase IIa data of olaptesed pegol and lexapteptid pegol also suggest efficacy in the respective patient populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Axel Vater
- NOXXON Pharma AG, Max-Dohrn-Strasse 8-10, 10589 Berlin, Germany.
| | - Sven Klussmann
- NOXXON Pharma AG, Max-Dohrn-Strasse 8-10, 10589 Berlin, Germany
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