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Faiella M, Botti G, Dalpiaz A, Gnudi L, Goyenvalle A, Pavan B, Perrone D, Bovolenta M, Marchesi E. In Vitro Studies to Evaluate the Intestinal Permeation of an Ursodeoxycholic Acid-Conjugated Oligonucleotide for Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy Treatment. Pharmaceutics 2024; 16:1023. [PMID: 39204368 PMCID: PMC11360444 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics16081023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2024] [Revised: 07/24/2024] [Accepted: 07/29/2024] [Indexed: 09/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Delivery represents a major hurdle to the clinical advancement of oligonucleotide therapeutics for the treatment of disorders such as Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD). In this preliminary study, we explored the ability of 2'-O-methyl-phosphorothioate antisense oligonucleotides (ASOs) conjugated with lipophilic ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA) to permeate across intestinal barriers in vitro by a co-culture system of non-contacting IEC-6 cells and DMD myotubes, either alone or encapsulated in exosomes. UDCA was used to enhance the lipophilicity and membrane permeability of ASOs, potentially improving oral bioavailability. Exosomes were employed due to their biocompatibility and ability to deliver therapeutic cargo across biological barriers. Exon skipping was evaluated in the DMD myotubes to reveal the targeting efficiency. Exosomes extracted from milk and wild-type myotubes loaded with 5'-UDC-3'Cy3-ASO and seeded directly on DMD myotubes appear able to fuse to myotubes and induce exon skipping, up to ~20%. Permeation studies using the co-culture system were performed with 5'-UDC-3'Cy3-ASO 51 alone or loaded in milk-derived exosomes. In this setting, only gymnotic delivery induced significant levels of exon skipping (almost 30%) implying a possible role of the intestinal cells in enhancing delivery of ASOs. These results warrant further investigations to elucidate the delivery of ASOs by gymnosis or exosomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marika Faiella
- Department of Translational Medicine, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy; (M.F.); (M.B.)
| | - Giada Botti
- Department of Chemical, Pharmaceutical and Agricultural Sciences, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy; (G.B.); (A.D.); (E.M.)
- Center for Translational Neurophysiology of Speech and Communication (CTNSC@UniFe), Italian Institute of Technology (IIT), 44121 Ferrara, Italy
| | - Alessandro Dalpiaz
- Department of Chemical, Pharmaceutical and Agricultural Sciences, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy; (G.B.); (A.D.); (E.M.)
| | - Lorenzo Gnudi
- Department of Environmental and Prevention Sciences, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy;
| | - Aurélie Goyenvalle
- University Paris-Saclay, UVSQ, Inserm, END-ICAP, 78000 Versailles, France;
| | - Barbara Pavan
- Center for Translational Neurophysiology of Speech and Communication (CTNSC@UniFe), Italian Institute of Technology (IIT), 44121 Ferrara, Italy
- Department of Neuroscience and Rehabilitation—Section of Physiology, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
| | - Daniela Perrone
- Department of Environmental and Prevention Sciences, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy;
| | - Matteo Bovolenta
- Department of Translational Medicine, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy; (M.F.); (M.B.)
| | - Elena Marchesi
- Department of Chemical, Pharmaceutical and Agricultural Sciences, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy; (G.B.); (A.D.); (E.M.)
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Evans LJ, O'Brien D, Shaw PJ. Current neuroprotective therapies and future prospects for motor neuron disease. INTERNATIONAL REVIEW OF NEUROBIOLOGY 2024; 176:327-384. [PMID: 38802178 DOI: 10.1016/bs.irn.2024.04.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/29/2024]
Abstract
Four medications with neuroprotective disease-modifying effects are now in use for motor neuron disease (MND). With FDA approvals for tofersen, relyvrio and edaravone in just the past year, 2022 ended a quarter of a century when riluzole was the sole such drug to offer to patients. The acceleration of approvals may mean we are witnessing the beginning of a step-change in how MND can be treated. Improvements in understanding underlying disease biology has led to more therapies being developed to target specific and multiple disease mechanisms. Consideration for how the pipeline of new therapeutic agents coming through in clinical and preclinical development can be more effectively evaluated with biomarkers, advances in patient stratification and clinical trial design pave the way for more successful translation for this archetypal complex neurodegenerative disease. While it must be cautioned that only slowed rates of progression have so far been demonstrated, pre-empting rapid neurodegeneration by using neurofilament biomarkers to signal when to treat, as is currently being trialled with tofersen, may be more effective for patients with known genetic predisposition to MND. Early intervention with personalized medicines could mean that for some patients at least, in future we may be able to substantially treat what is considered by many to be one of the most distressing diseases in medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura J Evans
- The Sheffield Institute for Translational Neuroscience, and the NIHR Sheffield Biomedical Research Centre, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, United Kingdom
| | - David O'Brien
- The Sheffield Institute for Translational Neuroscience, and the NIHR Sheffield Biomedical Research Centre, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, United Kingdom
| | - Pamela J Shaw
- The Sheffield Institute for Translational Neuroscience, and the NIHR Sheffield Biomedical Research Centre, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, United Kingdom.
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Qiu H, Li G, Yuan J, Yang D, Ma Y, Wang F, Dai Y, Chang X. Efficient exon skipping by base-editor-mediated abrogation of exonic splicing enhancers. Cell Rep 2023; 42:113340. [PMID: 37906593 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2023.113340] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2022] [Revised: 08/31/2023] [Accepted: 10/09/2023] [Indexed: 11/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is a severe genetic disease caused by the loss of the dystrophin protein. Exon skipping is a promising strategy to treat DMD by restoring truncated dystrophin. Here, we demonstrate that base editors (e.g., targeted AID-mediated mutagenesis [TAM]) are able to efficiently induce exon skipping by disrupting functional redundant exonic splicing enhancers (ESEs). By developing an unbiased and high-throughput screening to interrogate exonic sequences, we successfully identify novel ESEs in DMD exons 51 and 53. TAM-CBE (cytidine base editor) induces near-complete skipping of the respective exons by targeting these ESEs in patients' induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC)-derived cardiomyocytes. Combined with strategies to disrupt splice sites, we identify suitable single guide RNAs (sgRNAs) with TAM-CBE to efficiently skip most DMD hotspot exons without substantial double-stranded breaks. Our study thus expands the repertoire of potential targets for CBE-mediated exon skipping in treating DMD and other RNA mis-splicing diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Han Qiu
- Research Center for Industries of the Future, Westlake University, Hangzhou 310024, Zhejiang, China; Center for Genome Editing, Westlake Laboratory of Life Sciences and Biomedicine, Hangzhou 310024, Zhejiang, China; Key Laboratory of Growth Regulation and Translational Research of Zhejiang Province, School of Life Sciences, Westlake University, Hangzhou 310024, Zhejiang, China; Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Westlake Institute for Advanced Study, Hangzhou 310024, Zhejiang, China; Shanghai Institute of Nutrition and Health, Shanghai Institutes for Biological Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200031, China
| | - Geng Li
- Research Center for Industries of the Future, Westlake University, Hangzhou 310024, Zhejiang, China; Center for Genome Editing, Westlake Laboratory of Life Sciences and Biomedicine, Hangzhou 310024, Zhejiang, China; Key Laboratory of Growth Regulation and Translational Research of Zhejiang Province, School of Life Sciences, Westlake University, Hangzhou 310024, Zhejiang, China; Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Westlake Institute for Advanced Study, Hangzhou 310024, Zhejiang, China
| | - Juanjuan Yuan
- Shunde Hospital, Southern Medical University, Foshan 528308, Guangdong, China
| | - Dian Yang
- Research Center for Industries of the Future, Westlake University, Hangzhou 310024, Zhejiang, China; Center for Genome Editing, Westlake Laboratory of Life Sciences and Biomedicine, Hangzhou 310024, Zhejiang, China; Key Laboratory of Growth Regulation and Translational Research of Zhejiang Province, School of Life Sciences, Westlake University, Hangzhou 310024, Zhejiang, China; Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Westlake Institute for Advanced Study, Hangzhou 310024, Zhejiang, China
| | - Yunqing Ma
- Research Center for Industries of the Future, Westlake University, Hangzhou 310024, Zhejiang, China; Center for Genome Editing, Westlake Laboratory of Life Sciences and Biomedicine, Hangzhou 310024, Zhejiang, China; Key Laboratory of Growth Regulation and Translational Research of Zhejiang Province, School of Life Sciences, Westlake University, Hangzhou 310024, Zhejiang, China; Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Westlake Institute for Advanced Study, Hangzhou 310024, Zhejiang, China
| | - Feng Wang
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Ningbo Medical Center Lihuili Hospital, Ningbo 315040, Zhejiang, China
| | - Yi Dai
- Department of Neurology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100730, China
| | - Xing Chang
- Research Center for Industries of the Future, Westlake University, Hangzhou 310024, Zhejiang, China; Center for Genome Editing, Westlake Laboratory of Life Sciences and Biomedicine, Hangzhou 310024, Zhejiang, China; Key Laboratory of Growth Regulation and Translational Research of Zhejiang Province, School of Life Sciences, Westlake University, Hangzhou 310024, Zhejiang, China; Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Westlake Institute for Advanced Study, Hangzhou 310024, Zhejiang, China.
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Johnson KC, Corey DR. RNAi in cell nuclei: potential for a new layer of biological regulation and a new strategy for therapeutic discovery. RNA (NEW YORK, N.Y.) 2023; 29:415-422. [PMID: 36657971 PMCID: PMC10019369 DOI: 10.1261/rna.079500.122] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
RNA interference is almost always associated with post-transcriptional silencing in the cytoplasm. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) and critical RNAi protein factors like argonaute (AGO) and trinucleotide repeat binding containing 6 protein (TNRC6), however, are also found in cell nuclei, suggesting that nuclear miRNAs may be targets for gene regulation. Designed small duplex RNAs (dsRNAs) can modulate nuclear processes such as transcription and splicing, suggesting that they can also provide leads for therapeutic discovery. The goal of this Perspective is to provide the background on nuclear RNAi necessary to guide discussions on whether nuclear RNAi can play a role in therapeutic development programs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Krystal C Johnson
- UT Southwestern Medical Center, Departments of Pharmacology and Biochemistry, Dallas, Texas 75205, USA
| | - David R Corey
- UT Southwestern Medical Center, Departments of Pharmacology and Biochemistry, Dallas, Texas 75205, USA
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Sun S, Liu H, Hu Y, Wang Y, Zhao M, Yuan Y, Han Y, Jing Y, Cui J, Ren X, Chen X, Su J. Selection and identification of a novel ssDNA aptamer targeting human skeletal muscle. Bioact Mater 2023; 20:166-178. [PMID: 35663338 PMCID: PMC9157180 DOI: 10.1016/j.bioactmat.2022.05.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2022] [Revised: 05/12/2022] [Accepted: 05/13/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Skeletal muscle disorders have posed great threats to health. Selective delivery of drugs and oligonucleotides to skeletal muscle is challenging. Aptamers can improve targeting efficacy. In this study, for the first time, the human skeletal muscle-specific ssDNA aptamers (HSM01, etc.) were selected and identified with Systematic Evolution of Ligands by Exponential Enrichment (SELEX). The HSM01 ssDNA aptamer preferentially interacted with human skeletal muscle cells in vitro. The in vivo study using tree shrews showed that the HSM01 ssDNA aptamer specifically targeted human skeletal muscle cells. Furthermore, the ability of HSM01 ssDNA aptamer to target skeletal muscle cells was not affected by the formation of a disulfide bond with nanoliposomes in vitro or in vivo, suggesting a potential new approach for targeted drug delivery to skeletal muscles via liposomes. Therefore, this newly identified ssDNA aptamer and nanoliposome modification could be used for the treatment of human skeletal muscle diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuming Sun
- Molecular Biology Research Center, Center for Medical Genetics, Hunan Province Key Laboratory of Basic and Applied Hematology, School of Life Sciences, Central South University, Changsha, 410078, China
| | - Han Liu
- Institute of Translational Medicine, Shanghai University, Shanghai, 200444, China
| | - Yan Hu
- Institute of Translational Medicine, Shanghai University, Shanghai, 200444, China
| | - Yanpeng Wang
- Molecular Biology Research Center, Center for Medical Genetics, Hunan Province Key Laboratory of Basic and Applied Hematology, School of Life Sciences, Central South University, Changsha, 410078, China
| | - Mingri Zhao
- Center for Medical Genetics & Hunan Key Laboratory of Medical Genetics, School of Life Sciences, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, 410013, China
| | - Yijun Yuan
- Molecular Science and Biomedicine Laboratory (MBL), State Key Laboratory of Chemo/Biosensing and Chemometrics, College of Biology, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Aptamer Engineering Center of Hunan Province, Hunan University, Changsha, Hunan, 410082, China
| | - Yafei Han
- Institute of Translational Medicine, Shanghai University, Shanghai, 200444, China
| | - Yingying Jing
- Institute of Translational Medicine, Shanghai University, Shanghai, 200444, China
| | - Jin Cui
- Department of Orthopedics Trauma, Shanghai Changhai Hospital, Naval Medical University, Shanghai, 200433, China
| | - Xiaoxiang Ren
- Institute of Translational Medicine, Shanghai University, Shanghai, 200444, China
| | - Xiao Chen
- Department of Orthopedics Trauma, Shanghai Changhai Hospital, Naval Medical University, Shanghai, 200433, China
| | - Jiacan Su
- Institute of Translational Medicine, Shanghai University, Shanghai, 200444, China
- Department of Orthopedics Trauma, Shanghai Changhai Hospital, Naval Medical University, Shanghai, 200433, China
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6
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Filonova G, Aartsma-Rus A. Next steps for the optimization of exon therapy for Duchenne muscular dystrophy. Expert Opin Biol Ther 2023; 23:133-143. [PMID: 36655939 DOI: 10.1080/14712598.2023.2169070] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION It is established that the exon-skipping approach can restore dystrophin in Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) patients. However, dystrophin restoration levels are low, and the field is evolving to provide solutions for improved exon skipping. DMD is a neuromuscular disorder associated with chronic muscle tissue loss attributed to the lack of dystrophin, which causes muscle inflammation, fibrosis formation, and impaired regeneration. Currently, four antisense oligonucleotides (AONs) based on phosphorodiamidate morpholino oligomer (PMO) chemistry are approved by US Food and Drug Administration for exon skipping therapy of eligible DMD patients. AREAS COVERED This review describes a preclinical and clinical experience with approved and newly developed AONs for DMD, outlines efforts that have been done to enhance AON efficiency, reviews challenges of clinical trials, and summarizes the current state of the exon skipping approach in the DMD field. EXPERT OPINION The exon skipping approach for DMD is under development, and several chemical modifications with improved properties are under (pre)-clinical investigation. Despite existing advantages of these modifications, their safety and effectiveness have to be examined in clinical trials, which are planned or ongoing. Furthermore, we propose clinical settings using natural history controls to facilitate studying the functional effect of the therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Annemieke Aartsma-Rus
- Department of Human Genetics, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
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7
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Groh WJ, Bhakta D, Tomaselli GF, Aleong RG, Teixeira RA, Amato A, Asirvatham SJ, Cha YM, Corrado D, Duboc D, Goldberger ZD, Horie M, Hornyak JE, Jefferies JL, Kääb S, Kalman JM, Kertesz NJ, Lakdawala NK, Lambiase PD, Lubitz SA, McMillan HJ, McNally EM, Milone M, Namboodiri N, Nazarian S, Patton KK, Russo V, Sacher F, Santangeli P, Shen WK, Sobral Filho DC, Stambler BS, Stöllberger C, Wahbi K, Wehrens XHT, Weiner MM, Wheeler MT, Zeppenfeld K. 2022 HRS expert consensus statement on evaluation and management of arrhythmic risk in neuromuscular disorders. Heart Rhythm 2022; 19:e61-e120. [PMID: 35500790 DOI: 10.1016/j.hrthm.2022.04.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2022] [Accepted: 04/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
This international multidisciplinary document is intended to guide electrophysiologists, cardiologists, other clinicians, and health care professionals in caring for patients with arrhythmic complications of neuromuscular disorders (NMDs). The document presents an overview of arrhythmias in NMDs followed by detailed sections on specific disorders: Duchenne muscular dystrophy, Becker muscular dystrophy, and limb-girdle muscular dystrophy type 2; myotonic dystrophy type 1 and type 2; Emery-Dreifuss muscular dystrophy and limb-girdle muscular dystrophy type 1B; facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy; and mitochondrial myopathies, including Friedreich ataxia and Kearns-Sayre syndrome, with an emphasis on managing arrhythmic cardiac manifestations. End-of-life management of arrhythmias in patients with NMDs is also covered. The document sections were drafted by the writing committee members according to their area of expertise. The recommendations represent the consensus opinion of the expert writing group, graded by class of recommendation and level of evidence utilizing defined criteria. The recommendations were made available for public comment; the document underwent review by the Heart Rhythm Society Scientific and Clinical Documents Committee and external review and endorsement by the partner and collaborating societies. Changes were incorporated based on these reviews. By using a breadth of accumulated available evidence, the document is designed to provide practical and actionable clinical information and recommendations for the diagnosis and management of arrhythmias and thus improve the care of patients with NMDs.
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Affiliation(s)
- William J Groh
- Ralph H. Johnson VA Medical Center and Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina
| | - Deepak Bhakta
- Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana
| | | | | | | | - Anthony Amato
- Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | | | | | - Domenico Corrado
- Department of Cardiac, Thoracic, and Vascular Sciences, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Denis Duboc
- Cardiology Department, Hôpital Cochin, AP-HP, Université de Paris, Paris, France
| | - Zachary D Goldberger
- University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, Wisconsin
| | - Minoru Horie
- Shiga University of Medical Sciences, Otsu, Japan
| | | | | | - Stefan Kääb
- Department of Medicine I, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Jonathan M Kalman
- Royal Melbourne Hospital and University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | | | - Neal K Lakdawala
- Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Pier D Lambiase
- Barts Heart Centre, St Bartholomew's Hospital, University College London, and St Bartholomew's Hospital London, London, United Kingdom
| | | | - Hugh J McMillan
- Montreal Children's Hospital, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | | | | | - Narayanan Namboodiri
- Sree Chitra Institute for Medical Sciences and Technology, Thiruvananthapuram, India
| | | | | | | | - Frederic Sacher
- Bordeaux University Hospital, LIRYC Institute, Bordeaux, France
| | | | | | | | | | - Claudia Stöllberger
- Second Medical Department with Cardiology and Intensive Care Medicine, Klinik Landstraße, Vienna, Austria
| | - Karim Wahbi
- Cardiology Department, Hôpital Cochin, AP-HP, Université de Paris, Paris, France
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Kandasamy P, McClorey G, Shimizu M, Kothari N, Alam R, Iwamoto N, Kumarasamy J, Bommineni GR, Bezigian A, Chivatakarn O, Butler DC, Byrne M, Chwalenia K, Davies KE, Desai J, Shelke JD, Durbin AF, Ellerington R, Edwards B, Godfrey J, Hoss A, Liu F, Longo K, Lu G, Marappan S, Oieni J, Paik IH, Estabrook EP, Shivalila C, Tischbein M, Kawamoto T, Rinaldi C, Rajão-Saraiva J, Tripathi S, Yang H, Yin Y, Zhao X, Zhou C, Zhang J, Apponi L, Wood MJ, Vargeese C. Control of backbone chemistry and chirality boost oligonucleotide splice switching activity. Nucleic Acids Res 2022; 50:5443-5466. [PMID: 35061895 PMCID: PMC9178015 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkac018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [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: 09/01/2021] [Revised: 12/18/2021] [Accepted: 01/07/2022] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Although recent regulatory approval of splice-switching oligonucleotides (SSOs) for the treatment of neuromuscular disease such as Duchenne muscular dystrophy has been an advance for the splice-switching field, current SSO chemistries have shown limited clinical benefit due to poor pharmacology. To overcome limitations of existing technologies, we engineered chimeric stereopure oligonucleotides with phosphorothioate (PS) and phosphoryl guanidine-containing (PN) backbones. We demonstrate that these chimeric stereopure oligonucleotides have markedly improved pharmacology and efficacy compared with PS-modified oligonucleotides, preventing premature death and improving median survival from 49 days to at least 280 days in a dystrophic mouse model with an aggressive phenotype. These data demonstrate that chemical optimization alone can profoundly impact oligonucleotide pharmacology and highlight the potential for continued innovation around the oligonucleotide backbone. More specifically, we conclude that chimeric stereopure oligonucleotides are a promising splice-switching modality with potential for the treatment of neuromuscular and other genetic diseases impacting difficult to reach tissues such as the skeletal muscle and heart.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Graham McClorey
- Department of Paediatrics, University of Oxford, South Parks Road, Oxford OX1 3QX, UK
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Katarzyna Chwalenia
- Department of Paediatrics, University of Oxford, South Parks Road, Oxford OX1 3QX, UK
| | - Kay E Davies
- Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Genetics, University of Oxford, South Parks Road, Oxford OX1 3PT, UK
| | | | | | | | - Ruth Ellerington
- Department of Paediatrics, University of Oxford, South Parks Road, Oxford OX1 3QX, UK
| | - Ben Edwards
- Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Genetics, University of Oxford, South Parks Road, Oxford OX1 3PT, UK
| | | | | | | | - Kenneth Longo
- Wave Life Sciences, Cambridge, MA, USA
- MDUK Oxford Neuromuscular Centre, University of Oxford, Oxford OX2 9DU, UK
| | | | | | - Jacopo Oieni
- Department of Paediatrics, University of Oxford, South Parks Road, Oxford OX1 3QX, UK
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Carlo Rinaldi
- Department of Paediatrics, University of Oxford, South Parks Road, Oxford OX1 3QX, UK
- MDUK Oxford Neuromuscular Centre, University of Oxford, Oxford OX2 9DU, UK
| | - Joana Rajão-Saraiva
- Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Genetics, University of Oxford, South Parks Road, Oxford OX1 3PT, UK
| | | | | | - Yuan Yin
- Wave Life Sciences, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | | | - Cong Zhou
- Wave Life Sciences, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | | | | | - Matthew J A Wood
- Department of Paediatrics, University of Oxford, South Parks Road, Oxford OX1 3QX, UK
- MDUK Oxford Neuromuscular Centre, University of Oxford, Oxford OX2 9DU, UK
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Antisense Oligonucleotides Conjugated with Lipophilic Compounds: Synthesis and In Vitro Evaluation of Exon Skipping in Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23084270. [PMID: 35457088 PMCID: PMC9032562 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23084270] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2022] [Revised: 04/11/2022] [Accepted: 04/12/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Our groups previously reported that conjugation at 3′-end with ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA) significantly enhanced in vitro exon skipping properties of ASO 51 oligonucleotide targeting the human DMD exon 51. In this study, we designed a series of lipophilic conjugates of ASO 51, to explore the influence of the lipophilic moiety on exon skipping efficiency. To this end, three bile acids and two fatty acids have been derivatized and/or modified and conjugated to ASO 51 by automatized solid phase synthesis. We measured the melting temperature (Tm) of lipophilic conjugates to evaluate their ability to form a stable duplex with the target RNA. The exon skipping efficiency has been evaluated in myogenic cell lines first in presence of a transfection agent, then in gymnotic conditions on a selection of conjugated ASO 51. In the case of 5′-UDC-ASO 51, we also evaluated the influence of PS content on exon skipping efficiency; we found that it performed better exon skipping with full PS linkages. The more efficient compounds in terms of exon skipping were found to be 5′-UDC- and 5′,3′-bis-UDC-ASO 51.
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Attias Cohen S, Simaan-Yameen H, Fuoco C, Gargioli C, Seliktar D. Injectable hydrogel microspheres for sustained gene delivery of antisense oligonucleotides to restore the expression of dystrophin protein in duchenne muscular dystrophy. Eur Polym J 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.eurpolymj.2022.111038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
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11
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Antisense RNA Therapeutics: A Brief Overview. METHODS IN MOLECULAR BIOLOGY (CLIFTON, N.J.) 2022; 2434:33-49. [PMID: 35213008 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-2010-6_2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Nucleic acid therapeutics is a growing field aiming to treat human conditions that has gained special attention due to the successful development of mRNA vaccines against SARS-CoV-2. Another type of nucleic acid therapeutics is antisense oligonucleotides, versatile tools that can be used in multiple ways to target pre-mRNA and mRNA. While some years ago these molecules were just considered a useful research tool and a curiosity in the clinical market, this has rapidly changed. These molecules are promising strategies for personalized treatments for rare genetic diseases and they are in development for very common disorders too. In this chapter, we provide a brief description of the different mechanisms of action of these RNA therapeutic molecules, with clear examples at preclinical and clinical stages.
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Narayanaswami P, Živković S. Molecular and Genetic Therapies. Neuromuscul Disord 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/b978-0-323-71317-7.00011-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
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13
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Marchesi E, Bovolenta M, Preti L, Capobianco ML, Mamchaoui K, Bertoldo M, Perrone D. Synthesis and Exon-Skipping Properties of a 3'-Ursodeoxycholic Acid-Conjugated Oligonucleotide Targeting DMD Pre-mRNA: Pre-Synthetic versus Post-Synthetic Approach. Molecules 2021; 26:7662. [PMID: 34946743 PMCID: PMC8707236 DOI: 10.3390/molecules26247662] [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: 11/11/2021] [Revised: 12/13/2021] [Accepted: 12/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Steric blocking antisense oligonucleotides (ASO) are promising tools for splice modulation such as exon-skipping, although their therapeutic effect may be compromised by insufficient delivery. To address this issue, we investigated the synthesis of a 20-mer 2'-OMe PS oligonucleotide conjugated at 3'-end with ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA) involved in the targeting of human DMD exon 51, by exploiting both a pre-synthetic and a solution phase approach. The two approaches have been compared. Both strategies successfully provided the desired ASO 51 3'-UDC in good yield and purity. It should be pointed out that the pre-synthetic approach insured better yields and proved to be more cost-effective. The exon skipping efficiency of the conjugated oligonucleotide was evaluated in myogenic cell lines and compared to that of unconjugated one: a better performance was determined for ASO 51 3'-UDC with an average 9.5-fold increase with respect to ASO 51.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elena Marchesi
- Department of Environmental and Prevention Sciences, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy;
| | - Matteo Bovolenta
- Department of Translational Medicine, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy;
| | - Lorenzo Preti
- Department of Chemical, Pharmaceutical and Agricultural Sciences, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy; (L.P.); (M.B.)
| | - Massimo L. Capobianco
- Institute of Organic Synthesis and Photoreactivity, Italian National Research Council, 40129 Bologna, Italy;
| | - Kamel Mamchaoui
- Centre de Recherche en Myologie, Institut de Myologie, Sorbonne Université, Inserm, F-75013 Paris, France;
| | - Monica Bertoldo
- Department of Chemical, Pharmaceutical and Agricultural Sciences, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy; (L.P.); (M.B.)
- Institute of Organic Synthesis and Photoreactivity, Italian National Research Council, 40129 Bologna, Italy;
| | - Daniela Perrone
- Department of Environmental and Prevention Sciences, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy;
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14
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Szabo SM, Gooch KL, Mickle AT, Salhany RM, Connolly AM. The impact of genotype on outcomes in individuals with Duchenne muscular dystrophy: A systematic review. Muscle Nerve 2021; 65:266-277. [PMID: 34878187 DOI: 10.1002/mus.27463] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2020] [Revised: 11/09/2021] [Accepted: 11/12/2021] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is associated with progressive muscle weakness, loss of ambulation (LOA), and early mortality. In this review we have synthesized published data on the clinical course of DMD by genotype. Using a systematic search implemented in Medline and Embase, 53 articles were identified that describe the clinical course of DMD, with pathogenic variants categorizable by exon skip or stop-codon readthrough amenability and outcomes presented by age. Outcomes described included those related to ambulatory, cardiac, pulmonary, or cognitive function. Estimates of the mean (95% confidence interval) age at LOA ranged from 9.1 (8.7-9.6) years among 90 patients amenable to skipping exon 53 to 11.5 (9.5-13.5) years among three patients amenable to skipping exon 8. Although function worsened with age, the impact of genotype was less clear for other outcomes (eg, forced vital capacity and left ventricular ejection fraction). Understanding the distribution of pathogenic variants is important for studies in DMD, as this research suggests major differences in the natural history of disease. In addition, specific details of the use of key medications, including corticosteroids, antisense oligonucleotides, and cardiac medications, should be reported.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shelagh M Szabo
- Broadstreet Heath Economics & Outcomes Research, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | | | - Alexis T Mickle
- Broadstreet Heath Economics & Outcomes Research, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | | | - Anne M Connolly
- Division of Neurology, Nationwide Children's Hospital, Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, USA
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15
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Passi GR, Paharia M, Jaiswal SP. What Percentage of Patients with Duchene Muscular Dystrophy are Potentially Treatable with Gene Therapies? Ann Indian Acad Neurol 2021; 24:993-994. [PMID: 35359553 PMCID: PMC8965968 DOI: 10.4103/aian.aian_727_20] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2020] [Revised: 07/10/2020] [Accepted: 07/14/2020] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Gouri Rao Passi
- Department of Pediatrics, Choithram Hospital & Research Centre, Indore, Madhya Pradesh, India
| | - Manjari Paharia
- Department of Pediatrics, Choithram Hospital & Research Centre, Indore, Madhya Pradesh, India
| | - Shree Prakash Jaiswal
- Department of Pathology & Microbiology, Choithram Hospital & Research Centre, Indore, Madhya Pradesh, India
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16
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Passi GR, Paharia M, Jaiswal SP. What Percentage of Patients with Duchene Muscular Dystrophy are Potentially Treatable with Gene Therapies? Ann Indian Acad Neurol 2021. [PMID: 34728964 PMCID: PMC8513967 DOI: 10.4103/aian.aian_806_20] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Gouri Rao Passi
- Department of Pediatrics, Choithram Hospital & Research Centre, Indore, Madhya Pradesh, India
| | - Manjari Paharia
- Department of Pediatrics, Choithram Hospital & Research Centre, Indore, Madhya Pradesh, India
| | - Shree Prakash Jaiswal
- Department of Pathology & Microbiology, Choithram Hospital & Research Centre, Indore, Madhya Pradesh, India
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17
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Towards Splicing Therapy for Lysosomal Storage Disorders: Methylxanthines and Luteolin Ameliorate Splicing Defects in Aspartylglucosaminuria and Classic Late Infantile Neuronal Ceroid Lipofuscinosis. Cells 2021; 10:cells10112813. [PMID: 34831035 PMCID: PMC8616534 DOI: 10.3390/cells10112813] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2021] [Revised: 10/01/2021] [Accepted: 10/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Splicing defects caused by mutations in the consensus sequences at the borders of introns and exons are common in human diseases. Such defects frequently result in a complete loss of function of the protein in question. Therapy approaches based on antisense oligonucleotides for specific gene mutations have been developed in the past, but they are very expensive and require invasive, life-long administration. Thus, modulation of splicing by means of small molecules is of great interest for the therapy of genetic diseases resulting from splice-site mutations. Using minigene approaches and patient cells, we here show that methylxanthine derivatives and the food-derived flavonoid luteolin are able to enhance the correct splicing of the AGA mRNA with a splice-site mutation c.128-2A>G in aspartylglucosaminuria, and result in increased AGA enzyme activity in patient cells. Furthermore, we also show that one of the most common disease causing TPP1 gene variants in classic late infantile neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis may also be amenable to splicing modulation using similar substances. Therefore, our data suggest that splice-modulation with small molecules may be a valid therapy option for lysosomal storage disorders.
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18
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Mukashyaka MC, Wu CL, Ha K, Zhang J, Wood J, Foley S, Mastis B, Jungels N, Sun H, Shadid M, Harriman S, Hadcock JR. Pharmacokinetic/Pharmacodynamic Modeling of a Cell-Penetrating Peptide Phosphorodiamidate Morpholino Oligomer in mdx Mice. Pharm Res 2021; 38:1731-1745. [PMID: 34671920 PMCID: PMC8602220 DOI: 10.1007/s11095-021-03118-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2021] [Accepted: 09/21/2021] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Peptide-conjugated phosphorodiamidate morpholino oligomers (PPMOs) have shown promise in treating Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD). We evaluated a semi-mechanistic pharmacokinetic (PK) and pharmacodynamic (PD) model to capture the relationship between plasma and muscle tissue exposure/response in mdx mice treated by mouse surrogate PPMO. METHODS A single or repeated (every 4 weeks for 20 weeks) intravenous PPMO dose was administered to mdx mice (n = 6/timepoint). A PK/PD model was built to characterize data via sequential modeling. A 2-compartment model was used to describe plasma PK. A simultaneous tissue PK/PD model was subsequently developed: 2-compartment model to describe muscle PK; linked to an indirect response model describing stimulation of synthesis of skipped transcript, which was in turn linked to stimulation of synthesis of dystrophin protein expression. RESULTS Model performance assessment via goodness-of-fit plots, visual predictive checks, and accurate parameter estimation indicated robust fits of plasma PK and muscle PK/PD data. The model estimated a PPMO tissue half-life of 5 days-a useful parameter in determining the longevity of PPMOs in tissue and their limited accumulation after multiple doses. Additionally, the model successfully described dystrophin expression after single dosing and associated protein accumulation after multiple dosing (increasing ~ twofold accumulation from the first to last dose). CONCLUSIONS This first PK/PD model of a PPMO in a DMD disease model will help characterize and predict the time course of PK/PD biomarkers in mdx mice. Furthermore, the model framework can be used to develop clinical PK/PD models and can be extended to other exon-skipping therapies and species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marie Claire Mukashyaka
- Translational Sciences Group, Sarepta Therapeutics, Inc., 215 First St., Cambridge, MA, 02142, USA.
| | - Chia-Ling Wu
- Biology Group, Sarepta Therapeutics, Inc., Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Kristin Ha
- Biology Group, Sarepta Therapeutics, Inc., Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Jianbo Zhang
- Translational Sciences Group, Sarepta Therapeutics, Inc., 215 First St., Cambridge, MA, 02142, USA
| | - Jenna Wood
- Translational Sciences Group, Sarepta Therapeutics, Inc., 215 First St., Cambridge, MA, 02142, USA
| | - Samantha Foley
- Biology Group, Sarepta Therapeutics, Inc., Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Bryan Mastis
- Biology Group, Sarepta Therapeutics, Inc., Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Nino Jungels
- Biology Group, Sarepta Therapeutics, Inc., Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Huadong Sun
- Clinical Pharmacology Group, Sarepta Therapeutics, Inc., Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Mohammad Shadid
- Translational Sciences Group, Sarepta Therapeutics, Inc., 215 First St., Cambridge, MA, 02142, USA
| | - Shawn Harriman
- Translational Sciences Group, Sarepta Therapeutics, Inc., 215 First St., Cambridge, MA, 02142, USA
| | - John R Hadcock
- Translational Sciences Group, Sarepta Therapeutics, Inc., 215 First St., Cambridge, MA, 02142, USA
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19
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Bost JP, Barriga H, Holme MN, Gallud A, Maugeri M, Gupta D, Lehto T, Valadi H, Esbjörner EK, Stevens MM, El-Andaloussi S. Delivery of Oligonucleotide Therapeutics: Chemical Modifications, Lipid Nanoparticles, and Extracellular Vesicles. ACS NANO 2021; 15:13993-14021. [PMID: 34505766 PMCID: PMC8482762 DOI: 10.1021/acsnano.1c05099] [Citation(s) in RCA: 71] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2021] [Indexed: 05/04/2023]
Abstract
Oligonucleotides (ONs) comprise a rapidly growing class of therapeutics. In recent years, the list of FDA-approved ON therapies has rapidly expanded. ONs are small (15-30 bp) nucleotide-based therapeutics which are capable of targeting DNA and RNA as well as other biomolecules. ONs can be subdivided into several classes based on their chemical modifications and on the mechanisms of their target interactions. Historically, the largest hindrance to the widespread usage of ON therapeutics has been their inability to effectively internalize into cells and escape from endosomes to reach their molecular targets in the cytosol or nucleus. While cell uptake has been improved, "endosomal escape" remains a significant problem. There are a range of approaches to overcome this, and in this review, we focus on three: altering the chemical structure of the ONs, formulating synthetic, lipid-based nanoparticles to encapsulate the ONs, or biologically loading the ONs into extracellular vesicles. This review provides a background to the design and mode of action of existing FDA-approved ONs. It presents the most common ON classifications and chemical modifications from a fundamental scientific perspective and provides a roadmap of the cellular uptake pathways by which ONs are trafficked. Finally, this review delves into each of the above-mentioned approaches to ON delivery, highlighting the scientific principles behind each and covering recent advances.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeremy P. Bost
- Department
of Laboratory Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Huddinge 14152, Sweden
| | - Hanna Barriga
- Department
of Medical Biochemistry and Biophysics, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm 17177, Sweden
| | - Margaret N. Holme
- Department
of Medical Biochemistry and Biophysics, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm 17177, Sweden
| | - Audrey Gallud
- Department
of Biology and Biological Engineering, Chalmers
University of Technology, Gothenburg 41296, Sweden
- Advanced
Drug Delivery, Pharmaceutical Sciences, R&D, AstraZeneca, Gothenburg 43150, Sweden
| | - Marco Maugeri
- Department
of Rheumatology and Inflammation Research, Institute of Medicine,
Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg 41390, Sweden
| | - Dhanu Gupta
- Department
of Laboratory Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Huddinge 14152, Sweden
| | - Taavi Lehto
- Department
of Laboratory Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Huddinge 14152, Sweden
- Institute
of Technology, University of Tartu, Nooruse 1, Tartu 50411, Estonia
| | - Hadi Valadi
- Department
of Rheumatology and Inflammation Research, Institute of Medicine,
Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg 41390, Sweden
| | - Elin K. Esbjörner
- Department
of Biology and Biological Engineering, Chalmers
University of Technology, Gothenburg 41296, Sweden
| | - Molly M. Stevens
- Department
of Medical Biochemistry and Biophysics, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm 17177, Sweden
- Department
of Materials, Department of Bioengineering, Institute of Biomedical
Engineering, Imperial College London, London SW7 2BU, United Kingdom
| | - Samir El-Andaloussi
- Department
of Laboratory Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Huddinge 14152, Sweden
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20
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Alternative Splicing in Cardiovascular Disease-A Survey of Recent Findings. Genes (Basel) 2021; 12:genes12091457. [PMID: 34573439 PMCID: PMC8469243 DOI: 10.3390/genes12091457] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2021] [Revised: 09/11/2021] [Accepted: 09/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Alternative splicing, a driver of posttranscriptional variance, differs from canonical splicing by arranging the introns and exons of an immature pre-mRNA transcript in a multitude of different ways. Although alternative splicing was discovered almost half a century ago, estimates of the proportion of genes that undergo alternative splicing have risen drastically over the last two decades. Deep sequencing methods and novel bioinformatic algorithms have led to new insights into the prevalence of spliced variants, tissue-specific splicing patterns and the significance of alternative splicing in development and disease. Thus far, the role of alternative splicing has been uncovered in areas ranging from heart development, the response to myocardial infarction to cardiac structural disease. Circular RNAs, a product of alternative back-splicing, were initially discovered in 1976, but landmark publications have only recently identified their regulatory role, tissue-specific expression, and transcriptomic abundance, spurring a renewed interest in the topic. The aim of this review is to provide a brief insight into some of the available findings on the role of alternative splicing in cardiovascular disease, with a focus on atherosclerosis, myocardial infarction, heart failure, dilated cardiomyopathy and circular RNAs in myocardial infarction.
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21
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Soblechero-Martín P, Albiasu-Arteta E, Anton-Martinez A, de la Puente-Ovejero L, Garcia-Jimenez I, González-Iglesias G, Larrañaga-Aiestaran I, López-Martínez A, Poyatos-García J, Ruiz-Del-Yerro E, Gonzalez F, Arechavala-Gomeza V. Duchenne muscular dystrophy cell culture models created by CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing and their application in drug screening. Sci Rep 2021; 11:18188. [PMID: 34521928 PMCID: PMC8440673 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-97730-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2020] [Accepted: 08/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Gene editing methods are an attractive therapeutic option for Duchenne muscular dystrophy, and they have an immediate application in the generation of research models. To generate myoblast cultures that could be useful in in vitro drug screening, we have optimised a CRISPR/Cas9 gene edition protocol. We have successfully used it in wild type immortalised myoblasts to delete exon 52 of the dystrophin gene, modelling a common Duchenne muscular dystrophy mutation; and in patient's immortalised cultures we have deleted an inhibitory microRNA target region of the utrophin UTR, leading to utrophin upregulation. We have characterised these cultures by demonstrating, respectively, inhibition of dystrophin expression and overexpression of utrophin, and evaluating the expression of myogenic factors (Myf5 and MyH3) and components of the dystrophin associated glycoprotein complex (α-sarcoglycan and β-dystroglycan). To demonstrate their use in the assessment of DMD treatments, we have performed exon skipping on the DMDΔ52-Model and have used the unedited DMD cultures/ DMD-UTRN-Model combo to assess utrophin overexpression after drug treatment. While the practical use of DMDΔ52-Model is limited to the validation to our gene editing protocol, DMD-UTRN-Model presents a possible therapeutic gene edition target as well as a useful positive control in the screening of utrophin overexpression drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patricia Soblechero-Martín
- Neuromuscular Disorders, Biocruces Bizkaia Health Research Institute, 48903, Barakaldo, Bizkaia, Spain.,Osakidetza Basque Health Service, Bilbao-Basurto Integrated Health Organisation, Basurto University Hospital, Clinical Laboratory Service, Bilbao, Spain
| | - Edurne Albiasu-Arteta
- Neuromuscular Disorders, Biocruces Bizkaia Health Research Institute, 48903, Barakaldo, Bizkaia, Spain
| | - Aina Anton-Martinez
- Neuromuscular Disorders, Biocruces Bizkaia Health Research Institute, 48903, Barakaldo, Bizkaia, Spain
| | | | - Iker Garcia-Jimenez
- Neuromuscular Disorders, Biocruces Bizkaia Health Research Institute, 48903, Barakaldo, Bizkaia, Spain
| | | | - Irene Larrañaga-Aiestaran
- Neuromuscular Disorders, Biocruces Bizkaia Health Research Institute, 48903, Barakaldo, Bizkaia, Spain
| | - Andrea López-Martínez
- Neuromuscular Disorders, Biocruces Bizkaia Health Research Institute, 48903, Barakaldo, Bizkaia, Spain
| | | | - Estíbaliz Ruiz-Del-Yerro
- Neuromuscular Disorders, Biocruces Bizkaia Health Research Institute, 48903, Barakaldo, Bizkaia, Spain
| | - Federico Gonzalez
- Pluripotent Stem Cells and Activation of Endogenous Tissue Programs for Organ Regeneration (PR Lab), Institute for Bioengineering of Catalonia (IBEC), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Virginia Arechavala-Gomeza
- Neuromuscular Disorders, Biocruces Bizkaia Health Research Institute, 48903, Barakaldo, Bizkaia, Spain. .,Basque Foundation for Science, Bilbao, Spain.
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22
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Lesman D, Rodriguez Y, Rajakumar D, Wein N. U7 snRNA, a Small RNA with a Big Impact in Gene Therapy. Hum Gene Ther 2021; 32:1317-1329. [PMID: 34139889 DOI: 10.1089/hum.2021.047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The uridine-rich 7 (U7) small nuclear RNA (snRNA) is a component of a small nuclear ribonucleoprotein (snRNP) complex. U7 snRNA naturally contains an antisense sequence that identifies histone premessenger RNAs (pre-mRNAs) and is involved in their 3' end processing. By altering this antisense sequence, researchers have turned U7 snRNA into a versatile tool for targeting pre-mRNAs and modifying splicing. Encapsulating a modified U7 snRNA into a viral vector such as adeno-associated virus (also referred as vectorized exon skipping/inclusion, or VES/VEI) enables the delivery of this highly efficacious splicing modulator into a range of cell lines, primary cells, and tissues. In addition, and in contrast to antisense oligonucleotides, viral delivery of U7 snRNA enables long-term expression of antisense sequences in the nucleus as part of a stable snRNP complex. As a result, VES/VEI has emerged as a promising therapeutic platform for treating a large variety of human diseases caused by errors in pre-mRNA splicing or its regulation. Here we provide an overview of U7 snRNA's natural function and its applications in gene therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Lesman
- Center for Gene Therapy, The Research Institute, Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, Ohio, USA
| | - Yacidzohara Rodriguez
- Center for Gene Therapy, The Research Institute, Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, Ohio, USA
| | - Dhanarajan Rajakumar
- Center for Gene Therapy, The Research Institute, Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, Ohio, USA
| | - Nicolas Wein
- Center for Gene Therapy, The Research Institute, Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, Ohio, USA.,Department of Pediatric, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, USA
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23
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Novel Orthogonally Hydrocarbon-Modified Cell-Penetrating Peptide Nanoparticles Mediate Efficient Delivery of Splice-Switching Antisense Oligonucleotides In Vitro and In Vivo. Biomedicines 2021; 9:biomedicines9081046. [PMID: 34440250 PMCID: PMC8392223 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines9081046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2021] [Revised: 08/09/2021] [Accepted: 08/11/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Splice-switching therapy with splice-switching oligonucleotides (SSOs) has recently proven to be a clinically applicable strategy for the treatment of several mis-splice disorders. Despite this, wider application of SSOs is severely limited by the inherently poor bioavailability of SSO-based therapeutic compounds. Cell-penetrating peptides (CPPs) are a class of drug delivery systems (DDSs) that have recently gained considerable attention for improving the uptake of various oligonucleotide (ON)-based compounds, including SSOs. One strategy that has been successfully applied to develop effective CPP vectors is the introduction of various lipid modifications into the peptide. Here, we repurpose hydrocarbon-modified amino acids used in peptide stapling for the orthogonal introduction of hydrophobic modifications into the CPP structure during peptide synthesis. Our data show that α,α-disubstituted alkenyl-alanines can be successfully utilized to introduce hydrophobic modifications into CPPs to improve their ability to formulate SSOs into nanoparticles (NPs), and to mediate high delivery efficacy and tolerability both in vitro and in vivo. Conclusively, our results offer a new flexible approach for the sequence-specific introduction of hydrophobicity into the structure of CPPs and for improving their delivery properties.
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24
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Yu AM, Tu MJ. Deliver the promise: RNAs as a new class of molecular entities for therapy and vaccination. Pharmacol Ther 2021; 230:107967. [PMID: 34403681 PMCID: PMC9477512 DOI: 10.1016/j.pharmthera.2021.107967] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2021] [Revised: 07/06/2021] [Accepted: 07/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
The concepts of developing RNAs as new molecular entities for therapies have arisen again and again since the discoveries of antisense RNAs, direct RNA-protein interactions, functional noncoding RNAs, and RNA-directed gene editing. The feasibility was demonstrated with the development and utilization of synthetic RNA agents to selectively control target gene expression, modulate protein functions or alter the genome to manage diseases. Rather, RNAs are labile to degradation and cannot cross cell membrane barriers, making it hard to develop RNA medications. With the development of viable RNA technologies, such as chemistry and pharmaceutics, eight antisense oligonucleotides (ASOs) (fomivirsen, mipomersen, eteplirsen, nusinersen, inotersen, golodirsen, viltolarsen and casimersen), one aptamer (pegaptanib), and three small interfering RNAs (siRNAs) (patisiran, givosiran and lumasiran) have been approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for therapies, and two mRNA vaccines (BNT162b2 and mRNA-1273) under Emergency Use Authorization for the prevention of COVID-19. Therefore, RNAs have become a great addition to small molecules, proteins/antibodies, and cell-based modalities to improve the public health. In this article, we first summarize the general characteristics of therapeutic RNA agents, including chemistry, common delivery strategies, mechanisms of actions, and safety. By overviewing individual RNA medications and vaccines approved by the FDA and some agents under development, we illustrate the unique compositions and pharmacological actions of RNA products. A new era of RNA research and development will likely lead to commercialization of more RNA agents for medical use, expanding the range of therapeutic targets and increasing the diversity of molecular modalities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ai-Ming Yu
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, UC Davis School of Medicine, Sacramento, CA 95817, USA.
| | - Mei-Juan Tu
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, UC Davis School of Medicine, Sacramento, CA 95817, USA
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25
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Bizot F, Vulin A, Goyenvalle A. Current Status of Antisense Oligonucleotide-Based Therapy in Neuromuscular Disorders. Drugs 2021; 80:1397-1415. [PMID: 32696107 DOI: 10.1007/s40265-020-01363-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Neuromuscular disorders include a wide range of diseases affecting the peripheral nervous system, which are primarily characterized by progressive muscle weakness and wasting. While there were no effective therapies until recently, several therapeutic approaches have advanced to clinical trials in the past few years. Among these, the antisense technology aiming at modifying RNA processing and function has remarkably progressed and a few antisense oligonucleotides (ASOs) have now been approved. Despite these recent clinical successes, several ASOs have also failed and clinical programs have been suspended, in most cases when the route of administration was systemic, highlighting the existing challenges notably with respect to effective ASO delivery. In this review we summarize the recent advances and current status of antisense based-therapies for neuromuscular disorders, using successful as well as unsuccessful examples to highlight the variability of outcomes depending on the target tissue and route of administration. We describe the different ASO-mediated therapeutic approaches, including splice-switching applications, steric-blocking strategies and targeted gene knock-down mediated by ribonuclease H recruitment. In this overview, we discuss the merits and challenges of the current ASO technology, and discuss the future of ASO development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Flavien Bizot
- Université Paris-Saclay, UVSQ, Inserm, END-ICAP, 78000, Versailles, France
| | - Adeline Vulin
- Université Paris-Saclay, UVSQ, Inserm, END-ICAP, 78000, Versailles, France.,SQY Therapeutics, Université de Versailles St-Quentin, Montigny le Bretonneux, France
| | - Aurélie Goyenvalle
- Université Paris-Saclay, UVSQ, Inserm, END-ICAP, 78000, Versailles, France. .,LIA BAHN, Centre scientifique de Monaco, Monaco, Monaco.
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26
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Abstract
Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is a devastating, rare disease. While clinically described in the 19th century, the genetic foundation of DMD was not discovered until more than 100 years later. This genetic understanding opened the door to the development of genetic treatments for DMD. Over the course of the last 30 years, the research that supports this development has moved into the realm of clinical trials and regulatory drug approvals. Exon skipping to therapeutically restore the frame of an out-of-frame dystrophin mutation has taken center stage in drug development for DMD. The research reviewed here focuses on the clinical development of exon skipping for the treatment of DMD. In addition to the generation of clinical treatments that are being used for patient care, this research sets the stage for future therapeutic development with a focus on increasing efficacy while providing safety and addressing the multi-systemic aspects of DMD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shin'ichi Takeda
- Honorary Director General, National Institute of Neuroscience, National Center of Neurology and Psychiatry (NCNP), Kodaira, Japan
| | - Paula R Clemens
- Professor and Vice Chair of VA Affairs, Department of Neurology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Division Chief, Neurology, Medical Service Line, VA Pittsburgh Healthcare System, Pittsburgh, PA USA
| | - Eric P Hoffman
- Professor, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Binghamton University - State University of New York, Binghamton, NY USA
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Gaina G, Popa (Gruianu) A. Muscular dystrophy: Experimental animal models and therapeutic approaches (Review). Exp Ther Med 2021; 21:610. [PMID: 33936267 PMCID: PMC8082581 DOI: 10.3892/etm.2021.10042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2020] [Accepted: 10/19/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The muscular dystrophies are a heterogeneous group of genetically inherited diseases characterized by muscle weakness and progressive wasting, which can cause premature death in severe forms. Although >30 years have passed since the identification of the first protein involved in a type of muscular dystrophy, there is no effective treatment for these disabling disorders. In the last decade, several novel therapeutic approaches have been developed and investigated as promising therapeutic approaches aimed to ameliorate the dystrophic phenotype either by restoring dystrophin expression or by compensating for dystrophin deficiency. Concurrently, with the development of therapeutic approaches, in addition to naturally occurring animal models, a wide range of genetically engineered animal models has been generated. The use of animals as models of muscular dystrophies has greatly improved the understanding of the pathogenicity of these diseases and has proven useful in gene therapy studies. In this review, we summarize these latest innovative therapeutic approaches to muscular dystrophies and the usefulness of the various most common experimental animal models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gisela Gaina
- Laboratory of Cell Biology, Neuroscience and Experimental Myology, ‘Victor Babes’ National Institute of Pathology, 050096 Bucharest, Romania
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Bucharest, 050095 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Alexandra Popa (Gruianu)
- Laboratory of Cell Biology, Neuroscience and Experimental Myology, ‘Victor Babes’ National Institute of Pathology, 050096 Bucharest, Romania
- Department of Animal Production and Public Health, University of Agronomic Sciences and Veterinary Medicine of Bucharest, 050097 Bucharest, Romania
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From Antisense RNA to RNA Modification: Therapeutic Potential of RNA-Based Technologies. Biomedicines 2021; 9:biomedicines9050550. [PMID: 34068948 PMCID: PMC8156014 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines9050550] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2021] [Revised: 05/07/2021] [Accepted: 05/10/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Therapeutic oligonucleotides interact with a target RNA via Watson-Crick complementarity, affecting RNA-processing reactions such as mRNA degradation, pre-mRNA splicing, or mRNA translation. Since they were proposed decades ago, several have been approved for clinical use to correct genetic mutations. Three types of mechanisms of action (MoA) have emerged: RNase H-dependent degradation of mRNA directed by short chimeric antisense oligonucleotides (gapmers), correction of splicing defects via splice-modulation oligonucleotides, and interference of gene expression via short interfering RNAs (siRNAs). These antisense-based mechanisms can tackle several genetic disorders in a gene-specific manner, primarily by gene downregulation (gapmers and siRNAs) or splicing defects correction (exon-skipping oligos). Still, the challenge remains for the repair at the single-nucleotide level. The emerging field of epitranscriptomics and RNA modifications shows the enormous possibilities for recoding the transcriptome and repairing genetic mutations with high specificity while harnessing endogenously expressed RNA processing machinery. Some of these techniques have been proposed as alternatives to CRISPR-based technologies, where the exogenous gene-editing machinery needs to be delivered and expressed in the human cells to generate permanent (DNA) changes with unknown consequences. Here, we review the current FDA-approved antisense MoA (emphasizing some enabling technologies that contributed to their success) and three novel modalities based on post-transcriptional RNA modifications with therapeutic potential, including ADAR (Adenosine deaminases acting on RNA)-mediated RNA editing, targeted pseudouridylation, and 2′-O-methylation.
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Kupatt C, Windisch A, Moretti A, Wolf E, Wurst W, Walter MC. Genome editing for Duchenne muscular dystrophy: a glimpse of the future? Gene Ther 2021; 28:542-548. [PMID: 33531685 PMCID: PMC8455335 DOI: 10.1038/s41434-021-00222-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2020] [Revised: 12/01/2020] [Accepted: 01/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Mutations in Dystrophin, one of the largest proteins in the mammalian body, are causative for a severe form of muscle disease, Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD), affecting not only skeletal muscle, but also the heart. In particular, exons 45–52 constitute a hotspot for DMD mutations. A variety of molecular therapies have been developed, comprising vectors encoding micro- and minidystrophins as well as utrophin, a protein with partially overlapping functions. With the advent of the CRISPR-Cas9-nuclease, genome editing offers a novel option of correction of the disease-cuasing mutations. Full restoration of the healthy gene by homology directed repair is a rare event. However, non-homologous end-joining (NHEJ) may restore the reading frame by causing exon excision. This approach has first been demonstrated in mice and then translated to large animals (dogs, pigs). This review discusses the potential opportunities and limitations of genome editing in DMD, including the generation of appropriate animal models as well as new developments in genome editing tools.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christian Kupatt
- Klinik und Poliklinik für Innere Medizin I, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technical University Munich, Munich, Germany. .,DZHK (German Center for Cardiovascular Research), Munich Heart Alliance, Munich, Germany.
| | - Alina Windisch
- Klinik und Poliklinik für Innere Medizin I, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technical University Munich, Munich, Germany.,DZHK (German Center for Cardiovascular Research), Munich Heart Alliance, Munich, Germany
| | - Alessandra Moretti
- Klinik und Poliklinik für Innere Medizin I, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technical University Munich, Munich, Germany.,DZHK (German Center for Cardiovascular Research), Munich Heart Alliance, Munich, Germany
| | - Eckhard Wolf
- Chair for Molecular Animal Breeding and Biotechnology, Gene Center and Department of Veterinary Sciences, and Center for Innovative Medical Models (CiMM), LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Wolfgang Wurst
- Institute of Development Genetics, Helmholtz-Centre Munich, Munich, Germany.,German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases, Munich, Munich Cluster for Systems Neurology (SyNergy), Munich, Germany
| | - Maggie C Walter
- Friedrich Baur Institute, Department of Neurology, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
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Kourakis S, Timpani CA, de Haan JB, Gueven N, Fischer D, Rybalka E. Targeting Nrf2 for the treatment of Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy. Redox Biol 2021; 38:101803. [PMID: 33246292 PMCID: PMC7695875 DOI: 10.1016/j.redox.2020.101803] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2020] [Revised: 11/02/2020] [Accepted: 11/15/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Imbalances in redox homeostasis can result in oxidative stress, which is implicated in various pathological conditions including the fatal neuromuscular disease Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD). DMD is a complicated disease, with many druggable targets at the cellular and molecular level including calcium-mediated muscle degeneration; mitochondrial dysfunction; oxidative stress; inflammation; insufficient muscle regeneration and dysregulated protein and organelle maintenance. Previous investigative therapeutics tended to isolate and focus on just one of these targets and, consequently, therapeutic activity has been limited. Nuclear erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) is a transcription factor that upregulates many cytoprotective gene products in response to oxidants and other toxic stressors. Unlike other strategies, targeted Nrf2 activation has the potential to simultaneously modulate separate pathological features of DMD to amplify therapeutic benefits. Here, we review the literature providing theoretical context for targeting Nrf2 as a disease modifying treatment against DMD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephanie Kourakis
- College of Health and Biomedicine, Victoria University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.
| | - Cara A Timpani
- Institute for Health and Sport, Victoria University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia; Australian Institute for Musculoskeletal Science, Victoria University, St Albans, Victoria, Australia.
| | - Judy B de Haan
- Oxidative Stress Laboratory, Basic Science Domain, Baker Heart and Diabetes Institute, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia; Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Microbiology, La Trobe University, Melbourne, Australia.
| | - Nuri Gueven
- School of Pharmacy and Pharmacology, University of Tasmania, Hobart, Tasmania, Australia.
| | - Dirk Fischer
- Division of Developmental- and Neuropediatrics, University Children's Hospital Basel (UKBB), University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland.
| | - Emma Rybalka
- College of Health and Biomedicine, Victoria University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia; Institute for Health and Sport, Victoria University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia; Australian Institute for Musculoskeletal Science, Victoria University, St Albans, Victoria, Australia.
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[Expert recommendation: treatment of nonambulatory patients with Duchenne muscular dystrophy]. DER NERVENARZT 2020; 92:359-366. [PMID: 33215271 PMCID: PMC8026471 DOI: 10.1007/s00115-020-01019-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/28/2020] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is the most frequent genetic neuromuscular disease in childhood with loss of ambulation usually occurring around the age of 9-11 years. OBJECTIVE, MATERIAL AND METHODS Based on current guidelines and clinical trials, neuropediatric and neurological experts developed recommendations for the treatment of nonambulatory DMD patients focusing on drug treatment of adults. This advisory board was sponsored by PTC Therapeutics, the distributers of the substance ataluren. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION Loss of ambulation is heterogeneously defined across clinical trials. Among others, the need of a wheelchair, ambulation without mobility aids or maximum walking distance can be suitable parameters for assessment. Treatment of DMD patients at any stage of the disease is based on supportive and symptomatic measures, which should be continued after loss of ambulation. In addition, disease-modifying drugs are available for the treatment of DMD and glucocorticoids are the usual standard of care treatment even beyond the loss of ambulation. Ataluren, a potentially dystrophin restorative, disease-modifying treatment, has been approved for patients with DMD due to a nonsense mutation (nmDMD), which applies to approximately 13% of DMD patients and is usually combined with steroids. Clinical data from the STRIDE registry demonstrated a delayed disease progression even after loss of ambulation. Currently, no reliable data are available for exon skipping approaches in adult DMD patients. The antioxidant idebenone could be an option in nonambulant adolescent patients not treated with glucocorticoids and without other therapeutic options. A combination treatment of idebenone and glucocorticoids is currently being investigated in a clinical trial. Add-on treatment with idebenone in addition to ataluren may be considered for nonambulant nmDMD patients. Some of the discussed treatment options are still in clinical trials or there are not enough data for older DMD patients; therefore, these expert recommendations correspond to evidence class IV.
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Abstract
Over a thousand diseases are caused by mutations that alter gene expression levels. The potential of nuclease-deficient zinc fingers, TALEs or CRISPR fusion systems to treat these diseases by modulating gene expression has recently emerged. These systems can be applied to modify the activity of gene-regulatory elements - promoters, enhancers, silencers and insulators, subsequently changing their target gene expression levels to achieve therapeutic benefits - an approach termed cis-regulation therapy (CRT). Here, we review emerging CRT technologies and assess their therapeutic potential for treating a wide range of diseases caused by abnormal gene dosage. The challenges facing the translation of CRT into the clinic are discussed.
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Yu AM, Choi YH, Tu MJ. RNA Drugs and RNA Targets for Small Molecules: Principles, Progress, and Challenges. Pharmacol Rev 2020; 72:862-898. [PMID: 32929000 PMCID: PMC7495341 DOI: 10.1124/pr.120.019554] [Citation(s) in RCA: 189] [Impact Index Per Article: 47.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
RNA-based therapies, including RNA molecules as drugs and RNA-targeted small molecules, offer unique opportunities to expand the range of therapeutic targets. Various forms of RNAs may be used to selectively act on proteins, transcripts, and genes that cannot be targeted by conventional small molecules or proteins. Although development of RNA drugs faces unparalleled challenges, many strategies have been developed to improve RNA metabolic stability and intracellular delivery. A number of RNA drugs have been approved for medical use, including aptamers (e.g., pegaptanib) that mechanistically act on protein target and small interfering RNAs (e.g., patisiran and givosiran) and antisense oligonucleotides (e.g., inotersen and golodirsen) that directly interfere with RNA targets. Furthermore, guide RNAs are essential components of novel gene editing modalities, and mRNA therapeutics are under development for protein replacement therapy or vaccination, including those against unprecedented severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus pandemic. Moreover, functional RNAs or RNA motifs are highly structured to form binding pockets or clefts that are accessible by small molecules. Many natural, semisynthetic, or synthetic antibiotics (e.g., aminoglycosides, tetracyclines, macrolides, oxazolidinones, and phenicols) can directly bind to ribosomal RNAs to achieve the inhibition of bacterial infections. Therefore, there is growing interest in developing RNA-targeted small-molecule drugs amenable to oral administration, and some (e.g., risdiplam and branaplam) have entered clinical trials. Here, we review the pharmacology of novel RNA drugs and RNA-targeted small-molecule medications, with a focus on recent progresses and strategies. Challenges in the development of novel druggable RNA entities and identification of viable RNA targets and selective small-molecule binders are discussed. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT: With the understanding of RNA functions and critical roles in diseases, as well as the development of RNA-related technologies, there is growing interest in developing novel RNA-based therapeutics. This comprehensive review presents pharmacology of both RNA drugs and RNA-targeted small-molecule medications, focusing on novel mechanisms of action, the most recent progress, and existing challenges.
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MESH Headings
- Aptamers, Nucleotide/pharmacology
- Aptamers, Nucleotide/therapeutic use
- Betacoronavirus
- COVID-19
- Chemistry Techniques, Analytical/methods
- Chemistry Techniques, Analytical/standards
- Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats
- Coronavirus Infections/drug therapy
- Drug Delivery Systems/methods
- Drug Development/organization & administration
- Drug Discovery
- Humans
- MicroRNAs/pharmacology
- MicroRNAs/therapeutic use
- Oligonucleotides, Antisense/pharmacology
- Oligonucleotides, Antisense/therapeutic use
- Pandemics
- Pneumonia, Viral/drug therapy
- RNA/adverse effects
- RNA/drug effects
- RNA/pharmacology
- RNA, Antisense/pharmacology
- RNA, Antisense/therapeutic use
- RNA, Messenger/drug effects
- RNA, Messenger/pharmacology
- RNA, Ribosomal/drug effects
- RNA, Ribosomal/pharmacology
- RNA, Small Interfering/pharmacology
- RNA, Small Interfering/therapeutic use
- RNA, Viral/drug effects
- Ribonucleases/metabolism
- Riboswitch/drug effects
- SARS-CoV-2
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Affiliation(s)
- Ai-Ming Yu
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, UC Davis School of Medicine, Sacramento, California (A.-M.Y., Y.H.C., M.-J.T.) and College of Pharmacy and Integrated Research Institute for Drug Development, Dongguk University-Seoul, Goyang-si, Gyonggi-do, Republic of Korea (Y.H.C.)
| | - Young Hee Choi
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, UC Davis School of Medicine, Sacramento, California (A.-M.Y., Y.H.C., M.-J.T.) and College of Pharmacy and Integrated Research Institute for Drug Development, Dongguk University-Seoul, Goyang-si, Gyonggi-do, Republic of Korea (Y.H.C.)
| | - Mei-Juan Tu
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, UC Davis School of Medicine, Sacramento, California (A.-M.Y., Y.H.C., M.-J.T.) and College of Pharmacy and Integrated Research Institute for Drug Development, Dongguk University-Seoul, Goyang-si, Gyonggi-do, Republic of Korea (Y.H.C.)
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"Betwixt Mine Eye and Heart a League Is Took": The Progress of Induced Pluripotent Stem-Cell-Based Models of Dystrophin-Associated Cardiomyopathy. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21196997. [PMID: 32977524 PMCID: PMC7582534 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21196997] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2020] [Revised: 09/17/2020] [Accepted: 09/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The ultimate goal of precision disease modeling is to artificially recreate the disease of affected people in a highly controllable and adaptable external environment. This field has rapidly advanced which is evident from the application of patient-specific pluripotent stem-cell-derived precision therapies in numerous clinical trials aimed at a diverse set of diseases such as macular degeneration, heart disease, spinal cord injury, graft-versus-host disease, and muscular dystrophy. Despite the existence of semi-adequate treatments for tempering skeletal muscle degeneration in dystrophic patients, nonischemic cardiomyopathy remains one of the primary causes of death. Therefore, cardiovascular cells derived from muscular dystrophy patients' induced pluripotent stem cells are well suited to mimic dystrophin-associated cardiomyopathy and hold great promise for the development of future fully effective therapies. The purpose of this article is to convey the realities of employing precision disease models of dystrophin-associated cardiomyopathy. This is achieved by discussing, as suggested in the title echoing William Shakespeare's words, the settlements (or "leagues") made by researchers to manage the constraints ("betwixt mine eye and heart") distancing them from achieving a perfect precision disease model.
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Jaudon F, Baldassari S, Musante I, Thalhammer A, Zara F, Cingolani LA. Targeting Alternative Splicing as a Potential Therapy for Episodic Ataxia Type 2. Biomedicines 2020; 8:E332. [PMID: 32899500 PMCID: PMC7555146 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines8090332] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2020] [Revised: 09/01/2020] [Accepted: 09/04/2020] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Episodic ataxia type 2 (EA2) is an autosomal dominant neurological disorder characterized by paroxysmal attacks of ataxia, vertigo, and nausea that usually last hours to days. It is caused by loss-of-function mutations in CACNA1A, the gene encoding the pore-forming α1 subunit of P/Q-type voltage-gated Ca2+ channels. Although pharmacological treatments, such as acetazolamide and 4-aminopyridine, exist for EA2, they do not reduce or control the symptoms in all patients. CACNA1A is heavily spliced and some of the identified EA2 mutations are predicted to disrupt selective isoforms of this gene. Modulating splicing of CACNA1A may therefore represent a promising new strategy to develop improved EA2 therapies. Because RNA splicing is dysregulated in many other genetic diseases, several tools, such as antisense oligonucleotides, trans-splicing, and CRISPR-based strategies, have been developed for medical purposes. Here, we review splicing-based strategies used for genetic disorders, including those for Duchenne muscular dystrophy, spinal muscular dystrophy, and frontotemporal dementia with Parkinsonism linked to chromosome 17, and discuss their potential applicability to EA2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fanny Jaudon
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Trieste, 34127 Trieste, Italy;
| | - Simona Baldassari
- Unit of Medical Genetics, IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini, 16147 Genoa, Italy; (S.B.); (I.M.); (F.Z.)
| | - Ilaria Musante
- Unit of Medical Genetics, IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini, 16147 Genoa, Italy; (S.B.); (I.M.); (F.Z.)
- Department of Neurosciences, Rehabilitation, Ophthalmology, Genetics, Maternal and Child Health (DINOGMI), University of Genoa, 16126 Genoa, Italy
| | - Agnes Thalhammer
- Center for Synaptic Neuroscience and Technology, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia (IIT), 16132 Genoa, Italy;
- IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, 16132 Genoa, Italy
| | - Federico Zara
- Unit of Medical Genetics, IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini, 16147 Genoa, Italy; (S.B.); (I.M.); (F.Z.)
- Department of Neurosciences, Rehabilitation, Ophthalmology, Genetics, Maternal and Child Health (DINOGMI), University of Genoa, 16126 Genoa, Italy
| | - Lorenzo A. Cingolani
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Trieste, 34127 Trieste, Italy;
- Center for Synaptic Neuroscience and Technology, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia (IIT), 16132 Genoa, Italy;
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Mutation Spectrum of Dystrophinopathies in India: Implications for Therapy. Indian J Pediatr 2020; 87:495-504. [PMID: 32358784 DOI: 10.1007/s12098-020-03286-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2019] [Accepted: 03/31/2020] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Dystrophinopathies are common X-linked recessive neuromuscular disorders caused by pathogenic variants in the dystrophin gene (DMD). Analysis of the mutational spectrum in the Indian patients would be useful for confirming the diagnosis, provide genetic counseling, offer reproductive options, and importantly to determine the eligibility for the mutation-specific therapies currently approved/or undergoing trials, such as skipping of specific exons or read-through of stop codon. METHODS In 1660 patients diagnosed as Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) /Becker muscular dystrophy (BMD) deletion- duplication analysis of all 79 exons was carried out using Multiplex ligation-dependent probe amplification (MLPA) technology. In 63 patients where no mutations were detected by MLPA, the nucleotide sequence of the DMD gene was determined by next gene sequencing. In seven cases where MLPA showed deletion of a single exon, and amplification of the specific exon was successful by polymerase chain reaction (PCR), Sanger sequencing of the concerned region was carried out to detect changes in the sequence. RESULTS The mutation spectrum of 1660 patients with DMD/BMD was determined and 1188 (71.6%) patients were identified to have deletions or duplications of one or more exons. Of these, 1090 (65.7%) had true deletions of exons and 98 (5.9%) had duplications of exons. The most frequent change was the deletion of exon 45 (66/1090, 6.1%) and duplication of exon 2 (1/98, 11.2%). Sequencing of dystrophin gene was performed in 70 cases, and variants were identified in 68 patients (97.1% of those analyzed). Stop codon variants were observed in 34 (50%) patients, missense variants in 4 (5.9%), small deletions in 19 (27.9%), small insertions in 6 (8.8%) and slice site variants in 5 (7.4%) patients. Thirty one of 68 variants (45.5%) were novel. CONCLUSIONS The authors highlight the importance of identifying the type of mutation in patients with DMD. Based on the results, it is estimated that 681 (54.2%) of 1256 patients in this cohort would benefit from the currently ongoing mutation-specific therapies.
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Scaglioni D, Ellis M, Catapano F, Torelli S, Chambers D, Feng L, Sewry C, Morgan J, Muntoni F, Phadke R. A high-throughput digital script for multiplexed immunofluorescent analysis and quantification of sarcolemmal and sarcomeric proteins in muscular dystrophies. Acta Neuropathol Commun 2020; 8:53. [PMID: 32303261 PMCID: PMC7165405 DOI: 10.1186/s40478-020-00918-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2020] [Accepted: 03/16/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
The primary molecular endpoint for many Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) clinical trials is the induction, or increase in production, of dystrophin protein in striated muscle. For accurate endpoint analysis, it is essential to have reliable, robust and objective quantification methodologies capable of detecting subtle changes in dystrophin expression. In this work, we present further development and optimisation of an automated, digital, high-throughput script for quantitative analysis of multiplexed immunofluorescent (IF) whole slide images (WSI) of dystrophin, dystrophin associated proteins (DAPs) and regenerating myofibres (fetal/developmental myosin-positive) in transverse sections of DMD, Becker muscular dystrophy (BMD) and control skeletal muscle biopsies. The script enables extensive automated assessment of myofibre morphometrics, protein quantification by fluorescence intensity and sarcolemmal circumference coverage, colocalisation data for dystrophin and DAPs and regeneration at the single myofibre and whole section level. Analysis revealed significant variation in dystrophin intensity, percentage coverage and amounts of DAPs between differing DMD and BMD samples. Accurate identification of dystrophin via a novel background subtraction method allowed differential assessment of DAP fluorescence intensity within dystrophin positive compared to dystrophin negative sarcolemma regions. This enabled surrogate quantification of molecular functionality of dystrophin in the assembly of the DAP complex. Overall, the digital script is capable of multiparametric and unbiased analysis of markers of myofibre regeneration and dystrophin in relation to key DAPs and enabled better characterisation of the heterogeneity in dystrophin expression patterns seen in BMD and DMD alongside the surrogate assessment of molecular functionality of dystrophin. Both these aspects will be of significant relevance to ongoing and future DMD and other muscular dystrophies clinical trials to help benchmark therapeutic efficacy.
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Quemener AM, Bachelot L, Forestier A, Donnou-Fournet E, Gilot D, Galibert MD. The powerful world of antisense oligonucleotides: From bench to bedside. WILEY INTERDISCIPLINARY REVIEWS-RNA 2020; 11:e1594. [PMID: 32233021 PMCID: PMC9285911 DOI: 10.1002/wrna.1594] [Citation(s) in RCA: 128] [Impact Index Per Article: 32.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2019] [Revised: 02/12/2020] [Accepted: 02/26/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Antisense oligonucleotides (ASOs) represent a new and highly promising class of drugs for personalized medicine. In the last decade, major chemical developments and improvements of the backbone structure of ASOs have transformed them into true approved and commercialized drugs. ASOs target both DNA and RNA, including pre‐mRNA, mRNA, and ncRDA, based on sequence complementary. They are designed to be specific for each identified molecular and genetic alteration to restore a normal, physiological situation. Thus, the characterization of the underpinning mechanisms and alterations that sustain pathology is critical for accurate ASO‐design. ASOs can be used to cure both rare and common diseases, such as orphan genetic alterations and cancer. Through pioneering examples, this review shows the versatility of the mechanisms of action that provide ASOs with the potential capacity to achieve custom treatment, revolutionizing personalized medicine. This article is categorized under:RNA in Disease and Development > RNA in Disease RNA Interactions with Proteins and Other Molecules > Small Molecule–RNA Interactions
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Affiliation(s)
- Anaïs M Quemener
- Univ Rennes, CNRS, IGDR (Institut de Génétique et Développement de Rennes)-UMR6290, ARC Foundation Labellized Team, Rennes, France
| | - Laura Bachelot
- Univ Rennes, CNRS, IGDR (Institut de Génétique et Développement de Rennes)-UMR6290, ARC Foundation Labellized Team, Rennes, France
| | - Anne Forestier
- Univ Rennes, CNRS, IGDR (Institut de Génétique et Développement de Rennes)-UMR6290, ARC Foundation Labellized Team, Rennes, France
| | - Emmanuelle Donnou-Fournet
- Univ Rennes, CNRS, IGDR (Institut de Génétique et Développement de Rennes)-UMR6290, ARC Foundation Labellized Team, Rennes, France
| | - David Gilot
- Univ Rennes, CNRS, IGDR (Institut de Génétique et Développement de Rennes)-UMR6290, ARC Foundation Labellized Team, Rennes, France
| | - Marie-Dominique Galibert
- Univ Rennes, CNRS, IGDR (Institut de Génétique et Développement de Rennes)-UMR6290, ARC Foundation Labellized Team, Rennes, France.,Department of Molecular Genetics and Genomic, CHU Rennes, Hospital-University of Rennes, Rennes, France
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Wang M, Wu B, Tucker JD, Shah SN, Lu P, Lu Q. Triazine-cored polymeric vectors for antisense oligonucleotide delivery in vitro and in vivo. J Nanobiotechnology 2020; 18:34. [PMID: 32070342 PMCID: PMC7029474 DOI: 10.1186/s12951-020-0586-8] [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: 07/05/2019] [Accepted: 01/29/2020] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The polymer-based drug/gene delivery is promising for the treatment of inherent or acquire disease, because of the polymer's structural flexibility, larger capacity for therapeutic agent, low host immunogenicity and less cost. Antisense therapy is an approach to fighting genetic disorders or infections using antisense oligonucleotides (AOs). Unfortunately, the naked AOs showed low therapeutic efficacy in vivo and in clinical trial due to their poor cellular uptake and fast clearance in bloodstream. In this study, a series of triazine-cored amphiphilic polymers (TAPs) were investigated for their potential to enhance delivery of AOs, 2'-O-methyl phosphorothioate RNA (2'-OMePS) and phosphorodiamidate morpholino oligomer (PMO) both in vitro and in vivo. RESULTS TAPs significantly enhanced AO-induced exon-skipping in a GFP reporter-based myoblast and myotube culture system, and observed cytotoxicity of the TAPs were lower than Endoporter, Lipofectamine-2000 or PEI 25K. Application of optimized formulations of TAPs with AO targeted to dystrophin exon 23 demonstrated a significant increase in exon-skipping efficiency in dystrophic mdx mice. The best ones for PMO and 2'-OMePS delivery have reached to 11-, 15-fold compared with the AO only in mdx mice, respectively. CONCLUSION The study of triazine-cored amphiphilic polymers for AO delivery in vitro and in mdx mice indicated that the carrier's performances are related to the molecular size, compositions and hydrophilic-lipophilic balance (HLB) of the polymers, as well as the AO's structure. Improved exon-skipping efficiency of AOs observed in vitro and in mdx mice accompanied with low cytotoxicity demonstrated TAP polymers are potentials as safe and effective delivery carrier for gene/drug delivery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mingxing Wang
- McColl-Lockwood Laboratory for Muscular Dystrophy Research, Carolinas Medical Center, 1000 Blythe Blvd., Charlotte, NC, 28231, USA.
| | - Bo Wu
- McColl-Lockwood Laboratory for Muscular Dystrophy Research, Carolinas Medical Center, 1000 Blythe Blvd., Charlotte, NC, 28231, USA
| | - Jason D Tucker
- McColl-Lockwood Laboratory for Muscular Dystrophy Research, Carolinas Medical Center, 1000 Blythe Blvd., Charlotte, NC, 28231, USA
| | - Sapana N Shah
- McColl-Lockwood Laboratory for Muscular Dystrophy Research, Carolinas Medical Center, 1000 Blythe Blvd., Charlotte, NC, 28231, USA
| | - Peijuan Lu
- McColl-Lockwood Laboratory for Muscular Dystrophy Research, Carolinas Medical Center, 1000 Blythe Blvd., Charlotte, NC, 28231, USA
| | - Qilong Lu
- McColl-Lockwood Laboratory for Muscular Dystrophy Research, Carolinas Medical Center, 1000 Blythe Blvd., Charlotte, NC, 28231, USA
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Moretti A, Fonteyne L, Giesert F, Hoppmann P, Meier AB, Bozoglu T, Baehr A, Schneider CM, Sinnecker D, Klett K, Fröhlich T, Rahman FA, Haufe T, Sun S, Jurisch V, Kessler B, Hinkel R, Dirschinger R, Martens E, Jilek C, Graf A, Krebs S, Santamaria G, Kurome M, Zakhartchenko V, Campbell B, Voelse K, Wolf A, Ziegler T, Reichert S, Lee S, Flenkenthaler F, Dorn T, Jeremias I, Blum H, Dendorfer A, Schnieke A, Krause S, Walter MC, Klymiuk N, Laugwitz KL, Wolf E, Wurst W, Kupatt C. Somatic gene editing ameliorates skeletal and cardiac muscle failure in pig and human models of Duchenne muscular dystrophy. Nat Med 2020; 26:207-214. [PMID: 31988462 PMCID: PMC7212064 DOI: 10.1038/s41591-019-0738-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 150] [Impact Index Per Article: 37.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2019] [Accepted: 12/11/2019] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Frameshift mutations in the DMD gene, encoding dystrophin, cause Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD), leading to terminal muscle and heart failure in patients. Somatic gene editing by sequence-specific nucleases offers new options for restoring the DMD reading frame, resulting in expression of a shortened but largely functional dystrophin protein. Here, we validated this approach in a pig model of DMD lacking exon 52 of DMD (DMDΔ52), as well as in a corresponding patient-derived induced pluripotent stem cell model. In DMDΔ52 pigs1, intramuscular injection of adeno-associated viral vectors of serotype 9 carrying an intein-split Cas9 (ref. 2) and a pair of guide RNAs targeting sequences flanking exon 51 (AAV9-Cas9-gE51) induced expression of a shortened dystrophin (DMDΔ51-52) and improved skeletal muscle function. Moreover, systemic application of AAV9-Cas9-gE51 led to widespread dystrophin expression in muscle, including diaphragm and heart, prolonging survival and reducing arrhythmogenic vulnerability. Similarly, in induced pluripotent stem cell-derived myoblasts and cardiomyocytes of a patient lacking DMDΔ52, AAV6-Cas9-g51-mediated excision of exon 51 restored dystrophin expression and amelioreate skeletal myotube formation as well as abnormal cardiomyocyte Ca2+ handling and arrhythmogenic susceptibility. The ability of Cas9-mediated exon excision to improve DMD pathology in these translational models paves the way for new treatment approaches in patients with this devastating disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Moretti
- Klinik und Poliklinik für Innere Medizin I, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technical University Munich and German Center for Cardiovascular Research (DZHK), Munich Heart Alliance, Munich, Germany.
| | - L Fonteyne
- Chair for Molecular Animal Breeding and Biotechnology, Gene Center and Department of Veterinary Sciences, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - F Giesert
- Institute of Developmental Genetics, Helmholtz Centre and Munich School of Life Sciences Weihenstephan, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - P Hoppmann
- Klinik und Poliklinik für Innere Medizin I, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technical University Munich and German Center for Cardiovascular Research (DZHK), Munich Heart Alliance, Munich, Germany
| | - A B Meier
- Klinik und Poliklinik für Innere Medizin I, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technical University Munich and German Center for Cardiovascular Research (DZHK), Munich Heart Alliance, Munich, Germany
| | - T Bozoglu
- Klinik und Poliklinik für Innere Medizin I, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technical University Munich and German Center for Cardiovascular Research (DZHK), Munich Heart Alliance, Munich, Germany
| | - A Baehr
- Klinik und Poliklinik für Innere Medizin I, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technical University Munich and German Center for Cardiovascular Research (DZHK), Munich Heart Alliance, Munich, Germany
| | - C M Schneider
- Klinik und Poliklinik für Innere Medizin I, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technical University Munich and German Center for Cardiovascular Research (DZHK), Munich Heart Alliance, Munich, Germany
| | - D Sinnecker
- Klinik und Poliklinik für Innere Medizin I, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technical University Munich and German Center for Cardiovascular Research (DZHK), Munich Heart Alliance, Munich, Germany
| | - K Klett
- Klinik und Poliklinik für Innere Medizin I, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technical University Munich and German Center for Cardiovascular Research (DZHK), Munich Heart Alliance, Munich, Germany
| | - T Fröhlich
- Chair for Molecular Animal Breeding and Biotechnology, Gene Center and Department of Veterinary Sciences, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
- Laboratory for Functional Genome Analysis (LAFUGA), Gene Center, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - F Abdel Rahman
- Klinik und Poliklinik für Innere Medizin I, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technical University Munich and German Center for Cardiovascular Research (DZHK), Munich Heart Alliance, Munich, Germany
| | - T Haufe
- Klinik und Poliklinik für Innere Medizin I, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technical University Munich and German Center for Cardiovascular Research (DZHK), Munich Heart Alliance, Munich, Germany
| | - S Sun
- Klinik und Poliklinik für Innere Medizin I, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technical University Munich and German Center for Cardiovascular Research (DZHK), Munich Heart Alliance, Munich, Germany
| | - V Jurisch
- Klinik und Poliklinik für Innere Medizin I, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technical University Munich and German Center for Cardiovascular Research (DZHK), Munich Heart Alliance, Munich, Germany
| | - B Kessler
- Chair for Molecular Animal Breeding and Biotechnology, Gene Center and Department of Veterinary Sciences, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
- Laboratory for Functional Genome Analysis (LAFUGA), Gene Center, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - R Hinkel
- Klinik und Poliklinik für Innere Medizin I, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technical University Munich and German Center for Cardiovascular Research (DZHK), Munich Heart Alliance, Munich, Germany
| | - R Dirschinger
- Klinik und Poliklinik für Innere Medizin I, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technical University Munich and German Center for Cardiovascular Research (DZHK), Munich Heart Alliance, Munich, Germany
| | - E Martens
- Klinik und Poliklinik für Innere Medizin I, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technical University Munich and German Center for Cardiovascular Research (DZHK), Munich Heart Alliance, Munich, Germany
| | - C Jilek
- Klinik und Poliklinik für Innere Medizin I, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technical University Munich and German Center for Cardiovascular Research (DZHK), Munich Heart Alliance, Munich, Germany
| | - A Graf
- Chair for Molecular Animal Breeding and Biotechnology, Gene Center and Department of Veterinary Sciences, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
- Laboratory for Functional Genome Analysis (LAFUGA), Gene Center, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - S Krebs
- Chair for Molecular Animal Breeding and Biotechnology, Gene Center and Department of Veterinary Sciences, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
- Laboratory for Functional Genome Analysis (LAFUGA), Gene Center, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - G Santamaria
- Klinik und Poliklinik für Innere Medizin I, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technical University Munich and German Center for Cardiovascular Research (DZHK), Munich Heart Alliance, Munich, Germany
| | - M Kurome
- Chair for Molecular Animal Breeding and Biotechnology, Gene Center and Department of Veterinary Sciences, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
- Laboratory for Functional Genome Analysis (LAFUGA), Gene Center, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - V Zakhartchenko
- Chair for Molecular Animal Breeding and Biotechnology, Gene Center and Department of Veterinary Sciences, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
- Laboratory for Functional Genome Analysis (LAFUGA), Gene Center, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - B Campbell
- Klinik und Poliklinik für Innere Medizin I, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technical University Munich and German Center for Cardiovascular Research (DZHK), Munich Heart Alliance, Munich, Germany
| | - K Voelse
- Reseach Unit Apoptosis in Hemopoietic Stem Cells, Helmholtz Zentrum München, German Center for Environmental Health (HMGU), Munich, Germany
| | - A Wolf
- Klinik und Poliklinik für Innere Medizin I, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technical University Munich and German Center for Cardiovascular Research (DZHK), Munich Heart Alliance, Munich, Germany
| | - T Ziegler
- Klinik und Poliklinik für Innere Medizin I, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technical University Munich and German Center for Cardiovascular Research (DZHK), Munich Heart Alliance, Munich, Germany
| | - S Reichert
- Department of Neurology, Friedrich Baur Institute, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - S Lee
- Klinik und Poliklinik für Innere Medizin I, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technical University Munich and German Center for Cardiovascular Research (DZHK), Munich Heart Alliance, Munich, Germany
| | - F Flenkenthaler
- Chair for Molecular Animal Breeding and Biotechnology, Gene Center and Department of Veterinary Sciences, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
- Laboratory for Functional Genome Analysis (LAFUGA), Gene Center, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - T Dorn
- Klinik und Poliklinik für Innere Medizin I, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technical University Munich and German Center for Cardiovascular Research (DZHK), Munich Heart Alliance, Munich, Germany
| | - I Jeremias
- Reseach Unit Apoptosis in Hemopoietic Stem Cells, Helmholtz Zentrum München, German Center for Environmental Health (HMGU), Munich, Germany
| | - H Blum
- Chair for Molecular Animal Breeding and Biotechnology, Gene Center and Department of Veterinary Sciences, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
- Laboratory for Functional Genome Analysis (LAFUGA), Gene Center, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - A Dendorfer
- Walter Brendel Centre of Experimental Medicine, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - A Schnieke
- Chair of Livestock Biotechnology, School of Life Sciences Weihenstephan, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - S Krause
- Department of Neurology, Friedrich Baur Institute, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - M C Walter
- Department of Neurology, Friedrich Baur Institute, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - N Klymiuk
- Chair for Molecular Animal Breeding and Biotechnology, Gene Center and Department of Veterinary Sciences, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
- Laboratory for Functional Genome Analysis (LAFUGA), Gene Center, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - K L Laugwitz
- Klinik und Poliklinik für Innere Medizin I, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technical University Munich and German Center for Cardiovascular Research (DZHK), Munich Heart Alliance, Munich, Germany
| | - E Wolf
- Chair for Molecular Animal Breeding and Biotechnology, Gene Center and Department of Veterinary Sciences, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
- Laboratory for Functional Genome Analysis (LAFUGA), Gene Center, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - W Wurst
- Institute of Developmental Genetics, Helmholtz Centre and Munich School of Life Sciences Weihenstephan, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases, Munich Cluster for Systems Neurology (SyNergy), Munich, Germany
| | - C Kupatt
- Klinik und Poliklinik für Innere Medizin I, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technical University Munich and German Center for Cardiovascular Research (DZHK), Munich Heart Alliance, Munich, Germany.
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Bajan S, Hutvagner G. RNA-Based Therapeutics: From Antisense Oligonucleotides to miRNAs. Cells 2020; 9:E137. [PMID: 31936122 PMCID: PMC7016530 DOI: 10.3390/cells9010137] [Citation(s) in RCA: 236] [Impact Index Per Article: 59.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2019] [Revised: 12/23/2019] [Accepted: 12/30/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The first therapeutic nucleic acid, a DNA oligonucleotide, was approved for clinical use in 1998. Twenty years later, in 2018, the first therapeutic RNA-based oligonucleotide was United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved. This promises to be a rapidly expanding market, as many emerging biopharmaceutical companies are developing RNA interference (RNAi)-based, and RNA-based antisense oligonucleotide therapies. However, miRNA therapeutics are noticeably absent. miRNAs are regulatory RNAs that regulate gene expression. In disease states, the expression of many miRNAs is measurably altered. The potential of miRNAs as therapies and therapeutic targets has long been discussed and in the context of a wide variety of infections and diseases. Despite the great number of studies identifying miRNAs as potential therapeutic targets, only a handful of miRNA-targeting drugs (mimics or inhibitors) have entered clinical trials. In this review, we will discuss whether the investment in finding potential miRNA therapeutic targets has yielded feasible and practicable results, the benefits and obstacles of miRNAs as therapeutic targets, and the potential future of the field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Bajan
- Faculty of Science, University of Technology Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2000, Australia
- Health and Sport Science, University of Sunshine Coast, Sunshine Coast, QLD 4556, Australia
| | - Gyorgy Hutvagner
- School of Biomedical Engineering Faculty of Engineering and Information Technology, University of Technology Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2000, Australia
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42
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Bell SC, Mall MA, Gutierrez H, Macek M, Madge S, Davies JC, Burgel PR, Tullis E, Castaños C, Castellani C, Byrnes CA, Cathcart F, Chotirmall SH, Cosgriff R, Eichler I, Fajac I, Goss CH, Drevinek P, Farrell PM, Gravelle AM, Havermans T, Mayer-Hamblett N, Kashirskaya N, Kerem E, Mathew JL, McKone EF, Naehrlich L, Nasr SZ, Oates GR, O'Neill C, Pypops U, Raraigh KS, Rowe SM, Southern KW, Sivam S, Stephenson AL, Zampoli M, Ratjen F. The future of cystic fibrosis care: a global perspective. THE LANCET. RESPIRATORY MEDICINE 2020; 8:65-124. [PMID: 31570318 PMCID: PMC8862661 DOI: 10.1016/s2213-2600(19)30337-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 548] [Impact Index Per Article: 137.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2019] [Revised: 07/19/2019] [Accepted: 08/14/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
The past six decades have seen remarkable improvements in health outcomes for people with cystic fibrosis, which was once a fatal disease of infants and young children. However, although life expectancy for people with cystic fibrosis has increased substantially, the disease continues to limit survival and quality of life, and results in a large burden of care for people with cystic fibrosis and their families. Furthermore, epidemiological studies in the past two decades have shown that cystic fibrosis occurs and is more frequent than was previously thought in populations of non-European descent, and the disease is now recognised in many regions of the world. The Lancet Respiratory Medicine Commission on the future of cystic fibrosis care was established at a time of great change in the clinical care of people with the disease, with a growing population of adult patients, widespread genetic testing supporting the diagnosis of cystic fibrosis, and the development of therapies targeting defects in the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR), which are likely to affect the natural trajectory of the disease. The aim of the Commission was to bring to the attention of patients, health-care professionals, researchers, funders, service providers, and policy makers the various challenges associated with the changing landscape of cystic fibrosis care and the opportunities available for progress, providing a blueprint for the future of cystic fibrosis care. The discovery of the CFTR gene in the late 1980s triggered a surge of basic research that enhanced understanding of the pathophysiology and the genotype-phenotype relationships of this clinically variable disease. Until recently, available treatments could only control symptoms and restrict the complications of cystic fibrosis, but advances in CFTR modulator therapies to address the basic defect of cystic fibrosis have been remarkable and the field is evolving rapidly. However, CFTR modulators approved for use to date are highly expensive, which has prompted questions about the affordability of new treatments and served to emphasise the considerable gap in health outcomes for patients with cystic fibrosis between high-income countries, and low-income and middle-income countries (LMICs). Advances in clinical care have been multifaceted and include earlier diagnosis through the implementation of newborn screening programmes, formalised airway clearance therapy, and reduced malnutrition through the use of effective pancreatic enzyme replacement and a high-energy, high-protein diet. Centre-based care has become the norm in high-income countries, allowing patients to benefit from the skills of expert members of multidisciplinary teams. Pharmacological interventions to address respiratory manifestations now include drugs that target airway mucus and airway surface liquid hydration, and antimicrobial therapies such as antibiotic eradication treatment in early-stage infections and protocols for maintenance therapy of chronic infections. Despite the recent breakthrough with CFTR modulators for cystic fibrosis, the development of novel mucolytic, anti-inflammatory, and anti-infective therapies is likely to remain important, especially for patients with more advanced stages of lung disease. As the median age of patients with cystic fibrosis increases, with a rapid increase in the population of adults living with the disease, complications of cystic fibrosis are becoming increasingly common. Steps need to be taken to ensure that enough highly qualified professionals are present in cystic fibrosis centres to meet the needs of ageing patients, and new technologies need to be adopted to support communication between patients and health-care providers. In considering the future of cystic fibrosis care, the Commission focused on five key areas, which are discussed in this report: the changing epidemiology of cystic fibrosis (section 1); future challenges of clinical care and its delivery (section 2); the building of cystic fibrosis care globally (section 3); novel therapeutics (section 4); and patient engagement (section 5). In panel 1, we summarise key messages of the Commission. The challenges faced by all stakeholders in building and developing cystic fibrosis care globally are substantial, but many opportunities exist for improved care and health outcomes for patients in countries with established cystic fibrosis care programmes, and in LMICs where integrated multidisciplinary care is not available and resources are lacking at present. A concerted effort is needed to ensure that all patients with cystic fibrosis have access to high-quality health care in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Scott C Bell
- Department of Thoracic Medicine, The Prince Charles Hospital, Brisbane, QLD, Australia; QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, QLD, Australia.
| | - Marcus A Mall
- Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin Institute of Health, Berlin, Germany; German Center for Lung Research, Berlin, Germany
| | | | - Milan Macek
- Department of Biology and Medical Genetics, Second Faculty of Medicine, Motol University Hospital, Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Susan Madge
- Royal Brompton and Harefield NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Jane C Davies
- Royal Brompton and Harefield NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK; National Heart and Lung Institute, Imperial College, London, UK
| | - Pierre-Régis Burgel
- Hôpital Cochin, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, Paris, France; Université Paris Descartes, Institut Cochin, Paris, France
| | - Elizabeth Tullis
- St Michael's Hospital, Toronto, ON, Canada; University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Claudio Castaños
- Hospital de Pediatria "Juan P Garrahan", Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Carlo Castellani
- Cystic Fibrosis Centre, IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini, Genoa, Italy
| | - Catherine A Byrnes
- Starship Children's Hospital, Auckland, New Zealand; University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Fiona Cathcart
- Royal Brompton and Harefield NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Sanjay H Chotirmall
- Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore
| | | | | | - Isabelle Fajac
- Hôpital Cochin, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, Paris, France; Université Paris Descartes, Institut Cochin, Paris, France
| | | | - Pavel Drevinek
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Second Faculty of Medicine, Motol University Hospital, Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic
| | | | - Anna M Gravelle
- Cystic Fibrosis Clinic, British Columbia Children's Hospital, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Trudy Havermans
- Cystic Fibrosis Centre, University Hospital Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Nicole Mayer-Hamblett
- University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA; Seattle Children's Research Institute, Seattle, WA, USA
| | | | | | - Joseph L Mathew
- Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh, India
| | - Edward F McKone
- School of Medicine, St Vincent's University Hospital, Dublin, Ireland; University College Dublin School of Medicine, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Lutz Naehrlich
- Universities of Giessen and Marburg Lung Center, German Center of Lung Research, Justus-Liebig-University Giessen, Giessen, Germany
| | - Samya Z Nasr
- CS Mott Children's Hospital, Ann Arbor, MI, USA; University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | | | | | | | | | - Steven M Rowe
- University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA
| | - Kevin W Southern
- Alder Hey Children's Hospital, Liverpool, UK; University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
| | - Sheila Sivam
- Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, Sydney, NSW, Australia; Woolcock Institute of Medical Research, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Anne L Stephenson
- St Michael's Hospital, Toronto, ON, Canada; University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Marco Zampoli
- Division of Paediatric Pulmonology and MRC Unit for Child and Adolescent Health, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa; Red Cross War Memorial Children's Hospital, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Felix Ratjen
- University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada; Division of Respiratory Medicine, Department of Paediatrics, Translational Medicine Research Program, The Hospital for Sick Children, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada.
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Mercuri E, Bönnemann CG, Muntoni F. Muscular dystrophies. Lancet 2019; 394:2025-2038. [PMID: 31789220 DOI: 10.1016/s0140-6736(19)32910-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 242] [Impact Index Per Article: 48.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2018] [Revised: 09/02/2019] [Accepted: 11/21/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Muscular dystrophies are primary diseases of muscle due to mutations in more than 40 genes, which result in dystrophic changes on muscle biopsy. Now that most of the genes responsible for these conditions have been identified, it is possible to accurately diagnose them and implement subtype-specific anticipatory care, as complications such as cardiac and respiratory muscle involvement vary greatly. This development and advances in the field of supportive medicine have changed the standard of care, with an overall improvement in the clinical course, survival, and quality of life of affected individuals. The improved understanding of the pathogenesis of these diseases is being used for the development of novel therapies. In the most common form, Duchenne muscular dystrophy, a few personalised therapies have recently achieved conditional approval and many more are at advanced stages of clinical development. In this Seminar, we concentrate on clinical manifestations, molecular pathogenesis, diagnostic strategy, and therapeutic developments for this group of conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eugenio Mercuri
- Pediatric Neurology Unit, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore Roma, Rome, Italy; Nemo Clinical Centre, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A Gemelli IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Carsten G Bönnemann
- Neuromuscular and Neurogenetic Disorders of Childhood Section, National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Francesco Muntoni
- Dubowitz Neuromuscular Centre, University College London, Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, London, UK; National Institute for Health Research Great Ormond Street Hospital Biomedical Research Centre, London, UK.
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Komaki H, Nagata T, Saito T, Masuda S, Takeshita E, Sasaki M, Tachimori H, Nakamura H, Aoki Y, Takeda S. Systemic administration of the antisense oligonucleotide NS-065/NCNP-01 for skipping of exon 53 in patients with Duchenne muscular dystrophy. Sci Transl Med 2019; 10:10/437/eaan0713. [PMID: 29669851 DOI: 10.1126/scitranslmed.aan0713] [Citation(s) in RCA: 94] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2017] [Accepted: 11/17/2017] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is a lethal hereditary muscle disease caused by mutations in the gene encoding the muscle protein dystrophin. These mutations result in a shift in the open reading frame leading to loss of the dystrophin protein. Antisense oligonucleotides (ASOs) that induce exon skipping correct this frame shift during pre-mRNA splicing and partially restore dystrophin expression in mouse and dog models. We conducted a phase 1, open-label, dose-escalation clinical trial to determine the safety, pharmacokinetics, and activity of NS-065/NCNP-01, a morpholino ASO that enables skipping of exon 53. Ten patients with DMD (6 to 16 years old), carrying mutations in the dystrophin gene whose reading frame would be restored by exon 53 skipping, were administered NS-065/NCNP-01 at doses of 1.25, 5, or 20 mg/kg weekly for 12 weeks. The primary endpoint was safety; the secondary endpoints were pharmacokinetics and successful exon skipping. No severe adverse drug reactions were observed, and no treatment discontinuation occurred. Muscle biopsy samples were taken before and after treatment and compared by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), immunofluorescence, and Western blotting to assess the amount of exon 53 skipping and dystrophin expression. NS-065/NCNP-01 induced exon 53 skipping in dystrophin-encoding mRNA in a dose-dependent manner and increased the dystrophin/spectrin ratio in 7 of 10 patients. Furthermore, the amount of exon skipping correlated with the maximum drug concentration in plasma (Cmax) and the area under the concentration-time curve in plasma (AUC0-t ). These results indicate that NS-065/NCNP-01 has a favorable safety profile and promising pharmacokinetics warranting further study in a phase 2 clinical trial.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hirofumi Komaki
- Department of Child Neurology, National Center Hospital, National Center of Neurology and Psychiatry, 4-1-1 Ogawa-Higashi, Kodaira, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Tetsuya Nagata
- Department of Molecular Therapy, National Institute of Neuroscience, National Center of Neurology and Psychiatry, 4-1-1 Ogawa-Higashi, Kodaira, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Takashi Saito
- Department of Molecular Therapy, National Institute of Neuroscience, National Center of Neurology and Psychiatry, 4-1-1 Ogawa-Higashi, Kodaira, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Satoru Masuda
- Department of Molecular Therapy, National Institute of Neuroscience, National Center of Neurology and Psychiatry, 4-1-1 Ogawa-Higashi, Kodaira, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Eri Takeshita
- Department of Child Neurology, National Center Hospital, National Center of Neurology and Psychiatry, 4-1-1 Ogawa-Higashi, Kodaira, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Masayuki Sasaki
- Department of Child Neurology, National Center Hospital, National Center of Neurology and Psychiatry, 4-1-1 Ogawa-Higashi, Kodaira, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Hisateru Tachimori
- Department of Mental Health Administration, National Institute of Mental Health, National Center of Neurology and Psychiatry, 4-1-1 Ogawa-Higashi, Kodaira, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Harumasa Nakamura
- Translational Medical Center, National Center of Neurology and Psychiatry, 4-1-1 Ogawa-Higashi, Kodaira, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Yoshitsugu Aoki
- Department of Molecular Therapy, National Institute of Neuroscience, National Center of Neurology and Psychiatry, 4-1-1 Ogawa-Higashi, Kodaira, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Shin'ichi Takeda
- Department of Molecular Therapy, National Institute of Neuroscience, National Center of Neurology and Psychiatry, 4-1-1 Ogawa-Higashi, Kodaira, Tokyo, Japan.
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Brodehl A, Ebbinghaus H, Deutsch MA, Gummert J, Gärtner A, Ratnavadivel S, Milting H. Human Induced Pluripotent Stem-Cell-Derived Cardiomyocytes as Models for Genetic Cardiomyopathies. Int J Mol Sci 2019; 20:ijms20184381. [PMID: 31489928 PMCID: PMC6770343 DOI: 10.3390/ijms20184381] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2019] [Revised: 08/29/2019] [Accepted: 09/03/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
In the last few decades, many pathogenic or likely pathogenic genetic mutations in over hundred different genes have been described for non-ischemic, genetic cardiomyopathies. However, the functional knowledge about most of these mutations is still limited because the generation of adequate animal models is time-consuming and challenging. Therefore, human induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) carrying specific cardiomyopathy-associated mutations are a promising alternative. Since the original discovery that pluripotency can be artificially induced by the expression of different transcription factors, various patient-specific-induced pluripotent stem cell lines have been generated to model non-ischemic, genetic cardiomyopathies in vitro. In this review, we describe the genetic landscape of non-ischemic, genetic cardiomyopathies and give an overview about different human iPSC lines, which have been developed for the disease modeling of inherited cardiomyopathies. We summarize different methods and protocols for the general differentiation of human iPSCs into cardiomyocytes. In addition, we describe methods and technologies to investigate functionally human iPSC-derived cardiomyocytes. Furthermore, we summarize novel genome editing approaches for the genetic manipulation of human iPSCs. This review provides an overview about the genetic landscape of inherited cardiomyopathies with a focus on iPSC technology, which might be of interest for clinicians and basic scientists interested in genetic cardiomyopathies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andreas Brodehl
- Erich and Hanna Klessmann Institute, Heart and Diabetes Center NRW, University Hospital of the Ruhr-University Bochum, Georgstrasse 11, D-32545 Bad Oeynhausen, Germany.
| | - Hans Ebbinghaus
- Erich and Hanna Klessmann Institute, Heart and Diabetes Center NRW, University Hospital of the Ruhr-University Bochum, Georgstrasse 11, D-32545 Bad Oeynhausen, Germany.
| | - Marcus-André Deutsch
- Department of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery, Heart and Diabetes Center NRW, University Hospital Ruhr-University Bochum, Georgstrasse 11, D-32545 Bad Oeynhausen, Germany.
| | - Jan Gummert
- Erich and Hanna Klessmann Institute, Heart and Diabetes Center NRW, University Hospital of the Ruhr-University Bochum, Georgstrasse 11, D-32545 Bad Oeynhausen, Germany.
- Department of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery, Heart and Diabetes Center NRW, University Hospital Ruhr-University Bochum, Georgstrasse 11, D-32545 Bad Oeynhausen, Germany.
| | - Anna Gärtner
- Erich and Hanna Klessmann Institute, Heart and Diabetes Center NRW, University Hospital of the Ruhr-University Bochum, Georgstrasse 11, D-32545 Bad Oeynhausen, Germany.
| | - Sandra Ratnavadivel
- Erich and Hanna Klessmann Institute, Heart and Diabetes Center NRW, University Hospital of the Ruhr-University Bochum, Georgstrasse 11, D-32545 Bad Oeynhausen, Germany.
| | - Hendrik Milting
- Erich and Hanna Klessmann Institute, Heart and Diabetes Center NRW, University Hospital of the Ruhr-University Bochum, Georgstrasse 11, D-32545 Bad Oeynhausen, Germany.
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Bosgra S, Sipkens J, de Kimpe S, den Besten C, Datson N, van Deutekom J. The Pharmacokinetics of 2'- O-Methyl Phosphorothioate Antisense Oligonucleotides: Experiences from Developing Exon Skipping Therapies for Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy. Nucleic Acid Ther 2019; 29:305-322. [PMID: 31429628 DOI: 10.1089/nat.2019.0805] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Delivery to the target site and adversities related to off-target exposure have made the road to clinical success and approval of antisense oligonucleotide (AON) therapies challenging. Various classes of AONs have distinct chemical features and pharmacological properties. Understanding the similarities and differences in pharmacokinetics (PKs) among AON classes is important to make future development more efficient and may facilitate regulatory guidance of AON development programs. For the class of 2'-O-methyl phosphorothioate (2OMe PS) RNA AONs, most nonclinical and clinical PK data available today are derived from development of exon skipping therapies for Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD). While some publications have featured PK aspects of these AONs, no comprehensive overview is available to date. This article presents a detailed review of absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion of 2OMe PS AONs, compiled from publicly available data and previously unpublished internal data on drisapersen and related exon skipping candidates in preclinical species and DMD patients. Considerations regarding drug-drug interactions, toxicokinetics, and pharmacodynamics are also discussed. From the data presented, the picture emerges of consistent PK properties within the 2OMe PS class, predictable behavior across species, and a considerable overlap with other single-stranded PS AONs. A level of detail on muscle as a target tissue is provided, which was not previously available. Furthermore, muscle biopsy samples taken in DMD clinical trials allowed confirmation of the applicability of interspecies scaling approaches commonly applied in the absence of clinical target tissue data.
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Verhaart IE, Johnson A, Thakrar S, Vroom E, De Angelis F, Muntoni F, Aartsma-Rus AM, Niks EH. Muscle biopsies in clinical trials for Duchenne muscular dystrophy – Patients’ and caregivers’ perspective. Neuromuscul Disord 2019; 29:576-584. [DOI: 10.1016/j.nmd.2019.06.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2019] [Revised: 05/13/2019] [Accepted: 06/05/2019] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
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Tsoumpra MK, Fukumoto S, Matsumoto T, Takeda S, Wood MJA, Aoki Y. Peptide-conjugate antisense based splice-correction for Duchenne muscular dystrophy and other neuromuscular diseases. EBioMedicine 2019; 45:630-645. [PMID: 31257147 PMCID: PMC6642283 DOI: 10.1016/j.ebiom.2019.06.036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2019] [Revised: 05/31/2019] [Accepted: 06/18/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is an X-linked disorder characterized by progressive muscle degeneration, caused by the absence of dystrophin. Exon skipping by antisense oligonucleotides (ASOs) has recently gained recognition as therapeutic approach in DMD. Conjugation of a peptide to the phosphorodiamidate morpholino backbone (PMO) of ASOs generated the peptide-conjugated PMOs (PPMOs) that exhibit a dramatically improved pharmacokinetic profile. When tested in animal models, PPMOs demonstrate effective exon skipping in target muscles and prolonged duration of dystrophin restoration after a treatment regime. Herein we summarize the main pathophysiological features of DMD and the emergence of PPMOs as promising exon skipping agents aiming to rescue defective gene expression in DMD and other neuromuscular diseases. The listed PPMO laboratory findings correspond to latest trends in the field and highlight the obstacles that must be overcome prior to translating the animal-based research into clinical trials tailored to the needs of patients suffering from neuromuscular diseases.
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Key Words
- aso, antisense oligonucleotides
- cns, central nervous system
- cpp, cell penetrating peptide
- dgc, dystrophin glyco-protein complex
- dmd, duchenne muscular dystrophy
- fda, us food and drug administration
- pmo, phosphorodiamidate morpholino
- ppmo, peptide-conjugated pmos
- ps, phosphorothioate
- sma, spinal muscular atrophy
- 2ʹ-ome, 2ʹ-o-methyl
- 2ʹ-moe, 2ʹ-o-methoxyethyl
- 6mwt, 6-minute walk test
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria K Tsoumpra
- Department of Molecular Therapy, National Institute of Neuroscience, National Centre of Neurology and Psychiatry, Kodaira-shi, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Seiji Fukumoto
- Fujii Memorial Institute of Medical Sciences, University of Tokushima, Tokushima, Japan
| | - Toshio Matsumoto
- Fujii Memorial Institute of Medical Sciences, University of Tokushima, Tokushima, Japan
| | - Shin'ichi Takeda
- Department of Molecular Therapy, National Institute of Neuroscience, National Centre of Neurology and Psychiatry, Kodaira-shi, Tokyo, Japan
| | | | - Yoshitsugu Aoki
- Department of Molecular Therapy, National Institute of Neuroscience, National Centre of Neurology and Psychiatry, Kodaira-shi, Tokyo, Japan.
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Echevarría L, Aupy P, Goyenvalle A. Exon-skipping advances for Duchenne muscular dystrophy. Hum Mol Genet 2019; 27:R163-R172. [PMID: 29771317 DOI: 10.1093/hmg/ddy171] [Citation(s) in RCA: 74] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2018] [Accepted: 05/03/2018] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is a fatal genetic disorder characterized by progressive muscle wasting that has currently no cure. Exon-skipping strategy represents one of the most promising therapeutic approaches that aim to restore expression of a shorter but functional dystrophin protein. The antisense field has remarkably progress over the last years with recent accelerated approval of the first antisense oligonucleotide-based therapy for DMD, Exondys 51, though the therapeutic benefit remains to be proved in patients. Despite clinical advances, the poor effective delivery to target all muscle remains the main hurdle for antisense drug therapy. This review describes the antisense-based exon-skipping approach for DMD, from proof-of-concept to first marketed drug. We discuss the main obstacles to achieve a successful exon-skipping therapy and the latest advances of the international community to develop more powerful chemistries and more sophisticated delivery systems in order to increase potency, bioavailability and safety. Finally, we highlight the importance of collaborative efforts and early dialogue between drug developers and regulatory agencies in order to overcome difficulties, find appropriate outcome markers and collect useful data.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucía Echevarría
- U1179 INSERM, UFR des Sciences de la Santé, Montigny le Bretonneux, France.,SQY Therapeutics, Université de Versailles St-Quentin, Montigny le Bretonneux, France
| | - Philippine Aupy
- U1179 INSERM, UFR des Sciences de la Santé, Montigny le Bretonneux, France
| | - Aurélie Goyenvalle
- U1179 INSERM, UFR des Sciences de la Santé, Montigny le Bretonneux, France
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50
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Carmen L, Maria V, Morales-Medina JC, Vallelunga A, Palmieri B, Iannitti T. Role of proteoglycans and glycosaminoglycans in Duchenne muscular dystrophy. Glycobiology 2019; 29:110-123. [PMID: 29924302 DOI: 10.1093/glycob/cwy058] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2017] [Accepted: 06/18/2018] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is an inherited fatal X-linked myogenic disorder with a prevalence of 1 in 3500 male live births. It affects voluntary muscles, and heart and breathing muscles. DMD is characterized by continuous degeneration and regeneration cycles resulting in extensive fibrosis and a progressive reduction in muscle mass. Since the identification of a reduction in dystrophin protein as the cause of this disorder, numerous innovative and experimental therapies, focusing on increasing the levels of dystrophin, have been proposed, but the clinical improvement has been unsatisfactory. Dystrophin forms the dystrophin-associated glycoprotein complex and its proteins have been studied as a promising novel therapeutic target to treat DMD. Among these proteins, cell surface glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) are found almost ubiquitously on the surface and in the extracellular matrix (ECM) of mammalian cells. These macromolecules interact with numerous ligands, including ECM constituents, adhesion molecules and growth factors that play a crucial role in muscle development and maintenance. In this article, we have reviewed in vitro, in vivo and clinical studies focused on the functional role of GAGs in the pathophysiology of DMD with the final aim of summarizing the state of the art of GAG dysregulation within the ECM in DMD and discussing future therapeutic perspectives.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laurino Carmen
- Department of General Surgery and Surgical Specialties, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia Medical School, Surgical Clinic, Modena, Italy
| | - Vadala' Maria
- Department of General Surgery and Surgical Specialties, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia Medical School, Surgical Clinic, Modena, Italy
| | - Julio Cesar Morales-Medina
- Centro de Investigación en Reproducción Animal, CINVESTAV-Universidad Autónoma de Tlaxcala, CP, AP 62, Mexico
| | - Annamaria Vallelunga
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, Centre for Neurodegenerative Diseases (CEMAND), University of Salerno, Salerno, Italy
| | - Beniamino Palmieri
- Department of General Surgery and Surgical Specialties, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia Medical School, Surgical Clinic, Modena, Italy
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